1.Fangji Fulingtang Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis by Regulating Mitochondrial Function Through AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2-PKM2 Signaling Pathway
Xuqin DU ; Yixuan LI ; Yuxia JIN ; Hongding LI ; Ruogu YANG ; Lipeng SHI ; Yi REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of Fangji Fulingtang (FFD) on mitochondrial function in the mouse model of myocardial fibrosis (MF). MethodsSixty SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n=10 per group): control, model, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose (3.315, 6.63, and 13.26 g·kg-1, respectively) FFD, and captopril (20 mg·kg-1). MF was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) in other groups except the control group for 14 consecutive days, with simultaneous gavage of corresponding drugs. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were measured by echocardiography. Serum levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by biochemical assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining were performed to evaluate myocardial structure and fibrosis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure and function were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) colorimetric assay, and JC-1 fluorescence staining. The protein levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α subunit (p-AMPKα), AMPKα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mitofusin 2 (MFN2), pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited decreased LVEF and LVFS, increased heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.01), elevated levels of myocardial injury markers (CK-MB, cTnI, and NT-pro BNP), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and MDA, along with reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Enhanced interstitial collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were observed in the model group (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining revealed mitochondrial swelling, crista disruption, decreased ATP content, and reduced red/green fluorescence ratio in the model group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated downregulation of p-AMPKα, PGC-1α, and MFN2 and upregulation of PKM2, LDHA, and HIF-1α in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with FFD or captopril improved LVEF and LVFS, reduced heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of CK-MB, cTnI, NT-pro BNP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA, increased the SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), attenuated the myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (P<0.01), and restored the mitochondrial ultrastructure. The medium and high-dose FFD groups as well as the captopril group showed increased ATP production and red/green fluorescence ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, FFD upregulated the expression of p-AMPKα and PGC-1α while downregulating the expression of LDHA and HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFFD activates the AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2 signaling pathway and inhibits the PKM2/LDHA/HIF-1α axis to restore mitochondrial function and energy metabolic homeostasis, thereby attenuating isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis.
2.Fangji Fulingtang Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis by Regulating Mitochondrial Function Through AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2-PKM2 Signaling Pathway
Xuqin DU ; Yixuan LI ; Yuxia JIN ; Hongding LI ; Ruogu YANG ; Lipeng SHI ; Yi REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of Fangji Fulingtang (FFD) on mitochondrial function in the mouse model of myocardial fibrosis (MF). MethodsSixty SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n=10 per group): control, model, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose (3.315, 6.63, and 13.26 g·kg-1, respectively) FFD, and captopril (20 mg·kg-1). MF was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) in other groups except the control group for 14 consecutive days, with simultaneous gavage of corresponding drugs. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were measured by echocardiography. Serum levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by biochemical assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining were performed to evaluate myocardial structure and fibrosis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure and function were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) colorimetric assay, and JC-1 fluorescence staining. The protein levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α subunit (p-AMPKα), AMPKα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mitofusin 2 (MFN2), pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited decreased LVEF and LVFS, increased heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.01), elevated levels of myocardial injury markers (CK-MB, cTnI, and NT-pro BNP), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and MDA, along with reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Enhanced interstitial collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were observed in the model group (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining revealed mitochondrial swelling, crista disruption, decreased ATP content, and reduced red/green fluorescence ratio in the model group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated downregulation of p-AMPKα, PGC-1α, and MFN2 and upregulation of PKM2, LDHA, and HIF-1α in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, treatment with FFD or captopril improved LVEF and LVFS, reduced heart weight index and heart weight-to-tibia length ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of CK-MB, cTnI, NT-pro BNP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA, increased the SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), attenuated the myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (P<0.01), and restored the mitochondrial ultrastructure. The medium and high-dose FFD groups as well as the captopril group showed increased ATP production and red/green fluorescence ratio (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, FFD upregulated the expression of p-AMPKα and PGC-1α while downregulating the expression of LDHA and HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFFD activates the AMPK/PGC-1α/MFN2 signaling pathway and inhibits the PKM2/LDHA/HIF-1α axis to restore mitochondrial function and energy metabolic homeostasis, thereby attenuating isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis.
3.GAO Shuzhong's Experience in Treating Idiopathic Tinnitus with Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Materia Medica
Pengfei WANG ; Yiyang SUN ; Xiaoyan LI ; Wenli YAN ; Ningning MENG ; Guirong YANG ; Yuxia MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):233-237
To summarize Professor GAO Shuzhong's clinical experience in treating idiopathic tinnitus with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica. It is believed that idiopathic tinnitus is mostly caused by weak lungs and spleen, kidney essence deficiency, liver constraint transforming into fire, and binding constraint of heart qi. Treatment advocates the combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica in clinical practice. Acupuncture treatment mainly focus on the method of opening the orifices by syndrome identification in combination with Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Shenmai (BL 62) to regulate qi and blood, and supporting with Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Taichong (LR 3), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) to soothe the liver, resolve constraint, and calm the mind. Oral administration of Chinese medicinal prescription usually includes modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) and Tongqi Powder (通气散), and the external administration of Chinese medicinal prescription can apply self-prescribed Wenqing Powder (温清散) to navel moxibustion.
4.Effect of Shenshu Fujian Decoction on PDGF/NKD2/Wnt Signaling Pathway in Rats with Chronic Renal Failure
Peng DENG ; Xuekuan HUANG ; Hongyu LUO ; Yuxia JIN ; Dandan WANG ; Xin CHEN ; Shuxian YANG ; Honglin WANG ; Munan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):79-86
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Shenshu Fujian decoction on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/naked cuticle homolog 2 (NKD2) /Wnt signaling pathway in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Niaoduqing group (5 g·kg-1), low-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (5.5 g·kg-1), medium-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (11 g·kg-1), and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction group (22 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A CRF rat model was established by feeding a 0.5% adenine diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, intragastric administration was given once daily for 28 consecutive days. After treatment, the renal morphology of rats was observed. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to detect renal histopathological changes, and collagen volume fraction (CVF) was calculated. Serum levels of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of fibronectin 1 (FN1), type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), NKD2, dishevelled protein 2 (DVL2) and β-catenin in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant renal pathological changes, a markedly increased kidney weight/body weight ratio (P<0.01), significantly elevated CVF (P<0.01), and notably increased serum levels of SCr, BUN, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). Expression levels of FN1, ColⅠ, α-SMA, PDGFR-β, NKD2, DVL2, and β-catenin in renal tissue were also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased kidney weight/body weight ratios and CVF (P<0.01), as well as markedly decreased serum SCr, BUN, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Protein expression levels of FN1, ColⅠ, α-SMA, PDGFR-β, NKD2, DVL2, and β-catenin in renal tissue were decreased, with more pronounced effects observed in the Niaoduqing, medium-dose, and high-dose Shenshu Fujian decoction groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenshu Fujian decoction improves renal function, reduces inflammation, and reverses renal fibrosis in CRF rats, possibly by downregulating the expression of PDGF/NKD2/Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins.
5.Directing the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease within treat-to-target and disease clearance concept
Zhenya SUN ; Zhenxing ZHU ; Weiwei WEN ; Yuxia GONG ; Bolin YANG ; Weiming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):274-278
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic progressive inflammatory bowel disease. With the introduction of the "treat-to-target (T2T) " concept, the treatment goals for CD have become clearer and more specific. Traditional surgical treatment for CD typically follows a "complication-driven" approach, in which surgery is usually performed only after severe complications, such as bowel obstruction, fistulas, perforation, or cancer have occurred. The emergence of the treat-to-target strategy and the concept of disease clearance has transformed the surgical treatment of CD from a "passive rescue" model to an "active intervention" approach. Treatment goals have shifted from merely addressing complications and improving symptoms to achieving both short and long-term therapeutic objectives within the framework of treat-to-target. Achieving these goals helps to prevent CD-related complications, delay disease progression, reduce the risk of recurrence and malignancy, and improve the quality of life.
6.Ongoing pregnancy rate with intervention and expectant therapy in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Jiaxin JIANG ; Peiyu LIU ; Yang LIAO ; Xingming ZHONG ; Shushu FAN ; Lanqing FENG ; Yuxia WANG ; Yingying ZHANG ; Qiong WANG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(4):289-296
Objective:To observe the pregnancy outcomes of patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) after interventional treatment or expectant treatment.Methods:This prospective study followed up 398 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion from March 2017 to September 2022 in seven hospitals. Among them, 267 patients were diagnosed with URSA, including 124 patients who were initially diagnosed in the interventional treatment hospital and 143 patients who were initially diagnosed in the expectant treatment hospital. All URSA patients were followed up for 33 months. Ongoing pregnancy rates were observed as main outcome indicators.Results:A total of 127 patients became pregnant, and 107 of them had sustained pregnancies, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 84.25% (107/127). The ongoing pregnancy rate was 86.11% (31/36) in the interventional treatment group and 83.52% (76/91) in the expectant treatment group, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, the ongoing pregnancy rates in the interventional treatment hospital and the expectant treatment hospital were 75.71% (53/70) and 94.74% (54/57), respectively, with a significant difference ( P<0.05). The ongoing pregnancy rate after interventional treatment in the interventional treatment hospital was 82.76% (24/29), which was similar to the 94.00% (47/50) after expectant treatment in the expectant treatment hospital ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The ongoing pregnancy rate of interventional treatment for URSA patients has not been significantly improved, suggesting that it may not be necessary to carry out this treatment.
7.Expert consensus on nasogastric tube and intestinal tube placement in children
Yu ZOU ; Ying GU ; Zhuowen YU ; Yan HUANG ; Yuxia YANG ; Suyun LI ; Yingwen WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1700-1704
Objective To form an expert consensus on nasogastric tube and intestinal tube placement in children(hereinafter referred to as the"consensus"),and provide a reference for pediatric medical workers regarding the operation of gastrointestinal tube placement in children.Methods A"consensus"formulation group was established.The"5.0"EBHC Pyramid Model was employed to systematically search,evaluate,summarize and extract relevant evidence to form the initial draft of the"consensus".The RAND-UCLA expert consensus method was utilized.Through a round of expert inquiries by correspondence and a round of face-to-face expert discussions,the data were collated,analyzed,refined,and modified to form the final version of the"consensus".Results The effective recovery rate of the expert inquiry questionnaire was 100%.The coefficient of expert authority(Cr)was 0.891.The Kendall's concordance coefficient of the inquiries was 0.692(P<0.01),which was statistically significant.The median of the"RAND-UCLA"suitability score were 7-9 points,and the disagreement index(DI)value was<1.00.The final"consensus"encompasses 9 aspects,including qualification requirements for the tube placement personnel,indications and contraindications,preoperative assessment,preoperative preparation,measurement of tube length,key points of tube placement,methods for confirming the position,tube flushing,fixation,and recording,with 47 recommendations.Conclusion This"consensus"is scientific,rigorous,and practical,covering all links of the gastrointestinal tube placement process in children,providing reference and guidance for the safe and standardized implementation of gastrointestinal tube placement in children.
8.Study on the elements of medical service value from the perspective of cancer patients based on free-form comment text analysis
Xiao CHEN ; Yuhong ZHANG ; Chun YANG ; Pengfei HAN ; Jianyou CHEN ; Yuxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(2):139-145
Objective:To explore the focus points and emotional tendencies of cancer patients regarding medical services from their free-form comments, and to analyze the elements of perceived medical service value by patients.Methods:A tertiary general hospital in Shanghai invited patients to evaluate inpatient services through the assessment module of a patient satisfaction management platform, which included open-ended questions in the patient satisfaction survey. This study extracted free-form comment texts from cancer patients regarding medical services collected from September 2022 to August 2023 from this platform, forming a corpus of patient opinions. A hybrid method combining manual coding and natural language processing techniques was used to conduct sentiment analysis and topic modeling on the free-form comment texts. Descriptive analysis was performed on the comment themes and emotions, and logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between patient negative comments and patient satisfaction and loyalty.Results:A total of 10 446 comment texts provided by cancer patients were included. The most frequently targeted objects in the comments were nurses (2 223 cases), followed by doctors (1 125 cases) and nursing assistants (162 cases). The results of sentiment analysis showed that 7 058 patients made positive comments, 1 958 patients made negative comments, 1 114 patients made neutral comments, and 316 patients made mixed comments. The results of topic analysis showed that the five most frequently mentioned themes by cancer patients were humanistic care (1 327 times), information provision, communication, and education (589 times), diet (582 times), effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment (506 times), and medical staff responsibility (489 times). Logistic regression analysis showed that negative evaluations of humanistic care ( OR=0.306, P<0.001), professional technical level ( OR=0.425, P=0.010), information provision, communication, and education ( OR=0.475, P<0.001), and response to needs ( OR=0.412, P=0.026) were significantly associated with decreased patient satisfaction. Negative evaluations of humanistic care ( OR=0.407, P<0.001), professional technical level ( OR=0.466, P=0.009), and information provision, communication, and education ( OR=0.557, P<0.001) were significantly associated with decreased patient loyalty. Conclusions:Hospital managers should value the role of patient free-form comment texts in improving medical services and make full use of natural language processing techniques for information mining. In addition, the results of this study show that patient comments mainly involve the interpersonal and functional aspects of service, especially the interpersonal interactions, which are often the " critical moments" for patients to critically evaluate hospital services during their service experience.
9.Expert consensus on orthodontic treatment of protrusive facial deformities.
Jie PAN ; Yun LU ; Anqi LIU ; Xuedong WANG ; Yu WANG ; Shiqiang GONG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Lin WANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Weiran LI ; Lili CHEN ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Yang CAO ; Jun WANG ; Jin FANG ; Jiejun SHI ; Yuxia HOU ; Xudong WANG ; Jing MAO ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):5-5
Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans
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Orthodontics, Corrective/methods*
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Consensus
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Malocclusion/therapy*
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Patient Care Planning
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Cephalometry
10.Qualitative Study on Palliative Care Needs of Peritoneal dialysis Patients and Their Caregivers
Hui ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Ying CUI ; Yuxia GUAN ; Zijuan ZHOU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(4):950-956
Objective To explore the palliative care needs of peritoneal dialysis patients and their care-givers,providine a scientific basis for the targeted implementation of palliative care intervention programs.Methods A semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted on 14 patients and 6 caregivers at a peritoneal dialysis center in a third-class hospital in Beijing.We used the Colaizzi seven-step data analysis method and the phenomenological method of qualitative research to analyze the data and refine the theme.Results Through the analysis,5 theme groups were summarized,including the need to alleviate physiological and psychological symptoms,the need for family support and help,the need for social help,the lack of understanding of pallia-tive care,and the lack of scientific view of death.Conclusions Peritoneal dialysis patients and their caregiv-ers have a strong need for palliative care.Medical staff should fully respect the uniqueness of peritoneal dialysis patients and implement targeted palliative care interventions based on their needs and preferences,so as to ef-fectively improve their quality of life.

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