1.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
2.Regulation of TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway in patients with different types of mitral valve diseases complicated by atrial fibrillation
Chao CHANG ; Bo FU ; Xiaolong ZHU ; Chongjie ZHANG ; Xia ZHAO ; Hong TANG ; Xijun XIAO ; Yunpeng BAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):291-299
Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods From August 2011 to August 2012, patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. Conclusion Different MVD have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.
3.Value of ultra high-frequency ultrasound measurement of artery intima thickness combined with monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis in premature coronary artery disease
Chenjing XU ; Jianjun YUAN ; Lixia WANG ; Yingjie CHU ; Xijun ZHANG ; Ming WU ; Yanyan GUO ; Haige YU ; Haohui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):114-121
Objective:To investigate the value of carotid,radial and podalic artery intima thickness(CIT,RIT,PIT)combined with monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio(MHR)in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with premature coronary artery disease(PCAD).Methods:A total of 80 patients with PCAD who received treatment in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2023 to May 2024 were prospectively recruited,and they were divided into high group(≥41 score,40 cases)and low group(<41 score,40 cases)according to the median dichotomy of Gensini score. Thirty-four gender,age and body mass index(BMI)-matched healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The CIT,RIT,PIT,media and intima media thickness of carotid,radial artery and podalic artery(CMT,RMT,PMT,CIMT,RIMT,PIMT)were measured using 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe,and the ratio of intima to media thickness(CIT/CMT,RIT/RMT,PIT/PMT)was calculated. The differences of general clinical data,laboratory indexes and ultrasonic parameters among the three groups were compared. Risk factors affecting the severity of coronary stenosis in PCAD patients were explored by binary logistic regression. Subject working characteristic curves were plotted,area under the curve(AUC)was calculated,and the values of each ultrasound parameter and MHR in the independent and combined diagnosis of the severity of coronary artery stenosis in PCAD patients were evaluated.Results:①There were no statistically significant differences in age,gender,BMI,total cholesterol,CMT,RMT and PMT among the three groups(all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison of smoking,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,total cholesterol,and triglycerides between the two subgroups of the PCAD(all P>0.05). ②CIT,CIMT,CIT/CMT,RIT,RIMT,RIT/RMT,PIT,PIMT,PIT/PMT were thickened in the high group compared with the low group,and MHR was higher than in the low group(all P<0.05),the differences in the above parameters remained statistically significant when comparing the PCAD group with the control group(all P<0.05). ③The AUC values for MHR,CIT,RIT and PIT alone to predict the severity of coronary stenosis in patients with PCAD were 0.781,0.767,0.780 and 0.722,respectively. The combined diagnostic efficiency of the four parameters was better than the independent diagnostic efficiency(AUC = 0.885). Conclusions:CIT,RIT and PIT are thicker in PCAD patients with high Gensini score and the combination of artery intima thickness and MHR has good efficacy in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis in PCAD patients.
4.Preliminary study of carotid artery elasticity and intima thickness changes as assessed by ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound in combination with RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness and the influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Chengkai WU ; Jianjun YUAN ; Tianshu CHU ; Xijun ZHANG ; Fan GAO ; Ming WU ; Yanyan GUO ; Haohui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):194-202
Objective:To evaluate the changes of carotid intima thickness(CIT)and stiffness parameters in ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients by 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe and RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness(R-VQS),and to explore its influencing factors.Methods:Sixty patients with AS who underwent consultation at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024 were prospectively collected as AS group,54 healthy volunteers matched for sex,age,and body mass index were collected as control group. CIT were measured using a 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe,hardness coefficien(HC)and pulse wave velocity(PWV)were measured by R-VQS,the differences of the parameters between the two groups were compared. The changes of carotid artery elasticity and intima thickness and their influencing factors in patients with AS were explored by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results:①C-reactiveprotein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),neutrophil count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were elevated in the AS group compared with the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P < 0.05). ②CIT,carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),HC,PWV and epicardial adipose tissue thickness(EATT)were all increased in the AS group compared with the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P < 0.05). ③Multifactorial linear regression analysis showed that EATT,ESR were the main influencing factors of HC,PWV and CIT( β=2.192,0.031;1.792,0.002;0.097,0.001;all P<0.05). Conclusions:Carotid CIT,CIMT,HC,PWV and EATT are all higher in the AS patients,and ESR and EATT are the main influencing factors of HC,PWV,and CIT,suggesting that more attention should be paid to the detection of ESR and EATT in patients with AS when interventions are performed clinically.
5.Reversal of trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer cells by targeting GPRC5A with miR-195-5p
Xianjun ZHU ; Danni ZHANG ; Xijun LUO ; Junjie LIANG ; Tao LI ; Xingkui TANG ; Jialin HE ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(7):929-934
AIM:To explore the role of miR-195-5p in mediating trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer and to validate its potential as a therapeutic target along with its target gene GPRC5A.METH-ODS:Trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancer cell lines(NCI-N87 and MKN45)were established.Cell viabili-ty under trastuzumab treatment was assessed us-ing CCK-8 assays.Expression levels of miR-195-5p were determined by RT-qPCR.Transfection with miR-195-5p mimics was performed to evaluate changes in trastuzumab sensitivity and prolifera-tion.GPRC5A expression was also measured by RT-qPCR,and the targeting relationship between miR-195-5p and GPRC5A was confirmed using a dual-lu-ciferase reporter assay.RESULTS:Parental cells showed higher sensitivity to trastuzumab than re-sistant cells,with miR-195-5p expression signifi-cantly lower in the latter.Overexpression of miR-195-5p in resistant cells enhanced trastuzumab sen-sitivity and reduced proliferation.GPRC5A was found to be upregulated in resistant cells,and miR-195-5p directly targeted GPRC5A,affecting cell pro-liferation under trastuzumab treatment.CONCLU-SION:miR-195-5p may regulate trastuzumab sensi-tivity in gastric cancer by targeting GPRC5A,sug-gesting potential as a molecular marker for trastu-zumab therapy guidance.
6.Reversal of trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer cells by targeting GPRC5A with miR-195-5p
Xianjun ZHU ; Danni ZHANG ; Xijun LUO ; Junjie LIANG ; Tao LI ; Xingkui TANG ; Jialin HE ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(7):929-934
AIM:To explore the role of miR-195-5p in mediating trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer and to validate its potential as a therapeutic target along with its target gene GPRC5A.METH-ODS:Trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancer cell lines(NCI-N87 and MKN45)were established.Cell viabili-ty under trastuzumab treatment was assessed us-ing CCK-8 assays.Expression levels of miR-195-5p were determined by RT-qPCR.Transfection with miR-195-5p mimics was performed to evaluate changes in trastuzumab sensitivity and prolifera-tion.GPRC5A expression was also measured by RT-qPCR,and the targeting relationship between miR-195-5p and GPRC5A was confirmed using a dual-lu-ciferase reporter assay.RESULTS:Parental cells showed higher sensitivity to trastuzumab than re-sistant cells,with miR-195-5p expression signifi-cantly lower in the latter.Overexpression of miR-195-5p in resistant cells enhanced trastuzumab sen-sitivity and reduced proliferation.GPRC5A was found to be upregulated in resistant cells,and miR-195-5p directly targeted GPRC5A,affecting cell pro-liferation under trastuzumab treatment.CONCLU-SION:miR-195-5p may regulate trastuzumab sensi-tivity in gastric cancer by targeting GPRC5A,sug-gesting potential as a molecular marker for trastu-zumab therapy guidance.
7.Value of ultra high-frequency ultrasound measurement of artery intima thickness combined with monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis in premature coronary artery disease
Chenjing XU ; Jianjun YUAN ; Lixia WANG ; Yingjie CHU ; Xijun ZHANG ; Ming WU ; Yanyan GUO ; Haige YU ; Haohui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):114-121
Objective:To investigate the value of carotid,radial and podalic artery intima thickness(CIT,RIT,PIT)combined with monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio(MHR)in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with premature coronary artery disease(PCAD).Methods:A total of 80 patients with PCAD who received treatment in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2023 to May 2024 were prospectively recruited,and they were divided into high group(≥41 score,40 cases)and low group(<41 score,40 cases)according to the median dichotomy of Gensini score. Thirty-four gender,age and body mass index(BMI)-matched healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The CIT,RIT,PIT,media and intima media thickness of carotid,radial artery and podalic artery(CMT,RMT,PMT,CIMT,RIMT,PIMT)were measured using 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe,and the ratio of intima to media thickness(CIT/CMT,RIT/RMT,PIT/PMT)was calculated. The differences of general clinical data,laboratory indexes and ultrasonic parameters among the three groups were compared. Risk factors affecting the severity of coronary stenosis in PCAD patients were explored by binary logistic regression. Subject working characteristic curves were plotted,area under the curve(AUC)was calculated,and the values of each ultrasound parameter and MHR in the independent and combined diagnosis of the severity of coronary artery stenosis in PCAD patients were evaluated.Results:①There were no statistically significant differences in age,gender,BMI,total cholesterol,CMT,RMT and PMT among the three groups(all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison of smoking,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,total cholesterol,and triglycerides between the two subgroups of the PCAD(all P>0.05). ②CIT,CIMT,CIT/CMT,RIT,RIMT,RIT/RMT,PIT,PIMT,PIT/PMT were thickened in the high group compared with the low group,and MHR was higher than in the low group(all P<0.05),the differences in the above parameters remained statistically significant when comparing the PCAD group with the control group(all P<0.05). ③The AUC values for MHR,CIT,RIT and PIT alone to predict the severity of coronary stenosis in patients with PCAD were 0.781,0.767,0.780 and 0.722,respectively. The combined diagnostic efficiency of the four parameters was better than the independent diagnostic efficiency(AUC = 0.885). Conclusions:CIT,RIT and PIT are thicker in PCAD patients with high Gensini score and the combination of artery intima thickness and MHR has good efficacy in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis in PCAD patients.
8.Preliminary study of carotid artery elasticity and intima thickness changes as assessed by ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound in combination with RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness and the influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Chengkai WU ; Jianjun YUAN ; Tianshu CHU ; Xijun ZHANG ; Fan GAO ; Ming WU ; Yanyan GUO ; Haohui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):194-202
Objective:To evaluate the changes of carotid intima thickness(CIT)and stiffness parameters in ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients by 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe and RF-data based quantitative analysis on vessel stiffness(R-VQS),and to explore its influencing factors.Methods:Sixty patients with AS who underwent consultation at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024 were prospectively collected as AS group,54 healthy volunteers matched for sex,age,and body mass index were collected as control group. CIT were measured using a 24 MHz ultra-high frequency ultrasound probe,hardness coefficien(HC)and pulse wave velocity(PWV)were measured by R-VQS,the differences of the parameters between the two groups were compared. The changes of carotid artery elasticity and intima thickness and their influencing factors in patients with AS were explored by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results:①C-reactiveprotein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),neutrophil count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were elevated in the AS group compared with the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P < 0.05). ②CIT,carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),HC,PWV and epicardial adipose tissue thickness(EATT)were all increased in the AS group compared with the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P < 0.05). ③Multifactorial linear regression analysis showed that EATT,ESR were the main influencing factors of HC,PWV and CIT( β=2.192,0.031;1.792,0.002;0.097,0.001;all P<0.05). Conclusions:Carotid CIT,CIMT,HC,PWV and EATT are all higher in the AS patients,and ESR and EATT are the main influencing factors of HC,PWV,and CIT,suggesting that more attention should be paid to the detection of ESR and EATT in patients with AS when interventions are performed clinically.
9.Ultrasound four-dimensional auto left atrial quantification technique for evaluating changes of left atrial volume and function in ankylosing spondylitis patients with different activity
Siliang LI ; Jianjun YUAN ; Xijun ZHANG ; Yu LU ; Haohui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(12):1842-1846
Objective To explore changes of left atrial(LA)volume and function in ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients with different activity by using ultrasound four-dimensional auto LA quantification(4D Auto LAQ)technique.Methods Eighty-nine AS patients were retrospectively selected and divided into remission group(group A,n=20),low activity group(group B,n=25),high activity group(group C,n=23)and very high activity group(group D,n=21)according to AS disease activity score-C reactive protein(ASDAS-CRP).Meanwhile,54 healthy adults with age and gender matched were recruited as control group.Conventional echocardiographic parameters and LA volume and strain parameters obtained with 4D Auto LAQ technique were compared among groups.Multiple ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the correlations of LA volume and strain parameters with AS disease activity.Results The ratio of early diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral orifice to early diastolic velocity of lateral mitral annulus(E/e')and LA minimum volume(LAVmin),the maximum volume(LAVmax),presystolic volume(LAVpre),ejection fraction(LAEF),active ejection fraction(LAaEF)and passive ejection fraction(LApEF)were all significantly different among groups,so were LA longitudinal strain during reservoir phase(LASr-l),conduit phase(LAScd-l),contraction phase(LASct-l)and circumferential strain during reservoir phase(LASr-c),conduit phase(LAScd-c)and contraction phase(LASct-c)(all P<0.001).LAVmin was positively correlated(OR=7.106,B=1.96),while LASr-l and LASct-l were negatively correlated with AS activity(OR=0.235,0.145,B=-1.44,-1.93).Conclusion With the increase of disease activity,LAVmin in AS patients gradually increased,while LASr-l and LASct-l gradually decreased.
10.Isolation,identification,gene sequence analysis and pathogenicity of H3N2 subtype swine influenza virus
Chaoyang CHEN ; Yingxue ZHANG ; Congcong XU ; Yuanjie SHI ; Long CAO ; Xijun YAN ; Lijie TANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(9):1841-1847
The nasal swab samples of swine influenza(SI)suspected pigs were collected and tested for H3 subtype swine influenza virus(SIV)positive by RT-qPCR.The positive samples were inoc-ulated into SPF chicken embryos for virus isolation.The full genome sequencing and sequence anal-ysis of the isolated H3N2 subtype SIV were conducted,and its pathogenicity was studied.The re-sults showed that a strain of SIV was successfully isolated and identified as H3N2 subtype by RT-PCR,named A/Swine/Yunnan/KM/06/2023(H3N2).The BLSAT results showed that the eight segments of SIV H3N2 KM had the highest homology with eight different strains of swine influ-enza or human influenza viruses,reaching 95.41%-97.49%.The HA and NA segments were de-rived from H3N2 subtype SIV,the NP segment was derived from H1N1 subtype human influenza virus,the M segment was derived from H1N2 subtype SIV,and all other segments were derived from H1N1 subtype SIV.The key receptor sites(190D,223V,226I,228S)of HA protein remained unchanged.The pathogenicity experiment results showed that infected piglets exhibited symptoms such as fever,sneezing,runny nose,the virus could be detoxified to the outside through the nasal cavity,and the lungs had different degrees of lesion.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)showed that the virus could replicate in the lungs.In conclusion,a strain of H3N2 subtype SIV was successfully iso-lated,and the genetic evolution,molecular characteristics and pathogenicity of the virus were stud-ied.It revealed that H3N2 subtype SIV is constantly evolving and had pathogenicity to piglets,pro-viding a reference for monitoring and preventing SIV epidemics in China,and provided a candidate strain for SI vaccine development.

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