1.Mechanism of Yueju Wan in Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia Based on Regulation of 5-HT Signaling Pathway
Haoran SHEN ; Yaru GU ; Muqing ZHANG ; Zhikuo DONG ; Xingxing GAO ; Dantong LI ; Ying GU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):20-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yueju Wan on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and to explore its therapeutic mechanism in the treatment of FD. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, mosapride group (1.575 mg·kg-1), and Yueju Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.735, 1.47, and 2.94 g·kg-1, respectively). The FD rat model was established using GUO's tail-clamping stimulation combined with irregular feeding. After 14 days of modeling, rats were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. After treatment, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were measured. Serum levels of 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), and substance P (SP) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and acetylcholine (ACh) levels were determined by chemical methods. Histopathological changes in the gastric antrum were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor (5-HT4R), SP, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in colon tissue, as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor (5-HT3R), SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the expression of 5-HT and 5-HT4R in the colon and 5-HT and 5-HT3R in the hypothalamus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Serum levels of 5-HT, SP, ACh, and TPH were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed irregular arrangement of glands in the gastric antrum, slight mucosal atrophy, and mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R, SP, and AChE in colon tissue, as well as 5-HT3R, SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue, were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was also significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Yueju Wan groups showed significantly increased gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate (P<0.01). The glands in the gastric antrum were more regularly arranged, with no inflammatory cell infiltration observed. Serum levels of 5-HT, SP, ACh, and TPH were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R, SP, and AChE in colon tissue and 5-HT3R, SP, and AChE in hypothalamic tissue were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionYueju Wan has preventive and therapeutic effects on FD, and its mechanism may be related to regulation of the 5-HT signaling pathway, promotion of brain-gut peptide secretion, and enhancement of gastric motility.
2.Research progress on the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation
Kankan SHUI ; Haoran ZHOU ; Ye XU ; Qiulin LUO ; Tengfang LI ; Hedong ZHANG ; Longkai PENG ; Helong DAI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):9-15
Organ transplantation is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. However, the shortage of donor organs has limited the widespread application of clinical transplantation. In recent years, breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology have overcome the barrier of hyperacute rejection in xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution to the organ shortage crisis. Rejection remains a critical factor affecting graft survival. Antigen-presenting cells play a vital role in the initiation and progression of rejection and immune regulation in xenotransplantation. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the role of antigen-presenting cells in xenotransplantation is of great significance. This article summarizes the roles and therapeutic strategies of professional antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells in xenotransplantation, aiming to provide insights for future research on immune regulation mechanisms in this field.
3.Mechanistic study of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in improving nephrotic syndrome via regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 pathway
Yifan TAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xu WANG ; Chong ZHANG ; Ying SU ; Xidong JIA ; Haoran JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):602-606
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group (distilled water), prednisone group (10 mg/kg), and TWM high- and low-dose groups (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, blank group (distilled water) without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed; the levels of 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical indicators [albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cholesterol (CHOL), and triglyceride (TG)] in rats were determined; the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)] in kidney tissue of rats were determined; expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p)/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure, with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP, serum levels of SCr, BUN, CHOL and TG, MDA content, mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Serum level of ALB, SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury, with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
4.Nomogram clinical prediction model for severe perioperative complications of hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis based on the albumin-bilirubin score
Ming CAO ; Haoran SUN ; Zhangliu JIN ; Bin ZHANG ; Lei WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):569-575
ObjectiveTo develop and validate a nomogram based on the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score for predicting the risk of severe perioperative complications in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 163 hepatolithiasis patients who underwent hepatectomy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for severe perioperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was constructed and its performance was evaluated. ResultsAmong the 163 patients, 66 and 97 were classified into the low-grade and high-grade ALBI groups, respectively. Significant intergroup differences were observed in gender, total bilirubin, albumin levels, and the incidence of severe complications (P0.05). Severe complications occurred in 40 patients. Independent risk factors included age 60 years (OR=5.49, P0.001), high-grade ALBI (OR=8.30, P0.001), history of biliary surgery (OR=2.60, P=0.035), hepatectomy (segmentectomy)≥3 (OR=2.75, P=0.028), and open surgical approach (OR=4.00, P=0.009). A nomogram for predicting severe perioperative complications was successfully established. Internal validation showed that the model had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.865, which outperformed traditional single predictors. The calibration curve closely aligned with the ideal curve, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.027. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated a net clinical benefit when the threshold probability exceeded 10%, superior to that of traditional predictors. ConclusionThe ALBI score-based nomogram is successfully developed and validated to predict the risk of severe perioperative complications in hepatolithiasis patients undergoing hepatectomy. The model demonstrated favorable predictive performance and high clinical utility, serving as an effective tool for both preoperative risk assessment and postoperative risk stratification.
5.Deep learning for subtype recognition of Yang deficiency tongue images in traditional Chinese medicine
Tongbin Zhang ; Haoran Xu ; Ziyi Wang ; Chuanjun Pan ; Zheng Wang ; Lei Wang
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):197-210
Objective:
To address the lack of fine-grained clinical recognition for specific Yang deficiency syndrome subtypes and the limitations of conventional object detection models in extracting irregular, low-contrast tongue phenotypes. This study aims to develop an objective subtype recognition framework based on an improved You Only Look Once nano (YOLO11n) architecture, using a standardized visual phenotype matrix to translate macroscopic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) descriptions into quantifiable clinical targets.
Methods:
This cross-sectional diagnostic study consecutively enrolled adult inpatients admitted to the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical University (Yijishan Hospital), between September 1, 2024 and June 1, 2025, who were suspected of having Yang deficiency constitution based on initial TCM consultation. Clinical tongue image data were collected for analysis. Based on an Expert Visual Phenotype Annotation Matrix, a five-category recognition system was established, including the following TCM syndrome subtypes: spleen-dampness exuberance syndrome, mild kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, upper heat and lower cold syndrome, simultaneous Yin-Yang deficiency syndrome, and Yin deficiency and fluid depletion syndrome (negative control). The proposed Yang deficiency YOLO (YD-YOLO) model, built upon the YOLO11n baseline, integrates the Cross Stage Partial with kernel size 2 (C3k2)-GhostBottleneck-Dynamic Convolution (GBDC) module into the backbone to adaptively extract low-contrast features, and embeds the multipath aggregation coordinate attention (MACA) mechanism into the neck to suppress background interference through multi-scale spatial coordination. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was used to visualize feature attribution and evaluate the biological plausibility of the model’s focus. Model performance was evaluated through ablation and comparative experiments using mean average precision (mAP), precision, recall, F1 score, inference speed (frames per second, FPS), overall accuracy, Cohen’s kappa, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).
Results:
Based on the final inclusion of 1 186 clinical cases, the YD-YOLO model had an overall accuracy of 91.5%, a Cohen’s kappa of 0.912, and an mAP@50 of 0.731 [higher than the YOLO11n baseline (0.681)], with AUC ranging from 0.91 to 0.97 across all TCM syndrome subtypes. Among the TCM syndrome subtypes, the mild kidney Yang deficiency syndrome had the highest mAP@50 (0.900), and the inference speed reached 89.00 FPS. Grad-CAM analysis showed that the model localized activation to key TCM pathological features, such as marginal tooth marks and focal root coatings, while suppressing non-diagnostic oral background noise.
Conclusion
The YD-YOLO model demonstrates the feasibility of deep learning for the fine-grained classification of TCM Yang deficiency subtypes. By integrating visual phenotype quantification with model interpretability, the proposed framework provides an objective basis for syndrome differentiation, supporting the development of standardized digital diagnostic systems and the provision of clinical decision support in TCM practice.
6.Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula(益气养阴活血方)on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Injury in Membranous Nephropathy Model Rats:Based on the NOX4-mediated SDF-1α/CXCR4 Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxiao GUO ; Chundong SONG ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN ; Haoran JIANG ; Ying DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1431-1439
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula (益气养阴活血方, YYHF) in the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN) based on the NOX4-mediated stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 42 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=6) and modeling group (n=36). The modeling rats were given a single injection of sheep antirat Fx1A (6 ml/kg) serum into the tail vein to establish MN model. Thirty-six rats with successful modeling were further divided into model group (normal saline, 10 ml/kg), benazepril group (10 mg·kg-1·d-1), the medium-dose YYHF group (11.0 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose YYHF group (22.0 g·kg-1·d-1), with 9 rats in each group. All groups received daily intragastric administration for 6 consecutive weeks. During the experimental period, the general condition of rats in each group was observed. After gavage administration finished, a fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical parameters, including albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and periodic acid-silver metheramine (PASM) staining were used to observe the histopathological changes of renal tissues in each group of rats. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal tissues were detected by ELISA. The protein expression levels of NOX4, SDF-1α, CXCR4, Nrf2, nuclear factor kappa B subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) and podocyte slit diaphragm protein nephrin in rat renal tissues were detected by Western Blotting. The mRNA expressions of NOX4, SDF-1α, CXCR4, Nrf2, NF-κB p65 and Nephrin in renal tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited typical features of MN, including lethargy, reduced activity, dull and coarse fur, marked edema, and massive proteinuria. Compared to the model group, these abnormal conditions were improved to varying degrees in all treatment groups. The high-dose YYHF group showed a level of improvement comparable to that of the benazepril group, with overall recovery superior to that of the medium-dose YYHF group. Compared to the blank group, the model group showed increased levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, TC and TG, decreased level of ALB, increased levels of MDA and protein and mRNA expressions of NOX4, SDF-1α, CXCR4 and NF-κB p65 in renal tissue, along with decreased levels of SOD and protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2, Nephrin (P<0.01), accompanied by severe renal pathological damage. Compared to the model group, the benazepril and the medium- and high-dose YYHF groups showed significant improvements in the above indicators (P<0.01), along with alleviation of renal pathological injury. The 24 h-UTP level in the high-dose YYHF group was lower than that in the medium-dose group (P<0.01), while no statistically significant difference was observed among the other treatment groups (P>0.01). ConclusionYYHF may alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by down-regulating the expression of NOX4 and inhibiting the SDF-1α/CXCR4-Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving podocyte damage and protecting renal function.
7.Research advances in the impact of tacrolimus on glucose metabolism after kidney transplantation
Haoran SHI ; Shanda LI ; Kun WANG ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Zhuocheng LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Liang GAO ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):778-784
Kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease.However,post transplantation diabetes mellitus(PTDM)is a common complication after kidney transplantation,affecting 10%to 40%of recipients and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease,infections,sepsis and other conditions.The pathogenesis of PTDM is complex,including pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.Tacrolimus,a commonly used immunosuppressive drug,is an independent risk factor for PTDM.Its mechanisms include damaging pancreatic β-cells,mediating impaired mitochondrial autophagy,etc.In addition,tacrolimus also raises blood glucose levels through various pathways,such as affecting gut microbiota metabolism and activating bile acid signaling pathways.In recent years,some new anti-diabetic drugs have shown certain application prospects in kidney transplant recipients,but the evidence-based medical evidence for their combined use still needs further exploration.In the future,it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the multiple sites of action of tacrolimus to reduce the occurrence of PTDM and improve the prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.
8.Establishment and Evaluation of A Forecasting Model for Platelet Transfusion Efficacy in Patients with Hematological Disorders
Yihua XIE ; Jun LI ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Yan CUI ; Lan WANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Bijia LU ; Yuqi SHANG ; Ziqi CHEN ; Haoran LI ; Kuanyun ZHENG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(5):101-106
Objective To establish the therapeutic effect prediction model of platelet transfusion in hematological patients,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and clinical cases are used to evaluate the clinical application value of the predic-tion model.Methods A total of 485 patients with hematological diseases who received platelet transfusion therapy in Kailuan General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected,corrected count increment(CCI)was used to divide the patients into platelet transfusion effective group(n=340)and transfusion ineffective group(n=145).Multivariate Logistic regres-sion analysis was used to establish the prediction model of platelet infusion efficacy,and ROC curve was used to evaluate the application effect of the forcasting model.109 clinical cases were used to verify the practical application effect of the model,and the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were calculated.Results Among 485 patients with hematological diseases,the incidence of ineffective platelet transfusion was 29.90%(145/485).Compated with the effective group,the ineffective group had more previous platelet transfusions was higher,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-4.435,P<0.05).In the ineffective group,there were more cases of hyperplenism,aplastic anemia and lymphoma,higher infection rate and higher positive rate of platelet antibody,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=6.301~37.522,all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regres-sion analysis found that previous platelet infusion times,infection,leukemia,aplastic anemia and platelet antibodies were risk factors for ineffective platelet transfusion in patients with hematological diseases(Wald χ2=5.224~21.548,all P<0.05).Based on these risk factors,platelet infusion effect prediction models 1 and 2 were constructed.ROC curve was used to evaluate the application effect of the prediction model.The area under the curve(AUC),cut-offpoint,sensitivity and specificity of model 1 were 0.884,0.042,82.35%,88.89%.The AUC,cut-offpoint,corresponding sensitivity and specificity of prediction model 2 were 0.910,59.784,81.18%,94.44%,respectively.The Z values of model 1 and model 2 were 12.159 and 13.151,respectively.The prediction effect of model 2 was better than that of model 1.The actual application results showed that the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of prediction model 1,2 were 85.71%,92.05%,90.89%and 90.48%,93.18%,92.66%,respectively.Conclusion The ineffective rate of platelet transfusion in hematological patients is relatively high.The prediction models 1 and 2 for platelet transfusion effectiveness have good results in predicting ineffective platelet transfusion,and prediction model 2 is better than pre-diction model 1,which can provide reliable basis for hematological patients on accurate platelet transfusion.
9.Effects of Different Obstacle-Crossing Strategies on Dynamic Balance Ability
Leqi LI ; Haoran XU ; Ruiqin WANG ; Jinfeng CAO ; Linlin ZHANG ; Jia HAN ; Jie LÜ
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1207-1213
Objective To investigate the dynamic balance ability of healthy young adults under different obstacle-crossing strategies,thereby providing a theoretical basis for fall prevention training and public facility design.Methods Twenty healthy young adults participated in the experiment using F-scan plantar pressure analysis insoles.The subjects were required to cross three obstacles with different combinations of height and width.With their dominant foot serving as the leading foot and the non-dominant foot as the trailing foot,the subjects performed both lateral and forward crossing maneuvers,and their plantar pressure data were collected.Results Different crossing strategies significantly affected the adjustment speed of the leading foot's center of pressure in the medial-lateral direction(COP_ML),the area of the 95%confidence circle,ML amplitude,and anterior-posterior(AP)amplitude(P<0.05).These strategies also significantly impacted the trailing foot's COP_ML adjustment speed,the area of the 95%confidence circle,and the range between the maximum and minimum swings(P<0.05).For the leading foot,during lateral and forward crossing,the balance parameter values under different heights and widths were statistically significant(P<0.05),increasing as the height and width increased.For the trailing foot,during forward crossing,the balance parameter values under different heights were statistically significant(P<0.05),increasing with height,while during lateral crossing,the differences in balance parameter values were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusions Healthy young adults demonstrate better balance ability with the leading foot during forward obstacle crossing,which aligns with the movement habits of the dominant foot and daily activity patterns.The trailing foot exhibits a more stable plantar pressure distribution during lateral obstacle crossing,likely due to a larger contact area and more even center of gravity distribution.
10.Efficacy of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for intrahepatic bile duct stones based on propensity score matching
Baochen ZHAO ; Shunpei BAO ; Lilong QIAN ; Haoran SUN ; Zepeng CAO ; Bin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(8):1203-1209
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for intrahepatic bile duct stones based on propensity score matching. Methods:This study used a case-control design to retrospectively analyze 163 patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones who were treated at The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University between February 2014 and February 2024. Based on the surgical approach, the patients were divided into two groups: the laparoscopic hepatectomy group ( n = 72) and the open hepatectomy group ( n = 91). Using 1:1 PSM, two groups with similar baseline clinical characteristics were created to compare perioperative outcomes, stone residual rates, and recurrence rates. Results:After PSM, a total of 52 matched pairs were successfully obtained. Compared with the laparoscopic hepatectomy group, the open hepatectomy group demonstrated a significantly shorter operative time [233.00 (180.00, 315.00) minutes vs. 313.00 (222.25, 405.75) minutes, Z = 3.41, P = 0.01]. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the open hepatectomy and laparoscopic hepatectomy groups in terms of pre- to postoperative hemoglobin change [(22.69 ± 14.27) g/L vs. (20.63 ± 14.36) g/L, t = 0.73, P = 0.465], postoperative bile leakage [5.77% (3/52) vs. 11.54% (6/52), χ2 = 1.10, P = 0.25], hypoalbuminemia [82.69% (43/52) vs. 84.62% (44/52), χ2 = 0.07, P = 0.791], pulmonary infection [28.85% (15/52) vs. 40.38% (21/52), χ2 = 1.53, P = 0.216], surgical site infection [5.77% (3/52) vs. 1.92% (1/52), χ2 = 1.04, P = 0.308], intra-abdominal infection [1.92% (1/52) vs. 5.77% (3/52), χ2 = 1.04, P = 0.308], postoperative drainage tube removal time [8.00 (6.00, 11.75) days vs. 8.00 (6.25, 10.00) days, t = 0.05, P = 0.958], postoperative hospital stay [8.00 (9.00, 15.00) days vs. 9.00 (7.00, 12.50) days, t = -1.22, P = 0.222], residual stone rate [11.54% (6/52) vs. 9.62% (5/52), χ2 = 0.10, P = 0.750], and stone recurrence rate [13.46% (7/52) vs. 3.85% (2/52), χ2 = 3.04, P = 0.081]. All differences were statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Laparoscopic hepatectomy and open hepatectomy have comparable efficacy in the treatment of intrahepatic bile duct stones.

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