1.Mechanism of Ferroptosis in Regulating Chronic Heart Failure and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Based on Qi Deficiency and Stagnation: A Review
Ziyang YUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Wenjun MAO ; Guo YANG ; Xuewei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):248-255
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome, with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations, and it is characterized by complex disease conditions, difficult cure, and high mortality. Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death, is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent, accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage, becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi, blood, and body fluid, which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi (heart Qi) is the root cause of CHF, and stagnation (phlegm turbidity and blood stasis) is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of CHF, improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore, this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.
2.Analysis of the safety, economic benefit and social psychological satisfaction of day breast conserving surgery for breast cancer
Jiao ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao XIAO ; Jiabin YANG ; Yu FENG ; Huanzuo YANG ; Mengxue QIU ; Qing ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Mingjun HUANG ; Peng LIANG ; Zhenggui DU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):160-166
Objective To investigate the safety, economic benefits and psychological effects of day breast conserving surgery for breast cancer. Methods The demographic data and clinical data of breast cancer patients undergoing day (day surgery group) and ward (ward surgery group) breast conserving surgeries in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from March 2020 to June 2021 were retrospectively collected; the demographic data, clinical data, medical and related transportation costs, and preoperative and postoperative BREAST-Q scores of breast cancer patients undergoing day (day surgery group) and ward (ward surgery group) breast conserving surgery in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2021 to June 2022 were prospectively collected. The safety, economic benefit, and psychological satisfaction of day surgery was analyzed. Results A total of 42 women with breast cancer were included in the retrospective study and 39 women with breast cancer were included in the prospective study. In both prospective and retrospective studies, the mean age of patients in both groups were <50 years. There were only statistical differences between the two groups in the aspects of hypertension (P=0.022), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.037) and postoperative pathological estrogen receptor (P=0.033) in the prospective study. In postoperative complications, there were no statistical differences in the surgical-related complications or anesthesia-related complications between the two groups in either the prospective study or the retrospective study (P>0.05). In terms of the overall cost, we found that the day surgery group was more economical than the ward surgery group in the prospective study (P=0.002). There were no statistical differences in postoperative psychosocical well-being, sexual well-being, satisfaction with breasts or chest condition between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion It is safe and reliable to carry out breast conserving surgery in day surgery center under strict management standards, which can save medical costs and will not cause great psychological burden to patients.
3.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
4.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
5.A time-stratified case-crossover study on association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality in Shenzhen
Ziyang ZOU ; Ruijun XU ; Ziquan LYU ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiaxin CHEN ; Meilin LI ; Xiaoqian GUO ; Suli HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):586-593
Background Air pollution remains a critical public health issue, with persistent exposure to air pollutants continuing to pose significant health risks. Currently, research investigating the association between air pollution and myocardial infarction mortality in Shenzhen remains inadequate. Objective To quantitatively assess the association between air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality in residents. Methods Based on the mortality surveillance system of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study of
6.Clinical Value of Tumor-Stroma Ratio Combined with KRAS/NRAS/BRAF Gene Status in Prognostic Assessment of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Ziyang ZHANG ; Yuanfei LI ; Yuntong GUO ; Gen ZHU ; Guang YANG ; Yu WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):676-681
Objective To investigate the clinical value of tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in combination with KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, and microsatellite status for prognostic assessment of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods A total of 51 colorectal cancer cases meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. TSR levels were evaluated through optical microscopy. The KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation profiles and microsatellite status were determined in accordance with genetic testing results. Clinical data, pathological characteristics, and survival outcomes were systematically recorded. Results Among the 51 patients with colorectal cancer, 19 (37.3%) were categorized into the low stromal group and 32 (62.7%) into the high stromal group. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in drug resistance, M stage, TNM stage, neural invasion, and microsatellite status (P<0.05). Compared with patients exhibiting high TSR, those with low TSR demonstrated significantly increased recurrence rates (5 vs. 21 cases, P=0.007), shortened disease-free survival (34.21 vs. 14.34 months, P=0.001), and reduced overall survival (38.79 vs. 23.09 months, P=0.021). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified N stage, M stage, TNM stage, neural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and TSR as independent risk factors for disease-free survival. N stage, M stage, neural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and TSR emerged as independent prognostic factors for overall survival (P<0.05). Although the combined models of TSR with KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and microsatellite status, respectively, demonstrated overall statistical significance (P<0.05), none of the dummy variables in these models reached individually statistical significance (P>0.05), and therefore cannot be considered independent prognostic factors. Conclusion TSR serves as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in advanced colorectal cancer, with patients exhibiting low TSR demonstrating a significantly higher risk of recurrence and metastasis than those with high TSR. For patients with colon cancer undergoing first-line palliative chemotherapy after postoperative recurrence, histopathological assessment of TSR in primary tumor sites holds prognostic value and may serve as a relevant factor for evaluating treatment resistance in clinical management.
7.Pharmacological effects and drug design research progress of fucoxanthin
Yuxin ZHANG ; Ziyang DENG ; Can WANG ; Dan ZENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2216-2220
Fucoxanthin is a pigment found in plants and animals such as algae, marine plankton and aquatic shellfish, and holds significant potential for development in the pharmaceutical field. This review introduces the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-obesity, and other pharmacological effects of fucoxanthin, as well as recent advances in drug design research. It was found that fucoxanthin can exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through mechanisms such as activating AMP- activated protein kinase related signaling pathways, regulating the expression of inflammatory factors, altering microbial stability, thereby improving conditions such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease and colitis. It can exert selective antitumor effects through multi-target synergistic actions; and it was also found that it can exert anti-obesity effects by regulating the intestinal microbiota. Its characteristic functional groups (such as hydroxyl and epoxy groups) possess target specificity and reversible inhibitory properties, making it a suitable template for guiding the design and development of novel drugs, thereby providing new insights for breaking through the limitations of traditional drug design.
8.Literature case analysis of drug-induced liver injury induced by GLP-1 receptor agonists
Menghua ZHANG ; Ying ZHU ; Ziyang WU ; Yanhua WANG ; Xiangzun XIONG ; Liyan MIAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2561-2565
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) induced by glucagon- like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), and to provide a reference for safe clinical medication. METHODS Using search terms such as “GLP-1”“GLP-1RAs”“semaglutide” “drug-induced liver injury”, relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP were retrieved. Descriptive analysis was performed on cases of DILI induced by GLP-1RAs. RESULTS A total of 11 studies, comprising 11 patients, were included. Among them, 4 were male (36.4%) and 7 were female (63.6%). Patient ages ranged from 17 to 64 years; 5 patients (45.5%) were between 50 and 65 years old. Six patients were treated for diabetes, and five for weight loss. Ten patients had underlying diseases. The shortest time to the onset of DILI was 5 days after medication, while the longest was approximately 180 days. The DILIs induced by GLP-1RAs were mainly hepatocellular injury type (6 cases); severity levels included severe (3 cases), moderate (6 cases), and mild (2 cases). Gastrointestinal symptoms and jaundice were the most common clinical manifestations. The association between DILI and GLP- 1RAs was assessed as “probable” in 10 cases and “possible” in 1 case. All 11 patients improved after drug discontinuation and (or) corresponding treatment. CONCLUSIONS DILI induced by GLP-1RAs is relatively concentrated in patients aged 50-65, with a higher incidence in females. The risk may be further increased in patients with underlying diseases. Clinical use of these agents should enhance pharmaceutical care, including identification of high-risk populations and patient education (especially symptom recognition). When relevant symptoms appear, the drug should be discontinued immediately, with liver-protective therapy initiated when necessary, to ensure patient safety of drug use.
9.Genetic susceptibility of serum HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B
WU Yue ; ZHANG Zhigang ; GU Ziyang
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(3):264-
Objective To screen genetic susceptibility markers related to serum HBeAg seroconversion by analyzing the association between host genetic susceptibility markers and seroconversion in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), thereby providing potential molecular markers for clinical outcomes and prognosis evaluation in HBeAg-positive patients with CHB. Methods HBeAg-positive patients with CHB were recruited from the outpatient department of the Infectious Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University to establish a follow-up cohort. Based on whether HBeAg seroconversion occurred during follow-up, the subjects were divided into a case group (serum HBeAg with seroconversion) and a control group (serum HBeAg without seroconversion). MassARRAY SNP genotyping technique was used to detect SNPs of human genome DNA extracted from whole blood of the study subjects. Results Through association analysis between genetic susceptibility marker SNPs and seroconversion of serum HBeAg, it was found that: At the rs101206 8 locus, under the overdominant model, patients carrying the heterozygous GT genotype had a higher likelihood of serum HBeAg seroconversion (OR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.15-2.59, P=0.008); at the rs352140 locus, under the recessive model, patients carrying the TT genotype had a higher likelihood of serum HBeAg seroconversion (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.06-2.94, P=0.029); the rs1946518 locus, under the overdominant model, patients carrying the heterozygous GT genotype had a higher likelihood of serum HBeAg seroconversion (OR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.14-2.61, P=0.009); at the rs2306494 locus, under the dominant model, carrying the A allele (GA+AA) was identified as a negative factor for serum HBeAg seroconversion (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.42-0.99, P=0.043); at the rs20541 locus, under the recessive model, carrying the AA genotype was identified as a negative factor for serum HBeAg seroconversion (OR=0.31, 95%CI: 0.10-0.92, P=0.019); at the rs1057035 locus, under the dominant model, patients carrying the C allele (CT+CC) had a higher likelihood of serum HBeAg seroconversion (OR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.05-3.03, P=0.034). Therefore, the GT genotype at rs1012068 of DEPDC5 gene, TT genotype at rs352140 of TLR9 gene, GT genotype at rs1946518 of IL18 gene, and GG genotype at rs2306494 of TERF1 gene were conducive to seroconversion of serum HBeAg. The AA genotype at rs20541 of IL-13 gene and the TT genotype at rs1057035 of DICER1 gene were not conducive to seroconversion of serum HBeAg. Conclusion The genetic susceptibility markers (single nucleotide polymorphism loci) of host genetic genes in HBeAg-positive patients with CHB are associated with seroconversion of serum HBeAg, and the mechanisms by which these SNPs participate in serum HBeAg seroconversion require further investigation.
10.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Depression-like Behaviors by Regulating Activation of Hippocampal Microglia Cells in Rat Model of Juvenile Depression
Jiayi SHI ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Feng QIU ; Chang LEI ; Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Dong YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Pengxiao GUO ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):46-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Baihuan Xiaoyao Decoction (Xiaoyaosan added with Lilii Bulbus and Albiziae Cortex) in alleviating depression-like behaviors of juvenile rats by regulating the polarization of microglia. MethodSixty juvenile SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, fluoxetine, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (5.36, 10.71, 21.42 g·kg-1, respectively) Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction groups. The rat model of juvenile depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to examine the sucrose preference of rats. Forced swimming test (FST) was carried out to measure the immobility time of rats. The open field test (OFT) was conducted to measure the total distance, the central distance, the number of horizontal crossings, and the frequency of rearing. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to measure the escape latency and the number of crossing the platform. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, the polarization marker of M1 microglia) and CD206 (the polarization marker of M2 microglia). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD206, pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of iNOS and CD206 in the hippocampus. The levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultCompared with the normal control group, the model rats showed a reduction in sucrose preference (P<0.05), an increase in immobility time (P<0.05), decreased motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and weakened learning and spatial memory (P<0.05). In addition, the model rats showed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction increased the sucrose preference value (P<0.05), shortened the immobility time (P<0.01), increased the motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and improved the learning and spatial memory (P<0.01). Furthermore, the decoction down-regulated the positive expression and protein level of iNOS, lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), promoted the positive expression of CD206, and elevated the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.01) in the hippocampus of the high dose group. Moreover, the high-dose Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction group had higher sucrose preference value (P<0.01), shorter immobility time (P<0.01), longer central distance (P<0.01), stronger learning and spatial memory (P<0.01), higher positive expression and protein level of iNOS (P<0.01), lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower positive expression and mRNA level of iNOS (P<0.05), and higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the fluoxetine group. ConclusionBaihuan Xiaoyao decoction can improve the depression-like behavior of juvenile rats by inhibiting the M1 polarization and promoting the M2 polarization of microglia in the hippocampus.

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