1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
2.Mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules regulating NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway on antidepressant effect in rats
Shuang MENG ; Jie ZHAO ; Xinxin WANG ; Dandan TAN ; Xiaorong ZHOU ; Huimin SUN ; Xiaojuan MA ; Zhenyu FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1440-1446
OBJECTIVE To explore the antidepressant mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules (WYJYG) via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)/Caspase-1 pathway. METHODS A rat model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with single-housing for 42 consecutive days.The experiment set up blank group, model group, MCC950 (NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor) group (10 mg/kg), fluoxetine group (positive control,2.08 mg/kg),low-dose WYJYG(3.78 g/kg) and high-dose WYJYG group (7.56 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group. From the 22nd day of the experiment, rats in the fluoxetine group, low-dose and high-dose WYJYG groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Rats in the MCC950 group were intraperitoneally injected with MCC950 at the corresponding concentration and intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water. Rats in the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage and an equal volume of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. All interventions were performed once a day for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were conducted once a week. After the last administration, the contents of ASC, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in hippocampal tissues were detected. The protein expressions of NLRP3, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein were determined, and neuronal apoptosis was observed. RESULTS After the last administration, compared with the model group, the open-field activity time was significantly prolonged ( P <0.05), and the latency to feed in a novel environment was significantly shortened ( P <0.05) in rats of the high-dose WYJYG group. In hippocampal tissue, the contents of ASC, Iba1, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and CD68, and the positive rate of neuronal apoptosis were all significantly decreased/downregulated ( P <0.05). Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly upregulated ( P <0.05), and the density of neuronal apoptosis-positive cells was significantly reduced ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS WYJYG play on antidepressant role by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway, reducing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, and inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis.
3.Shenfu Injection Improve Chronic Heart Failure by Regulates Glycolytic Pathway Mediated by HIF-1α/PFKFB3 Pathway
Ji OUYANG ; Kun LIAN ; Xiaoqian LIAO ; Lichong MENG ; Lin LI ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):136-145
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism and targets of Shenfu Injection in regulating glycolysis to intervene in myocardial fibrosis in chronic heart failure based on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/ 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of chronic heart failure was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO). After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the Sham group, Model group, Shenfu injection (SFI, 6 mL·kg-1) group, and inhibitor (3PO, 35 mg·kg-1) group, according to a random number table, and they were treated for 15 days. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fasting body weight and heart weight were measured, and the heart index (HI) was calculated. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and the fibrosis rate was calculated. Biochemical assays were used to determine serum levels of glucose (GLU), lactic acid (LA), and pyruvic acid (PA). Western blot was used to analyze the expression of proteins related to the HIF-1α/PFKFB3 signaling pathway (HIF-1α and PFKFB3), glycolysis-related proteins (HK1, HK2, PKM2, and LDHA), and fibrosis-related proteins [transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Collagen type Ⅰ α1 (ColⅠA1)]. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of HIF-1α and PFKFB3 in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group showed significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular shortening fraction (LVFS), interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), and interventricular septal strain (IVSs) (P<0.05), while left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole (LVDd) and end-systole (LVIDs) were increased (P<0.05). Serum NT-proBNP levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and body weight was decreased. Heart weight was increased, and the HIT index was increased (P<0.05). Myocardial tissue exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, and the fibrosis rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum GLU was decreased (P<0.05), while LA and PA levels were increased (P<0.05). Protein expressions of HIF-1α, PFKFB3, HK1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and ColⅠA1, as well as the mRNA expression of HIF-1α and PFKFB3 were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both the SFI group and 3PO groups showed significant improvements in LVEF, LVFS, IVSd, and IVSs (P<0.05) and decreases in LVDd, LVIDs, and NT-proBNP levels (P<0.05). Body weight was significantly increased. Heart weight was significantly decreased, and the HIT index was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen fiber deposition, and the fibrosis rate were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum GLU levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while LA and PA levels were decreased (P<0.05). Expressions of glycolysis-related proteins, fibrosis-related proteins, and HIF-1α/PFKFB3 pathway-related proteins and mRNAs were significantly suppressed (P<0.05). ConclusionSFI improves cardiac function in chronic heart failure by downregulating the expression of HIF-1α/PFKFB3 signaling pathway-related proteins, regulating glycolysis, and inhibiting myocardial fibrosis.
4.Quality evaluation of Xintong granules based on HPLC fingerprint and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker method
Xide YE ; Xiaolong FENG ; Mingguo SHAO ; Linchun WAN ; Zhenyu HU ; Chunyu CHEN ; Yu WU ; Junwen BU ; Yuhang QIAN ; Fanqiang MENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(15):1866-1870
OBJECTIVE To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Xintong granules and the quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker method(QAMS)to determine the contents of 7 components,so as to provide a scientific basis for their quality control.METHODS HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints for 10 batches of Xintong granules(No.S1-S10),and similarity evaluation,cluster analysis(CA)and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA)were performed.At the same time,the contents of seven components,including puerarin,daidzin,calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,stilbene glycoside,naringin,icariin and tanshinone ⅡA,were determined by QAMS method,and were compared with the results of external standard method.RESULTS A total of 18 common peaks were marked and 7 peaks were identified in the HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of Xintong granules,namely puerarin(peak 4),daidzin(peak 7),calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside(peak 9),stilbene glycoside(peak 10),naringin(peak 12),icariin(peak 17),and tanshinone ⅡA(peak 18);the similarities among them were more than 0.990,and CA and PLS-DA results showed that S4-S5,S8-S10,S1-S3 and S6-S7 were clustered into three categories,respectively.Using naringin as the internal standard,the contents of puerarin,daidzin,calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,stilbene glycoside,icariin and tanshinone ⅡA were determined to be 7.868 1-10.181 2,1.709 2-2.374 1,0.285 2-0.326 3,1.024 1-1.523 9,0.140 2-0.290 4,and 0.077 1-0.219 4 mg/g,respectively,by the QAMS.These results showed no significant differences compared to those obtained by the external standard method.CONCLUSIONS Established HPLC fingerprint and QAMS method are convenient,stable and accurate,which can provide a basis for the quality evaluation of Xintong granules.
5.Establishment of a prognostic model for HER2 low expression breast cancer with lung metastasis
Zirui TAN ; Jiaxian MIAO ; Zhenyu MENG ; Ang LI ; Yuqing LUO ; Huirui ZHANG ; Yan DING ; Yueping LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(11):1427-1435
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)status between primary breast cancer lesions and lung metastatic lesions and to establish a prognostic model for predicting the survival rate of HER2 low expression(HER2-low)breast cancer patients with lung metastasis.Methods Clinicopathological data from a cohort of 252 patients with breast cancer and lung metastasis were retrospec-tively analyzed.Results 50.00%of the patients had HER2-low expression in metastatic lesions,and HER2-low ex-pression was the most prevalent subgroup in both primary and metastatic lesions.A discordance in HER2 status be-tween primary and metastatic sites was observed in 28.07%of cases.The most frequent shift was from HER2-zero in the primary tumor to HER2-low expression in the metastasis(12.28%of all cases).Estrogen receptor(ER)status,menopausal status,and histological type were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival(OS)by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.A prognostic model incorporating these factors was constructed to predict 3-year and 5-year survival.The model demonstrated area under the curve(AUC)values of 0.765 and 0.780 for 3-year and 5-year OS in the training cohort,and 0.667 and 0.706 in the validation cohort,respectively.Conclu-sion HER2-low expression is the most common subtype among breast cancer patients with lung metastasis.The ob-served shift from HER2-zero in primary lesions to HER2-low in metastases underscores the clinical necessity of re-biop-sy at metastatic sites.The developed prognostic model effectively predicts OS in this patient population.
6.Effects of shared decision-making in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a Meta-analysis
Xin SUN ; Chengcheng LI ; Xin DUAN ; Shiye ZENG ; Zhenyu MENG ; Jin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(2):119-127
Objective:To analyze the effects of shared decision-making in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus.Methods:Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Datebase, COVIP and SinoMed, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of shared decision-making in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus from inception to July 22, 2023, used R Studio software for meta-analysis.Results:A total of 14 RCTs and 2 606 patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the shared decision-making can alleviate the decision-making conflict of type 2 diabetic mellitus patients ( MD=-3.18, 95% CI -5.36 to -0.99, P<0.05), improve the decision-making self-efficacy ( MD=5.82, 95% CI 2.34 to 9.30, P<0.05), medication compliance ( RR=1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.16, P<0.05), and diabetes-related knowledge ( SMD=0.46, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.75, P<0.05), reduce BMI ( MD=-0.75, 95% CI-1.33 to -0.17, P<0.05) and the HbA1c level ( MD=-0.45, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.24, P<0.05) in the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions:The shared decision-making improves the self-management in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus. However, the long-term effect and potential risks of this model still need to be further studied. It is suggested that the application of shared decision-making in type 2 diabetic mellitus patients should be optimized in the future, and research on the long-term effects and potential risks of this model should be increased.
7.Current situation investigation of nursing adverse events and analysis of influencing factors related to nursing human resources in hemodialysis centers attached to class-A tertiary hospitals in China
Yao LIU ; Ziye HUANG ; Jing LI ; Ying XU ; Chongyan YU ; Li MENG ; Gui LI ; Zhenyu WANG ; Yanming DING ; Liyun CAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(4):275-283
Objective:To investigate the current situation of adverse events in hemodialysis nursing in class-A tertiary hospitals in China and analyze their nursing human resources related influencing factors, aiming at provide references for hemodialysis centers to adjust nursing human resources scientifically to reduce the occurrence of nursing adverse events.Methods:A convenient sampling method was used. From August to October 2021, a self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate nursing adverse events in hemodialysis centers of 860 class-A tertiary hospitals during 2020 in China. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of blood loss, hemodialysis catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) and venous needle dislodgement (VND) in hemodialysis centers.Results:A total of 826 valid questionnaires were received, with an effective response rate of 96.05%(826/860). There were 826 hemodialysis centers covering 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China. The establishment period of each center was 24(18, 30) years. There were 45(30, 62) dialysis machines, 180(110, 260) patients and 19(13, 27) registered nurses. Blood loss, hemodialysis CRBSI and VND occurred in 70.94% (586/826), 68.04%(562/826) and 46.97% (388/826) of hemodialysis centers, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression results showed that the daily treatment shift ( OR=0.730, 95% CI 0.536-0.994), the proportion of nurses with bachelor's degree or above ( OR=1.635, 95% CI 1.142-2.342), and whether nurses worked part-time on peritoneal dialysis treatment ( OR=0.225, 95% CI 0.052-0.965) were the influencing factors for blood loss in hemodialysis centers (all P<0.05). The daily treatment shift ( OR=0.566, 95% CI 0.413-0.777), the number of patients which each nurse was responsible for per shift simultaneously ( OR=0.549, 95% CI 0.400-0.753), proportion of blood purification specialized nurses ( OR=1.661, 95% CI 1.216-2.269), whether nurses worked part-time on CRRT ( OR=0.700, 95% CI 0.511-0.957), the education level of the nursing manager was junior college and below ( OR=3.789, 95% CI 1.576-9.113) and bachelor′s degree ( OR=2.585, 95% CI 1.328-5.033) were the influencing factors for the hemodialysis catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis centers (all P<0.05). The number of patients which each nurse ( OR=0.580, 95% CI 0.433-0.777) was responsible for per shift simultaneously was the influencing factor in the occurrence of VND in hemodialysis centers ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The nursing adverse events of blood loss, hemodialysis catheter-associated bloodstream infection and VND were relatively common in hemodialysis centers. The hospital managers should take corresponding measures aiming at the above influencing factors to prevent the occurrence of nursing adverse events and improve the quality and safety of nursing.
8.Expression Characteristics and Clinical Pathological Features of TMEM33 in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Haijun LOU ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Alimujiang SUREYAN ; Menggen MENG ; Hang CHEN ; Muli WUDU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(3):19-26
Objective This study aimed to explore the expression pattern of transmembrane protein 33(TMEM33)in lung adenocarcinoma and its correlation with clinical pathological features.Methods Bioinformatics tools and public databases(e.g.,TCGA and GEO)were used to analyze TMEM33 expression data in lung cancer.Then,immunoblotting and real-time quantitative PCR were performed to detect TMEM33 protein and mRNA levels in four cell lines.Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were also used to assess TMEM33 expression and localization in lung adenocarcinoma and normal lung tissue samples.Results Bioinformatics analysis revealed higher TMEM33 expression in lung adenocarcinoma than in normal lung tissue(P<0.05)and a significant correlation between TMEM33 and SLC30A9 expression(P<0.0001).Logistic regression analysis indicated an association between TMEM33 expression and tumor T stage(OR=0.48,P=0.044).Experimental results showed higher TMEM33 protein(P<0.01)and mRNA(P<0.001)levels in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines than in normal lung epithelial cells.Similarly,TMEM33 protein(P<0.05)and mRNA(P<0.01)levels were higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than in adjacent tissues.Immunohistochemistry confirmed high TMEM33 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues.Conclusion TMEM33 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma,associated with malignancy and T stage,and may be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target.
9.Efficacy of the far lateral Key-hole technique in the treatment of central cervical disc herniation.
Zhenyu MENG ; Jingbo XUE ; Xuelin LI ; Zhun XU ; Jinghua TAN ; Yong XIE ; Yiguo YAN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(8):1408-1417
OBJECTIVES:
In the early stage of central cervical disc herniation, clinical symptoms may be mild. However, as the spinal cord becomes compressed by herniated nucleus pulposus tissue, progressive edema and degeneration may occur, resulting in more severe clinical manifestations, including limb weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, spastic paraplegia of the lower extremities, and even respiratory difficulty. The spinal endoscopic Key-hole technique is widely applied in treating radiculopathic cervical spondylosis and has demonstrated good clinical outcomes. This study aims to analyze and summarize the technical points and therapeutic efficacy of the far lateral Key-hole technique in the treatment of central cervical disc herniation, providing reference for clinical application.
METHODS:
Eight patients with central cervical disc herniation treated with the far lateral Key-hole technique were included as the experimental group. Another 8 patients who underwent single-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) during the same period were selected as the control group. Data collected included gender, age, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and length of hospitalization. Pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); cervical function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score; and cervical disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcomes were assessed using disc height index (DHI), cervical Cobb angle, and operative segment Cobb angle.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter incision length, and shorter hospital stay (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in operation time (P>0.05). Postoperative VAS and NDI scores in both groups were significantly lower than preoperative values, and JOA scores significantly improved (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups preoperatively (P>0.05). Postoperatively, the experimental group showed significantly lower VAS and NDI scores and higher JOA scores than the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in DHI before and after surgery in the experimental group (P>0.05), while the DHI increased significantly postoperatively in the control group (P<0.05). Postoperative DHI in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the cervical Cobb angle either within or between groups (all P>0.05). The operative segment Cobb angle increased significantly after surgery in the control group (P<0.05), while no other operative segment angle changes were statistically significant (all P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The far lateral Key-hole technique offers advantages in treating central cervical disc herniation, including reduced intraoperative bleeding, smaller incision length, shorter hospitalization, and improved postoperative pain relief. Additionally, the technique does not affect cervical physiological curvature or stability in the short term, making it suitable for clinical application.
Humans
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Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery*
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Cervical Vertebrae/surgery*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Adult
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Diskectomy/methods*
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Treatment Outcome
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Spinal Fusion/methods*
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Endoscopy/methods*
10.MYH7 gene-related scapuloperoneal myosin storage myopathy: a case report
Qingyue YUAN ; Zhenyu LI ; Zhiying XIE ; Meng YU ; Zhaoxia WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yun YUAN
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(12):1277-1281
Objective:To report the clinical, imaging, and pathological features of a case of MYH7 gene-related scapuloperoneal myosin storage myopathy. Methods:Clinical data were collected from a patient with MYH7 gene-related scapuloperoneal myosin storage myopathy who presented to Peking University First Hospital in February 2025. The patient was evaluated with muscle magnetic resonance imaging, muscle biopsy, and whole-exome sequencing. Results:The patient was a 52-year-old female, with a 12-year history of progressive difficulty in foot dorsiflexion, exercise-induced fatigue, and lower limb pain. Over the past 3 years, she developed proximal upper limb weakness and post-exertional myalgia. Physical examination revealed scapuloperoneal weakness distribution accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss. Electromyography demonstrated myogenic changes in the deltoid and tibialis anterior muscles. Serum creatine kinase levels were within normal limits. Lower limb magnetic resonance imaging showed mild atrophy of the thigh muscles and significant fatty infiltration in the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus. Tibialis anterior muscle biopsy revealed dystrophic-like changes with sub-sarcolemmal hyaline bodies containing abundant granulofilamentous material. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous pathogenic variant of c.5352_5354del(p.K1784del) in the MYH7 gene. Conclusions:This patient is the first reported one in China with MYH7 gene-related scapuloperoneal myosin storage myopathy, exhibiting characteristic scapuloperoneal weakness, selective fatty infiltration of the anterior lower leg muscles on imaging and sub-sarcolemmal hyaline body pathological changes. The diagnosis of this disease relies on characteristic pathological findings and genetic test results.

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