1.Role of Macrophage Activation and Polarization in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Related Complications and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Zhichao CHEN ; Qiaoni LIN ; Liya SUN ; Jinxi WANG ; Zishan FU ; Yufeng YANG ; Yan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):311-320
The occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely related to insulin resistance and islet β cell dysfunction. Modern studies have found that macrophages are widely present in the liver,fat,skeletal muscle,islets, and other tissues and organs. Macrophage M1/M2 polarization plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus and its related complications by intervening in inflammatory response,improving insulin resistance,and promoting tissue repair. Most of the traditional Chinese medicines that regulate the activation and polarization of macrophages are Qi-replenishing and Yin-nourishing,heat-clearing, and detoxicating medicinal,which are consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes and its related complications. Therefore,by summarizing the mechanisms between macrophage activation,polarization, and insulin resistance in various tissues,this paper reviewed traditional Chinese medicine and its effective components and compounds in improving diabetes mellitus and its related complications through multi-channel regulation of macrophage polarization and regulation of M1/M2 ratio,providing references for the future treatment of DM and its related complications with traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Relationship between "Nutrients-intestinal Flora" and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Theory of "Linkage between Spleen and Small Intestine"
Zhichao CHEN ; Qiaoni LIN ; Jinxi WANG ; Zishan FU ; Yufeng YANG ; Yan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):206-214
The theory of "linkage between spleen and small intestine" has been put forward by doctors as early as the Ming dynasty. In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen and small intestine cooperate and work together physiologically, and they are also closely related and interact with each other pathologically. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, which involves the function of the small intestine in transforming water and grain. The small intestine, governing the receiving and transformation of substances, depends on the normal transportation of the spleen. At the same time, it provides guarantee for the spleen to transform Qi and generate blood as well as ascend lucidity and descend turbidity. The dysfunction of spleen in transportation is closely related to the dysfunction of small intestine. The stability of intestinal microecology necessitates the normal functioning of the spleen. When the original balance of intestinal flora is disturbed, the spleen functioning will be affected. This study explored the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes based on the physiological functions of the spleen and small intestine and the Western medicine targets of "nutrients-intestinal flora". According to modern medicine, nutrients are essential to maintain the normal physiological activities of the human body. Proper intake of nutrients can affect the absorption and metabolism of the human body for nutrients by regulating the composition and function of intestinal flora, so as to prevent the occurrence of diabetes. The imbalance of intestinal flora which harbors rich microorganisms may lead to the disturbance of energy metabolism and the dysfunction of the immune system, eventually leading to diabetes. As a metabolic disease, diabetes is closely related to the imbalance of intestinal flora and nutrient intake. Based on the theory of "linkage between spleen and small intestine", this paper discusses the relationship between spleen and small intestine. Furthermore, this paper discusses the correlation between "spleen-small intestine" and "nutrients-intestinal flora" by reviewing the latest progress in modern medicine and clinical research, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
3.Ginsenoside Rb1 induces hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis to alleviate liver fibrosis via the BECN1/SLC7A11 axis
Lin LIFAN ; Li XINMIAO ; Li YIFEI ; Lang ZHICHAO ; Li YEPING ; Zheng JIANJIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(5):744-757
Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),a process associated with ferroptosis.Ginsenoside Rb1(GRb1),a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng,inhibits HSC activation.However,the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains un-clear.This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro,using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs,LX-2 cells.The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro,reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA)and type Ⅰ collagen(Col1A1)levels.Moreover,GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo.From a mechanistic standpoint,the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1.Specifically,GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro,characterized by increased glutathione depletion,malondialdehyde production,iron overload,and accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Intriguingly,GRb1 increased Beclin 1(BECN1)levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11.Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1.Moreover,BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11,initiating HSC ferroptosis.In conclusion,the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro.Overall,this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation,at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.
4.Study on the effect of Peer Balint-style group on empathy ability of third-year long-term medical students
Xueying LIN ; Luolin ZHOU ; Haohui LIU ; Ran SANG ; Zhichao LIN ; Tianzhu CHEN ; Huaifeng LIANG ; Yu GONG ; Ping LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(6):791-795
Objective:This study aimed to assess the effects of Peer Balint-style group on the empathy ability of third-year long-term medical students and to provide a theoretical and practical reference for effectively improving their humanistic quality.Methods:Ninety third-year Chinese long-term medicine students participated. Volunteers received either ten sessions of 1.5-h Peer Balint-style group which were led by specially trained peers from June 2019 to August 2019. The College Students' Empathy Ability Questionnaire was used before the experiment and the second day after the experiment. The total score of the scale from the pre-test and post-test and the scores of each dimension conformed to a normal distribution, with equal variance, describing in the form of ( x± s). Paired t-tests were performed to compare the total score and each dimension score before and after the intervention, using SPSS 22.0. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 peer-group leaders and group members after the clinical practice period. The interview materials were analyzed by traditional content analysis. The content of the qualitative research was open-coded to obtain 10 categories, suggesting the role and inadequacy of Peer Balint-style groups. Results:A total of 63 valid samples were obtained. There was no significant difference of ( t=-0.44, P=0.661, P>0.05) between the total score of the post-test (118.00±11.98) and the total score of the pre-test (117.38±12.36). In each dimension, the reverse comprehension score of post-test (9.06±1.97) was significantly different ( t=-2.08, P=0.041, P>0.05) from the pre-test's (8.57±2.15), which increased compared to the pre-test score. Conclusions:Peer Balint-style group had a positive effect on improving empathy among medical students. Compared with the traditional Balint group, it has wider coverage, higher affinity and greater mobility. However, the design of the Peer Balint-style group still needs to be further improved.
5.Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hypoxic damage to rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells by regulating oxidative stress
Zhuang MAO ; Xue LI ; Changyao WANG ; Lin LYU ; Hu CAO ; Zhichao HE ; Zuyin YU ; Hua WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(7):504-510
OBJECTIVE To explore the role and mechanism of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)in repairing hypoxic injury to rats pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(PMVECs).METHODS ①PMVECs were treated with cobalt chloride at 0,10,25,50 and 100 μmol·L-1 for 72 h.CCK-8 was used to detect the cell viability,and the protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α),zona occludens small-band protein 1(ZO-1),and occludin(OCLN)were detected by Western blotting.②There was a cell control group,model group,and model+DPSCs group,and the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected by immunofluorescence staining after at 24 and 48 h of action.The levels of ZO-1 and OCLN proteins were detected by Western blotting.③ A cell control group,model group,model+DPSC group and model+DPSC cell knockdown superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)group were set up.The mRNA level of SOD1 was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR 24 and 48 h later,while the protein levels of ZO-1 and OCLN were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS ① Com-pared with the cell control group,72 h of cobalt chloride 100 μmol·L-1 treatment of PMVECs resulted in a cell survival rate above 80%,a significant increase in the level of HIF-1α protein(P<0.05),a signifi-cant decrease in the levels of ZO-1 and OCLN proteins(P<0.01),and establishment of a model of hypoxic injury in PMVECs.② Compared with the cell control group,the ROS level was significantly higher in the model group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ROS level was significantly lower in the model+DPSCs group(P<0.01),while the levels of ZO-1 and OCLN proteins were signifi-cantly higher in the model+DPSCs group(P<0.05).③ Compared with the DPSC group,ZO-1 and OCLN expressions were significantly decreased after knockdown of SOD1 in DPSCs(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS DPSCs can repair hypoxic injury to PMVECs,and the anti-oxidative stress capacity of DPSCs plays an important role in hypoxic injury repair of PMVECs.
6.A case report of renal foreign-body
Xianshen SHA ; Zheng CHEN ; Zhichao LIN ; Zexiong GUO ; Yumin ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(9):709-710
Renal foreign-body is rare in clinical practice. This article reports a case of 12-year-old male patient who presented with intermittent right lumbar stabbing pain for one year. Physical and laboratory examinations showed no significant abnormalities. Enhanced CT and three-dimensional angiography indicated a metal object in the anterior superior pole of the right kidney. The patient had a history of consuming vermicelli frequently over the past year. Considering the medical history and clinical examinations, it was hypothesized that a foreign body had penetrated the duodenum and lodged into the kidney. A foreign body extraction was performed via 3D laparoscopy, confirming the object to be a 25 mm long metallic needle. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Follow-up at six months showed the patient to be in good condition.
7.Naoxinqing Alleviates Non-alcohol Fatty Liver Disease by Promoting Fatty Acid Oxidation via AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway
Shushu WANG ; Guiting ZHOU ; Liwen LIN ; Kachun LU ; Zhichao LIN ; Yuling ZHANG ; Danling CHENG ; Yuxin HAN ; Chun ZHOU ; Rui PENG ; Min LIU ; Chuanjin LUO
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(10):1531-1541
Objective This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Naoxinqing on non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet through network pharmacology,molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods ApoE-/-mice were given a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the NAFLD model,followed by a 12-week Naoxinqing administration. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Naoxinqing on NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet,biochemical and histopathological experiments were performed,including assessment of blood lipids,liver function,serum inflammatory factors,as well as Hematoxylin and eosin (HE),Oil red O,and Sirius red staining of liver. Subsequently,network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were employed to predict the key targets of Naoxinqing. Finally,the mechanism of Naoxinqing was validated by Western Blot in HepG2 cells and liver tissue. Results The results of serum biochemistry and liver tissue pathology showed that Naoxinqing can significantly improve high-fat diet-induced hepatic lipid accumulation,hepatocellular injury,and inflammation. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis results suggested that Naoxinqing may affect lipid metabolism through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway. Finally,in vitro cell experiment confirmed that the main mechanism of Naoxinqing is to activative the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway,upregulate the expression of downstream carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1A),promote fatty acid oxidation,and ultimately improve NAFLD. Conclusion This study demonstrated that Naoxinqing improved NAFLD by promoting fatty acid oxidation through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.
8.Interpretation of Chinese experts consensus on artificial intelligence assisted management for pulmonary nodule (2022 version)
Yaobin LIN ; Yongbin LIN ; Zerui ZHAO ; Zhichao LIN ; Long JIANG ; Bin ZHENG ; Hu LIAO ; Wanpu YAN ; Bin LI ; Luming WANG ; Hao LONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2023;30(05):665-671
The increasing number of pulmonary nodules being detected by computed tomography scans significantly increase the workload of the radiologists for scan interpretation. Limitations of traditional methods for differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules have been increasingly prominent. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to increase the efficiency of discrimination and invasiveness classification for pulmonary nodules and lead to effective nodule management. Chinese Experts Consensus on Artificial Intelligence Assisted Management for Pulmonary Nodule (2022 Version) has been officially released recently. This article closely follows the context, significance, core implications, and the impact of future AI-assisted management on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules. It is hoped that through our joint efforts, we can promote the standardization of management for pulmonary nodules and strive to improve the long-term survival and postoperative life quality of patients with lung cancer.
9.Tissue distribution and analysis of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in NOG mice following single intravenous injection
Zhichao YE ; Guoyu CHEN ; Ruolang PAN ; Yuhua SHI ; Liqiang GU ; Lijuan XIA ; Xiaobo LIN ; Qiang ZHANG ; Shasha XU ; Jinjin SHAO ; Lijiang ZHANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2023;31(12):1573-1580
Objective To establish a quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method for the analysis of human-derived SRY DNA in mouse tissues,and to study the tissue distribution of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(HUCMSCs)in immunodeficient NOG mice after a single intravenous injection.Methods We established a quantitative PCR method for the analysis of human SRY DNA in mouse tissues,and validated the standard curve,linear range,accuracy,precision,and stability.Thirty-six NOG mice(18 male,18 female)were administered 3.5×107 HUCMSCs/kg by single intravenous injection.Six mice were then anesthetized and dissected after blood collection(EDTA anticoagulation)at 6,12,24,and 72 h,and at 1 and 2 weeks,respectively.DNA was extracted from lung,kidney,heart,liver,brain,spinal cord,stomach,small intestine,fat,skin,spleen,testis,uterus,and ovary tissues,and the distribution of HUCMSCs in each tissue was determined by the validated quantitative PCR method for detecting the human-derived SRY gene in mouse tissues.In addition,18 NOG mice(9 male,9 female)were divided into control(n = 6)and treatment groups(n = 12)injected intravenously with 0.9%sodium chloride and 3.5×107 cells/kg,respectively.Acute toxic reactions were observed during the administration period,and four animals were dissected at 72 h and at 2 and 4 weeks after administration to observe the gross organs.Mitochondrial protein expression was detected in paraffin sections of lung tissues by immunohistochemistry to analyze the colonization of HUCMSCs in lung tissues.Results The established RT-qPCR method for human-derived SRY DNA in mouse tissues met the validation criteria for each index.After a single intravenous injection in NOG mice,HUCMSCs were mainly distributed in the lungs and blood within 1 week after administration,with higher concentrations in lung tissues than in blood.The concentrations of HUCMSCs in lung tissue and blood remained relatively stable within 6~24 h and 6~72 h,respectively,and then decreased over time.The distribution of HUCMSCs in other tissues was not measured at all sampling points.The colonization result showed that HUCMSCs were detected in lungs 72 h after intravenous injection,but not at 2 and 4 weeks.No obvious acute toxicity was observed in NOG mice after single intravenous administration of HUCMSCs.Conclusions The above method for analyzing the distribution of HUCMSCs in mouse tissue is reliable and feasible.HUCMSCs were mainly distributed in lung and blood in NOG mice within 1 week after a single intravenous injection,and mainly colonized lung tissue at 72 h.A single intravenous administration of HUCMSCs has a good safety profile.
10.The diagnostic value of glucose transporter 1 level of erythrocyte membrane and glucose uptake rate of erythrocytes in glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome
Lin WAN ; Man WANG ; Yulin SUN ; Zhichao LI ; Yuehao CHEN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Huimin YAN ; Guang YANG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2022;37(10):733-737
Objective:To explore new methods to assist the diagnosis of glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1-DS).Methods:Sixteen children with epilepsy and/or movement disorder carrying the SLC2A1 mutation who admitted to Department of Pediatrics, the First Medical Center, Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital and Department of Nutrition, Shanghai Deji Hospital from October 2019 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.GLUT1-DS was diagnosed based on clinical phenotype, glucose level in CSF and/or genetic testing results.Forty-four healthy children who underwent physical examination in the First Medical Center, Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital during the same period were selected as healthy control group.Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) level on the membrane surface of peripheral red blood cells and erythrocyte glucose uptake rate were measured by flow cytometry and glucose oxidase method, respectively.Their differences between groups were compared by the rank sum test.The receiver operating cha-racteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess their diagnostic value. Results:Sixteen children were diagnosed as GLUT1-DS.GLUT1 levels of 16 children with GLUT1-DS were significantly lower than those of healthy control group [17.96% (13.43%, 22.12%) vs.27.93% (24.76%, 34.30%), Z=5.249, P<0.001]. Area under curve (AUC) was 0.946, and weighted Kappa was 0.791 ( P<0.001). The erythrocyte glucose uptake was measured in 12 children with GLUT1-DS, which was significantly lower than that of healthy control group [23.14% (14.80%, 26.45%) vs.27.40% (24.61%, 32.82%), Z=2.366, P=0.018]. AUC and weighted Kappa were 0.724 and 0.344, respectively ( P<0.001), showing a poor consistency. Conclusions:GLUT1 level on the surface of human erythrocyte membrane measured by flow cytometry may be a new method to assist the diagnosis of GLUT1-DS.The erythrocyte glucose uptake rate test requires stricter experimental conditions and needs further investigation.

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