1.Myocardial Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Shenfu Injection in Ameliorating Energy Metabolism Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Xinyue NING ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Mengna ZHANG ; Yang GUO ; Zhijia XIANG ; Kun LIAN ; Zhixi HU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):178-186
ObjectiveTo examine the influences of Shenfu injection on the endogenous metabolic byproducts in the myocardium of the rat model exhibiting chronic heart failure, thus deciphering the therapeutic mechanism of the Qi-reinforcing and Yang-warming method. MethodsSD rats were randomly allocated into a control group and a modeling group. Chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome in rats was modeled by multi-point subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, and the rats were fed for 14 days after modeling. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, Shenfu injection (6.0 mL·kg-1), and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding agents for 15 days. The control group and the model group were injected with equal doses of normal saline, and the samples were collected after the intervention was completed. Cardiac color ultrasound was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological morphology, and the serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mitochondrial morphological and structural changes of cardiomyocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the metabolic profiling was carried out by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quantitative exactive-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Differential metabolites were screened and identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other methods, and then the MetaboAnalyst database was used for further screening. The relevant biological pathways were obtained through pathway enrichment analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the diagnostic value of each potential biomarker for myocardial injury and the evaluation value for drug efficacy. ResultsThe results of color ultrasound showed that Shenfu Injection improved the cardiac function indexes of model rats (P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that Shenfu injection effectively alleviated the pathological phenomena such as myocardial tissue structure disorder and inflammatory cell infiltration in model rats. The results of ELISA showed that Shenfu injection effectively regulated the serum NT-proBNP level in the model rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Shenfu injection effectively restored the mitochondrial morphological structure. The results of metabolomics showed that the metabolic phenotypes of myocardial samples presented markedly differences between groups. Nine differential metabolites could be significantly reversed in the Shenfu injection group, involving three metabolic pathways: pyruvate metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle (TCA cycle). The results of ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of all metabolites were between 0.75 and 1.0, indicating that the differential metabolites had high diagnostic accuracy for myocardial injury, and the changes in their expression levels could be used as potential markers for efficacy evaluation. ConclusionShenfu injection significantly alleviated the damage of cardiac function, myocardium, and mitochondrial structure in the rat model of chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome by ameliorating energy metabolism remodeling. Reinforcing Qi and warming Yang is a key method for treating chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome.
2.Relationship between non-suicidal self-injury behaviors, impulsivity, and emotional regulation in adolescents with depressive disorder
Mingfei ZHANG ; Xinyu CHEN ; Fang LIANG ; Zhe CHEN ; Lu QIAN ; Zhijia LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):21-26
BackgroundAdolescents with depressive disorder often engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, which severely impacts their physical and mental health. Impulsivity and emotional regulation are key factors influencing NSSI behaviors. However, research on the mechanisms through which impulsivity and emotional regulation affect NSSI behaviors in adolescent depressive disorder patients with NSSI remains insufficient, limiting the development of effective intervention strategies. ObjectiveTo explore the differences in impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities between adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by and without NSSI behaviors, and to analyze the association between NSSI behaviors and impulsivity and emotion regulation abilities in adolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors. MethodsA total of 184 adolescents hospitalized in the child and adolescent psychiatry department of Wuxi Mental Health Center from October 2023 to August 2024, who met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were consecutively enrolled as study subjects. Based on the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in DSM-5, patients were divided into NSSI group (n=108) and non-NSSI group (n=76). The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire, and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) were used for assessment. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to explore the correlation between the scores of the Adolescent Self-Harm Questionnaire and the scores of BIS-11 and ERQ in the NSSI group. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of impulsivity and emotion regulation on NSSI behaviors in the NSSI group. ResultsCompared to the non-NSSI group, the NSSI group showed significantly higher scores in BIS-11 non-planned impulsivity (Z=-4.181, P<0.05), action impulsivity (t=4.944, P<0.05), cognitive impulsivity (Z=-3.392, P<0.05), and total score (t=4.763, P<0.05), and lower scores in the cognitive reappraisal of ERQ (t=-4.094, P<0.05) and total score (Z=-2.299, P<0.05), and higher scores in the expression inhibition of ERQ (Z=-3.019, P<0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that the score of the adolescent self-harm questionnaire in the NSSI group was positively correlated with the behavioral impulsivity factor score in the BIS-11 (r=0.434, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that action impulsivity factor was a significant correlate of self-injury behaviors in the NSSI group (B=0.855, P<0.05), explaining 22.30% of the total variance. ConclusionAdolescent patients with depressive disorder accompanied by NSSI behaviors exhibit higher levels of impulsivity and poorer emotional regulation abilities. Action impulsivity may play a significant role in the mechanism of NSSI behaviors. [Funded by Wuxi Municipal Health Commission Research Project (number, Q202320)]
3.Effect of different liver biopsy needle track management on Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy on liver cancer
Zhenyuan XU ; Xue LIU ; Shuqun SHEN ; Zhijia XU ; Changkai LI ; Yefa YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):288-294
Objective To explore the effect of different needle track management on Yttrium-90 microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (90Y-SIRT) on liver cancer after liver biopsy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 21 patients with liver cancer who underwent Technetium-99m-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) evaluation and 90Y-SIRT after liver biopsy from June 2023 to December 2024. The methods of needle track management, hepatic arteriovenous shunting, and lung shunt fraction (LSF) were recorded. The occurrence of hepatic arteriovenous fistula (HAVF), as well as the corresponding countermeasures were analyzed. Results Among the 21 liver cancer patients, 7 cases (medical glue group) underwent embolization of the needle tract with medical glue (N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) immediately after biopsy, and no significant HAVF was observed during the 99mTc-MAA tests; 14 cases (non-medical glue group) were treated with delayed needle extraction or gelatin sponge particle blocking after biopsy, among which 7 cases developed significant HAVF, and the fistulas were treated with NBCA. The LSF of the medical glue group was significantly lower than that of the non-medical glue group ([7.06±2.33] % vs [12.43±7.73] %, P=0.037). All 21 patients successfully completed 90Y-SIRT. Conclusions Liver biopsy may affect 90Y-SIRT by causing iatrogenic HAVF. Immediate NBCA-embolization of the needle tract after biopsy or timely NBCA-embolization of fistulas during 99mTc-MAA tests may reduce the impact.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Jiaqin MOU ; Wenjing LI ; Yanzhu MA ; Yue ZHOU ; Wenfeng YAN ; Shijun YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):241-251
By systematically combing ancient and modern literature, this paper examined Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen(ACS) used in the famous classical formulas from the aspects of name, origin, production area, harvesting and processing, clinical efficacy, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing such medicinal materials. The results showed that the names of Tribuli Fructus in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its morphology, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Cijili and Dujili. The name of ACS in the past dynasties were mostly originated from its production areas, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Shayuan Jili and Tongjili. Because both of them had the name of Baijili, confusion began to appear in the Song dynasty. In ancient and modern times, the main origin of Tribuli Fructus were Tribulus terrestris, and ancient literature recorded the genuine producing areas of Tribuli Fructus was Dali in Shaanxi and Tianshui in Gansu, but today it is mainly cultivated in Anhui and Shandong. The fruit is the medicinal part, harvested in autumn throughout history. There is no description of the quality of Tribuli Fructus in ancient times, and the plump, firm texture, grayish-white color is the best in modern times. Traditional processing methods for Tribuli Fructus included stir-frying and wine processing, while modern commonly used is purified, fried and salt-processed. The ancient records of Tribuli Fructus were spicy, bitter, and warm in nature, with modern research adding that it is slightly toxic. The main effects of ancient and modern times include treating wind disorders, improving vision, promoting muscle growth, and treating vitiligo. The mainstream base of ACS used throughout history is Astragalus complanatus. Ancient texts indicated ACS primarily originated from Shaanxi province. Today, the finest varieties come from Tongguan and Dali in Shaanxi. The medicinal part is the seed, traditionally harvested in autumn. Modern harvesting occurs in late autumn or early winter, followed by sun-drying. Ancient texts valued seeds with a fragrant aroma as superior, while modern standards prioritize plump, uniform and free of impurities. Traditional processing methods for ACS included frying until blackened and wine-frying, while modern practice commonly employs purification methods. In terms of medicinal properties, the ancient and modern records are sweet and warm in nature. Due to originally classified under Tribuli Fructus, its effects were thus regarded as equivalent to those of Tribuli Fructus, serving as the medicine for treating wind disorders, additional functions included tonifying the kidneys and treating vitiligo. The present record of its efficacy is to tonify the kidney and promote Yang, solidify sperm and reduce urine, nourish the liver and brighten the eye, etc. Based on the textual research results, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas of Tribuli Fructus medicinal materials, we should pay attention to the specific reference object of Baijili, T. terrestris and A. complanatus should be identified and selected, and the processing method should be in accordance with the requirements of the formulas.
6.Advances in traditional Chinese medicine treatment of liver fibrosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Zhijia ZHOU ; Xinyue LI ; Chao ZHENG ; Xuehua SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):1968-1974
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become one of the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, and its progression to liver fibrosis is a key influencing factor for prognosis and the risk of complications. In recent years, novel drugs, such as selective thyroid hormone receptor-β agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and fibroblast growth factor 21 analogs, have shown preliminary efficacy in the treatment of MAFLD-related liver fibrosis; however, such drugs have limited overall effectiveness, and there is still a lack of ideal therapeutic strategy to address the disease across its different stages. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its characteristics of multiple targets and systemic regulation, has shown unique advantages in this field. This article systematically reviews the basic and clinical research on the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of compound TCM prescriptions and their active components in recent years, focusing on the key processes including hepatic stellate cell activation, lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress, immune inflammation, and gut-liver axis dysfunction. Meanwhile, it is pointed out that there are still certain issues in current research, including ambiguities in the clarification of mechanisms, a lack of standardized evaluation systems, and the need to improve the quality of clinical evidence. Future research should emphasize the standardization and quality control of TCM herbal preparations and integrate emerging technologies, such as omics analysis, organoid models, and real-world data, to advance TCM intervention of MAFLD-related liver fibrosis toward well-defined mechanisms, clear therapeutic pathways, and robust scientific evidence. TCM is expected to play a vital role in the multi-dimensional targeted intervention and stage-specific management of MAFLD-related liver fibrosis, in order to provide new perspectives and comprehensive solutions for the precise treatment of chronic liver diseases.
7.GPX7 regulates proliferation and senescence of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the PI3K-AKT pathway
Ruiguan WANG ; Jing WANG ; Maohui YAN ; Xinji LI ; Zhijia SUN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(17):2028-2038
Objective To investigate the effects of glutathione peroxidase 7(GPX7)on the proliferation and senescence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells and its potential value as a therapeutic target.Methods Clinical and transcriptomic data from HCC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between GPX7 expression and prognosis.Western blotting,qRT-PCR,CCK-8 assay,EdU staining,and SA-β-Gal staining were employed to compare the expression and function of GPX7 in HCC cell lines and normal liver cells.A stable GPX7-knockdown Hep3B cell line was established,and transcriptomic changes were analyzed using RNA-seq.The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and its activator 740 Y-P were utilized to determine the role of GPX7 in regulating cell senescence via the PI3K-AKT pathway.An orthotopic xenograft model was constructed using 18 male nude mice(6 weeks old,18~22 g)to observe tumor growth.Tumor and adjacent tissue samples from 56 HCC patients(obtained from the Eighth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2012 and December 2022)were analyzed to assess the relationship between GPX7 expression and clinicopathological features.Results TCGA data analysis revealed that GPX7 was significantly highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues(P<0.01),and the patients with high GPX7 expression had obviously shorter overall survival(OS)(P=0.018).Western blotting and qRT-PCR showed that the expression level of GPX7 was notably higher in the HCC cell lines than the normal liver cells(P<0.01).After GPX7 knockdown,the CCK-8 absorbance values of HCC cells were significantly reduced(P<0.01),the proportion of EdU-positive cells was obviously decreased(P<0.01),and the proportion of SA-β-Gal positive cells was notably increased(P<0.01).RNA-seq analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway(P<0.05).The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 significantly enhanced the GPX7 knockdown-induced cell senescence(P<0.01),while the activator 740 Y-P partially reversed this effect(P<0.05).In the xenograft model,GPX7 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice(P<0.01),and the PI3K activator 740 Y-P partially reversed this effect(P<0.01).Clinical sample analysis displayed that high GPX7 expression was negatively correlated with tumor differentiation(P<0.05),and its high expression was associated with shortened OS(HR=2.61,95%CI:1.26~5.39,P=0.005).Conclusion GPX7 regulates cell proliferation and senescence through the PI3K-AKT pathway,and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
8.Construction of MMSN@Gem and its inhibition of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in human bladder cancer cell line BIU-87
Daya WANG ; Zhijia LI ; Dewei ZHAO ; Ximeng CHEN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(6):777-785
Objective To prepare a multifunctional mesoporous silica-based nanocarrier system(MMSN@Gem)with gemcitabine and investigate its effect on bladder cancer cells BIU-87.Methods The multifunctional meso-porous silica-based nano drug-carrying system was prepared by a modified method.Transmission electron microsco-py,high-performance liquid chromatography,and thermal imaging were used to characterize the morphology,drug-carrying and photothermal properties of MMSN@Gem.The effect of MMSN@Gem on BIU-87 bladder cancer cells was detected by in vitro experiments.Results MMSN@Gem exhibited a well-defined spherical morphology with an average particle size of(102.48±1.03)nm with a drug loading capacity of 25.04%±0.17%,and an average zeta potential of(-24.84±0.07)mV.The photothermal conversion efficiency was 40.7%which significantly enhanced the release of Gem under near-infrared irradiation.In vitro studies showed that MMSN@Gem significantly inhibited BIU-87 cell activity,induced apoptosis of BIU-87 cells,reduced migration and invasion ability,and enhanced its uptake by BIU-87 cells.Conclusions MMSN@Gem exhibits excellent photothermal properties,enhances cellular uptake efficiency,inhibits the proliferation and migration of BIU-87 cells,and promotes apoptosis,providing a promising drug delivery system for the clinical treatment of bladder cancer.
9.Knockdown of IGFBP7 promotes temozolomide sensitivity in glioma cells by inducing DNA damage and cellular senescence
Xiaoen GENG ; Zhijia SUN ; Jiangbo LI ; Zhe ZHOU
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(10):728-737
Objective To investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7(IGFBP7)on the sensitivity of glioma cells to temozolomide(TMZ)and the related mechanism.Methods IGFBP7 mRNA expression levels in TMZ-sensitive(U87 TMZ-S,U251 TMZ-S)and TMZ-resistant(U87 TMZ-R,U251 TMZ-R)glioma cells were analyzed using RNA sequencing data from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)dataset GSE151680.TMZ-resistant U87 and U251 cell lines were established via stepwise dose escalation.IGFBP7 expressions in TMZ-R cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blotting.IGFBP7 was stably knock-downed in TMZ-R cells while IGFBP7 was stably overexpressed in TMZ-S cells using lentiviral infection.Cell viability,migration,invasion and TMZ sensitivity were assessed using CCK-8 assay,apoptosis assay,wound healing assay,Transwell invasion assay and colony formation assay respectively.Cellular senescence was detected by β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining.The expression levels of senescence molecular markers cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1(p21)and tumor protein p53(p53),as well as DNA damage marker γ-H2A histone family member X(γ-H2AX)were determined by Western blotting.The differences in mRNA expressions of IGFBP7 between glioma tissues and normal tissues as well as the correlations with the overall survival of glioma patients were analyzed using the cancer genome atlas(TCGA),Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas(CGGA),genotype-tissue expression(GTEx)database.Results Compared to normal glioma cells,IGFBP7 expressions were significantly elevated in TMZ-R glioma cells.Overexpression of IGFBP7 in TMZ-S glioma cells enhanced cell viability but suppressed apoptosis following TMZ treatment.The expressions of senescence-associated marker(p21,p53)and DNA damage marker(γ-H2AX)were upregulated in these cells.Notably,IGFBP7 expressions were significantly higher in glioma tissues than in normal tissues,and high IGFBP7 expressions were associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients.Conclusion Knockdown of IGFBP7 promotes TMZ-induced cell senescence and DNA damage,thereby enhancing the sensitivity of gliomas cells to TMZ.
10.Composite Manipulation in the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures(A3):A Finite Element Study
Wenchao LI ; Pengfei YU ; Zhijia MA ; Guangye ZHU ; Daixinpeng ZHAN ; Chao LI ; Zihang LI ; Zhenyu TANG ; Hongwei LI
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(5):903-909
Objective To analyze thoracolumbar vertebral fractures(A3)treated by multiple manipulations using the finite element method and to explore the feasibility and advantages of the composite surgical method for treating thoracolumbar vertebral fractures(A3).Methods For three-dimensional reconstruction of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures(A3),the model was loaded with simulated hyperextension posture restoration,simple press restoration,press restoration under hyperextension posture,and composite manipulation.Subsequentially,the stress distribution of the model and displacement of the fractured vertebral body were observed.Results The equivalent stress under composite manipulation was 111.88 MPa,which was greater than that under other manipulations,and the stress under composite manipulation was more concentrated in the anterior and middle columns of the vertebral body.The peak stress under composite manipulation was 122.53 MPa,which was greater than that under other manipulations,and the stress was centrally distributed in fracture region of the fractured vertebral body.The fracture displacement under composite manipulation was 3.94 mm,which was greater than that under other manipulations,and the displacement distribution decreased from the posterior column to the anterior mid-column.The anterior longitudinal and intertransverse interligamentous ligaments of the fractured vertebral body experienced the greatest stress under composite manipulation,and the joint capsule ligaments experienced the greatest stress under hyperextension postural restoration,simple press restoration,and press restoration under the hyperextension posture.Conclusions Compound manipulation for treating thoracolumbar vertebral fractures(A3)has obvious advantages over other manipulative restorations and is a reasonable program for the current treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures(A3).

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