1.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
2.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
3.Predictive value of CTP parameters combined with serum PAC-1 level and HAT score for hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in acute cerebral infarction
Zhixi CHEN ; Wei YAO ; Wei LIU ; Jie WANG ; Xingning ZHOU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(20):2446-2451
Objective To investigate the predictive value of CT perfusion imaging(CTP)parameters com-bined with platelet activator combined-1(PAC-1)level and hemorrhage after thrombolysis(HAT)score for hemorrhagic transformation(HT)after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods A total of 162 patients with ACI who were treated with intravenous thrombolysis in Cheng-du 363 Hospital from January 2022 to April 2023 were selected.All patients underwent head CT examination(including plain scan and CTP)before intravenous thrombolytic therapy,and serum PAC-1 level and HAT score were measured at admission.According to whether HT occurred after intravenous thrombolysis,the pa-tients were divided into HT group(HT group)and non-HT group(non-HT group).The differences of CTP parameters,serum PAC-1 level and HAT score between the two groups were compared.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of HT after intravenous thrombolysis in ACI pa-tients.The predictive value of CTP parameters combined with serum PAC-1 and HAT scores alone and in combination for HT after intravenous thrombolysis in ACI patients was evaluated by drawing the receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curve and calculating the area under the curve(AUC).Results The cerebral blood flow and blood volume in the HT group were significantly lower than those in the non-HT group(P<0.05),while the serum PAC-1 level,peak time,mean transit time,flow extraction product,and HAT score were significantly higher than those in the non-HT group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CTP integration parameters which were composed of cerebral blood flow,cerebral blood volume,peak time,mean transit time and flow extraction product,serum PAC-1 level and HAT score were independ-ent risk factors for HT after intravenous thrombolysis in ACI patients(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that CTP integration parameters,serum PAC-1 level and HAT score all had certain predictive value for HT in ACI patients after intravenous thrombolysis,and their AUC and 95%CI were 0.766(95%CI:0.605-0.915),0.702(95%CI:0.451-0.955)and 0.741(95%CI:0.551-0.923),respectively.The com-bined application of CTP integration parameters,serum PAC-1 levels,and HAT scores significantly improved the predictive performance,and its AUC was 0.856(95%CI:0.750-0.951),which was higher than those of each index alone(Zcombination-CTP=2.177,P=0.032,Zcombination-PAC-1=2.917,P=0.004,Zcombination-HAT=2.537,P=0.013).Conclusion The combination of CTP integration parameters which are composed of cerebral blood flow,cerebral blood volume,peak time,mean transit time and flow extraction product,and serum PAC-1 level and HAT score has high predictive value for HT after intravenous thrombolysis in ACI patients,and has high clinical application potential.
4.Selection and Weight Determination of Diagnostic Items for Qi Stagnation Syndrome Based on Delphi Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Xuan ZHOU ; Ge FANG ; Qingyu MA ; Xiaojuan LI ; Yongxin LI ; Zhixi HU ; Xiantao LI ; Jiaxu CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(21):2211-2216
ObjectiveUsing the Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to screen diagnostic items for qi stagnation syndrome and determine their weights, providing a reference for the development of a diagnostic scale of qi stagnation syndrome. MethodsLiterature related to qi stagnation syndrome were screened from databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed (from inception to October 31, 2020). Through systematic review of literature and expert discussions, the information on the four examinations of traditional Chinese medicine were organized and an item pool was constructed. The Delphi method was used to screen the item indicators, while the AHP was employed to determine their weights. Statistical methods such as mean value, full score ratio, rank sum, unimportant percentage, and coefficient of variation were used for item screening, with the weights calculated by AHP serving as the item weights. ResultsA total of 235 articles and books were included for analysis, resulting in an item pool of 16 items. After three rounds of expert consultation, a total of 84 valid questionnaires were collected, with a total expert enthusiasm coefficient of 99% and authority coefficient of 0.86, 0.84, 0.83, respectively, and the coordination coefficients were 0.45, 0.49, and 0.29, respectively. Through the statistics analysis, 8 diagnosis items were screened out, including distension (stuffi-ness) or distending pain or scurrying pain, wiry pulse, depressed emotions, frequent sighing, deep and wiry pulse, irritability, pale red tongue, and thin white coating. The AHP showed that the order of weights of the first-level indicators from high to low was clinical symptoms, pulse manifestation, and tongue manifestation; the order of weights of the second-level indicators from high to low was distension (stuffiness) or distending pain or scurrying pain, wiry pulse, depressed emotions, frequent sighing, deep and wiry pulse, irritability, pale red tongue, and thin white coating. ConclusionBy applying the Delphi method and AHP to analyze and evaluate the diagnostic items for qi stagnation syndrome, key diagnostic items were screened and their weights determined, laying the foundation for the development of a diagnostic scale for qi stagnation syndrome.
5.Analysis of the prevalence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-positive drug-resistant bacteria in China from 2017 to 2023
Kexin LI ; Yang XIAO ; Mingliang CHEN ; Shengshu WANG ; Boqian WANG ; Zhixi PENG ; Shengnan LIANG ; Hongguang REN ; Hongbin SONG ; Xiaofeng HU
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(12):907-913
Objective To comprehensively analyze the epidemiological characteristics and resistance mechanisms of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase(NDM)-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria in China.Methods Relevant literatures on NDM-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria discovered in China were searched in the CNKI and PubMed databases(publications from January 1,2017 to December 31,2023).The epidemiological analysis was conducted on the types of NDM-positive bacterial strains,their regional distribution,infection sources,resistance profiles,and transfer mechanisms.Results A total of 118 eligible articles were collected,reporting 1627 NDM-positive bacterial strains.The number of reports increased annually from 2011 to 2019,but began to decline annually from 2020 onwards.NDM-1 and NDM-5 were the most commonly reported variants.The highest number of reports came from Eastern China,followed by Central China and North China.The primary pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli,and Enterobacter cloacae.The age distribution of patients with NDM-positive infections showed distinct patterns,with neonates and children accounting for 27.25%and patients over 50 years old accounting for 49.57%.The majority of positive bacterial infections came from sputum(38.28%),urine(28.94%),and blood(23.28%).The main departments reporting NDM-positive bacteria were the ICU(39.93%)and pediatrics(20.14%).These resistant bacteria exhibited resistance to more than 50.00%of antibiotics,with lower resistance to colistin and tigecycline(below 30.00%).The predominant plasmid type carrying the blaNDMwas IncX3,and the insertion sequences upstream and downstream of the blaNDM showed diversity.Conclusion NDM-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria are widely prevalent across regions in China,exhibiting multidrug-resistance.This poses significant challenges to clinical antibiotic selection and necessitates the development of effective countermeasures.
6.Establishment the Evaluation System of the Diagnostic Scale for Gastrointestinal Qi Stagnation Syndrome
Ge FANG ; Yuquan TAN ; Xingyu FAN ; Siyuan HU ; Fei WANG ; Jiaxu CHEN ; Xiantao LI ; Zhixi HU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;25(10):3377-3383
Objective To establish a preliminary evaluation system for gastrointestinal qi stagnation syndrome.Methods On the basis of the systematic evaluation of medical literature in the early stage of the research group,24 high-frequency items were subjected to Delphi method,the item indexes were determined through three rounds of expert consultation,and the proportion value of the indexes was determined by AHP,and the evaluation system of gastrointestinal qi stagnation syndrome was initially constructed.Results A total of 84 valid questionnaires were collected by three rounds of Delphi method,including 15 in the first round,32 in the second round and 37 in the third round.According to the statistics,16 items including distention(stuffy)or distending pain or moving pain(epigastric,abdominal,etc.),belching,borborygmus,flatus,etc.were selected.The order of the proportion of the first level indexes obtained by the analytic hierarchy process from high to low is:clinical symptoms,pulse,tongue;The proportion of secondary indicators from high to low is as follows:distention(stuffy)or distending pain or moving pain(epigastric,abdominal,etc.),pulse string,greasy fur,thin white fur,slippery pulse string,pulse sinking string,light red tongue,flatus,borborygmus,belching,induced or aggravated in case of emotional distress,hiccup,abdominal mass,anorexia,vomiting,belching and swallowing acid.Conclusion Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process have been used to study gastrointestinal qi stagnation syndrome,and an evaluation system has been preliminarily formed.The index structure is reasonable,targeted and has strong clinical practicability.
7.Development of a nomogram prediction model based on 3D quantitative parameters for mediastinal lymph node metastases in clinical stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma
Zhixi LI ; Yongjun PAN ; Zhikang YE ; Yingjun ZHOU ; Guoneng CHEN ; Zhichao ZUO ; Wei ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2023;39(12):1936-1940
Objective To develop a nomogram based on pulmonary nodules preoperative CT signs and 3D quantitative parameters for predicting mediastinal lymph node metastases in patients with clinical stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma.Methods The imaging data of 164 patients who underwent preoperative CT scan and systematic lymph node dissection were analyzed retrospectively.Commercially available AI software was used to extract 3D quantitative parameters of pulmonary nodules automatically,and CT signs of pulmonary nodules were analyzed.Logistic regression was used to explore the role of these parameters in predicting pathological nodal involvement.A nomogram prediction model was established,then discrimination and calibration of the model were evaluated.Results Among 164 enrolled patients,19(11.6%)were tested positive for mediastinal lymph node metastases at pathology review.The nomogram incorporated spiculation,lobulation,the largest cross-sectional area,and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA).The model showed great discrimination and calibration,with a C-index of 0.942[95%confidence interval(CI)0.923-0.961].The predicted value of the model fitted well with the actual observed value on the calibration curve.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model based on preoperative CT signs,3D quantitative parameters,and CEA can estimate the probability of mediastinal lymph node metastases in clinical stage ⅠA lung adenocarcinoma.This model may help with clinical decision-making and individualized evaluation.
9.Recent advances in research on chelators as metallo-β-lactamase inhibitors
Zhixi ZHU ; Jielin ZHANG ; Yijun CHEN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2022;53(4):410-422
The major reason for the resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to β-lactam antibiotics is the expression of β-lactamases.Metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) hydrolyze almost all types of β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems, posing a challenge to global public health. Developing MBL inhibitors is an important method to treat the infections caused by resistant bacteria. As an important type of MBL inhibitors, chelating agents can inhibit MBL by chelating, stripping, and binding Zn2+ in the active center of MBL.This review summarizes recent publications on chelators as MBL inhibitors, discussing their chemical structures, inhibitory potency, synergistic effects with antibiotics, selectivity and mechanism of action, including EDTA and related compounds, aspergillomarasmine A (AMA) and its derivatives, NOTA and related compounds, pyridine carboxylic acid and pyridine methylamine compounds, aiming to provide reference for future development of potent, selective and safe clinical MBL inhibitors.
10.Global Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles Provides Novel Insights into the Development and Evolution of the Large Crustacean Eriocheir sinensis
Wang JUN ; Chen XIAOWEN ; He FUNAN ; Song XIAO ; Huang SHU ; Yue WUCHENG ; Chen YIPEI ; Su ZHIXI ; Wang CHENGHUI
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics 2020;18(4):443-454
Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is an important aquaculture species in Crustacea. Functional analysis, although essential, has been hindered due to the lack of sufficient genomic or transcriptomic resources. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on 59 samples rep-resenting diverse developmental stages (fertilized eggs, zoea, megalopa, three sub-stages of larvae, juvenile crabs, and adult crabs) and different tissues (eyestalk, hepatopancreas, and muscle from juvenile crabs, and eyestalk, hepatopancreas, muscle, heart, stomach, gill, thoracic ganglia, intes-tine, ovary, and testis from adult crabs) of E. sinensis. A comprehensive reference transcriptome was assembled, including 19,023 protein-coding genes. Hierarchical clustering based on 128 differ-entially expressed cuticle-related genes revealed two distinct expression patterns during the early lar-val developmental stages, demonstrating the distinct roles of these genes in 'crab-like"cuticle formation during metamorphosis and cuticle calcification after molting. Phylogenetic analysis of 1406 one-to-one orthologous gene families identified from seven arthropod species andCaenorhabditis elegans strongly supported the hypothesis that Malacostraca and Branchiopoda do not form a monophyletic group. Furthermore, Branchiopoda is more phylogenetically closely related to Hexapoda, and the clade of Hexapoda and Branchiopoda and the clade of Malacostraca belong to the Pancrustacea. This study offers a high-quality transcriptome resource for E. sinensis and demonstrates the evolutionary relationships of major arthropod groups. The differentially expressed genes identified in this study facilitate further investigation of the cuticle-related gene expression networks which are likely associated with'crab-like"cuticle formation during metamor-phosis and cuticle calcification after molting.

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