1.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Research progress of defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses on the control of myopia
Shiwei SHEN ; Lijun JIANG ; Yongwei ZHU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):270-273
In recent years, the incidence of myopia has been increasing alongside the growing global population, emerging as a significant public health challenge worldwide. Individuals with myopia exhibit an elongated axial length, which leads to various structural and functional ocular changes, resulting in the risk of related eye diseases and, in severe cases, blindness. Unfortunately, once myopia develops, it is irreversible. The only way to prevent or slow its progression is through appropriate treatment. The current focal point in myopia prevention and control is the peripheral myopic defocus theory. This paper summarizes the relevant research on defocus incorporated multiple segments(DIMS)lenses, following a systematic analysis of the literature. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of DIMS compared to other myopia control methods, and discusses the application prospects and future directions of defocus lenses represented by DIMS, aiming to provide reference and guidance for the control of myopia progression in children and adolescents.
4.Safety analysis of Yttrium-90 resin microsphere selective internal radiation therapy on malignant liver tumors
Jia CAI ; Shiwei TANG ; Rongli LI ; Mingxin KONG ; Hongyan DING ; Xiaofeng YUAN ; Yuying HU ; Ruimei LIU ; Xiaoyan ZHU ; Wenjun LI ; Haibin ZHANG ; Guanwu WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):24-29
Objective To explore the safety of Yttrium-90 resin microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (90Y-SIRT) on malignant liver tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 64 patients with malignant liver tumors who underwent 90Y-SIRT from February 2023 to November 2024 at Weifang People’s Hospital. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the occurrence of adverse reactions after treatment were analyzed to assess the safety of 90Y-SIRT. Results Among the 64 patients, there were 52 males (81.25%) and 12 females (18.75%); the average age was (56.29±11.08) years. Seven patients (10.94%) had tumors with maximum diameter of less than 5 cm, 38 patients (59.38%) had tumors with maximum diameter of 5-10 cm, and 19 patients (29.68%) had tumors with maximum diameter of greater than 10 cm. There were 47 cases (73.44%) of solitary lesions and 17 cases (26.56%) of multiple lesions; 53 cases (82.81%) were primary liver cancers and 11 cases (17.19%) were metastatic liver cancers. Of the 64 patients, 63 successfully completed the Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) perfusion test and received the 90Y-SIRT; one patient received 90Y-SIRT after the second 99mTc-MAA perfusion test due to a work error. The most common adverse reactions included grade 1 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in 26 cases (40.62%) and grade 2 in 2 cases (9.37%), grade 1 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation in 27 cases (42.18%) and grade 2 in 7 cases (10.93%); grade 1 nausea in 17 cases (26.56%) and grade 2 in 6 cases (9.37%); grade 1 abdominal pain in 12 cases (18.75%), grade 2 in 5 cases (7.81%), and grade 3 in 1 case (1.56%); grade 1 vomiting in 11 cases (17.18%), grade 2 in 5 cases (7.81%), and grade 3 in 1 case (1.56%). Conclusion The adverse reactions of 90Y-SIRT for treating malignant liver tumors are mild, indicating good safety.
5.Protective effects of butyrate on sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction through ferroptosis inhibition
Shiwei WANG ; Lu LI ; Liangfeng GAO ; Changqing ZHU ; Jianfei XIONG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(4):818-823
Objective To investigate the protective effects of butyrate on sepsis-related myocardial dys-function.Methods Thirty healthy 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(SH,n=10),sepsis group(CL,n=10),and butyrate group(BU,n=10).The CL and BU groups underwent cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)to establish sepsis models,while the SH group received the same surgical procedure without cecal ligation or puncture.Within 30 minutes post-opera-tion,the SH and CL groups received 5 mL normal saline via gavage,whereas the BU group was administered 5 mL sodium butyrate solution(500 mg/kg)in normal saline.Cardiac output(CO)and ejection fraction(EF)were compared among the three groups.Myocardial histopathological injury was assessed by HE staining,and mitochondrial ultrastructural damage was observed by electron microscopy.Serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ),and butyrate were compared among groups.Western blot analysis was performed to detect and compare the expression levels of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4(ACSL4)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in myocardial tissues.Results After intervention,the BNP and cTnⅠ levels in the CL group were higher than those in the SH group,while CO and EF were lower than those in the SH group(P<0.05).The BNP and cTnⅠ levels in the BU group were lower than those in the CL group,whereas CO and EF levels were higher than those in the CL group(P<0.05).HE staining of myocardial tissues re-vealed more severe inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial cell edema in the CL group compared with the SH group,while the BU group showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.Mitochondrial membrane in-tegrity was impaired in the CL group manifested by unclear cristae,swelling,vacuolar degeneration and rup-ture,whereas mitochondrial damage was attenuated in the BU group.Serum butyrate levels were measured as(61.7±21.6)μg/mL,(95.3±16.6)μg/mL and(302.2±49.7)μg/mL in the CL,SH and BU groups respec-tively(P<0.05).The ACSL4 expression in the CL group was higher than that in the SH group,while GPX4 protein expression was lower than that in the SH group(P<0.05).The BU group exhibited lower ACSL4 expression and higher GPX4 protein expression compared with the CL group(P<0.05).Conclusion Buty-rate can ameliorate myocardial injury in septic rats,and its protective effect may be associated with the inhibi-tion of myocardial ferroptosis.
6.Analysis of clinical and pathological characteristics of drug-induced live injury based on hepatotoxicity injury patterns
Honghai XU ; Shiwei ZHU ; Hui ZHANG ; Yufeng GAO ; Hua WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2024;40(2):172-178
Purpose To explore the clinical and pathologi-cal features and the relationships between pathological features and drugs of patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)based on the hepatotoxicity injury patterns.Methods The clin-ical data,laboratory indicators,drugs,and liver biopsy of 50 cases of DILI were collected,the expression of CK19 was detec-ted by immunohistochemistry EnVision two-step method,and the reticular scaffold of liver tissue was displayed by Reticular fiber staining.Results Among the 50 patients with DILI,there were 29 cases of hepatocellular DILI,11 cases of cholestatic DILI,and 10 cases of mixed DILI,respectively,with the hepatocellu-lar DILI accounting for the highest proportion(58%).7 catego-ries of drugs induced DILI,with herbal ranking first(52%).Different types of drugs could cause different types of DILI,with herbal induced 17 cases hepatocellular DILI(58.62%)and an-ti-infectious and anticancer drugs induced all 3 cases cholestatic DILI(27.27%).Different types of DILI displayed various pathological characteristics.Hepatocellular congestion,feathery degeneration,and small bile duct thrombosis primarily occur in cholestasis and mixed DILI,while bridging necrosis,sub-large and large necrosis were mainly seen in hepatocellular DILI.Conclusion Based on hepatotoxicity injury patterns,DILI ex-hibits a variety of clinical and pathological characteristics,and there is some relationship between pathological characteristics and drugs.Liver puncture pathological biopsy plays an important role in improving the diagnosis and treatment of DILI.
7.Clinical value of adjuvant therapy after conversion resection for pancreatic cancer
Lingyu ZHU ; Suizhi GAO ; Xinqian WU ; Lingyun GU ; Xiaochao KANG ; Shiwei GUO ; Gang JIN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(5):694-702
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of adjuvant therapy after conversion resection for pancreatic cancer.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 173 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent surgical resection after neoadjuvant and/or induction therapy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021 were collected. There were 107 males and 66 females, aged (59±9)years. Observation indicators: (1) comparison of clinicopathological data between patients with and without adjuvant therapy after conversion resection for pancreatic cancer; (2) analysis of influencing factors for prognosis of pancreatic cancer after conversion resection; (3) follow-up and prognosis; (4) survival benefit of adjuvant therapy in subgroup populations. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the non-parameter rank sum test. The Graphpad prism 8 software was used to draw survival curves, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival time and survival rates, and the Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. The COX proportional hazards regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Interaction analysis was used to determine the benefit of adjuvant therapy in subgroup populations. Results:(1) Comparison of clinicopathological data between patients with and without adjuvant therapy after conversion resection for pancreatic cancer. Of the 173 pancreatic cancer patients, there were 108 cases with adjuvant therapy after conversion resection and 65 cases without adjuvant therapy after conversion resection, respectively. Age and body mass index were (58±9)years and (23.2±2.8)kg/m 2 in patients with adjuvant therapy, versus (61±8)years and (22.2±2.8)kg/m 2 in patients without adjuvant therapy, showing significant differences in the above indicators between them ( t=-2.036, 2.200, P<0.05). (2) Analysis of influencing factors for prognosis of pancreatic cancer after conversion resection. Results of multivariate analysis showed that CA19-9 normalization, pathological N staging, degree of tumor differentiation and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent factors influencing overall survival time in pancreatic cancer patients receiving conversion resection ( hazard ratio=1.598, 1.541, 2.004, 2.571, 95% confidence interval as 1.041-2.453, 1.021-2.327, 1.288-3.118, 1.721-3.843, P<0.05). (3) Follow-up and prognosis. All 173 patients were followed up for 24.5(5.0,52.0)months. The postoperative median overall survival time of 173 patients was 28.9(5.7,51.9)months, and the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 90%, 59%, 40%, respectively. Of 2019, 2020, 2021, the proportions of patients receiving adjuvant therapy after conversion resection were 62.8%(27/43), 57.7%(30/52) and 65.4%(51/78) respectively. The postoperative median overall survival time was 42.2(8.8,49.7)months in patients with adjuvant therapy after conversion resection, versus 20.4(5.7,51.9)months in patients without adjuvant therapy after conversion resection, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=29.893, P<0.05). (4) Survival benefit of adjuvant therapy in subgroup populations. Results of interaction analysis showed that in subgroup populations with CA19-9 normalization, pathological stage N0, pathological stage N1-2, moderate to well differentiated tumors, adjuvant therapy after conversion resection can bring a better survival benefit for patients with pancreatic cancer ( adjustment hazard ratio=0.220, 0.300, 0.410, 0.340, 95% confidence interval as 0.120-0.400, 0.170-0.560, 0.240-0.690, 0.210-0.690). Conclusions:Postoperative adjuvant therapy is an independent factor influencing overall survival time in pancreatic cancer patients receiving conversion resection. Adjuvant therapy after conversion resection can bring additional survival benefits for pancreatic cancer, particularly for patients who respond favorably to neoadjuvant and/or induction therapy.
8.Comparison of effects of absolute scatter correction and relative scatter correction on image quality in PET reconstruction
Changzhi DU ; Xiangxi MENG ; Qing XIE ; Yan ZHANG ; Shiwei LIU ; Feng WANG ; Hua ZHU ; Jiangyuan YU ; Zhi YANG ; Nan LI
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2023;43(8):486-491
Objective:To study the impact of different scattering correction algorithms in the reconstruction of PET/CT images on image artifacts and the precision of quantitative parameters.Methods:The phantom as described in the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU2 standard was filled with 18F. The background activity was fixed, and the activity of the solution in the spheres was adjusted to obtain several configurations, including the normal ratio group (4.08∶1) and the extreme ratio group (200∶1). The surface contamination group with the same ratio as the extreme ratio group contained a small radioactive source with different doses of 18F (74, 37, 3.7 and 0.37 MBq) placed at the surface of the phantom. PET/CT images of 30 patients (21 males, 9 females, age: (44.5±10.2) years) from Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute between July 2012 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 10 with normal images ( 18F-FDG) and 20 with abnormal images (10 with dislocation during acquisition, 10 with surface contamination). The images were reconstructed with relative and absolute scattering correction. The phantom was evaluated using the target to background ratio (TBR) and the artifact classification. CV as well as the artifact classification were used to compare the clinical image quality. Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to analyze data. Results:In the normal ratio group and the extreme ratio group, the TBRs of phantom images reconstructed with relative correction were significantly higher than those with absolute correction (normal ratio group: 3.30(1.94, 4.53) vs 2.72(1.56, 3.56); z=-2.20, P=0.028; extreme ratio group: 105.47(45.62, 162.82) vs 101.36(43.96, 155.57); z=-1.99, P=0.046). In the surface contamination group, with the increase of the activity of the small source, the artifact became more obvious, and the artifact classification score of absolute correction was significantly better than that of relative correction (1.5(1.0, 2.0) vs 2.5(2.0, 3.0); z=-2.00, P=0.046). In the 10 normal 18F-FDG PET/CT patients, the CVliver of the relative correction (9.67%(8.00%, 11.00%)) was significantly lower than that of absolute correction (11.00%(9.00%, 12.00%); z=-2.57, P=0.010), indicating the higher image quality of images with relative correction. In abnormal images, the image quality of absolute correction was significantly higher than that of relative correction with fewer and less severe artifacts (dislocation cases: 9/10 vs 4/10; χ2=5.50, P=0.019; surface contamination cases: 9/10 vs 4/10; χ2=5.50, P=0.019). Conclusions:The relative scattering correction is suitable for normal situations in clinical PET acquisition. However, with dislocation or surface contamination, the absolute scattering correction helps to reduce the artifacts and improve the image quality.
9.Establishment of the quality assessment system for pancreatic cancer surgery: from "single complication assessment" to "textbook outcome"
Lingyu ZHU ; Shiwei GUO ; Gang JIN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2023;61(10):833-838
With the development of neoadjuvant therapy and a multidisciplinary team, the treatment of pancreatic cancer has gradually expanded from "resection" to "cure"."Curative resection" as the core part of the integrated treatment model for patients, its quality directly determines the short-term outcome and affects the long-term prognosis. Previously, the "single complication assessment" model was used to measure the quality of pancreatic cancer surgery. However, the incidence of any specific complication cannot cover the entire surgical procedure, making it difficult to quantify and standardize the interpretation of the outcomes. Recently, the concept of textbook outcome, a comprehensive indicator, has gained popularity in surgical research. Textbook outcome includes multiple complication parameters and reflects optimal surgical outcomes in an "all or none" approach. Implementing a quality improvement program that focuses on textbook outcome will increase the overall standard of complex surgery, ultimately advancing the surgical care of pancreatic cancer in the future. In this article, the latest advances in relevant research are analyzed to provide a brief overview of the textbook outcome of pancreatic cancer.
10.Establishment of the quality assessment system for pancreatic cancer surgery: from "single complication assessment" to "textbook outcome"
Lingyu ZHU ; Shiwei GUO ; Gang JIN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2023;61(10):833-838
With the development of neoadjuvant therapy and a multidisciplinary team, the treatment of pancreatic cancer has gradually expanded from "resection" to "cure"."Curative resection" as the core part of the integrated treatment model for patients, its quality directly determines the short-term outcome and affects the long-term prognosis. Previously, the "single complication assessment" model was used to measure the quality of pancreatic cancer surgery. However, the incidence of any specific complication cannot cover the entire surgical procedure, making it difficult to quantify and standardize the interpretation of the outcomes. Recently, the concept of textbook outcome, a comprehensive indicator, has gained popularity in surgical research. Textbook outcome includes multiple complication parameters and reflects optimal surgical outcomes in an "all or none" approach. Implementing a quality improvement program that focuses on textbook outcome will increase the overall standard of complex surgery, ultimately advancing the surgical care of pancreatic cancer in the future. In this article, the latest advances in relevant research are analyzed to provide a brief overview of the textbook outcome of pancreatic cancer.

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