1.Clinical and Mechanistic Research Progress on Classical Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
Guo YANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Ziyang YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):256-265
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by impaired ventricular ejection function due to cardiac abnormalities, representing the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases. With its rising prevalence and significant impact on patients' quality of life, CHF has emerged as a major global public health concern. Current Western medicine treatments mainly involve the oral administration of the "new quadruple therapy" drugs and diuretics. Despite substantial progress in pathological research and clinical treatment, challenges persist, including considerable side effects, drug resistance, and marked interindividual variability in therapeutic response. Therefore, exploring and leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating CHF has become an urgent research priority. TCM has a millennia-long history in the prevention and treatment of heart failure, accumulating extensive clinical experience. Characterized by its multi-component and multi-target properties, TCM enables holistic regulation of multiple systemic functions and intervention in the progression of heart failure, demonstrating significant clinical relevance in its management. By employing therapeutic strategies such as warming Yang, promoting diuresis, replenishing Qi, nourishing Yin, and activating blood circulation, TCM effectively improves myocardial fibrosis, inhibits oxidative stress responses, enhances myocardial contractility, and ameliorates ventricular remodeling. Modern proprietary Chinese medicines derived from classic formulas, based on the theoretical foundation of traditional prescriptions, not only exhibit favorable clinical efficacy but also offer notable advantages in convenience, stability, and safety. This review systematically examined the significant therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of classical TCM formulas in the treatment of CHF, and provided an overview of the clinical application of modern proprietary Chinese medicines. It aims to provide new strategies for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
2.Mechanism of Ferroptosis in Regulating Chronic Heart Failure and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Based on Qi Deficiency and Stagnation: A Review
Ziyang YUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Wenjun MAO ; Guo YANG ; Xuewei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):248-255
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome, with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations, and it is characterized by complex disease conditions, difficult cure, and high mortality. Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death, is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent, accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage, becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi, blood, and body fluid, which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi (heart Qi) is the root cause of CHF, and stagnation (phlegm turbidity and blood stasis) is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of CHF, improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore, this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.
3.Discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors driven by artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulation approaches
Xingang LIU ; Hao YANG ; Xinyu LIU ; Minjie MOU ; Jie LIU ; Wenying YAN ; Tianle NIU ; Ziyang ZHANG ; He SHI ; Xiangdong SU ; Xuedong LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1860-1872
Increasing evidence showed that histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6)dysfunction is directly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases,especially cancers,making the development of HDAC6-targeted anti-tumor agents a research hotspot.In this study,artificial intelligence(AI)technology and molecular simulation strategies were fully integrated to construct an efficient and precise drug screening pipeline,which combined Voting strategy based on compound-protein interaction(CPI)prediction models,cascade molecular docking,and molecular dynamic(MD)simulations.The biological potential of the screened compounds was further evaluated through enzymatic and cellular activity assays.Among the identified compounds,Cmpd.18 exhibited more potent HDAC6 enzyme inhibitory activity(IC50=5.41 nM)than that of tubastatin A(TubA)(IC50=15.11 nM),along with a favorable subtype selectivity profile(selectivity index ≈ 117.23 for HDAC1),which was further verified by the Western blot analysis.Additionally,Cmpd.18 induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells,exerting desirable antiproliferative activity(IC50=2.59 μM).Furthermore,based on long-term MD simulation trajectory,the key residues facilitating Cmpd.18's binding were identified by decomposition free energy analysis,thereby elucidating its binding mechanism.Moreover,the representative conformation analysis also indicated that Cmpd.18 could stably bind to the active pocket in an effective conformation,thus demonstrating the potential for in-depth research of the 2-(2-phenoxyethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one scaffold.
4.A qualitative study on the self-growth of caregivers of adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury
GAO Zhiyuan, YAN Fang, JI Ziyang, ZHANG Donghong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1776-1781
Objective:
To explore the experience of self growth among caregivers of adolescents with non suicidal self injury (NSSI), so as to provide practical reference for improving the family support system of adolescents with NSSI.
Methods:
From August to November 2023, a purposive sampling method was used to select 21 caregivers of adolescents with NSSI who were treated in a tertiary grade A psychiatric hospital in Xinxiang City, Henan Province for semi structured in depth interviews. The Colaizzi s seven step qualitative analysis method was applied to analyze the data and extract themes related to caregiver growth
Results:
A total of 5 themes and 12 sub themes of benefit finding were extracted from caregivers of adolescents with NSSI: personal growth (increased psychological resilience, enhanced awareness of independent learning, improved self reflection ability, better understanding and acceptance of NSSI behaviors in adolescents), improvement of family relationships (improved parent-child relationship, improved relationships among family members), perceived social support (more peer support, support from close friends), improvement of caregiving ability (creating a favorable rehabilitation environment, improved caregiving skills), and changes in life and education attitudes (adopting a healthier lifestyle, reasonably adjusting expectations for children).
Conclusions
During the process of caring for adolescents with NSSI, caregivers from positive experiences in multiple aspects such as personal growth, family relationships, social support, and life education attitudes. Improving the mental health level of caregivers and optimize the family rehabilitation environment, will help reduce the occurrence of NSSI behaviors among adolescents.
5.Celecoxib improves right heart function in mice after acute high-altitude hypoxia exposure by increasing 12,13-diHOME level
Wei ZHANG ; Xinyu BAO ; Xiaoyue LAI ; Xiaoqin WAN ; Yan TAN ; Hongjun YIN ; Xiaoshi CAI ; Dingyuan TIAN ; Ziyang WANG ; Pan ZHENG ; Fang DENG ; Zhihui ZHANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2289-2301
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanisms of celecoxib on right heart function in mice with acute high-altitude hypoxia exposure.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice(7 weeks old)were housed in a hypobaric chamber simulating an altitude of 5 800 m for 2 d to establish an animal model of acute hypobaric hypoxia.①Eighteen mice were randomly assigned to plain+saline(P+S),high-altitude hypoxia exposure+saline(H+S),and high-altitude hypoxia exposure+celecoxib(H+Cel).Body weight and routine blood indicators were measured,and cardiac ultrasound examination were performed for heart rate(HR),pulmonary artery acceleration time to ejection time ratio(AT/ET),tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE),tricuspid annular systolic velocity(S'),and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and fractional shortening(FS).Targeted metabolomic profiling was applied to detect the cardiac arachidonic acid(AA)metabolite levels.The contents of 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid(12,13-diHOME)in the heart,liver,brown adipose tissue,and plasma were quantified by ELISA.② Eighteen mice were randomly assigned into plain+saline(P+S),high-altitude hypoxia exposure+saline(H+S)and high-altitude hypoxia exposure+12,13-diHOME(H+di)groups.Body weight,routine blood tests,and echocardiography were performed as above.③ Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into high-altitude hypoxia exposure+saline(H+S),high-altitude hypoxia exposure+celecoxib(H+Cel),high-altitude hypoxia exposure+soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor(sEHI)(H+sEHI),and high-altitude hypoxia exposure+sEHI+celecoxib(H+sEHI+Cel)groups.Body weight,routine blood tests,and echocardiography were performed as above.Cardiac and plasma contents of 12,13-diHOME and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids(EETs)were measured by ELISA.Results ① Compared to the P+S group,the H+S group exhibited significantly reduction of cardiac 12,13-diHOME level(P<0.001),increased counts of white blood cells(WBC)and neutrophils(P<0.01)and decreased TAPSE,S'and AT/ET both at resting state and under stress(P<0.01,P<0.001).Compared to the H+S group,the H+Cel group exhibited significantly increase of cardiac 12,13-diHOME level(P<0.05),reduced WBC and lymphocyte counts(P<0.01,P<0.05)and improved TAPSE and S'levels at resting state and under stress(P<0.01,P<0.001).② Compared to the H+S group,the H+di group demonstrated significantly improvement of TAPSE at basal and under stress(P<0.001)and a trend towards improved TAPSE at resting state(P=0.0532),but no obvious differences was observed in WBC and neutrophil counts between the H+di group and the H+S group.③ Compared to the H+Cel group,both the H+sEHI and H+sEHI+Cel groups exhibited significantly reduction of cardiac 12,13-diHOME level(P<0.01,P<0.05)though no statistical changes in cardiac function indicators.Compared to the H+S group,WBC counts and lymphocyte were decreased,and serum EETs level was incrased in the H+Cel group,H+sEHI group and H+sEHI+Cel group(P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusion Celecoxib can elevate cardiac level of 12,13-diHOME and improves right heart function in mice after acute high-altitude hypoxia exposure through the CYP450-sEH metabolic pathway.
6.Exploring the construction of a digitised whole-process management platform for paediatric Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials
Hongyang ZHANG ; Zijun YAN ; Jinxia WANG ; Ziyang CAO ; Min CHEN ; Lin ZOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2025;38(5):425-430
Objective:To explore the construction requirements and solutions for a digital full-process management platform for Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) in pediatrics in China.Methods:By reviewing literature, the current status and highlights of pediatric IIT digital management systems in Europe and the United States were analyzed. The challenges faced in building a digital full-process management platform for pediatric IIT in China were summarized. The exploration and implementation achievements of our hospital in platform construction were introduced, and future construction priorities were proposed based on practical considerations.Results:The construction and application of digital full-process management platforms for pediatric IIT in Europe and the United States were relatively mature, providing comprehensive digital support for pediatric IIT research, ranging from project management to research design implementation, multi-center data interoperability, and personnel training. In China, the pediatric IIT digital management platform was still under construction, with main challenges including the formulation of construction plans based on hospital-specific conditions, data standardization, and remote recruitment and follow-up platforms.Conclusions:Considering the current status of pediatric IIT digital full-process management systems both domestically and internationally, efforts should be made to further strengthen data standardization, remote subject management, and digital pediatric IIT training from both policy and technical perspectives. This will provide one-stop services and management for projects and researchers, promoting the development of pediatric medical research.
7.Comparative analysis of characteristics and functions of exosomes from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelets and apheresis platelets
Weihua HUANG ; Yan ZANG ; Aihua QIN ; Ziyang FENG ; Heshan TANG ; Fei GUO ; Chuyan WU ; Qiu SHEN ; Baohua QIAN ; Haihui GU ; Zhanshan CHA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1154-1161
Objective: To compare the biological characteristics of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelet exosomes (hiPSC-Plt-Exos) with those of conventional apheresis platelet exosomes (Plt-Exos), specifically focusing on their differential abilities to enhance the proliferation and migration of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). Methods: Exosomes were isolated from hiPSC-derived Plt and apheresis Plt concentrate using size exclusion chromatography. These exosomes were then characterized through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. Co-culture experiments into hUC-MSCs were conducted with hiPSC-Plt-Exos and apheresis Plt-Exos, respectively. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of hUC-MSCs were assessed via cell proliferation assays and scratch tests. Results: hiPSC-Plt-Exos and apheresis Plt-Exos exhibited comparable particle sizes, morphological features (such as the characteristic cup-shaped structure), and surface markers (including CD9 and HSP70). Notably, hiPSC-Plt-Exos demonstrated a significantly greater ability to enhance the proliferation and migration of hUC-MSCs compared to apheresis Plt-Exos (P<0.05). These differences provide critical comparative data for their application in various clinical contexts. Conclusion: This study establishes a theoretical foundation for developing precise therapeutic strategies based on hiPSC-Plt-Exos. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of selecting the appropriate type of exosomes according to the specific disease microenvironment to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
8.Expert consensus on imaging diagnosis and analysis of early correction of childhood malocclusion.
Zitong LIN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Ziyang HU ; Zuyan ZHANG ; Yong CHENG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Hu WANG ; Gang LI ; Jun GUO ; Weihua GUO ; Xiaobing LI ; Guangning ZHENG ; Zhimin LI ; Donglin ZENG ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU ; Min HU ; Lunguo XIA ; Jihong ZHAO ; Yaling SONG ; Huang LI ; Jun JI ; Jinlin SONG ; Lili CHEN ; Tiemei WANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):21-21
Early correction of childhood malocclusion is timely managing morphological, structural, and functional abnormalities at different dentomaxillofacial developmental stages. The selection of appropriate imaging examination and comprehensive radiological diagnosis and analysis play an important role in early correction of childhood malocclusion. This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by multidisciplinary experts in dentistry across the nation based on the current clinical evidence, aiming to provide general guidance on appropriate imaging examination selection, comprehensive and accurate imaging assessment for early orthodontic treatment patients.
Humans
;
Malocclusion/diagnostic imaging*
;
Child
;
Consensus
9.Discovery of selective HDAC6 inhibitors driven by artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulation approaches.
Xingang LIU ; Hao YANG ; Xinyu LIU ; Minjie MOU ; Jie LIU ; Wenying YAN ; Tianle NIU ; Ziyang ZHANG ; He SHI ; Xiangdong SU ; Xuedong LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101338-101338
Increasing evidence showed that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) dysfunction is directly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, especially cancers, making the development of HDAC6-targeted anti-tumor agents a research hotspot. In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and molecular simulation strategies were fully integrated to construct an efficient and precise drug screening pipeline, which combined Voting strategy based on compound-protein interaction (CPI) prediction models, cascade molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The biological potential of the screened compounds was further evaluated through enzymatic and cellular activity assays. Among the identified compounds, Cmpd.18 exhibited more potent HDAC6 enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 = 5.41 nM) than that of tubastatin A (TubA) (IC50 = 15.11 nM), along with a favorable subtype selectivity profile (selectivity index ≈ 117.23 for HDAC1), which was further verified by the Western blot analysis. Additionally, Cmpd.18 induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, exerting desirable antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 2.59 μM). Furthermore, based on long-term MD simulation trajectory, the key residues facilitating Cmpd.18's binding were identified by decomposition free energy analysis, thereby elucidating its binding mechanism. Moreover, the representative conformation analysis also indicated that Cmpd.18 could stably bind to the active pocket in an effective conformation, thus demonstrating the potential for in-depth research of the 2-(2-phenoxyethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one scaffold.
10.Expression, purification, and tumor uptake of fusion ferritin.
Guoyin YAN ; Jun LI ; Ziyang LI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1372-1381
Ferritin is considered as an ideal delivery system due to its precise targeting, reversible self-assembly, high biocompatibility, and easy modification. this study aims to express, purify, and identify three fusion ferritin proteins, and explore their tumor targeting. Three fusion ferritin genes were synthesized and cloned into prokaryotic expression vectors, and the recombinant proteins were purified by affinity chromatography with nickel columns. The fusion ferritin proteins were identified by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native-PAGE), Western blotting, and circular dichroism. Fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate (FITC) was used to react with fusion ferritin, and confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to evaluate the tumor targeting of fusion ferritin. The reaction system of sulfo-cyanine7 (Cy7-SE) with fusion ferritin was injected into the tail vein of melanoma mice for in vivo tumor imaging to explore the tumor targeting of fusion ferritin. The results showed that soluble fusion ferritin proteins of about 21 kDa were expressed under the induction by isopropylthio-β-d-galactoside (IPTG), and the recombinant proteins with high purity were obtained. Western blotting showed that the recombinant proteins could be recognized by the corresponding antibodies. The target proteins were identified as multimers with α helixes by native-PAGE and circular dichroism. In vitro and in vivo tumor uptake experiments demonstrated that fusion ferritin was taken up by tumor cells and tumor tissue. This study successfully expressed, purified, and identified fusion ferritin, and verified its tumor uptake in vitro and in vivo, which laid a foundation for the application of ferritin in biomedicine.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Recombinant Fusion Proteins/isolation & purification*
;
Ferritins/metabolism*
;
Escherichia coli/metabolism*
;
Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism*
;
Humans


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail