1.Current Situation, Problems and Countermeasures of Experimental Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Pengxuan YAN ; Yiqing LIU ; Nanxing XIAN ; Linjing PENG ; Kun LI ; Jingchun ZHANG ; Yukun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):259-266
Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and its resulting infertility is one of the common diseases of gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway is relatively well-studied in the development of intervention in PCOS, and the experiments on PCOS in rats conducted by traditional Chinese medicine through this signaling pathway is also the main direction of mechanistic research. In this paper, 20 articles published in academic journals in the past 5 years were selected through the corresponding criteria, and the objective situation and existing problems of the selected research projects were analyzed from five aspects, namely, baseline data, modeling and treatment, grouping, evaluative indexes, and pharmacodynamic indexes. It is found that there were different degrees of problems in each research project, such as the observation indicators of modeling, criteria for judging the success of the model, the treatment period, the calculation of dosage of prescription/active ingredients and specific dosage were not clearly defined, which could easily lead the bias of the results or reduce the validity of experimental data. Based on this, the list of PCOS rat experimental research operations was formed, involving five categories of experimental rats, model construction, study implementation, outcome measures and analysis and report with a total of 21 operation lists, with a view to provide a reference for the subsequent PCOS experiments related to scientific research and helping to form high-quality results.
2.Serum Metabolomics of Simulated Weightless Rats Treated with Taikong Yangxin Pills
Xiaodi LIU ; Xuemei FAN ; Yiming WANG ; Mengjia YAN ; Yongzhi LI ; Jiaping WANG ; Junlian LIU ; Guoan LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):147-153
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Taikong Yangxin Pills on the metabolism of simulated weightless rats based on metabolomics and discuss the metabolism mechanism. MethodsIn the simulated space capsule environment on the ground, the rat model of simulated weightlessness was established by the tail suspension method. Rats were randomly grouped as follows: out-of-capsule control, in-capsule control, model, and high (3.0 g·kg-1) and low (1.5 g·kg-1) doses of Taikong Yangxin Pills, and they were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. The serum levels of endogenous metabolites in rats were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The obtained data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to screen for differential metabolites and potential biomarkers. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for pathway enrichment analysis to explain the metabolic regulation mechanism of the drug. ResultsCompared with the out-of-capsule control group, the in-capsule control group showed elevated levels of thirteen metabolites, including 14-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid (P<0.05), which suggested that the space capsule environment mainly affected the metabolism of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid in the rats. Compared with the in-capsule control group, the model group showed lowered levels of fourteen metabolites, including 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid, isocitric acid/citric acid, and L-tyrosine (P<0.05), which were recovered after the treatment with Taikong Yangxin pills (P<0.05). The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that weightlessness induced by tail suspension and drug intervention mainly involved the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle. ConclusionThe simulated space capsule environment and simulated weightlessness induced by tail suspension can both affect the metabolism level of rats. Taikong Yangxin pills can ameliorate the metabolic abnormality in the rat model of weightlessness by regulating various amino acids and energy metabolism-related pathways.
3.Effect of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Before and After Steaming with Wine on Intestinal Flora and Immune Environment in Constipation Model Mice
Yaya BAI ; Rui TIAN ; Yajun SHI ; Chongbo ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Li ZHANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Yuping TANG ; Qiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):192-199
ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RH) before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, lactulose group(1.5 mg·kg-1), high, medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine(PRH)(8, 4, 1 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride(6 mg·kg-1) in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution, and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline, 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration, the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, the levels of gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), interleukin-6(IL-6), γ-interferon(IFN-γ) in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cell(Treg) in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate(P<0.01), the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium, localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated, necrotic and atrophied, a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner, the contents of GAS and MTL, the proportions of CD4+, CD8+ and Treg were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the fecal number in 24 h, fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees, the contents of GAS, MTL, IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly increased(P<0.01), although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend, there was no significant difference. In addition, the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant(ASV) and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group, and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity, with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group, the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH, and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased, and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis, promote immune system activation, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function, which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Sepsis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Zhu LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Jing YAN ; Jinchan PENG ; Mingyao XU ; Liqun LI ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):314-322
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria. In addition to the manifestations of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and primary infection lesions, critical cases often have manifestations of organ hypoperfusion. The morbidity and mortality of sepsis have remained high in recent years, which seriously affect the quality of life of the patients. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complicated, in which uncontrollable inflammation is a key mechanism. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a key role in mediating inflammation in sepsis. The available therapies of sepsis mainly include resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive drugs, intensive insulin therapy, and organ support, which show limited effects of reducing the mortality. Therefore, finding new therapeutic drugs is a key problem to be solved in the clinical treatment of sepsis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway via multiple pathways, multiple effects, and multiple targets to inhibit inflammation and curb the occurrence and development of sepsis, which has gradually become a hot spot in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Moreover, studies have suggested that TCM has unique advantages in the treatment of sepsis. TCM can regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and control apoptosis in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Despite the research progress, a systematic review remains to be performed regarding the TCM treatment of sepsis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. After reviewing relevant papers published in recent years, this study systematically summarizes the relationship between PI3K/Akt pathway and sepsis and the role of TCM in the treatment of sepsis, aiming to provide new ideas for the potential treatment of sepsis and the development of new drugs.
5.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
6.The risk prediction models for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yushuang SU ; Yan LI ; Hong GAO ; Zaichun PU ; Juan CHEN ; Mengting LIU ; Yaxie HE ; Bin HE ; Qin YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):230-236
Objective To systematically evaluate the risk prediction models for anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery. Methods A computer-based search of PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and CNKI was conducted to collect studies on postoperative AL risk prediction model for esophageal cancer from their inception to October 1st, 2023. PROBAST tool was employed to evaluate the bias risk and applicability of the model, and Stata 15 software was utilized for meta-analysis. Results A total of 19 literatures were included covering 25 AL risk prediction models and 7373 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.670-0.960. Among them, 23 prediction models had a good prediction performance (AUC>0.7); 13 models were tested for calibration of the model; 1 model was externally validated, and 10 models were internally validated. Meta-analysis showed that hypoproteinemia (OR=9.362), postoperative pulmonary complications (OR=7.427), poor incision healing (OR=5.330), anastomosis type (OR=2.965), preoperative history of thoracoabdominal surgery (OR=3.181), preoperative diabetes mellitus (OR=2.445), preoperative cardiovascular disease (OR=3.260), preoperative neoadjuvant therapy (OR=2.977), preoperative respiratory disease (OR=4.744), surgery method (OR=4.312), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR=2.424) were predictors for AL after esophageal cancer surgery. Conclusion At present, the prediction model of AL risk in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery is in the development stage, and the overall research quality needs to be improved.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of sexually transmitted diseases in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023
XU Chun ; LI Jincheng ; YANG Wenbin ; JIANG Yan ; YANG Kejiao ; BU Chunhong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):158-162
Objective:
o analyze the epidemic characteristics of five sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including syphilis, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for the prevention and control strategies of STDs.
Methods:
Data of the onset time and diagnostic types of STDs cases in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023 were collected from the Infectious Disease Surveillance System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The temporal, regional and population characteristics of five types of STDs was analyzed using the descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
A total of 10 895 cases of STDs were reported in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 47.83/105. The average annual reported incidence rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections were 41.11/105, 2.83/105, 2.59/105, 0.43/105 and 0.85/105, respectively. The reported incidence rate of STDs showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023 (P<0.05), with an average annual growth rate of -3.44%. The reported incidence rates of syphilis and gonorrhea showed a decreasing trend (both P<0.05), with average annual growth rates of -4.26% and -6.47%, respectively. The reported incidence rate of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection showed an increasing trend (P<0.05), with an average annual growth rate of 22.32%. Baoying County, Guangling District and Hanjiang District had the top three reported incidence rates of STDs, at 56.61/105, 55.61/105 and 46.50/105, respectively. The average annual reported incidence rate of STDs among males was higher than that among females (53.19/105 vs. 42.54/105, P<0.05). The STD cases were primarily people aged 50 years and above, with 6 641 cases accounting for 60.95%. The occupations of STD cases were mainly farmers, housekeepers and unemployed, with 4 670 and 3 273 cases accounting for 42.86% and 30.04%, respectively.
Conclusions
The overall reported incidence of STDs in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023 showed a downward trend, while the reported incidence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection showed an upward trend. The individuals aged 50 years and above, farmers, housekeepers and the unemployed were identified as high-risk groups for STDs.
8.Effect of sorafenib and donafenib on the pharmacokinetics of ertugliflozin in rats
Yanru DENG ; Gexi CAO ; Bin YAN ; Ying LI ; Zhanjun DONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):92-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of sorafenib and donafenib on the pharmacokinetics of ertugliflozin in rats, and to provide a theoretical basis for drug combination in clinical practice. MethodsA total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups A, B, C, and D, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in groups A and B were given sorafenib control solvent and sorafenib (100 mg/kg), respectively, by gavage for 7 consecutive days, followed by ertugliflozin (1.5 mg/kg) by gavage on day 7. Blood samples were collected from the angular vein plexus at different time points, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the mass concentration of ertugliflozin and plot the plasma concentration-time curves, while the non-compartment model in DAS 2.1.1 software was used to calculate related pharmacokinetic parameters. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. ResultsCompared with group A, group B had significant increases in the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of the plasma concentration-time curve of ertugliflozin (both P<0.05), significant prolongation of t1/2, MRT0-t, and MRT0-∞ (all P<0.05), and a significant reduction in CLZ/F (P<0.05). Compared with group C, group D had significant increases in the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of ertugliflozin (both P<0.05), significant prolongation of Tmax, t1/2, MRT0-t, and MRT0-∞ (all P<0.01), and significant reductions in VZ/F and CLZ/F (both P<0.05). ConclusionBoth sorafenib and donafenib can affect the pharmacokinetics of ertugliflozin in rats and significantly increase the plasma exposure of ertugliflozin. The efficacy and adverse drug reactions of ertugliflozin should be closely monitored during combined use in clinical practice and the dose should be adjusted when necessary to avoid the potential risk of drug interaction.
9.POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation: A report of two cases
Ye ZHANG ; Wenqing WANG ; Jing LI ; Qianrong BAI ; Jiayu LI ; Yan CHENG ; Miaomiao FANG ; Nana GAO ; Changxing HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):127-132
POEMS syndrome is a rare condition associated with plasma cell disorders, and it often involves multiple systems and has diverse clinical manifestations. This article reports two cases of POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation. During the course of the disease, the patients presented with lower limb weakness, hepatosplenomegaly, lymph node enlargement, ascites, hypothyroidism, positive M protein, and skin hyperpigmentation, and 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging revealed bone lesions mainly characterized by osteolytic changes and plasma cell tumors. There was an increase in the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor. The patients were finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, and the symptoms were relieved after immunomodulatory treatment.
10.Swift quantitative risk assessment of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquatic products of raw food
Hailin LI ; Weiwei ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Xiaohua LIN ; Qin ZHOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):37-40
Objective To evaluate the disease risk of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) in aquatic products of raw food in Guangzhou. Methods VP detection was carried out in aquatic products of raw food sold in Guangzhou from 2009 to 2022. Gene sequence and wgSNP analysis of 30 VP strains (including 15 food strains and 15 patient strains) were performed for the detection rate of pathogenic VP. sQMRA was applied to assess VP risk of aquatic products of raw food. Results The detection rate of VP in raw aquatic products in Guangzhou was 7.30% (98/1 343). The detection rate of TDH virulence gene in patient strains was 86.70% (13/15) , and the detection rate of TRH was 6.67% (1/15). In 15 food strains, TDH and TRH were negative. The WgSNP analysis showed that 2 food strains had high similarity with the patient strains, indicating the same cluster. Risk assessment showed that the number of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection cases caused by intaking aquatic products of raw food in Guangzhou was 384 ever year. Conclusion The detection rate of VP in aquatic products of raw food is high in Guangzhou , and the detection rate of VP virulence genes in aquatic products of raw food is low. Gene sequence and wgSNP analysis can be used for risk assessment of food pathogenic bacteria. The risk of disease of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquatic products of raw food is high.


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