1.Application value of MEX3A,CDX2,MUC2 and MUC5AC in judging cancerous gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Jiarui LIU ; Zhong ZHANG ; Lanlan JIAO ; Min ZHANG ; Wei BO ; Jiayu GOU ; Chengcheng WU ; Xudong YANG ; Xuguang WANG
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(10):1-5
Objective To investigate the correlation between MEX3A and differentiation characteristics of gastric cancer and intestinal metaplasia,and its combination with caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2(CDX2)and mucin 2(MUC2)and mucin 5AC(MUC5AC)to determine the role of carcinogenic intestinal metaplasia.Methods From January 2010 to December 2014,a total of 410 cases of gastric cancer and paracarcinoma paraffin-embedded tissue samples were selected from the Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College and the Second Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College.According to pathological diagnosis,they were divided into control group(mild superficial gastritis,79 cases),intestinal metaplasia group(149 cases)and gastric cancer group(182 cases).The expressions of MEX3A,CDX2,MUC2 and MUC5AC were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results MEX3A was highly expressed in gastric cancer group and intestinal metaplasia group,especially diffuse gastric cancer,poorly differentiated gastric cancer and type Ⅲ intestinal metaplasia(P<0.05).CDX2 and MUC2 were highly expressed in gastric cancer group and intestinal metaplasia group,especially intestinal type gastric cancer,highly and moderately differentiated gastric cancer,type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ intestinal metaplasia(P<0.05).The expression of MUC5AC was high in control group and low in gastric cancer group and intestinal metaplasia group,especially in intestinal type gastric cancer,type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ intestinal metaplasia(P<0.05).Gastric cancer and intestinal metaplasia differentiation were negatively correlated with MEX3A and MUC5AC expression,but positively correlated with CDX2 and MUC2 expression(P<0.05).MEX3A was negatively correlated with the expression of CDX2 and MUC2,and positively correlated with the expression of MUC5AC in gastric cancer(P<0.05).MEX3A was negatively correlated with the expression of CDX2 and MUC2 in intestinal metaplasia(P<0.05),while CDX2 was positively correlated with the expression of MUC2(P<0.05).Conclusion MEX3A is negatively correlated with gastric cancer and intestinal metaplasia differentiation.Gastric cancer is characterized by high MEX3A expression and low CDX2 and MUC2 expression.
2.Huaier alleviates acute pancreatitis in mice by reducing ROS-induced pyroptosis in acinar cells
Mengyuan GONG ; Bo ZHANG ; Ze’en ZHU ; Qingyong MA ; Zheng WU ; Zheng WANG ; Weikun QIAN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):183-191
【Objective】 To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huaier on acute pancreatitis (AP) and its potential mechanism. 【Methods】 A mouse model of cerulean-induced AP was used to verify the therapeutic effect of Huaier in vivo. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the pancreas, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the pyroptosis morphology of the pancreas. In vitro, 266-6 cell line was used as the experimental carrier to verify the protective effect of Huaier on acinar cells. Electron microscopy and Western blotting were used to evaluate the pyroptosis level of acinar cells, and ROS fluorescence probe was used to detect the oxidative stress state of acinar cells. 【Results】 Huaier significantly alleviated the severity of AP in mice. HE staining of pancreas showed that necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced, and the level of serum amylase was decreased. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting showed that Huaier effectively inhibited the expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules such as NLRP3 and GSDMD in pancreatic tissue. Electron microscopy showed that Huaier could reduce the pyroptosis level of pancreatic acinar cells under inflammatory state. In addition, the level of ROS in acinar cells was significantly reduced after the intervention of Huaier, and ROS-mediated pyroptosis of acinar cells could be effectively inhibited by Huaier. 【Conclusion】 Huaier can effectively reduce the severity of AP by inhibiting ROS-mediated pyroptosis of acinar cells.
3.Compatibility Mechanism of Mineral Medicine Os Draconis in Bupleuri Radix-containing Tri-herbal Medicines Based on Supramolecular Systems
Zi XING ; Junling HOU ; Yifan ZHAO ; Liman XIAO ; Mengjia WEI ; Mengyuan YANG ; Lu YUN ; Yuanfei NIU ; Zhijie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):191-198
ObjectiveBy starting with the combination of Os Draconis, Bupleuri Radix, and Ostreae Concha, the role of mineral medicine Os Draconis in the combination of the Bupleuri Radix-containing tri-herbal medicines was preliminarily explored from the perspective of supramolecular system formation. Method① The appearance and Tyndall phenomenon of single decoction of Os Draconis, Bupleuri Radix, and Ostreae Concha, as well as co-decoction of Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis, Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha, and Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha were observed, and the average particle size, dispersion coefficient, and Zeta potential of suspension particles in each decoction were determined. The micromorphology of supramolecular structures was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). ② The pH of different compatibility systems, liquid viscosity coefficient, liquid surface tension, freeze-dried powder yield rate, and other physical properties were determined, and the interaction of different compatibility systems was detected by infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). ③ The composition and content difference of different compatible systems were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). ResultCompared with the single decoction, the co-decoction had more obvious turbidity and Tyndall phenomenon. The particles in the co-decoction suspension were smaller and more evenly distributed, and the Zeta potential was reduced, indicating a more stable system. Under SEM, Bupleuri Radix was irregularly lamellar, and Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis and Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha were mainly spherical nanoparticles. Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha was irregularly lamellar, with a small number of spherical nanoparticles. The pH of the single decoction of Bupleuri Radix and co-decoction increased, and the viscosity coefficient increased. The liquid surface tension decreased. The freeze-dried powder yield rate of the Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis co-decoction was the highest, followed by Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha decoction and Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha decoction, and the yield rate of Bupleuri Radix single decoction was the lowest. The main change of FTIR was the stretching vibration of -OH, and the co-decoction moved to the low-frequency direction obviously. UV-Vis showed that the maximum absorption occurred at 295.8 nm for all groups, and the absorption intensity was different (Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis>Bupleuri Radix-Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha>Bupleuri Radix-Ostreae Concha>Bupleuri Radix). The components of Bupleuri Radix were used as the indexes, and the content of methanol extract determined by HPLC was higher than that of water extract, and the components of Bupleuri Radix single decoction were mainly saikosaponin a (SSa) and saikosaponin c (SSc), which were slightly higher after co-decoction compatibility. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS could identify 37 compounds in both single decoction and co-decoction. ConclusionThe combination of Bupleuri Radix, Os Draconis, and Ostreae Concha can form a smaller, more uniform, and stable nano-sized supramolecular system, which is conducive to the dissolution of the main components of Bupleuri Radix, and the Os Draconis contributes the most in this process.
4.Clinical Evaluation of New Chinese Herbal Medicines for Syndromes: A Preliminary Study on Target Design
Li ZHANG ; Mengyuan ZHONG ; Yongfa XING ; Duojing LI ; Zheying WU ; Yuhong HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(16):1730-1733
There are certain limitations in the current clinical evaluation methods and evaluation modes of new Chinese herbal medicines for syndromes, and there is a lack of a clinical evaluation system that meets the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Based on the characteristics of TCM "syndrome differentiation and treatment" and "correspondence of formulas and syndromes", the target design model, hypothesis and its scope of application are proposed on the basis of the combination of diseases and syndromes. On the basis of fully considering the dual factors of diseases and syndromes, we distinguished the "centre of the target", "middle ring" and "outer ring" through the differences of different signs and symptoms in people with same syndrome, in order to determine the degree of conformity of the syndrome. Then, the population with same syndrome could be analysed according to the "centre of the target", "middle ring" and "outer ring", so as to achieve the precise positioning of new Chinese herbal medicines for syndromes, and try to provide research ideas and methods for syndrome differentiation and treatment of TCM and precise intervention.
5.Textual Research on Key Information of Classic Formula Gualou Niubangtang
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Mengyuan YANG ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huimin GAO ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):224-232
Gualou Niubangtang is a classic formula for eliminating swelling and dispersing lumps, commonly used in the clinical treatment of breast diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This paper employed bibliometric methods to collect and organize 12 pieces of data from ancient texts related to Gualou Niubangtang, ultimately screening 10 valid references from 10 ancient Chinese medical books. Information regarding the prescription origin, main indications, formulation principles, drug composition, dosages, preparation methods, and decoction techniques was systematically verified. The results indicate that Gualou Niubangtang originates from the Orthodox Manual of External Medicine (Wai Ke Zheng Zong) by Chen Shigong in the Ming Dynasty. The formula consists of 12 Chinese medicines, including Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Arctii Fructus, Gardeniae Fructus, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Trichosanthis Semen, Scutellariae Radix, Trichosanthis Radix, Forsythiae Fructus, Gleditsiae Spina, Bupleuri Radix, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viridm. In terms of drug origins, the dominant radical for Trichosanthis Semen and Trichosanthis Radix is Trichosanthes kirilowii, and the historical dominant radical for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The nine medicines, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Arctii Fructus, Gardeniae Fructus, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Scutellariae Radix, Forsythiae Fructus, Gleditsiae Spina, Bupleuri Radix, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viridm, are consistent with the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The preparation methods involve frying Arctii Fructus, removing the heart from Forsythiae Fructus, while the remaining 10 medicines are used raw. The efficacy includes clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling, and dispersing lumps. Clinically, it is used to treat conditions such as breast carbuncles, breast gangrene, and knot-like swellings and pain. The dosage, converted to modern standards, includes 3.73 g of Trichosanthis Semen, 3.73 g of Trichosanthis Radix, 3.73 g of Arctii Fructus, 3.73 g of Scutellariae Radix, 3.73 g of Gardeniae Fructus, 3.73 g of Forsythiae Fructus, 3.73 g of Gleditsiae Spina, 3.73 g of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, 3.73 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3.73 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1.85 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viridm, and 1.85 g of Bupleuri Radix. The preparation is in the form of a decoction, with the 12 medicines added to 400 mL of water and decocted until 160 mL. The liquid is then mixed with 200 mL of yellow wine and taken before meals three times a day. Through the excavation and organization of ancient literature regarding Gualou Niubangtang, key information has been identified to provide a scientific basis for its clinical application and further development.
6.Transplantation of menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells allevi-ates chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury and flora imbalance in mice through immunomodulation
Qin LIU ; Mengyuan CHANG ; Haofeng SONG ; Chenxu DU ; Yonghai LI ; Shenghui ZHANG ; Yanli LIU ; Juntang LIN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(2):301-308
AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effect of menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells(MenSCs)on chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis and flora disorders in mice,and to explore the potential mecha-nism.METHODS:The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups including normal treatment,cisplatin(Cis)treatment and Cis+MenSC treatment,with 10 mice in each group.To induce intestinal mucositis,the mice were treated with Cis(2 mg·kg-1·d-1)by intraperitoneal injection for 5 consecutive days.Control mice for normal group were received equal vol-umes of normal saline.For Cis+MenSC treatment,MenSCs(1×106)was transplanted into the mice of Cis treated mice through tail vein.The performances and weight changes of mice were examined during the experiment.After the treat-ment,the small intestine and colon were isolated for subsequent HE staining,the ratio of F4/80 and IL-6 positive cells in small intestine were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the expression of tight junction,inflammation and apoptosis related proteins was detected by Western blot.16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was performed to detect the diver-sity and richness of intestinal flora in mice.RESULTS:Compared to the Cis group,the MenSCs-treated mice showed sig-nificantly increased body weight,relieved intestinal lymphocytes infiltration,alleviated intestinal villous edema,and or-derly arranged glands in intestinal tissues.Further analysis indicated that MenSCs transplantation significantly up-regulat-ed the expression of intestinal tight junction related proteins ZO-1 and occludin in Cis-treated mice(P<0.05).Subse-quently,MenSCs transplantation significantly inhibited the macrophages infiltration in intestinal tissues(P<0.01),down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1 and IL-6 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax(P<0.01),while up-regu-lated anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2(P<0.01).Additionally,further microflora sequenc-ing indicated that MenSCs transplantation prevented mice from Cis-induced intestinal flora disorder,and significantly re-duced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as isenbergiella tayi and Anaerotruncus colihominis(P<0.01).At the same time,the abundance of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus apodemi was increased(P<0.05),thereby restoring the composi-tion and function of healthy intestinal flora.CONCLUSION:MenSCs transplantation alleviates the chemotherapy-in-duced damage of intestinal structure,relieves the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced mucositis and restores the homeosta-sis of intestinal flora in mice.
7.Zhenwutang Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Disease in Mice with Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency via Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhe ZHAO ; Guangshun CHEN ; Min BAI ; Yuqiu JIN ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Bing SONG ; Zhenhua LIU ; Yanying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):29-37
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Zhenwutang on renal oxidative damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodTwenty-five 7-week-old SPF-grade male db/m mice and 95 7-week-old SPF-grade male db/db mice were adaptively fed for a week. A blank group was set with the db/m mice without treatment, and the other mice were administrated with Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction and hydrocortisone for the modeling of diabetic kidney disease with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The modeled mice were randomized into the model, irbesartan (25 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, low-dose (33.8, 16.9, 8.45 g·kg-1) Zhenwutang groups (n=15) and administrated with corresponding drugs for 8 weeks. The survival status of mice was observed, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score was recorded. The indicators related to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and renal function indicators were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of the renal tissue in each group. Biochemical kits were used to determine the oxidative stress-related indicators in the renal tissue. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of Nrf2, HO-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and GPX4 in the renal tissue of mice in each group. ResultCompared with the blank group, the modeling increased the TCM syndrome score (P<0.05), elevated the estradiol (E2) and FBG levels (P<0.05), lowered the testosterone (T), triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) levels (P<0.05), and weakened the renal function (P<0.05). In addition, the modeling led to glomerular hypertrophy and glomerular mesangial and basal thickening, decreased the catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione (GSH) content (P<0.05), increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and GPX4 in the renal tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high and medium doses of Zhenwutang decreased the TCM syndrome score and E2 content (P<0.05), increased the T, T3, and T4 content (P<0.05), improved the renal function (P<0.05), alleviated the pathological changes in the renal tissue, increased CAT, T-AOC, and GSH (P<0.05), reduced MDA (P<0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and GPX4 in the renal tissue (P<0.05). ConclusionZhenwutang can improve the general state and renal function and reduce the oxidative damage and pathological changes in the renal tissue of db/db mice with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
8.Smart bandage for chronic wound management
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Zhaojian WANG ; Jiuzuo HUANG ; Nanze YU ; Xiao LONG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(10):1041-1045
The management of chronic wounds presents significant challenges, characterized by a low rate of healing and substantial impairment of patients’ quality of life, while also exerting a considerable strain on healthcare resources. Wound healing is a multifactorial and dynamic process, necessitating close monitoring of wound changes and timely, appropriate interventions. Smart bandage/dressing, an innovative approach born from interdisciplinary research, offers a new generation of wound care. It enables dynamic quantitative monitoring of wound conditions, facilitates transdermal drug release and physical mode therapeutics, and adjusts interventions in real time based on monitoring outcomes. In comparison to traditional wound dressings, smart bandages exhibit attributes such as real-time responsiveness, precision, and convenience. They not only simplify wound management but also enhance patient comfort and compliance, showcasing potential as a safe and effective new treatment modality. Smart bandages hold promise for elevating the efficiency of managing chronic wounds, reducing morbidity rates, alleviating the burden of disease, and ultimately improving patients’ quality of life. This paper summarized the recent research progress of smart bandages and provide insights into novel wound care strategies.
9.Recent advances in objective evaluation of the aging jawline
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Nanze YU ; Xiao LONG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(10):1041-1046
Improvement of the jawline contour is a key focus in lower face and neck rejuvenation treatments. Achieving a well-defined, smooth jawline is a shared goal for both patients and plastic surgeons. This article reviews recent research on age-related changes of the jawline and evaluation method, offering valuable references for jawline rejuvenation treatments.The jawline's unique anatomical position, coupled with age-related changes, involves dynamic alterations in bone, soft tissue, and skin across multiple layers, making rejuvenation of this area a complex and challenging task. In recent years, advances in imaging technologies such as two-dimensional photography, three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and micro-CT have expanded the understanding of jawline anatomy and provided precise tools for analysis and evaluation.
10.Recent advances in objective evaluation of the aging jawline
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Nanze YU ; Xiao LONG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(11):1249-1254
Improvement of the jawline contour is a critical focus in lower face and neck rejuvenation treatments. Achieving a well-defined, smooth jawline is a shared goal between patients and plastic surgeons. This article reviewed recent research on age-related changes of the jawline and evaluation method, offering valuable references for jawline rejuvenation treatments.The jawline’s unique anatomical position, coupled with age-related changes, involves dynamic alterations in bone, soft tissue, and skin across multiple layers, making rejuvenation of this area a complex and challenging task. In recent years, advances in imaging technologies such as two-dimensional photography, three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and micro-CT have expanded the understanding of jawline anatomy and provided precise tools for analysis and evaluation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail