1.Treatment of Glaucoma Based on "Jueyin (厥阴) as the Closing Phase" from the Perspective of Spatiotemporal Theory
Xue WU ; Shuang CHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Piao JIANG ; Zhiyi ZHOU ; Wenying SUN ; Aixiang JIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1400-1404
This paper explores the therapeutic approach for glaucoma based on the concept of "jueyin (厥阴) as the closing phase" from the perspectives of time and space. In traditional Chinese medicine, jueyin governs inward, converging aspect of qi, representing the crucial turning point between the end of yin and the emergence of yang, as well as the transformation between yin and yang. When the closing and descending function of jueyin operates smoothly, it promotes the inward convergence and smooth descent of qi, enabling the internal retention of blood, spirit, and emotions, which nourishes the internal organs and moistens the meridian-sinews. Conversely, dysfunction of this "closing" mechanism results in a disturbance of yin and yang, a mixture of cold and heat, and disharmony of qi and blood. It is proposed that "failure of jueyin to properly close and descend" is a core pathomechanism of glaucoma. From the perspective of spatiotemporal theory, clinical treatment should focus on "regulating the closing function of jueyin and harmonizing yin and yang". The modified Wumei Pill (乌梅丸) is recommended to adjust the ascending-descending and entering-exiting dynamics of jueyin qi transformation, thereby restoring its free flow, achieving yin and yang balance, and ensuring nourishment to the ocular system.
2.Pathomechanism and Treatment of Otolith Disorders from the Perspective of "Turbid Pathogen Disturbing Clarity"
Yan KONG ; Zihe KUANG ; Bin WU ; Wenjun SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1405-1408
Guided by the theory of turbid pathogen disturbing clarity, this paper holds that the pathogenesis of otolith disorders involves the failure of clear yang to ascend and the internal generation of phlegm-turbidity as the initiating factors. The clinical manifestations are characterized by the intermingling of phlegm and fluid, as well as the disturbance between turbid and clear substances, while the root lies in spleen-kidney deficiency and depletion of primordial qi. Treatment strategies are formulated according to the different stages of the disease: in the acute phase, therapy focuses on warming and resolving phlegm-fluid retention, using a modified combination of Linggui Zhugan Decoction (苓桂术甘汤) and Zexie Decoction (泽泻汤); in the residual phase, the approach shifts to tonifying qi and uplifting clear yang, with a modified combination of Shengxian Decoction (升陷汤) and Shengmai Power (生脉散); in the consolidation phase, therapy aims to tonify the kidney and replenish essence, employing a modified version of Qiju Dihuang Pill (杞菊地黄丸).
3.Study on chemical composition,pharmacodynamic consistency and mechanism between Hugan qingzhi formula decoction and its formulated granules
Zhenhua ZHANG ; Changrui LONG ; Huixing WU ; Shijian XIANG ; Benjie ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1442-1448
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the contents of characteristic components in Hugan qingzhi formula (HGQZ) decoction and formulated granules and the pharmacodynamic consistency of them on high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model mice, and explore their potential underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze and compare the contents of six characteristic components in HGQZ decoction and formulated granules. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, HGQZ decoction low- dose and high-dose groups (13, 26 g/kg, calculated by crude drugs), and HGQZ formulated granules low-dose and high-dose groups (13, 26 g/kg, calculated by crude drugs), with 6 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, which was fed a regular diet, the mice in the other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks to establish the NAFLD model; at the same time, the mice in each group were gavaged with the corresponding drugs/water once. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, glucose and insulin tolerance, body weight, liver index, white adipose Δ 基金项目 国家自然科学基金项目(No.82074078);广东省基础 tissue index, brown adipose tissue index, as well as lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides) and liver function indicators (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) were measured. Additionally, histopathological changes and lipid accumulation in liver tissues were observed. The serum samples of mice in the model group, HGQZ decoction high-dose group and HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group were taken for metabolomics analysis, and validation of the underlying mechanisms was conducted. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the contents of ginsenoside Rb1, typhaneoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, hyperoside, nuciferine, and 23-acetylalismol B between HGQZ decoction and HGQZ formulated granules (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the hepatic histopathological changes in mice were alleviated in both the HGQZ decoction group and all dose groups of HGQZ formulated granules. Inflammatory cell infiltration and lipid vacuoles were reduced. Additionally, there was a general improvement in FBG levels, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, body weight, liver index, white/brown adipose tissue index, lipid levels, and liver function indicators (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between these treatment groups (P>0.05). There were 234 and 136 differentially expressed serum metabolites identified in the model group versus HGQZ decoction high-dose group, and model group versus HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group, respectively. After taking the intersection, 65 common differentially expressed metabolites were obtained, which were enriched in metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. Among these, the content of citrate in the model group was significantly lower than that in both the HGQZ decoction group and HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group (P<0.05). Both high-dose HGQZ decoction and formulated granules could significantly elevate the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HGQZ decoction and formulated granules contain comparable amounts of characteristic components, and both exhibit equivalent efficacy on NAFLD model mice. The anti-NAFLD effects of HGQZ are associated with the activation of the AMPK energy metabolism pathway.
4.Effect of Highly Expressed lysophosphatidyllecithin acyltransferase 4 on Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer
Haoming LU ; Jin HUANG ; Yixi WU ; Jiayin LU ; Zhenpei LI ; Xiuying XIONG ; Jiawen YE ; Xia YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):401-409
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression level of lysophosphatidyllecithin acyltransferase 4 (LPCAT4) in pancreatic cancer and its effect on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. MethodsIn this study, the differentially expressed genes of patients with KRAS mutant and wild-type pancreatic cancer were analyzed by online database LinkedOmics. The LPCAT4 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues was analyzed online by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis (UALCAN), Sangerbox and gene expression profile interaction analysis 2 (GEPIA2). Kaplan-Meier Plotter database was used to explore the correlation between LPCAT4 and the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The expression of LPCAT4 in human pancreatic cancer cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. LPCAT4 was knocked down in the high-expressing SW1990 cell line and overexpressed in the low-expressing MIA PaCa-2 cell line. The effects of LPCAT4 expression on cell proliferation were assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. STRING and GEPIA2 databases were used to obtain LPCAT4 binding and coexpressed genes in tumors, which were then analyzed by GO and KEGG. ResultsAnalysis of the LinkedOmics online database revealed a significant upregulation of LPCAT4 in patients with KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer compared to patients with KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer. The online analysis of GEPIA2, UALCAN and Sangerbox 3.0 showed that the expression of LPCAT4 was higher in pancreatic cancer than in normal tissues. Analysis of the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database revealed that high LPCAT4 expression was associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.Western blot and qPCR results showed that expression of LPCAT4 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was significantly higher than in normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Knockdown of LPCAT4 in SW1990 cells inhibited proliferation, while overexpression in MIA PaCa-2 cells promoted proliferation. Enrichment analysis indicated that LPCAT4 was closely related to sulfur metabolism. ConclusionsLPCAT4 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is associated with poor prognosis of patients. It plays a significant regulatory role in the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, with its expression level closely correlated with cell proliferation capacity. These findings reveal the critical role of LPCAT4 in the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer and provide important evidence for its potential as a therapeutic target.
5.TLR4 and IFN - γ Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Schistosomiasis Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Yaojia REN ; Fang CHEN ; Wanxian HUANG ; Zhongdao WU ; Junxia LEI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):410-419
ObjectiveTo investigate whether co-activated mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) exert therapeutic effects against schistosomiasis by modulating macrophage polarization. MethodsTwenty adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: uninfected, infected, MSC-treated, and MSCTLR4+IFN-γ-treated groups. The Schistosoma japonicum infection model was established via abdominal patch method with cercariae. At week 5 post-infection, praziquantel was administered orally for antiparasitic treatment. At week 6, mice received either MSCs treatments (with or without pre-activation) or no treatment. Body weight changes were monitored weekly. Hepatic pathological alterations were evaluated via HE and Masson staining. RT-qPCR was used to assess α-SMA and collagen (Col-I, Col-Ⅲ) mRNA levels to quantify fibrosis. The mRNA levels of hepatic inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) were analyzed to explore fibrotic mechanisms. The expressions of i-Nos and Arg-1 in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, and the ratio of M1 or M2 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining, aiming to analyze the correlation between MSCs treatment and macrophage polarization. An in vitro co-culture system validated direct MSC-macrophage interactions. ResultsCompared with the infected group, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group exhibited increased body weight gain (P< 0.01), reduced hepatic granulomatous lesion area (P< 0.001), and decreased α-SMA, Col-I, and Col-Ⅲ mRNA levels (P< 0.01). Additionally, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed reduced TNF-α and IL-1β expression (P< 0.05), as well as elevated MMP2, Mmp9, and MMP13 levels (P< 0.01). The MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed higher expression of M2 marker Arg-1 mRNA compared with the infection group (P < 0.001) , while the expression of M1 marker i-Nos decreased (P< 0.05). Immunofluorescence confirmed a lower i-Nos+ cell ratio (P< 0.05) and higher F4/80+CD206+ cell ratio (P< 0.000 1) in the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group compared with the infection group. In vitro co-culture experiments further demonstrated that MSCTLR4+IFN-γ promoted Arg-1 expression, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine i-Nos and TNF-α levels, consistent with ELISA results. ConclusionsThis study reveals that TLR4 and IFN-γ co-activated MSCs alleviate Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through modulating macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. This mechanism may suppress inflammation and enhance extracellular matrix degradation, providing a therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis.
6.Identification of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Networks for Exploring Potential Therapeutic Drugs of Ischemic Stroke
Yumin WU ; Zhongxing WANG ; Yu YU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):456-465
ObjectiveTo unearth novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and potential drugs in ischemic stroke. MethodsData from the GEO database were utilized, focusing on three datasets (GSE115697, GSE51586, and GSE137482) that examine RNA expression levels in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models. Differentially expressed mRNA (DEmRNA), DEcircRNA, and DEmiRNA were identified using the Limma package in R. A comprehensive strategy combining bioinformatics tools such as MiRWalk and StarBase was employed to identify circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks associated with ischemic stroke. Hub sub-networks were screened and visualized using Cytoscape software. Functional analyses of the ceRNA networks were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway analysis, with pathways containing more than 10 enriched genes and an false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Lastly, the Connectivity Map (CMap) was applied to identify potential therapeutic drugs for ischemic stroke and the MCAO model was established in wild-type mice to verify the therapeutic effect. ResultsTotally, 1,249 DEmRNA, 294 DEmiRNA and 70 DEcircRNA were identified and it was found that 3 circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks might be closely related to ischemic stroke. Based on these findings, Austricine, Metyrapone and Desoxypeganine were the most likely drugs that able to reverse the changes caused by stroke-related ceRNA networks. Metyrapone, taken as an example, was validated to improve neurological function damage on the first (P=0.001 4) and second (P=0.016 1) days post-surgery and reduce infarct volume (P=0.004 9), thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke. ConclusionsOur study provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis and therapy of ischemic stroke from the perspective of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. The three drugs predicted in our research provide new clues for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
7.Successful Pregnancy after Autologous Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue Transplantation in a Cervical Cancer Patient: the First Reported Case in China
Yubin LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Tian MENG ; Bing CAI ; Chuling WU ; Changxi WANG ; Hongwei SHEN ; Guofen YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):498-505
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and autologous transplantation in preserving fertility and ovarian endocrine function in patients with cervical cancer. MethodsA 26-year-old patient with stage ⅡA1 cervical cancer underwent ovarian tissue harvesting and cryopreservation during cancer surgery. Following complete remission of the cancer, autologous ovarian tissue transplantation was performed. Follow-up monitoring included assessment of menopausal symptoms, hormone levels, and follicular development. ResultsSix months after transplantation, follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased to 6.60 U/L, and estradiol levels increased from <10.00 ng/L to 89.00 ng/L. At 10 months after transplantation, ultrasound monitoring confirmed follicular development and physiological ovulation in the transplanted ovarian tissue. By 15 months after transplantation, follicle-stimulating hormone levels remained stable at 7.24 U/L, and estradiol levels further increased to 368.00 ng/L. Over 2 years after transplantation, the patient successfully gave birth to a healthy baby through assisted reproductive technology. ConclusionThe restoration of endocrine and ovulation functions in the transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissue, followed by successful pregnancy, demonstrates the clinical success of ovarian tissue transplantation.
8.Effect of Video-based Educational Intervention Combined with Maternal Presence on Perioperative Adverse Outcomes in Preschool Children under General Anesthesia
Jiayu TAN ; Fengqiu GONG ; Wenqi HUANG ; Xia FENG ; Qiongfang ZHU ; Yubo KANG ; Wenyan WU ; Xiuhong LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):519-527
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of video-based educational intervention combined with maternal presence on perioperative adverse outcomes in preschool children undergoing general anesthesia, including cooperation in anesthesia induction, perioperative anxiety, pain and agitation during recovery. MethodsA total of 300 preschool children scheduled for general anesthesia in our hospital from June to December 2023 were randomly assigned to control group (n=150) and intervention group (n=150). The control group received routine recovery care. For the intervention group, in addition to routine recovery care, a preoperative visit was scheduled one day before surgery. During this visit, mothers were guided to watch anesthesia videos with their children. During the waiting period in the operating room and 30 minutes after awakening, the mothers were guided to accompany the children for more than 30 minutes. Recovery conditions were recorded using the surgical anesthesia information system, and the children’s anesthetic induction compliance, perioperative anxiety, pain, and agitation were evaluated and recorded using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS), the Induction Compliance Scale (ICC), the Children’s Pain Behavior Scale (FLACC), and the Pediatric Agitation and Emergence Delirium Scale (PAED). ResultsOn the preoperative visit day, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05). For perioperative anxiety, the m-YPAS scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group, both when entering the operating room waiting area (35.27±6.48 vs. 41.79±6.68, P < 0.05) and 30 minutes after postoperative recovery (20.13±7.05 vs. 35.75±9.51, P < 0.05). In terms of anesthesia induction cooperation, the ICC scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (1.84±0.95 vs. 3.17±0.62, P < 0.05), and the proportion of good induction cooperation was significantly higher than that of the control group (24.00% vs. 12.67%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in awakening duration between the two groups, but the intervention group had a significantly shorter length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit than the control group (0.90±0.29 hours vs. 1.29±0.42 hours, P < 0.001). For perioperative agitation, the PAED scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (entering in the operating room waiting area: 8.5 vs. 9.2, P < 0.05; 30 minutes after postoperative recovery: 4.2 vs. 7.8, P < 0.05). In terms of pain scores, the FLACC scores of the intervention group were also significantly lower than those of the control group, both when entering the operating room waiting area ( 5.3 vs. 6.7, P < 0.05; 30 minutes after postoperative recovery: 2.1 vs. 4.9, P < 0.05). ConclusionsVideo-based educational intervention combined with maternal presence reduces the perioperative anxiety, pain and agitation of preschool children undergoing general anesthesia, and improved the compliance of anesthesia induction. It is recommended to promote this intervention measure in clinical practice.
9.Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Demyelination in the Brain of Balb/c Mice Infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Zhen NIU ; Xiaojie WU ; Liang YANG ; Zhixuan MA ; Junxiong YANG ; Ying FENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):293-300
ObjectiveTo investigate the demyelination induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) infection in the brain of Balb/c mice and analyze the untargeted metabolomic changes in the corpus callosum, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MethodsBalb/c mice were randomly assigned to a control group (n=6) and an infection group (n=6). The infection group was orally administered 30 third-stage larvae of AC, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Body weight, visual function, and behavioral scores were measured on post-infection 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days to assess neurological alterations. After 21 days, brain tissues were harvested for immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy to examine morphological changes in brain myelin and retina. Metabolomics analysis was performed, and differential metabolites were identified using volcano plots and heatmaps. The distribution of fold changes and bar charts were used to profile the key metabolites. These differential metabolites were then subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and regulatory network analysis. ResultsOn the 9th day after AC infection, Balb/c mice showed a decline in neurological behavioral scores (P<0.05). By day 15, visual scores decreased (P<0.05), and by day 21, significant weight loss (P<0.001) and mortality were observed. Concurrently, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed significant myelin damage in the corpus callosum and a marked reduction in oligodendrocytes (P<0.001). HE staining showed severe retinal ganglion cell damage. Metabolomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant differential metabolites, with steroids and sphingolipids being relatively less abundant. Cholesteryl ester CE (20:2) was significantly upregulated (P<0.001), while phosphatidylmethanol (18:0_18:1) was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). KEGG enrichment and regulatory network analyses demonstrated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways like steroid biosynthesis, bile secretion, and cholesterol metabolism, and were involved in key metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism, neural signal regulation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionsAC infection affects the metabolic state of mice via multiple pathways, modifying the levels of metabolites crucial for myelination and myelin stability. Demyelination may be closely linked to the disruption of these key metabolic pathways, particularly the dysregulation of cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, potentially playing a central role in demyelination onset. Furthermore, alterations in phospholipid metabolism and abnormal nerve signaling regulation may exacerbate myelin damage.
10.Prognostic Value of MELD 3.0 Based Model for Survival Outcomes in Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients
Zhenwei ZHONG ; Kodjo Kunale ABASSA ; Rong CHEN ; Yunwei GUO ; Bin WU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):318-327
ObjectiveTo explore the value of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 in predicting survival outcomes for patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and to establish an effective mortality prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 788 hospitalized patients who were first diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019 were analyzed. Patients were followed up until December 31, 2023 and divided into survival and mortality groups based on the survival outcomes at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years after admission. The prognostic values of the MELD 3.0, MELD, MELD-Sodium (MELD-Na) for survival in alcoholic cirrhosis patients were assessed and compared by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). Additional risk factors associated with mortality in alcoholic cirrhosis patients were identified, and a novel mortality prediction model based on MELD 3.0 was developed. ResultsThe AUC of the MELD 3.0 score in predicting 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival was 0.823, 0.730, 0.686, and 0.658, respectively, which were superior to those of the MELD-Na (0.802, 0.708, 0.666, and 0.645, respectively) and MELD scores (0.698, 0.668, 0.654, and 0.633, respectively) (all P < 0.05). MELD 3.0 demonstrated better performance at 30 and 90 days (AVC=0.823,0.730; both P < 0.05) than at 1 year and 3 years (AVC=0.686,0.658; both P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression combined with LASSO regression indicated that the independent risk factors associated with the 1-year outcome included MELD 3.0, baseline ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma. A survival prediction model was then established with AUC of 0.748, sensitivity of 0.695, and specificity of 0.775. ConclusionsMELD 3.0 has a superior predictive ability for 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, and 3-year survival in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis than MELD-Na and MELD. The prediction model incorporating MELD 3.0, ascites and hepatocellular carcinoma improves the prediction of 1-year survival outcomes for alcoholic cirrhosis patients.

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