1.Mechanism of action of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene in the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and related targeted therapies
Zhaoquan PAN ; Xudong LIU ; Weiqiang TAN ; Xiaoke RAN ; Yuan YUAN ; Xinfeng LOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1167-1173
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with the pathological feature of lipid accumulation in the liver, and it is closely associated with liver metabolic disorders. The latest research has shown that the pathogenesis of MAFLD is associated with the abnormal expression of specific genes, especially the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene. The abnormal activity of the FTO gene may lead to an imbalance in liver lipid metabolism, which manifests as the increase in fatty acid synthesis and the reduction in fatty acid oxidation, thereby promoting liver fat deposition and inflammatory response. Therefore, regulating the expression or activity of the FTO gene is considered one of the potential strategies for the treatment of MAFLD. At present, drug research targeting the function of the FTO gene has achieved preliminary results, and inhibition of the activity of the FTO gene can help to regulate liver lipid metabolism and alleviate liver inflammatory injury. This article reviews the mechanism of action of the FTO gene in the development and progression of MAFLD, summarizes the advances in drug research on the FTO gene and related metabolic pathways in recent years, and analyzes their application prospect in research and treatment. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure
Tianyu HE ; Lina WU ; Wenqiang SHI ; Huican DUAN ; Haiyan LIU ; Haiyan GUO ; Weiqiang GAO ; Gang LI ; Yuan LIU ; Ruifang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(2):126-133
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To evaluate the value of the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) in evaluating right ventricular function of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods:A total of 74 patients with HCM and HFpEF and 22 healthy individuals who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to January 2023 were included in this study. The HCM patients with HFpEF were divided into three groups based on the tertiles of the TAPSE/PASP (low group: <0.280 0 mm/mmHg; middle group: 0.280 0-0.476 2 mm/mmHg; high group: >0.476 2 mm/mmHg). Conventional echocardiographic parameters were collected, and two-dimensional speckle tracking technology was used to obtain right ventricular strain parameters. The differences in parameters among the groups were compared, and the correlations between TAPSE/PASP and clinical parameters and right ventricular function parameters were analyzed.Results:The results of difference analysis showed that there were significant differences in 6-minute walking test, New York Heart Association grade (NYHA grade), incidence of atrial fibrillation, left atrial area (LAA), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), TAPSE, PASP, right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS), right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWST) and cardiac magnetic resonance right ventricular ejection fraction (CMR-RVEF) among the three groups. The results of correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis showed that the TAPSE/PASP was positively correlated with 6-minute walking distance, RVFAC, tricuspid annulus peak systolic velocity (RV s′), and CMR-RVEF ( r=0.449, 0.284, 0.358, 0.577; all P<0.05). It was negatively correlated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), NYHA grade, LAA, mitral early diastolic peak velocity / mitral annulus early diastolic peak velocity (LV E/e′), LVGLS, RVGLS, RVFWST and tricuspid early diastolic peak velocity / tricuspid annulus early diastolic peak velocity (RV E/e′) (r/ rs=-0.336, -0.349, -0.468, -0.452, -0.444, -0.339, -0.405, -0.320; all P<0.05). The LAA and CMR-RVEF correlated independently with TAPSE/PASP(all P<0.05). Conclusions:The TAPSE/PASP can provide an early, simple, rapid, and convenient evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with HCM and HFpEF, so as to guide clinical treatment and monitoring disease progression.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Transcriptomic analysis and antagonist screening of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jiahui DU ; Lirong LI ; Weiqiang GUO ; Songbai LIU
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(4):481-486
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the transcriptome differences of ovarian cancer cells after cisplatin(DDP)resistance,and to find potential antagonists based on this screening.Methods DDP-resistant cell line A2780-DDP was constructed with A2780 cells as the research object.Through transcriptome sequencing anal-ysis,the key factors of DDP resistance were found and verified by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blot experiments.Through the screening of small molecule inhibitors,CCK-8 cell viability assay was used to find potential antagonists.Results A2780-DDP were successfully constructed,and it was found that there was no difference in cell proliferation after drug resistance,but the ability of cell invasion and migration was enhanced.Through transcriptome sequencing analysis,it was found that ITGB7 and Akt may be the key genes of A2780-DDP,and qPCR and Western blot showed that they were highly expressed in A2780-DDP.CCK-8 results showed that triptolide(TPL)and Olaparib had good inhibitory effects in DDP-resistant cell lines.Conclusion The ITGB7/Akt pathway plays an important role in DDP resistance,and potential DDP re-sistance antagonists such as TPL can provide new ideas for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Effects and mechanism of baicalin on wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in diabetic mice
Yan SHI ; Liang YI ; Weiqiang ZHANG ; Nike LIU ; Huicai WEN ; Ronghua YANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(11):1085-1094
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of baicalin on the wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in diabetic mice.Methods:This study was an experimental research. Mononuclear cells were isolated from five male C57BL/6J mice aged 8-12 weeks and induced to differentiate into macrophages for conducting the subsequent experiments. According to the random number table (the same grouping method below), macrophages in a high-glucose environment were divided into 0 μmol/L baicalin group (no baicalin was added), 5 μmol/L baicalin group, 15 μmol/L baicalin group, 25 μmol/L baicalin group, 50 μmol/L baicalin group, and 75 μmol/L baicalin group treated with the corresponding final molarity of baicalin and 1 μg/mL endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After treatment for 48 hours, the cell proliferation activity was detected using a microplate reader. Macrophages in a high-glucose environment were divided into LPS group treated with 1 μg/mL LPS and LPS+baicalin group treated with 50 μmol/L baicalin+1 μg/mL LPS. After treatment for 48 hours, the percentage of double-positive cells for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and CD80, as well as that for arginase 1 (Arg1) and CD206 among the cells, were detected using immunofluorescence method, the secretion levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-23, IL-10, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β 1) by the cells were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the expression of reactive oxygen species in the cells was detected using a fluorescent probe method, the protein expression of nuclear factor κB in the cells were detected using Western blotting, and the expression of nuclear factor 2 in the cells was observed using immunofluorescence method. The number of cell experimental samples was 3. Twenty-four 8-week-old male db/db mice were selected. After preparing full-thickness skin defect wounds on their backs, they were divided into baicalin group and normal saline group (with 12 mice in each group). On the third day after injury, 50 μmol/L baicalin and normal saline were injected into the wounds of mice, respectively. The wound healing situation was observed and the percentage of the residual wound area was calculated on the 4 th, 8 th, and 12 th day after injury. The wound tissue was sampled on the 8 th day after injury, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the epithelial regeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration, the protein expression of CD31 was detected by Western blotting, and the expression of reactive oxygen species was detected by a microplate reader. The number of animal experimental samples was 6. Results:After treatment for 48 hours, only the proliferation activity of macrophages in 50 μmol/L baicalin group was significantly higher than that in 0 μmol/L baicalin group ( P<0.05). After treatment for 48 hours, the percentage of double-positive cells for iNOS and CD80 among the macrophages in LPS+baicalin group was (21.0±2.4)%, which was significantly lower than (66.6±4.5)% in LPS group ( t=15.63, P<0.05); the percentage of double-positive cells for Arg1 and CD206 among the macrophages in LPS+baicalin group was (59.1±2.1)%, which was significantly higher than (18.6±1.7)% in LPS group ( t=25.38, P<0.05); compared with those in LPS group, the secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-23 by the macrophages in LPS+baicalin group were significantly decreased (with t values of 14.26, 15.95, and 12.23, respectively, P<0.05), while the secretion levels of IL-10, IGF, and TGF-β 1 were significantly increased (with t values of 8.49, 11.98, and 13.84, respectively, P<0.05); the expression of reactive oxygen species in the macrophages in LPS+baicalin group was significantly lower than that in LPS group ( t=5.54, P<0.05); compared with those in LPS group, the protein expression of nuclear factor κB in the nucleus of the macrophages in LPS+baicalin group was significantly decreased ( t=36.22, P<0.05), while that in the cytoplasm was significantly increased ( t=14.47, P<0.05), and the expression of nuclear factor 2 in the nucleus was increased. On the 4 th and 8 th day after injury, the wound area of mice in baicalin group was significantly smaller than that in normal saline group, and the wounds of mice in baicalin group completely healed on the 12 th day after injury. On the 4 th, 8 th, and 12 th day after injury, the residual wound area percentage of mice in baicalin group was significantly lower than that in normal saline group (with t values of 13.29, 10.08, and 11.72, respectively, P<0.05). On the 8 th day after injury, compared with those in normal saline group, the wound tissue of mice in baicalin group showed significant re-epithelization, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced, the expression of CD31 protein was significantly increased ( t=17.23, P<0.05), and the expression of reactive oxygen species was significantly reduced ( t=5.78, P<0.05). Conclusions:Baicalin alleviates the inflammatory response of macrophages by lowering the level of reactive oxygen species in cells and promoting the polarization of macrophages to the M2 type, thereby facilitating the healing of full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Study on the mechanism of Compound lizard powder reducing cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer by regulating glycolysis
Fan’e CHENG ; Zheng LI ; Caiyue LIU ; Xiaoqian SHI ; Weiqiang LI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(10):1179-1185
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Compound lizard powder reducing cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer by regulating glycolytic activity based on phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signaling pathway. METHODS Human gastric cancer MKN45 and MKN45/DDP (cisplatin-resistant) cells were cultured in vitro and intervened with different mass concentrations of cisplatin (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 μg/mL) to detect the survival rate, half inhibitory concentration (IC50) and drug resistance index. MKN45/DDP cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the right anterior axilla of nude mice to prepare a transplanted tumor model of gastric cancer. After successful modeling, they were randomly divided into model group, cisplatin group (0.002 g/kg), Compound lizard powder group (2.8 g/kg) and combination group (the same dose as each single drug group), with 8 nude mice in each group. Each administration group was given relevant solution, twice a week (cisplatin, i.p.) or twice a day (Compound lizard powder, i. g.), for 4 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the body weight of nude mice was monitored, and tumor volume and inhibitory rate of tumor were calculated. The levels of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6) in tumor tissue, the mRNA and protein expressions of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), as well as the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), hexokinase-2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) were all detected. RESULTS With the intervention of different concentrations of cisplatin, the survival rate of MKN45/DDP-resistant cells was significantly higher than that of MKN45 parent cells (P<0.05). IC50 value of MKN45/DDP and MKN45 cells were(1.052 0±0.221 9) and (0.372 1±0.238 0)μg/mL, and the drug resistant index was 2.827. Compared with the model group, cisplatin group, Compound lizard powder group and combination group all had certain inhibitory effects on the tumor growth in nude mice; the inhibitory rates of tumor increased significantly (P<0.05); the levels of inflammatory factors, the mRNA and protein expressions of MRP1, P-gp, GLUT1 and LDHA (except for cisplatin group), the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt protein (except for cisplatin group) as well as the protein expressions of HK2 and PKM2 were decreased significantly, while the combination group was significantly better than the cisplatin group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compound lizard powder may inhibit tumor growth in transplanted tumor model nude mice with gastric cancer-resistant cells by reducing the secretion of tumor-related inflammatory factors, inhibiting the expression of glycolysis, drug resistance-related proteins and genes, inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thus having a certain effect of enhancing cisplatin efficacy and reversing drug resistance.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Expression and prognostic factors analysis of CYFRA21-1, CEA, and Ki67 in non-small cell lung cancer
Jianyun PAN ; Yien HUANG ; Shujun HONG ; Shaohan FANG ; Jingwei LIU ; Weiqiang CHEN ; Gaojian PAN ; Jie JIANG ; Guojun GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(05):682-688
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective  To explore the value of preoperative detection of soluble fragments of cytokeratin-19 (CYFRA21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and postoperative detection of nuclear proliferation associated antigen Ki67 in prognostic evaluation of non-small cell lung cancer patients. Methods  The clinicopathological data and follow-up results of patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University in 2017 were collected. CYFRA21-1>3.39 ng/mL was defined as positive, and CEA>5 ng/mL was defined as positive. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) of Ki67 expression level was drawn. The maximum area under the curve (AUC) was the cutoff value of Ki67 expression level, and the Ki67 expression level greater than its cutoff value was defined as positive. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Results  Finally 248 patients were collected, including 125 males and 123 females, with a median age of 61 years (ranging from 30 to 81 years) at the time of surgery. Univariate analysis showed that positive CYFRA21-1, high expression of Ki67, positive CEA, age≥60 years at operation, distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis, maximum tumor diameter>3 cm, and TNM stage Ⅲ were associated with poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. When combined detection of preoperative tumor markers and postoperative Ki67, the prognosis of all negative patients was the best, and that of all positive patients was the worst. Cox regression analysis showed that positive CEA+positive CYFRA21-1+high expression of Ki67 was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (P<0.05). Conclusion  The combined detection of preoperative serum CYFRA21-1, CEA, and postoperative Ki67 has important value in evaluating the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.To Explore the Mechanism of Huayu Xiaopi Decoction in the Intervention of Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technique and in vivo Experiment
Ziyou LIU ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Yaorong AN ; Yanying ZHANG ; Bing SONG ; Min BAI ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Yue PENG ; Mengyong XIAO ; Weiqiang LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(4):1092-1103
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To predict the target and molecular mechanism of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in the intervention of Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,and to conduct experimental verification.Methods A total of 60 SPF SD male rats were randomly selected as blank control,and the other rats were replicated in PLGC model.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into model group,folic acid group(2 mg·kg-1·d-1),Huayu Xiaopi decoction high,medium and low dose groups(24.8,12.4,6.2 g·kg-1·d-1),which were continuously administered for 90 days.The body mass and food intake of rats at 3 h were recorded,and the gastric histopathology was observed by HE staining.Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to predict the potential targets of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in PLGC intervention,and the core targets were verified by Western blot technique.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass and 3 h food intake of rats in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the gastric mucosa of rats was significantly thinner,the glands were significantly reduced and disordered,and the intestinal metaplasia goblet cells and a large number of inflammatory cells were visible in some areas.Compared with the model group,the body mass and 3 h food intake of rats in each administration group were improved to varying degrees.Huayu Xiaopi Decoction improved significantly in medium and high doses(P<0.05),the gastric mucosa was repaired in different degrees,the glandular arrangement tended to be orderly,and the inflammatory cells in the interstitial were gradually reduced.The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that TP53,JUN and MAPK3/1(ERK1/2)were the core targets of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in the intervention of PLGC.Molecular biological detection results showed that compared with blank group,the protein phosphorylation levels of TP53,c-Jun and ERK1/2 in gastric tissue of model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the protein phosphorylation levels of TP53,c-Jun and ERK1/2 in gastric tissue of rats in all administration groups were decreased to different degrees,and significantly decreased in Huayu Xiaopi decoction high-dose and medium-dose groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Huayu Xiaopi Decoction can significantly improve the survival condition of PLGC rats and promote gastric mucosal repair,the specific mechanism of which may be related to the decrease of ERK1/2,c-Jun and TP53 protein phosphorylation levels in gastric tissue of PLGC rats,and then regulate the downstream signaling molecular response.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Thyroid carcinoma biomarkers and its application in clinical diagnosis and treatment:recent progress
Weiqiang TENG ; Qiuyang WANG ; Yi MA ; Caiyun ZHANG ; Hongliang ZHENG ; Chengjing ZHU ; Jisheng LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2024;45(9):1127-1133
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Thyroid carcinoma is closely related to environmental factors. Gene mutations and molecular biological changes of gland tissue caused by environmental changes are important factors inducing thyroid carcinoma. Although the molecular mechanism of thyroid carcinoma has not been fully elucidated,increasingly specific genetic changes and molecular markers for thyroid carcinoma have been discovered with the development of molecular biology techniques. This article reviews the recent progresses on the etiology,specific molecular markers,diagnosis and targeted therapies of thyroid carcinoma,so as to provide theoretical support for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid carcinoma.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail