1.Gandouling Regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR Autophagy Signaling Pathway via LncRNA H19 for Treatment of Wilson Disease Liver Fibrosis
Xin YIN ; Han WANG ; Daiping HUA ; Lanting SUN ; Yunyun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):131-138
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms and pathways through which Gandouling (GDL) exerts its effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis in Wilson disease. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the model group, the GDL low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.24, 0.48, 0.96 g·kg-1), and the penicillamine group (90 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A copper-loaded Wilson disease rat model was established by gavage administration of 300 mg·kg-1 copper sulfate pentahydrate to all groups except the normal group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type-Ⅲ peptide (PC-Ⅲ), and collagen type-Ⅳ (C-Ⅳ). Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of liver tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of liver tissues and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and their phosphorylated forms, as well as autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ) in liver tissues. Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence signal intensity was observed by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatocytes, unclear nuclear boundaries with cell cleavage and necrosis, and collagen fiber deposition around confluent areas. The levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagic vesicles, with autophagic lysosomes exhibiting a single-layer membrane structure following degradation of most envelopes. Expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.01), and fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ were markedly enhanced. The protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were reduced (P<0.01), while LncRNA H19 expression was increased (P<0.01), and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were decreased (P<0.01). After treatment with GDL, the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved, with decreased levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ. The number of autophagic vesicles was significantly reduced, and expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins were lower (P<0.01). The fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ weakened dose-dependently. The protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were elevated (P<0.01), while the expression level of LncRNA H19 was reduced (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGDL may alleviate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway via LncRNA H19.
2.Advances in the impact of obesity on ocular diseases
Di ZHANG ; Huixian WANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Wenjing LI
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):88-93
Obesity is a risk factor and pathological basis for various chronic non-communicable diseases and is an important risk factor leading to human mortality and disability. The harm of obesity to the body includes not only various systemic diseases but also some ocular diseases. Currently, the higher pursuit of life and visual quality has led to increased attention to the etiology and prevention of ocular diseases, and the impact of obesity on ocular diseases has been gradually discovered. This article reviews the impact of obesity on certain ocular diseases to deepen the understanding of obesity's impact on ocular diseases and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases.
3.Compound Xishu Granules Inhibit Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating Ferroptosis
Yuan TIAN ; Yuxi WANG ; Zhen LIU ; Yuncheng MA ; Hongyu ZHU ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Qian LI ; Jian GAO ; Weiling WANG ; Wenhui XU ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):37-45
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules (CXG) in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model, Fufang Banmao (0.21 g·kg-1), low-dose (1.87 g·kg-1) CXG, medium-dose (3.74 g·kg-1) CXG, and high-dose (7.49 g·kg-1) CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days, and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations (0, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1 000 mg·L-1) of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM, DCFH-DA, and C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxide (LPO), respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment, compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 (P<0.01). After treatment, the Fufang Banmao and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume, relative tumor volume, and tumor weight than the model group (P<0.05), with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%, 79.93%, 91.38%, and 97.36%, respectively. Moreover, the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume (P<0.05 in all the three dose groups) and lower tumor weight (P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups) than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells, necrotic foci with karyopyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, and nucleolysis, and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment, compared with the blank group, CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY581/591, which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe2+ (P<0.01), ROS (P<0.05), and LPO (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.05). In addition, the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 (P<0.05), and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 (P<0.05). ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe2+and LPO levels.
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.Infection characteristics of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Hangzhou City in 2022
WANG Ling ; XU Ke ; ZHANG Xingliang ; HUANG Sichao ; LI Xiting ; CHEN Junfang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):123-129
Objective:
To analyze the infection characteristics of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Hangzhou City, so as to provide the reference for effective AIDS intervention.
Methods:
Newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Hangzhou City in 2022 were recruited. Demographic information, HIV testing status, infection routes and sexual behaviors were collected using questionnaire surveys. Blood samples were collected before antiviral treatment, and HIV-1 pol gene sequences were detected to construct molecular transmission networks. The characteristics of HIV/AIDS cases, including infection routes, time, and location were analyzed. Factors affecting infection time and location among HIV/AIDS cases were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 007 HIV/AIDS cases were reported in Hangzhou City in 2022, with 907 cases (90.07%) completing questionnaire surveys. Among them, 833 were males (91.84%), and 532 had out-of-province household registrations (58.65%). Ninety-one molecular transmission networks were established, and 276 cases were involved, with homosexual contact as the main infection route (199 cases, 72.10%). There were 311 recently infected cases (35.34%) and 569 previously infected cases (64.66%) among 880 cases whose infection time could be determined. There were 531 locally infected. cases (70.24%) and 225 imported cases (29.76%) among 756 cases whose infection location could be determined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the HIV/AIDS cases who were identified through voluntary counseling and testing (OR=1.826, 95%CI: 1.055-3.175) and sought sexual partners through homosexual dating apps (OR=2.461, 95%CI: 1.193-5.234) were more likely to be recently infected; the cases who lived in Hangzhou City for more than one year (>1 to 5 years, OR=2.853, 95%CI: 1.552-5.358; >5 years, OR=3.534, 95%CI: 1.382-9.804), sought sexual partners through entertainment venues (OR=3.449, 95%CI: 1.390-8.935), online/social apps (OR=2.416, 95%CI: 1.084-5.488) and homosexual dating apps (OR=3.734, 95%CI: 1.677-8.493) were more likely to be locally infected; student cases were more likely to be infected outside Hangzhou City (OR=0.115, 95%CI: 0.019-0.525).
Conclusions
The newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Hangzhou City in 2022 were primarily infected through homosexual contact, previously and locally. Seeking sexual partners through homosexual dating apps is an important influencing factor for recent and local infections, highlighting the need for strengthening traceback investigations of related cases.
6.Risk factors for concurrent hepatic hydrothorax before intervention in primary liver cancer and construction of a nomogram prediction model
Yuanzhen WANG ; Renhai TIAN ; Yingyuan ZHANG ; Danqing XU ; Lixian CHANG ; Chunyun LIU ; Li LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):75-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for hepatic hydrothorax (HH) before intervention for primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC), and to construct and assess the nomogram risk prediction model. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 353 hospitalized patients who attended the Third People’s Hospital of Kunming for the first time from October 2012 to October 2021 and there diagnosed with PHC, and according to the presence or absence of HH, they were divided into HH group with 153 patients and non-HH group with 200 patients. General data and the data of initial clinical testing after admission were collected from all PHC patients. 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; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. After the multicollinearity test was performed for the variables with statistical significance determined by the univariate analysis, the multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent influencing factors. The “rms” software package was used to construct a nomogram risk prediction model, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the risk prediction model; the “Calibration Curves” software package was used to plot the calibration curve, and the “rmda” software package was used to plot the clinical decision curve and the clinical impact curve. ResultsAmong the 353 patients with PHC, there were 153 patients with HH, with a prevalence rate of 43.34%. Child-Pugh class B (odds ratio [OR]=2.652, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.050 — 6.698, P=0.039), Child-Pugh class C (OR=7.963, 95%CI: 1.046 — 60.632, P=0.045), total protein (OR=0.947, 95%CI: 0.914 — 0.981, P=0.003), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR=1.007, 95%CI: 1.001 — 1.014, P=0.025), and interleukin-2 (OR=0.801, 95%CI: 0.653 — 0.981, P=0.032) were independent influencing factors for HH before PHC intervention, and a nomogram risk prediction model was established based on these factors. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model had a good degree of fitting (χ2=5.006, P=0.757), with an area under the ROC curve of 0.752 (95%CI: 0.701 — 0.803), a sensitivity of 78.40%, and a specificity of 63.50%. The calibration curve showed that the model had good consistency in predicting HH before PHC intervention, and the clinical decision curve and the clinical impact curve showed that the model had good clinical practicability within a certain threshold range. ConclusionChild-Pugh class, total protein, interleukin-2, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein are independent influencing factors for developing HH before PHC intervention, and the nomogram model established based on these factors can effectively predict the risk of developing HH.
8.Key Information and Modern Clinical Application of Classic Formula Xiaoji Yinzi
Baolin WANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Chen CHEN ; Jinyu CHEN ; Chengxin LUO ; Bingqi WEI ; Kaili CHEN ; Peicong XU ; Wei DENG ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):189-198
Xiaoji Yinzi is one of the classic prescriptions for treating urinary diseases, originated from the Yan's Prescriptions to Aid the Living (Yan Shi Ji Sheng Fang) written by YAN Yonghe in the Song dynasty. Xiaoji Yinzi is composed of Rehmanniae Radix, Cirsii Herba, Talcum, Akebiae Caulis, Typhae Pollen, Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus, Lophatheri Herba, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and has the effects of cooling blood and stopping bleeding, draining water and relieving stranguria. The medical experts of later generations have inherited the original prescription recorded in the Yan's Prescriptions to Aid the Living, while dispute has emerged during the inheritance of this prescription. In this study, the method of bibliometrics was employed to review and analyze the ancient documents and modern clinical studies involving Xiaoji Yinzi. The results showed that Xiaoji Yinzi has two dosage forms: powder and decoction. According to the measurement system in the Song Dynasty, the modern doses of hers in Xiaoji Yinzi were transformed. In the prepration of Xiaoji Yinzi powder, 149.2 g of Rehmanniae Radix and 20.65 g each of Cirsii Herba, Talcum, Akebiae Caulis, stir-fried Typhae Pollen, Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus, Lophatheri Herba, wine-processed Angelicae Sinensis Radix, stir-fried Gardeniae Fructus, and stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are grounded into fine powder with the particle size of 4-10 meshes and a decocted with 450 mL water to reach a volume of 240 mL. After removal of the residue, the decoction was taken warm before meals, 3 times a day (i.e., 7.77 g Rehmanniae Radix and 0.97 g each of the other herbs each time). In the preparation of Xiaoji Yinzi decoction, 20.65 g each of the above 10 herbs are used, with stir-fried Typhae Pollen, wine-processed Angelica Sinensis Radix, stir-fired Gardeniae Fructus, stir-fired Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and raw materials of other herbs. Xiaoji Yinzi is specialized in treating hematuresis and blood stranguria due to heat accumulation in lower energizer, which causes injury of the blood collaterals of gallbladder and dysfunction of Qi transformation. In modern clinical practice, Xiaoji Yinzi is specifically used for treating urinary diseases and can be expanded to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system and other systems according to pathogenesis. The comprehensive research on the key information could provide a scientific reference for the future development of Xiaoji Yinzi.
9.Clinical and Mechanism of Modified Xiaoyaosan and Its Effective Components in Treatment of Thyroid Diseases: A Review
Shanshan LI ; Yu FU ; Dandan WEI ; Fei WANG ; Mengjiao XU ; Ting WANG ; Shuxun YAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):302-310
Thyroid diseases are common clinical endocrine disorders, and their pathogenesis is generally considered to be closely related to genetic predisposition factors, immune system disorders, hormone levels, etc. Xiaoyaosan is widely used in the treatment of various thyroid diseases with excellent effects. This study summarized the relevant literature on the treatment of thyroid diseases with modified Xiaoyaosan prescriptions and their active ingredients from aspects such as theoretical analysis, clinical research, and mechanism research. Theoretical analysis revealed that Xiaoyaosan could not only disperse stagnated liver qi but also replenish deficient spleen Qi, which was consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of thyroid diseases. Clinical studies found that Xiaoyaosan and its modified prescriptions could be widely used in the treatment of multiple thyroid diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and thyroid nodules. Both the use of modified Xiaoyaosan alone and in combination with medications such as methimazole, propylthiouracil, and euthyrox could effectively improve patients' clinical symptoms. In the mechanism research, this study discovered that the whole formula of Xiaoyaosan and its modified prescriptions could inhibit inflammatory reactions, regulate immune balance, and delay liver damage during the treatment of thyroid diseases. The research on Xiaoyaosan for treating thyroid diseases mainly focused on thyroid cancer, autoimmune thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. The mechanisms of action mainly involved promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, arresting the cell cycle, and regulating thyroid hormone levels. In conclusion, this study systematically combs and summarizes the research status of Xiaoyaosan in treating thyroid diseases through literature retrieval, aiming to provide new perspectives and new ideas for the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases with traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Structure, content and data standardization of rehabilitation medical records
Yaru YANG ; Zhuoying QIU ; Di CHEN ; Zhongyan WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Shiyong WU ; Yaoguang ZHANG ; Xiaoxie LIU ; Yanyan YANG ; Bin ZENG ; Mouwang ZHOU ; Yuxiao XIE ; Guangxu XU ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Mingsheng ZHANG ; Xiangming YE ; Jian YANG ; Na AN ; Yuanjun DONG ; Xiaojia XIN ; Xiangxia REN ; Ye LIU ; Yifan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(1):21-32
ObjectiveTo elucidate the critical role of rehabilitation medical records (including electronic records) in rehabilitation medicine's clinical practice and management, comprehensively analyzed the structure, core content and data standards of rehabilitation medical records, to develop a standardized medical record data architecture and core dataset suitable for rehabilitation medicine and to explore the application of rehabilitation data in performance evaluation and payment. MethodsBased on the regulatory documents Basic Specifications for Medical Record Writing and Basic Specifications for Electronic Medical Records (Trial) issued by National Health Commission of China, and referencing the World Health Organization (WHO) Family of International Classifications (WHO-FICs) classifications, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10/ICD-11), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI Beta-3), this study constructed the data architecture, core content and data standards for rehabilitation medical records. Furthermore, it explored the application of rehabilitation record summary sheets (home page) data in rehabilitation medical statistics and payment methods, including Diagnosis-related Groups (DRG), Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) and Case Mix Index. ResultsThis study proposed a systematic standard framework for rehabilitation medical records, covering key components such as patient demographics, rehabilitation diagnosis, functional assessment, rehabilitation treatment prescriptions, progress evaluations and discharge summaries. The research analyzed the systematic application methods and data standards of ICD-10/ICD-11, ICF and ICHI Beta-3 in the fields of medical record terminology, coding and assessment. Constructing a standardized data structure and data standards for rehabilitation medical records can significantly improve the quality of data reporting based on the medical record summary sheet, thereby enhancing the quality control of rehabilitation services, effectively supporting the optimization of rehabilitation medical insurance payment mechanisms, and contributing to the establishment of rehabilitation medical performance evaluation and payment based on DRG and DIP. ConclusionStructured rehabilitation records and data standardization are crucial tools for quality control in rehabilitation. Systematically applying the three reference classifications of the WHO-FICs, and aligning with national medical record and electronic health record specifications, facilitate the development of a standardized rehabilitation record architecture and core dataset. Standardizing rehabilitation care pathways based on the ICF methodology, and developing ICF- and ICD-11-based rehabilitation assessment tools, auxiliary diagnostic and therapeutic systems, and supporting terminology and coding systems, can effectively enhance the quality of rehabilitation records and enable interoperability and sharing of rehabilitation data with other medical data, ultimately improving the quality and safety of rehabilitation services.


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