1.Identification of active ingredients and possible mechanisms of Yijing Decoction in treating diabetic retinopathy based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and network pharmacology
Limei LUO ; Ting HUANG ; Yanfang CHENG ; Yuhe MA ; Lin XIE ; Jianzhong HE ; Guanghui LIU ; Yongzheng ZHENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1219-1226
AIM: To identify the primary active components and underlying mechanisms of Yijing Decoction(YJD)in treating early diabetic retinopathy(DR)based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and network pharmacology.METHODS: Active components of YJD were characterized through LC-MS. Components with optimal ADME(absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)properties were selected as key bioactive candidates. Network pharmacology approaches were employed to predict YJD-DR therapeutic targets. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks, gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were subsequently conducted to predict core targets and networks. Critical targets and pathways were experimentally validated through Western blot.RESULTS: Ten core therapeutic targets were identified, including TNF, Alb, EGFR, STAT3, PTGS2, ESR1, PPAR, MMP9, TLR4, and MAPK. YJD was related to cancer-related signaling, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, encompassing key biological processes such as inflammatory response regulation, programmed cell death activation, and enhanced cell migration. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that YJD significantly inhibited high glucose-induced phosphorylation of STAT3(P-STAT3/STAT3)and ERK(P-ERK/ERK)in rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells.CONCLUSION: This study revealed YJD's pharmacodynamical basis and its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-paths pharmacology. YJD exerts therapeutic effects on DR by coordinately regulating critical signaling pathways and alleviating intraocular inflammation, thus preserving retinal vascular endothelial cells, maintaining blood-retinal barrier integrity, and facilitating retinal neurovascular repair.
2.Therapeutic Effect of Wenweishu Granules on Functional Dyspepsia Rats with Spleen-stomach Deficiency Cold Syndrome Based on Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation
Xinyu YANG ; Xiaoyi JIA ; Zihua XUAN ; Shuangying GUI ; Yanfang WU ; Yuhan MA ; Qin RUAN ; Jia ZHENG ; Zhiyong JIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):30-40
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenweishu granule (WWSG) on functional dyspepsia (FD) with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsActive components and corresponding targets of WWSG were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Disease-related targets for FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome were screened using GeneCards and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP). Core therapeutic targets were identified via Cytoscape and validated by molecular docking. A rat model of FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome was established using vinegar gavage combined with tail-clamping. The rats were randomly divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose WWSG groups (2.0, 4.0, 8.0 g·kg-1), a domperidone group (3.0 mg·kg-1), a Fuzi Lizhong pillwan (0.8 g·kg-1), and a normal control group (n=10 per group). Drugs were administered once daily by gavage for 14 consecutive days. After treatment, body weight, symptom scores, and gastrointestinal motility indices were recorded. Gastric and duodenal pathologies changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Brain-gut peptides were measured in serum and tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess stem cell factor (SCF) and receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Kit) protein expression in gastric tissues. ResultsA total of 305 drug targets, 1 140 disease targets, and 116 overlapping targets were identified. Cytoscape analysis revealed 104 core targets. Enrichment analysis indicated that the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway was the key mechanism. Molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between active components of WWSG and SCF/c-Kit proteins (binding energy<-5.1 kcal·mol-1). Compared with the normal group, model rats exhibited slower weight gain (P<0.05), reduced gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion (P<0.01), mild gastric mucosal shedding, duodenal inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased levels of gastrin (GAS), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) (P<0.05, P<0.01), and elevated somatostatin (SS) expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). WWSG treatment ameliorated weight gain, symptom scores, and low-grade inflammation in gastric/duodenal tissues. High-dose WWSG significantly improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion, upregulated GAS, 5-HT, and VIP, and downregulated SS expression in serum and tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot demonstrated that SCF and c-Kit protein expression was decreased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), which was reversed by WWSG intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionWWSG exerts therapeutic effects on FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats, potentially by regulating the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway to enhance gastrointestinal motility.
3.A 30-year review and outlook on esophageal acid and pressure measurement
Yong JIANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhigang LI ; Wenhu CHEN ; Wenhu PAN ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuchen SU ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):766-770
The Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shanghai Chest Hospital has performed esophageal function testing for over 30 years, being the only department of its kind in China with this capability. The pressure testing and 24-hour pH/impedance monitoring of the esophagus is of great help to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant esophageal diseases related to it. Thanks to the esophageal function test, in addition to the routine various endoscopic anti-reflux procedures, our hospital has taken the lead in China in recent years to carry out a series of clinical and research work for benign esophageal diseases, such as the development of magnetic ring, double nedoscopic combination and new anti-reflux endoscopic techniques. In recent years, we have carried out high-resolution esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH/impedance monitoring for patients with interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis suspected to be caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux. We can better assess the correlation between gastroesophageal reflux and pulmonary fibrosis, and to provide the different clinical treatments and even surgical interventions. The Bravo capsule is used more often in the United States, and it has obvious advantages over traditional approach for acid measurement. We strongly call for the collaboration between industry and academic institutions in this field, and the development of our own related products with independent intellectual property rights.
4.Dendrobii Caulis Mixture-containing Serum Protects Mice from Podocyte Injury Induced by High Glucose
Yong CHEN ; Xiaohui LIN ; Jieping ZHANG ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Shuting ZHUANG ; Wenzhen YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Dendrobium mixture (DMix)-containing serum on high glucose-induced podocyte injury in mice. MethodThe MPC5 mouse glomerular podocytes were cultured in vitro, and the optimal glucose concentration for modeling, modeling time, and concentration of DMix-containing serum for administration were determined. The cells were classified into normal (5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% blank serum), model (30 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% blank serum), DMix-containing serum (30 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% DMix-containing serum), ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1, 30 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% blank serum+1 μmol·L-1 Fer-1) groups. The corresponding kits were used to measure the levels of Fe2+ and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the content of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxide (LPO) in cells. Fluorescence probe was used to measure the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of Wilms' tumor-1 (WT-1), desmin, long chain acyl-CoA synthase 4 (ACSL4), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in podocytes. ResultCompared with the blank group, the intervention with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose for 48 h reduced podocyte viability (P<0.01), and the 10% DMix-containing serum showed the most significant improvement in podocyte viability (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group presented elevated levels of Fe2+, LDH, LPO, and ROS, lowered GSH level, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of desmin and ACSL4, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of WT-1 and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the DMix-containing serum lowered the Fe2+, LDH, LPO, and ROS levels, elevated the GSH level, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of desmin and ACSL4, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of WT-1 and GPX4 in podocytes (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDMix-containing serum exerts a protective effect on high glucose-induced podocyte injury by inhibiting ferroptosis.
5.Research progress of CD73/NT5E in glioblastoma
Jiang SHAO ; Lin LI ; Yansong GUO ; Chengyuan SUN ; Xichao WEN ; Kebin ZHENG ; Yanfang SHI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(3):428-431,438
Glioma is the most common primary central nervous system tumor,mainly derived from glial cells,with strong invasiveness,easy recurrence,and poor prognosis.Glioblastoma is a high-grade glioma with the highest degree of malignancy.The clinical treatment method is mainly surgical resection,supplemented by compre-hensive treatment such as radiotherapy,chemotherapy,and electric field therapy,but the treatment effect is not satisfactory.In recent years,with the rapid development of the field of tumor immunotherapy,CD73 is a novel immune checkpoint related to adenosine metabolism,which can promote tumor progression by inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses and promoting angiogenesis.This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of CD73 and discusses its biological role and application in glioma,aiming to provide potential treatment options for glioma patients.
6.46XY simple gonadal hypoplasia: 2 case reports and literature review
Xue LI ; Mengfan DING ; Fei TENG ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Ying LUO ; Yongxiu ZHENG ; Jin CUI ; Huiying ZHANG
Clinical Medicine of China 2024;40(1):65-69
46XY simple gonadal hypoplasia, also known as Sweyer syndrome, patients often due to primary amenorrhea or pubertal secondary sex characteristics do not develop the doctor, its combined gonadal tumor is more likely, in the treatment process is often recommended prophylactic removal of gonads, postoperative hormone replacement therapy. We describe two patients diagnosed with Sweyer syndrome, one with gonadowlastoma and mature teratoma, and one with nodular Leydig cell hyperplasia and ectopic adrenal tissue, and reviews the literature.
7.Simultaneous Determination of Nine Bile Acid Components in Shedan Chuanbei Liquid by UHPLC-MS
Jinjing LIN ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Mingqing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(6):805-811
OBJECTIVE
To establish an UHPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of 9 bile acids components in Shedan Chuanbei liquid. To analyze the differences of bile acids components from different manufacturers and different batches of product.
METHODS
Thermo Fisher Scientfic Bremen HYPERSIL GOLD(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.9 µm) was selected as the chromatographic column. The mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid-water and methanol with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL·min−1, and the column temperature was 40 ℃. HESI negative ion mode was used for mass spectrometry, and PRM scanning mode was used for mass spectrometry data.
RESULTS
The calibration curves of 9 biles acids were linear in their own range(r≥0.999 2). The average recoveries ranged from (95.5±1.52)% to (103.1±3.81)%. The RSD ranged from 1.1% to 5.5%. Nine bile acids components including taurocholic acid, tauroursodesoxycholic acid, 7-ketone-3α,12-α-hydroxyl cholanic acid, taurochenodeoxy-cholic acid, sodium taurodeoxycholate, cholic acid, sodium taurocholate, chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were tentatively identified from 19 batches of test samples. Taurocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid and taurodeoxycholate sodium were detected in all the test batches.
CONCLUSION
This method is simple and stable, and has certain reference value for improving the quality control and evaluation of Shedan Chuanbei liquid.
8.Expression and clinical significance of cell cycle protein-dependent kinase 1 and aurora kinase A in the serum of patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Yanfang HE ; Jiaojiao XIE ; Lanlan ZHENG ; Cai GUO ; Yanhua MA
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(7):1390-1396
Objective To investigate the value of serum cell cycle protein-dependent kinase 1(CDK1)and aurora kinase A(AURKA)in the diagnosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HBV-HCC).Methods A total of 50 HBV-HCC patients,50 patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis(HBV-LC),and 50 chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients who were hospitalized in Department of Gastroenterology,Gansu Provincial Hospital,from June 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled,and 50 healthy individuals,matched for age and sex,who received physical examination at Physical Examination Center during the same period of time were enrolled as control group.Related data were recorded for all patients,including age,sex,complications,and the results of routine blood test,liver function,and coagulation for the first time after admission.ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of CDK1 and AURKA.A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups,and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups;the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups and the least significant difference Bonferroni test was used for further comparison between two groups;the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between CDK1 and AURKA,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the ROC curve(AUC)were used to investigate the value of CDK1 and AURKA in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC.Results There were significant differences in liver function parameters between the HBV-HCC patients and the control group(all P<0.05);there were significant differences between the CHB group and the HBV-HCC group in albumin,Glb,direct bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT),and alkaline phosphatase(all P<0.05);there were significant differences between the HBV-LC group and the HBV-HCC group in Glb,AST,and GGT(all P<0.05).The HBV-HCC group had significantly higher serum levels of CDK1 and AURKA than the HBV-LC group,the CHB group,and the control group(all P<0.05).There was a significant positive correlation between CDK1 and AURKA in the overall study population and the HBV-HCC patients(r=0.526 6 and 0.815 2,P<0.001).With the control group as reference,CDK1 had an AUC of 0.832 3 in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC,with a sensitivity of 92.86%and a specificity of 75%,and AURKA had an AUC of 0.886 6 in the diagnosis of HCC,with a sensitivity of 95.80%and a specificity of 74%.With the CHB group as reference,CDK1 had an AUC of 0.833 3 in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC,with a sensitivity of 93.75%and a specificity of 75%,and AURKA had an AUC of 0.972 7 in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC,with a sensitivity of 95.83%and a specificity of 91.67%.With the HBV-LC group as reference,CDK1 had an AUC of 0.608 5 in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC,with a sensitivity of 66.67%and a specificity of 54.17%,and AURKA had an AUC of 0.762 2 in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC,with a sensitivity of 95.83%and a specificity of 47.92%.Conclusion The serum levels of CDK1 and AURKA increase with the progression of hepatitis B-associated chronic liver disease,and significant increases in serum CDK1 and AURKA have a certain value in the diagnosis of HBV-HCC.
9.Chinese Medicine Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma-related Signaling Pathways: A Review
Chun YU ; Fen GAO ; Lanlan ZHENG ; Cai GUO ; Yanfang HE ; Jiaojiao XIE ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yanhua MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):232-243
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumor in the digestive tract, the formation mechanism of which remains to be fully elucidated. Although surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have achieved significant results in the treatment of HCC, these methods are accompanied by a considerable number of adverse reactions and complications. In recent years, Chinese medicine has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and both basic experiments and clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, which exerts therapeutic effects via multiple components and multiple targets. However, the pathogenesis of HCC is exceptionally complex and not fully understood, which means that studies remain to be carried out regarding the specific mechanism of Chinese medicine in preventing and treating HCC. Network pharmacology and molecular biology can be employed to decipher the mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine can regulate various pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathways. Chinese medicine can exhibit its anti-HCC effects by inducing cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, and blocking the cell cycle via the above pathways. However, the specific mechanisms remain to be systematically studied. This study comprehensively reviews the regulatory effects of Chinese medicine on HCC-related signaling pathways to reveal the molecular mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the treatment of HCC. This view holds the promise of providing new targets, new perspectives, and new therapies for HCC treatment and advancing the modernization and development of Chinese medicine.
10.Expert consensus on endodontic therapy for patients with systemic conditions
Xu XIN ; Zheng XIN ; Lin FEI ; Yu QING ; Hou BENXIANG ; Chen ZHI ; Wei XI ; Qiu LIHONG ; Chen WENXIA ; Li JIYAO ; Chen LILI ; Wang ZUOMIN ; Wu HONGKUN ; Lu ZHIYUE ; Zhao JIZHI ; Liang YUHONG ; Zhao JIN ; Pan YIHUAI ; Pan SHUANG ; Wang XIAOYAN ; Yang DEQIN ; Ren YANFANG ; Yue LIN ; Zhou XUEDONG
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(3):390-397
The overall health condition of patients significantly affects the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of endodontic diseases.A systemic consideration of the patient's overall health along with oral conditions holds the utmost importance in determining the necessity and feasibility of endodontic therapy,as well as selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches.This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by specialists from endodontics and clinical physicians across the nation based on the current clinical evidence,aiming to provide general guidance on clinical procedures,improve patient safety and enhance clinical outcomes of endodontic therapy in patients with compromised overall health.


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