1.Exploring the Application of "Cleaning Spleen and Restoring Defensive Qi" Method in Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer based on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Abnormal Accumulation
Chuanlong ZHANG ; Mengqi GAO ; Yi LI ; Xiaochen JIANG ; Songting SHOU ; Bo PANG ; Baojin HUA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):30-33
The abnormal accumulation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can promote the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer, which is considered a potential therapeutic target for this disease. The Miraculous Pivot·Inquiry About Statement (《灵枢·口问》) have recorded the concept of "defensive qi stagnation". Based on the recognition that the function of defensive qi is similar to the immune function of neutrophils, and combining traditional Chinese medicine theory with clinical practice, it is proposed that the abnormal accumulation of NETs may be a pathological product of "defensive qi stagnation", with the spleen being the critical site of pathology. Further exploring the application strategy of cleaning spleen and restoring defensive qi method in pancreatic cancer treatment, it is proposed to employ three approaches such as dredging method to eliminate spleen stagnation and inhibit pancreatic cancer proliferation, cleaning method to remove spleen dampness and suppress the inflammatory micro-environment, and tonifying method to strengthen Weiqi and to improve the immune microenvironment, which aims to provide new insights for the clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer with traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Textual Research of Key Information of Classic Formula Xieqingwan Based on Ancient and Modern Literature
Yujie CHANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Xinghang LYU ; Wenxi WEI ; Xiaofang WANG ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Sai REN ; Mengqi WANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):226-234
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically collect and organize ancient and modern clauses and studies containing Xieqingwan, excavate and analyze the key information of Xieqingwan, and provide a reference for facilitating the development of the classic formula Xieqingwan. MethodsThe composition, dosage, decocting methods, usage, and other key information of Xieqingwan in ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected and analyzed by means of literature research and metrological methods. The modern clinical application of Xieqingwan was summarized. ResultsA total of 42 pieces of effective data involving 32 ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected. Xieqingwan was first recorded in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue. The drug origin of this formula is basically clear in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine books. The modern drug usage and decocting method were as follows: Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Gardenia seeds, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, and Saposhnikoviae Radix were grounded to fine powder, decocted with honey, and finally formed into pills with the size of a chicken head (1.5 g). It was suggested that half a pill or one pill were taken for one dose with warm Lophatheri decoction and sugar. The indications and clinical application had developed from the recordings in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue and evolved from pediatrics to ophthalmic otolaryngology, neurology, dermatology, digestion, and respiratory diseases. The main pathogenesis of these diseases is heat in the liver meridian and is treated. The effect of Xieqingwan is "clearing away heat and toxicity, removing fire and relaxing the bowels, and dispersing swelling and relieving pain". It is recommended to use the corresponding preparation methods in the 2020 Edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Modern clinical studies are centered around the clinical application of Xieqingwan, which is often modified and used in treating Tourette syndrome, herpes, febrile convulsion, sleepwalking, and insomnia. ConclusionThis paper conducts a thorough textual research of the key information of Xieqingwan, induces its historic evolution, and confirms its key information, so as to provide a reference for the future development of Xieqingwan.
3.Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland tumors.
Guangyan YU ; Xin PENG ; Min GAO ; Peng YE ; Na GE ; Mengqi JIA ; Bingyu LI ; Zunan TANG ; Leihao HU ; Wenbo ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):1-6
Salivary gland tumor is one of the most common tumors in oral and maxillofacial regions. The diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland tumors had been a clinical characteristic project in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology since long time ago. Here we introduced the research progress in diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland tumors during the past 10 years. Among 7 190 cases of salivary gland tumors treated in this institution, 4 654 cases (64.7%) were benign, and 2 536 (35.3%) were malignant, with benign ∶ malignant ratio of 1.84 ∶ 1. Parotid was the most common location, followed by minor salivary gland and submandibular gland, while sublingular gland tumor was seldom seen. The proportion of minor salivary gland tumor was relatively high. Among 1 874 cases with primary malignant tumors, the cases with T3 and stage Ⅲ accounted for only 9.6% and 10.3%, respectively, which indicated that there was shortcoming in the T classification and clinical stage formulated by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and further revision was required. The 5, 10, and 15 year survival rates of 1 637 cases with postoperative follow-up were 93.1%, 87.2% and 79.3%, respectively, which were much higher than those we reported 30 years ago. The improvement of treatment results was related to more widely used combined treatment with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, and the increase in patients with early stage. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the malignant tumor with high rate of distant metastasis. The 5 and 10 year survival rates of the patients with pulmonary metastasis were 76.2% and 51.8%, respectively, which indicated that the pulmonary metastatic carcinomas developed slowly. Recurrent rate of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was 46.7% after single treatment of sur-gery, while it decreased to 27.5% after combined theraphy with surgery and radiotherapy, indicating that postoperative radiotheraphy could reduce the recurrent rate effectively. The normal myoepithelial cells had the inhibiting role in the invasion and metastasis of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. The evaluation of integrity of myoepithelial cells surrounding the tumor mass is helpful to understand the invasiveness of the tumors. The new surgical modalities such as extracapsular resection and partial sialoadenectomy were used in treatment of benign tumors of parotid gland and submandibular gland with advantages of decreased tissue damage and preservation of glandular function. Application of digital surgical techniques such as mixed reality combined with surgical navigation and real-time three-dimensional holograms in the surgical treatment of parotid gland tumors showed the benifits of more safety and precision, and less tissue da-mage.
Humans
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Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology*
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Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/therapy*
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Adenoma, Pleomorphic/therapy*
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Neoplasm Staging
4.Spermidine inactivates proteasome activity and enhances ferroptosis in prostate cancer.
Dan FENG ; Jian ZHANG ; Huanmin NIU ; Xiaoxue ZHENG ; Mengqi JIA ; Qiqi LU ; Jing WANG ; Wenxue GUO ; Qi SUN ; Huiqing YUAN ; Hongxiang LOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2095-2113
The elevated polyamines, amine-rich molecules with diverse functions in pathophysiology processes, are implicated in contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Whether and how they affect the efficacy of chemotherapy is incompletely understood. Our screening assays reveal that the supplement with a low dose of spermidine (Spd), one of the polyamines, enhances ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular Fe2+ levels in vitro. Combination treatment with Spd and a low dose of ferroptosis inducer erastin synergistically augments anti-tumor efficacy with undetectable toxicity in mice. Analysis of RNA-seq data indicates that heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), an enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of heme to release Fe2+, is significantly upregulated in response to Spd and erastin cotreatment. Spd mediated the hypusine modification of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (EIF5A) promotes the translation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), subsequently leading to elevation of HMOX1. Moreover, Spd and erastin significantly inhibit proteasome activity which results in a decrease in proteasomal degradation of NRF2, although many proteasome-related genes are induced either by Spd or Spd plus erastin. Thus, in addition to its pro-oncogenic activity, the supplement of Spd improves antitumor activity in combination with ferroptosis inducers and offers an optional approach to cancer treatment.
5.Sexually Dimorphic Cellular Architecture and Neural Circuity of ovBNST Proenkephalin Neurons.
Limei SONG ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Mengqi FENG ; Wenwen SU ; Riming ZHU ; Bin ZHANG ; Xia ZHANG ; Jie LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(9):1589-1602
Sexual dimorphism in the brain underlies behavioral differences between sexes. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a complex nucleus that differs between males and females, but the sexual dimorphism in cytoarchitecture and the connectome of its oval subdivision (ovBNST) remains largely unexplored. By combining snRNA-seq and transgenic labeling, we found a higher density of ovBNST proenkephalin (ovBNSTPENK) neurons in male than female mice. Anatomically, we virally mapped the efferents and afferents of ovBNSTPENK neurons, finding reciprocally dimorphic connections with the hypothalamus and striatum. Gene enrichment analysis suggests that ovBNSTPENK neurons are modulated by the upstream dopamine pathway. Functionally, by applying caspase-3-mediated depletion of ovBNSTPENK neurons, we found that loss of these neurons enhanced locomotor activity in male but not female mice, without altering the anxiety-like phenotypes in either sex. Our study may pave the way for a better understanding of the anatomical and functional profiles of ovBNSTPENK neurons from a sexually dimorphic perspective.
Animals
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Male
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Female
;
Septal Nuclei/physiology*
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Sex Characteristics
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Neurons/physiology*
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Enkephalins/metabolism*
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Protein Precursors/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Neural Pathways/physiology*
6.Identification and functional characterization of a new flavonoid glycosyltransferase from Rheum palmatum.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Jianzhen ZOU ; Zitong HAO ; Mengqi GAO ; Gang ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(2):307-314
OBJECTIVE:
To characterize a glycosyltransferase (RpUGT1) from Rheum palmatum and investigate its specificity toward flavonoid compounds.
METHODS:
The RpUGT1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and screened for catalytic activity against a range of flavonoid substrates using a high-throughput HPLC assay method. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to determine the structure of the product. Homology modeling, molecular docking analyses and site-directed mutagenesis studies were conducted to identify key residues responsible for its function.
RESULTS:
The recombinant RpUGT1 protein exhibited catalytic activity towards various flavonoids. Notably, RpUGT1 catalyzed the glycosylation of isorhamnetin to form 3-O-glucoside and kaempferol to form 7-O-glucoside, utilizing uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucose as the sugar donor. The homology modeling and molecular docking analyses identified key residues responsible for its activity. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis studies highlighted the crucial role of K307 in catalysis.
CONCLUSION
These discoveries offer valuable perspectives on the role of the UGT family and establish a groundwork for forthcoming research on the synthesis of flavonoids in plants.
7.Digital and Intelligent Generalized Inspection in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Related Equipment Development from Evidence-based Perspective
Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Mengqi PENG ; Xue XU ; Hongyuan LIN ; Wenhui WANG ; Hongcai SHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):94-101
As the foremost among the four examinations in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), inspection and related equipment research face challenges in landing and transformation due to variations in evidence quality, lack of standardization, insufficient algorithm transparency, and poor reliability and stability of decision-making. Against the backdrop of rapid development of emerging technologies such as big data, the internet of things, and artificial intelligence, coupled with macro policy support from the government, digital and intelligent generalized inspection in TCM has emerged, with the aim of utilizing digital technologies to overcome the limitations of naked-eye inspection and comprehensively perceive and analyze facial and bodily expressions. The research in this field intelligently correlates Zang-fu organ functions with health conditions and disease progression and establishes a technical system for digital and intelligent inspection, multi-dimensional and multimodal perception, fusion analysis, and decision-making. This system aims to enhance the accuracy of disease risk warning and diagnosis, bridging the gap between inspection equipment and assistance in clinical decision-making. From an evidence-based perspective, this paper systematically examines the research ideas of digital and intelligent inspection and the development of related equipment, deeply explores how to propose clinical practice-oriented key scientific issues, comprehensively acquire and co-apply multi-dimensional data, establish precise inspection models driven by digital intelligence, optimize standards to enhance equipment interoperability and reliability, construct post-effect evaluation mechanisms to promote improvement, and actively address potential risks such as the black box nature and information security in the application of intelligent technology. This paper not only demonstrates the tremendous potential of digital technologies in improving the accuracy and clinical application efficiency of inspection but also provides new perspectives and ideas for the modernization of inspection in TCM, paving the way for the application of inspection in the global medical and health field.
8.Effect of Xiaoyao Wan on CYP2E1 and FasL/TNF-αsignal pathway in metabolic associated steatohepatitis
Xinyue ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Mengqi LI ; Yanan MENG ; Ruoyu LI ; Yuchuan MIAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(7):1218-1224
Objective To study the mechanism of the treatment of metabolism associated steatohepatitis(MASH)in rats with Xiaoyao Wan.Methods Twenty-four SD male rats were randomly divided into control group(CON group,n=8)and model group(n=8).The model group was given high-fat diet,carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)subcutaneous injection,hunger and satiety disorder and tail clamping for four weeks to establish the MASH model,and the rats were randomly divided into the MOD group and the Xiaoyao Wan group(XYW group),with 8 rats in each group.The rats of the XYW group were given Xiaoyao Wan,the other two groups were given normal saline.Four weeks after administration,the serum biochemical indexes and oxidative stress indexes of rats in different groups were detected.The pathological sections of rat liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)stai-ning and oil red O staining.The expression of cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1),factor-related apoptosis ligand(FasL),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and tumor growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)in rat liver were detected by Western blot method.The relative contents of CYP2E1,FasL,TNF-α and TGF-β1 mRNA in liver tissue were de-tected by RT-qPCR.Results The general condition of rats in the XYW group was significantly improved compared with the MOD group;the level of hepatic index was significant decrease compared with the MOD group(P<0.01)and the level of body mass index was significant increase compared with the MOD group(P<0.01);the serum levels of triglyceride,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,malondialdehyde,monocyte chemotactic protein-1,TNF-α,and interleukin(IL)-18 were signif-icantly reduced compared with the MOD group(all P<0.05),and the levels of high-density lipoprotein choles-terol,superoxide dismutase,and IL-10 were significantly elevated compared with the MOD group(all P<0.05);the content of lipid droplets in hepatocytes of rats was significantly reduced compared with the MOD group under light microscope;the protein levels of CYP2E1,FasL,TNF-α and TGF-β1 in liver tissues were significantly re-duced compared with the MOD group(all P<0.05),and the relative contents of CYP2E1,FasL,TNF-α and TGF-β1 mRNA were significantly reduced compared with the MOD group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Xiaoyao Wan can regulate the expression of CYP2E1,FasL,TNF-α and TGF-β1 in the liver tissue of MASH rats by reduc-ing the accumulation of fat in the liver,so as to achieve the purpose of treating MASH.
9.Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics research of esophageal cancer in China
Shaoping LAI ; Haimei SU ; Yawen LIU ; Mengqi ZHANG ; Zhenqiu HUANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Hong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(7):657-662
Objectives:To explore the spatial distribution characteristics, trend changes, and spatial clustering of esophageal cancer among residents in China at the county (city, district) scale, a spatial epidemiological approach was used, with the aim of providing localized evidence for the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer in China.Methods:The data source was the incidence (crude rate) and mortality (crude rate) of esophageal cancer from 2005 to 2016 in the 2008-2019 edition of China Cancer Registration Annual Report published by the National Cancer Center. The Joinpoint model was used for time trend analysis. The tumor registration area in 2016 was selected as the study area for spatial feature analysis, with a total of 487 counties (cities and districts), covering 27.6% of the national population. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed to reveal spatial distribution characteristics by using Arcgis 10.6 software, and spatial scanning statistics was used to analyze spatial clustering characteristics by using SaTScan 9.5 software. The log-likelihood ratio ( LLR) and relative risk ( RR) were calculated in different windows, and the region with the largest LLR value represented the most likely cluster. Results:From 2005 to 2016, the incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer in China showed a trend of increasing at first and then decreasing. The incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer in 2016 were characterized by spatial positive correlation. High incidence and high mortality were mainly concentrated in the areas through which the Huaihe River flowed. The primary clusters (taking high incidence rate as an example LLR=6 374.41, RR=2.37, P<0.001) were mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Anhui and Shandong in eastern China and eastern Henan and southern Hebei in central China, and secondary clusters (taking high incidence rate as an example LLR=1 971.19, RR=1.91, P<0.001) in Gansu, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shaanxi, Sichuan and other central and western regions. Conclusions:The incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in China have decreased since 2010. The disease burden of esophageal cancer has obvious spatial differences, and measures should be taken according to local conditions in high-risk cluster areas such as the Huaihe River basin.
10.The impact of constrained prostheses on the outcomes of two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty
Mengqi CHENG ; Qiaojie WANG ; Hao SHEN ; Qi WANG ; Yunsu CHEN ; Xianlong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(4):226-232
Objective:To assess the clinical efficacy and infection control outcomes of two-stage revision in managing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) utilizing either a low or high constrained prosthesis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 patients who underwent revision TKA in the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University from February 2019 to February 2022. According to the type of prosthesis selected in primary TKA, they were divided into low constrained prosthesis group and high constrained prosthesis group. There were 28 patients (28 knees) in the low constrained group, including 12 males and 16 females, aged 69.0(63.0, 74.0) years, with a body mass index of 25.18±0.55 kg/m 2. And there were 12 patients (12 knees) in the high-constrained group, including 5 males and 7 females, aged 66.5(65.0, 71.5) years, with a body mass index of 23.94±0.51 kg/m 2. All patients underwent two-stage revision surgery, with RHK used in 1 case and LCCK in 27 cases in the low-constrained prosthesis group. In the high-constrained prosthesis group, 3 patients were treated with RHK, 1 patient with PFC Sigma MBT, and 8 patients with LCCK. The preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society score (KSS), and postoperative infection control rate were compared between the two groups. Results:All patients were followed up. The follow-up time was 22.79±8.02 months in the low-constrained prosthesis group and 23.92±7.04 months in the high-constrained prosthesis group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.426, P=0.680). At the last follow-up, the KSS and ROM in the low-constrained prosthesis group were 77.96±9.74 and 93.48°±7.45°, respectively, significantly higher than 38.93±8.01 and 68.89°±9.44° before the operation ( P<0.05). The KSS score and ROM in the high-constrained prosthesis group were 67.83±8.31 and 80.08°±5.89° at the last follow-up, which were also significantly higher than those before operation (34.25±6.31 and 66.50°±10.48°, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in KSS and ROM between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05), but the KSS score and ROM in the low-constrained prosthesis group were significantly higher than those in the high-constrained prosthesis group at the last follow-up ( P<0.05). Bacterial culture results revealed that the primary infectious agents were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, with an overall infection control rate of 80% (32/40). The infection control rate was 89% (25/28) in the low-constrained prosthesis group and 58% (7/12) in the high-constrained prosthesis group, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ 2=3.283, P=0.070). Conclusion:Two-stage revision effectively controls PJI, and the clinical outcomes of two-stage revision for PJI after primary TKA with a high-constrained prosthesis are inferior to those with a low-constrained prosthesis. Further exploration is needed to enhance efficacy.


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