1.Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in Treatment of Sarcopenia Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Improving Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis Through Regulation of Autophagy
Yakun WAN ; Yuan LIU ; Yuan QU ; Jingyu GUO ; Ting LIU ; Zhihui BAI ; Di ZHANG ; Ping JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):12-23
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism of action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated sarcopenia by regulating autophagy and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis based on network pharmacology,bioinformatics,machine learning,and animal experiments. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP),PubChem,and SwissTargetPrediction databases. RA-related datasets were retrieved from the GEO database,and differential genes were screened. Sarcopenia-related targets were searched through GeneCards and the Comparative Toxicology Database (CTD),and autophagy-related gene sets were downloaded from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb). Their intersection was analyzed to identify autophagy-related therapeutic targets,followed by enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database,and key targets were selected using multiple methods. Machine learning was applied to predict models based on the expression profiles of intersecting targets,and nomogram models were constructed based on key targets. Molecular docking of the top four active ingredients with key targets was performed using AutoDockVina. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established using bovine type Ⅱ collagen,with SD rats divided into groups including a blank group,a model group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang (2.44,4.88,and 9.76 g·kg-1) and administered for five consecutive weeks. Joint scores and gastrocnemius muscle mass were recorded and analyzed after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's staining were used to observe pathological changes in muscle tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to observe the protein expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MYHC) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in skeletal muscle. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of autophagy-related proteins ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,muscle-specific proteins (MuRF1),MaFbx,and MYHC. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) was performed to measure the mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,MaFbx,and MYHC in muscle tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology revealed that Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang shared 25 common targets with autophagy genes related to RA-associated sarcopenia. The PPI network and machine learning identified six key targets,which were primarily involved in autophagy and inflammatory pathways. Animal experiments showed that compared to the blank group,the model group had significantly higher joint scores (P<0.01) and lower gastrocnemius muscle index (P<0.01). HE staining indicated a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers,with notable inflammatory cell infiltration and muscle atrophy in the model group. Masson's staining revealed obvious collagen fiber proliferation and deposition,with significant muscle fibrosis in the model group. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,and MaFbx were significantly increased (P<0.01),while the protein expression of MYHC and IGF1 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the high-dose group of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang showed significantly reduced protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,and MaFbx (P<0.01) and increased protein expression levels of MYHC and IGF1 (P<0.01). The cross-sectional area of muscle fibers increased,and the muscle cell morphology approached normal. Moreover,pathological abnormalities in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly improved,with reduced collagen fiber proliferation (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqi Guizhi Wuwutang can mediate autophagy by regulating the expression of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,and IGF1,thereby reducing skeletal muscle catabolism and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis,which contributes to the treatment of RA-associated sarcopenia. The findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of RA-related sarcopenia and offer a reference for its enhanced clinical application.
2.Elemene Antitumor Drugs Development Based on "Molecular Compatibility Theory" and Clinical Application: A Retrospective and Prospective Outlook.
Xiao-Ying JIANG ; Li-Ping SHI ; Jun-Long ZHU ; Ren-Ren BAI ; Tian XIE
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(1):62-74
Elemene, derived from Curcuma wenyujin, one of the "8 famous genuine medicinal materials of Zhejiang province," exhibits remarkable antitumor activity. It has gained wide recognition in clinical practice for effectiveness on tumors. Dr. XIE Tian, introduced the innovative concept of "molecular compatibility theory" by combining Chinese medicine principles, specifically the "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy" theory, with modern biomedical technology. This groundbreaking approach, along with a systematic analysis of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical knowledge, led to the development of elemene nanoliposome formulations. These novel formulations offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, well-defined composition, synergistic effects on multiple targets, and excellent biocompatibility. Following the principles of the "molecular compatibility theory", further exploration of cancer treatment strategies and methods based on elemene was undertaken. This comprehensive review consolidates the current understanding of elemene's potential antitumor mechanisms, recent clinical investigations, advancements in drug delivery systems, and structural modifications. The ultimate goal of this review is to establish a solid theoretical foundation for researchers, empowering them to develop more effective antitumor drugs based on the principles of "molecular compatibility theory".
Humans
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Retrospective Studies
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Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/drug therapy*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Sesquiterpenes/therapeutic use*
3.Efficacy and safety of perforator flap eyelid reconstruction surgery on eyelid repair and reconstruction of patients who underwent eyelid tumor surgery
Hongbin ZHANG ; Xiaotian ZHAO ; Xuling WANG ; Jianwei YANG ; Runhui PANG ; Ping BAI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(2):123-126
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of perforator flap eyelid reconstruction surgery for eyelid repair and reconstruction in patients with eyelid tumors after surgery.Methods Totally 80 patients(80 eyes)who re-ceived eyelid tumor surgery and planned to undergo the perforator flap eyelid reconstruction surgery in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2022 were included.All of them have early-stage and mid-stage eyelid tumors with no orbital or systemic metastasis.A perforator flap eyelid reconstruction surgery was conducted to treat the eyelid defects.The differ-ence in height and length of the palpebral fissure,aesthetic function scores and levels of depression and anxiety of patients before and after repair were compared;the clinical efficacy,adverse reactions and prognosis of patients were evaluated.Results Among the 80 eyes,there were 35 eyes with significant effect,35 eyes with effective impact,and 10 eyes with no effect,with a total effective rate of 87.5%.The height and length of palpebral fissure of patients after repair were(1.49±0.47)mm and(1.43±0.55)mm,respectively,which were significantly lower than those before repair[(2.55± 0.35)mm and(2.38±0.49)mm](both P<0.01).The aesthetic function score before repair was 0.91±0.23,and that after repair was 1.87±0.19,with a significant difference(P<0.01).The scores of the Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Self-rating Depression Scale after repair were 40.14±6.54 and 39.45±7.65,respectively,which were significantly lower than those before repair(59.56±8.23 and 57.93±8.19)(both P<0.01).Among the 80 patients,the total incidence of compli-cations was 27.5%(22/80).All patients were followed up for 6-36 months,with an average follow-up time of(12.39± 6.17)months.No tumor recurrence was found during the follow-up.All composite flaps survived without infection,necro-sis or displacement.Conclusion The perforator flap eyelid reconstruction surgery has a good and safe therapeutic effect on repairing full-layer eyelid defects in patients who underwent eyelid tumor surgery.
4.Risk Assessment of the Onset of Sleep-related Painful Erection
Haibing HU ; Kunkun ZHAO ; Yongyi CHEN ; Daosheng LUO ; Wenjun BAI ; Ping LI ; Li ZHANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):161-170
ObjectiveSleep-related painful erections (SRPE) is a rare sleep disorder characterized by repeated awakening due to painful interruptions of penile erections during nighttime sleep, and its etiology is currently unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of potential risk factors on the incidence of SRPE. MethodsInformation was collected through questionnaires administered to patients who presented at the urology department and suffered from SRPE or did not suffer from SRPE. A total of 290 participants completed the study, including 145 controls and 145 cases. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of age, occupation, sleep initiation time per night, frequency of sexual intercourse per week, psychological status, erectile dysfunction, chronic prostatitis, prostate enlargement, lumbar spine disease, central nervous system disease, hypertension, diabetes and family history on the onset of SRPE. ResultsSingle-factor logistic regression analysis found that a history of chronic prostatitis, intellectual labor occupation, central nervous system disease, late sleep onset, frequency of sexual activity, and anxiety status might be related to the onset of SRPE. After incorporating these factors into a multivariate regression analysis model, it was found that having sexual activity ≥2 times/week (OR 95%CI = 0.326(0.179,0.592) and late sleep onset (after 24:00) (OR 95%CI = 0.494(0.265,0.918)might be protective factors for SRPE, while a history of chronic prostatitis(OR 95%CI = 3.779(2.082,6.859) might be a risk factor for SRPE. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the impact of central nervous system diseases and occupation on multivariate analysis. ConclusionChronic prostatitis and anxiety status may be independent risk factors for SRPE; having sexual activity ≥2 times/week and delaying sleep time appropriately may be independent protective factors.
5.Construction and preliminary application of a training program of operating room nurses for returning to work after delivery based on work adaptation theory
Ping BAI ; Yongting WEI ; Zhichao SUN ; Xiaofan DONG ; Jianhua WANG ; Feng WANG ; Qi YAO
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(1):77-84
Objective To construct a training program for retuming to work after delivery based on Morrison's job adaptation theory in operating room nurses and to explore its application effect.Methods On the basis of literature research and Delphi expert consultation method,a training program of postpartum return of operating room nurses was constructed.From August 2021 to December 2022,the preliminary application of this research program was carried out,with 6 cases in an experimental group and 5 cases in a control group.The differences between the 2 groups were compared by Job Adaptation Scale,Psychological Resilience Scale and satisfaction evaluation,and the application effect was evaluated.Results After 2 rounds of correspondence,a training program for postpartum return of operating room nurses was formed,which included 4 first-level indicators(role adaptation,task adaptation,environment adaptation and cultural adaptation),and 32 second-level indicators.The authority coefficients of the 2 rounds of correspondence consultation were 0.908 and 0.917,and the Kendall W coefficients were 0.224 and 0.206,respectively(both P<0.001).The preliminary application results showed that there were statistically significant differences in job adaptation and satisfaction evaluation between the 2 groups(both P<0.05).There was no significant difference in psychological resilience score between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The postpartum retum training program for operating room nurses established in this study is scientific and practical to a certain extent.In the future,samples can be expanded and multi-center studies can be carried out to further test the practicability and effectiveness of the program.
6.Associations of obesity and peripheral blood lipid indicators with non-small cell lung cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
BAI Yong ; LI Ping ; JIANG Nan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(6):518-522
Objective:
To examine the causal relationships between obesity, peripheral blood lipid indicators and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using Mendelian randomization (MR) method, so as to provide the basis for developing NSCLC prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Genetic variation data of three obesity evaluation indicators, including body mass index (BMI), body fat ratio (BFR) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and seven peripheral blood lipid indicators, including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and lipoprotein a [LP (a)] were collected through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and related public databases. Potential causal relationships between obesity, peripheral blood lipid indicators and NSCLC were analyzed using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and multivariable MR analysis upon a random effect model. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables were evaluated using Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger regression.
Results:
There was statistically association between BMI with NSCLC (OR=1.256, 95%CI: 1.087-1.451); there were no statistically associations between BFR, WHR, seven peripheral blood lipid indicators and NSCLC (all P>0.005). There was heterogeneity in the association between BMI, BFR, WHR, TG, HDL-C and NSCLC (all P<0.05); no horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables was found (all P>0.05). There was no statistically association between BMI and NSCLC after adjusting BFR (OR=1.367, 95%CI: 0.878-2.128); there was still statistically association between BMI and NSCLC after adjusting WHR and peripheral blood lipid indicators (both P<0.05).
Conclusions
The increase of BMI is associated with the increased risk of NSCLC incidence. BFR may be a potential influencing factor for the association between BMI and NSCLC.
7.A retrospective study on the evolution of TCM syndrome and TCM syndrome elements in the course of disease in 1,049 patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Jiayue WANG ; Ping LI ; Dongmei ZHOU ; Yanping BAI ; Xingwu DUAN ; Haibing LAN ; Yiding ZHAO ; Jingxia ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Tingting DI ; Yujiao MENG ; Zhaoxia CHEN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1438-1448
Objective The study aimed to elucidate the evolution of the syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)and TCM syndrome elements in different chronic stages of psoriasis vulgaris.Methods A database was constructed using electronic medical records collected from July 2019 to March 2024 from 1,049 patients with psoriasis vulgaris.The study used Sankey diagrams and network association graphs to analyze the evolution of TCM syndromes and their elements in patients at the different stages:initial diagnosis,progressive stage(Week 2-3),progressive stage(Week 4-5),skin lesion improvement stage(Week 6-7),and remission stage.The syndrome elements network was constructed using community detection algorithms,and the association rules between local skin lesion syndrome differentiation and overall syndrome differentiation were displayed using heatmaps.Results(ⅰ)Initial diagnosis.In the syndrome differentiation of local skin lesions,blood heat syndrome was the most common(79.79%);among the disease location of TCM syndrome elements(called"disease location"),liver was the most prevalent(35.62%);and among the pathological factors of TCM syndrome elements(called"pathological factors"),fire(heat)was the most common(75.48%).(ⅱ)Active stage(Week 2-3).In the syndrome differentiation of local skin lesions,blood heat syndrome remained the most prevalent(73.13%);among the disease location,liver was still the most prevalent(31.71%);and among the pathological factors,fire(heat)continued to be the most common(82.11%),while dampness(22.26%)and qi stagnation(8.39%)began to increase.(ⅲ)Active stage(Week 4-5).The syndrome differentiation of local skin lesions was dominated by blood heat syndrome(45.91%)and blood dryness syndrome(37.19%);among disease location,the interior was the most prevalent(15.25%);and among the pathological factors,fire(heat)remained the most common(50.66%),with an increase in yin deficiency(34.26%).(ⅳ)Skin lesion improvement stage(Week 6-7).In the syndrome differentiation of local skin lesions,both blood dryness syndrome(49.44%)and blood stasis syndrome(33.33%)increased;among the disease location,meridians increased most significantly and became the most prevalent(13.44%);and among the pathological factors,blood stasis increased most significantly and became the most prevalent(28.20%).(ⅴ)Remission stage.In the syndrome differentiation of local skin lesions,blood stasis syndrome became the primary(55.69%),while the percentage of blood dryness syndrome decreased(21.16%);meridians(25.71%)and blood stasis(62.34%)remained the most predominant syndrome elements related to disease location or pathological factors.Conclusion The overall pattern of TCM syndromes in psoriasis vulgaris evolved from excess to deficiency.From the initial diagnosis to the active phase(Week 2-3),heat syndrome dominated;during the active phase(Week 4-5),heat syndrome coexisted with damp syndrome or yin deficiency syndrome;changes in the syndrome element network were the most significant during the lesion improvement phase,with blood stasis gradually increasing and peaking during the remission phase.Blood stasis,dampness,and qi stagnation were pervasive throughout psoriasis vulgaris;qi stagnation and blood stasis may be the main elements causing further deterioration and prolonged course of the disease during the active phase in patients.
8.Professor WANG Yongyan treats cardiovascular diseases based on the theory of"heart governing the spirit"
Fangfang BAI ; Ping LI ; Honghao MA ; Qianying HAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1474-1480
With the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases,Professor WANG Yongyan has adhered to the traditional principles while embracing innovation,proposing to apply the theory of"the heart governing the spirit"to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.He emphasized that it is crucial to preserve the spirit before the onset of disease,which includes maintaining a balanced diet,regular lifestyle,avoiding excessive labor,maintaining a serene and unfettered mind,and nurturing the spirit within.For those already suffering from disease,preventing progression and deterioration requires adjusting the spirit,and skilled practitioners should first inspect the patient's spirit by examining the eyes,tongue,facial complexion,and overall physical condition.In treatment,adjusting the spirit involves distinguishing between different imbalances of qi,blood,yin,yang,cold,heat,deficiency,and excess,and employing appropriate method to calm and nourish the spirit accordingly.After the illness,nurturing the spirit is essential,including spiritual nourishment through exercise,dietary therapy,emotional therapy,and external treatments.By applying the theory of"the heart governing the spirit"throughout the prevention,treatment,and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases,Professor WANG Yongyan's approach effectively prevents the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases,controls their progression,inhibits deterioration,and improves the prognosis of patients.
9.Efficacy of rTMS and CBT-I on patients with chronic insomnia disorder:a randomized controlled study
Yani LIU ; Xiaojie SUI ; Yinxia BAI ; Dongsheng LYU ; Ping YAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(3):212-218
Background To date,pharmacologic therapy is considered the standard first-line treatment for insomnia disorder,but there are still some concerns over the adverse reactions.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CBT-I)as an alternative to pharmacologic therapy have the advantages of fewer side effects and better patient tolerance in the treatment of chronic insomnia disorder.Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of rTMS and CBT-I on chronic insomnia disorder,so as to provide a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic insomnia disorder.Methods A total of 50 patients with chronic insomnia disorder attending the outpatient clinic of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center or community hospital from September 21,2020 to December 16,2021 and fulfilling the International Classification of Sleep Disorders,third edition(ICSD-3)diagnostic criteria were enrolled.Additionally,16 age-and sex-matched healthy controls recruited from the community were set as control group.Patients were randomly divided into rTMS group and CBT-I group,25 cases in each group,and received rTMS or CBT-I intervention for 6 weeks respectively.At enrollment and completion of intervention,patients were subjected to Polysomnography(PSG),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),Insomnia Severity Index(ISI)and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS).All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)scans,and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(ALFF)was calculated.The brain regions with statistically different ALFF values between patient group and control group were chosen as regions of interest(ROIs),and whole-brain seed-based functional connectivity analyses were conducted.Results After a 6-week intervention in the two groups,the main effect of time was significant for PSQI(F=41.160,P<0.05),ISI(F=69.615,P<0.05)and RBANS immediate memory(F=47.923,P<0.05),language(F=12.090,P<0.05)and delayed memory indices(F=28.193,P<0.05).A significant main effect of time for total sleep time(F=8.995,P<0.05),a significant main effect of time for sleep efficiency(F=12.414,P<0.05),a significant main effect of group for sleep efficiency(F=4.342,P<0.05)and a significant main effect of time for N1%(F=7.806,P<0.05)were observed.Sleep efficacy in CBT-I group improved significantly from pre-to post-test(t=-2.785,P<0.05).Patients in rTMS group showed increased functional connectivity between the orbital superior frontal gyrus and other regions including left lentiform nucleus putamen(t=4.991,P<0.05),right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri(t=4.471,P<0.05)and right postcentral gyrus(t=4.922,P<0.05),and increased functional connectivity between the orbital superior frontal gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus was found in CBT-I group(t=6.586,P<0.05).Conclusion rTMS and CBT-I may help alleviate insomnia and improve cognitive function of patients with chronic insomnia disorder.
10.Research Progress on Animal Models of Long Bone Fractures
Guangyuan YAO ; Ping DONG ; Hao WU ; Mei BAI ; Ying DANG ; Yue WANG ; Kai HU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(3):289-296
Traumatic fractures and stress fractures are common orthopedic diseases,and there is great potential in researching bone turnover,repair,and promotion of fracture healing.Basic medical experiments often use animal models of long bone fractures in limbs to study the mechanisms of various interventions on fracture healing.Fracture healing is a complex process influenced by multiple factors and involves multiple molecules and pathways.Therefore,to explore the mechanisms more deeply,accelerate the translation of results,and improve the clinical efficacy,it is particularly important to choose the appropriate animal fracture modeling methods in experimental research.Based on this,this paper conducts a literature review of animal species and modeling methods commonly used for long bone fracture models in experimental research.It summarizes five methods:bone defect method,physical impact method,mechanical bending method,open osteotomy method,and drilling method.A side-by-side comparison of their advantages,disadvantages,and scope of application is made,aiming to provide suitable fracture models for studyingthe mechanisms of fracture healing interventions.


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