1.Mechanism of Zuoguiwan in Inhibiting Osteoclast Activation Induced by Breast Cancer via Regulating p38 MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Jianjiang FU ; Yinlong MEI ; Junchao MA ; Xiaocui ZHU ; Wei WANG ; Hong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Zuoguiwan on osteoclast activation induced by breast cancer and its mechanism. MethodsTo simulate breast cancer-induced osteoclastic bone metastasis, RAW264.7 cells were cultured in conditioned medium containing 50% supernatant of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The dosages of Zuoguiwan used in the experiment were sera containing 5% and 10% Zuoguiwan. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect osteoclast activation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure Cathepsin K secretion from RAW264.7 cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP). Immunoprecipitation was employed to detect the interaction between Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and core binding factor β subunit (CBF-β). Western blot was used to assess the protein expression of Runx2, phosphorylated Runx2 (p-Runx2), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), p-ERK1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p-p38 MAPK, and CBF-β. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the MDA-MB-231 cell supernatant group showed a significant increase in TRAP-positive cell counts and Cathepsin K secretion. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-Runx2, Runx2-CBF-β interaction, BSP and OCN mRNA, p-p38 MAPK, and p-ERK1/2 proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the MDA-MB-231 cell supernatant group, Zuoguiwan-containing sera significantly reduced TRAP-positive cell counts and Cathepsin K secretion (P<0.01), significantly increased p-Runx2, BSP and OCN mRNA expression, as well as p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 protein levels, and promoted the interaction between Runx2 and CBF-β (P<0.01). No significant change in Runx2 expression was observed. Compared to the blank group, the BVD-523 group showed significantly lower expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 proteins (P<0.01). Compared with the BVD-523 group, both low and high concentration Zuoguiwan-containing sera groups showed significantly higher p-p38 MAPK expression (P<0.01), and the high concentration Zuoguiwan group also exhibited a significant increase in p-ERK1/2 expression (P<0.01), while no statistical difference was found in the low-dose group. ConclusionZuoguiwan inhibits osteoclast activation by inducing phosphorylation of the key transcriptional regulator Runx2 in intra-osteoclast bone formation, and this process is closely associated with the activation of the p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
2.Differentiation and Treatment of Lipid Turbidity Disease Based on Theory of "Spleen Ascending and Stomach Descending"
Yun HUANG ; Wenyu ZHU ; Wei SONG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):244-252
Lipid turbidity disease is a metabolic disease featuring lipid metabolism disorders caused by many factors such as social environment, diet, and lifestyle, which is closely related to many diseases in modern medicine, such as hyperlipidemia, obesity, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with a wide range of influence and far-reaching harm. According to the Huangdi Neijing, lipid turbidity disease reflects the pathological change of the body's physiologic grease. Grease is the thick part of body fluids, which has the function of nourishing, and it is the initial state and source of important substances in the human body such as brain, marrow, essence, and blood. Once the grease of the human body is abnormal, it can lead to lipid turbidity disease. The Huangdi Neijing also points out the physiological relationship between the transportation and transformation of body fluids and the rise and fall of the spleen and stomach, which can deduce the pathological relationship between the occurrence of lipid turbidity disease and the abnormal rise and fall of the spleen and stomach functions. Lipid turbidity disease is caused by overconsumption of fatty and sweet foods or insufficient spleen and stomach endowments, leading to disorders of the function of promoting clear and reducing turbidity in the spleen and stomach. This leads to the transformation of thick grease in body fluids into lipid turbidity, which accumulates in the body's meridians, blood vessels, skin pores, and organs, forming various forms of metabolic diseases. The research team believed that the pathological basis of lipid turbidity disease was the abnormal rise and fall of the spleen and stomach and the obstruction of the transfer of grease. According to the different locations where lipid turbidity stays, it was divided into four common pathogenesis types: ''inability to distinguish between the clear and turbid, turbid stagnation in the Ying blood'', ''spleen not rising clear, turbid accumulation in the vessels'', ''spleen dysfunction, lipid retention in the pores'', ''spleen failure to transportation and transformation, and grease accumulation in the liver''. According to the pathogenesis, it could be divided into four common syndromes, namely, turbid stagnation in the Ying blood, turbid accumulation in the vessels, lipid retention in the pores, and grease accumulation in the liver, and the corresponding prescriptions were given for syndrome differentiation and treatment, so as to guide clinical differentiation and treatment of the lipid turbidity disease.
3.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation based on the Holistic View of "Spleen-Vessels-Heart-Spirit"
Yihang DU ; Chenglin DUAN ; Xueping ZHU ; Meng LYU ; Jiafan CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):89-92
Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system, this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels; phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis; the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease, it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao, clearing and promoting blood vessels, using modified Yigong Powder (异功散); during the progression of the disease, treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm, nourish heart and protect the pulse, using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction (礞石通脉汤); meanwhile, calming mind and stabilizing palpitations, and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated, with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction (甲枣宁脉汤) or Shenying Dingji Decoction (参英定悸汤) and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation, implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.
4.Optimization of simmering technology of Rheum palmatum from Menghe Medical School and the changes of chemical components after processing
Jianglin XUE ; Yuxin LIU ; Pei ZHONG ; Chanming LIU ; Tulin LU ; Lin LI ; Xiaojing YAN ; Yueqin ZHU ; Feng HUA ; Wei HUANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):44-50
OBJECTIVE To optimize the simmering technology of Rheum palmatum from Menghe Medical School and compare the difference of chemical components before and after processing. METHODS Using appearance score, the contents of gallic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), sennoside A+sennoside B, combined anthraquinone and free anthraquinone as indexes, analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy weight method was used to calculate the comprehensive score of evaluation indicators; the orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize the processing technology of simmering R. palmatum with fire temperature, simmering time, paper layer number and paper wrapping time as factors; validation test was conducted. The changes in the contents of five anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, physcion), five anthraquinone glycosides (barbaloin, rheinoside, rhubarb glycoside, emodin glycoside, and emodin methyl ether glycoside), two sennosides (sennoside A, sennoside B), gallic acid and 5-HMF were compared between simmered R. palmatum prepared by optimized technology and R. palmatum. RESULTS The optimal processing conditions of R. palmatum was as follows: each 80 g R. palmatum was wrapped with a layer of wet paper for 0.5 h, simmered on high heat for 20 min and then simmered at 140 ℃, the total simmering time was 2.5 h. The average comprehensive score of 3 validation tests was 94.10 (RSD<1.0%). After simmering, the contents of five anthraquinones and two sennosides were decreased significantly, while those of 5 free anthraquinones and gallic acid were increased to different extents; a new component 5-HMF was formed. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully optimizes the simmering technology of R. palmatum. There is a significant difference in the chemical components before and after processing, which can explain that simmering technology slows down the relase of R. palmatum and beneficiate it.
5.Impact of hepatocellular carcinoma on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing emergency endoscopic therapy due to esophagogastric variceal bleeding
Xiaoqin ZHU ; Na WEI ; Yong XIAO ; Baoping YU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):277-283
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing emergency endoscopic therapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding, as well as independent influencing factors for the prognosis of liver cirrhosis patients without HCC after emergency endoscopic therapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding. MethodsA total of 117 liver cirrhosis patients without HCC and 119 liver cirrhosis patients with HCC who underwent emergency endoscopic therapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2017 to July 2023 were enrolled. Basic information including age and sex was collected from all patients, as well as the presence or absence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, the time of emergency endoscopy after admission, and liver function parameters including international normalized ratio, albumin, creatinine, sodium, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous variables between two groups, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous variables between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical variables between groups. The covariance analysis and the multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for comparison of outcome variables after control of baseline variables, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted for each group. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for survival time in the non-HCC group to investigate the independent influencing factors for survival time, and then the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the log-rank test were performed to validate such independent influencing factors and analyze the independent influencing factors for secondary outcomes. ResultsCompared with the non-HCC group, the HCC group had significantly higher red blood cell transfusion units (6.00[2.00~9.00] vs 4.00[1.75~7.00], Z=-2.050, P=0.040, F=4.869, adjusted P=0.028), a significantly shorter survival time (29.77±16.01 days vs 38.07±11.43 days, t=4.574, P<0.001, F=17.294, adjusted P<0.001), and a significantly higher 5-day rebleeding rate (22.69% vs 6.84%, χ2=11.736, P<0.001, adjusted P=0.021). The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the risk of 42-day mortality in the HCC group was 3.897 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.338 — 6.495, P<0.001) times that in the non-HCC group. The multivariate Cox regression analysis of the non-HCC group showed that the total length of hospital stay (hazard ratio [HR]=0.793, 95%CI: 0.644 — 0.976, P=0.029) was an independent protective factor for 42-day survival. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that a length of hospital stay of >9 days was beneficial for the prognosis of patients (HR=4.302, 95%CI: 1.439 — 12.870, P=0.037). Blood sodium level (odds ratio [OR]=0.523, 95%CI: 0.289 — 0.945, P=0.032) and MELD-Na score (OR=0.495, 95%CI: 0.257 — 0.954, P=0.036) were independent protective factors against 5-day rebleeding, while AST level was an independent risk factor for 5-day rebleeding (OR=1.023, 95%CI: 1.002 — 1.043, P=0.028) and in-hospital death (OR=1.036, 95%CI: 1.001— 1.073, P=0.045). ConclusionLiver cirrhosis patients with variceal bleeding and HCC tend to have a worse prognosis, and for the non-HCC group, in-hospital mortality rate increases with the increase in AST level. The total length of hospital stay is an independent protective factor for survival time in the non-HCC group, and it is recommended to appropriately prolong the length of hospital stay for such patients.
6.Blood management strategy for massive transfusion patients in frigid plateau region
Haiying WANG ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Lili CHEN ; Xiaoli SUN ; Cui WEI ; Yongli HUANG ; Yingchun ZHU ; Chong CHEN ; Yanchao XING
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):268-273
[Objective] To explore the strategy of blood management in patients with massive transfusion in the frigid plateau region. [Methods] The treatment process of a patient with liver rupture in the frigid plateau region was analyzed, and the blood management strategy of the frigid plateau region was discussed in combination with the difficulties of blood transfusion and literature review. [Results] The preoperative complete blood count (CBC) test results of the patient were as follows: RBC 3.14×1012/L, Hb 106 g/L, HCT 30.40%, PLT 115.00×109/L; coagulation function: PT 18.9 s, FiB 1.31 g/L, DD > 6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL; ultrasound examination and imaging manifestations suggested liver contusion and laceration / intraparenchymal hematoma, splenic contusion and laceration, and massive blood accumulation in the abdominal cavity; it was estimated that the patient's blood loss was ≥ 2 000 mL, and massive blood transfusion was required during the operation; red blood cell components were timely transfused during the operation, and the blood component transfusion was guided according to the patient's CBC and coagulation function test results, providing strong support and guarantee for the successful treatment of the patient. The patient recovered well after the operation, and the CBC test results were as follows: RBC 4.32×1012/L, Hb 144 g/L, HCT 39.50%, PLT 329.00×109/L; coagulation function: APTT 29.3 s, PT 12.1 s, FiB 2.728 g/L, DD>6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL. The patient was discharged after 20 days, and regular follow-up reexamination showed no abnormal results. [Conclusion] Individualized blood management strategy should comprehensively consider the patient’s clinical symptoms, the degree of hemoglobin decline, dynamic coagulation test results and existing treatment conditions. Efficient and reasonable patient blood management strategies can effectively improve the clinical outcomes of massive transfusion patients in the frigid plateau region.
7.Over 20-year Follow-up Result of Total Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Arthropathy: A Single Center Cohort Study
Yiming XU ; Mingwei HU ; Wei ZHU ; Muyang YU ; Jin LIN ; Jin JIN ; Wenwei QIAN ; Bin FENG ; Xisheng WENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):35-41
To evaluate long-term survival and clinical outcomes of patients with knee osteo-arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) through long-term follow-up. This study was based on a previous cohort study that had completed follow-up. We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients with knee arthropathy (including knee osteoarthritis and knee rheumatoid arthritis) who received the first TKA operation in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2002 and were followed up for more than 20 years, and conducted a unified follow-up on them in November 10, 2024 (the last follow-up). Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the survival rate. Hospitals for special surgery (HSS) scores and joint range of motion (ROM) were compared before surgery, 10 years after surgery and at the last follow-up to evaluate the clinical efficacy of TKA. Likert scale was used to evaluate patient satisfaction at the last follow-up. A total of 226 patients (246 knees) received their first TKA in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2002 and were followed up for more than 10 years. Among them, 104 patients (131 knees) were included in the study at the last follow-up, including 21 patients (24 knees) with prosthesis in place, 18 patients (18 knees) who underwent reoperation for various reasons, and 65 patients (89 knees) who died from non-TKA surgical causes. Up to the last follow-up, there were 29 patients (35 knees) with an average follow-up of more than 20 years, and 12 patients (16 knees) completed HSS score, ROM measurement and patient satisfaction evaluation. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, and 25-year survival rates were 93.6%, 92.4%, 89.8%, and 71.8%, respectively. The HSS score at the last follow-up was lower than that at 10- year postoperative follow-up[(84.69±11.03) scores TKA treatment for knee arthropathy has high long-term prosthesis survival rate, significant improvement of knee joint function and high patient satisfaction.
8.Early Postoperative Safety of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Xingdong YANG ; Muyang YU ; Yiming XU ; Wei ZHU ; Mingwei HU ; Xisheng WENG ; Bin FENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):42-49
To analyze the occurrence of early complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The data of patients who underwent THA at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2012 to April 2024 were retrospectively and consecutively collected. The patients were categorized into SLE group and control group based on the presence or absence of SLE. Using propensity score matching, we matched patients in the two groups at a 1∶1 ratio according to gender, age, and surgical side. Subsequently, we compared the clinical characteristics, incidence of major complications within 30 days postoperatively, and allogeneic blood transfusion rates between the two groups. A total of 270 patients in the SLE group who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Within 30 days postoperatively, 18 cases (6.67%) experienced major complications, including 2 cases (0.74%) of upper respiratory tract infection, 2 cases (0.74%) of pulmonary infection, 3 cases (1.11%) of urinary tract infection, 2 cases (0.74%) of other systemic infection, 5 cases (1.85%) of poor wound healing, 1 case (0.37%) of wound infection, 1 case (0.37%) of gastrointestinal complications, 1 cases (0.37%) of shock, and 1 case (0.37%) of SLE flare-up. The allogeneic blood transfusion rate was 22.59% (61/270). After propensity score matching, 163 cases from SLE and control groups were included for analysis. (1) Regarding medical complications, compared with control group, SLE group showed significant differences in osteoporosis, respiratory system disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, urinary system disorders, hematologic abnormalities, and secondary or concomitant rheumatic diseases (all The incidence of major complications within 30 days following THA in patients with SLE was significantly higher than that in non-SLE patients, while the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion remained comparable. To ensure the safety of THA surgery for patients with SLE, it is important to optimize the patient's condition and achieve stabilization prior to surgery. Additionally, strict perioperative management must be forced.
9.Epidemiological investigation of a maternal Listeria monocytogenes ST2 infection case
XU Wei ; LIN Yun ; ZHU Guoying ; SONG Hejia ; JIA Juanjuan ; SUN Yangming
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):189-191
Abstract
On September 26, 2024, a municipal hospital in Jiaxing City reported a maternal case of Listeria monocytogenes infection. In order to clarify the source of infection, the Jiaxing Center for Disease Control and Prevention immediately conducted the epidemiological investigation, laboratory testing and related disposal work. The case presented with fever (37.9 ℃), gradually intensifying paroxysmal abdominal pain without obvious cause, and went to hospital on the day of onset. Due to fetal intrauterine distress, a male infant was delivered by cesarean section on the same day. The epidemiological investigation identified that the case usually consumed fruits, often store fruits such as watermelon and grapes in the refrigerator alongside raw meat, and the refrigerator had never been cleaned or disinfected, posing a risk of cross contamination. Laboratory tests on amniotic fluid sample from the pregnant woman, infant blood sample showed positive results for Listeria monocytogenes infection. One strain of Listeria monocytogenes was detected in a smear sample from the inner wall of the refrigerator, and all the strains were ST2 type. Consuming fruits contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may be the main source of infection. Food safety education for pregnant women and their family members should be strengthened to reduce the risk of infection.
10.Regulation of Signaling Pathways Related to Myocardial Infarction by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun WU ; Chidao ZHANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Xue LI ; Bin LI ; Xinlu WANG ; Mingjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):321-330
The pathological changes of myocardial infarction (MI) are mainly characterized by progressive myocardial ischemic necrosis, decline in cardiac diastolic function, thinning of the ventricular wall, and enlargement of the ventricles. The clinical manifestations include myocardial ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, shock, and even sudden cardiac death, rendering MI one of the most perilous cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the clinical treatment for MI primarily involves interventional procedures and drug therapy. However, due to their significant side effects and high complication rates associated with these treatments, they fail to ensure a satisfactory quality of life and long-term prognosis for patients. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving patient prognosis while reducing side effects. Research has elucidated that various signaling pathways such as nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), adenosine 5̒-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) play crucial roles in regulating the occurrence and development of MI. Effectively modulating these signaling pathways through its therapeutic interventions, traditional Chinese medicine can enhance MI management by inhibiting apoptosis, providing anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating oxidative stress levels, and resisting myocardial ischemia. Due to its notable efficacy and favorable safety, it has become an area of focus in clinical practice.


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