1.The Effect of Fuzheng Huaji Formula (扶正化积方) for Chronic Hepatitis B on Reduction of the Incidence of Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Simiao YU ; Jiahui LI ; Jing JING ; Tingting HE ; Yongqiang SUN ; Liping WANG ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Xia DING ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):268-274
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Fuzheng Huaji Formula (扶正化积方) for chronic hepatitis B to reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting medical records of 118 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 234 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who visited the hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. The use of Fuzheng Huaji Formula was designated as the exposure factor. Patients receiving antiviral treatment for hepatitis B without concurrent Fuzheng Huaji Formula therapy were included in the western medicine group, while those receiving antiviral treatment combined with Fuzheng Huaji Formula for a cumulative treatment lasting longer than 3 months were included in the combined treatment group. The follow-up observation period was five years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to examine the factors influencing the occurrence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. ResultsAmong patients with chronic hepatitis B, there were 55 cases in the combined treatment group and 63 cases in the western medicine group; among patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis, there were 110 cases in the combined treatment group and 124 cases in the western medicine group. Five-year follow-up outcomes for chronic hepatitis B patients showed that the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was 5.45% (3/55) in the combined treatment group and 17.46% (11/63) in the western medicine group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (Z = 2.003, P = 0.045). Five-year follow-up outcomes for hepatitis B-related cirrhosis patients showed that the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 8.18% (9/110) in the combined treatment group and 22.58% (28/124) in the western medicine group, also showing a statistically significant difference (Z = 3.007, P = 0.003). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that treatment with Fuzheng Huaji Formula is an independent protective factor in preventing the progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and the progression of hepatitis B-related cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining Fuzheng Huaji Formula with antiviral therapy for hepatitis B can effectively intervene in the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B, reducing the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
2.The Role and Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity by Reducing Circulating Glutamate
Xiao-Rui XING ; Qin SUN ; Huan-Yu WANG ; Ruo-Bing FAN ; Ru WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1373-1385
ObjectiveTo explore the role and potential mechanism of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity by aerobic exercise. This research may provide a novel strategy for preventing metabolic diseases through precise exercise interventions. MethodsTo investigate the effects of elevated circulating glutamate on insulin sensitivity and its potential mechanisms, 18 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a group receiving 500 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (M), and a group receiving 1 000 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (H). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with treatments administered 6 d per week. Following the intervention, an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were conducted. Circulating glutamate levels were measured using a commercial kit, and the activity of the skeletal muscle InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed via Western blot. To further investigate the role of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity through aerobic exercise, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CS), an exercise intervention group (ES), and an exercise combined with glutamate supplementation group (EG). The ES group underwent treadmill-based aerobic exercise, while the EG group received glutamate supplementation at a dosage of 1 000 mg/kg in addition to aerobic exercise. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with sessions occurring 6 d per week, and the same procedures were followed afterward. To further elucidate the mechanism by which glutamate modulates the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, C2C12 myotubes were initially subjected to graded glutamate treatment (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 mmol/L) to determine the optimal concentration for cellular intervention. Subsequently, the cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a glutamate intervention group (G), and a glutamate combined with MK801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) intervention group (GK). The G group was treated with 5 mmol/L glutamate, while the GK group received 50 μmol/L MK801 in addition to 5 mmol/L glutamate. After 24 h of intervention, the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blot. ResultsCompared to the mice in group C, the circulating glutamate levels, the area under curve (AUC) of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group H were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle were significantly downregulated. Compared to the mice in group CS, the circulating glutamate levels, the AUC of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group ES were significantly reduced. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle of group ES mice were significantly upregulated. There were no significant changes observed in the mice of group EG. Compared to the cells in group 0 mmol/L, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in cells of group 5 mmol/L were significantly downregulated. Compared to the cells in group C, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the cells of group G were significantly downregulated. No significant changes were observed in the cells of group GK. ConclusionLong-term aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity by lowering circulating levels of glutamate. This effect may be associated with the upregulation of the InsR/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, glutamate can weaken the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, potentially by binding to NMDAR expressed in skeletal muscle.
3.Seroprevalence and influencing factors of low-level neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in community residents
Shiying YUAN ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Huanyu WU ; Weibing WANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Xiao YU ; Xiaoying MA ; Min CHEN ; Xiaodong SUN ; Zhuoying HUANG ; Zhonghui MA ; Yaxu ZHENG ; Jian CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):403-409
ObjectiveTo understand the seropositivity of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and low-level NAb against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community residents, and to explore the impact of COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection on the levels of NAb in human serum. MethodsOn the ground of surveillance cohort for acute infectious diseases in community populations in Shanghai, a proportional stratified sampling method was used to enroll the subjects at a 20% proportion for each age group (0‒14, 15‒24, 25‒59, and ≥60 years old). Blood samples collection and serum SARS-CoV-2 NAb concentration testing were conducted from March to April 2023. Low-level NAb were defined as below the 25th percentile of NAb. ResultsA total of 2 230 participants were included, the positive rate of NAb was 97.58%, and the proportion of low-level NAb was 25.02% (558/2 230). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, infection history and vaccination status were correlated with low-level NAb (all P<0.05). Individuals aged 60 years and above had the highest risk of low-level NAb. There was a statistically significant interaction between booster vaccination and one single infection (aOR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.19‒0.77). Compared to individuals without vaccination, among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 once, both primary immunization (aOR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.16‒0.35) and booster immunization (aOR=0.12, 95%CI: 0.08‒0.17) significantly reduced the risk of low-level NAb; among individuals without infections, only booster immunization (aOR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.14‒0.52) showed a negative correlation with the risk of low-level NAb. ConclusionsThe population aged 60 and above had the highest risk of low-level NAb. Regardless of infection history, a booster immunization could reduce the risk of low-level NAb. It is recommended that eligible individuals , especially the elderly, should get vaccinated in a timely manner to exert the protective role of NAb.
4. Resveratrol inhibits autophagy and promotes apoptosis in uveal melanoma cells via miR-512-3P/DUSPl axis
Zheng-Yang SUN ; Nan-Nan LIU ; Xue-Fei FAN ; Su-Huan CHEN ; Xiao-Yu CHEN ; Zheng-Yang SUN ; Wu-Qi CHEN ; Guang-Yi CHEN ; Yu-Bao SHAO ; Xiao-Yu CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):292-298
Aim To investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of resveratrol in inhibiting autophagy and promoting apoptosis in choroidal melanoma cells. Methods Choroidal melanoma cells (MUM2B) were divided into control and experimental groups, and treated with different concentrations of resveratrol (0, 10, 20,40,60,80 μmol ·L
5. Mechanism of Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsules in treatment of mild cognitive impairment based on network pharmacology
Qin HAN ; Xiao-Yu XU ; Yi-Fei GENG ; Xiao-Bo SUN ; Yun LUO ; Jing-Jing LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):334-343
Aim To predict the mechanism of Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsules (FCYC) in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by network pharmacology method, and further validate it in combination with cellular experiments. Methods TCMSP, Gene-Cards, OMIM and TTD databases, Chinese Pharmacopoeia and related literature were used to screen the active ingredients of FCYC and the targets of MCI treatment. The TCM-compound-target-disease network and PPI of intersection targets were constructed, and the GO and KEGG analysis were performed by the Ehamb bioinformation platform. GO and KEGG analysis were performed through Yihanbo biological information platform. Cell model of MCI was established by PC-12 injury induced by Aβ
6.Effect of Ultrasound-guided Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block on The Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Sternotomy Cardiac Surgery
Yi LIAO ; Qi LI ; Xiaoe WANG ; Mingying ZHAN ; Li XIAO ; Yu CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(2):297-309
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effect of ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane block on the quality of recovery and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing sternotomy cardiac surgery. MethodsA total of 64 patients undergoing sternotomy cardiac surgery were selected for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: one group received a superficial parasternal intercostal plane block with ropivacaine (the ropivacaine group), while the other was given normal saline (the normal saline group). The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score on postoperative day 1 in both groups, accompanied by a comparative analysis of the pain score and opioid usage. ResultsCompared with the normal saline group, the ropivacaine group exhibited a significantly higher QoR-15 score on postoperative day 1[(89.60±13.24) vs (81.18±12.78), P=0.012]. The numerical rating scale at rest was significantly lower[(3.03±0.72) vs (4.26±0.93), P<0.001], and the numerical rating scale during coughing was also significantly reduced [(4.40±0.89) vs (5.44±1.05), P<0.001]. Concurrently, the cumulative morphine equivalent consumption during the initial 24 h postoperatively was significantly lower in patients who were administered the ropivacaine [14.15 (4.95~30.00) mg vs 40.50 (19.25~68.18) mg, P=0.002], and there was also a notable decrease in the rescue analgesia [0.00 (0.00~0.00) mg vs 0.00 (0.00~100.00) mg, P=0.007]. ConclusionUltrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane block can significantly enhance the overall quality of recovery in patients undergoing sternotomy cardiac surgery on postoperative day 1. The technique contributes to improved postoperative analgesic effects and a reduction in opioid usage, thereby facilitating early postoperative recovery.
7.Role of PNEC and GABA in pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors
Xiao-Qiong ZHAO ; Wen CHEN ; Yu-Jie SUN ; Chen-Yu LIN ; Yuan YUE ; Rui LI ; Tao ZHANG ; Li XIAO
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(3):288-296
Objective To investigate the role of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells(PNEC)and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors(PNET).Methods The pathological specimens of 29 cases of PNET treated in the eighth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to January 2022 were collected.The morphological characteristics were observed by HE staining,and the expression levels of synaptophysin(Syn),chromogranin A(CgA),CD56,Ki-67,CD86 and CD163 were observed by immunohistochemical staining.Calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)and glutamic acid decarboxylase(GAD)65/67 in different types of PNETs were detected by double antibody immunofluorescence co-staining,and the correlation between GAD65/67 positive PNEC and macrophage polarization was analyzed.Results The results of HE staining showed that all four types of PNET tissues had neuroendocrine(NE)characteristics:rosette structure and organ nesting or palisade pattern,but they were different,and the proportion of mitotic cells from low to high was typical carcinoid(TC),atypical carcinoid(AC),large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma(LCNEC)and small cell lung cancer(SCLC).The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive expression rate of Syn and CgA and the positive degree of Syn,CgA and CD56 in carcinoid(TC and AC)were significantly higher than those in LCNEC and SCLC(P<0.05).The Ki-67 indices of the four types of PNET are:TC<5%,AC 5%-20%,LCNEC and SCLC>75%respectively.The number of PNEC in carcinoid was significantly higher than that in LCNEC,SCLC and paratumoral tissues(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in the number of PNEC between LCNEC and SCLC and para-tumor tissues(P>0.05).The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of GAD65/67 positive cells co-expressing GAD65/67 in 95%PNEC was significantly higher than that in LCNEC,SCLC and para-tumor tissues(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between LCNEC and SCLC GAD65/67 positive cells and para-tumor tissues(P>0.05).The results of immunohistochemical staining also showed that the number of CD86 positive M1 macrophages was significantly higher than that of CD163 positive M2 macrophages in para-tumor tissues(P<0.05),while M2 macrophages were significantly more than M1 macrophages in AC,LCNEC and SCLC(P<0.01).Correlation analysis showed that the number of GAD65/67 positive PNEC cells in PNET was negatively correlated with the number of CD163 positive M2 macrophages in tumor stroma(r=-0.6336,P=0.0174).Conclusions PNEC is the main source of GABA in lung tissue and plays an immunomodulatory role in the lung,which may be involved in the progression of PNET.
8.Toxicity and Mechanism of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Testis
An-Ni FENG ; Ren-Ren SUN ; Yu-Bo XIAO ; Zhao-Ming ZENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Yuan-Jie XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(3):555-563
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is currently one of the most widely used plasticizers, widely found in all kinds of items, such as children’s toys and food packaging materials, but also added to wallpaper, cable protective agents and other building decoration materials. DEHP is toxic and absorbed by the human body through respiratory tract, digestive tract and skin contact, which can cause damage to multiple systems, especially the male reproductive system, and testis is an important target organ. Oxidative stress injury is the core mechanism of spermatogenesis disorder caused by DEHP. DEHP exposure can cause oxidative stress or reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase in germ cells, and on this basis, promote cell apoptosis or cause excessive autophagy. The toxicity of DEHP to Leydig cells is mainly to interfere with the synthesis of steroid hormones. For Sertoli cells, ferroptosis and destruction of the blood-testis barrier are common injury mechanisms. In addition, gene methylation caused by DEHP not only affects the spermatogenic process, but also has epigenetic effects on offspring. In this paper, we reviewed the pathological damage, germ cell toxicity and epigenetic effects of DEHP on testis, and focused on the damage and molecular mechanism on testicular spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. Future research is required to elucidate the body’s clearance mechanism and treatment plan after exposure to DEHP and whether DEHP will damage the function of myoid cells. It is hoped that this can provide new ideas for prevention and treatment of male reproductive disorders resulting from long-term exposure to plastic products.
9.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
10.Knockdown of Frizzled 2 inhibits mouse tongue squamous carcinoma and enhances CTLA4 monoclonal antibody efficacy
Hui-Yu LIU ; Xiao-Jiao SUN ; Zhen-Ming LIU ; Tian-Cheng LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(16):2359-2362
Objective To investigate the function of Frizzled 2(FZD2)in mouse tongue squamous cell carcinoma and its effect on cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4(CTLA4)monoclonal antibody.Methods Cell experiment:SCCVII mouse tongue squamous cell carcinomq cells were divided into blank control group(transfected LV-kdCon)and experimental group(transfected LV-kdFZD2).Cell proliferation ability was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8);migration ability was detected by Transwell cell assay;and angiogenesis ability was verified by human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Animal experiments:Female C3H/He mice were constructed with tumor bearing mice model.Mice were divided into control group[injected with phosphate buffer solution(PBS)],kdFZD group(inoculated with experimental cells and injected with an equal amount of PBS),αCTLA4 group(inoculated with blank control cells subcutaneously and injected with CTLA4 monoclonal antibody)and kdFZD+αCTLA group(inoculated with experimental cells subcutaneously and injected with CTLA4 monoclonal antibody).The mRNA expression of tumor tissue was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR),and the tumor volume and mass were measured.Results The relative expression levels of FZD2 mRNA in the control group and the experimental group were 1.01±0.18 and 0.52±0.18;the cell migration numbers were 466.70±44.10 and 160.00±26.46;the number of branch nodes of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were 108.70±6.35 and 84.33±10.02;the total capillary length were(20 235±2 229)and(16 549±338)μm,respectively,with statistical significance(P<0.05,P<0.01).The tumor volumes of control group,kdFZD group,αCTLA4 group and kdFZD+αCTLA group were(449.50±114.80),(131.10±13.49),(83.62±26.47)and(2.45±0.91)mm3;the tumor weights were(0.78±0.11),(0.22±0.06),(0.13±0.02)and(0.03±0.01)g,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001,P<0.000 1).Conclusion FZD2 can be used as a potential therapeutic target for tongue squamous cell carcinoma and is expected to be a key molecule in the optimization of adjuvant immunotherapy for tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

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