1.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Empirical study of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations
Xiayao CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Xue DONG ; Zhongxiang MI ; Jun CHENG ; Aimin ZHANG ; Didi LU ; Jun WANG ; Jude LIU ; Qianmo AN ; Hui GUO ; Xiaochen LIU ; Zefeng YU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):83-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the present situation of input, output, outcome and impact of all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia in China, and analyze how the input predict the output, outcome and impact. MethodsFrom March 1st to April 30th, 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted on all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia, covering four dimensions: input, output, outcome and impact. A total of 1 365 questionnaires were distributed. The input included four items: laws and policies, human resources, equipment and facilities, and rehabilitation information management. The output included two items: technical paths and benefits/effectiveness. The outcome included three items: coverage rates, rehabilitation interventions and functional results. The impact included two items: health and sustainability. Each item contained several questions, all of which were described in a positive way. Each question was scored from one to five. A lower score indicated that the situation of the community-based rehabilitation station was more in line with the content described in the question. Regression analysis was performed using the total score of each item of input dimension as independent variables, and the total scores of the output, outcome and impact dimensions as dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean values of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations were 1.827 to 1.904, with coefficient of variation of 45.892% to 49.239%. The regression analysis showed that, rehabilitation information management, human resources, and laws and policies significantly predicted the output dimension (R² = 0.910, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, all four items in the input dimension predicted both the outcome (R² = 0.850, P < 0.001) and impact dimensions (R² = 0.833, P < 0.001). ConclusionInput, output, outcome and impact of the community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia were generally in line with the content of the questions, although some imbalances were observed. Additionally, the input of community-based rehabilitation stations could significantly predict their output, outcome and impact.
4.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.
5.Effect of central positioning techniques for anterior capsulotomy in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery on intraocular placement and visual quality
Shuaishuai LIU ; Wei ZHOU ; Xiaochen DING ; Shuang ZHANG ; Qiangqiang CHI ; Yong LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):523-529
AIM: To examine how three distinct central positioning techniques for anterior capsulotomy-pupil center, limbus center, and lens apex-affect intraocular lens(IOL)placement and visual quality following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery(FLACS).METHODS: A total of 36 patients(72 eyes)with age-related cataracts who underwent FLACS and ZCB00 aspherical IOL implantation at Aier Eye Hospital Medical Center, Anhui Medical University between January and December 2023 were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into three groups based on the central positioning mode for anterior capsulotomy: pupil center, limbus center, and lens apex center groups. IOL alignment and displacement were evaluated using the Casia2 device, and the postoperative visual quality was assessed.RESULTS: At 1 d postoperatively, the IOL tilt for the pupil, limbus, and apex groups were 3.96°±1.51°, 4.63°±1.87°, and 3.90°±2.24°, respectively(F=1.07, P=0.35); IOL decentration values were 0.21±0.10 mm, 0.23±0.16 mm, and 0.21±0.12 mm, respectively(F=0.14, P=0.87); total higher-order aberrations were 0.32±0.40 μm, 0.56±0.61 μm, and 0.53±0.60 μm, respectively(F=1.38, P=0.26); and coma aberrations values were 0.13±0.10 μm, 0.16±0.15 μm, and 0.14±0.15 μm, respectively(F=0.3, P=0.74). All results obtained postoperative day 1 did not differ significantly. At 3 mo postoperatively, IOL tilt values were 5.42°±2.00°, 3.96°±1.44°, and 3.20°±1.19°, respectively(F=12.40, P<0.001); IOL decentration values were 0.33±0.07 mm, 0.23±0.11 mm, and 0.21±0.11 mm, respectively(F=4.99, P=0.008); total higher-order aberrations were 0.67±0.29 μm, 0.44±0.37 μm, and 0.42±0.19 μm, respectively(F=5.50, P=0.006); and coma aberrations values were 0.21±0.12 μm, 0.19±0.12 μm, and 0.12±0.11 μm, respectively(F=3.87, P=0.03). All results obtained 3 mo postoperatively were statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Using the lens apex as the central positioning mode for anterior capsulotomy in FLACS improves postoperative IOL stability and reduces postoperative IOL tilt and decentration. If the lens apex cannot be determined intraoperatively, the limbus center-positioning mode is recommended.
6.Effectiveness of carvedilol alone versus carvedilol combined with endoscopic variceal ligation in secondary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis
Xiaochen LIU ; Yifu XIA ; Chunqing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):900-906
ObjectiveTo compare the therapeutic effects of carvedilol alone and carvedilol combined with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in the prevention of re-bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, and to provide strategies for clinical treatment. MethodsWe retrospectively included 178 patients who had received carvedilol alone or carvedilol plus EVL to prevent gastroesophageal variceal re-hemorrhage from October 2010 to June 2023. They were divided into carvedilol alone group (47 cases) and carvedilol+EVL group (131 cases). Between-group comparisons were conducted using the paired t test for normally distributed continuous data, the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed continuous data, and the chi-square test for categorical data. A Cox proportional hazards model was employed for univariable and multi-variable analyses. The cumulative incidence rates of re-bleeding and mortality were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were matched through propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce selection bias and enhance the credibility of causal inference. ResultsThe re-bleeding rate of the carvedilol+EVL group was significantly lower than that of the carvedilol alone group (10-year cumulative incidence: 29.8% vs 36.2%, hazard ratio [HR]=0.505, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.292 — 0.847, P=0.015). There was no significant difference in liver-related mortality (10-year cumulative incidence: 21.3% vs 21.4%, HR=0.799, 95%CI: 0.406 — 1.578, P=0.518). The results were stable with PSM analysis. The Cox regression analysis revealed that creatinine was an independent risk factor affecting re-bleeding (HR=1.004, 95%CI: 1.001 — 1.008, P=0.011) and liver-related mortality (HR=1.004, 95%CI: 1.001 — 1.007, P=0.019). ConclusionCarvedilol combined with EVL is better than carvedilol alone in the prevention of gastroesophageal variceal re-bleeding.
7.Gut microbiota and their metabolites in hemodialysis patients.
Junxia DU ; Xiaolin ZHAO ; Xiaonan DING ; Qinqin REN ; Haoran WANG ; Qiuxia HAN ; Chenwen SONG ; Xiaochen WANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Hanyu ZHU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):502-504
8.Identify drug-drug interactions via deep learning: A real world study.
Jingyang LI ; Yanpeng ZHAO ; Zhenting WANG ; Chunyue LEI ; Lianlian WU ; Yixin ZHANG ; Song HE ; Xiaochen BO ; Jian XIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):101194-101194
Identifying drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is essential to prevent adverse effects from polypharmacy. Although deep learning has advanced DDI identification, the gap between powerful models and their lack of clinical application and evaluation has hindered clinical benefits. Here, we developed a Multi-Dimensional Feature Fusion model named MDFF, which integrates one-dimensional simplified molecular input line entry system sequence features, two-dimensional molecular graph features, and three-dimensional geometric features to enhance drug representations for predicting DDIs. MDFF was trained and validated on two DDI datasets, evaluated across three distinct scenarios, and compared with advanced DDI prediction models using accuracy, precision, recall, area under the curve, and F1 score metrics. MDFF achieved state-of-the-art performance across all metrics. Ablation experiments showed that integrating multi-dimensional drug features yielded the best results. More importantly, we obtained adverse drug reaction reports uploaded by Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from 2021 to 2023 and used MDFF to identify potential adverse DDIs. Among 12 real-world adverse drug reaction reports, the predictions of 9 reports were supported by relevant evidence. Additionally, MDFF demonstrated the ability to explain adverse DDI mechanisms, providing insights into the mechanisms behind one specific report and highlighting its potential to assist practitioners in improving medical practice.
9.Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions Targeting NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Improve Diabetic Nephropathy
Jiangfan GUO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Qiu'e ZHANG ; Xiaochen LI ; Tonghua LIU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Qingsong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):241-251
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic microvascular complication in diabetic patients and the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Studies have shown that nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is involved in the pathological process of DN by activating pathological mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. Therefore, blocking the transduction of NF-κB signaling pathway can help prevent and treat DN. Currently, western medical treatment involves strategies such as lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids, as well as using endothelin receptor antagonists, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, aldosterone synthase inhibitors, and other drugs, but they still cannot block the pathological process of DN. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a simpler and more cost-effective approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of DN. Recent research has shown promising results in managing DN with TCM, and NF-κB, as a key factor, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of DN. This article summarized the research results of TCM based on the NF-κB signaling pathway for the treatment of DN in the past five years. It described a variety of TCM extracts, such as polysaccharides, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, as well as TCM compound prescriptions such as Huaiqihuang granules, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula, and Danzhi Jiangtang capsules, which regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway and its upstream and downstream factors to block the pathological process of DN. This inhibition aims to prevent renal pathological damage caused by DN and slow down the deterioration of renal function. The article aims to provide new ideas and references for the research and development of drugs for the prevention and treatment of DN.
10.Perioperative results of cardiac valve surgery in patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Xiaochen WANG ; Hailei SUN ; Chaoyu ZHANG ; Zhengchun ZHOU ; Yu WEI ; Haiyang XUAN ; Guangcun CHENG ; Jianjun GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(07):962-966
Objective To analyze the perioperative outcomes of cardiac valve surgery in patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods The perioperative clinical data of patients receiving heart valve replacement in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from November 2022 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2, they were divided into a non-infected group and an asymptomatic group. The perioperative data of the patients were compared between the two groups, and the effect of asymptomatic infection on the result of heart valve replacement surgery was analyzed. Results A total of 66 patients were enrolled including 36 males and 30 females with a mean age of 58.0±11.1 years. There were 51 patients in the non-infected group and 15 patients in the asymtomatic group. There were 2 patients of mitral valve replacement, 20 patients of aortic valve replacement, 1 patient of double valve replacement, 3 patients of aortic valve replacement with tricuspid valvoplasty, 22 patients of mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valvoplasty, 18 patients of double valve replacement and tricuspid valvoplasty. Asymptomatic infected patients received more emergency surgery than uninfected patients (26.7% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in the duration of extracorporeal circulation, aortic occlusion, mechanical ventilation time after the surgery, ICU stay, postoperative drainage volume, or postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion Perioperative results of cardiac valve surgery in patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and non-infection are almost the same.

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