1.Chinese Medicine Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma-related Signaling Pathways: A Review
Chun YU ; Fen GAO ; Lanlan ZHENG ; Cai GUO ; Yanfang HE ; Jiaojiao XIE ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yanhua MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):232-243
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumor in the digestive tract, the formation mechanism of which remains to be fully elucidated. Although surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have achieved significant results in the treatment of HCC, these methods are accompanied by a considerable number of adverse reactions and complications. In recent years, Chinese medicine has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of HCC, and both basic experiments and clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, which exerts therapeutic effects via multiple components and multiple targets. However, the pathogenesis of HCC is exceptionally complex and not fully understood, which means that studies remain to be carried out regarding the specific mechanism of Chinese medicine in preventing and treating HCC. Network pharmacology and molecular biology can be employed to decipher the mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine can regulate various pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathways. Chinese medicine can exhibit its anti-HCC effects by inducing cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, and blocking the cell cycle via the above pathways. However, the specific mechanisms remain to be systematically studied. This study comprehensively reviews the regulatory effects of Chinese medicine on HCC-related signaling pathways to reveal the molecular mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the treatment of HCC. This view holds the promise of providing new targets, new perspectives, and new therapies for HCC treatment and advancing the modernization and development of Chinese medicine.
2.New advances of adiponectin in regulating obesity and related metabolic syndromes
Han YANQI ; Sun QIANWEN ; Chen WEI ; Gao YUE ; Ye JUN ; Chen YANMIN ; Wang TINGTING ; Gao LILI ; Liu YULING ; Yang YANFANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(5):623-638
Obesity and related metabolic syndromes have been recognized as important disease risks,in which the role of adipokines cannot be ignored.Adiponectin(ADP)is one of the key adipokines with various beneficial effects,including improving glucose and lipid metabolism,enhancing insulin sensitivity,reducing oxidative stress and inflammation,promoting ceramides degradation,and stimulating adipose tissue vascularity.Based on those,it can serve as a positive regulator in many metabolic syndromes,such as type 2 diabetes(T2D),cardiovascular diseases,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),sarcopenia,neurodegenerative diseases,and certain cancers.Therefore,a promising therapeutic approach for treating various metabolic diseases may involve elevating ADP levels or activating ADP receptors.The modulation of ADP genes,multimerization,and secretion covers the main processes of ADP generation,providing a comprehensive orientation for the development of more appropriate therapeutic strategies.In order to have a deeper understanding of ADP,this paper will provide an all-encompassing review of ADP.
3.Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus ST20 isolated and identified from the bacteremia patient
Bei WEI ; Fen GAO ; Yue LIU ; Yan ZHONG ; Yanfang LI ; Deju QIN ; Jincheng ZHOU ; Xuebin XU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(9):1102-1105
A 72-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department of Qintang District People′s Hospital of Guigang City in August 2023 due to chills and fever, abdominal distension and pain, diarrhea, cough and shortness of breath for 1 day. She had a history of chronic obstructive and pulmonary heart disease, stage Ⅲ hypertension, and ceftazidime allergy. Clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial infection of chronic obstructive pneumonia was made and levofloxacin combined with piperacillin/tazobactam were given as symptomatic treatment. The blood culture reported Campylobacter fetus after four days, and the patient was cured and discharged after seven days with negative blood culture. The morphology and mass spectrometry identification of the strain were consistent with the definition of Campylobacter fetus. Whole genome sequencing predicted the multi-site sequence type as Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus( Cff) ST20, carrying the tetracycline resistance gene tet (O/M/O), 18 flagella genes (including rpoN gene from Campylobacter jejuni. these genes were not found in the other two Campylobacter fetus subspecies), and six virulence genes (including like-typhoidal toxin and typhoid toxin genes). The pathogen has the ecological characteristics of parasitic farmed animal colonization and the biological characteristics of high mobility and virulence. These attributes facilitated its entry into the bloodstream via the fecal-oral route, leading to invasive infections.
4.Alternative Biological Material for Tissue Engineering of the Vagina: Porcine-Derived Acellular Vaginal Matrix
Yanpeng TIAN ; Yibin LIU ; Yanlai XIAO ; Zhongkang LI ; Mingle ZHANG ; Liang CHEN ; Zhen LI ; Wangchao ZHANG ; Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Desheng KONG ; Li MENG ; Yanfang DU ; Jingkun ZHANG ; Jingui GAO ; Xianghua HUANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2024;21(2):277-290
BACKGROUND:
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a severe congenital disorder characterized by vaginal hypoplasia caused by dysplasia of the Müllerian duct. Patients with MRKH syndrome often require nonsurgical or surgical treatment to achieve satisfactory vaginal length and sexual outcomes. The extracellular matrix has been successfully used for vaginal reconstruction.
METHODS:
In this study, we developed a new biological material derived from porcine vagina (acellular vaginal matrix, AVM) to reconstruct the vagina in Bama miniature pigs. The histological characteristics and efficacy of acellularization of AVM were evaluated, and AVM was subsequently transplanted into Bama miniature pigs to reconstruct the vaginas.
RESULTS:
Macroscopic analysis showed that the neovaginas functioned well in all Bama miniature pigs with AVM implants. Histological analysis and electrophysiological evidence indicated that morphological and functional recovery was restored in normal vaginal tissues. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the neovaginas had mucosal folds characteristics of normal vagina. No significant differences were observed in the expression of CK14, HSP47, and a-actin between the neovaginas and normal vaginal tissues. However, the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) was significantly lower in the neovaginas than in normal vaginal tissues. In addition, AVM promoted the expression of b-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1. These results suggest that AVM might promotes vaginal regeneration by activating the b-catenin/cMyc/cyclin D1 pathway.
CONCLUSION
This study reveals that porcine-derived AVM has potential application for vaginal regeneration.
5.Effects of different hemostasis methods in laparoscopic ovarian cyst surgery on postoperative pain and sex hormone levels
Yan GUO ; Jiezhi ZHU ; Shuangling JIN ; Yanfang GAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2023;17(3):327-331
Objective:To study the effect of different hemostasis methods on postoperative pain and sex hormone levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.Methods:A total of 118 patients with ovarian cysts admitted to our hospital from Jun. 2018.6 to Aug. 2020 were collected and grouped by digital table method into electrocoagulation hemostasis group (59 cases, electrocoagulation hemostasis) and suture hemostasis group (59 cases, suture hemostasis). Pain at time points, serum inflammatory factors and sex hormone levels in the two groups were measured, and the incidence of complications was counted 12 weeks after surgery.Results:The VAS scores of suture hemostasis group at 6, 12 and 24 h after operation (3.33±0.93, 3.63±1.02, 3.01±0.94) were significantly lower than those of the electrocoagulation hemostasis group (4.16±1.05, 4.61±1.17, 3.72±1.05) ; there was no significant difference in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels between the preoperative suture hemostasis group and the electrocoagulation hemostasis group. The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the group (37.64±4.82ng/L, 39.67±4.71ng/L) were lower than those in the electrocoagulation hemostasis group (45.96±5.25ng/L, 48.96±5.14ng/L) ( P<0.05) .) ; there was no significant difference in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2) or luteinizing hormone (LH) levels between preoperative electrocoagulation hemostasis group and suture hemostasis group ( P>0.05) ; There was no significant difference in the three indexes in the suture hemostasis group 3 months after operation compared with those before treatment ( P>0.05). The serum FSH and LH [ (6.59±0.91) mIU/ml, (5.24±0.77) mIU/ml] in the suture hemostasis group were lower than those in the electrocoagulation hemostasis group [ (7.39±1.02) mIU/m, (5.97±0.89) mIU/m], E 2 in suture hemostasis group [ (51.08±6.09) pg/ml] was higher than that in electrocoagulation hemostasis group [ (46.88±5.59) pg/ml] ( P<0.05). In terms of the complication rate at 3 months after operation, the suture hemostasis group (32.20%) was significantly lower than electrocoagulation hemostasis (13.56%) ( P<0.05). After 1 year of follow-up, the pregnancy success rate of the suture hemostasis group (72.88%) was significantly higher than that of the electrocoagulation hemostasis group (52.54%) ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Suture hemostasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is beneficial to relieve postoperative pain, improve postoperative inflammatory response, protect their ovarian function, avoid complications such as abnormal ovulation and excessive menstrual flow, and improve the success rate of pregnancy. The overall application effect is better than electrocoagulation hemostasis.
6.Ferroptosis in Treatment of Liver Fibrosis with Chinese Medicine: A Review
Lanlan ZHENG ; Cai GUO ; Yanfang HE ; Jiaojiao XIE ; Fen GAO ; Chun YU ; Yanhua MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(23):235-244
Hepatic fibrosis characterized by various chronic liver injuries can lead to abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells, unbalanced production and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, and excessive deposition that destroys the normal structure of the liver. The aggravated liver fibrosis can cause irreversible cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, becoming a great challenge to the global health. Ferroptosis is a new form of iron-dependent cell death discovered in recent years, which mainly involves abnormal iron metabolism, lipid peroxide accumulation, and weakening of the antioxidant defense system. A number of studies have reported that inducing ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells or alleviating ferroptosis in the liver can ameliorate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury. Chinese medicine widely applied in the treatment of chronic liver diseases has demonstrated good safety, wide therapeutic effects, and easy access compared with Western medicine. Therefore, The intervention of hepatic stellate cells or hepatic ferroptosis by Chinese medicine may be a new direction for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis in the future. This paper summarized the various regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis and expounded how ferroptosis affected the progression of liver fibrosis, providing theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis with Chinese medicine in the future.
7.Effects of exercise rehabilitation on frailty of elderly patients with coronary heart disease after PCI
Chong CHENG ; Yanfang ZHAO ; Shuhong WAN ; Min GAO ; Fengyuan LONG ; Li XIE ; Lingling CAI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2023;29(1):46-51
Objective:To investigate the effect of exercise rehabilitation on frailty of elderly patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) .Methods:From January to December 2021, 80 elderly patients with coronary heart disease who received PCI in Qinhuai Medical Area of General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command were selected as the study subject by convenience sampling. A total of 39 patients from January to June 2021 were set in the control group, and 41 patients from July to December 2021 were set in the experimental group. The control group was given routine nursing, and the experimental group was given systematic exercise rehabilitation on the basis of the control group. The effects of intervention were evaluated by Tilburg Frailty Index (FI) , Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy Instrument (CESEI) , cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and 6-minute Walking Distance (6MWD) .Results:There was no significant difference in FI and CESEI scores between the two groups before intervention ( P>0.05) . After intervention, the FI score of patients in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, and the CESEI score was higher than that in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . There was no significant difference in cardiac function, exercise tolerance and 6MWD between the two groups before intervention ( P>0.05) . After intervention, there were statistically significant differences in cardiac function, exercise tolerance and 6MWD between the two groups ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Exercise rehabilitation can effectively alleviate the frailty of elderly patients with coronary heart disease after PCI, improve their exercise compliance, cardiac function and exercise tolerance, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
8.Coma in spontaneous intracranial hypotension complicated with subdural hematoma: a case report
Zhen WANG ; Yanfang DAI ; Yanhong AN ; Yanhui MA ; Jie WU ; Dezhou QI ; Jingjing SUN ; Hong YE ; Ran GAO ; Junjie LI ; Liyong WU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2022;55(4):349-353
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension can frequently result in several complications including subdural hygroma, subdural hematoma and cerebral venous thrombosis, but coma rarely. A case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension presented with orthostatic headaches was described. He experienced somnolence, disorientation, incontinence, and then coma, though received conservative treatment. Brain imaging demonstrated acute-on-chronic subdural hematoma, magnetic resonance myelography using heavily T 2-weighted fast spin-echo pulse sequences showed spinal longitudinal extradural collection, and magnetic resonance myelography with intrathecal gadolinium revealed cerebrospinal fluid leak at the level of T 6, T 7. The patient recovered consciousness after surgical evacuation of the hematoma, and the headache disappeared after a targeted epidural blood patch. The hematoma resolved 2 months later and the patient kept free from headache during follow-up.
9.Factors affecting poor eyesight among primary and middle schoolstudents in Tongzhou District
Nan JIANG ; Jing GAO ; Yanfang WU ; Yanna YANG
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;34(6):616-621
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of poor eyesight among primary and middle school students in Tongzhou District, Beijing Municipality, so as to provide the evidence for developing control strategies for poor eyesight among primary and middle school students.
Methods:
Grades 3 to 6 students in district- and township-level primary schools, grades 1 to 3 students in district- and township-level junior high schools, and grades 1 to 3 district- and township-level high schools were sampled in Tongzhou District using the stratified cluster sampling method from 2020 to 2021. Basic information, daily activity, sleep duration and eye-using habits were collected using the specific questionnaires for poor eyesight and influencing factors among students in the 2018 national program for common diseases and health risk factors surveillance program among Chinese students, and the height and body weight were measured. Factors affecting poor eyesight were among primary and middle school students identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 771 valid questionnaires were recovered, and the respondents included 392 male students (50.84%) and 379 female students (49.16%), and 321 primary school students (41.63%), 228 junior high school students (29.57%) and 222 high school students (28.79%). The prevalence of poor eyesight was 73.54% among the respondents. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that education phase (junior high school, OR=2.940, 95%CI: 1.931-4.476; high school, OR=5.998, 95%CI: 3.701-9.723) , obesity (OR=1.989, 95%CI: 1.258-3.146), daily exercise duration of less than 1 h (OR=1.931, 95%CI: 1.351-2.760), daily sleep duration of less than 8 h (OR=1.719, 95%CI: 1.193-2.477), at least 33 cm distance between a reading book and eyes (sometimes, OR=2.165, 95%CI: 1.320-3.550; never, OR=2.634, 95%CI: 1.767-3.928) and continuous short-distance eye use duration of 1 h and longer (OR=1.455, 95%CI: 1.020-2.078) were associated with poor eyesight among primary and middle school students.
Conclusions
The prevalence of poor eyesight is high among primary and middle school students in Tongzhou District. Higher grade, obesity, inadequate exercise and sleep duration and poor eye-using habits may increase the risk of poor eyesight.
10.Effects of high expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on growth plate development of tibial growth plate in young rats with chronic renal failure
Xiaojian WANG ; Guiping GUAN ; Xiao LU ; Yafeng LI ; Yanfang GAO ; Gang ZHENG ; Hong BI ; Yunxing SU ; Rongshan LI
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2021;37(2):137-142
Objective:To explore the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on growth plate development of tibial growth plate in young chronic renal failure (CRF) rats.Methods:Four-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and CRF group ( n=20/per group). Control group was intragastric administration with distilled water, and CRF group was given adenine suspension (150 mg·kg -1·d -1). All the young rats were sacrificed after continuous gavages for 6 weeks. The full length of tibia was compared between the two groups. The width of tibia proximal growth plates was measured by micro-CT scanning, and the width of the growth plate was also measured in histological sections. Chondrocytes isolated from growth plate in two groups were cultured in vitro to P3 generation. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of collagen Ⅱ, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) and β-catenin in chondrocytes. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of collagen Ⅱ, MMP-13 and β-catenin. Results:Compared with the control group, the tibial length of rats in the CRF group was shorter [(27.32±5.81) mm vs (35.43±3.61) mm, t=5.226, P<0.001], the width of growth plate in micro-CT picture was more narrow [(0.72±0.22) mm vs (1.13±0.27) mm, t=5.096, P<0.001], and the relative width of the growth plate was also more narrow ( t=6.744, P<0.001) in histological sections. The results of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed the expressions of collagen Ⅱ in the CRF group decreased significantly ( t=8.212, P<0.001), MMP-13 ( t=13.091, P<0.001) and β-catenin ( t=7.534, P<0.001) increased significantly compared the control group in chondrocytes. Conclusion:The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is highly expressed in the tibial growth plate of young rats with chronic renal failure, which leads to accelerated degeneration and differentiation of chondrocytes and a closure tendency of growth plate.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail