1.Clinical Observation of Modified Huanglian Wendantang in Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome Under Guidance of Treating Disease before Its Onset
Yi HAN ; Yubo HAN ; Guoliang ZOU ; Ruinan WANG ; Chunli YAO ; Xinyu DONG ; Li LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):142-149
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of modified Huanglian Wendantang on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome under the guidance of treating disease before its onset. MethodsA total of 82 patients with metabolic syndrome treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from July 2023 to July 2024 were selected and allocated into an observation group (41 cases) and a control group (41 cases) by the random number table method. The control group received routine treatment, and the observation group was treated with modified Huanglian Wendantang on the basis of routine treatment. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effects on TCM symptoms after treatment in the two groups were evaluated. The levels of obesity degree indicators, blood pressure indicators, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators, inflammatory factors, and vascular endothelial function indicators before and after treatment in the two groups were measured, and the treatment safety was evaluated. ResultsAfter treatment, the total response rate of TCM symptoms in the observation group was 97.56% (40/41), which was higher than that (87.80%, 36/41) in the control group (χ2=5.205, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed declines (P<0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBD), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), leptin (LEP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, the declines in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, both groups showed elevated levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), adiponectin (ADP), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionUnder the guidance of the thought of treating disease before its onset, modified Huanglian Wendantang was used to treat patients with metabolic syndrome. The decoction improved the clinical efficacy by ameliorating IR to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and protecting the vascular endothelial function. It inhibits cardiovascular risk factors without inducing adverse reactions, being worthy of clinical application and promotion.
2.Effects of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids on behavior and hippocampal tissue damage in manganese-exposed rats
Qian LEI ; Xiaodong YAO ; Yan LI ; Mengheng ZOU ; Zongyang PAN ; Yu CHEN ; Jinping LIU ; Jida LI ; Yuyan CEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):616-621
Background Manganese is an essential trace element for the human body and maintains normal development of many organs including the brain. However, long-term exposure to a high manganese environment or excessive manganese intake will lead to manganese poisoning and result in neurological diseases, and currently no effective treatment plan is available. Objective To develop an animal model for subchronic manganese exposure and assess the impact of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) on manganese associated behavioral and hippocampal effects in rats. Methods Fifty male SPF SD rats were randomly allocated into a control group (0.9% normal saline by intraperitoneal injection), two experimental groups [7.5 mg·kg−1 (low) or 15 mg·kg−1 (high) of MnCl2·4H2O by intraperitoneal injection], and two DNLA antagonistic groups [15 mg·kg−1 MnCl2·4H2O by intraperitoneal injection then either 20 mg·kg−1 (low) or 40 mg·kg−1 (high) DNLA by oral administration]. All groups of rats were adminaistered 5 d per wek, once a day, for consecutive 13 weeks. Following modeling, neurobehavioral assessments were conducted using open field, Morris water maze, and Y maze. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was utilized to measure manganese levels in the blood and brain tissues of the rats, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to examine neuronal morphological changes in the hippocampal tissues of the rats. Results The neurobehavioral tests revealed that the manganese-exposed rats exhibited decreased total movement distance, prolonged central zone dwelling time, and reduced motor activity in the open field test, indicating tendencies toward depression and anxiety (P<0.05). In the Y-maze test, the mean exploration distance in the novel arm, the number of entries into the novel arm, and the time spent in the novel arm of the managanses-exposed rats were all reduced, while the latency period increased, suggesting impaired spatial exploration and learning-memory functions (P<0.05). In the Morris water maze navigation test, the escape latency was significantly longer in the manganese-exposed rats compared to the control group, and the number of platform crossings decreased in the spatial probe test, indicating a significant decline in spatial learning and memory (P<0.05). The ICP-MS analysis showed elevated manganese concentrations in the blood and hippocampus of the exposed rats (P<0.05), and the histopathological observation revealed hippocampal damage. Following the DNLA intervention, the manganese-exposed rats showed increased total movement distance and reduced central zone dwelling time in the open field test (P<0.05). In the Y-maze test, the mean exploration distance in the novel arm, the number of entries into the novel arm, and the time spent in the novel arm increased, while the latency period decreased, suggesting alleviation of anxiety and improved exploratory behavior (P<0.05). In the Morris water maze test, the escape latency gradually shortened, and both the number of platform crossings and the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant increased, indicating improved spatial learning and memory (P<0.05). Additionally, the manganese levels in the blood and hippocampus decreased (P<0.05), and the hippocampal pathological changes were partially restored. Conclusion DNLA demonstrates the ability to counteract multiple neurotoxic effects following the elevation of manganese levels in the blood and hippocampal tissues of rats induced by subchronic manganese exposure. Specifically, DNLA is shown to ameliorate the behavioral alterations observed in rats after manganese exposure, and mitigate the hippocampal damage in manganese-exposed rats.
3.Risk factors for liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients with high metabolic risks and establishment of a predictive model
Yuping ZOU ; Li YAO ; Jun ZOU ; Liwei LI ; Fuqing CAI ; Jiean HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1105-1112
ObjectiveTo investigate the main risk factors for liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with high metabolic risk, to establish a noninvasive predictive model, and to compare the diagnostic efficiency of this model and other models including fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (GPR), and Forns index. MethodsA total of 527 CHB patients with high metabolic risks who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 1, 2017 to October 31, 2022 were enrolled as subjects, and they were randomly divided into modeling group with 368 patients and validation group with 159 patients at a ratio of 7∶3. The LASSO regression analysis and the multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed for the modeling group to identify independent risk factors, and a nomogram model was established. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the calibration curve, and the decision curve analysis were used to validate the nomogram prediction model in the modeling group and the validation group and assess its discriminatory ability, calibration, and clinical practicability. The Delong test was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram prediction model and other models. ResultsThe multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that prealbumin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.993, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.988 — 0.999, P= 0.019), thrombin time (OR=1.182, 95% CI: 1.006 — 1.385, P=0.047), log10 total bilirubin (TBil) (OR=1.710, 95%CI: 1.239 — 2.419, P=0.001), and log10 alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (OR=1.327, 95%CI: 1.052 — 1.683, P=0.018) were independent influencing factors for liver cirrhosis in CHB patients with high metabolic risks. A nomogram model for risk prediction was established based on the multivariate analysis, which had an AUC of 0.837 (95%CI: 0.788 — 0.888), a specificity of 73.5%, and a sensitivity of 84.7%, as well as a significantly higher diagnostic efficiency than the models of FIB-4 (0.739), APRI (0.802), GPR (0.800), and Forns index (0.709) (Z=2.815, 2.271, 1.989, and 2.722, P=0.005, 0.017, 0.045, and 0.006). ConclusionThe nomogram model established based on prealbumin, thrombin time, log10 TBil, and log10 AFP has a certain clinical application value.
4.Research progress on post-translational modifications of proteins in diabetic retinopathy
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1797-1801
Diabetic retinopathy(DR), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, is driven by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Post-translational modifications(PTM)play pivotal roles in DR progression by dynamically regulating protein functions. Key PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and O-glcNAcylation, collectively exacerbate vascular dysfunction, inflammatory responses, metabolic dysregulation, and neuronal damage. The intricate crosstalk among PTM underscores the multifaceted pathology of DR. Future research should focus on elucidating PTM interaction networks, developing targeted modulators, and leveraging advanced technologies to uncover their roles in retinal cellular heterogeneity, thereby advancing precision therapeutic strategies for DR.
5.Progress of single-cell protein imaging methods
Chunlu YAO ; Weijie ZHANG ; Yunlong ZHANG ; Zhaoxia DENG ; Mengling WANG ; Zuoling ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Qinxin SONG ; Bingjie ZOU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(2):147-157
Abstract: The differential expression and subcellular localization of single-cell proteins are closely related to the physiological state and pathological mechanisms of the body. The development of single-cell protein in situ imaging methods provides powerful tools for spatial single-cell proteomics research and single-cell protein profiling. This article summarizes the single-cell protein imaging methods developed in recent years, including the circulating immunofluorescence imaging methods based on ordered multi-round antibody incubation, mass spectrometry imaging based on metal element labeled antibodies, fluorescence imaging based on DNA-barcoded antibody, gene encoded fluorescence protein imaging and spectral imaging based on Raman spectroscopy or X-ray spectroscopy, with brief explanation of the imaging principles of these methods. It focuses on the multiple performance, imaging resolution and signal amplification performance of these methods, and analyzes their application characteristics in practical scientific research and clinical work, in the hope of providing some reference for the development of more revolutionary single-cell imaging methods, and promoting the development of biomedical and precision medicine.
6.Effects of LPE combined with DPMAS on liver function and inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute-chronic liver failure
Bo ZOU ; Longchuan ZHU ; Dakai GAN ; Xinyao ZHANG ; Xuebing YAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(3):348-352,359
Objective To explore the effect of low replacement plasma exchange(LPE)combined with double plasma molecular adsorption(DPMAS)in the treatment of patients with chronic acute liver failure(ACLF)and its influence on liver function,inflammatory cytokines and short-term prognosis.Methods One hundred patients with ACLF were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group by envelope method,with 50 cases in each group.On basis of routine symptomatic treatments(liver protection,removing jaundice,reducing enzymes,anti-viruses,bleeding prevention),the control group and the observation group were treated with plasma exchange(PE)and LPE plus DPMAS,respectively.The liver function,coagulation function,the levels of inflammatory cytokines,incidence of adverse reactions,and 90-day survival rate were compared between the two groups after treatment.Results After treatment,the liver function and coagulation function in the observation group were significantly improved(P<0.05)and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly lowered than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the 90-day survival rate and the total incidence of adverse reactions between the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion LPE combined with DPMAS can effectively improve liver function and coagulation function,and reduce levels of inflammatory cyto-kines in ACLF patients,with high safety.
7.The incidence and metabolic profiles of adrenal incidentalomas in patients with diabetes
Yingning LIU ; Xiantong ZOU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xun YAO ; Lexuan WANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Rui ZHANG ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Yu ZHU ; Xiaoling CAI ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(3):192-197
Objective:To determine the incidence of adrenal incidentalomas(AIs) in patients with diabetes mellitus and the metabolism profiles.Methods:A total of 615 hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Peking University People′s Hospital from March 2020 to May 2021 were retrospectively included in this study. AIs were screened by unenhanced chest computed tomography(CT) retrospectively and subsequently confirmed by multiplanar reconstruction. Participants′ physical indicators, metabolic profiles, and adrenal function parameters were collected. Unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-Square test were adopted to compare the metabolism profiles between diabetes mellitus patients with or without AIs. Regression models were used to estimate the correlations between AIs and the metabolism profiles such as blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, and the adrenal function parameters.Results:Twenty-seven out of 615 participants were detected with AIs(4.4%). Patients with AIs had higher body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference than patients without AIs [(29.4±5.1)kg/m 2vs(26.8±3.8)kg/m 2,P=0.018; (102.3±11.7)cm vs(95.8±10.3)cm, P=0.002; (107.3±10.1)cm vs(101.4±7.6)cm, P=0.008]. The levels of serum uric acid and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were also significantly increased in patients with AIs [(409.6±118.1)μmol/L vs(357.4±100.6)μmol/L, P=0.009; 21.25(7.49, 180.24)mg/g vs 8.60(4.71, 34.56)mg/g, P=0.010]. Besides, individuals with AIs were also associated with a higher risk of co-existing hypertension( P=0.045). Conclusion:The incidence of AIs in patients with diabetes is 4.4%. The presence of AIs in patients with diabetes may associated with increased risk of obesity and hypertension.
8.Value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Shuang NIE ; Hao ZHU ; Shanshan SHEN ; Wen LI ; Wei CAI ; Zhengyan QIN ; Feng LIU ; Bin ZHANG ; Yuling YAO ; Lei WANG ; Xiaoping ZOU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(2):137-141
Objective:To investigate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM).Methods:Data of 40 pediatric patients under 14 with PBM diagnosed and treated by ERCP at Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from November 2012 to September 2022 were collected. PBM types, ERCP-related diagnosis and treatment, adverse events and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Nineteen cases were P-B type (joining of common bile duct with pancreatic duct), 17 were B-P type (joining of pancreatic duct with common bile duct), and 4 were complex type. Forty children with PBM underwent 50 ERCP-related operations, among which 48 procedures succeeded. One case failed during cannulation of ERCP, replaced by rendezvous-assisted endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (RV-ERP) afterwards. There were no serious postoperative adverse events such as bleeding, perforation or death. Thirty-four patients (85%) were followed up successfully, among which 14 underwent further surgery and 20 continued conservative treatment.Conclusion:ERCP is the golden standard to diagnose pediatric PBM, and it is also safe and effective treatment for PBM.
9.Research on Management Policies of Laboratory Animals in Sichuan Province
Bing CHEN ; Yixing ZOU ; Lingyun YAO ; Jingdong WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(2):209-213
Improving laboratory animal management system is one of the effective ways to promote the legalization and standardization of laboratory animal management. This article systematically reviews the relevant content and requirements of the latest laws, regulations, normative documents, and standards formulated and promulgated by the state since 2019 regarding the management of experimental animals. It also analyzes the current institutional framework in managing experimental animals in Sichuan Province from four aspects: administrative management, quality assurance, biosafety, and local standards. Furthermore, this article summarizes the existing problems and proposes corresponding policy recommendations in a targeted manner, aiming to provide a reference for the formulation of robust experimental animal management policies in Sichuan Province.
10.Differential component analysis between Fructus Tritici Levis and Triticum aestivum based on qualitative and quantitative methods
Xuejiao LI ; Yu HU ; Yun CHEN ; Juan SHANG ; Zhenyang LI ; Yunhua FENG ; Jiandong ZOU ; Weifeng YAO ; Su LU ; Meijuan XU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1296-1302
OBJECTIVE To analyze the compositional differences between Fructus Tritici Levis and Triticum aestivum, and to provide reference for identification and quality control of both. METHODS Twenty batches of Fructus Tritici Levis and three batches of T. aestivum were collected, and their fingerprints were acquired by high-performance liquid chromatography and the similarities were evaluated by the Evaluation System of Similarity of Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 version). Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to analyze the difference of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum from different regions, and the differential components were screened. The contents of the six identified components in Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum were determined. RESULTS The similarities of the fingerprints of Fructus Tritici Levis ranged from 0.928 to 0.996, and the relative similarities of T. aestivum with Fructus Tritici Levis ranged from 0.761 to 0.773. A total of 19 common peaks were calibrated, and six components including linolenic acid, linoleic acid, 5-heptadecylresorcinol, 5-nonadodecylresorcinol, 5- heneicosylresorcinol, and 5-tricosylresorcinol were identified. The results of CA and PCA showed that Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum could be clearly distinguished; the distribution of Fructus Tritici Levis from Anhui province was relatively concentrated. The results of OPLS-DA showed that linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and other six unknown compounds were the differential components between Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum. The average contents of the six identified components in Fructus Tritici Levis were 0.100 9, 1.094 0, 0.005 1, 0.030 9, 0.098 2,and 0.024 8 mg/g, respectively; the contents of linolenic acid and linoleic acid in Fructus Tritici Levis were significantly higher than those in T. aestivum (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The established qualitative and quantitative methods are simple and reliable, and can be used for the identification and quality evaluation of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum. The identified differential components, such as linolenic acid and linoleic acid, can also provide clues for the differentiation and pharmacological study of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum.

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