1.Mechanism of Ferroptosis in Regulating Chronic Heart Failure and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Based on Qi Deficiency and Stagnation: A Review
Ziyang YUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Wenjun MAO ; Guo YANG ; Xuewei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):248-255
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome, with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations, and it is characterized by complex disease conditions, difficult cure, and high mortality. Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death, is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent, accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage, becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi, blood, and body fluid, which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi (heart Qi) is the root cause of CHF, and stagnation (phlegm turbidity and blood stasis) is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of CHF, improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore, this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.
2.Influence of self-esteem, alexithymia and alienation on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in adolescents
Chunxing XU ; Hongzheng LI ; Yongcai MENG ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Yaomu ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):65-70
BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors among adolescents has been increasing annually. Self-esteem and alexithymia are strongly associated with NSSI behaviors, and alienation is closely linked to both self-esteem and alexithymia. However, there is limited research on the relationship between alienation and NSSI behaviors among adolescents in China. ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between alienation and NSSI behaviors among adolescents, and to explore the factors influencing NSSI behaviors in this population, so as to provide insights for the prevention and treatment of NSSI behaviors in adolescents. MethodsAdolescents admitted to the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the 923rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from September 1, 2021 to March 1, 2023, who met the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were selected as the study group (n=60). Concurrently, middle school students from Nanning were recruited as the control group (n=60). Participants were assessed using Adolescent Self Harm Scale (ASHS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and Adolescent Students′ Alienation Scale (ASAS). Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between scale scores in the study group, and Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of NSSI behaviors among adolescents. ResultsThe RSES score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (t=-7.033, P<0.01). The TAS and ASAS scores of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group (t=5.591, 8.124, P<0.01). The ASHS score was negatively correlated with RSES score (r=-0.410, P<0.01) and positively correlated with ASAS score (r=0.555, P<0.01). The RSES scores of the study group were negatively correlated with TAS and ASAS scores (r=-0.317, -0.590, P<0.05 or 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR=0.714, 95% CI: 0.042~0.709) was a protective factor for NSSI behaviors among adolescents, while high alienation (OR=1.028, 95% CI: 1.013~1.043) and residing in rural areas (OR=6.692, 95% CI: 2.038~21.967) were risk factors for NSSI behaviors among adolescents. ConclusionAlienation was positively correlated with NSSI behaviors in adolescents. Female adolescents had a lower risk of NSSI behaviors, while those with higher levels of alienation or residing in rural areas were more prone to NSSI behaviors. [Funded by Self-financed Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (number, Z20210656); Self-financed Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (number, Z-A20231057)]
3.Clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs
Min OU ; Yaqin WANG ; Zhimin ZHU ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Qiongni ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2297-2300
OBJECTIVE To analyze clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs. METHODS The data were collected from 1 175 cancer patients treated with bevacizumab at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. The patients were divided into originator group (n=250) and biosimilar group (n=925). The switching rate, switching type and reasons of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the switching rate, switching types, and the number of switches between the two groups (P>0.05). Single, one-way switches were the switching type in both groups. The proportion of patients in the biosimilar group who switched due to adverse events was significantly higher than originator group, while the proportion of patients who switched due to treatment costs was significantly lower than originator group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients who switched due to efficacy and drug accessibility between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The switching between bevacizumab biosimilar and the originator drugs mainly involves single, one- way switches. Treatment costs and drug accessibility are the main factors for the switches among users of originator drugs, while drug accessibility and adverse events are the main factors for the switches among users of biosimilar.
4.Synthetic MRI to Assess Neurological Injury in Recovered COVID-19 Patients
Qing XIE ; Wenhao WU ; Jianwei LIAO ; Guojie WANG ; Shaolin LI ; Yaqin ZHANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):114-120
ObjectiveTo assess the microstructural involvement of gray matter in recovered COVID-19 patients using Synthetic MRI. MethodsThis study was conducted in 29 recovered COVID-19 patients, including severe group (SG, n=11) and ordinary group (OG, n=18). Healthy volunteers matched by age, sex, BMI and years of education were selected as a healthy control group (HC=23 cases). Each subject underwent synthetic MRI to generate quantitative T1 and T2 maps, and the T1 and T2 maps were segmented into 90 regions of interest (ROIs) using automatic anatomical labeling (AAL) mapping. T1 and T2 values for each ROI were obtained by averaging all voxels within the ROIs. The T1 and T2 values of the 90 brain regions between the three groups were compared. ResultsRelative to HC, the SG had significantly higher T2 values in bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus, bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral putamen, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, bilateral Inferior temporal gyrus, left orbital superior frontal gyrus, left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, left gyrus rectus, left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri, right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri, left posterior cingulate gyrus, and left supramarginal gyrus (P<0.05); Relative to OG, SG showed significantly increased T2 values in the left rectus gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, and bilateral inferior temporal gyrus (P<0.05). Relative to HC, the T1 values of SG were significantly increased in bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus, left rectus gyrus, left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri, right posterior cingulate gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, left putamen, left thalamus(P<0.05); Relative to OG, the T1 values of SG were significantly higher in the right posterior cingulate gyrus, right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and left putamen (P<0.05). ConclusionsEven after recovering from COVID-19, patients may still have persistent or delayed damage to their brain gray matter structure, which is correlated with the severity of the condition. SyMRI can serve as a sensitive tool to assess the extent of microstructural damage to the central nervous system, aiding in early diagnosis of the disease.
5.Diagnostic value of targeted sequencing panel for genetic variation in neonates in neonatal intensive care unit
Wenwen LI ; Lin ZOU ; Kefeng TANG ; Yaqin ZHANG ; Xueping SHEN ; Jinghui ZHANG ; Guosong SHEN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(2):118-125
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of targeted sequencing panel in the detection of genetic variation in neonates in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods:All neonates (≤28 d of age) admitted in the NICU (case group) and 200 full-term healthy neonates born with no obvious phenotypic abnormalities of Huzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital were enrolled in this prospective study from November 2022 to January 2023. Based on a list of preventable and treatable rare diseases as well as newly screened diseases in China, a targeted sequencing panel suitable for Chinese newborns was designed to target the pathogenic genes and mutation sites associated with 601 genes and 542 diseases. Dried blood spot specimens were prepared and analyzed by the targeted sequencing panel. Pathogenic sites detected by the panel sequencing were verified using Sanger sequencing. The genetic testing results were analyzed according to the clinical features of the neonates. According to the number of primary clinical diagnosis index (including premature infants, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, hemorrhagic diseases, neonatal infections, ventricular septal defect/patent ductus arteriosus, and others), these patients were divided into four groups with 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 diagnosis index, respectively. Chi-square test and linear correlation Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results:There were 173 patients in the case group and 30.6% (53/173) of them carried pathogenic variants, including 52 positive for pathogenic genes and one with chromosome copy number variant. The positive rate of pathogenic genes was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group [30.1% (52/173) vs. 15.0% (30/200), χ 2=12.26, P<0.001]. Fourteen pathogenic genes were detected in the case group, including FLG, UGT1A1, G6PD, MYH7, AR, ABCC2, ACADS, CYP21A2, GJB2, MEFV, PAH, PKHD1, SCN4A, and HBA. In the case group, the detection rate of pathogenic variants in jaundiced neonates was higher than that in non-jaundiced neonates [35.2% (44/125) vs. 18.8% (9/48), χ 2=4.42, P=0.036]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of pathogenic variants between male and female infants, infants born to mothers of advanced maternal age or not, infants born to mothers with or without gestational diabetes mellitus, premature and term infants, or infants with or without hemorrhagic disorders, neonatal infections, or ventricular septal defects/patent ductus arteriosus in the case group (all P>0.05). The detection rate of pathogenic variants showed a linear increase in infants with 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 diagnosis index [21.1% (8/38), 25.4% (15/59), 38.2% (13/34), and 40.5% (17/42); linear correlation χ 2=4.84, P=0.028]. In the case group, seven genes with a high detection rate of genetic variation (including positive pathogenic genes and carriers) were UGT1A1 [had the highest detection rate, 24.9% (43/173)], GJB2, FLG, DUOX2, ABCA4, G6PD, and MUT. Seven loci with higher mutation frequency were c.211G>A(p.Gly71Arg), c.1091C>T(p.Pro364Leu), c.-41_-40dupTA, and c.686C>A(p.Pro229Gln) in the UGT1A1 gene, c.109G>A(p.Val37Ile) in the GJB2 gene, and c.12064A>T(p.Lys4022Ter) and c.3321del(p.Gly1109GlufsTer13) in the FLG gene. Conclusion:This panel sequencing can provide effective genetic testing for neonates in NICU, especially in children with complex clinical diagnosis.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Heart Failure by Regulating Autophagy via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wenjun MAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Ziyang YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):112-122
Heart failure (HF) is a group of syndromes caused by cardiac dysfunction with impaired ventricular pumping, seriously affecting patients' health and quality of life. The pathogenesis of HF is complex, including myocardial contractility decline, myocardial fibrosis, and ventricular remodeling, and it is related to neuroendocrine regulation, inflammation, and cardiomyocyte autophagy. Autophagy is a key regulatory mechanism by which cells degrade themselves to maintain body homeostasis. In the process of HF, moderate autophagy can remove aging and damaged cardiomyocytes and maintain the balance of myocardial energy metabolism, while abnormal autophagy may lead to functional decline and pathological changes of cardiomyocytes. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the classical pathways regulating autophagy. This pathway can mediate the autophagy of cardiomyocytes and play a role in protecting the cardiac function and delaying HF progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a long history has a unique theoretical system and shows satisfactory therapeutic effects and wide application prospects amid the integration with modern medicine. The clinical practice of TCM has accumulated rich experience in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A large number of studies have shown that the active components and compound prescriptions of TCM and Chinese patent medicines can mediate autophagy by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway to treat HF. This article explains the role of AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway-mediated autophagy in the treatment of HF, introduces the understanding of autophagy, AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and HF based on TCM theories, and reviews the research progress in the regulation of autophagy by TCM in the treatment of HF via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. This review is expected to tap the potential of TCM in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, provide theoretical support for subsequent experimental studies, and demonstrate the advantages of TCM in clinical practice to achieve more accurate treatment.
7.Therapeutic Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on Diuretic Resistance in Chronic Heart Failure
Yuchen SUN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wenhao YIN ; Shujun ZHAO ; Muchen ZHANG ; Guohua LIU ; Yaqin WANG ; Yilin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):123-129
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue prescription on the cardiac function, inflammation, and quality of life of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. MethodA total of 78 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (39 cases). Both groups received standardized treatment for diuretic resistance in accordance with the guidelines. In addition, the observation group received Bushen Huoxue prescription. The cardiac function indicators, total response rate regarding symptom alleviation, exercise endurance, urine volume, body mass, quality of life, and levels of inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultBefore treatment, the two groups of patients showed no significant differences in terms of 24 h urine volume, body mass, 6 minute walk test (6MWT), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV), and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). After treatment, the observation group outperformed the control group in terms of the response rates regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and New York Heart Association (NYHA) grading of cardiac function (P<0.05). After treatment, the body mass, MLHFQ score, and IL-6, TNF-α, and NT-proBNP levels decreased in both groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the observation group showed more significant decreases than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both groups showed increases in 24-h urine volume, 6MWT, LVEF, SV, and IL-4 after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the observation group showed more significant increases than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe combination of Bushen Huoxue prescription with standardized treatment is effective in ameliorating the clinical symptoms of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. Moreover, it alleviates diuretic resistance and improves the cardiac function without causing obvious adverse reactions.
8.Clinical Efficacy and Effect on Inflammatory Cytokines of Huangjin Shuangshen Jiawei Granules in Treating Patients with Postoperative Anxiety and Depression After PCI for Coronary Heart Disease
Muchen ZHANG ; Yuchen SUN ; Yaqin WANG ; Shujun ZHAO ; Sanchun TANG ; Ju YIN ; Yilin ZHAO ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):138-144
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of Huangjin Shuangshen Jiawei (HJSSJW) granules in treating postoperative anxiety and depression after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary heart disease and the effects of this medicine on inflammatory cytokines. MethodNinety-four patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression after PCI were randomized into observation and control groups (47 cases) by the double-blind method. On the basis of conventional Western medical treatment, the observation group was treated with HJSSJW granules for 12 weeks, and the control group with the simulant of HJSSJW granules for 12 weeks. The two groups were compared in terms of Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales (HAMA-14, HAMD-24), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), Seattle Angina Score (SAQ), TCM symptom scores, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score and response rate, serum levels of hypersensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CPR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL-6), and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and adverse reactions. ResultAfter treatment, both groups showed declined scores of HAMA-14, HAMD-24, and PSQI (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the observation group had lower scores of HAMA-14, HAMD-24, and PSQI than the control group (P<0.01). The scores of SAQ in both groups increased after treatment (P<0.01), and the observation group had higher score of each dimension than the control group (P<0.05). The TCM symptom scores decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and they were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total response rate regarding TCM symptoms in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (χ2=9.225, P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of hs-CPR, IL-6, and TNF-α became lowered in both groups (P<0.01), and the observation group had lower levels of hs-CPR, IL-6, and TNF-α than the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of MACEs in the observation group was lower than that in the control group during the 90 d of the follow-up period (χ2=4.242, P<0.05). No adverse reactions associated with the use of HJSSJW granules were observed during the trial period. ConclusionHJSSJW granules can alleviate the bad mood, improve sleep, mitigate somatic symptoms, improve the quality of life, reduce inflammatory damage, and improve prognosis, being safe for clinical use in patients with postoperative anxiety and depression after PCI for coronary heart disease.
9.Role of Mitophagy in Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure Based on PINK1/Parkin Pathway and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Ziyang YUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Wenjun MAO ; Guo YANG ; Xuewei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):262-271
Heart failure is a group of complex clinical syndromes that represent the final stage of cardiovascular disease development, characterized by an extremely high mortality rate. However, due to the complexity of the pathological mechanisms, an effective treatment method has not yet been found. Mitochondria are among the most critical organelles in cells, playing an essential role in energy supply and widely participating in various life activities, such as the regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The normal functioning of mitochondria is crucial for maintaining the body's normal life activities. In recent years, studies have found that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the occurrence and progression of various diseases, particularly closely related to the onset of heart failure. An imbalance in mitochondrial homeostasis is a key factor in cardiomyocyte death and the onset of heart failure. Mitochondrial autophagy, as a means of regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, is significant for the prevention and treatment of heart failure. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy is a unique treatment approach in China now widely applied in clinical practice, demonstrating significant efficacy in treating heart failure, with unique advantages. Modern pharmacological research indicates that Chinese medicine monomers and compounds can target and regulate mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes, affect mitochondrial autophagy, and protect cardiomyocytes, though the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this paper explored the mechanisms of the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway in mitochondrial autophagy and heart failure, reviewed the effects of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy on heart failure, and discussed the therapeutic effects of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy on heart failure in conjunction with TCM. This paper is expected to provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of heart failure from the perspective of PINK1/Parkin regulation of mitochondrial autophagy.
10.Study on the relationship between positive TPOAb in early pregnancy and poor maternal and infant outcomes
Yaqin ZHANG ; Zhen LI ; Lirong KANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2024;18(4):534-537
Objective:To explore the relationship between the positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) in early pregnancy and the adverse maternal and infant outcomes.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 168 TPOAb positive pregnant women who underwent early prenatal testing in Family Planning Endocrinology Department of Shanxi Children’s Hospital from Jun. 2020 to Dec. 2022. They were divided into group A (104 cases with normal thyroid function and TPOAb positive) and group B (64 cases with hypothyroidism and TPOAb positive) based on their thyroid function. Another 150 pregnant women with negative TPOAb during early prenatal testing during the same period were selected as the control group. Follow up was from the first prenatal examination to 6 weeks after delivery, the adverse pregnancy outcomes of three groups of pregnant women and fetuses were recorded, and chi square test for inter group comparison was used.Results:There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse outcomes such as diabetes, premature rupture of membranes and cesarean section among the three groups ( P values were 0.028, 0.003 and 0.006, respectively). The incidence of premature rupture of membranes in group A was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P=0.003). The incidences of pregnancy diabetes, premature rupture of membranes and cesarean section in group B were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P=0.008, 0.003, 0.001, respectively). The incidence of cesarean section in group B was significantly higher than group A ( P=0.0461). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse outcomes such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, abnormal amniotic fluid, placental abruption, miscarriage, difficult labor, and stillbirth among the three groups of pregnant women ( P values of 0.433, 0.137, 0.231, 0.825, 0.138, 0.356, and 0.933, respectively). The incidence rates of premature birth, intrauterine distress, fetal growth restriction, and pathological jaundice were compared among the three groups of fetuses, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001, 0.008, 0.038, respectively). The incidence of intrauterine distress and pathological jaundice in group A was significantly higher than control group ( P<0.001, 0.028, respectively), while the incidence of premature birth, intrauterine distress, fetal growth restriction, and pathological jaundice in group B was significantly higher than the control group ( P<0.010, <0.000, 0.001, 0.014, respectively) . Conclusions:TPOAb positive in early pregnancy can increase the incidence of adverse maternal and infant outcomes such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, intrauterine distress, pathological jaundice, etc. Early screening of thyroid function and TPOAb and intervention will help reduce adverse maternal and infant outcomes.

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