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.Textual Research on Key Information of Classic Formula Shengma Gegentang
Yuli LI ; Ping JIANG ; Zhenyi YUAN ; Yuanyuan HE ; Ya'nan MAO ; Shasha WANG ; Wenyan ZHU ; Zhouan YIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):187-197
Shengma Gegentang is one of the classic formulas in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (Second Batch). This study reviewed ancient and modern literature and used literature tracing and bibliometric methods to analyze the historical evolution, efficacy, indications, dosage decoctions, and modern clinical disease spectrum of Shengma Gegentang. The results indicated that the earliest record of Shengma Gegentang can be found in the Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang of the Song dynasty, but its origin can be traced back to the Shaoyao Siwu Jiejitang in the Beiji Qianjin Yaofang of the Tang dynasty. The composition dosage of Shengma Gegentang is 413 g of Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 619.5 g of Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 413 g of Paeoniae Radix Alba, and 413 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, which are ground into coarse powder. Each dose is 12.39 g, and the amount of water added is 300 mL. 100 mL of solution is decocted and taken at the right time. The four drugs in the formula play the role of relieving exterior syndrome, penetrating pathogenic factors, and detoxicating together. Its indications are widely involved in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology, obstetrics and gynecology, sexually transmitted diseases, and other diseases, such as measles, sores, acne, spots, surgical gangrene, red eyes, toothache, chancre, and fetal poison. The epidemic diseases treated by Shengma Gegentang are complicated, including rash, pox, macula, numbness, summer diarrhea, dysentery, sha disease, febrile symptoms, spring warmth, winter warmth, and cold pestilence. At the same time, it is a plague prevention formula. Although Shengma Gegentang has a wide range of indications, it cannot be separated from the pathogenic mechanism of evil Qi blocking the muscle surface and heat in the lungs and stomach. The modern clinical disease spectrum of Shengma Gegentang involves the ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology system, nervous system, pediatric-related diseases and syndromes, skin system, hepatobiliary system, and digestive system. It plays a key role in the treatment of epidemic diseases such as measles, chronic hepatitis B, dysentery, and tetanus.
3.Investigation on the mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets in reversing vascular endothelial cell dysfunction of rheumatoid arthritis via modulating NOD2/SMAD3/VEGFA signaling axis
Bing-bing CAI ; Ya-wen CHEN ; Tao LI ; Yuan ZENG ; Yan-qiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Xia MAO ; Ya LIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):397-407
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and functional impairment. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological progression of RA with dysfunction of endothelial cells to promote synovial inflammation, sustain pannus formation, subsequently leading to joint damage. Colquhounia Root Tablets (CRT), a Chinese patent drug, has shown a satisfying clinical efficacy in treating RA, while the underlying mechanism by which CRT inhibits RA-associated angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a research approach combining transcriptomic data analysis, bio-network mapping, and
4.Mitral valve re-repair with leaflet augmentation for mitral regurgitation in children: A retrospective study in a single center
Fengqun MAO ; Kai MA ; Kunjing PANG ; Ye LIN ; Benqing ZHANG ; Lu RUI ; Guanxi WANG ; Yang YANG ; Jianhui YUAN ; Qiyu HE ; Zheng DOU ; Shoujun LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(07):958-962
Objective To investigate the efficacy of leaflet augmentation technique to repair the recurrent mitral valve (MV) regurgitation after mitral repair in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children who underwent redo MV repair for recurrent regurgitation after initial MV repair, using a leaflet augmentation technique combined with a standardized repair strategy at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from 2018 to 2022. The pathological features of the MV, key intraoperative procedures, and short- to mid-term follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 24 patients (12 male, 12 female) were included, with a median age of 37.6 (range, 16.5–120.0) months. The mean interval from the initial surgery was (24.9±17.0) months. All children had severe mitral regurgitation preoperatively. The cardiopulmonary bypass time was (150.1±49.5) min, and the aortic cross-clamp time was (94.0±24.2) min. There were no early postoperative deaths. During a mean follow-up of (20.3±9.1) months, 3 (12.5%) patients developed moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (2 severe, 1 moderate). One (4.2%) patient died during follow-up, and one (4.2%) patient underwent a second MV reoperation. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly reduced postoperatively compared to preoperatively [ (43.5±8.6) mm vs. (35.8±7.8)mm, P<0.001]. Conclusion The leaflet augmentation technique combined with a standardized repair strategy can achieve satisfactory short- to mid-term outcomes for the redo mitral repair after previous MV repair. It can be considered a safe and feasible technical option for cases with complex valvular lesions and severe pathological changes.
5.Application of Pentacam TNP in calculating the intraocular lens power after corneal refractive surgery
Xinyi ZANG ; Shilan MAO ; Jin XIE ; Xiaomin LIU ; Dewei LI ; Jing YUAN ; Yunhai DAI
International Eye Science 2024;24(4):646-650
AIM: To assess the accuracy of predicting intraocular lens(IOL)power after myopic refractive surgery using the Pentacam system's true net power(TNP)in the 3 mm zone combined with the SRK/T formula [i.e. TNP 3 mm(SRK/T)].METHODS: Retrospective study. This study enrolled 35 cases(50 eyes)of patients undergoing cataract surgery after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)or photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)from July 2019 to December 2021. Preoperatively, IOL power of 50 eyes, 34 eyes and 41 eyes was calculated by TNP 3 mm(SRK/T), Barrett True-K and Olsen 2 formulas, respectively, with at least 2 formulas used to calculate IOL power for each patient. The actual diopter was recorded 3 mo postoperatively. Prediction errors(PE)of IOL power were compared among the three calculation methods, and the proportion of eyes with PE within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D was analyzed.RESULTS: The PE at 3 mo postoperatively for TNP 3 mm(SRK/T), Barrett True-K, and Olsen 2 was -0.02±0.63, -0.54±0.80, and 0.25±0.80 D, respectively(P<0.001). The proportions of PE within ±0.5 D were 66%(33/50), 44%(15/34)and 37%(15/41), respectively(P<0.05); the proportions of PE within ±1.0 D were 88%(44/50), 71%(24/34)and 80%(33/41), respectively(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The Pentacam TNP 3 mm(SRK/T)method is simple to operate and provides accurate calculation of IOL power after corneal refractive surgery.
6.In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Scutellarin-phospholipid Complex Nanoemulsion and Analysis of Its Activity in Ameliorating LPS-induced Vascular Endothelial Injury
Tian LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Xiangjun MAO ; Xue LIU ; Jinggang HE ; Yuan ZHI ; Xiangchun SHEN ; Qianli XU ; Ling TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):159-168
ObjectiveTo evaluate some properties of scutellarin-phospholipid complex nanoemulsion(SCU-PC-NE), such as release, cell uptake and tissue distribution, and to investigate its effect on ameliorating lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced vascular endothelial injury. MethodSCU-PC-NE was prepared by weighting SCU-PC, ethyl oleate, Kolliphor HS15, 1,2-propylene glycol(50, 400, 514.3, 85.7 mg), respectively. And the appearance of SCU-PC-NE was observed by transmission electron microscope, the average paticle size and Zeta potential were measured by nanopotential particle size analyzer. The cumulative release of SCU-PC-NE in vitro was measured by dynamic dialysis, thiazolyl blue(MTT) colorimetric assay was used to investigate the effect of SCU-PC-NE on the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs), the inverted fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry were used to investigate cell uptake of HUVECs by SCU-PC-NE in vitro using coumarin 6 as a fluorescent probe, the tissue distribution of DiR/SCU-PC-NE labeled by near infrared fluorescent dyes was obeserved by small animal in vivo imaging system. The inflammation injury model was established by co-incubation with LPS(1 mg·L-1) and HUVECs, the effect of SCU-PC-NE on the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), 18 Kunming male mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, blank preparation group(equivalent to high dose group), SCU group and SCU-PC-NE low and high dose groups(5, 10 mg·kg-1), 3 mice in each group, and the drug administration groups were administered once in the tail vein at the corresponding dose every 48 h, equal volume of normal saline was given to the blank group and the model group, and the drug was administered for 4 consecutive times. Except for the blank group, the endothelial inflammatory injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS(10 mg·kg-1) at 12 h before the last administration in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to investigate the effect of SCU-PC-NE on the histopathological changes in the thoracic aorta of mice. ResultThe appearance of SCU-PC-NE displayed pale yellow milky light, mostly spherical with rounded appearance and relatively uniform particle size distribution, with the average particle size of 35.31 nm, Zeta potential of 7.23 mV, and the encapsulation efficiency of 75.24%. The cumulative release in vitro showed that SCU-PC-NE exhibited sustained release properties compared with SCU. The cell viability of SCU-PC-NE was >90% at a concentration range of 1.05-8.4 mg·L-1. The results of cellular uptake experiments showed that the cellular uptake ability of SCU-PC-NE was significantly enhanced when compared with the SCU group(P<0.01). Compared with normal mice, the results of tissue distribution showed that the fluorescence intensity of DiR/SCU-PC-NE was significantly enhanced in the spleen, kidney, brain and thoracic aorta of mice at different time points after intraperitoneal injection of LPS(P<0.05, P<0.01), especially in thoracic aorta. ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the model group were significantly increased when compared with the blank group(P<0.05, P<0.01), and compare with the model group, all administration groups significantly down-regulated IL-1β level, with the strongest effect in the SCU-PC-NE high-dose group(P<0.01), and all administration groups significantly down-regulated IL-6 level, with the strongest effect in the SCU-PC-NE low-dose group(P<0.05). Compare with the blank group, the results of HE staining showed that the endothelial cells were damaged, the elastic fibers were broken and arranged loosely in the model group, although similar vascular injury could be observed in the blank preparation group, SCU group and SCU-PC-NE low-dose group, the vascular endothelial damage was significantly reduced in the high-dose group of SCU-PC-NE, which had a better effect than that in the SCU group. ConclusionSCU-PC-NE can promote the uptake of drugs by endothelial cells and effectively enriched in the site of vascular endothelial injury caused by LPS, suggesting that it has a protective effect on vascular endothelial injury and is a good carrier of SCU.
7.TUDCA promotes intracellular clearance of Burkholderia pseudomallei by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells
Guangqiang ZHAO ; Dongqi NAN ; Siqi YUAN ; Chenglong RAO ; Zhenquan XING ; Bin WANG ; Yao FANG ; Xuhu MAO ; Qian LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(3):225-231
Objective To explore the action mechanism of tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)promoting intracellular clearance of Burkholderia pseudomallei(B.pseudomallei)in RAW264.7 macrophages.Methods After TUDCA of different concentrations were used to treat RAW264.7 cells pre-infected with B.pseudomallei for 8 h or not,flow cytometry was applied to detect the apoptosis of the infected and control cells.In addition,another endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)inhibitor 4-PBA was used to detect the apoptosis and proliferation of host cells after B.pseudomallei infection with Annexin-V/PI double staining and MTT cell proliferation assay.Furthermore,after transfected with CHOP siRNA,Western blotting and flow cytometry were employed to detect the effect of TUDCA on the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 and the changes in apoptotic rate after B.pseudomallei infection,respectively.Finally,the effect of TUDCA on intracellular multiplication of infected RAW264.7 cells were observed to estimate the CFU value in the presence and absence of CHOP siRNA.Results Under different concentrations of TUDCA,100 or 200 μmol/L TUDCA significantly reduced B.pseudomallei-induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells(P<0.05).Meanwhile,both TUDCA and 4-PBA treatment could decrease the apoptosis induced by B.pseudomallei infection by ERS(P<0.05).Further,the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 were obviously increased after B.pseudomallei infection compared with uninfected groups,but their expression levels in the siCHOP group was significantly lower than that in the siC group.Besides,flow cytometry also showed that TUDCA could reduce apoptosis induced by B.pseudomallei infection(P<0.05),but no significant effect of TUDCA on apoptosis was observed under CHOP knockdown.Finally,intracellular CFU assay indicated that TUDCA treatment promoted the host cell clearance of B.pseudomallei(P<0.05),but no such effect was observed in siCHOP group.Conclusion In B.pseudomallei infected RAW264.7 cells,TUDCA promotes the intracellular clearance of the bacteria by inhibiting ERS-induced apoptosis.
8.Lanthanide Metal Organic Framework as A New Unlabeled Fluorescence Anisotropy Probe for Detection of Phosphate Ions
Kai MAO ; Xiao-Yan WANG ; Yu-Jie LUO ; Jia-Li XIE ; Tian-Jin XIE ; Yuan-Fang LI ; Cheng-Zhi HUANG ; Shu-Jun ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(1):35-44,中插1-中插4
Fluorescence anisotropy(FA)analysis has many advantages such as no requirement of separation,high throughput and real-time detection,and thus has been widely used in many fields,including biochemical analysis,food safety detection,environmental monitoring,etc.However,due to the small volume or mass of the target,its combination with the fluorescence probe cannot produce significant signal change.To solve this issue,researchers often use nanomaterials to enhance the mass or volume of fluorophore to improve the sensitivity.Nevertheless,this FA amplification strategy also has some disadvantages.Firstly,nanomaterials are easy to quench fluorescence.As a result,the FA value is easily influenced by light scattering,which reduces the detection accuracy.Secondly,fluorescent probes in most methods require complex modification steps.Therefore,it is necessary to develop new FA probes that do not require the amplification of volume and mass or modification.As a new kind of nanomaterials,luminescent metal-organic framework(MOF)has a large volume(or mass)and strong fluorescence emission.It does not require additional signal amplification materials.As a consequence,it can be used as a potential FA probe.This study successfully synthesized a lanthanide metal organic framework(Ce-TCPP MOF)using cerium ion(Ce3+)as the central ion and 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-carboxylphenyl)porphyrin(H2TCPP)as the ligand through microwave assisted method,and used it as a novel unmodified FA probe to detect phosphate ions(Pi).In the absence of Pi,Ce-TCPP MOF had a significant FA value(r).After addition of Pi,Pi reacted with Ce3+in MOF and destroyed the structure of MOF into the small pieces,resulting in a decrease in r.The experimental results indicated that with the increase of Pi concentration,the change of the r of Ce-TCPP MOF(Δr)gradually increased.The Δr and Pi concentration showed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.5-3.5 μmol/L(0.016-0.108 mg/L).The limit of detection(LOD,3σ/k)was 0.41 μmol/L.The concentration of Pi in the Jialing River water detected by this method was about 0.078 mg/L,and the Pi value detected by ammonium molybdate spectrophotometry was about 0.080 mg/L.The two detection results were consistent with each other,and the detection results also meet the ClassⅡwater quality standard,proving that this method could be used for the detection of Pi in complex water bodies.
9.Textual Research on Key Information of Classic Prescription Zhuye Shigaotang
Zhouan YIN ; Yuli LI ; Zhenyi YUAN ; Yanan MAO ; Ling LONG ; Chengyu LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):176-183
Zhuye Shigaotang is one of the 100 classic prescriptions published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study used the traceability method and bibliometrics method to analyze the main applicable syndromes, efficacy and meanings, modern disease spectrum, and other aspects of Zhuye Shigaotang, so as to further promote the research and development of this prescription. The results showed that Zhuye Shigaotang originated from the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, and its ingredients included Lophatheri Herba, Gypsum Fibrosum, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Ophiopogonis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Oryza sativa. The main applicable syndromes of Zhuye Shigaotang recorded in ancient books included heatstroke, cough and asthma, sores, sweat syndrome, hiccup, insomnia, malaria, headache, blood syndrome, nasosinusitis, laryngitis, etc., involving diseases of internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics. Its pathogenesis was "incomplete residual heat, both Qi and Yin injuries, and stomach-Qi disharmony". The research found that Zhuye Shigaotang could also be used to treat acne, measles, and cholera, and it was especially suitable for the treatment at the later stage of epidemic diseases. Lophatheri Herba and Gypsum Fibrosum in the prescription could clear away heat and relieve vexation. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Ophiopogonis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Oryza sativa could promote body fluid production and invigorate Qi. Pinelliae Rhizoma could harmonize the stomach and stop vomiting. The prescription had stable compatibility and had the effects of clearing away heat, relieving vexation, invigorating Qi, promoting body fluid production, and harmonizing the stomach. Zhuye Shigaotang was widely applied in modern clinical practices, with high application frequency in the digestive system, pediatric-related diseases, respiratory system, infectious diseases, circulatory system, and neuropsychiatric system. The specific symptoms included recurrent aphtha, hiccup, infantile pneumonia, infantile summer fever, unexplained fever, upper respiratory tract infection, epidemic hemorrhagic fever, and late measles.
10.Bibliometric analysis on pediatric hotspots and trends of childhood diabetes from 2013 to 2023
Bin MAO ; Chuhong LUO ; Yuan ZENG ; Yide YANG
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(5):552-558
【Objective】 To investigate current research hotspots and trends in the field of pediatric diabetes both domestically and globally, in order to provide valuable references for further research in this area. 【Methods】 Web of Science and CNKI were utilized as sources for English and Chinese literature databases to search for relevant papers on pediatric diabetes research from 2013 to 2023. CiteSpace software was then used to analyze the data, allowing for visual analysis of publication numbers, authors, research institutions, keywords, and other relevant content. 【Results】 A total of 6 683 English literature and 1 730 Chinese literature papers were included in the analysis. The number of published English papers showed an overall upward trend, while the number of published Chinese papers exhibited an initial rise before 2016 followed by a decline. The University of Colorado System had the highest number of international publications, and the Endocrinology Department of Tianjin Children′s Hospital had the highest number of domestic publications. Keyword analysis revealed that in English literature, "glycemic control", "prevalence", "risk", "body mass index", "adherence", "trends", and "continuous glucose monitoring" were among the prominent keywords, highlighting current research hotspots and trends in pediatric diabetes. In contrast, in Chinese literature, keywords such as "insulin", "diabetic ketoacidosis", "nursing", "obesity", "quality of life", "insulin resistance", and "metabolic syndrome" were identified as key research areas and trends in pediatric diabetes. 【Conclusions】 There has been a significant increase in research on pediatric diabetes in recent years, both domestically and globally, with the research scope continuously expanding and new hot topics emerging, particularly concerning obesity, nursing, and quality of life. However, there still exists a disparity between the depth and breadth of research conducted domestically versus globally.

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