1.Serological and genetic analysis of a novel 27delC variant in A subgroup: a case report
Yingjun ZHANG ; Yuli ZHU ; Zhihui FENG ; Shuhong YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):280-283
[Objective] To conduct serological identification and molecular mechanism study on a ambiguous ABO blood group. [Methods] Standard serological techniques were used for the forward and reverse typing of ABO blood type. ABO gene coding and regulatory regions were analyzed by PCR after DNA extraction. Monoclonal sequencing was used to detect the haplotypes of the DNA sequence, and bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the possible translation outcomes of the mutated DNA sequence. [Results] The sample’s red blood cells showed mixed field agglutination with anti-A, and the serum agglutinated with B cells, exhibiting serological characteristics of subtype A. Direct sequencing and monoclonal sequencing analysis of the ABO gene confirmed one allele as O02, the other had a c.27delC mutation compared with A102, which could cause the translation sequence to terminate prematurely at the 19th amino acids. Analysis and prediction suggested that the mutation might affect the function of the transferase through mechanisms such as shifting the initiation codon, altering the reading frame and affecting the splice sites. [Conclusion] This case is a rare A subtype caused by the c.27delC variation, and the impact on the glycosyltransferase may involve multiple mechanisms, which require further research and exploration.
2.Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in Treatment of Sarcopenia Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Improving Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis Through Regulation of Autophagy
Yakun WAN ; Yuan LIU ; Yuan QU ; Jingyu GUO ; Ting LIU ; Zhihui BAI ; Di ZHANG ; Ping JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):12-23
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism of action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated sarcopenia by regulating autophagy and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis based on network pharmacology,bioinformatics,machine learning,and animal experiments. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP),PubChem,and SwissTargetPrediction databases. RA-related datasets were retrieved from the GEO database,and differential genes were screened. Sarcopenia-related targets were searched through GeneCards and the Comparative Toxicology Database (CTD),and autophagy-related gene sets were downloaded from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb). Their intersection was analyzed to identify autophagy-related therapeutic targets,followed by enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database,and key targets were selected using multiple methods. Machine learning was applied to predict models based on the expression profiles of intersecting targets,and nomogram models were constructed based on key targets. Molecular docking of the top four active ingredients with key targets was performed using AutoDockVina. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established using bovine type Ⅱ collagen,with SD rats divided into groups including a blank group,a model group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang (2.44,4.88,and 9.76 g·kg-1) and administered for five consecutive weeks. Joint scores and gastrocnemius muscle mass were recorded and analyzed after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's staining were used to observe pathological changes in muscle tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to observe the protein expression levels of myosin heavy chain (MYHC) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in skeletal muscle. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of autophagy-related proteins ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,muscle-specific proteins (MuRF1),MaFbx,and MYHC. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) was performed to measure the mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,MaFbx,and MYHC in muscle tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology revealed that Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang shared 25 common targets with autophagy genes related to RA-associated sarcopenia. The PPI network and machine learning identified six key targets,which were primarily involved in autophagy and inflammatory pathways. Animal experiments showed that compared to the blank group,the model group had significantly higher joint scores (P<0.01) and lower gastrocnemius muscle index (P<0.01). HE staining indicated a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers,with notable inflammatory cell infiltration and muscle atrophy in the model group. Masson's staining revealed obvious collagen fiber proliferation and deposition,with significant muscle fibrosis in the model group. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,and MaFbx were significantly increased (P<0.01),while the protein expression of MYHC and IGF1 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the high-dose group of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang showed significantly reduced protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,MuRF1,and MaFbx (P<0.01) and increased protein expression levels of MYHC and IGF1 (P<0.01). The cross-sectional area of muscle fibers increased,and the muscle cell morphology approached normal. Moreover,pathological abnormalities in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly improved,with reduced collagen fiber proliferation (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqi Guizhi Wuwutang can mediate autophagy by regulating the expression of ATG5,Beclin1,LC3B,and IGF1,thereby reducing skeletal muscle catabolism and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis,which contributes to the treatment of RA-associated sarcopenia. The findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of RA-related sarcopenia and offer a reference for its enhanced clinical application.
3.Application and Advance of Image Compression Algorithms in Medical Imaging
Jiawen SHANG ; Peng HUANG ; Zhixing CHANG ; Yuhan FAN ; Zhihui HU ; Ke ZHANG ; Jianrong DAI ; Hui YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1281-1290
Medical imaging technology plays a crucial role in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Image compression technology provides robust technical support for the storage and transmission of massive medical imaging data, serving as an effective safeguard for hospital data backup and telemedicine. The technology holds broad application prospects in the medical field, enabling the processing of various imaging modalities, multidimensional imaging, and medical video imaging. This study elaborates on general image and video compression algorithms, the application of compression algorithms in the medical field, and the performance metrics of medical image compression, thereby providing critical technical support for enhancing clinical diagnostic efficiency and data management security.
4.Bushen Huoxue Prescription Regulates PINP and β-CTX in Treatment of Femoral Head Necrosis with Syndrome of Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Zijia LIU ; Ying LI ; Pengtao CUI ; Bowen WANG ; Peigang ZHANG ; Wuyue TONG ; Zhihui ZHANG ; Yuju CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):81-89
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Bushen Huoxue prescription from the perspective of bone metabolism by observing the clinical efficacy of this prescription in treating femoral head necrosis (ONFH, syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency) and its influences on bone metabolism indexes: N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and β-collagen degradation product (β-CTX). MethodSixty-six ONFH patients with the syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency in Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Orthopedics from December 2021 to September 2022 were selected. The patients were randomized into an experimental group and a control group by the parallel control method, with 33 patients in each group. The experimental group received Bushen Huoxue prescription orally, while the control group received Xianlinggubao Capsules orally, with a treatment cycle of 6 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Harris score, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging, imaging changes, quantitative scores of TCM symptoms, and serum levels of PINP and β-CTX were determined before and after treatment. The occurrence of adverse events and reactions was recorded. ResultThe total response rate in the experimental group was 83.87% (26/31), which was higher than that (68.75%, 22/32) in the control group (Z=-2.096, P<0.05). After treatment, the single and total scores of TCM symptoms, VAS score, and β-CTX level decreased in the two groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the decreases in the scores of hip pain, lower limb mobility, soreness of waist and knees, and lower limb flaccidity, total score of TCM symptoms, VAS score, and β-CTX level in the experimental were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the imaging results showed no significant improvement in the two groups. The Harris score and PINP level in both groups increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the increases were more obvious in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). No serious adverse event or adverse reaction appeared during the observation period. ConclusionBushen Huoxue prescription can relieve pain and TCM symptoms and improve the hip joint function in treating ONFH patients with the syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency. It can inhibit the development of ONFH, increase PINP, and decrease β-CTX. No obvious side effect appears during the clinical observation period, which shows that Bushen Huoxue prescription has good safety.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Effective Components in Treating Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Shan CAO ; Zhihui CHEN ; Jingqi QIN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Li YU ; Wei WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):258-268
Alzheimer's disease is a common central neurodegenerative disease, mainly manifested by cognitive impairment and non-cognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms that severely affect patients' daily life and behavioral functioning. The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is still unclear, and the western medicine currently used to treat Alzheimer's disease is only symptomatic, with a single pathway, limited efficacy, and many side effects. In recent years, with the deepening of research on Alzheimer's disease, the study and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease have gradually increased. Several studies have shown that TCM and its effective components can exert anti-Alzheimer's disease effects by regulating molecular mechanisms such as pathological protein production and aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, ferroptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurogenesis and neurotransmission, and brain-gut axis. This paper summarized the research progress of TCM in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in recent years, so as to provide a reference for further study of the specific mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and the discovery of effective components of TCM.
6.Generation of MCM2 gene inducible knockout cervical cancer HeLa cells and its effect on DNA replication
Ping LI ; Tuo TANG ; Aixue ZHENG ; Luping ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Xian HONG ; Zhihui DENG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(2):133-139
Objective To generate minichromosome maintenance protein 2(MCM2)gene knockout cervi-cal cancer HeLa cell lines using inducible CRISPR/Cas9 technology,and to explore the effect of MCM2 on DNA replication and replication stress.Methods The inducible CRISPR/Cas9 system,TLCV2,was used to construct MCM2 knockout HeLa cell lines.And the cell lines were divided into control group(Control),knockout group 1(KO1),and knockout group 2(KO2).Western blot,Edu incorporation experiment,real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR),immunofluorescence and MTT assay were used to analyze the effects of MCM2 knockout on DNA replica-tion and replication stress induced by hydroxyurea.Results The CRISPR/Cas9 system successfully knocked out the MCM2 gene after induction,and MCM2 knockout affected the stability of MCM2-7 complex.Compared with the control cells,MCM2 knockout cells had a dramatic decrease in the capacity of DNA replication,and the mRNA levels of Cyclin A1,Cyclin E1 and CDK4.Under DNA replication stress,MCM2 knockout cells decreased cell viability,DNA damage repair capacity,and increased genomic instability compared with control cells.Conclusion Knockout of MCM2 gene reduces the DNA replication capacity of HeLa cells under normal conditions and cell viability under replication stress.This study successfully generates MCM2 gene inducible knockout HeLa cell lines,laying the foundation for further research on the role and biological function of MCM2 gene in the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer.
7.Different therapeutic methods combined with TACE for primary liver cancer complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding:evaluation of clinical efficacy
Liming CAO ; Yongxue ZHANG ; Zhihui LIANG ; Liang LI ; Jinguo CUI ; Weiqiang REN
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(1):33-37
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of three different therapies,including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)treatment,endoscopic treatment and medication treatment,combined with transhepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE)in treating primary liver cancer complicated by portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods A total of 105 patients with primary liver cancer associated with portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding,who were admitted to the No.980 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Forces of China to receive treatment between January 2014 and June 2020,were enrolled in this study.According to the therapeutic scheme,the patients were divided into TIPS+TACE group(TIPS group,n=25),endoscopy+TACE group(endoscopy group,n=30),and medication+TACE group(medication group,n=50).The clinical efficacy,recurrence rate of bleeding,incidence of hepatic encephalopathy,and survival rate were compared between each other among the three groups.Results The differences in the postoperative 6-month,12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding between each other among the three groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).In TIPS group,the portal vein pressure decreased from preoperative(38.47±9.35)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)to postoperative(25.24±5.68)mmHg,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the hemoglobin level in the three groups showed varying degrees of elevation,which in the TIPS group and endoscopy group were better than that in the medication group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).In all three groups,the differences in the recurrence rate of bleeding between postoperative 6-month value,12-month value and 24-month value were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The postoperative 6-month,12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding in the TIPS group were lower than those in the endoscopy group and the medication group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative 12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding in the TIPS group were lower than those in the endoscopy group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative 12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding in the endoscopy group were lower than those in the medication group(P<0.05),and the difference in the postoperative 6-month recurrence rate of bleeding between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The postoperative 6-month and 12-month incidences of hepatic encephalopathy in the TIPS group were higher than those in the endoscopy group and the medication group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05),while the differences in the postoperative 6-month and 12-month incidences of hepatic encephalopathy between the endoscopy group and the medication group were not statistically significant(P>0.05),and the differences in the postoperative 24-month incidence of hepatic encephalopathy between each other among the three groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).No statistically significant difference in the 6-month mortality existed between TIPS group and endoscopy group(P>0.05),and the 6-month mortality of both TIPS group and endoscopy group was remarkably lower than that of the medication group(P<0.05).The postoperative 12-month mortality and 24-month mortality in TIPS group were lower than those in the endoscopy group and the medication group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05),but the differences in the postoperative 12-month mortality and 24-month mortality between the endoscopy group and the medication group were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion For primary liver cancer associated with portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding,TIPS combined with TACE can effectively control tumor progression and prolong survival.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:33-37)
8.Tetrandrine enhances the host antiviral response through cGAMP-mediated cGAS-STING signaling pathway
Zhiwen WANG ; Yaming ZHANG ; Zhihui XIE
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(1):17-26
Objective:To investigate whether tetrandrine could be used as an agonist of cGAMP to enhance the activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway and analyze the antiviral function of tetrandrine.Methods:THP1-Lucia-ISRE and RAW-Lucia-ISRE cells were incubated with different doses of tetrandrine in combination with cGAMP, respectively. IRF3 reporter activity was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was used to detect the activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway. The expression of IFN-β, CXCL10 and CCL5 at mRNA level was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of IFN-β at protein level was assessed by ELISA. HeLa cells stably expressing STING-GFP gene (HeLa-STNG-GFP cells) were constructed and stimulated with tetrandrine and cGAMP, then puncta-like structures were imaged by ZEISS LSM780. THP1-Lucia-ISRE cells were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the presence or absence of tetrandrine or cGAMP. The antiviral function of tetrandrine was analyzed by Western blot and fluorescence intensity assay.Results:Tetrandrine enhanced cGAMP-mediated IRF3 responses and activated cGAS-STING signaling pathway in combination with cGAMP. Tetrandrine combined with cGAMP triggered STING translocation and the formation of puncta-like structures in HeLa-STNG-GFP cells. The titer of HSV-1, the expression of HSV-glycoprotein D/UL30 and the fluorescence intensity of HSV-GFP were all decline after treating HSV-1-infected THP1-Lucia-ISRE cells with tetrandrine and cGAMP.Conclusions:Tetrandrine combined with cGAMP activates cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thus enhancing the host antiviral response.
9.Inhibitory effects of magnesium citrate on oxidative stress in chronic renal failure
Zhihui YAO ; Weidong MA ; Tuo HAN ; Yajie FAN ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanchao HU ; Congxia WANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):712-717
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of magnesium citrate(MgCit)on oxidative stress in chronic renal failure(CRF).Methods SD rats were divided into CRF model group,MgCit groups(375 and 750 mg/kg),normal control group,and MgCit control group(750 mg/kg).The morphology of mitochondria in thoracic artery vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)was observed by transmission electron microscopy.The content of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malonaldehyde(MDA)in rat aorta and plasma was detected by the kit.The VSMCs were divided into normal control group,CRF model group,and MgCit groups(1.5 and 3 mmol/L).The levels of superoxide anion(DHE)and apoptosis were quantitatively detected by flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control groups,the mitochondria were swollen and the cristae fractured or disappeared in the model group;MgCit intervention could reduce mitochondrial swelling,but not cristae fracture.In the model group,SOD level in aorta and plasma decreased(P<0.05)while MDA level increased(P<0.05).MgCit intervention could increase SOD in aorta and plasma,but decrease MDA level(P<0.05).In the CRF environment,the DHE content of VSMCs and apoptosis in CRF model group increased(P<0.05).MgCit intervention could decrease DHE content and inhibit apoptosis(P<0.05).Conclusion MgCit inhibits oxidative stress levels in vivo and in vitro in CRF.
10.Induction of apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells by petroleum ether extract of Sageretia thea
Zhihui FENG ; Yiqing DENG ; Bing YE ; Pei AN ; Hong ZHANG ; Haijun ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2024;42(6):253-259
Objective To investigate the effect of the petroleum ether extract of Sageretia thea on the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells.Methods After breast cancer cells were incubated with the petroleum ether extract for different times,cell viability was analyzed by CCK8 assay,cell proliferation was detected by plate cloning test,nuclear morphology was observed by DAPI staining,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were determined by immunofluorescence,and the cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.After incubating with the extract for 24 h,the CCK8 assay was used to observe the toxicity to normal human vascular endothelial cells.Results The IC50 of BT549 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines treated with the petroleum ether extract for 24 h were 45.40 μg/ml and 12.23 μg/ml,respectively.The extract time and dose dependently inhibited breast cancer cell viability and clonal formation,induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in G1/S phase,decreased MMP and increased ROS levels.There was no toxic effect on normal endothelial cells.Conclusion The petroleum ether extract of Sageretia thea may induce apoptosis by increasing ROS to cause MMP collapse,followed by activating mitochondrial pathway,thereby hindering the growth of breast cancer cells.These results could support the application of Sageretia thea to anti-breast tumor in the folk.

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