Stigma and Efficacy of Zhizhu Kuanzhong Capsules Versus Doxepin in the Treatment of Refractory Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Qian-Qian Wang,Li Cheng,Bi-Yu Wu,Hong-Yi Qiu,Ping Xu,Bo Wang,Xiu-Juan Yan,Sheng-Liang Chen 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2023 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.29 No.3

Background/AimsStigma related with antidepressants is prevalent in patients with functional dyspepsia. It affects medication compliance and efficacy. Herbal medicine acquired a deep-rooted cultural identity in relieving dyspeptic symptoms in Asians. The research was designed to compare the effectiveness of Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsules (ZZKZ) versus doxepin hydrochloride (doxepin) on alleviating stigma and medication nonadherence among patients with refractory FD (rFD). MethodsPatients with rFD from February 2021 to February 2022 were randomly allocated to receive either doxepin (n = 56) or ZZKZ (n = 57) combined with omeprazole for 4 weeks. Medication possession ratio (MPR), the disease- and medication-associated stigma were analyzed. The scales were utilized to assess dyspeptic symptoms (Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire) and psychological conditions (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire). ResultsThe MPR values for ZZKZ were significantly higher than those for doxepin (P < 0.001). The stigma scores decreased in ZZKZ group while increased in doxepin group compared to baseline after treatment. The proportion of patients showing ZZKZ-associated stigma was significantly lower than doxepin-associated stigma (P < 0.001). The MPR values were negatively correlated with post-treatment stigma scores in both groups (P < 0.001). Dyspeptic symptoms and psychological condition were improved in both groups after treatment, with no significant difference on post-treatment Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, or Patient Health Questionnaire scores between 2 groups. ConclusionZZKZ is superior to doxepin in alleviating stigma and medication non-adherence, with comparable efficacy in improving dyspeptic symptoms and psychological condition of patients with rFD.

Associations of HSP90AA2 gene polymorphisms with disease susceptibility, glucocorticoids efficacy and health-related quality of life in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Man Zhang,Su‑Su Li,Qiao‑Mei Xie,Jian‑Hua Xu,Xiu‑Xiu Sun,Fa‑Ming Pan,Sheng‑Qian Xu,Sheng‑Xiu Liu,Jin‑Hui Tao,Shuang Liu,Jing Cai,Pei‑Ling Chen,Long Qian,Chun‑Huai Wang,Chun‑Mei Liang,Hai‑Liang Huang,Ha 한국유전학회 2018 Genes & Genomics Vol.40 No.10

Although the current glucocorticoids (GCs) treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is effective to a certain extent, the difference in therapeutic effect between patients is still a widespread problem. Some patients can have repeated attacks that greatly diminish their quality of life. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between HSP90AA2 polymorphisms and disease susceptibility, GCs efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese SLE patients. A case–control study was performed in 470 SLE patients and 470 normal controls. Then, 444 patients in the case group were followed up for 12 weeks to observe efficacy of GCs and improvement of HRQoL. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HSP90AA2 were selected for genotyping: rs1826330 and rs6484340. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The minor T allele of rs1826330 and the TT haplotype formed by rs1826330 and rs6484340 showed associations with decreased SLE risk (T allele: PBH = 0.022; TT haplotype: PBH = 0.033). A significant association between rs6484340 and improvement of HRQoL was revealed in the follow-up study. Five subscales of SF-36 were appeared to be influenced by rs6484340: total score of SF-36 (additive model: PBH = 0.026), physical function (additive model: PBH = 0.026), rolephysical (recessive model: PBH = 0.041), mental health (dominant model: PBH = 0.047), and physical component summary (additive model: PBH = 0.026). No statistical significance was found between HSP90AA2 gene polymorphisms and GCs efficacy. These results revealed a genetic association between HSP90AA2 and SLE. Remarkably, HSP90AA2 has an impact on the improvement of HRQoL in Chinese population with SLE.

Identification and characterization of an Apolipophorin-III gene from Actias selene Hübner (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Cen Qian, LeiWang,FangWang,Bao-Jian Zhu,Guo-Qing Wei,Sheng Li,Chao-Liang Liu,Lei Wang 한국응용곤충학회 2016 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.19 No.1

Apolipophorin-III (ApoLp-III) is involved in lipid transport and innate immunity in insects. In this study, we isolated ApoLp-III gene (As-ApoLp-III) cDNA fromActias selene Hübner (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). It contained 660 nucleotides with a putative open reading frame (ORF) of 561 bp encoding 186 amino acid residues. It showed similarities with ApoLp-III proteins from other insect species, especially Antheraea pernyi. The recombinant protein of As-ApoLp-III was expressed in Escherichia coli, and anti-As-ApoLp-III antibodies were prepared. The As-ApoLp-III gene was expressed at high levels in the fat body and integument, and at low levels in the hemolymph, testis, silk gland, malpighian tubule, ovary, and midgut. As-ApoLp-III gene can be upregulated by E. coli, Micrococcus luteus, Beauveria bassiana, and nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and showed a greater sensitivity for gram-negative bacteria and fungi than for gram-positive bacteria and virus. These data indicated that As-ApoLp-III may play an important role in innate immune responses of Actias selene.

The Nedd8‐activating enzyme inhibitor MLN 4924 ( TAK ‐924/Pevonedistat) induces apoptosis via c‐Myc‐Noxa axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Zhang, Wenjuan,Liang, Yupei,Li, Lihui,Wang, Xiaofang,Yan, Zi,Dong, Changsheng,Zeng, Mu‐,Sheng,Zhong, Qian,Liu, Xue‐,Kui,Yu, Jinha,Sun, Shuyang,Liu, Xiaojun,Kang, Jihui,Zhao, Hu,Jeong, Lak BLACKWELL SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS 2019 CELL PROLIFERATION Vol.52 No.2

Pelvic Solitary Plasmacytoma: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings with Histopathologic Correlation

Ying Wang,Xiu-Liang Zhu,Mohamad Wasil Peeroo,Zi-Hua Qian,Dan Shi,Shu-Mei Wei,Ri-Sheng Yu 대한영상의학회 2015 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.16 No.1

To describe the imaging features of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma and to correlate them with the pathologic grade. A retrospective study was performed on the imaging features of 10 patients with a histological diagnosis of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma. The imaging studies were assessed for bone expansion, cortical destruction, signal intensity/density of soft tissue mass and enhancement manifestations, which were then correlated to the pathologic grade. The imaging features of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma revealed 3 different types: multilocular type (n = 5), unilocular type (n = 2) and complete osteolytic destruction type (n = 3) on computed tomography and MRI. Pathologically, the tumors were classified into low, intermediate and high grades. Features such as multilocular change, perilesional osteosclerosis, slight expansion, local bone cortex disruptions and masses inside bone destruction, often suggest a low-grade solitary plasmacytoma; complete osteolytic destruction, huge soft tissue mass, and osseous defects imply a higher pathologic grade. Pelvic solitary plasmacytoma has various imaging manifestations, while a slight expansile osteolytic feature with multilocular change or homogeneous enhancement highly suggests its diagnosis. The distinctive imaging features of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma are well correlated to the pathologic grade.

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates angiotensin II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro

Le Yang,Xiao-Jing Zou,Xiang Gao,Hao Chen,Jin-Long Luo,Zhao-Hua Wang,Qian-Sheng Liang,Guang-Tian Yang 생화학분자생물학회 2009 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.41 No.7

Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47phox expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS. Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47phox expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS.