Loading...

Table of Content

    15 September 2025, Volume 44 Issue 5
    Previous Issue    Next Issue

    Original Article
    Case Report
    Original Article
    Review
    For Selected: Toggle Thumbnails
    Original Article
    Mechanism of Yishen Quzhuo Formula in Treating PCOS-IR Based on Network Pharmacology and Animal Experiments
    LI Meng-yuan, GAO Zheng, XU Xin
    2025, 44 (5):  353-360.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250141
    Abstract ( 115 )   HTML ( 46 )   PDF (13640KB) ( 33 )  

    Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Quzhuo Formula in treating polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) through the network pharmacology and experimental validation. Methods: Active components and targets of Yishen Quzhuo Formula were retrieved from databases such as Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP). The targets of PCOS-IR-related disease were screened using GeneCards, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. A drug-component-target network was then constructed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) function, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using STRING and DAVID. Molecular docking was conducted with AutodockTools 1.5.7 software. A PCOS-IR rat model was established using the high-fat diet combined with letrozole. Serum hormone levels and glucose metabolism indices were evaluated. The expression of key targets was validated via Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: A total of 136 potential active components of Yishen Quzhuo Formula and 406 PCOS-IR-related targets were identified. Five core components, including kaempferol, quercetin, and β-sitosterol, were selected. The top 10 key targets, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), protein kinase B1 (AKT1), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), and tumor protein 53 (TP53), were ranked by the degree values in the core network, enriched in the pathways like advanced glycation end product-receptor for advanced glycation end product (AGE-RAGE) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT. Animal experiments showed that Yishen Quzhuo Formula significantly reduced the levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, fasting insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in PCOS-IR rats (all P<0.05), and downregulated the expressions of STAT3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HSP90 in the ovarian tissues of PCOS-IR rats, while upregulated the expressions of AKT1 and TP53 (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Yishen Quzhuo Formula ameliorates the endocrine abnormalities and glucose metabolism disorders of PCOS-IR through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Bioinformatics Analysis to Identify Oxidative Stress-Related Key Genes in Teratozoospermia and Predict Candidate Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines
    DU Chao, HOU Kai-bo, GUAN Xiao-chuan, WANG Bo-lun, WU Ying, YU Yue-xin
    2025, 44 (5):  361-365.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250163
    Abstract ( 125 )   HTML ( 27 )   PDF (1200KB) ( 43 )  

    Objective: To identify the oxidative stress-related key genes that differentially expressed (OS-DEG) in teratozoospermia through bioinformatics analysis, and to predict the candidate targeted Chinese herbal medicines. Methods: The GSE6969 gene expression profile from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database was retrieved, and the differentially expressed genes were screened. These genes were then intersected with the oxidative stress-related genes that retrieved from the GeneCards database. The key pathways and genes were identified through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Finally, the potential candidate herbal medicines targeting those key genes were searched from the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database. Results: A total of 261 OS-DEGs Key genes were identified by differential analysis, including PTEN, JUN, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were screened using Cytoscape. The candidate Chinese herbal medicines were identified, such as Portulaca oleracea, Glehnia littoralis, Pinellia ternata, Verbena officinalis, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Typhonium giganteum. Conclusions: In this study, bioinformatics analysis was used to screen the genes related to oxidative stress in teratozoospermia, which provided a new insight into the treatment of teratozoospermia with traditional Chinese medicine.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Genetic Analysis of Two Cases of Gitelman Syndrome Caused by Compound Heterozygous Variations in the SLC12A3 Gene
    CHEN Xue, TIAN Xin-yuan, ZHENG Lei, MA Pan-pan, ZHANG Chuan, HUI Ling, ZHOU Bing-bo
    2025, 44 (5):  366-370.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250134
    Abstract ( 100 )   HTML ( 26 )   PDF (9366KB) ( 24 )  

    Objective: To summarize the experience of molecular genetic analysis of two patients with Gitelman syndrome. Methods: Two patients admitted to our hospital due to recurrent hypokalemia were highly suspected as Gitelman syndrome in clinical. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the patients and their parents. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by whole exome sequencing(WES). Results: The trio-WES analysis showed that two patients had the compound heterozygous variations in the SLC12A3 gene. The variation sites were c.965 -1_976delinsACCGAAAATTTT and c.1964G >A in one patient, and c.486_491delinsAC and c.2178+1G>T in another patient. Both parents were carriers of the mutant sites with normal phenotypes. The results of Sanger sequencing were consistent with those of trio-WES. Conclusions: The compound heterozygous pathogenic variations in the SLC12A3 gene may be the genetic cause of these two patients, which expands the spectrum of pathogenic variations of this gene. For those patient suspected as Gitelman syndrome, the genetic testing of the patient and parents should be completed, so as to make a clear diagnosis, provide more comprehensive genetic counseling and more accurate prenatal diagnosis for subsequent pregnancies.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Scoping Review
    CUI Yu-fei, JIA Dong-ling, WANG Li-yan, LI Fu-lan, LIU Hui-hui, ZHANG Li-hong, HU Rong, HU Jun-ping
    2025, 44 (5):  371-376.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250020
    Abstract ( 98 )   HTML ( 22 )   PDF (6762KB) ( 39 )  

    Objective: To explore the application of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in the patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), with a scoping review. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction, followed by synthesis and analysis of included studies. Results: Twenty-two studies were included. The intervention modalities included mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness-based yoga, mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting (MBCP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The delivery formats included in-person training, online training and hybrid approaches. Most interventions were administered weekly (1-2 h/session). Most studies have shown that mindfulness intervention can alleviate anxiety and depression, significantly reduce the symptoms such as hostility and interpersonal sensitivity, and effectively lower the sense of stigma and enhance the happiness index and marital satisfaction, while mindfulness intervention can improve the sleep quality and physical comfort, as well as the quality of life and marriage. Meanwhile, most of IVF-ET patients expressed their satisfaction and recognition of the mindfulness intervention course. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence supports the diversity, integrative potential, efficacy and feasibility of MBIs in IVF-ET patients. Future research should optimize the personalized intervention protocols, explore the web-based remote delivery strategies, and further validate the long-term effect across multidimensional outcomes including psychological well-bing, sleep quality, mindfulness levels, and quality of life in IVF-ET patients.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Case Report
    Association Analysis of Genotype and Phenotype in Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase Deficiency: A Case Report and Literature Review
    WANG Hua, XUE Feng, XIONG Fu, NIE Xiao-cheng, LUO Ze-min, ZHU Shu-yao, ZENG Lan, PI Guang-huan
    2025, 44 (5):  377-382.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250082
    Abstract ( 110 )   HTML ( 31 )   PDF (6921KB) ( 16 )  

    Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency (FBP1D), a rare inherited metabolic disorder, may lead to severe neurological sequelae if not treated promptly and effectively. We report a case of FBP1D diagnosed through trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES). The NM_000507.4(FBP1) c.977T>C variant in this patient has not been reported in China. We summarized and analyzed the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of 31 Chinese FBP1D patients from literature. The typical clinical manifestations included hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and impaired consciousness, with the infection being the most common triggering factor. Genetic analysis revealed that the c.960dup variant in the FBP1 gene is the most prevalent variant among Chinese patients. Enhancing clinicians′ awareness of FBP1D can facilitate early diagnosis and active intervention, thereby significantly improve patient prognosis.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    A Case of Uterine Tumor Resembling Ovarian Sex Cord Tumor with Adenomyosis
    CHAI Ling-na, SHI Jie, LI Yan-li, GAO Han, CHENG Shi-yu, OUYANG Xi-yan
    2025, 44 (5):  383-387.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250071
    Abstract ( 91 )   HTML ( 22 )   PDF (6786KB) ( 30 )  

    The uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor (UTROSCT), as a special pathological type of primary uterine tumor, is difficult to be diagnosed early due to its extreme rarity and unspecial manifestations in clinical. We report a case of UTROSCT combined with adenomyosis. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to the discovery of uterine fibroids for more than 3 months and intermittent vaginal bleeding for 12 days. The patient was admitted the hospital with a outpatient diagnosis of uterine fibroids. After admission, the relevant auxiliary examinations were completed. Pelvic ultrasound suggested the possibility of uterine fibroids, and there was no obvious abnormalities in tumor markers. Single-port laparoscopic myomectomy and opportunistic salpingectomy were performed. During the operation, the tumor capsule was gray-white, the tumor was extremely soft, and the boundary between the tumor and the uterus was unclear. The intraoperative rapid pathological examination suggested the possibility of small-cell malignant tumor, so total hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy were immediately performed. Finally, the postoperative pathology report showed UTROSCT. After 4-year follow-up, the patient′s condition was stable and there was no recurrence. We concluded that surgical treatment is the main treatment for UTROSCT, the prognosis is usually good, and that the possibility of recurrence and metastasis should be noted.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    A Case Report of Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor-Not Otherwise Specified with Ascites
    LIU Qin, ZHENG Rong
    2025, 44 (5):  388-392.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250129
    Abstract ( 91 )   HTML ( 15 )   PDF (1060KB) ( 37 )  

    Ovarian steroid cell tumor-not otherwise specified (SCT-NOS) is an exceedingly rare subtype of pure ovarian stromal tumor with malignant potential. Due to its low incidence and nonspecific clinical manifestations, it is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, with only sporadic cases reported in the literature. We report a case of ovarian SCT-NOS in a reproductive-aged woman presenting with massive ascites. The patient was admitted with a six-month history of intermenstrual vaginal bleeding. Color Doppler ultrasound revealed a right adnexal mass accompanied by significant pelvic and abdominal effusion. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was performed. After that, the multi-disciplinary team recommended exploratory laparotomy. The patient underwent a right salpingo-oophorectomy with left ovarian biopsy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of right ovarian SCT-NOS. The postoperative follow-up at one year showed no evidence of ascites recurrence or tumor progression. Based on this case and a comprehensive literature review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges (including differential diagnoses), management strategies, and prognostic factors of SCT-NOS, with the aims to enhance clinical awareness and provide references for the diagnosis and treatment of this rare entity.

    Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Original Article
    The Potential Therapeutic Role of Quercetin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    YU Jian-nan, GAO Zhu-wei, GE Hang, LIU Yang, SHI Bai-chao, BAI Yu-xin, GAO Jing-shu, WANG Yu, WU Xiao-ke
    2025, 44 (5):  393-398.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250074
    Abstract ( 144 )   HTML ( 24 )   PDF (6727KB) ( 42 )  

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common multisystem disorder in women of reproductive age, is typically associated with metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. In recent years the attention to the psychological disturbances, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and long-term complications in PCOS patients has been growing. Quercetin (QUE) as a natural flavonoid exhibits the unique therapeutic potential for PCOS management. In terms of metabolic regulation, QUE can improve insulin resistance and modulates glucose/lipid metabolism through multiple pathways. Regarding reproductive endocrinology, QUE can significantly reduce serum androgen level, mitigate follicular atresia and promote follicular maturation, thereby restore normal ovarian function and alleviae ovulatory dysfunction. As for reproductive outcomes, QUE may reduce miscarriage risk via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Additionally, QUE may have the effects of anti-depressant and anti-cancer, potentially preventing anxiety/depression and endometrial cancer in PCOS patients. While preclinical evidence supports QUE′s multifaceted benefits in PCOS, further clinical studies are needed to validate its therapeutic applications.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Review
    Research Progress on Probiotic Therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    NIU Jia-jia, WANG Yu, WU Xiao-ke
    2025, 44 (5):  399-404.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250235
    Abstract ( 145 )   HTML ( 16 )   PDF (6701KB) ( 33 )  

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive endocrine metabolic disorder among women of childbearing age, is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, ovulatory dysfunction, and the presence of multiple cystic ovaries. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and unclear. The clinical manifestations of PCOS are highly heterogeneous, and treatment mainly focuses on alleviating clinical symptoms. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the relationship between the gut microbiota and PCOS, the application of probiotics in the treatment of PCOS has gradually gained attention. Probiotics can adjust the intestinal microbiome, reduce cholesterol through bile acid deconjugation, regulate body weight and serum lipid levels, lower blood pressure, and prevent and treat infections. Probiotics can improve insulin resistance, regulate hormonal disorders, alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, improve abnormal lipid metabolism and reproductive function, and enhance mental health levels, all of which have therapeutic effects on PCOS patients.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Research Advances on the Regulation of Endometrial Receptivity by MicroRNAs
    LIN Kai-li, SONG Dian-rong
    2025, 44 (5):  405-410.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250195
    Abstract ( 108 )   HTML ( 13 )   PDF (6340KB) ( 35 )  

    Endometrial receptivity refers to the dynamic remodeling of the endometrium during the short time window of the menstrual cycle (i.e., the “implantation window period”), in which the endometrium acquires the possibility of location, adherence and initiate invasion of the blastocyst. Abnormal endometrial receptivity can lead to clinical problems such as repeated implantation failure, unexplained infertility and pregnancy loss. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the dynamic regulation of endometrial receptivity by targeting and inhibiting the mRNA translation or promoting its degradation. This manuscript summarizes the role of miRNAs in regulating the levels of estrogen and progesterone, maintaining the stability of the immune microenvironment, mediating angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling, regulating the formation of phagocytic protrusions and embryonic adhesion processes, influencing the decidualization process, and further regulating endometrial receptivity. The purpose is not only to provide a new perspective for in-depth understanding of the molecular regulatory network of endometrial receptivity, but also to offer more theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive disorders such as recurrent implantation failure and infertility.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances on Female Reproductive Health and Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology
    XIONG Min, YANG Dan-dan, CHAI Meng-han, ZHANG Qian-nan, ZHANG Zhi-guo, CHEN Bei-li
    2025, 44 (5):  411-415.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250287
    Abstract ( 183 )   HTML ( 16 )   PDF (5863KB) ( 53 )  

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exist in life area and consumer products, and enter the human body through breathing, diet, skin contact and other ways. PFASs cause the adverse consequence to female reproductive health. Studies have shown that PFAS can affect ovarian function by interfering with the endocrine axis, damaging mitochondria, inducing oxidative stress, disrupting gap junction communication, and regulating epigenetics, and resulting in reproductive toxicity, which is also related to many diseases of female reproductive system such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, diminished ovarian reserve and endometriosis. In infertile people treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART), it was also found that the level of PFAS was negatively correlated with oocyte yield, the number of two pronuclei, and embryo quality, adversely affecting ART outcomes. We review the impact of PFAS on female reproductive health and ART outcomes, in order to provide a new evidence for the subsequent research.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Research Progress of Treating Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine
    SHI Bai-chao, WANG Yu, GAO Jing-shu, LU Feng-juan, GUAN Mu-xin, WU Xiao-ke
    2025, 44 (5):  416-423.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250045
    Abstract ( 115 )   HTML ( 25 )   PDF (8964KB) ( 21 )  

    Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is the most common complication among pregnant women. The pathogenesis is related with genetics, hormones, Helicobacter pylori, and social psychological factors in the theory of Western medicine. Doxylamine/pyridoxine and other oral drugs are commonly used for treatment, including promethazine, metoclopramide, ondansetron, gabapentin, and glucocorticoids. Although these drugs can significantly alleviate NVP symptoms, the potential impact on the health of both mother and fetus has raised the concern among pregnant women, especially regarding the use of these medications in the first trimester. It is considered by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that the main etiology and pathogenesis of NVP is adverse rising of Chongqi, and disharmong of stomach qi. Based on the principle of regulating qi and harmonizing the middle, lowering counterflow and stopping vomiting in TCM treatment which not only prescribe oral decoction of TCM "varies from person to person" through syndrome differentiation but also flexibly use external treatment methods, such as acupuncture, acupoint injection, acupoint application, acupressure, auricular point pressing with bean, moxibustion and rectal instillation, have showed the remarkable efficacy. However, the relatively small sample sizes of clinical studies on TCM therapies have limited the in-depth exploration of these distinctive treatment approaches. In the future, it is imperative to further deepen the collaborative research between Western medicine and TCM to provide more scientific and personalized options for the diagnosis and treatment of NVP.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    The Role of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 in Preeclampsia
    YANG Qi, XU Rong-rong, CUI Hong-mei
    2025, 44 (5):  424-428.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250197
    Abstract ( 84 )   HTML ( 11 )   PDF (5506KB) ( 24 )  

    Preeclampsia (PE) is a common complication during pregnancy. The pathogenesis of PE is closely related to immune imbalance, inflammatory responses, and placental dysfunction. The triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is an important pro-inflammatory receptor, widely expressed in neutrophils and mononuclear macrophages. TREM-1 plays a role in amplifying inflammatory responses in various inflammatory diseases. Studies have found that TREM-1 expression is significantly elevated in the peripheral blood and placental tissues of PE patients. It can activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and promote the release of cytokines through the multiple signaling pathways such as DNAX-associated protein 12 (DAP12), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NLRs), thereby exacerbating inflammatory damage and endothelial dysfunction. TREM-1 may also serve as a potential biomarker for the early assessment of PE risk and severity. This review focuses on the structure of TREM-1, its signaling pathways and possible mechanisms in the development of PE, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and targeted intervention of PE.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    Research Progress on Galectin-3 in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
    ZHOU Yuan, WANG Zhen-zhen, CAO Meng-dong, SHEN Xue
    2025, 44 (5):  429-433.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250122
    Abstract ( 101 )   HTML ( 14 )   PDF (5597KB) ( 31 )  

    The pathogenesis of endometriosis (EMs), as a common and difficult gynecological disease, is not very clear. The possible mechanisms include chronic inflammation, neovascularization, estrogen dependence, weakened progesterone response, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis, etc. Galectin-3 is the only member of the Galectinin family with a chimeric structure. It participates in mutiple biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and fibrosis, which is closely related to the occurrence of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The correlation between Galectin-3 and EMs has received the extensive attention in recent years. The latest studies have shown that the overexpression of Galectin-3 can affect the occurrence and development of EMs by promoting the survival of inflammatory cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibrosis, and participating in the regulation of sex hormones. This article summarizes the functions of Galectin-3 and its correlation with the pathophysiology of EMs, with the aim of providing new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of EMs.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics
    The Mechanism of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Ovarian Cancer by PI3K/Akt Signaling
    ZHANG Li-qian, LU Run-guo, WANG Yu, SHI Bai-chao, WU Xiao-ke
    2025, 44 (5):  434-440.  doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250247
    Abstract ( 106 )   HTML ( 17 )   PDF (7553KB) ( 28 )  

    Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the common malignant tumors in women. Most of patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage due to its insidious onset, resulting in poor clinical treatment outcomes. Currently, the treatment of OC mainly relies on chemotherapy and surgery, but the chemotherapy resistance and adverse reactions remain the clinical challenge. Studies have shown that the abnormal expressions of multiple signaling pathways are related to the pathogenesis of OC, such as the abnormal activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The active components of traditional Chinese medicine can regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis of OC cells, to promote the apoptosis of OC cells, and to improve the chemosensitivity of OC cells. This review summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in OC and the research progress on the mechanism of the active components of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, with the aim of providing a reference for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment or adjutant therapy of OC.

    References | Related Articles | Metrics