1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Successful Pregnancy after Autologous Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue Transplantation in a Cervical Cancer Patient: the First Reported Case in China
Yubin LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Tian MENG ; Bing CAI ; Chuling WU ; Changxi WANG ; Hongwei SHEN ; Guofen YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):498-505
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and autologous transplantation in preserving fertility and ovarian endocrine function in patients with cervical cancer. MethodsA 26-year-old patient with stage ⅡA1 cervical cancer underwent ovarian tissue harvesting and cryopreservation during cancer surgery. Following complete remission of the cancer, autologous ovarian tissue transplantation was performed. Follow-up monitoring included assessment of menopausal symptoms, hormone levels, and follicular development. ResultsSix months after transplantation, follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased to 6.60 U/L, and estradiol levels increased from <10.00 ng/L to 89.00 ng/L. At 10 months after transplantation, ultrasound monitoring confirmed follicular development and physiological ovulation in the transplanted ovarian tissue. By 15 months after transplantation, follicle-stimulating hormone levels remained stable at 7.24 U/L, and estradiol levels further increased to 368.00 ng/L. Over 2 years after transplantation, the patient successfully gave birth to a healthy baby through assisted reproductive technology. ConclusionThe restoration of endocrine and ovulation functions in the transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissue, followed by successful pregnancy, demonstrates the clinical success of ovarian tissue transplantation.
3.Quality Evaluation of Zhuye Shigao Granules and Its Therapeutic Effect on Mice with Cold-dampness Pestilence Attacking Lung Syndrome
Haihong LI ; Jiaqi SHEN ; Liwen LIANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Yuting YANG ; Shuyun LIANG ; Zhiliang SUN ; Jiannan LI ; Guangzhi CAI ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):182-190
ObjectiveTo establish a quality evaluation method for Zhuye Shigao granules(Zhuye Shigaotang) based on fingerprint and determination of index components, and to investigate the therapeutic effect of Zhuye Shigao granules on mice with cold-dampness pestilence attacking lung syndrome. MethodsThe fingerprint of Zhuye Shigao granules was established by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and the methods for determination of total calcium, orientin, isoorientin, ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb1 and other 2 index components were established. Fifty ICR mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Zhuye Shigao granules low, medium and high dose groups(9.3, 18.6, 37.2 g·kg-1·d-1), with 10 mice in each group. In addition to the blank group, the model mice with cold-dampness pestilence attacking lung syndrome was prepared by nasal drip of lipopolysaccharide combined with cold-dampness environment. Each administration group was given the corresponding liquid by gavage according to the dose, while the blank group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline by gavage. Then, the body temperature and organ index of mice in each group were measured, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to investigate the lung tissue injury of mice in each group, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-lβ, IL-6, IL-10 levels in serum and lung tissue, as well as immunoglobulin(Ig)A and IgM levels in serum. ResultsThe fingerprint similarity of 10 batches of Zhuye Shigao granules was>0.950, and 20 common peaks were calibrated. Seven of them were identified, including peak 11(isoorientin), peak 12(orientin), peak 14(apioside liquiritin), peak 15(liquiritin), peak 17(apioside isoliquiritin), peak 19(isoliquiritin) and peak 20(liquiritigenin). The results of quantitative analysis showed that the content range of each index component in 10 batches of Zhuye Shigao granules was as follows:Total calcium of 9.978-11.294 mg·g-1, isoorientin of 0.033-0.041 mg·g-1, orientin of 0.046-0.055 mg·g-1, ginsenoside Rg1+ginsenoside Re of 0.748-0.762 mg·g-1, ginsenoside Rb1 of 0.151-0.197 mg·g-1, liquiritin of 1.106-1.366 mg·g-1, glycyrrhizic acid of 0.904-1.182 mg·g-1. Compared with the blank group, the body temperature of mice in the model group was significantly increased, the organ indexes of liver, lung and spleen were significantly decreased, the organ index of thymus was significantly increased, HE staining of lung tissue showed infiltration of inflammatory cells, a small amount of serous exudation was observed in the alveoli, and lung tissue was damaged. After the intervention of Zhuye Shigao granules, the pathological changes were improved compared with the model group. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased, the expression level of IL-10 was significantly decreased in serum and lung tissue. The levels of IgA and IgM in serum were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body temperature, the organ indexes and immune factor levels in serum and lung tissue of mice in the Zhuye Shigao granules medium and high dose groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionIn this study, the quality evaluation of Zhuye Shigao granules was carried out based on fingerprint combined with determination of index components, and the fingerprint of four herbs(Lophatheri Herba, Ophiopogonis Radix, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) in this formula and the determination of 8 index components were established. The therapeutic effect of Zhuye Shigao granules on mice with cold-dampness pestilence attacking lung syndrome may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and mediating immune regulation.
4.Research Progress on Characteristics Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Its Sex Differences in Laboratory Animals
Huangyi SHEN ; Yufei HUANG ; Yunpeng YANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):349-359
Laboratory animals serve as the cornerstone in life science research, acting as surrogate models for human physiology, pathology, and disease treatment. They play an irreplaceable role in basic research, drug development, and translational medicine. Gut microbiota, a complex microbial community comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and unicellular organisms, colonizes the host's intestinal tract and is closely associated with the maintenance of normal physiological metabolism and overall health. Studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can lead to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, conducting characteristic analyses of the gut microbial composition of laboratory animals can not only enhance the reliability of experimental outcomes but also facilitate their translational application. Sex differences represent a critical variable in biological research, significantly influencing the physiological functions, metabolic traits, and gut microbial composition of laboratory animals. However, a pronounced sex bias has been widely observed in many biological studies, thereby limiting the generalizability of results. This study focused on ten commonly used laboratory animals in life sciences, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, dogs, cats, non-human primates, miniature pigs, and chickens. Their gut microbial composition was summarized and related sex-specific differences of certain species were analyzed. Furthermore, by comparing the gut microbiota of laboratory animals with that of humans, this study offers novel perspectives for comparative medical research. In summary, this study not only deepens researchers' understanding of gut microbiota characteristics and sex-dependent variations across laboratory animal species but also provides practical guidance for selecting appropriate laboratory animals, constructing sex-specific disease models, and interpreting experimental results in scientific studies.
5.Research Progress on Characteristics Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Its Sex Differences in Laboratory Animals
Huangyi SHEN ; Yufei HUANG ; Yunpeng YANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):349-359
Laboratory animals serve as the cornerstone in life science research, acting as surrogate models for human physiology, pathology, and disease treatment. They play an irreplaceable role in basic research, drug development, and translational medicine. Gut microbiota, a complex microbial community comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and unicellular organisms, colonizes the host's intestinal tract and is closely associated with the maintenance of normal physiological metabolism and overall health. Studies have shown that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can lead to various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, conducting characteristic analyses of the gut microbial composition of laboratory animals can not only enhance the reliability of experimental outcomes but also facilitate their translational application. Sex differences represent a critical variable in biological research, significantly influencing the physiological functions, metabolic traits, and gut microbial composition of laboratory animals. However, a pronounced sex bias has been widely observed in many biological studies, thereby limiting the generalizability of results. This study focused on ten commonly used laboratory animals in life sciences, including mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, dogs, cats, non-human primates, miniature pigs, and chickens. Their gut microbial composition was summarized and related sex-specific differences of certain species were analyzed. Furthermore, by comparing the gut microbiota of laboratory animals with that of humans, this study offers novel perspectives for comparative medical research. In summary, this study not only deepens researchers' understanding of gut microbiota characteristics and sex-dependent variations across laboratory animal species but also provides practical guidance for selecting appropriate laboratory animals, constructing sex-specific disease models, and interpreting experimental results in scientific studies.
6.Exploration of the practical path of integrating red doctor culture into ideological and political education in medical colleges and universities
Yang SHEN ; Li WANG ; Zailei ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):890-896
The Master Plan on Building China into a Leading Country in Education (2024-2035) has made important arrangements for“expanding the space and battlefield for practical and online education”and“fully utilizing the educational function of red resources”. Red medicine culture is a cultural system with strong vitality and excellent genes created by the people led by the CPC in the process of creating health care undertakings. In the context of the new era, how to effectively promote the integration of red medicine culture into the ideological and political education in medical colleges and universities to enhance medical students’ sense of professional identity, responsibility, and mission has become a key issue in the current medical education reform. By analyzing the necessity and basic principles of integrating red doctor culture into ideological and political education in medical colleges and universities, a practical path based on the “three horizontal integrations and three vertical dimensions” model was proposed. Specifically, this involves horizontally promoting textbook construction, classroom teaching, and ideological and political practice, while vertically deepening pre-class preparation, classroom teaching reform, and post-class evaluation, thereby building a systematic and operational red doctor culture integration system as well as providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the cultivation of medical talents in the new era.
7.WANG Xiuxia's Clinical Experience in Treating Hyperprolactinemia with Liver Soothing Therapy
Yu WANG ; Danni DING ; Yuehui ZHANG ; Songli HAO ; Meiyu YAO ; Ying GUO ; Yang FU ; Ying SHEN ; Jia LI ; Fangyuan LIU ; Fengjuan HAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1428-1432
This paper summarizes Professor WANG Xiuxia's clinical experience in treating hyperprolactinemia using the liver soothing therapy. Professor WANG identifies liver qi stagnation and rebellious chong qi (冲气) as the core pathomechanisms of hyperprolactinemia. Furthermore, liver qi stagnation may transform into fire or lead to pathological changes such as spleen deficiency with phlegm obstruction or kidney deficiency with essence depletion. The treatment strategy centers on soothing the liver, with a modified version of Qinggan Jieyu Decoction (清肝解郁汤) as the base formula. Depending on different syndrome patterns such as liver stagnation transforming into fire, liver stagnation with spleen deficiency, or liver stagnation with kidney deficiency, heat clearing, spleen strengthening, or kidney tonifying herbs are added accordingly. In addition, three paired herb combinations are commonly used for symptom specific treatment, Danggui (Angelica sinensis) with Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Zelan (Lycopus lucidus) with Yimucao (Leonurus japonicus) , and Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorus) with Zisu (Perilla frutescens).
8.Application of Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry Technology Combined with Chemometric Methods in Identification of Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan Region
Xiurong TIAN ; Hao WANG ; Kejing PANG ; Penglong YU ; Xia LIU ; Mengyue SHEN ; Xianglin JIANG ; Yonghua LI ; Zhihong LI ; Hongqiong DING ; Qin YANG ; Xingying LI ; Qian XIONG ; Guochao WAN ; Yuexiang MA ; Zhenping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):184-192
ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan, providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas, including Minqin (Gansu), Bozhou (Anhui), Qingdao (Shandong), Dezhou (Shandong), Urumqi (Xinjiang), Nujiang (Yunnan), Gutuo (Inner Mongolia), and Haiyuan (Ningxia). Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform, VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted, and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection (VIP) values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, organic acids, terpenoids, ethers, alkenes, and benzenes. The PLS-DA model, based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS, effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation, the model achieved a prediction parameter (Q2) of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter (R2) of 0.936, with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology, PLS-DA, and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.
9.Application of Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry Technology Combined with Chemometric Methods in Identification of Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan Region
Xiurong TIAN ; Hao WANG ; Kejing PANG ; Penglong YU ; Xia LIU ; Mengyue SHEN ; Xianglin JIANG ; Yonghua LI ; Zhihong LI ; Hongqiong DING ; Qin YANG ; Xingying LI ; Qian XIONG ; Guochao WAN ; Yuexiang MA ; Zhenping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):184-192
ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan, providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas, including Minqin (Gansu), Bozhou (Anhui), Qingdao (Shandong), Dezhou (Shandong), Urumqi (Xinjiang), Nujiang (Yunnan), Gutuo (Inner Mongolia), and Haiyuan (Ningxia). Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform, VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted, and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection (VIP) values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, organic acids, terpenoids, ethers, alkenes, and benzenes. The PLS-DA model, based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS, effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation, the model achieved a prediction parameter (Q2) of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter (R2) of 0.936, with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology, PLS-DA, and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.
10.Roles of A- and C-weighted kurtosis adjustment for equivalent sound level in evaluating occupational hearing loss
Haiying LIU ; Linjie WU ; Yang LI ; Jinzhe LI ; Jiarui XIN ; Hua ZOU ; Wei QIU ; Tong SHEN ; Meibian ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):793-799
Background Temporal kurtosis (without frequency weighting, i.e., Z-weighted kurtosis) can evaluate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, few studies have considered the function of frequency weighting (A- or C-weighted) kurtosis on NIHL. Objective To study the significance of A- and C-weighted kurtosis adjustment for equivalent sound level (L'EX,8 h) in evaluating occupational hearing loss. Methods A cross-sectional survey was used to select 973 noise-exposed workers in seven industries as the subjects. The noise exposure of all workers was assessed by distributions of A-, C-, and Z-weighted kurtosis (e.g., KA, KC, and KZ) and respective adjusted equivalent sound level (e.g., L'EX,8 h-KA, L'EX,8 h-KC, and L'EX,8 h-KZ). The significance of A- and C-weighted kurtosis in evaluating NIHL was evaluated by correlations between three types of L'EX,8 h and NIHL, and improvement of noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) underestimation predicted by the ISO prediction model (Acoustics—Estimation of noise-induced hearing loss, ISO 1999-2013). Results The median KA, KC, and KZ were 68.33, 28.22, and 19.82, respectively. The binary logistic regression showed that LEX, 8 h-KA, LEX, 8 h-KC, and L'EX, 8 h-KZ were risk factors for NIHL (OR>1, P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that when the outcome variable was noise-induced hearing impairment (NIHI), the areas under the curves corresponding to L'EX,8 h-KA, L'EX,8 h-KC, and L'EX,8 h-KZ were 0.625, 0.628, and 0.625, respectively. When the outcome variable was high-frequency noise-induced hearing loss (HFNIHL), the areas under the curves corresponding to L'EX,8 h-KA, L'EX, 8 h-KC, and L'EX,8 h-KZ were 0.624, 0.623, and 0.622, respectively (P<0.05). The order of underestimation improvement values predicted by L'EX,8 h for NIPTS1234 was: L'EX,8 h-KA (4.68 dB HL)>L'EX,8 h-KC (4.38 dB HL)>L'EX,8 h-KZ (4.28 dB HL) (P<0.001). The order of underestimation improvement values predicted by L'EX,8 h-K for NIPTS346 was: L'EX,8 h-KA (7.20 dB HL)>L'EX,8 h-KC (6.83 dB HL)>L'EX,8 h-KZ (6.71 dB HL) (P<0.001). Conclusion The adjustment of A- and C-weighted kurtosis to equivalent sound level LEX,8 h can effectively improve the accuracy of the ISO 1999 prediction model in NIPTS prediction, and compared with the C-weighted, the A-weighted kurtosis can improve the result of the ISO 1999 prediction model in terms of underestimating NIPTS.

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