1.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Antagonising Ectopic Endometrial Tissue Fibrosis Based on Cellular Pyroptosis Mediated by TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 Signaling Pathway
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Jiaxing WANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Bin YUE ; Zhirui ZHANG ; Yinan WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Dongqing WEI ; Cancan HUANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):19-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in antagonizing cellular pyroptosis and fibrosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (n = 12) and a modeling group (n = 60). The rats in the sham-operated group underwent a caesarean section, while the rats in the modeling group were used to establish an endometriosis model through the auto-transplantation method. After successful modeling, the animals were randomly divided into the model group, progesterone group (0.25 mg·kg-1), and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with 12 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug administration, voluntary activity and heat pain latency were observed. The rats were sacrificed for tissue collection, and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the endometrial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression area of tumor necrosis factor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the endometrial tissues. Western blot was employed to measure the relative expression of TRL4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), TRAF6, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLPR3 proteins in endometrial tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, rats in the model group showed reduced voluntary activity and shorter heat pain latency. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were elevated. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins were increased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was enhanced. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and NLPR3 proteins, along with the expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA, were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang medium- and high-dose groups exhibited improved voluntary activity, longer heat pain latency, the fibrosis of endometrial tissue is alleviated. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were decreased. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins decreased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD weakened. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, NLPR3 proteins, and TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA expression were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may play a therapeutic role in endometriosis by interfering with key proteins in the TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 signaling pathway, reducing NLRP3 inflammasome-induced cellular pyroptosis, antagonizing the fibrosis process in ectopic endometrial tissues, improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the pelvic cavity, and alleviating pain.
2.Qishen Granule protects against myocardial ischemia by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway.
Yiqin HONG ; Hui WANG ; Hanyan XIE ; Xinyi ZHONG ; Xu CHEN ; Lishuang YU ; Yawen ZHANG ; Jingmei ZHANG ; Qiyan WANG ; Binghua TANG ; Linghui LU ; Dongqing GUO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):139-147
OBJECTIVE:
Therapeutic angiogenesis has become a promising approach for treating ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present study aims to investigate the effects of Qishen Granule (QSG) on angiogenesis in myocardial ischemia (MI) and the potential mechanism.
METHODS:
In vivo study was conducted on rat model of myocardial infarction. QSG was performed daily at a dose of 2.352 g/kg for four weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiogram and pro-angiogenic effects were evaluated by Laser Doppler and CD31 expression. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was applied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell viability, wound healing and tube formation assay were used to test functions of HUVECs. ELISA and Western blots were used to assess protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2-delta-like 4-notch homolog 1 (BMP2-Dll4-Notch1) signaling pathway.
RESULTS:
The results showed that QSG improved heart function, cardiac blood flow and microvessel density in myocardial ischemic rats. In vitro, QSG protected HUVECs by promoting the cell viability and tube formation. QSG upregulated bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and downregulated delta-like 4 (Dll4) and notch homolog 1 (Notch1) expressions both in rats and HUVECs.
CONCLUSION
QSG protected against MI by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway. BMP2 might be a promising therapeutic target for IHD.
3.Efficacy of navel application of Jianpiwenyang Gel for chronic diarrhea of spleen and stomach weakness type:a randomized controlled trial and analysis of the mechanism
Yixin CUI ; Decai WANG ; Dongqing XIE ; Haiming WANG ; Ruixin XU ; Xiaoran TANG ; Yin ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(2):217-225
Objective To investigate the efficacy of Jianpiwenyang Gel(SSWYG)for treating chronic diarrhea and explore its therapeutic mechanism.Methods Eighty patients with chronic diarrhea of spleen and stomach weakness type were randomized into two groups for interventions with lifestyle adjustment and treatment with bifid triple viable capsules(control group,n=40)or naval application with SSWYG(treatment group,n=40)for one week,after which symptoms of chronic diarrhea were evaluated.The Chinese medicine system pharmacology analysis platform(TCMSP),GeneCards,NCBI,OMIM database and GEO database(GSE14841)were used to obtain the active ingredients and target proteins of SSWYG and chronic diarrhea-related targets.The key targets were obtained by topological analysis for Gene Ontology(GO)and KEGG analyses.The affinity and binding characteristics of SSWYG for specific targets were verified by molecular docking using AutoDock software.Results In both groups,gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS),Bristol Scale and TCM syndrome scores significantly improved after the treatments(P<0.05),and better effects were observed in the treatment group(P<0.05).Sixty-eight targets of SSWYG in treating chronic diarrhea were obtained,and 33 most probable ones were screened out by topological analysis.GO and KEGG analyses identified several chronic diarrhea-related pathways including the TNF and IL-17 pathways.Molecular docking study showed good affinity of the core components of SSWYG for the key targets CASP3,JNK,IL1B,IL6,and AKT1.JUN and CASP3 had the lowest binding energy and the highest stable binding energy with multiple major active ingredients of SSWYG.Conclusion SSWYG can significantly improve clinical symptoms of chronic diarrhea possibly by regulating the TNF and IL-17 as well as other pathways via CASP3 and JUN,suggesting a complex therapeutic mechanism of SSWYG involving multiple ingredients and targets and coordinated regulation of multiple pathways.
4.HIV-1 molecular transmission network among men who have sex with men in Shaoxing City
HE Tingting ; CAO Dongqing ; LIN Jiafeng ; JIANG Zhuojing ; ZHANG Jiafeng ; FAN Qin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):571-575,579
Objective:
To investigate the molecular transmission network characteristics of HIV-1 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into AIDS prevention and control among MSM.
Methods:
Newly reported HIV/AIDS cases among MSM in Shaoxing City were selected from January 2021 to September 2023. Plasma samples before the antiviral treatment were collected. The HIV-1 pol gene was amplified using reverse transcription PCR and nested PCR to construct phylogenetic trees for gene subtype analysis. The HIV-TRACE method was used to construct a molecular transmission network with a genetic distance of 1.5% to analyze clustering and the characteristics of cases within molecular clusters.
Results:
A total of 216 HIV/AIDS cases among MSM were included, and 179 qualified sequences were obtained. The predominant HIV-1 subtypes were CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE, with 95 and 66 cases, respectively. At 1.5% genetic distance, 20 molecular clusters were formed, with 61 nodes and 58 edges. A total of 61 sequences were connected to the transmission network (34.08%). HIV/AIDS cases among MSM from all the counties (cities, districts) in Shaoxing City were included in the network. There was the largest molecular cluster with ≥10 nodes, involving 12 cases from five counties (cities, districts), 3 medium-sized molecular clusters with 4 to 5 nodes, and the 16 small-sized molecular clusters with 2 or 3 nodes. Seven cases with high risk of transmission, each with ≥4 edges, were all CRF07_BC subtypes. Among them, two cases were from the large molecular cluster, and five cases were from the same molecular cluster composed of cases from Shengzhou City and Xinchang County.
Conclusions
The predominant HIV-1 subtypes among MSM in Shaoxing City were CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE. There was cross-regional HIV transmission, and potential transmission risk might exist in Shengzhou City and Xinchang County.
5.Research on the Optimization Strategy of Operating Room Efficiency in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
Wei QIAO ; Shuai JIANG ; Ruonan LU ; Di WU ; Dongqing ZHANG ; Jinjin ZHAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(6):85-88
The operating room was the core department of a hospital,and its operational efficiency had a significant impact on the high-quality development of a hospital.An analysis has revealed that low efficiency and irrational allocation in the operating room were mainly due to the lack of operational regulations and norms,the unreasonable arrangement of surgical specialties,and the unbalanced allocation of supporting resources.To address these issues,the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University has taken into account the overall allocation of resources for the central operating room and the central operating room,and formulated strategies to improve operational efficiency,including adjusting the operational mechanism,optimizing the structure of surgical specialties,and providing corresponding supporting resources.Based on the adjustment of surgical structure,the implementation effect of the program was measured and evaluated,which provided practical strategies for optimizing operating room efficiency in hospitals.
6.Reflection and Exploration on Medical Equipment Sharing Operation Mechanisms in Large Public Hospitals
Wei QIAO ; Yingbo CHEN ; Dongqing ZHANG ; Di WU ; Xinyue LIU ; Zhuzi YUEGUANG ; Tian ZHANG ; Shuai JIANG ; Jinjin ZHAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):69-71,92
The increasing operating pressure of large public hospitals has forced hospitals to focus on opening up income sources and reducing expenditure.The purchase and maintenance of medical equipment is one of the important economic activities of hospi-tals.However,there are problems in large public hospitals,such as the argumentation for equipment acquisition ignoring evaluation of operational efficiency,the costing model that leads to a lack of willingness of departments to purchase equipment,and the lack of standard processes and systems for renting medical equipment among departments.Based on this,it explores the establishment of a medical equipment sharing operation mechanism in large public hospitals,promotes the improvement of the efficiency of medical equipment use in large public hospitals by establishing a medical equipment sharing center,standardizing the purchase of shared equipment,entering shared equipment information,setting up shared equipment leasing specifications,and clarifying the equipment return process and maintenance,so as to effectively control hospital operating costs,and help the high-quality development of public hospitals.
7.Research on the Optimization Strategy of Operating Room Efficiency in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
Wei QIAO ; Shuai JIANG ; Ruonan LU ; Di WU ; Dongqing ZHANG ; Jinjin ZHAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(6):85-88
The operating room was the core department of a hospital,and its operational efficiency had a significant impact on the high-quality development of a hospital.An analysis has revealed that low efficiency and irrational allocation in the operating room were mainly due to the lack of operational regulations and norms,the unreasonable arrangement of surgical specialties,and the unbalanced allocation of supporting resources.To address these issues,the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University has taken into account the overall allocation of resources for the central operating room and the central operating room,and formulated strategies to improve operational efficiency,including adjusting the operational mechanism,optimizing the structure of surgical specialties,and providing corresponding supporting resources.Based on the adjustment of surgical structure,the implementation effect of the program was measured and evaluated,which provided practical strategies for optimizing operating room efficiency in hospitals.
8.Reflection and Exploration on Medical Equipment Sharing Operation Mechanisms in Large Public Hospitals
Wei QIAO ; Yingbo CHEN ; Dongqing ZHANG ; Di WU ; Xinyue LIU ; Zhuzi YUEGUANG ; Tian ZHANG ; Shuai JIANG ; Jinjin ZHAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):69-71,92
The increasing operating pressure of large public hospitals has forced hospitals to focus on opening up income sources and reducing expenditure.The purchase and maintenance of medical equipment is one of the important economic activities of hospi-tals.However,there are problems in large public hospitals,such as the argumentation for equipment acquisition ignoring evaluation of operational efficiency,the costing model that leads to a lack of willingness of departments to purchase equipment,and the lack of standard processes and systems for renting medical equipment among departments.Based on this,it explores the establishment of a medical equipment sharing operation mechanism in large public hospitals,promotes the improvement of the efficiency of medical equipment use in large public hospitals by establishing a medical equipment sharing center,standardizing the purchase of shared equipment,entering shared equipment information,setting up shared equipment leasing specifications,and clarifying the equipment return process and maintenance,so as to effectively control hospital operating costs,and help the high-quality development of public hospitals.
9.Research on the Optimization Strategy of Operating Room Efficiency in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
Wei QIAO ; Shuai JIANG ; Ruonan LU ; Di WU ; Dongqing ZHANG ; Jinjin ZHAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(6):85-88
The operating room was the core department of a hospital,and its operational efficiency had a significant impact on the high-quality development of a hospital.An analysis has revealed that low efficiency and irrational allocation in the operating room were mainly due to the lack of operational regulations and norms,the unreasonable arrangement of surgical specialties,and the unbalanced allocation of supporting resources.To address these issues,the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University has taken into account the overall allocation of resources for the central operating room and the central operating room,and formulated strategies to improve operational efficiency,including adjusting the operational mechanism,optimizing the structure of surgical specialties,and providing corresponding supporting resources.Based on the adjustment of surgical structure,the implementation effect of the program was measured and evaluated,which provided practical strategies for optimizing operating room efficiency in hospitals.
10.Reflection and Exploration on Medical Equipment Sharing Operation Mechanisms in Large Public Hospitals
Wei QIAO ; Yingbo CHEN ; Dongqing ZHANG ; Di WU ; Xinyue LIU ; Zhuzi YUEGUANG ; Tian ZHANG ; Shuai JIANG ; Jinjin ZHAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(7):69-71,92
The increasing operating pressure of large public hospitals has forced hospitals to focus on opening up income sources and reducing expenditure.The purchase and maintenance of medical equipment is one of the important economic activities of hospi-tals.However,there are problems in large public hospitals,such as the argumentation for equipment acquisition ignoring evaluation of operational efficiency,the costing model that leads to a lack of willingness of departments to purchase equipment,and the lack of standard processes and systems for renting medical equipment among departments.Based on this,it explores the establishment of a medical equipment sharing operation mechanism in large public hospitals,promotes the improvement of the efficiency of medical equipment use in large public hospitals by establishing a medical equipment sharing center,standardizing the purchase of shared equipment,entering shared equipment information,setting up shared equipment leasing specifications,and clarifying the equipment return process and maintenance,so as to effectively control hospital operating costs,and help the high-quality development of public hospitals.


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