1.Mechanisms of Antidepressant Effect of Zhizi Houpotang and Its Herbal Pairs Based on NLRP3/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Ziwen GUO ; Tingyu SONG ; Yan WANG ; Baomei XIA ; Weiwei TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):72-80
ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point, this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Zhizi Houpotang, and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism, with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model group, a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group (6 g·kg-1·d-1), a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC)-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a Gardeniae Fructus (GF)-MOC herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a GF-AFI herbal pair group (3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and a positive drug group (fluoxetine, 12 mg·kg-1·d-1). Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal) and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2RX7, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, GSDMD, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition, the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased (P<0.01), the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of Panx1, P2RX7, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators (P<0.01). The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and PSD95 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair, GF-MOC, can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling, thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously, it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density, promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula, and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.
2.Key Information Research and Modern Clinical Application of Famous Classical Formula Yanghetang
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Shunxi WANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):238-246
Through data collection and collation combined with bibliometrics, this study conducted a series of textual research on Yanghetang, such as the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition and modern clinical application. Yanghetang was first recorded in Bencao Yidu of WANG Ang in the Qing dynasty. In addition to Yanghetang, there were 3 bynames of Jiawei Yanghetang, Quanshengji Yanghetang and Zhenjun Yanghetang. Regarding the composition of the formula, a total of 4 versions of Yanghetang were collected. The first version is the 5 medicines version of Cervi Cornus Colla, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Ephedrae Herba in Bencao Yidu. The second version is the 7 medicines version of Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji, changing Zingiberis Rhizoma to Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum Carbonisata(ZRPC) and adding Sinapis Semen and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR) on the basis of Bencao Yidu, and most of the Yanghetang is of this version. The third version is the 6 medicines version of Wushi Yifang Huibian, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into ZRPC, and Sinapis Semen is added. The fourth version is the 6 medicines version in Yifang Jiedu, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum, and GRR Praeparata cum Melle is added. Regarding the dose of Yanghetang, the doses of the medicines in Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji was converted into the modern doses as follows:37.3 g of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1.87 g of Ephedrae Herba, 11.19 g of Cervi Cornus Colla, 7.46 g of Sinapis Semen, 3.73 g of Cinnamomi Cortex, 3.73 g of GRR, and 1.87 g of ZRPC. The origins of the above medicines are consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The processing specification of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata is steaming method, ZRPC is ginger charcoal, Sinapis Semen is the fried products, and the rest of the medicines are raw products. The decoction method was verified by the decoction method in Chonglou Yuyao, which is similar in the time, and it is recommended that the above medicines should be added with 600 mL of water, decocted to 100 mL, and taken warmly 30 min after meal. For each dose, it is recommended to use 1-3 doses per day according to the doctor's advice in combination with clinical practice. The diseases involved in the ancient applications involved 42 diseases in 11 departments, including orthopedics, dermatology and gynecology, which were dominated by Yin-cold syndrome. However, the diseases involved in modern research also include 148 related diseases in 10 departments, such as orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, which is consistent with the ancient books. In recent years, the research hotspots of Yanghetang have focused on more than 10 fields, including osteoblasts, malignant tumors, wound healing, traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and so on, which are widely used. It is suitable for comprehensive research and development because of its rational formula composition, clear origin, processing and decoction method, and wide clinical application.
3.Effect of electroacupuncture on intestinal flora in COPD rats based on gut-lung axis theory.
Daohong CHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Wenchuan QI ; Qian ZENG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Ziwen WANG ; Yongjiang FANG ; Shuguang YU ; Ling ZHAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(7):967-981
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the intestinal flora in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explore its possible mechanism based on the gut-lung axis theory.
METHODS:
A total of 30 male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a normal control (NC) group, a model group and an EA group, 10 rats in each one. In the model group and the EA group, COPD model was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide combined with cigarette fumigation. In the EA group, EA was applied at bilateral "Feishu" (BL13) and "Zusanli" (ST36), with disperse-dense waves, in frequency of 4 Hz/20 Hz, current of 1-3 mA, 20 min a time, once a day for 14 days continuously. Before and after modeling, as well as after intervention, body weight was observed; after intervention, the lung function indexes (forced expiratory volume in 0.1 second [FEV0.1], FEV0.1/forced vital capacity [FVC]%, forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second [FEV0.3] and FEV0.3/FVC%) were measured, serum levels of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α[TNF-α], interleukin-6[IL-6], interleukin-1β[IL-1β] and interleukin-10[IL-10]) were detected by ELISA, histopathology of lung and colon tissues was observed by HE staining, the intestinal flora were analyzed by 16S rRNA, and the correlations between lung function and intestinal flora were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Compared with the NC group, in the COPD group, the body weight and lung function indexes were reduced (P<0.01); the lung and colon tissues were damaged, the mean linear intercept (MLI) of alveolus and inflammatory cell numbers of 100 μm2 in lung tissue were increased (P<0.01); the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the serum level of IL-10 was decreased (P<0.01); α-diversity indexes of intestinal flora were increased (P<0.01); the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Oscillospira, Bacteroides, Coprococcus was increased (P<0.01), the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, TM7 and Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, YRC22 was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05); 31 different expressed metabolic pathways were identified between the two groups. Compared with the COPD group, in the EA group, the body weight and lung function indexes were increased (P<0.01); the damage of lung and colon tissues was improved, the MLI of alveolus was decreased (P<0.05); the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05), and the serum level of IL-10 was increased (P<0.05); α-diversity indexes of intestinal flora were decreased (P<0.01); the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Oscillospira, Bacteroides, Coprococcus was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, TM7 and Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, YRC22 was increased (P<0.01); 35 different expressed metabolic pathways were identified between the two groups. The lung function was positive related with Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, TM7 and YRC22, and was negative related with Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Oscillospira, Bacteroides, Coprococcus.
CONCLUSION
EA may ameliorate lung function and tissue injury of COPD by regulating intestinal flora dysbiosis and inflammatory response, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect mediated via "gut-lung" axis.
Animals
;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/genetics*
;
Male
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Lung/metabolism*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Humans
;
Interleukin-6/immunology*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
;
Intestines/microbiology*
;
Interleukin-10/immunology*
4.Mechanism of acupuncture on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway in rat models.
Qi WANG ; Ziwen HOU ; Yaoyao LIU ; Dan WEI ; Qingjie KONG ; Xia CHEN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1099-1110
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) in the rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) based on the p53 protein (p53)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Of 102 male Wistar rats, 20 rats were randomly collected as a sham-operation group. Using a modified external carotid artery filament insertion method, CIRI models were prepared by occluding the middle cerebral artery in the rest rats. After modeling and excluding 1 non-successfully modeled rat and 1 dead one, the other modeled rats were randomized into a model group, an agonist group, an acupuncture group, and an acupuncture + agonist group, 20 rats in each one. Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy was delivered in the rats of the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The acupoints included "Shuigou" (GV26), bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6), and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side. Electroacupuncture was attached to "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side, with dense-disperse wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz and intensity of 1 mA. The intervention was delivered twice daily, 20 min each time and for 7 consecutive days. In the agonist group and acupuncture+agonist group, p53 agonist, COTI-2 was intraperitoneally injected (15 mg/kg), once daily for 7 consecutive days. Neurological deficit was evaluated using Zausinger's six-point scale. Cerebral infarction volume was quantified by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Iron deposition was assessed by Prussian blue staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in the ischemic cortex was examined under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum iron (Fe2+) was measured with chromometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the ischemic hippocampus were determined using thiobarbituric acid and microplate assays, respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ischemic cortex was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and p53 in the ischemic hippocampus were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited the decrease in neurological deficit score (P<0.01), and the increase in cerebral infarction volume percentage (P<0.01). The changes of brain tissue were presented in extensive cellular necrosis, pyknotic and deeply-stained nuclei, and vacuolar degeneration. The iron deposition was elevated in cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane density increased, the cristae was broken or reduced, and the outer membrane ruptured. The levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were elevated (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was reduced (P<0.01), while that of p53 rose (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the agonist group, the neurological deficit score was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of infarction volume was higher (P<0.01), the histopathological damage was further exacerbated, and the percentage of iron deposition increased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial quantity decreased, the membrane density increased, the mitochondrial cristae were broken or reduced, and the outer membrane was ruptured. The levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were higher (P<0.01, P<0.05) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while that of p53 was elevated (P<0.01). Besides, in comparison with the model group, the neurological deficit score was higher in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01), the pathological damage of brain tissue was alleviated in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group, and the percentage of iron depositiondecreased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial structure was relatively clear, the mitochondrial cristae were fractured or reduced mildly in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were lower (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was higher (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group. The mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture + agonist group. The mRNA expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was elevated (P<0.01) and that of p53 was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05) in either the acupuncture group or the acupuncture + agonist group; the protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 rose (P<0.05, P<0.01) and that of p53 was dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group; and the protein expression of p53 was also lower in the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.05). When compared with the agonist group, in the acupuncture + agonist group, neurological deficit score increased (P<0.01), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.01), the pathological brain tissue damage was reduced, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was relatively clear and the cristae broken or reduced slightly; the levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01), while the level of GSH increased (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01). In comparison with the acupuncture + agonist group, in the acupuncture group, the neurological deficit score increased (P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.05), the pathological brain tissue damage was alleviated, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was normal in tendency; the levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were reduced (P<0.05), while the level of GSH rose (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can alleviate neurological damage in CIRI rats, which is obtained probably by inhibiting ferroptosis through p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
Animals
;
Reperfusion Injury/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Rats
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics*
;
Brain Ischemia/metabolism*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Signal Transduction
;
Humans
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics*
5.Rules of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic cough based on ancient and modern literature mining.
Xinyu DENG ; Yilin LIU ; Guixing XU ; Qi LI ; Junqi LI ; Si HUANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Hangyu LI ; Xi CHEN ; Fanrong LIANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1347-1359
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the rules of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic cough using data mining.
METHODS:
The ancient and modern medical record cloud platform, and the databases, i.e. CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, EMbase, Web of Science and PubMed, were searched to screen the ancient and modern literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic cough. The prescription database was established for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic cough, and the analysis conducted on the frequency and use percentage in the aspects of intervention measures, acupoint selection, acupoint distribution, meridian tropism, special points and acupoint combination, as well as the association rules and clustering rules of acupoint selection. The subgroup analysis was performed in accordance with the etiology of chronic cough and intervention measures.
RESULTS:
A total of 106 articles were included and 158 prescriptions were extracted. The intervention measures were acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medication and the combination of several measures. The high-frequency acupoints included Feishu (BL13), Zusanli (ST36), Dazhui (GV14), Pishu (BL20), Danzhong (CV17), Shenshu (BL23), Lieque (LU7), Dingchuan (EX-B1), Tiantu (CV22), and Fenglong (ST40). These acupoints are mainly distributed on the back, lumbar region, chest and abdomen. The involved meridians were bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, conception vessel, and lung meridian of hand-taiyin. The special points covered back-shu points, crossing points and five-shu point. Regarding the compatibility of acupoints, the combination of upper and lower points, and the combination of front and back points were predominant in treatment. The analysis of association rules found that the support of Feishu (BL13)→Zusanli (ST36) was the highest; the cluster analysis obtained 8 clusters of acupoints. The acupoint compatibility and overall rules were similar when cough variant asthma (CVA) or the mixed reasons were involved, and the local treatment approach was adopted if the etiology of disease was related to upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) and gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC). The acupoint selection was similar among different intervention measures. When two kinds of measures were combined in treatment, Feishu (BL13), Pishu (BL20) and Zusanli (ST36) were the most common.
CONCLUSION
In treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic cough, the acupoints are selected on the affected local area, depending on syndrome differentiation, and focusing on back-shu points. The main acupoints are Feishu (BL13), Zusanli (ST36), Dazhui (GV14), Pishu (BL20), Danzhong (CV17) and Shenshu (BL23). The combined therapy is dominant with acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine involved.
Acupuncture Points
;
Moxibustion/history*
;
Humans
;
Cough/history*
;
Acupuncture Therapy/history*
;
Chronic Disease/therapy*
;
Data Mining
;
History, Ancient
;
Meridians
;
Chronic Cough
6.NIP7 upregulates the expression of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C to promote tumor growth in anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Yingying GONG ; Ziwen FANG ; Yixuan WANG ; Minghua GE ; Zongfu PAN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):372-381
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the role of nucleolar pre-rRNA processing protein NIP7 (NIP7) in maintaining the malignant phenotype of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and its molecular mechanisms.
METHODS:
NIP7 expression in ATC tissues and its gene knock-out effects in ATC cells were analyzed using gene expression microarray (GSE33630), proteome database (IPX0008941000) and the Dependency Map database, respectively. Expression and localization of NIP7 in normal thyroid cells, papillary thyroid cancer cells, and ATC cells were detected by Western blotting. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into ATC cells, and the knockdown efficiency of NIP7 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, colony formation was evaluated by colony formation assay, and tumor growth was assessed by xenograft tumor model in nude mice. SUnSET (surface sensing of translation) assay combined with co-immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate the effect of NIP7 silencing on ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) translation. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis was used to identify shared pathways of NIP7 and UBE2C, which were validated by qRT-PCR.
RESULTS:
Compared with normal tissues and papillary thyroid cancer, NIP7 was significantly upregulated in ATC tissues, and had a gene knock-out fitness effect on different ATC cell lines. The relative protein levels of NIP7 in ATC cells were significantly higher than those in normal thyroid follicular cells, and the protein was mainly expressed in the nucleus. NIP7 silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation and reduced colony formation. Xenograft tumor model showed that NIP7 knockdown significantly slowed down the growth of ATC xenograft, and the tumor volume and weight were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). NIP7 silencing downregulated the protein level of UBE2C, but did not affect the expression of UBE2C mRNA. Compared to the control group, UBE2C silencing significantly inhibited ATC cells proliferation (P<0.01) and colony formation (P<0.05). UBE2C overexpression reversed the proliferation-inhibitory effect induced by NIP7 silencing (P<0.01). Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that NIP7 and UBE2C were both involved in DNA replication. NIP7 or UBE2C silencing could significantly downregulate the expression levels of DNA polymerase epsilon, catalytic subunit 2 and replication factor C4 in DNA replication pathway.
CONCLUSIONS
NIP7 promotes ATC tumor growth by upregulating UBE2C to mediate DNA replication.
Humans
;
Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/genetics*
;
Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Mice, Nude
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Up-Regulation
;
RNA, Small Interfering/genetics*
;
Nuclear Proteins/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
7.Establishment of the epidemiological cut-off value for antifungal drugs against Cryptococcus neoformans in East China from 2017 to 2022
Lili WANG ; Ziyi ZHOU ; Ziwen WANG ; Wenjie TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Lingbing ZENG ; Wenjuan WU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(6):639-643
Objective:To establish an epidemiological cut-off value (ECV) for antifungal drugs against Cryptococcus neoformans in East China through a multicenter in vitro drug susceptibility test. Methods:A retrospective collection of 479 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans was conducted by the East China Invasive Fungal Infection Group (ECIFIG) from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Mass spectrometry and gene sequencing were used for identification. A unified drug susceptibility testing system was established in the fungal laboratories across three sub centers in Shanghai, Jiangxi, and Jiangsu provinces. Drug susceptibility testings of Cryptococcus neoformans were independently completed in each center after passing consistency evaluation. Epidemiological breakpoints were established against fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, isaconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole following the principles and procedures of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M57. Results:External consistency evaluation revealed that the minimum inhibitory concentration values ??for all drugs in each center did not differ by more than one dilution gradient. A new ECV type of Cryptococcus neoformans in East China was established, including fluconazole 16 mg/L, voriconazole 0.12 mg/L, amphotericin B 1 mg/L, 5-fluorocytosine 8 mg/L, isavuconazole 0.12 mg/L, posaconazole 0.5 mg/L, and itraconazole 0.5 mg/L. Conclusion:This study preliminarily revealed the drug susceptibility characteristics of clinical Cryptococcus neoformans in East China and established the ECVs for antifungal drugs against Cryptococcus neoformans in the region.
8.Exploration and practice of one-stop patient service hotline in a certain hospital
Yisi ZHOU ; Wenpeng WEI ; Lingyan ZENG ; Lei YANG ; Jingshu ZHANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Qi YAO
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(9):727-730
With the progress of society and the continuous improvement of people′s living standards in China, the public′s demand for medical services is becoming increasingly diversified. How to move hospital services forward and improve medical services centered on patients has become a key consideration for hospitals to enhance patients′ sense of medical satisfaction. A certain hospital has established a one-stop patient service hotline, integrating functions such as number inquiry, medical consultation, appointment registration, appointment examination, praise and suggestions, complaint follow-up, etc., injecting a complaint handling management mode, and responding to and solving patient feedback problems in a timely manner. Since the launch of the patient service hotline, it has effectively solved the problems that patients encountered during their visits, effectively reduced the hospital′s complaint rate, and initially formed a service closed-loop management. From March to October 2023, the demand ratio of the 12345 hotline in the hospital has continuously decreased, and was significantly lower than the average level of 22 municipal hospitals in Beijing. In the future, we should further improve the communication skills between doctors and patients, focus on managing appeals and services, and continue to strengthen proactive governance.
9.Effect and mechanism of VSIG4 gene mutation on the function of microglia in retinitis pigmentosa
Chunlong XU ; Guowei ZHANG ; Jun DU ; Zhen JIA ; Jingping WANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Yang LI ; Hong LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(10):898-908
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of the V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 4 ( VSIG4 ) gene mutation on the function of microglia in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods:Localization of VSIG4 in the retina was detected by immunofluorescence.HMC3 cells (human microglial cells) were transfected with wild-type (Len-WT) VSIG4 gene, mutant type (Len-Mut) VSIG4 gene and empty vector virus (Len-Cont) and stimulated by the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), then divided into control group, LPS-Len-Mut group, LPS-Len-WT group, LPS-Len-Cont group, Len-Mut group, Len-WT group and Len-Cont group.The mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.Protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit (P65), and phosphorylated P65 (PP65) were detected by Western blot.Cell phagocytic function was detected by phagocytosis assay.Cell migration ability was detected by cell scratch and transwell migration assay.LPS- stimulated HMC3 cells were co-cultured with 661W cells (mouse retinal photoreceptor cells), and the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) proteins of the cells were detected by Western blot.The number of apoptotic cells was determined by apoptosis assay. Results:VSIG4 was localized to microglia in mouse retina.The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that compared with LPS-Len-WT group, the relative expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA in HMC3 cells were significantly increased in LPS-Len-Mut group (both at P<0.05).The Western blot results showed that compared with LPS- Len-WT group, the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 in HMC3 cells were significantly reduced in LPS-Len-Mut group, and the PP65/P65 ratio was significantly increased (all at P<0.05).The phagocytic experiment results showed that the phagocytic rates of HMC3 cells in Len-Cont group, LPS-Len-Cont group, LPS-Len-WT group, and LPS-Len-Mut group were (35.67±3.22)%, (63.67±10.07)%, (84.00±3.46)%, and (64.67±2.31)%, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ( F=59.06, P<0.001).Compared with LPS-Len-WT group, the phagocytic rate of HMC3 cells was significantly reduced in LPS-Len-Mut group ( P<0.05).The results of cell scratch and transwell migration assay showed that compared with LPS-Len-WT group, the migration rate of HMC3 cells at 24 and 48 hours and the number of invading cells per unit area at 24 hours were significantly reduced in LPS-Len-Mut group (all at P<0.05).Compared with LPS-Len-WT group, the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein and the number of cell apoptosis were significantly increased in the LPS-Len-Mut group under the co-culture system (both at P<0.05). Conclusions:VSIG4 is localized to mouse retinal microglia.When the VSIG4 gene in RP mutates, HMC3 cells under LPS stimulation exhibit a series of changes, including activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, decreased activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines, reduced phagocytic and migratory abilities, and increased cell apoptosis in co-culture systems.
10.Airway segmentation method based on coordinate information and multi-scale parallel network
Weipeng LIU ; Jian LI ; Yedong QI ; Ziwen REN ; Yuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2024;41(10):1216-1224
An airway segmentation method based on coordinate information and multi-scale parallel network is proposed to solve the problem of insufficient accuracy of airway model in surgical navigation.Airway features at different scales are learned separately by a parallel network to address the feature conflict arising from airways of different sizes.Then,a coordinate guided up-sampling module is designed to utilize coordinate information from shallow features for guiding reconstruction of deeper features,thus restricting the spatial location of the target and improving the model accuracy.Finally,a channel guided multi-scale feature aggregation module is constructed to capture semantic details across multiple scales and investigate channel relationships between features at different scales.The proposed method and other models are trained and tested on two public datasets,namely LIDC-IDRI and EXACT'09.Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an average Dice coefficient of 93.20%which is 2.61%higher than 3D U-Net,a false positive rate of only 0.012%,a tree length detection rate of 88.59%,and a branch detection rate of 97.42%,demonstrating that the method can be applied to lung disease diagnosis or navigation bronchoscopy.

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