1.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
2.Effect of fatty liver on cardiac structure and function: a cross-sectional study based on health examination
Peiwen CHEN ; Xingxing REN ; Hongmei YAN ; Xinxia CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Hailuan ZENG ; Jingjing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):434-444
Objective To investigate the cross-sectional associations between different fatty liver classifications and cardiac structure and function in people undergo health examination. Methods A total of 6 545 adults who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were retrospectively included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory data were collected. The hepatic steatosis was graded by ultrasonography. And patients with fatty liver were further stratified according to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis. Cardiac morphology and function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, and left ventricular geometric patterns were classified accordingly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between fatty liver classifications and cardiac abnormalities. Results There were 2 795 patients (42.7%) with fatty liver, of whom 832 (29.8%) had significant cardiac structural alterations and 1 500 (53.7%) had diastolic dysfunction. Severe fatty liver was risk factor for concentric remodeling and increased relative wall thickness (RWT), with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.27 (P=0.012) and 1.27 (P=0.009), respectively. Fatty liver accompanied by elevated ALT or AST was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.45,1.56; P=0.001, 0.001), increased RWT (OR=1.48,1.57; P<0.001, <0.001), and diastolic dysfunction (OR=1.27, 1.32; P=0.035, 0.040), respectively. Fatty liver with liver fibrosis was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.83, P=0.046) and diastolic dysfunction (OR=2.64, P=0.034). Conclusions Advanced fatty liver, including severe hepatic steatosis, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes or liver fibrosis, could increase risks of cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, while systolic function is preserved. For patients with fatty liver, it is recommended to undergo regular ultrasonography examination.
3.LSS deficiency ameliorates MASLD by downregulating NPC1L1 and activating the CD36/TLR4/JNK pathway
Zihan WANG ; Hongmei BAI ; Qingya HE ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Jian ZHONG ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Sumei ZHANG ; Shengquan ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):812-818
ObjectiveTo investigate whether intestinal deficiency of lanosterol synthase (LSS), a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, influences the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating intestinal cholesterol absorption and immune response. MethodsLSS heterozygous knockout (LSS+/-) mice and wild-type (WT) controls were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or regular chow (CHOW). The model was validated by genotyping. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by HE and oil red O staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression of NPC1L1 and CD36 proteins in the intestine. Western blot analysis was performed to measure JNK phosphorylation and TLR4 protein levels in intestinal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to examine the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL-6. ResultsLSS+/- mice were successfully validated by genotyping and reduced intestinal LSS protein expression. HE and oil red O staining of liver sections showed that, compared with WT mice fed a CHOW diet, WT mice fed a HFD exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid vacuoles. In contrast, compared with HFD-fed WT mice, HFD-fed LSS+/- mice displayed significantly attenuated hepatic lipid deposition and reduced serum ALT levels (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that, compared with WT mice, the expression of the cholesterol absorption protein NPC1L1 in the intestinal villi of LSS+/- mice was downregulated under both CHOW and HFD conditions (PHFD<0.001). Conversely, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 was upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/- mice (PCHOW<0.05, PHFD<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated that, compared with WT mice, TLR4 protein expression in the intestines of LSS+/- mice significantly increased under both CHOW and HFD conditions (both P<0.05). JNK phosphorylation level was significantly elevated in LSS+/- mice under CHOW condition (both P<0.05). Under HFD condition, total JNK protein expression increased, but its phosphorylation level showed no significant change. qPCR analysis showed that, compared with WT mice, the mRNA levels of TLR4 (PCHOW<0.01, PHFD<0.000 1) and IL-6 (PCHOW<0.001, PHFD<0.01) were significantly upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/-mice. ConclusionLSS deficiency counteracts hepatic lipid deposition by orchestrating a synergistic reprogramming involving restricted intestinal cholesterol absorption, enhanced fatty acid utilization, and activation of immune pathways, suggesting intestinal LSS as a potential therapeutic target of MASLD.
4.Research progress of new aluminum-containing vaccine adjuvants
Hongmei REN ; Yerong XIONG ; Xiaoying XUN ; Lei JIANG ; Jiasheng TU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):236-243
Aluminum adjuvants are widely used in the field of vaccines due to their ability to induce efficient and long-lasting immune responses and good safety profile. With the development of immunology, the requirements for adjuvants have gradually increased, and traditional aluminum adjuvants can no longer meet all the needs of application. The development of novel aluminum adjuvants has become a hot research topic in order to achieve good immunity-enhancing effects and induce specific types and strengths of immune responses. This review briefly introduces the mechanism of action and safety of aluminum adjuvants, with focus on the research progress of novel aluminum adjuvants in recent years, mainly including nano-aluminum adjuvants and composite aluminum adjuvants (aluminum adjuvants compounded with immunity-stimulating molecules or delivery carriers), and a prospect of their future research direction, aiming to provide some reference for the further development and clinical application of aluminum adjuvants.
5.ATF3 regulates macrophage autophagy and inflammatory responses by suppressing ATG5 and ATG16L1 expression
Yujie WANG ; Hongmei QIU ; Ting YANG ; Xinhui SHI ; Xiong YANG ; Qingsong JIANG ; Xin LIU ; Xiaoli LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2351-2364
Objective To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of activating transcription factor 3(ATF3)in suppressing lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced autophagy and inflammatory responses in macrophages.Methods Firstly,the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database was used to analyze ATF3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)from sepsis patients,and gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed to identify enriched signaling pathways.Secondly,RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into a blank control group and an LPS-stimulated group(100 ng/mL LPS).Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect ATF3 protein expression and observe its subcellular localization,respectively.Lentiviral transduction was used to generate ATF3 knockdown and overexpression cell lines to evaluate their effects on cytokine release and bacterial clearance.Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation(CUT&Tag)sequencing was employed to identify downstream target genes transcriptionally regulated by ATF3.Furthermore,the impact of ATF3 knockdown or overexpression on autophagy-related gene 5(ATG5),autophagy-related gene 16-like 1(ATG16L1),and autophagy levels was evaluated.Results GEO analysis revealed that ATF3 expression was significantly elevated in PBMCs from sepsis patients(P<0.01),and GSEA showed significant enrichment of autophagy-related and inflammation-related pathways(P<0.01).In RAW264.7 cells,100 ng/mL LPS stimulation significantly increased ATF3 expression in the nucleus than the blank control group(P<0.01).ATF3 knockdown led to increased secretions of TNF-α and IL-6 and enhanced bacterial clearance of macrophages(P<0.01),whereas ATF3 overexpression significantly suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 releases,and remained bacterial clearance at a low level when compared with the conditions in the negative control(NC)group(P<0.01).CUT&Tag results demonstrated that ATF3 was enriched at the promoter regions of key autophagy genes Atg5 and Atg16l1.Compared with the NC group,ATF3 knockdown significantly up-regulated the protein levels of LC3-II/I,ATG5,and ATG16L1 while decreased p62 expression(P<0.01).Conversely,ATF3 overexpression inhibited the expression of LC3-II/I,ATG5,and ATG16L1(P<0.01),but had no significant effect on p62 level.Conclusion Sepsis induces elevated ATF3 expression in macrophages,and suppresses autophagic activity and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6,which probably mediated by ATF3 regulating transcription of ATG5 and ATG16L1,suggesting ATF3 as a potential therapeutic target for autophagy-inflammation imbalance.
6.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cemental tear.
Ye LIANG ; Hongrui LIU ; Chengjia XIE ; Yang YU ; Jinlong SHAO ; Chunxu LV ; Wenyan KANG ; Fuhua YAN ; Yaping PAN ; Faming CHEN ; Yan XU ; Zuomin WANG ; Yao SUN ; Ang LI ; Lili CHEN ; Qingxian LUAN ; Chuanjiang ZHAO ; Zhengguo CAO ; Yi LIU ; Jiang SUN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Li LIN ; Peihui DING ; Weilian SUN ; Jun WANG ; Jiang LIN ; Guangxun ZHU ; Qi ZHANG ; Lijun LUO ; Jiayin DENG ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Aimei SONG ; Hongmei GUO ; Jin ZHANG ; Pingping CUI ; Song GE ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiuyun REN ; Shengbin HUANG ; Xi WEI ; Lihong QIU ; Jing DENG ; Keqing PAN ; Dandan MA ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Dong CHEN ; Liangjun ZHONG ; Gang DING ; Wu CHEN ; Quanchen XU ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Lingqian DU ; Ling LI ; Yijia WANG ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Qiang CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Shaohua GE
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):61-61
Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans
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Dental Cementum/injuries*
;
Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
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Tooth Fractures/therapy*
7.Effect of tolerogenic dendritic cells on autophagy of synovial cells in collagen-induced arthritis rats
Honghong LI ; Xiufang WAN ; Rui YUAN ; Tiaoyu LONG ; Yan ZHOU ; Hongmei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2067-2073,2080
Objective:To investigate the effect of tolerogenic dendritic cells(tolDC)on autophagy of synovial cells in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rats.Methods:Bone marrow mononuclear cells of rats were extracted and induced into tolDC using IL-4,GM-CSF and NF-κB oligonucleotide decoy,and loaded with BⅡC to become BⅡC-tolDC.SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group,CIA model group and BⅡC-tolDC intervention group,with 3 rats in each group.Normal female SD rats were immunized with bovine type Ⅱ collagen solution to construct CIA model.Rats in BⅡC-tolDC intervention group were infused with BⅡC-tolDC via tail vein on the 21st day after initial immunization for two weeks,arthritis indexes were recorded weekly.On the 35th day,the rats were sacrificed,and synovial histopathology of ankle joint of rats in each group were observed by HE staining;the number of osteo-clasts in cartilage of rats in each group were observed by TRAP staining.The number of autophagic of ankle synovial cells of rats in each group were observed by transmission electron microscopy.Levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1β of rats in each group were detected by ELISA.LC3,Beclin-1 and ATG5 proteins of synovial cells of ankle joints of rats in each group were detected by Immunohistochemical staining.Results:CIA rats were constructed successfully by immunization with bovine type Ⅱ collagen.BⅡC-tolDC intervention re-duced the arthritis index of CIA rats,inhibited synovial inflammation and abnormal proliferation of synovial tissue,improved joint bone and cartilage injury,and reduced the number of osteoclasts in cartilage tissue and the number of autophagosomes in synovial cells.At the same time,reduced levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β,and protein expressions of LC3,Beclin-1 and ATG5 of synovial cell of CIA rats.Conclusion:BⅡC-tolDC may alleviate arthritis lesions of CIA rats by inhibiting synovial cell autophagy of CIA rats.
8.Interpretation of Evidence-based Expert Consensus on the Clinical Management of Safety of Bruton′s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (2024)
Dan JIANG ; Zaiwei SONG ; Yuan GAO ; Daobin ZHOU ; Yue LI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Qun SHAO ; Jun MA ; Jun ZHU ; Hongmei JING ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2025;27(7):385-396
Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are a class of novel small-molecule targeted antitumor drugs used to treat B-cell malignancies. However, safety issues associated with BTKi may lead to treatment interruption, compromising their efficacy. To promote the standardized management of safety in BTKi treatment, Evidence-Based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Chinese Pharmacological Society, Expert Committee on Lymphoma of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Expert Committee on Leukemia of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Integrated Cancer Cardiology Branch of China Anti-Cancer Association, Hematology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-Straits Medicine Exchange Association formulated the Evidence-based Expert Consensus on the Clinical Management of Safety of Bruton′s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (2024), which was published in the Chinese Journal of Cancer Research in June 2024. It covered 9 clinical issues in the following 3 domains: (1) the management of common adverse reactions of BTKi such as bleeding, cardiovascular events, hematological toxicity, infections, rashes, diarrhea, and arthralgia; (2) the management of drug-drug interactions; (3) management guidance for special populations. This consensus provides evidence-based recommendations for the safety management of BTKi medication in clinical practice. This article provides an interpretation and evidence summary of the consensus in Chinese, aiming to facilitate its implementation in China, enhance the safety management of BTKi treatment, and improve patient outcomes.
9.Research on the construction models of county-level medical consortium clinical laboratory centers from the perspective oftotal quality management
Erdan HUANG ; Liang ZHU ; Shuping WANG ; Jiang DU ; Chao SONG ; Jian LYU ; Hongmei MO ; Yong AN ; Xiping XIE ; Menghan JIAO ; Weiling FU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(9):1313-1316
Objective To explore different construction models and experiences of clinical laboratory centers under exist-ing Integrated county healthservices entity,analyze and discuss the characteristics of various construction models,and provide ref-erences for the development of county-level clinical laboratory centers.Methods Based on the five factors of"man,machine,material,method,and environment"in Total Quality Management theory,an interview outline and questionnaire were designed for county-level clinical laboratory centers.Eleven county-level clinical laboratory centers across the country were investigated to analyze their construction models,investment returns,and other aspects.Literature reviews and case studies were also conducted to summarize the construction models and characteristics of county-level clinical laboratory centers.Results The construction models of county-level clinical laboratory centers are mainly divided into five types,each with distinct features.Through an analy-sis of the investment returns of these models unde rIntegrated county healthservices entity,it was found that a profit distribution ratio of approximately 5∶5 between county-level clinical laboratory centers and township health centers for referred samples is more conducive to maintaining the stability of sample sources.The construction model of county-level clinical laboratory centers is closely related to the medical service capacity of both county and township levels.Conclusion Counties with stronger county hospital capabilities tend to establish relatively independent regional laboratory centers based on the county hospital's laboratory department.Regardless of the model,the primary goal of county-level clinical laboratory centers should be to provide high-quality testing services coverage across the entire county.The key to the success of county-level clinical laboratory centers lies in motiva-ting grassroots personnel.
10.Changes in behavior and spatial memory of C57BL/6J mice of different ages
Zhen Yang ; Hongmei Bai ; Weikang Hu ; Mingcong Li ; Xiaoli Jiang ; Chaoyang Zhang ; Zihan Wang ; Wenjing Zhou ; Qingya He ; Jian Zhong ; Shengquan Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1410-1417
Objective :
To explore the changes in behavior and spatial memory of C57BL/6J female mice of different ages (youth , middle-aged , and elderly) .
Methods:
C57BL/6J female mice were divided into female youth group (YG group) , female middle-aged group ( MG group) and female elderly group ( OG group) according to age. The Morris water maze test measured spatial memory ability , and the open field and elevated cross maze test observed activity level and anxiety level. Western blot was used to determine the protein expressions of CREB , CaMKⅡ(pan) and CaMKⅡ(p) in the hippocampus of the brain tissues of female mice in each group.
Results:
Compared with the YG group , the weight of the MG group and the OG group significantly increased (P < 0. 01 , P < 0. 001) . Compared with the OG group , the third quadrant escape latency and the number of crossings in the YG group and MG group were shortened , and the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the OG group , there was a statistically significant difference in the exercise speed in the open field of the YG group (P < 0. 01) , there was no significant difference in the movement speed in the open field of the MG group , the number of entries into the central zone significantly increased in the MG group ( P < 0. 05 ) , and there was no significant difference in the number of entries in the YG group (P > 0. 05) . Compared with the OG group , the YG group had a statistically significant difference in the elevated cross maze (P < 0. 05) , the MG group had no statistically signif- icant difference in the elevated cross maze , and the number of closed arm entries in the YG group and MG group significantly increased (P < 0. 001 , P < 0. 01) . Compared with the YG group , the relative expression level of CaMKⅡ(pan) in the OG group was statistically significant ( P < 0. 05 ) , while the relative expression level of CaMKⅡ(pan) in the MG group was not statistically significant ( P > 0. 05) .
Conclusion
With the increase of age , the weight of C57BL/6J female mice gradually increased , the activity level and desire to explore gradually de- creased , the spatial memory ability also declined , and the anxiety level and anxiety-like behavior increased. This study helps to reveal the effect of age on the activity level and cognitive function of females , and provides a refer- ence for studying cognitive and memory decline in older females.


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