1.Effect of Modified of Bazhentang Combined with Guishentang on Th1/Th2 Immune Balance in Mouse Model of Embryo Implantation Dysfunction
Qiang DENG ; Fengying WU ; Lu YIN ; Jun WANG ; Zhaoyang YE ; Jiamei HUANG ; Zhichun JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang in improving pregnancy outcomes in mouse models of embryo implantation dysfunction by regulating T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) immune balance. MethodsEighty ICR female mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=20 per group) on gestational day 1 (GD1): control, model, western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) groups. Except for the control group, all mice received mifepristone solution (0.2 mg/mouse) via oral gavage on GD4 to induce embryo implantation dysfunction. The TCM group received a water decoction of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang (20.8 g·kg-1), with the western medicine group administered dydrogesterone (3.9 mg·kg-1), and the control/model groups given equal volumes of saline. All treatments were administered once daily from GD1 until one day before sample collection. Outcomes included implantation site counts (macroscopic observation), pregnancy rates, body weight, endometrial histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), uterine expression of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) at protein (Western blot) and mRNA (real-time polymerase chain reaction, Real-time PCR) levels, serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), and Th1/Th2 immune balance evaluated by calculating T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed no significant change in pregnancy rate but exhibited a marked reduction in average implantation sites and body weight (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed endometrial abnormalities, including decreased glandular density, stromal compaction, and absence of nucleolar vacuoles. At the molecular level, uterine tissue in the model group demonstrated significantly upregulated expression of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside markedly downregulated GATA3 and IL-4 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum analysis confirmed markedly elevated IFN-γ (P<0.01) and reduced IL-4 levels (P<0.01), resulting in significantly increased T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, pregnancy rates in all treatment groups showed no significant change. Implantation sites and body weight increased substantially (P<0.01), with restored endometrial morphology characterized by enhanced glandular density, stromal edema, and reappearance of nucleolar vacuoles. Significant downregulation of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.01) and upregulation of GATA3 and IL-4 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in uterine tissue were observed. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-4 levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang significantly enhances the number of embryo implantation sites in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction, potentially through modulating T-bet/GATA3 expression, restoring Th1/Th2 immune balance, and improving endometrial receptivity.
2.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
3.Optimization of Preparation Technology of Xinqingduyin Granules Based on Characteristic Chromato-grams and Index Components
Xiaomeng LU ; Yuzheng GU ; Ruimei LIU ; Yinhui LIN ; Shanyu ZHOU ; Xinxin HE ; Fei XIAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Xin'an HUANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(2):263-273
Objective To establish high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)characteristic chromatograms of Xinqingduyin Granules(composed of Taraxaci Herba,Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Chrysanthemi Indici Flos,etc.)and content determination of chicory acid and glycyrrhizic acid,and to optimize the preparation process of Xinqingduyin Granules.Methods Using the characteristic chromatograms of Xinqingduyin and the retention rate of chicory acid and glycyrrhizic acid as indexes,we carried out orthogonal experiment to optimize the extraction process of Xinqingduyin,and studied the concentration process.The molding process of Xinqingduyin Granules was conducted by screening the types and dosage of auxiliary materials,then three batches of pilot experiments were carried out.Results HPLC characteristic chromatograms of Xinqingshuyin Granules and the determination methods of chicory acid and glycyrrhizic acid were established.The optimal preparation technology was as follows:8 times amount of water was added,the drug was decocted for 3 times,with 1 hour per time.After the extract was concentrated under reduced pressure at 80℃,the appropriate amount of steviol glycoside and lactose was added into the extract and mixed.One-step granulation and packaging were adopted.The retention rates of chicoric acid and glycyrrhizic acid in the 3 batches of Xinqingduyin Granules,which were prepared on the pilot scale,were(54.56±1.63)%and(54.96±1.08)%,and the rate of finished product was(87.47±0.49)%,respectively.The quality is uniform,and the characteristic map of Xinqingduyin Granules showed high similarity with that of decoction prepared from the same batch of slices.Conclusion The optimized preparation technology is reasonable,feasible and reproducible.This preparation can be used to obtain the granule with similar materials of Xinqingduyin decoction.
4.Icariin ameliorates viral myocarditis by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis
Wei Luo ; Yi Lu ; Jun-Hua Deng ; Peng Liu ; Yan Huang ; Wan-Xi Liu ; Chun-Li Huang
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2024;14(3):106-114
Objective: To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis. Methods: CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability, inflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed. After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids, the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated. Results: Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate, and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes. Additionally, it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion, as well as the TLR4 signaling. However, TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin. Conclusions: Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis. Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.
5.Comparison of clinical characteristics between first-episode and relapse of major depressive disorder
Xiuyan ZHENG ; Chengxia TANG ; Zhaorui LIU ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yueqin HUANG ; Liang ZHOU ; Yuandong GONG ; Yan LIU ; Bo LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Haiming WANG ; Zhengmin FENG ; Jun GUO ; Wenming CHEN ; Linling JIANG ; Defang CAI ; Jin LU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(1):25-32
Objective:To describe demographic,clinical and physiological characteristics,treatment between first-episode major depressive disorder(MDD)and relapse MDD,and to explore characteristics of relapse MDD.Methods:Totally 858 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for depression of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5),were included by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI),Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity,and Hamilton Depression Scale etc.Among them,529(58.6%)were first-episode depression and 329(36.0%)were relapsed.The differences of demographic characteristics,clinical and physiological characteristics,treatment were compared byx2test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the characteristics of MDD recur-rence.Results:Compared to first-episode MDD,relapse MDD had more comorbidity(OR=2.11,95%CI:1.00-4.44),more days out of role(OR=1.26,95%CI:1.01-1.56),more history of using psychiatric drug more than one month(OR=1.41,95%CI:1.02-1.97)and electroconvulsive therapy(OR=3.23,95%CI:1.42-7.36),and higher waist-hip ratio(OR=33.88,95%CI:2.88-399.32).Conclusion:Relapse MDD has positive as-sociation with comorbidity of mental disorders,out of role,and higher waist-hip ratio.
6.Effects of treadmill exercise on osteoporosis and wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway in aged rats
Linwei YIN ; Xiarong HUANG ; Mengjian QU ; Lu YANG ; Jinling WANG ; Feiyang JIA ; Yang LIAO ; Jun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(2):231-236
BACKGROUND:Exercise training can improve osteoporosis,but its effects and mechanisms on senile osteoporosis are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of treadmill exercise on osteoporosis and wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in aged rats. METHODS:Sixteen 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into osteoporosis group(n=8)and treadmill group(n=8)and eight 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as young control group.The model of senile osteoporosis was replicated by natural aging and the rats in the treadmill group were treated with treadmill exercise once a day,5 days a week,for 8 weeks.Levels of bone metabolic markers such as type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide,tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,osteocalcin and bone specific alkaline phosphatase were detected by ELISA;bone mineral density of the left femur and L5 was measured by dual energy X-ray;bone scanning and bone microstructure quantitative analysis were performed by bone micro-CT;and the mRNA and protein expression levels of wnt3a,β-catenin,LRP5,DKK1 and GSK3β were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young control group,the osteoporosis group showed a reduction in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels(P<0.05),bone mineral density of the femur and L5,the number of tibia and L4 bone trabeculae,bone volume,bone volume fraction(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein expression of wnt3a,β-catenin,and LRP5 in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05)as well as an increase in serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide(P<0.05),the intertrabecular space between the tibia and L4,structural model index(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein expression of DKK1 and GSK3 β in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05).In addition to the reduced number of trabeculae in the tibia and L4 vertebrae,the trabeculae were structurally disturbed and sparsely aligned and fractured.Compared with the osteoporosis group,the treadmill group showed an increase in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels(P<0.05),bone mineral density of the femur and L5(P<0.05),the number of tibial trabeculae,bone volume,bone volume fraction(P<0.05),mRNA and protein expression of wnt3a,β-catenin,and LRP5 in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05)but a reduction in the serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide,L4 trabecular space,tibial trabecular space,structural model index,and mRNA and protein expression of DKK1 and GSK3 β in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05).In addition to the increased number of tibial and L4 trabeculae,the trabeculae were arranged in a regular and dense pattern and were connected to a network.To conclude,treadmill exercise may improve osteoporosis in aged rats by activating the wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
7.Building and validating a risk prediction model for malnutrition during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ting CHENG ; Jia-Mei LU ; Ting-Ting HUANG ; Xiao-Jun HUANG ; Gui-Rong YANG ; Wei LI ; Rong-Sa WEI ; Li-Na WEI ; Yan-Xin ZHANG ; Jie-Ying LIU
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2024;31(2):73-82
Objective:To develop and validate a model to predict the risk of malnutrition in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods:From April 2022 to August 2023, 430 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were admitted to the department of radiotherapy of the first affiliated hospital of Guangxi medical university in Nanning were conveniently selected as the study subjects, and they were divided into the modelling group (300 cases) and the internal validation group (130 cases) in the internal validation group in the ratio of 7:3, and 61 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma admitted to the affiliated cancer hospital of Guangxi medical university in Nanning City were selected as the external validation group. Logistic regression was used to establish the risk prediction model and draw nomograms,Hosmer-Lemeshow, calibration curve and ROC were used to verify the goodness of fit and predictive power of the model, and clinical decision curve was used to assess the clinical utility. Results:Logistic regression analysis showed that skeletal muscle mass index, self-rated anxiety scale score, Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire score, Chinese diet pagoda score, regular exercise, and digestive symptom groups were the influencing factors for malnutrition in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. In the modelling group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.853 (95%CI:0.81 ~ 0.89), the maximum Youden was 0.600, and the corresponding specificity was 0.764 and the sensitivity was 0.836. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test=4.040 and P=0.853 indicated that the model had good predictive ability. Calibration curve of the calibration showed that the predictive effect of the model matched actual probability well, with an average absolute error was 0.024. When the threshold probability of the clinical decision curve is 0.05 ~ 0.85, the clinical response rate is higher. The area under the operating curve of the subjects in the internal validation group was 0.891, the sensitivity was 77.36%, the specificity was 89.61%, and the practical application accuracy was 84.62%. The area under the operating curve of the subjects in the external validation group was 0.886, the sensitivity was 76.00%, the specificity was 83.33%, and the overall accuracy was 80.33%. Conclusion:The risk prediction model constructed in this study has a good effect, which can effectively predict the incidence of malnutrition in patients receiving concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and provide a reference for clinical staff to formulate and implement nutritional interventions.
8.Radiofrequency ablation on prosthetic valve for atrial tachycardia after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Hong-Xiao LI ; Bi-Jun HUANG ; Lu-Xin WANG ; Xing-Xu WANG ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Yan HE ; Jian-Qiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(4):232-235
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative for addressing aortic valve-related pathologies.However,the occurrence of rapid arrhythmias linked to TAVR procedures is progressively drawing scrutiny.Presently,pharmacologic interventions constitute the mainstay of managing atrial arrhythmias related to TAVR,while the potential of ablation as a viable treatment modality remains undefined.Notably,in cases where the arrhythmia's genesis is presumed to be intricately linked to the prosthetic valve,the practicality and safety of ablation procedures remain unverified.Our institution has successfully ventured into radiofrequency ablation for a distinctive patient presenting with this intricate condition,thereby tentatively affirming the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation administered on the surface of prosthetic valves.
9.Downregulation of MUC1 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Inactivating NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Shou-Wu WU ; Shao-Kun LIN ; Zhong-Zhu NIAN ; Xin-Wen WANG ; Wei-Nian LIN ; Li-Ming ZHUANG ; Zhi-Sheng WU ; Zhi-Wei HUANG ; A-Min WANG ; Ni-Li GAO ; Jia-Wen CHEN ; Wen-Ting YUAN ; Kai-Xian LU ; Jun LIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2182-2193
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mucin 1 (MUC1) on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its regulatory mechanism. MethodsThe 60 NPC and paired para-cancer normal tissues were collected from October 2020 to July 2021 in Quanzhou First Hospital. The expression of MUC1 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the patients with PNC. The 5-8F and HNE1 cells were transfected with siRNA control (si-control) or siRNA targeting MUC1 (si-MUC1). Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assay, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry analysis in the 5-8F and HNE1 cells. The qPCR and ELISA were executed to analyze the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Western blot was performed to measure the expression of MUC1, NF-кB and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2). ResultsThe expression of MUC1 was up-regulated in the NPC tissues, and NPC patients with the high MUC1 expression were inclined to EBV infection, growth and metastasis of NPC. Loss of MUC1 restrained malignant features, including the proliferation and apoptosis, downregulated the expression of p-IкB、p-P65 and Bcl-2 and upregulated the expression of Bax in the NPC cells. ConclusionDownregulation of MUC1 restrained biological characteristics of malignancy, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, by inactivating NF-κB signaling pathway in NPC.
10.Research and determination of related substances in flumazenil
Xue-yan MIAO ; Yuan YANG ; Si-si LU ; Jin-mei MO ; Lin-kai HUANG ; Jia-jun WEI ; Yi-ping GU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1765-1772
A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method utilizing correction factors was established for the quantitative detection of related substances in flumazenil. Separation was achieved using an Agilent Pursuit XRs C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with an isocratic elution of dilute phosphoric acid, methanol, and tetrahydrofuran as the mobile phases. Correction factors calculated from a standard curve method were applied to determine the impurity content. The quantification of impurities in flumazenil was conducted using both external standard and correction factor methods, followed by validation and comparison of the two. For the identification of degradation products, a forced degradation approach was employed to prepare a flumazenil degradation solution, and the resulting impurities were confirmed by LC-MS analysis. The separation of flumazenil and its impurities was found to be efficient. The limits of quantification for impurities A, B, D, and E were established at 0.169 9, 0.314 7, 0.143 9, and 0.270 8 ng, respectively, with the limits of detection at 0.055 8, 0.096 9, 0.048 8, and 0.089 0 ng. These impurities demonstrated a strong linear relationship across the concentration ranges of 0.034 9-7.847 0, 0.038 7-8.710 7, 0.034 6-7.794 1, and 0.032 4-7.292 8 µg·mL-1, respectively (


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