1.Exploration in Mechanism of Sini San for Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Ameliorating Isoprenaline-induced Myocardial Infarction in Mice Based on Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation
Shupeng LIU ; Zhiguang HAN ; Jiaying LI ; Jiayao XU ; Weihao GAO ; Yanping WU ; Guangguo BAN ; Yongmin LI ; Hongxia YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):67-77
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Sini San (SNS) inhibits ferroptosis, alleviates inflammation and myocardial injury, and improves myocardial infarction (MI). MethodsThe active ingredients of SNS were obtained by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) database, its target sites were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction Database, and the core components were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in. The targets of MI and ferroptosis were obtained by using GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, DrugBank, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), FerrDb database and literature review, respectively. The intersection of these targets of SNS-MI-ferroptosis was plotted as a Venn diagram. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the visualization graph was prepared using Cytoscape. The core targets were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in, and the biological functions were clustered by the MCODE plug-in. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the David database. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock and visualized with PyMOL2.5.2. The Kunming mice were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the SNS group, and the trimetazidine (TMZ) group. The mice were subcutaneously injected with isoprenaline (ISO, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1) to establish an MI model. The drug was continuously intervened for 7 days. The ST-segment changes were recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG), and the tissue morphology changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected by biochemical assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Immunohistochemical staining was employed to detect IL-6 and phosphorylated signal transducer and transcription activator 3 (p-STAT3) in cardiac tissues. Western blot was used to detect STAT3 and p-STAT3 in cardiac tissues. Real-time PCR was used to detect the levels of IL-6, IL-18, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in cardiac tissues. ResultsA total of 121 active ingredients of SNS were obtained, and 58 potential targets of SNS in the treatment of MI by regulating ferroptosis were screened. The three protein modules with a score5 were mainly related to the inflammatory response. The GO function was mainly related to inflammation, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that SNS mainly regulated ferroptosis- and inflammation- related signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that the core component had a higher binding force to the target site. Animal experiments confirmed that SNS reduced the level of p-STAT3 (P0.01), down-regulated the expression of ALOX15 mRNA (P0.01), up-regulated the level of serum GSH, and the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA, reduced MDA and 4-HNE levels (P0.05, P0.01). Additionally, SNS improved the mitochondrial injury induced by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis, reduced the area of MI, alleviated inflammation and myocardial injury, lowered the levels of serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, IL-6, and the mRNA expression levels of IL-16 and IL-18 (P0.05), and improved ST segment elevation. ConclusionSNS can reduce ISO-induced STAT3 phosphorylation levels, inhibit ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes, alleviate inflammation and myocardial injury, thereby improving MI.
2.Exploration in Mechanism of Sini San for Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Ameliorating Isoprenaline-induced Myocardial Infarction in Mice Based on Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation
Shupeng LIU ; Zhiguang HAN ; Jiaying LI ; Jiayao XU ; Weihao GAO ; Yanping WU ; Guangguo BAN ; Yongmin LI ; Hongxia YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):67-77
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Sini San (SNS) inhibits ferroptosis, alleviates inflammation and myocardial injury, and improves myocardial infarction (MI). MethodsThe active ingredients of SNS were obtained by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) database, its target sites were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction Database, and the core components were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in. The targets of MI and ferroptosis were obtained by using GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, DrugBank, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), FerrDb database and literature review, respectively. The intersection of these targets of SNS-MI-ferroptosis was plotted as a Venn diagram. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the visualization graph was prepared using Cytoscape. The core targets were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in, and the biological functions were clustered by the MCODE plug-in. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the David database. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock and visualized with PyMOL2.5.2. The Kunming mice were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the SNS group, and the trimetazidine (TMZ) group. The mice were subcutaneously injected with isoprenaline (ISO, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1) to establish an MI model. The drug was continuously intervened for 7 days. The ST-segment changes were recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG), and the tissue morphology changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected by biochemical assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Immunohistochemical staining was employed to detect IL-6 and phosphorylated signal transducer and transcription activator 3 (p-STAT3) in cardiac tissues. Western blot was used to detect STAT3 and p-STAT3 in cardiac tissues. Real-time PCR was used to detect the levels of IL-6, IL-18, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in cardiac tissues. ResultsA total of 121 active ingredients of SNS were obtained, and 58 potential targets of SNS in the treatment of MI by regulating ferroptosis were screened. The three protein modules with a score5 were mainly related to the inflammatory response. The GO function was mainly related to inflammation, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that SNS mainly regulated ferroptosis- and inflammation- related signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that the core component had a higher binding force to the target site. Animal experiments confirmed that SNS reduced the level of p-STAT3 (P0.01), down-regulated the expression of ALOX15 mRNA (P0.01), up-regulated the level of serum GSH, and the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA, reduced MDA and 4-HNE levels (P0.05, P0.01). Additionally, SNS improved the mitochondrial injury induced by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis, reduced the area of MI, alleviated inflammation and myocardial injury, lowered the levels of serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, IL-6, and the mRNA expression levels of IL-16 and IL-18 (P0.05), and improved ST segment elevation. ConclusionSNS can reduce ISO-induced STAT3 phosphorylation levels, inhibit ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes, alleviate inflammation and myocardial injury, thereby improving MI.
3.Nutrition and brain development in early life
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(4):368-371
The early life period is a rapid period, as well as a critical/sensitive period for brain development. Proteins, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), iron, zinc, iodine, folate, choline, vitamins A, D, B
4.A case of neurobrucellosis in children and literature review
XIN Guoyan ; GAO Xin ; ZHU Jiaying
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(2):228-
An analysis was conducted on the clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, diagnosis and treatment process, treatment, and prognosis of a child with neurobrucellosis. 408 relevant literature on neurobrucellosis from January 2012 to December 2022 were searched through Chinese and English databases such as CNKI, Wanfang Data, and Biomedical Literature Database (PubMed). Literature was screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, A total of 14 children with neurobrucellosis were selected for analysis, with an average age of onset of 10 years old. Among the patients, there were 3 cases of middle cranial nerve injury, 2 cases of ataxia, 1 case of myelitis, 2 cases of mental symptoms, 1 case of optic disc edema, 1 case of sagittal sinus thrombosis, and the rest were manifested as meningitis and encephalitis. The imaging results suggested that there was often no specific area of invasion, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) commonly involving the cortex, central half oval, and basal ganglia. Extensive white matter changes were also frequently observed, which is consistent with the findings of this case report. Neurobrucellosis has diverse clinical manifestations and lacks specificity. It is mainly diagnosed based on comprehensive analysis of neuropsychiatric symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid and serological results, imaging characteristics, etc. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great significance in preventing complications of neurobrucellosis.
5.Human AKR1A1 involves in metabolic activation of carcinogenic aristolochic acid Ⅰ
Zhenna GAO ; Xinyue YOU ; Weiying LIU ; Jiaying WU ; Jing XI ; Yiyi CAO ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Yang LUAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(9):641-651
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether aldo-keto reductases(AKRs)can act as a nitrore-ductase(NR)and bioactivate aristolochic acid Ⅰ(AA-Ⅰ)to produce AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts.METHODS① Human-induced hepatocytes(hiHeps)and human bladder RT4 cells were used as tool cells and treated with AA-Ⅰ0,0.5,1.0 and 2 μmol·L-1 for 24 h.Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method,and the half maximal inhibition concentration(IC50)was calculated using the CCK-8 method and the level of DNA adduct production was calculated.②hiHeps and RT4 cells were treated with AKR inhibitor luteotin(0,5,10 and 25 μmol·L-1)+AA-Ⅰ 0.2 and 1.0 μmol·L-1 for 24 h,respectively,and the levels of DNA adducts were detected by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(LC-MS/MS).③hiHeps cells were incubated with 80 nmol·L-1 small interfering RNAs(si-AKRs)for 48 h and treated with AA-Ⅰ1.0 μmol·L-1 for 24 h.Real-time qualitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the mRNA expression of AKRs gene and LC-MS/MS technology was used to investigate the effect of specific AKR gene knockdown on DNA adduct levels.④500 nmol·L-1 human AKR recombinant proteins AKR1A1 and AA-Ⅰwere incubated in vitro under anaerobic conditions and the formation of AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts was detected.RESULTS ①The IC50 of AA-Ⅰto hiHeps and RT4 cells was 1.9 and 0.42 μmol·L-1,respec-tively.The level of DNA adduct production of the two cell lines was significantly different(P<0.01).② Luteolin≥5 μmol·L-1 significantly inhibited the production of AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts in both cells(P<0.05),and there was a concentration-dependent effect in hiHeps cells(P<0.01,R=0.84).③In the AKR family,the knockdown of AKR1A1 gene up to 80%inhibited the generation of AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts by 30%-40%.④The AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts were detected in the incubation of recombinant protein AKR1A1 and AA-Ⅰ under anaerobic conditions in vitro,approximately 1 adduct per 107 nucleotides.CONCLU-SION AKR1A1 is involved in AA-Ⅰ bioactivation,providing a reference for elucidation of the carcino-genic mechanism of AA-Ⅰ.
6.A series case study on anthrax cases in five hospitals in North China
Jiaying ZHANG ; Yila HANBAI ; Lijuan GAO ; Xia MA ; Danlei MOU ; Lianchun LIANG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2024;42(5):291-296
Objective:To conduct a series case study on hospitalized anthrax cases in five hospitals in North China, to share clinical experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous and pulmonary anthrax.Methods:A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted on the anthrax patients admitted to five hospitals in North China from August 2018 to March 2022. Forty patients were divided into severe and mild groups. The clinical features, treatment and prognosis of the patients were collected and analysed. Statistical evaluations included independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. Results:Among the 40 patients with anthrax, 10(25.0%) were severely ill and 30(75.0%) were mildly ill. According to the sites of infection, 40 patients were classified as 39 cutaneous anthrax cases (one case had secondary pulmonary anthrax) and one pulmonary anthrax case. The rates of chills and fever, lymphadenopathy, liver dysfunction and hypoalbuminemia in the severe group were all higher than those in the mild group, with statistically significant differences ( χ2=5.71, 6.54, 4.68 and 9.22, respectively, all P<0.05). The peripheral white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein were (11.8±4.9)×10 9/L, (9.5±5.1)×10 9/L, 8.6±7.3, 27.9(8.6, 167.7) mg/L, respectively, which were all higher than those in mild disease group ((7.5±2.4)×10 9/L, (5.0±2.1)×10 9/L, 3.2±2.3, 3.5(1.2, 14.7) mg/L), with statistically significant differences ( t=2.66, t=2.71, t=2.32 and Z=-3.01, respectively, all P<0.05). The albumin level in the severe group was (35.5±8.1) g/L, which was lower than that of the mild group ((43.7±3.2) g/L), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-3.13, P=0.011). The severe cases were more likely to have skin lesions greater than four centimetre in diameter, multiple, vesicular, or edematous, with a significant difference ( χ2=6.01, P=0.014). Among 39 patients with cutaneous anthrax, 28(71.8%) in the mild group were treated with penicillin alone, and nine (23.1%) in the severe group were treated with penicillin, ofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam combined with one of linezolid, doxycycline, or clindamycin for anti-infection treatment. The two patients with pulmonary anthrax were treated with closed thoracic drainage for pleural effusion and pneumothorax, and were treated with two bactericidal and one protein synthesis inhibitor antibiotics. All 40 anthrax patients were cured and discharged from hospital. Conclusions:Patients with mild cutaneous anthrax can generally be treated with single penicillin, and patients with severe cutaneous anthrax and pulmonary anthrax should be treated with combined antibiotics.
8.Contamination status and molecular typing of Legionella pneumophila in artificial water environment in Shanghai hospitals from 2019 to 2020
Jiaying GAO ; Lingyue YUAN ; Yanxin CHEN ; Yong CHEN ; Jiayuan LUO ; Mingliang CHEN ; Min CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2023;40(7):823-829
Background The incidence of Legionnaires' disease is increasing globally and artificial water environment is becoming a common source of outbreaks. Molecular typing techniques can help prevent and control Legionella. Objective To understand the molecular epidemiological characteristics of Legionella pneumophila in artificial water environment of Shanghai hospitals, and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of Legionnaires' disease. Methods Water samples were collected from artificial water environment in 14 hospitals from May to October each year from 2019 to 2020 in Shanghai. A total of 984 water samples were collected from 8 Grade-A tertiary hospitals and 6 non-Grade-A tertiary hospitals, including 312 samples of cooling water, 72 samples of chilled water, and 600 samples of tap water. The water samples were isolated and serotyped for Legionella pneumophila and preserved, and the positive rate of Legionella pneumophila in the samples was used as an indicator of contamination. The preserved strains were resuscitated and 81 surviving strains were obtained for pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing analysis. Results A total of 124 Legionella pneumophila positive water samples were detected, with a positive rate of 12.60%. The positive rate was higher in the Grade-A tertiary hospitals (16.54%, 87/526) than in the non-Grade-A tertiary hospitals (8.08%, 37/458) (χ2=15.91, P<0.001). The positive rate of cooling water (23.40%) was the highest among different types of water samples, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=61.19, P<0.001). The difference in positive rate of tap water was statistically significant among different hospital departments (χ2=11.37, P<0.05). The positive rate in 2019 (15.06%) was higher than that in 2020 (9.84%) (χ2=6.23, P<0.05). From May to October, August had the highest annual average positive rate (16.46%) and October had the lowest (8.54%), but the difference in positive rates among months was not statistically significant (χ2=5.39, P=0.37). The difference in positive rate among districts was statistically significant (χ2=24.88, P<0.001). A total of 131 strains of Legionella pneumophila were isolated, with serotype 1 (80.15%, 105/131) predominating. Among the 81 surviving strains of Legionella pneumophila subjected to PFGE typing, the band-based similarity coefficients ranged from 41.30% to 100%. Among the 29 PFGE band types (S1-S29) recorded, each band type included 1-10 strains, and S28 was the dominant band type. Four clusters (I-IV) of PFGE band types were identified, accounting for 66.67% (54/81) of all strains and containing 13 band types. Conclusion Legionella pneumophila contamination is present in the artificial water environment of hospitals in Shanghai from 2019 to 2020, and the contamination in tap water deserves attention. The detected serotype of Legionella pneumophila is predominantly type 1, and PFGE typing reveals the presence of genetic polymorphism. Therefore, the monitoring and control of Legionella pneumophila in hospital artificial water environment should be strengthened.
9.Discussion on the collaborative dilemmas and integrated mode of family bed service in China
Sixian DU ; Hongxia GAO ; Jiaying WENG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2023;39(3):234-238
In recent years, the aging process of China′s population has accelerated, and the number of disabled people has skyrocketed. It is urgent to improve the health benefits of family bed services. The author found that there was a lack of synergy in policies, service subjects and content, and service concepts in the practical process of family bed services in various regions of China, which limited the effectiveness of services. The author put forward the theoretical framework of integrated family bed service, combined the service practice experience of six cities, namely Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Hohhot, and put forward specific suggestions on building integrated family bed service. Among them, department collaboration could be the source power of system integration, institutional linkage could improve service continuity, service concept and incentive mechanism could promote each other, and modern technology could promote functional integration.
10.Buyang Huanwutang Alleviates Inflammatory Injury After Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats via Activating Adiponectin Pathway
Yurong GAO ; Yaxing ZHANG ; Fanghua WU ; Jiaying DAI ; Wei LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(22):11-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Buyang Huanwutang (BYWHT) on reducing inflammatory injury and improving neurological function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats via activating the adiponectin (APN) pathway. MethodMale SD rats were randomized into sham, model, BYHWT (16 g·kg-1, twice a day), and BYHWT + APN inhibitor (GW9662) groups. In the sham group, blood vessels were isolated. The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established. The rats in the BYHWT+GW9662 group was treated with subcutaneous injection of GW9662 at 4 m·kg-1 30 min before MCAO surgery and BYHWT at 16 g·kg-1 by gavage after MCAO surgery, once in the morning and once in the evening. The immunofluorescence (IF) assay was employed to observe the expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and the colocalization of AdipoR1 with neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) in the brain. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect the expression of APN in the serum and brain. The balance beam test was carried out to examine the balance ability, and the grasping test to assess the recovery of limb strength. The immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO). Western blot was employed to determine the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 and in the brain. ResultCompared with the sham group, the modeling promoted the expression of AdipoR1 (P<0.01), lowered the APN levels in the serum and brain (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the score in the balance beam test (P<0.01), and decreased the grasping strength of forepaw (P<0.01), which were accompanied with increased MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels (P<0.01) and decreased IL-10 level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, BYHWT promoted the expression of AdipoR1 (P<0.01), elevated APN levels in the serum and brain (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased the grasping strength of forepaw (P<0.01), which were accompanied with lowered MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels (P<0.01) and elevated IL-10 level (P<0.01). All the above effects were partially blocked by GW9662. ConclusionBYHWT can reduce inflammatory injury and improve neurological function in the rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by activating the APN pathway.

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