1.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Effects of super early enteral nutrition support on serum miR-124,inflammatory factors,immune function,nutritional status,and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Hairong TANG ; Jinrong DING ; Yiqiu CUI ; Jingjing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(4):383-387
Objective To investigate the effects of super early enteral nutrition support on postoperative serum miR-124 levels,inflammatory markers,immune function,nutritional status,and short-term and long-term rehabilitation outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury(STBI).Methods A total of123 STBI patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected.According to the start time of enteral nutrition,patients were divided into super early enteral nutrition group,late enteral nutrition group and parenteral nutrition group.We collect clinical data from each group and detected serum miR-124 and inflammatory factors,immune indicator,nutritional indicators levels before and after treatment,as well as postoperative complications and prognosis.Results Compared with the parenteral group and the late intestinal group,the levels of miR-124,inflammatory factors and the proportion of CD8+T cells in the super early intestinal group were significantly reduced,while the proportion of CD4+/CD8+cells was significantly increased,with statistical differences(all P<0.05).Compared with the parenteral group,the levels of albumin,prealbumin,and transferrin in intestinal groups were significantly increased with statistical differences(both P<0.05).Compared with the late intestinal group,the levels of albumin and prealbumin in the super early intestinal group were significantly increased,with statistical differences(both P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in transferrin levels between two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of various complications during hospitalization among all groups(all P>0.05).The total incidence of complications in the super early intestinal group was significantly lower than that in the parenteral group and late intestinal group with statistical differences(both P<0.05).During the follow-up period,there was no significant difference in prognosis,disability,and mortality among three groups(all P>0.05).Compared with the parenteral group,the GOS scores of the intestinal groups were significantly reduced with statistical differences(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in GOS scores between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Super early enteral nutrition support is effective in treating patients with STBI,which can effectively improve the patient's nutritional status,enhance immune function,suppress inflammatory reactions,help repair nerve injuries,and enhance rehabilitation effects.
4.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in the management of Crohn's disease: opportunities and challenges
Chunhui BAO ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhou HAO ; Luyi WU ; Huirong LIU ; Huan'gan WU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):286-291
With the increasing global recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological treatment, has demonstrated promising potential in alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and modulating immune and neurological system functions in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This review summarizes the theoretical foundations and recent research progress on acupuncture for CD, and introduces a personalized "Three Discriminations" diagnostic and therapeutic strategy based on syndrome differentiation, meridian differentiation, and acupoint selection. It also identifies the target patient populations and clinical application value of acupuncture in CD treatment. Despite preliminary progress, acupuncture treatment for CD still faces multiple challenges, including limited high-quality clinical research evidence, uneven resource distribution, non-standardized efficacy evaluation systems, insufficiently standardized treatment strategies, and an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on establishing high-quality evidence systems, optimizing integrative treatment strategies combining acupuncture with conventional medicine, and conducting deep exploration of multi-dimensional mechanisms, with the goal of promoting the standardized integration of acupuncture into the management of CD and providing patients with safer, more precise, and sustainable therapeutic options.
5.Severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with kidney disease undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
Yunfan ZHANG ; Huanhuan YANG ; Jun HUANG ; Ai FENG ; Guizhi XIA ; Chengfeng WANG ; Guangming CHEN ; Xiaobin CHEN ; Zengfeng WENG ; Yi CHEN ; Jinrong WU ; Jingjing LIU ; Yuen YANG ; Yuzhen ZHANG ; Jinfeng LIN ; Yuxian TANG ; Junyan CHEN ; Xiaojing NIE
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(5):529-534
Objective:To investigate the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine levels in pediatric patients with kidney diseases.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 40 hospitalized pediatric patients who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection at the 900th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force from December 2022 to February 2023. Based on their immunosuppressive status prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection, these patients were categorized into immunosuppressive group and non-immunosuppressive group. Independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and χ2 test were employed to compare the clinical baseline characteristics and laboratory data, the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the levels of cytokines between the 2 groups. Results:Among the 40 patients, 11 were in the immunosuppressive group (aged 13 (8, 14) years, 9 males and 2 females) and 29 in the non-immunosuppressive group (aged 2 (1, 4) years, 15 males and 14 females). In the immunosuppressive group, 2 were asymptomatic cases, 8 were mild cases, and 1 was moderate case, and there was no severe or critical cases. In the non-immunosuppressive group, 8 were mild cases, 5 were moderate, 15 were severe cases, 1 was critical case, and no asymptomatic cases. The underlying diseases in the immunosuppressive group included nephrotic syndrome (6 cases), IgA vasculitis nephritis (2 cases), lupus nephritis (1 case), post-renal transplantation (1 case), and renal failure (1 case), with a mean total immunosuppression score (TIS) of (3.6±1.4) points. In the non-immunosuppressive group, 2 patients had a history of epilepsy, and the remaining 27 cases had no underlying conditions, all with TIS scores of 0. Compared to the children in the non-immunosuppressive group, those in the immunosuppressive group were more likely to exhibit asymptomatic or mild infection, with lower risks of severe disease, cytokine storm, fever, and cough, but a higher risk of fatigue ( OR=1.22, 2.66, 0.48, 0.12, 0.12, 0.13, 1.22; 95% CI 0.93-1.62, 0.99-7.15, 0.33-0.70, 0.03-0.57, 0.03-0.57, 0.03-0.65, 0.93-1.62; all P<0.05). The levels of cytokine IL-6, interferon-α and interferon-γ in the immunosuppressive group were all lower than those in the non-immunosuppressive group ( Z=2.23, 2.51, 2.92, respectively; all P<0.05). Conclusion:Pediatric patients with kidney diseases receiving appropriate immunosuppressive therapy may mitigate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection by suppressing the expression of cytokines.
6.Risk factors for bronchiolitis obliterans after Mycoplasma pneumoniae bronchiolitis in children
Xiaohui WEN ; Haiming YANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Huimin LI ; Ruxuan HE ; Weihan XU ; Yuhong GUAN ; Jinrong LIU ; Shunying ZHAO ; Chengsong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(7):772-777
Objective:To explore the risk factors for bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) after Mycoplasma pneumoniae bronchiolitis in children. Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 122 children diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae bronchiolitis in Department No.2 of Respiratory Medicine of Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from March 2017 to December 2024. Clinical data, including general information, clinical manifestations, imaging findings, laboratory tests, and outcomes, were analyzed. Patients were divided into BO and non-BO groups based on the presence of BO. Differences between groups were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to identify risk factors and evaluate predictive performance. Results:Among 122 children (73 males, 49 females), the age at onset was 5.0 (2.4, 7.1) years. The BO group included 21 patients, and the non-BO group 101. The BO group exhibited significantly longer durations of persistent high fever and higher peak levels of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer compared to the non-BO group (9 (7, 11) vs. 4 (2, 6) d, 19 (7, 35) vs. 10 (7, 18) mg/L, 438 (337, 498) vs. 315 (274, 351) U/L, 0.36 (0.27, 0.91) vs. 0.21 (0.15, 0.29) mg/L, U=295.00, 743.50, 463.50, 470.50, all P<0.05). The BO group also had higher proportions of resting oxygen saturation <0.95 on room air (100.0% (21/21) vs. 43.6% (44/101)), inspiratory retractions (57.1% (12/21) vs. 18.8% (19/101), χ2=11.53), and adenovirus co-infection (38.1% (8/21) vs. 5.0% (5/101)) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression identified prolonged high fever ( OR=1.83, 95% CI 1.31-2.58, P<0.001), inspiratory retractions ( OR=10.48, 95% CI 1.72-63.85, P=0.011), and adenovirus co-infection ( OR=42.47, 95% CI 4.04-446.87, P=0.002) as independent risk factors for BO. ROC curve analysis revealed that a fever duration cutoff of 7.5 days predicted BO with 0.71 sensitivity and 0.92 specificity. Conclusions:Prolonged high fever (≥7.5 days), inspiratory retractions, and adenovirus co-infection are significant predictors of BO after Mycoplasma pneumoniae bronchiolitis in children, which are helpful for early clinical identification.
7.Analysis of medical consumables warehouse management
Huijuan LIU ; Mao ZHANG ; Xiaoxia WU ; Jinrong HUO
Modern Hospital 2025;25(2):212-215
With the continuous development of medical technology,the clinical demand for medical consumables is steadily increasing.The management of medical consumables directly impacts both patient safety and institutional operational effi-ciency.By conducting in-depth analysis of the current status and existing problems in medical consumables warehouse manage-ment,this research proposes measures to improve the management system.These measures include optimizing the layout of ware-houses,improving the informatization of warehouse management,strengthening the inventory management of medical consuma-bles,enhancing the management of secondary warehouses,and offering professional skills training for warehouse staff.Manage-ment methods such as PDCA(Plan-Do-Check-Act)are used to continuously optimize warehouse management,enhance the man-agement efficiency of medical consumables management,and ultimately achieve refined management of medical consumables warehouses.
8.Naringenin: A potential therapeutic agent for modulating angiogenesis and immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Wenmei WU ; Xiangyu QIU ; Xiaofan YE ; Zhiliang ZHANG ; Siguo XU ; Xiuqi YAO ; Yinyi DU ; Geyan WU ; Rongxin ZHANG ; Jinrong ZHU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(9):101254-101254
Naringenin (4,5,7-trihydroxyflavonoid) is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits, which plays an important role in metabolic syndrome, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanism and biological function of naringenin on anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor immunity have not yet been elucidated. Our study firstly demonstrates that naringenin inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells both in vivo and in vitro. Naringenin diminishes the ability of HCC cells to induce tube formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and suppresses neovascularization in chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Meanwhile, in vivo results demonstrate that naringenin can significantly upregulate level of CD8+ T cells, subsequently increasing the level of immune-related cytokines in the tumor immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, we found that naringenin facilitate the K48-linked ubiquitination and subsequent protein degradation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met), which reduces the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Importantly, combination therapy naringenin with PD-L1 antibody or bevacizumab provided better therapeutic effects in liver cancer. Our study reveals that naringenin can effectively inhibit angiogenesis and anti-tumor immunity in liver cancer by degradation of VEGFA and c-Met in a K48-linked ubiquitination manner. This work enlightens the potential effect of naringenin as a promising therapeutic strategy against anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor immunity in HCC.
9.FLZ attenuates Parkinson's disease pathological damage by increasing glycoursodeoxycholic acid production via down-regulating Clostridium innocuu m.
Meiyu SHANG ; Jingwen NING ; Caixia ZANG ; Jingwei MA ; Yang YANG ; Yueqi JIANG ; Qiuzhu CHEN ; Yirong DONG ; Jinrong WANG ; Fangfang LI ; Xiuqi BAO ; Dan ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):973-990
Increasing evidence shows that the early lesions of Parkinson's disease (PD) originate from gut, and correction of microbiota dysbiosis is a promising therapy for PD. FLZ is a neuroprotective agent on PD, which has been validated capable of alleviating microbiota dysbiosis in PD mice. However, the detailed mechanisms still need elucidated. Through metabolomics and 16S rRNA analysis, we identified glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) was the most affected differential microbial metabolite by FLZ treatment, which was specially and negatively regulated by Clostridium innocuum, a differential microbiota with the strongest correlation to GUDCA production, through inhibiting bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme. The protection of GUDCA on colon and brain were also clarified in PD models, showing that it could activate Nrf2 pathway, further validating that FLZ protected dopaminergic neurons through promoting GUDCA production. Our study uncovered that FLZ improved PD through microbiota-gut-brain axis, and also gave insights into modulation of microbial metabolites may serve as an important strategy for treating PD.
10.Microbial metabolite 3-indolepropionic acid alleviated PD pathologies by decreasing enteric glia cell gliosis via suppressing IL-13Rα1 related signaling pathways.
Meiyu SHANG ; Jingwen NING ; Caixia ZANG ; Jingwei MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhirong WAN ; Jing ZHAO ; Yueqi JIANG ; Qiuzhu CHEN ; Yirong DONG ; Jinrong WANG ; Fangfang LI ; Xiuqi BAO ; Dan ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2024-2038
Although enteric glial cell (EGC) abnormal activation is reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and inhibition of EGC gliosis alleviated gut and dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction was verified in our previous study, the potential role of gut microbiota on EGC function in PD still need to be addressed. In the present study, fecal microbiota transplantation revealed that EGC function was regulated by gut microbiota. By employing 16S rRNA and metabolomic analysis, we identified that 3-indolepropionic acid (IPA) was the most affected differential microbial metabolite that regulated EGC gliosis. The protective effects of IPA on PD were validated in rotenone-stimulated EGCs and rotenone (30 mg/kg i.g. for 4 weeks)-induced PD mice, as indicated by decreased inflammation, improved intestinal and brain barrier as well as dopaminergic neuronal function. Mechanistic study showed that IPA targeted pregnane X receptor (PXR) in EGCs, and inhibition of IL-13Rα1 involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, leading to inactivation of downstream JAK1-STAT6 pathway. Our data not only provided evidence that EGC gliosis was critical in spreading intestinal damage to brain, but also highlighted the potential role of microbial metabolite IPA in alleviating PD pathological damages through gut-brain axis.

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