1.Mechanism of puerarin in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and animal experimental verification
Yue Gao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Zong Jiang ; Zexu Jin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):22-31
Objective :
To investigate the mechanism of puerarin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Methods :
Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmcolog Database(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database were used to collect puerarin targets, and the targets of RA were obtained from GeneCards database and OMIM database. The PPI network was established by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyotoencyclopedia of genes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed through the Metascape database. RA rat-collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model was reproduced using type Ⅱ collagen emulsion, 49 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control group, CIA model group, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose puerarin group, methotrexate group, Tripterysium Glycosides Tablets group. Except for the control group, the other groups were given continuous gavage for 28 days after the CIA in rats model were prepared. The redness and swelling of the joints and ankle joint pathological changes were observed in each group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Glycogen synthase kinase3β(GSK-3β), beta-catenin(β-catenin) proteins in the synovium. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in the synovium.
Results :
Puerarin had 134 targets genes, RA had 5 821 target genes, and there were 102 overlapping target genes of puerarin and RA. It involved 184 signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, et al. The results of animal experiments showed that after the intervention of M-puerarin and MTX, the symptoms of redness and swelling of the hind foot were alleviated, the inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovium of the joint was significantly reduced, and the damage of cartilage and bone tissue was reduced. Compared with CIA group, the expressions of GSK-3β, β-catenin protein and GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in synovial tissue of rats after M-puerarin intervention decreased(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Puerarin has the characteristic of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathway intervention in RA. Puerarin may alleviate synovial hyperplasia, reduce articular cartilage erosion and bone destruction in CIA in rats by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Effect of moxibustion on PTEN/mTOR signalling pathway and myocardial fibrosis in rats with chronic heart failure
Tiantian GONG ; Bing GAO ; Ling ZHU ; Lan LI ; Yanping ZONG ; Jing HU ; Jing WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(4):562-569
Objective To observe the effects of moxibustion on myocardial pathological morphology,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and chromosome 10 deletion phosphatase and tensin homologous protein(PTEN)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signalling pathway in rats with chronic heart failure(CHF),and to explore the possible mechanism of moxibustion in attenuating myocardial fibrosis in rats with CHF.Methods According to the random number table method,60 male SD rats were divided into the normal group(n=10)and the surgery group(n=50),and the rats in the surgery group were ligated the left coronary artery to replicate the CHF model.According to the random number table method,40 successfully modelled rats were divided into the model group,the moxibustion group,the bpV(phen)group,and the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group,with 10 rats in each group.The normal and model groups were not given any intervention;in the moxibustion group,customized moxa sticks were used to moxibrate the bilateral"Feishu"(BL13)and"Xinshu"(BL15)on the back of the rats for 30 min at each point once a day;the bpV(phen)group was injected intraperitoneally with the bpV(phen)solution(0.15 mg/kg)twice a week;the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group was based on the bpV(phen)group,and moxibustion was applied according to the moxibustion group.The intervention was carried out for 4 weeks.The general conditions of rats,such as feeding and activity were observed;HE staining was used to detect morphological changes of the cardiomyocytes;Masson staining was used to detect myocardial fibrosis;the cardiac echocardiography was used to detect ejection fraction(EF)and fractional shortening(FS);real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PTEN and mTOR in the cardiac muscle tissues;protein expressions of PTEN,mTOR,α-SMA in rat myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the normal group,rats in the model group had altered cardiomyocyte morphology,severe damage to myocardial fiber structure,significantly lower EF,FS,and mTOR mRNA and protein expressions,and significantly higher PTEN,α-SMA protein expressions and PTEN mRNA expression(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,myocardial ultrastructural damage was attenuated in the moxibustion group,bpV(phen)group,and moxibustion+ bpV(phen)group,and EF,FS,and mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were significantly higher,α-SMA protein expression was significantly lower,and mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN were significantly lower(P<0.05).Compared with the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group,myocardial ultrastructural damage was worsen in the moxibustion and bpV(phen)groups,with significantly lower EF,FS,and mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR,significantly higher α-SMA protein expression,and significantly higher mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN(P<0.05).Conclusion Moxibustion can improve the pathological morphology and function of cardiomyocytes and attenuate myocardial fibrosis in rats with CHF,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of PTEN expression,and then the up-regulation of mTOR expression.
3.PI3K/AKT/mTOR in synovial fluid extends the proinflammatory response of macrophage polarization in knee osteoarthritis
Zong JIANG ; Tengxun GUO ; Xiaoling YAO ; Weiya LAN ; Fang TANG ; Wukai MA ; Jia LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(3):377-383
Objective Given that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis(KOA),this study aims to investigate whether the polarization induction of synovial macrophages mediated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis is the cause of KOA progression.Methods The synovial fluid of KOA KL-Ⅱ and KL-Ⅲ patients and normal individuals was collected,and the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)and M2 macrophages(CD163,CD206)in the synovial fluid(M1/M2 ratio)was measured to e-valuate the polarization of macrophage cytokines such as IL-1,IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β Expression in KOA synovial fluid,and detect and analyze of key molecules PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iONS)in KOA synovial fluid.Results Compared with the synovial fluid of normal individuals,the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)in KOA patients increased(P<0.01),and the M1/M2 ratio increased(P<0.001);The ex-pression of IL-1,IL-6,and TNF-α in the synovial fluid of the KOA group was also higher than that of the control group(P<0.01),while the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the KOA group was significantly reduced(P<0.01);The key proteins PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and downstream inflammatory factor iONS in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the synovial fluid of the KOA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion In KOA synovial fluid,M1 macrophage polarization plays a dominant role,and the inflam-matory response mediated by M1 macrophage polarization may be the cause of synovitis.At the same time,the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may mediate the polarization of M1 macrophages involved in KOA inflammato-ry response.
4.Effects of radiation on pharmacokinetics
Jie ZONG ; Hai-Hui ZHANG ; Gui-Fang DOU ; Zhi-Yun MENG ; Ruo-Lan GU ; Zhuo-Na WU ; Xiao-Xia ZHU ; Xuan HU ; Hui GAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1996-2000
Radiation mainly comes from medical radiation,industrial radiation,nuclear waste and atmospheric ultraviolet radiation,etc.,radiation is divided into ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation.Studying the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on drug metabolism,understanding the absorption and distribution of drugs in the body after radiation and the speed of elimination under radiation conditions can provide reasonable guidance for clinical medication.This article reviews the effects of radiation on the pharmacokinetics of different drugs,elaborates the changes of different pharmacokinetics under radiation state,and discusses the reasons for the changes.
5.Effect of leflunomide regulating HIF-1α signal pathway on autophagy of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Weiya LAN ; Wukai MA ; Xueming YAO ; Zong JIANG ; Lang XIONG ; Shufen YANG ; Fang TANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(10):1823-1828
Objective To investigate the effect of leflunomide(LEF)on the expression of associated autophagy genes in synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by regulating HIF-1α signal pathway.Methods Three genera-tions of RA synovial cells were divided into blank control group,LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglyco-sides group.The blank control group was added with the same volume of DMEM culture medium.The drug group was treated with LEF(concentration 0.2 mg/ml)and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides(concentration 0.03 mg/ml),the proliferation and apoptosis of synovial cells were detected by flow cytometry,the expression of IL-1 β,TNF-α,ANGPTL-4 and VEGF was detected by ELISA,the expression of HIF-1α mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR,and the expression of HIF-1 α,Beclin-1 and BNIP3 protein was detected by Western blot.Results Com-pared with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group,the expression of IL-1 α,TNF-α,ANGPTL-4 and VEGF in synovial supernatant of LEF group decreased;compared with the blank control group,the expression of HIF-1αmRNA in synovial cells of LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group decreased,and the effect of LEF group was the most obvious;compared with the blank control group,the protein expressions of HIF-1α,Bec-lin-1 and BNIP3 in synovial cells of LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group decreased,and the effect of LEF group was the most obvious.Conclusion LEF can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors in RA synovial cells,inhibit HIF-1α signaling pathway,inhibit the expression of autophagy-related genes Beclin-1 and BNIP3,and improve the pathological state of synovitis.
6.Experimental study on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial pulmonary disease with JAK inhibitor tofacitinib
Zong Jiang ; Xiaoling Yao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Xueming Yao ; Yang An ; Zhengqi Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2023;58(5):819-823
Objective:
To observe the effects of the tofacitinib on interstitial lung disease( ILD) by regulating the JAK⁃STAT signaling pathway.
Methods:
Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal group , ILD group ,prednisone acetate group , and tofacitinib group. Except for the normal group , the other three groups were given 3mg/ml bleomycin solution for modeling. After 28 days of intragastric administration , the lung tissues of all rats were
collected for hematoxylin⁃eosin staining ( HE) and Western blot ( WB) to detect the protein levels of JAK1 and STAT1;Enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect tumor necrosis factor in rat serum (TNF) Ⅳ α , interleukin (IL) Ⅳ6 , IL⁃10 , IL⁃1β .
Results :
HE staining of lung tissue in ILD ,prednisone acetate group and tofacitinib group showed alveolar tissue thickening , alveolar wall capillary congestion , bronchial luminal epithelial cells shedding, and inflammatory cell exudation. The results of WB showed that JAK1 and STAT1 significantly increased in ILD group , and decreased in different degrees compared with ILD group , tofacitinib group and prednisone acetate group (P < 0. 05) . The ELISA results showed that the expressions of serum TNF⁃α , IL⁃6 and IL⁃1β in the ILD group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P < 0. 01) . The expression of pine group decreased (P < 0. 05) , and the expression of IL⁃10 was the opposite.
Conclusion
Tofacitinib reduces lung tissue damage and the inflammatory response in the treatment of ILD by inhibiting the JAK⁃STAT pathway and down⁃regulating the expression of inflammatory factors TNF⁃α , IL⁃6 , IL⁃1β and up⁃regulating the anti⁃inflammatory factor IL⁃10.
7.Effects of Apheresis Platelet Transfusion on PLT, MPV, PDW and PCT.
Yu-Qi TAO ; Qin WANG ; Yi-Wen LI ; Jing-Zi YU-LAN ; Zong-Sheng TANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2023;31(6):1820-1824
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the changes of platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) before and after apheresis platelet transfusion, the correlation between the parameters and their clinical significance.
METHODS:
A total of 38 patients who received apheresis platelet transfusion were selected, their results of blood routine test closest to the time point of apheresis platelet transfusion were consulted from hospital information system and the changes of PLT, PCT, MPV and PDW were compared before and after transfusion. The correlation between above parameters was analyzed. The correlation of body mass index (BMI) with the increased multiple and increased value after platelet infusion was also analyzed.
RESULTS:
Compared with pre-infusion, PLT and PCT significantly increased (both P <0.001) while MPV and PDW showed no significant difference after apheresis platelet transfusion (P >0.05). The difference of PLT and PCT before and after apheresis platelet transfusion had no correlation with PLT and PCT before transfusion (r =0.002, r =0.001), while the difference of MPV and PDW was negatively correlated with MPV and PDW before transfusion (r =-0.462, r =-0.610). The PLT growth rate was positively correlated with PCT growth rate before and after apheresis platelet transfusion (r =0.819). BMI was positively correlated with the increased multiple of PLT after infusion (r =0.721), but not with the increased value of PLT after infusion (r =0.374).
CONCLUSION
Apheresis platelet transfusion can cause platelet parameters change and shows different characteristics. Characteristic changes of platelet parameters and their correlation can be used as reference indices to evaluate the efficacy of apheresis platelet transfusion.
Humans
;
Mean Platelet Volume
;
Platelet Transfusion
;
Blood Platelets
;
Platelet Count/methods*
;
Blood Component Removal
8.Epidemiological Survey of Hemoglobinopathies Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Platform in Hunan Province, China.
Hui XI ; Qin LIU ; Dong Hua XIE ; Xu ZHOU ; Wang Lan TANG ; De Guo TANG ; Chun Yan ZENG ; Qiong WANG ; Xing Hui NIE ; Jin Ping PENG ; Xiao Ya GAO ; Hong Liang WU ; Hao Qing ZHANG ; Li QIU ; Zong Hui FENG ; Shu Yuan WANG ; Shu Xiang ZHOU ; Jun HE ; Shi Hao ZHOU ; Fa Qun ZHOU ; Jun Qing ZHENG ; Shun Yao WANG ; Shi Ping CHEN ; Zhi Fen ZHENG ; Xiao Yuan MA ; Jun Qun FANG ; Chang Biao LIANG ; Hua WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2023;36(2):127-134
OBJECTIVE:
This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province.
METHODS:
We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed.
RESULTS:
The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α 3.7/αα (50.23%) and β IVS-II-654/β N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans
;
beta-Thalassemia/genetics*
;
alpha-Thalassemia/genetics*
;
Hemoglobinopathies/genetics*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
9.Mental Health Status and Influencing Factors of Pediatricians in Guangzhou
Yan-ling LAN ; Ru-hao XIANG ; Zong-xuan FENG ; Xin-yi ZHANG ; Yi-hui WANG ; Ou-dong XIA
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2023;44(1):138-144
ObjectiveTo investigate the mental health of pediatricians in Guangzhou and its influencing factors, and to provide countermeasures for improving the mental health of pediatricians. MethodsA stratified random sampling method was used to randomly select 400 pediatricians in 11 districts of Guangzhou, and they were surveyed using the Symptom Check List(SCL-90) and the Job Stressor Scale. ResultsThe top three job stressors scored by pediatricians in Guangzhou were external environment (3.23±0.59), workload (3.19±0.56), and organizational management (2.74±0.55). All factor scores were higher than those of the clinician group except for career interest, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The number of pediatricians with mental health problems was 109, accounting for 27.25%. All factor scores were higher than the physician norm except for anxiety and paranoia. The correlations between each factor of work stressors and each factor of SCL-90 were positive and statistically significant (P<0.05), except for two pairs of factors, workload and terror as well as external environment and terror. The results of univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in the mental health scores of pediatricians with different health status, years of work experience, job satisfaction, job stress, and career prospects (P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that health status, years of work experience, professional interest, interpersonal relationship, and doctor-patient relationship were influential factors in the mental health of pediatricians (P<0.05). ConclusionThe mental health of pediatricians in Guangzhou is unsatisfactory, and the factors affecting them are mainly external objective factors such as workload and organizational management.
10.Occupational burnout analysis of border guards in the background of COVID-19
PENG Hui LI Wen yan WANG Wei YANG Lang YANG Wen hui PENG Xiao lan ZONG You jia GUO Jia bin
China Occupational Medicine 2022;49(05):563-
Objective
To analyze the occupational burnout status and its influencing factors of border guards in the prevention
( - )Methods
and control of coronavirus disease COVID 19 . A total of 1 313 border guards who participate in the prevention
and control of epidemic diseases were selected as research subjects using the random cluster sampling method. Military
Occupational Burnout Scale and Military Occupational Stress Scale were used to investigate the occupational burnout status and
Results
occupational stress in the research subjects. The median and 25th and 75th percentiles of military occupational
( , ) ( , ),
burnout and occupational stress total scores were 9.0 3.0 15.0 and 76.0 70.0 86.0 respectively. About 73.1% of the
subjects were suffered from high occupational stress. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the higher
the scores of interpersonal relationship, military special life, work pressure, unclear role and leadership ability factor in
P
occupational stress, and the lower the score of personal development, the more serious the occupational burnout (all <0.05 )
,
after excluding the influence of confounding factors; subjects with panic psychology inconvenience caused by closed
,
management fear on accountability for poor prevention and no personal hobbies had more serious occupational burnout than
( P ) Conclusion - ,
subjects without those factors all <0.05 . In the period of COVID 19 prevention the level of occupational
burnout and occupational stress of border guards were generally low. The occupational burnout was mainly affected by
occupational stress and fear of the epidemic.


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