1.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Precription in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Autophagy
Xin KANG ; Chaodi SUN ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN ; Mingmin DU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):166-173
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription in regulating autophagy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by bioinformatics and animal experiments. MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and those overlapped with autophagy genes were obtained as the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs). DEARGs were imported into Metascape and STRING, respectively, for gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (GO/KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Finally, 15 key DEARGs were obtained. The core DEARGs were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the immunoinfiltration of UC patients and the correlations between core DEARGs and immune cells. C57BL/6J mice were assigned into a normal group and a modeling group. The mouse model of UC was established by free drinking of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium. The modeled mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription and mesalazine groups according to the random number table method and administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. The colonic mucosal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein and mRNA levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), cathepsin B (CTSB), C-C motif chemokine-2 (CCL2), CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), and hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultsThe dataset GSE87466 was screened from GEO and interlaced with autophagy genes. After PPI analysis, LASSO regression, and ROC analysis, the core DEARGs (Caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4) were obtained. The results of immunoinfiltration analysis showed that the counts of NK cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients had significant differences, and core DEARGs had significant correlations with these immune cells. This result, combined with the prediction results of network pharmacology, suggested that the HIF-1α signaling pathway may play a key role in the regulation of UC by Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription. The animal experiments showed that Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription significantly alleviated colonic mucosal inflammation in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, CXCR4, and HIF-1α, which were down-regulated after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription or mesalazine. ConclusionCaspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4 are autophagy genes that are closely related to the onset of UC. Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription can down-regulate the expression of core autophagy genes to alleviate the inflammation in the colonic mucosa of mice.
2.Prognostic value of preoperative prognostic nutrition index in hypopharyngeal cancer patients based on time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve
Lina YUAN ; Aobo ZHANG ; Wanxin LI ; Cheng LU ; Jun TIAN ; Shuling REN ; Liangfa LIU ; Yanbo DONG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(3):143-148
OBJECTIVE To explore the prognostic significance of the prognostic nutrition index(PNI)in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer undergoing surgical treatment.METHODS Clinical and pathological data of 117 patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment at the center of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University from May 2014 to June 2022 were collected.The prognostic significance of hematological indicators such as PNI and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),and systemic immune inflammation index(SⅡ)were investigated.The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic(tROC)curves were used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of various hematological indicators and to determine their optimal cutoffvalues.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the postoperative survival curve,and the Cox regression model was used to analyze the correlation between PNI and overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).RESULTS 117 patients were enrolled in this cohort,of which 109 were clinically classified as advanced stage(Ⅲ-Ⅳ).63 cases underwent surgery to preserve laryngeal function.The 5-year OS is 46.07%.According to the analysis of the tROC curve,the optimal cutoffvalue for PNI is 46.75.PNI is correlated with tumor T staging,NLR,PLR,and SⅡ.Kaplan Meier univariate analysis showed that PNI was significantly correlated with OS and DFS(P<0.05).In addition,tumor N-stage,postoperative complications,adverse pathological prognostic factors,NLR,PLR,and SⅡ were all significantly correlated with OS(P<0.05).Tumor N-stage,laryngeal preservation,postoperative complications,NLR,and SⅡ were significantly correlated with DFS(P<0.05).The Cox multivariate analysis results indicated that PNI,tumor N-stage,and postoperative complications were independent factors affecting OS and DFS.CONCLUSION Preoperative PNI,tumor N-stage,and postoperative complications are independent risk factors for OS and DFS in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma.PNI,as a prognostic indicator for predicting hypopharyngeal cancer patients,is superior to other hematological indicators.
3.SHI Zaixiang's Clinical Experience in Using Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction (柴胡桂枝干姜汤) to Treat High Fever in Sepsis
Tingting ZHU ; Yingying LIU ; Hailan CUI ; Zhiying REN ; Mingjing SHAO ; Yan BIAN ; Liyan WANG ; Zhenjie CHEN ; Yuan LIU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1645-1648
This paper summarizes Professor SHI Zaixiang's clinical experience in treating high fever caused by sepsis using Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction (柴胡桂枝干姜汤). He holds that the key pathogenesis of sepsis involves constrained heat in the shaoyang and internal accumulation of water and fluids. The clinical manifestations such as high fever, chills, and alternating sensations of cold and heat are attributed to pathogenic heat constrained in the shaoyang. Meanwhile, soft tissue edema and serous cavity effusions are due to shaoyang dysfunction and internal water retention. In clinical practice, treating sepsis-related high fever requires addressing both the shaoyang-constrained heat and the associated edema and effusions. The therapeutic approach focuses on harmonizing the shaoyang and resolving internal fluids, using Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction as the base formula with flexible modifications. Professor SHI emphasizes that this formula shows a rapid antipyretic effect, particularly in cases where multiple anti-infective treatments have failed.
4.From Correlation to Causation: Understanding Episodic Memory Networks.
Ahsan KHAN ; Jing LIU ; Maité CRESPO-GARCÍA ; Kai YUAN ; Cheng-Peng HU ; Ziyin REN ; Chun-Hang Eden TI ; Desmond J OATHES ; Raymond Kai-Yu TONG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(8):1463-1486
Episodic memory, our ability to recall past experiences, is supported by structures in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) particularly the hippocampus, and its interactions with fronto-parietal brain regions. Understanding how these brain regions coordinate to encode, consolidate, and retrieve episodic memories remains a fundamental question in cognitive neuroscience. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods, especially transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), have advanced episodic memory research beyond traditional lesion studies and neuroimaging by enabling causal investigations through targeted magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions. This review begins by delineating the evolving understanding of episodic memory from both psychological and neurobiological perspectives and discusses the brain networks supporting episodic memory processes. Then, we review studies that employed TMS to modulate episodic memory, with the aim of identifying potential cortical regions that could be used as stimulation sites to modulate episodic memory networks. We conclude with the implications and prospects of using NIBS to understand episodic memory mechanisms.
Humans
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Memory, Episodic
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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods*
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Brain/physiology*
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Nerve Net/physiology*
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Mental Recall/physiology*
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Neural Pathways/physiology*
5.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Coronary Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Sleep Deprivation Combined with Coronary Artery Ligation
Yali SHI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Longxiao HU ; Junguo REN ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):30-40
ObjectiveTo explore the construction and evaluation methods of a rat model of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome established by sleep deprivation combined with coronary artery ligation. MethodsThirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=6), a myocardial infarction group(model A group, n=10), an acute sleep deprivation+myocardial infarction group(model B group, n=10), and a chronic sleep deprivation+myocardial infarction group(model C group, n=10) according to body weight. Rats in the normal group were not treated, rats in the model A group underwent only ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, rats in the model B group were sleep deprived for 96 h and then underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and rats in the model C group were sleep deprived for an additional 48 h each week with a 24 h rest period as one cycle for three weeks on the basis of the model B group. After coronary artery ligation in the model C group, the first week was defined as the starting point of the first sleep deprivation cycle, and indexes were tested weekly for rats in each group for 3 weeks. Electrocardiogram was used to determine the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats, and small animal echocardiography was used to evaluate the cardiac function. The levels of serum creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cardiac troponin T(cTnT), interleukin-18(IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by biochemical assays, and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes of myocardial tissue in rats. The syndrome indicators of Qi and Yin deficiency were evaluated by general state and body weight, grip strength, facial temperature, paw temperature, rectal temperature, salivary flow rate, open field test, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)] values, pulse amplitude changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for the detection of expression levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP), rat serum corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), triiodothyronine(T3), tetraiodothyronine(T4), and corticosterone(CORT) in serum. ResultsIn terms of disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ST segment of the electrocardiogram in each model group was significantly elevated, the echocardiographic parameters were decreased, the contents of myocardial enzymes and inflammatory factors were increased(P<0.01), and the myocardial tissue in the infarcted area was significantly damaged. In terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body weight of rats in the model B and C groups decreased at each time point, the grip strength of each model group decreased, the total distance traveled and the number of entries into the center in the open field test decreased, the immobility time increased, the facial and rectal temperatures of rats in the model B and C groups increased, the salivary flow rate of each model group decreased, the tongue color was bright red or light, the tongue body was dry or smooth like a mirror, lacking of moisture sensation, the R, G and B values of the tongue surface increased, the pulse amplitude changes decreased, and the contents of T3 and T4 increased, while the expressions of cAMP, CRF, ACTH and CORT in the model B and C groups increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionContinuous sleep deprivation for 96 h in a multi-platform method combined with coronary artery ligation can construct a rat model of AMI with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the syndrome manifestations can be maintained for 3 weeks.
6.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Longxiao HU ; Jiabei GAO ; Weihao MA ; Jieming LU ; Yunxiao GAO ; Yue YUAN ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):41-51
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility, evaluation methods and metabolic differences of high-fat diet(HFD) combined with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) to establish a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome(PBSBCS). MethodsThirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, HFD, MIRI, and MIRI+HFD groups. Rats in the sham operation and MIRI groups were fed a standard diet(regular chow), while the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups received a HFD for 10 weeks. Rats in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups underwent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion surgery, while the sham operation group underwent only thread placement without ligation. Cardiac function was assessed via small-animal echocardiography, including left ventricular ejection fraction(EF), left ventricular fractional shortening(FS), cardiac output(CO), and stroke volume(SV). Serum levels of creatine kinase(CK), CK-MB, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), endothelin-1(ET-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-18(IL-18), oxidized LDL(ox-LDL), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) were measured by biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Myocardial histopathology was evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, while myocardial infarction and no-reflow area were assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC), Evans blue, and thioflavin staining. Changes in syndrome characteristics[body weight, tongue surface red-green-blue [RGB] values, and pulse amplitude] of PBSBCS were recorded. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increases in body weight(P<0.01), RGB values and pulse amplitude decreased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels increased in the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups, while HDL-C decreased. Blood perfusion peak time and myocardial no-reflow area increased, serum eNOS level decreased, and CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities increased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Whole blood viscosity was increased in the HFD group at medium shear rate, and in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups at low, medium and high shear rates(P<0.05, P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate increased in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, accompanied by elevated ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-18 levels, reduced cardiac function indices, expanded myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, and increased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MIRI group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increase in body weight, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels, and significant decrease in HDL-C content(P<0.01). The MIRI+HFD group showed decrease in RGB values and pulse amplitude, and an increase in whole blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, blood perfusion peak time, myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, elevated ET-1, TNF-α and IL-18 levels, decreased eNOS content, EF and SV, increased serum CK, CK-MB and cTnT activities, and worsened myocardial pathology(P<0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the MIRI+HFD group showed similar aggravated trends(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics results showed that 34 potential biomarkers involving 13 common metabolic pathways were identified in the MIRI+HFD group compared with the sham operation group. ConclusionThe MIRI group resembles blood stasis syndrome in hemodynamics and myocardial injury, and the HFD group mirrors phlegm-turbidity syndrome in lipid profiles and tongue characteristics. While the MIRI+HFD group aligns with PBSBCS in comprehensive indices, effectively simulating clinical features of coronary heart disease(CHD), which can be used for the evaluation of the pathological mechanism and pharmacodynamics of CHD with PBSBCS.
7.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Cerebral Infarction with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Yue YUAN ; Yunxiao GAO ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Longxiao HU ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):62-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the preparation method of a mouse model of cerebral infarction with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome induced by streptozotocin(STZ) combined with the photochemical method, and to evaluate the biological basis of the established model. MethodsForty C57B6/J mice were randomly divided into the normal and model groups, with 20 mice in each group. The normal group received no treatment, while the model group was injected intraperitoneally with 55 mg·kg-1 of STZ once a day for 5 days. Fourteen days post-STZ induction, 10 mice from the normal group were randomly taken into the photochemical group, while 10 mice from the model group were randomly taken into the STZ+photochemical group. Rose Bengal solution injection combined with 520 nm laser irradiation was used to cause thrombosis and induce cerebral infarction in mice. Syndrome indexes for Qi and Yin deficiency were assessed by general state observation, body weight, grip strength, rectal temperature, behavioral experiments, energy metabolism, tongue color[red(R), green(G), blue(B)] values, adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content, corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and triiodothyronine(T3) levels. The pathological changes of cerebral infarction in mice were evaluated by detecting serum superoxide dismutase(SOD), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels in combination with Bederson score. Finally, the endogenous metabolites in mice were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and multivariate statistical analysis was performed by partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). The data filtering criteria were set as variable importance in the projection(VIP) value> 1, fold change(FC)<0.8 or FC>1.2, P<0.05, to obtain differential metabolites. Then MetaboAnalyst 3.0 was utilized for pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites, aiming to explore the metabolic profile changes and biological basis of mice with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome of cerebral infarction. ResultsRegarding the syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group had lower body weight, higher rectal temperature, lower limb motor ability and energy metabolism efficiency, lower ATP content, lower R, G and B values of the tongue surface, and lower speed of blood glucose regression(P<0.05, P<0.01). As for the disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the Bederson scores of the photochemical group and the STZ+photochemical group increased, the grip strength decreased, the SOD level decreased, and the levels of inflammatory factors increased(P<0.05). The results of metabolomics showed that a good separation pattern of components was observed among mice in each group, with significant differences in components. Identification of MS data revealed a total of 44 differential metabolites in mice with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome of cerebral infarction. Among them, 32 metabolites were up-regulated, mainly including triglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and ceramides. And 12 metabolites were down-regulated, mainly including amino acid and phosphate metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis of the above differential metabolites indicated that the metabolic pathways were mainly enriched in folate biosynthesis, terpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. These pathways were involved in multiple processes such as lipid transport, insulin resistance, and energy metabolism. ConclusionThe method of STZ injection combined with photochemical induction can successfully establish a mouse model of cerebral infarction with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and intervene in vivo processes such as folate biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism.
8.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Coronary Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Sleep Deprivation Combined with Coronary Artery Ligation
Yali SHI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Longxiao HU ; Junguo REN ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):30-40
ObjectiveTo explore the construction and evaluation methods of a rat model of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome established by sleep deprivation combined with coronary artery ligation. MethodsThirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=6), a myocardial infarction group(model A group, n=10), an acute sleep deprivation+myocardial infarction group(model B group, n=10), and a chronic sleep deprivation+myocardial infarction group(model C group, n=10) according to body weight. Rats in the normal group were not treated, rats in the model A group underwent only ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, rats in the model B group were sleep deprived for 96 h and then underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and rats in the model C group were sleep deprived for an additional 48 h each week with a 24 h rest period as one cycle for three weeks on the basis of the model B group. After coronary artery ligation in the model C group, the first week was defined as the starting point of the first sleep deprivation cycle, and indexes were tested weekly for rats in each group for 3 weeks. Electrocardiogram was used to determine the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats, and small animal echocardiography was used to evaluate the cardiac function. The levels of serum creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cardiac troponin T(cTnT), interleukin-18(IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by biochemical assays, and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes of myocardial tissue in rats. The syndrome indicators of Qi and Yin deficiency were evaluated by general state and body weight, grip strength, facial temperature, paw temperature, rectal temperature, salivary flow rate, open field test, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)] values, pulse amplitude changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for the detection of expression levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP), rat serum corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), triiodothyronine(T3), tetraiodothyronine(T4), and corticosterone(CORT) in serum. ResultsIn terms of disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ST segment of the electrocardiogram in each model group was significantly elevated, the echocardiographic parameters were decreased, the contents of myocardial enzymes and inflammatory factors were increased(P<0.01), and the myocardial tissue in the infarcted area was significantly damaged. In terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body weight of rats in the model B and C groups decreased at each time point, the grip strength of each model group decreased, the total distance traveled and the number of entries into the center in the open field test decreased, the immobility time increased, the facial and rectal temperatures of rats in the model B and C groups increased, the salivary flow rate of each model group decreased, the tongue color was bright red or light, the tongue body was dry or smooth like a mirror, lacking of moisture sensation, the R, G and B values of the tongue surface increased, the pulse amplitude changes decreased, and the contents of T3 and T4 increased, while the expressions of cAMP, CRF, ACTH and CORT in the model B and C groups increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionContinuous sleep deprivation for 96 h in a multi-platform method combined with coronary artery ligation can construct a rat model of AMI with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the syndrome manifestations can be maintained for 3 weeks.
9.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Longxiao HU ; Jiabei GAO ; Weihao MA ; Jieming LU ; Yunxiao GAO ; Yue YUAN ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):41-51
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility, evaluation methods and metabolic differences of high-fat diet(HFD) combined with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) to establish a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome(PBSBCS). MethodsThirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, HFD, MIRI, and MIRI+HFD groups. Rats in the sham operation and MIRI groups were fed a standard diet(regular chow), while the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups received a HFD for 10 weeks. Rats in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups underwent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion surgery, while the sham operation group underwent only thread placement without ligation. Cardiac function was assessed via small-animal echocardiography, including left ventricular ejection fraction(EF), left ventricular fractional shortening(FS), cardiac output(CO), and stroke volume(SV). Serum levels of creatine kinase(CK), CK-MB, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), endothelin-1(ET-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-18(IL-18), oxidized LDL(ox-LDL), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) were measured by biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Myocardial histopathology was evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, while myocardial infarction and no-reflow area were assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC), Evans blue, and thioflavin staining. Changes in syndrome characteristics[body weight, tongue surface red-green-blue [RGB] values, and pulse amplitude] of PBSBCS were recorded. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increases in body weight(P<0.01), RGB values and pulse amplitude decreased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels increased in the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups, while HDL-C decreased. Blood perfusion peak time and myocardial no-reflow area increased, serum eNOS level decreased, and CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities increased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Whole blood viscosity was increased in the HFD group at medium shear rate, and in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups at low, medium and high shear rates(P<0.05, P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate increased in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, accompanied by elevated ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-18 levels, reduced cardiac function indices, expanded myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, and increased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MIRI group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increase in body weight, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels, and significant decrease in HDL-C content(P<0.01). The MIRI+HFD group showed decrease in RGB values and pulse amplitude, and an increase in whole blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, blood perfusion peak time, myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, elevated ET-1, TNF-α and IL-18 levels, decreased eNOS content, EF and SV, increased serum CK, CK-MB and cTnT activities, and worsened myocardial pathology(P<0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the MIRI+HFD group showed similar aggravated trends(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics results showed that 34 potential biomarkers involving 13 common metabolic pathways were identified in the MIRI+HFD group compared with the sham operation group. ConclusionThe MIRI group resembles blood stasis syndrome in hemodynamics and myocardial injury, and the HFD group mirrors phlegm-turbidity syndrome in lipid profiles and tongue characteristics. While the MIRI+HFD group aligns with PBSBCS in comprehensive indices, effectively simulating clinical features of coronary heart disease(CHD), which can be used for the evaluation of the pathological mechanism and pharmacodynamics of CHD with PBSBCS.
10.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Cerebral Infarction with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Yue YUAN ; Yunxiao GAO ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Longxiao HU ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):62-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the preparation method of a mouse model of cerebral infarction with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome induced by streptozotocin(STZ) combined with the photochemical method, and to evaluate the biological basis of the established model. MethodsForty C57B6/J mice were randomly divided into the normal and model groups, with 20 mice in each group. The normal group received no treatment, while the model group was injected intraperitoneally with 55 mg·kg-1 of STZ once a day for 5 days. Fourteen days post-STZ induction, 10 mice from the normal group were randomly taken into the photochemical group, while 10 mice from the model group were randomly taken into the STZ+photochemical group. Rose Bengal solution injection combined with 520 nm laser irradiation was used to cause thrombosis and induce cerebral infarction in mice. Syndrome indexes for Qi and Yin deficiency were assessed by general state observation, body weight, grip strength, rectal temperature, behavioral experiments, energy metabolism, tongue color[red(R), green(G), blue(B)] values, adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content, corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and triiodothyronine(T3) levels. The pathological changes of cerebral infarction in mice were evaluated by detecting serum superoxide dismutase(SOD), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels in combination with Bederson score. Finally, the endogenous metabolites in mice were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and multivariate statistical analysis was performed by partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). The data filtering criteria were set as variable importance in the projection(VIP) value> 1, fold change(FC)<0.8 or FC>1.2, P<0.05, to obtain differential metabolites. Then MetaboAnalyst 3.0 was utilized for pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites, aiming to explore the metabolic profile changes and biological basis of mice with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome of cerebral infarction. ResultsRegarding the syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group had lower body weight, higher rectal temperature, lower limb motor ability and energy metabolism efficiency, lower ATP content, lower R, G and B values of the tongue surface, and lower speed of blood glucose regression(P<0.05, P<0.01). As for the disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the Bederson scores of the photochemical group and the STZ+photochemical group increased, the grip strength decreased, the SOD level decreased, and the levels of inflammatory factors increased(P<0.05). The results of metabolomics showed that a good separation pattern of components was observed among mice in each group, with significant differences in components. Identification of MS data revealed a total of 44 differential metabolites in mice with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome of cerebral infarction. Among them, 32 metabolites were up-regulated, mainly including triglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and ceramides. And 12 metabolites were down-regulated, mainly including amino acid and phosphate metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis of the above differential metabolites indicated that the metabolic pathways were mainly enriched in folate biosynthesis, terpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. These pathways were involved in multiple processes such as lipid transport, insulin resistance, and energy metabolism. ConclusionThe method of STZ injection combined with photochemical induction can successfully establish a mouse model of cerebral infarction with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and intervene in vivo processes such as folate biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism.

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