1.Mechanism of Shaoyaotang in Modulating MDSCs-related Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Prevention and Treatment of Colitis-associated Carcinogenesis
Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Bingwei YANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Ying WU ; Weidong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the prevention and treatment of colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) based on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)-related immunosuppressive microenvironment. MethodsA total of 140 six-week-old SPF FVB male mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Blank group, Shaoyaotang without model group (7.12 g·kg-1), model group, sulfasalazine group (0.52 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang low-dose group (3.56 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang medium-dose group (7.12 g·kg-1) and Shaoyaotang high-dose group (14.24 g·kg-1), with 20 mice in each group. The blank control group and the Shaoyaotang without model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline (10 mg·kg-1), while the other five groups were given a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) (10 mg·kg-1). After 1 week, the mice were given drinking water containing 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 1 week, followed by normal drinking water for 2 weeks. This cycle was repeated three times over a total period of 14 weeks to establish the CAC mouse model. Each group was administered gavage once daily for 2 weeks starting on the 14th day of the experiment, followed by three times a week until the end of the experiment. The body weight of the mice was recorded weekly. Mice were sacrificed on the 28th and 98th days of the experiment. After dissection, the colon length, colon weight, spleen weight, tumor size, and tumor number were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological morphology of colon tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue. ResultsOn day 14, compared with the blank group, the body weight of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), reaching its lowest point on day 28 (23.39 ± 0.95 ) g. On days 28 and 98, compared with the blank group, the colon length in the model group was significantly shortened (P<0.01), the colon index significantly increased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly increased (P<0.01), and the tumor load significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that in the model group, tumor cells, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrates, goblet cell disappearance, and crypt loss were observed. In each dose group of Shaoyaotang, the damage to the colonic mucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration, and crypt structure destruction were alleviated. Compared with the model group, the body weight of mice in each dose group of Shaoyaotang increased. On day 98, the colon length was significantly increased (P<0.01), the colon index significantly decreased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the tumor burden significantly decreased (P<0.01) in each Shaoyaotang dose group. On days 28 and 98, MDSCs and Tregs in the spleen of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were significantly increased (P<0.01). The proportion of CD8+ T cells in the spleen and the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the colon tissues of mice in each Shaoyaotang dose group were significantly increased to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). On days 28 and 98, the expression of p-AMPK-positive cells in the colon tissue of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-NF-κB and HIF-1α was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang can regulate MDSC recruitment and modulate the immune function of T lymphocyte subsets to inhibit the occurrence and development of AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the AMPK/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.
2.Effect of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Immune Inflammatory Response in Rats Based on STAT1/IRF3 Pathway
Hongjuan YANG ; Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Quan MA ; Yanlin WU ; Hongmei LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):146-155
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 (STAT1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group, and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, dexamethasone group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose (12 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (6 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (3 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily, and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days, flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight, spleen weight, and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in lung tissues, while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly increased IgM levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was evident, with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, increased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly decreased IgM levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly increased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was alleviated, thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced, and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.
3.Efficacy of orthokeratology lenses in adolescent myopia patients with different diopters
Xiaojing LI ; Lingling WU ; Qianqian YANG ; Sen ZHAO ; Yun LIU ; Li MENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):162-165
AIM: To explore the control effects of wearing orthokeratology lens for 1 a on adolescent myopia patients with different diopters.METHODS: Prospective non-randomized controlled study. A total of 120 adolescent myopic patients(224 eyes), with an average age of 11.00±2.08 years old, who were fitted with orthokeratology lenses in the optometry department of our hospital from November 2022 to May 2023 were collected. There were 3 groups according to the spherical equivalent, including 86 eyes in the group of -0.50--2.00 D, 99 eyes in the group -2.25--4.00 D, and 39 eyes in group -4.25--6.00 D. Patients were followed up for 1 a to observe the changes of uncorrected visual acuity, axial length, corneal curvature, corneal central thickness and corneal endothelial cells density in the three groups after wearing lens for 1 a.RESULTS:A total of 113 cases(212 eyes)were followed up for 1 a, including 82 eyes in the group of -0.50--2.00 D, 95 eyes in the group of -2.25--4.00 D, and 35 eyes in the group of -4.25--6.00 D. There was no statistical difference in corneal central thickness and corneal endothelial cell density among the three groups of patients after wearing lens for 1 a(all P>0.05). Uncorrected visual acuity was significantly improved, and flat kerotometry(FK)and steep kerotometry(SK)were significantly flatter(both P<0.01). Furthermore, the growth of axial length in the three groups of patients after wearing lens for 1 a was 0.21±0.26, 0.13±0.21 and 0.09±0.10 mm, respectively(P<0.05). There were differences between the -0.50--2.00 D group and the -2.25--4.00 D group and -4.25--6.00 D group(P=0.028, 0.010), and there were no differences between the -2.25--4.00 D group and the -4.25--6.00 D group(P=0.344).CONCLUSION:It is safe and effective for young myopia patients to wear orthokeratology lenses, which can prevent the non-benign growth of the axial length and effectively delay the development of myopia, and the myopia control effect is better especially for myopia patients of above -2.0 D.
4.Mechanism of Yantiao Prescription in Treating Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury Based on Arachidonic Acid Metabolic Pathways
Pengcheng LI ; Tianyang CHEN ; Rong FANG ; Anna ZHANG ; Sijia WU ; Wei LIU ; Qian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):101-110
ObjectiveTo clarify the anti-inflammatory and lung-protective effects of Yantiao prescription on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI), and to explore the impact of Yantiao prescription on the metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid (AA) in vivo. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the following groups based on body weight: normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (2 mg·kg-1), low-dose Yantiao prescription group (18 g·kg-1), and high-dose Yantiao prescription group (36 g·kg-1), with 6 mice in each group. The ALI mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The treatment groups received oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days, and serum and lung tissue were collected at the end of the experiment. The content of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess lung tissue pathology. The wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung tissue were measured. The content of AA metabolites in serum and lung tissue was measured by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsCompared with the conditions in the normal group, the content of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The alveolar structure in mice was severely damaged, with markedly thickened alveolar walls and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. The W/D ratio and MPO activity in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of AA metabolites, including prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 11(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid [11(S)-HETE], and 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) in serum and lung tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05), while the content of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the results in the model group, the content of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the dexamethasone group, low-dose Yantiao prescription group, and high-dose Yantiao prescription group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Mild thickening of alveolar walls, scattered inflammatory cell infiltration, and relatively intact tissue structure with improved alveolar architecture were observed. The W/D ratio and MPO activity in lung tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The content of AA metabolites PGD2, PGE2, 11(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE in serum from the dexamethasone group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the content of 14,15-EET in serum significantly increased (P<0.01), and the content of 5-HETE in lung tissue significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the low-dose and high-dose Yantiao prescription groups, the content of AA metabolites PGD2, PGE2, 11(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE in serum and lung tissue was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the content of 11,12-EET in both serum and lung tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionYantiao prescription has significant protective effects against LPS-induced ALI, which are related to its regulation of AA metabolic pathways in vivo.
5.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
6.Analysis of Changes on Volatile Components of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chaxiong Rhizome Before and After Wine Processing Based on Electronic Nose and HS-GC-MS
Wen ZHANG ; Peng ZHENG ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Xiaolin XIAO ; Zaodan WU ; Li XIN ; Wenhui GONG ; Jinlian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):173-181
ObjectiveBy comparing the composition and content of volatile components in raw products, wine-washed products and wine-fried products of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chaxiong rhizome(LSCR), to investigate the influence of wine processing on the volatile components of LSCR, in order to provide a basis for the development of quality standards for LSCR and its processed products. MethodsElectronic nose was used to identify the odors of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR, and their volatile components were detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the relative mass fractions of these components were determined by peak area normalization method. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were performed on the obtained sample data by SIMCA 14.1 software, and the differential components of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR were screened according to the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between volatile differential flavor components and electronic nose sensors. ResultsElectronic nose detection results showed that there were significant differences in the odors of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR, mainly reflected in the sensors S2, S4, S5, S6, S11, S12, S13. And a total of 62 compounds were identified from LSCR and its wine-processed products, among which 46, 50 and 51 compounds were identified from LSCR, wine-fried and wine-washed LSCR, respectively. There were 21 differential components between the raw products and wine-fried products, of which 10 components were increased and 11 were decreased after processing. There were 20 differential components between the raw products and wine-washed products, of which 11 constituents increased and 9 decreased after processing. There were 17 differential components between the wine-wash products and wine-fried products. Compared with the wine-washed products, the contents of 13 components in the wine-fried products increased, and the contents of 4 components decreased. The increasing trend of the content of phthalides in the wine-washed products was more obvious than that in the wine-fried products, but the content of total volatile components was higher in the wine-fried products than the wine-washed products. Correlation analysis showed that there were different degrees of correlation between the 7 differential sensors of electronic nose and 24 differential volatile components, mainly phthalides and olefins. ConclusionThe odor and the content of volatile components in LSCR changed obviously after wine processing, and n-butylphthalide, Z-butylidenephthalide and E-ligustilide can be used as the candidate differential markers of volatile components in LSCR before and after wine processing.
7.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
8.Analysis of Application of Animal Model of Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Syndrome Based on Data Mining
Qingqian YU ; Yifei ZHANG ; Zehan ZHANG ; Weiyue ZHANG ; Yuebo WANG ; Fengzhi WU ; Feng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):235-243
ObjectiveThe research focuses on developing modeling and evaluation methodologies for an animal model exhibiting spleen deficiency and dampness excess syndrome, with the aim of standardizing such animal models for future reference. MethodsBy conducting a literature search on animal models of spleen deficiency and dampness excess syndrome, relevant publications meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria will be identified based on publication date, data source, types of diseases involved, animal characteristics, modeling methods, modeling duration, macroscopic syndrome assessment indicators, macroscopic quantification indicators, laboratory testing parameters, intervention approaches, positive controls and application context. A database will be established to facilitate the extraction of this information for quantitative analysis, statistical evaluation, and visual representation. ResultsA total of 137 literature articles meeting the standards have been included in the research. The primary animal species used in animal models of spleen deficiency and dampness excess are SD rats. Modeling methods include single-factor, dual-factor composite, and triple-factor composite methods, with various models widely applied in validation of pharmacological effects and mechanistic explorations. Evaluation indices of animal models for spleen deficiency and dampness excess primarily consist of macroscopic syndrome evaluation indicators and macroscopic quantitative indicators. Laboratory testing indicators are mostly related to research areas such as fluid metabolism and gastrointestinal function. The most commonly studied herbal formulas currently include Shenling Baizhu San and Pingwei San, with natural recovery and the use of the western medicine metronidazole as the most frequently used positive controls. ConclusionThe application of animal models for spleen deficiency and dampness excess is gradually increasing, with various modeling methods already simulating the typical characteristics of this syndrome pattern. However, there are still many areas that are worth contemplating and improving. This study aims to provide reference and ideas for the standardization of symptom names in animal models of spleen deficiency and dampness excess, as well as for the improvement of model construction and evaluation systems.
9.The Effect of Modified Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) on Cognitive Function and Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain in Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Model Rats
Naijie CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Fengsheng XU ; Shuanghong SHEN ; Zuanfang LI ; Qin CHEN ; Jin CHEN ; Runhua WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):71-78
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) on chronic intermittent hypoxia cognitive function and the potential function mechanism. MethodsTwenty-four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a modified Ditan Decoction group, with eight rats in each group. Rats in the modified Ditan Decoction group were administered the decoction by gavage at 14.8 ml/(kg·d), while the normal group and the model group received the same dose of normal saline. Thirty minutes after daily gavage, the rats in all three groups were placed in an intermittent hypoxia chamber. The oxygen concentration for the model group and the modified Ditan Decoction group was adjusted daily for 8 hours using a computer program to establish the model, while the normal group was exposed to the same airflow rate of ambient air. The intervention was continued for 12 weeks to establish a chronic intermittent hypoxia rat model. The Y-maze test was used to evaluate spatial working memory in the rats. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed to detect whole-brain regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC). Brain regions showing significant differences in rs-fMRI were selected for further analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to detect β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and the number of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1)-positive microglial cells. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the expression of synaptophysin (SYP), the excitatory synapse marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (Vglut1), and the inhibitory synapse marker vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter (VGAT). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a reduced spontaneous alternation rate in the Y-maze test. The smoothed Z-score standardized regional homogeneity (SzReHo) value in the left entorhinal cortex significantly increased, and the FC value from this seed point to the left basal forebrain significantly reduced. Additionally, the model group exhibited significantly higher Aβ fluorescence intensity and Iba1 positivity in the left entorhinal cortex, decreased expression of SYP, Vglut1, and VGAT, along with an increased Vglut1/VGAT ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the modified Ditan Decoction group demonstrated an increased spontaneous alternation rate, a significantly reduced SzReHo value in the left entorhinal cortex, and a significantly increased FC value from this region to the left basal forebrain. Furthermore, this group showed significantly lower Aβ fluorescence intensity and Iba1 positivity in the left entorhinal cortex, increased levels of SYP, Vglut1, and VGAT, and a decreased Vglut1/VGAT ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionModified Ditan Decoction can reconstruct the projection from the left basal forebrain to the entorhinal cortex in chronic intermittent hypoxia, thereby reducing Aβ aggregation and excessive microglial activation in the left entorhinal cortex. This process improves the excitation/inhibition imbalance caused by synaptic remodeling, ultimately enhancing cognitive function in rats of chronic intermittent hypoxia.
10.Exploration of the Application of Fengfu (GV 16) Acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》)
Yawei ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Lintong WEN ; Hefei WANG ; Wei WANG ; Hongyu WU ; Shijiang SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):98-101
By examining the records related to the Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》) compiled by the Song Dynasty physician DOU Cai, this study analyzed various aspects, including the differentiation of conditions treated with Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the theoretical foundation for selection of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the application of needling manipulation, and the sensation of obtaining qi during acupuncture. The findings suggest that DOU Cai's approach to utilizing Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint differs from traditional methods, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of achieving a sensation of heat and numbness. His unique techniques include transverse insertion at Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint and penetrated insertion to Fengchi (GB 20) and Yifeng (TE 17) acupoints. The records of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book provide a valuable reference for its modern clinical application and further development.

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