1.Research progress on the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in ocular dis-eases
Ruping WANG ; Pubo WANG ; Xiuzhen LU ; Qiuxin WU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(9):731-737
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acting as a"molecular switch"for cellular energy status,regulates multiple metabolic pathways to maintain energy balance and plays a crucial role in the development of various ocular diseases.This article summarizes the mechanisms of AMPK in several ophthalmic diseases and the pro-gress of related research,with a focus on age-related macular degeneration,diabetic retinopathy,and ocular surface disea-ses.By reviewing the pathogenesis of these diseases and the regulatory role of the AMPK signaling pathway,we explore the potential applications of the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases and analyze the limitations and deficiencies of current research.With further investigation,regulatory strategies targeting the AMPK signaling pathway are expected to provide new ideas and potential therapies for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases in the future.
2.Biological activity analysis of baicalin nanodrugs: Nanosizing enhances antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of viral pneumonia.
Chenqi CHANG ; Chang LU ; Yu ZHENG ; Lili LIN ; XiuZhen CHEN ; Linwei CHEN ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Rui CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):101201-101201
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous respiratory virus that affects individuals of all ages; however, there is a notable lack of targeted treatments. RSV infection is associated with a range of respiratory symptoms, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Baicalin (BA) exhibits significant therapeutic effects against RSV infection through mechanisms of viral inhibition and anti-inflammatory action. Nonetheless, the clinical application of BA is constrained by its low solubility and bioavailability. In this study, we prepared BA nanodrugs (BA NDs) with enhanced water solubility utilizing the supramolecular self-assembled strategy, and we further conducted a comparative analysis of this pharmacological activity between free drugs and NDs of BA. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that BA NDs significantly enhanced the dual effects of viral inhibition and inflammation relief compared to free BA, attributed to prolonged lung retention, improved cellular uptake, and increased targeting affinity. Our study confirms that the nanosizing strategy, a straightforward approach to enhance drug solubility, can also increase biological activity compared to free drugs with the same content, thereby providing a potential ND for RSV treatment. This correlation analysis between the existing forms of drugs and their biological activity offers a novel perspective for research on the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine.
3.The two-year follow up study on the association between new caries risk in school aged children and multi dimensional sleep indicators
LU Xiuzhen, HUANG Chuanlong, LI Yang, ZUO Min, SUN Ying, CHEN Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):579-583
Objective:
To explore the prospective association between multidimensional sleep indicators and the risk of newlyonset dental caries, providing a reference for childrens oral healthrelated sleep intervention.
Methods:
In October 2021, 1 417 students in grades 1 to 4 (aged 6 to 11) from two elementary schools in Bengbu, Anhui Province, were selected by cluster sampling method. Surveys and followup visits were conducted at baseline (T1), November 2022 (T2), May 2023 (T3), and November 2023 (T4), respectively, including parental questionnaires, oral health and physical examination. Bedtime, sleep duration, sleep midpoint, social jet lag, weekend catchup sleep, and sleep habits were collected and calculated. A multifactorial Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the association between multidimensional sleep indicators and newlyonset caries in schoolaged children after 2 years.
Results:
The prevalence of dental caries in children was 65.1% at baseline, and the prevalence was 59.0% at the end of the 2year followup. Cox proportional risk regression model showed that for every 1point increase in the childrens bedtime resistance, nocturnal awakenings, parasomnias, and daytime sleepiness scores, the risk of newlyonset caries increased by 12% (HR=1.12, 95%CI=1.08-1.15), 22% (HR=1.22, 95%CI=1.15-1.29), 12% (HR=1.12, 95%CI=1.08-1.17), and 15% (HR=1.15, 95%CI=1.12-1.19), respectively; the risk of newlyonset caries increased by 23% for each 1 h increase in the length of weekend catchup sleep (HR=1.23, 95%CI=1.14 -1.33); compared with children who went to bed before 21:00 on school days, those who went to bed later than 22:00 had a 57% higher risk of newlyonset caries (HR=1.57, 95%CI=1.22-2.03). Compared to children who slept adequately (≥9 h/d), those with insufficient sleep had a 67% higher risk of new caries (HR=1.67, 95%CI=1.43-1.95) (P<0.01).
Conclusions
These findings suggest a significant association between sleep patterns/sleep disorders and the development of childhood dental caries. Incorporating sleep behavior optimization and sleep quality improvement into comprehensive caries prevention and oral health management protocols may represent a promising intervention strategy to enhance childrens oral health outcomes.
4.Biological activity analysis of baicalin nanodrugs:Nanosizing enhances antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of viral pneumonia
Chenqi CHANG ; Chang LU ; Yu ZHENG ; Lili LIN ; Xiuzhen CHEN ; Linwei CHEN ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Rui CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):1619-1633
Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)is a ubiquitous respiratory virus that affects individuals of all ages;however,there is a notable lack of targeted treatments.RSV infection is associated with a range of respi-ratory symptoms,including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.Baicalin(BA)exhibits significant therapeutic effects against RSV infection through mechanisms of viral inhibition and anti-inflammatory action.Nonetheless,the clinical application of BA is constrained by its low solubility and bioavailability.In this study,we prepared BA nanodrugs(BA NDs)with enhanced water solubility utilizing the supramolecular self-assembled strategy,and we further conducted a comparative analysis of this pharmacological activity between free drugs and NDs of BA.Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that BA NDs significantly enhanced the dual effects of viral inhibition and inflammation relief compared to free BA,attributed to prolonged lung retention,improved cellular uptake,and increased targeting affinity.Our study confirms that the nanosizing strategy,a straightforward approach to enhance drug solubility,can also increase biological activity compared to free drugs with the same content,thereby providing a potential ND for RSV treatment.This correlation analysis between the existing forms of drugs and their biological activity offers a novel perspective for research on the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture combined with running track exercise on oxidative stress injury in cerebral ischaemic rats
Yingzi ZHAO ; Yan LU ; Xiuzhen WANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(6):603-607,613
Objective:To investigate the effects of scalp acupuncture of Baihui and Qubin acupoints combined with running track exercise on the neurological function of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)cerebral ischemia and its regulatory effect on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by focusing on oxidative stress injury.Methods:A total of 40 male SD rats of SPF grade were selected and the cerebral ischemia model was established by ligation method.Among them,30 rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into the model group,the scalp-acupuncture group,and the combined group,with 10 rats in each group.Another 10 SPF male SD rats were used as the sham operation group.In the scalp-acupuncture group,electroacupuncture was applied to Baihui and Qubin acupoints.In the combined group,both electroacupuncture and running track exercise were applied.The treatment was carried out 6 times/week for a total of 4 weeks.The neurobehavioural function of rats was evaluated by Bederson Neurological Function Assessment.Pathological changes of rat brain tissue were observed by HE staining.SOD,serum MDA and GSH-px levels were detected by kit.The protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the rat brain tissue were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the sham-operated group,Bederson's neurological function score in the model group was significantly higher(P<0.05),the pathological damage of HE-stained brain tissue was obvious,the level of MDA significantly increased(P<0.05),the levels of SOD and GSH-px decreased(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,Bederson neurological function scores were reduced in each treatment group(P<0.05),the brain histopathological damage was alleviated,the level of MDA was reduced(P<0.05),the levels of SOD and GSH-px was elevated(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased(P<0.05).The Bederson neurological function score and MDA level in the combined group were lower than those in the scalp-acupuncture group(P<0.05),and the levels of SOD and GSH-px and the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins were significantly higher than those in the scalp-acupuncture group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Scalp acupuncture can improve the neurobehavioural dysfunction and pathological damage caused by cerebral ischemia,increase the antioxidant capacity,and the specific mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.And scalp acupuncture combined with running track exercise has a synergistic effect and is more advantageous for treatment.
6.Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture combined with running track exercise on oxidative stress injury in cerebral ischaemic rats
Yingzi ZHAO ; Yan LU ; Xiuzhen WANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(6):603-607,613
Objective:To investigate the effects of scalp acupuncture of Baihui and Qubin acupoints combined with running track exercise on the neurological function of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)cerebral ischemia and its regulatory effect on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by focusing on oxidative stress injury.Methods:A total of 40 male SD rats of SPF grade were selected and the cerebral ischemia model was established by ligation method.Among them,30 rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into the model group,the scalp-acupuncture group,and the combined group,with 10 rats in each group.Another 10 SPF male SD rats were used as the sham operation group.In the scalp-acupuncture group,electroacupuncture was applied to Baihui and Qubin acupoints.In the combined group,both electroacupuncture and running track exercise were applied.The treatment was carried out 6 times/week for a total of 4 weeks.The neurobehavioural function of rats was evaluated by Bederson Neurological Function Assessment.Pathological changes of rat brain tissue were observed by HE staining.SOD,serum MDA and GSH-px levels were detected by kit.The protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the rat brain tissue were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the sham-operated group,Bederson's neurological function score in the model group was significantly higher(P<0.05),the pathological damage of HE-stained brain tissue was obvious,the level of MDA significantly increased(P<0.05),the levels of SOD and GSH-px decreased(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,Bederson neurological function scores were reduced in each treatment group(P<0.05),the brain histopathological damage was alleviated,the level of MDA was reduced(P<0.05),the levels of SOD and GSH-px was elevated(P<0.05),and the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased(P<0.05).The Bederson neurological function score and MDA level in the combined group were lower than those in the scalp-acupuncture group(P<0.05),and the levels of SOD and GSH-px and the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins were significantly higher than those in the scalp-acupuncture group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Scalp acupuncture can improve the neurobehavioural dysfunction and pathological damage caused by cerebral ischemia,increase the antioxidant capacity,and the specific mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.And scalp acupuncture combined with running track exercise has a synergistic effect and is more advantageous for treatment.
7.Research progress on the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in ocular dis-eases
Ruping WANG ; Pubo WANG ; Xiuzhen LU ; Qiuxin WU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(9):731-737
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acting as a"molecular switch"for cellular energy status,regulates multiple metabolic pathways to maintain energy balance and plays a crucial role in the development of various ocular diseases.This article summarizes the mechanisms of AMPK in several ophthalmic diseases and the pro-gress of related research,with a focus on age-related macular degeneration,diabetic retinopathy,and ocular surface disea-ses.By reviewing the pathogenesis of these diseases and the regulatory role of the AMPK signaling pathway,we explore the potential applications of the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases and analyze the limitations and deficiencies of current research.With further investigation,regulatory strategies targeting the AMPK signaling pathway are expected to provide new ideas and potential therapies for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases in the future.
8.Expression and Significance of SLAMF7 in Intestinal Tissue and Intestinal Inflammation in Mice
Yan YANG ; Xueke LU ; Xiuzhen GE ; Yunwei LOU ; Tingmin CHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(4):831-838
To investigate the expression and significance of cell surface receptor signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7) in normal intestinal tissues and intestinal inflammatory tissues of mice. Five C57BL/6J wild-type male mice aged 8-10 weeks were chosen and fed normally. Lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were extracted, and totalcell RNA was extracted by Trizol reagent. The mRNA expression of SLAMF7 in cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Then 10 C57BL/6J wild-type male mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into control group ( Compared with colonic IECs, the expression of SLAMF7 was higher in colonic LPLs( SLAMF7 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of UC through neutrophil-related pathways.
9.Progress in the application of swept-source optical coherence tomography in corneal imaging
Lili ZHAO ; Jike SONG ; Xiuzhen LU ; Hongsheng BI
International Eye Science 2024;24(7):1058-1063
Advances in imaging technology have revolutionized the field of ophthalmology, changing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. Swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT)is a non-contact high-resolution imaging technology. It further improves imaging depth and scanning speed, adds new algorithms and features. The application of SS-OCT enables the three-dimensional evaluation of corneal structures, offering curvature and height maps for both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea, as well as precise corneal thickness mapping. These invaluable tools aid ophthalmologists in effectively screening and diagnosing various corneal lesions such as keratoconus, corneal dystrophy, and degeneration. Moreover, the enhanced speed, accuracy, and sensitivity provided by SS-OCT measurements facilitate improved surgical planning and postoperative monitoring for patients undergoing refractive surgery or keratoplasty. This article reviews the development of SS-OCT technology and its potential clinical utility in corneal diseases and surgical application, in order to support more possible future research and clinical treatment.
10.Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 and collagen type Ⅲ alpha 1 in the retina of guinea pigs with negative lens-induced myopia
Yijie LIU ; Qi HAO ; Xiuzhen LU ; Qiuxin WU ; Hongsheng BI
International Eye Science 2024;24(9):1373-1380
AIM: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3(TIMP-3)and collagen type III alpha 1(Col3α1)in the retina of guinea pigs with lens-induced myopia.METHODS:A total of 80 guinea pigs were randomly divided into the normal control(NC)group, negative lens-induced myopia(LIM)group, electro-acupuncture(EA)group, and sham group, with 20 guinea pigs in each group. The NC group did not receive any intervention, the LIM, EA and the sham groups were all wearing -6.0 D lens in the right eye and no lens in the left eye. The EA group was given electroacupuncture stimulation at Hegu Point and temple, and guinea pigs in the sham group were given intervention at false points. The refraction was measured by optometry, the axial length was measured by A-ultrasound, and the changes in retinal tissue structure were observed by HE staining. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR)and western blot(WB)were used to detect the expression of MMP-3, TIMP-3, and Col3α1 at mRNA and protein levels before modeling and at 2 and 4 wk after modeling. RESULTS:The axial length of the negative LIM group was significantly increased compared with the NC group at 2 and 4 wk after modeling(all P<0.05), and the diopter was significantly decreased(all P<0.05); the axial length of the eye in the EA group was decreased compared with the negative LIM group(all P<0.05), and the diopter was increased(all P<0.05). HE staining showed that the boundaries of retinal tissue in the NC group were obvious and arranged regularly. The retinal thickness, the thickness of the inner and outer nuclear layers, and the number of cells were reduced and irregularly arranged in the negative LIM group. The overall structure of the retina in the group EA was relatively perfect, the arrangement was more regular, and the morphological structure of each layer of the tissue did not appear obvious abnormalities. Q-PCR and WB detection results showed that the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of MMP-3, TIMP-3, and Col3α1 in the negative LIM group were significantly higher than those in the NC group(all P<0.05); the expression levels of the EA group was significantly decreased after intervention compared with the negative LIM group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can delay axial growth in negative LIM guinea pigs, and downregulate negative LIM induced expression of MMP-3, TIMP-3, and Col3α1 in the retina.


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