1.Latent class analysis and influencing factor study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among operating room nurses in tertiary hospitals
Xiaogui TANG ; Li LI ; Yue ZHAO ; Ningning HU ; Feng FU ; Boya LI ; Mengru YANG ; Yinglan LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):293-301
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), as one of the major occupational health issues worldwide, have shown an increasing positive rate year by year. Due to the unique demands of work, operating room nurses exhibit a higher positive rate of WMSDs compared to other occupational groups, necessitating active attention and intervention. Objective To estimate the prevalence of WMSDs among operating room nurses in tertiary hospitals, explore the characteristics and latent categories of WMSDs, and analyze the influencing factors associated with the occurrence of WMSDs. Method Using a randomized cluster sampling method, operating room nurses from nine tertiary hospitals in Urumqi were selected as study participants between December 2023 and January 2024. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, an ergonomic questionnaire for operating room nurses, and the Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. Latent class analysis was employed to examine the patterns of WMSDs among the nurses, while chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression were utilized to analyze the influencing factors of WMSDs. Result A total of 411 valid questionnaires were collected in this survey. The positive rate of WMSDs among operating room nurses in the tertiary hospitals of Urumqi over the past year was 91.9%. The positive rates, ordered from highest to lowest by body region, were neck (79.1%), shoulders (70.3%), and lower back (68.1%). The operating room nurses were categorized into three distinct groups by latent class analysis: multi-site pain group, neck-shoulder-back pain group, and neck and lower back pain group. The results of the multinomial logistic regression models revealed that gender, job strain level, ergonomic load level in the operating room, and exposure to cold or drafty working conditions or not were significant influencing factors for reporting WMSDs among operating room nurses. Specifically, having less than 5 years of work experience, low ergonomic load level, low job strain, and moderate job strain were identified as protective factors against WMSDs. Conversely, exposure to cold or drafty working environments and being female were identified as risk factors for WMSDs. The logistic regression models also indicated that compared to the neck-lower back pain group, the neck-shoulder-back pain group had a higher probability of reporting low job strain (OR=0.168, 95%CI: 0.029, 0.968) and being female (OR=4.847, 95%CI: 2.506, 9.378). In contrast, when comparing to the neck-lower back pain group, the multi-site pain group had a higher probability of reporting, low-level ergonomic workload (OR=0.079, 95%CI: 0.015, 0.412), low job strain (OR=0.019, 95%CI: 0.002, 0.145), moderate job strain (OR=0.080, 95%CI: 0.016, 0.401), high job strain (OR=0.132, 95%CI: 0.027, 0.647), less than 5 years of work experience (OR=0.173, 95%CI: 0.044, 0.683), being female (OR=2.424, 95%CI: 1.130, 5.200), and exposure to cold or drafty working environments (OR=3.277, 95%CI: 1.657, 6.481). Conclusion The positive rate WMSDs among operating room nurses in tertiary hospitals is notably high in Urumqi, with distinct co-occurrence characteristics observed within the population. To mitigate the risk of WMSDs, it is essential to implement targeted health education and prevention training programs tailored to different patterns of WMSDs. Additionally, improving working conditions, optimizing human resource allocation , and other proactive measures should be undertaken. These efforts will effectively reduce the incidence of WMSDs among operating room nurses and safeguard their occupational health.
2.Introduction and enlightenment of the Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasm a and Platelet Transfusion Practice in Critically ill Children: from the Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB)
Lu LU ; Jiaohui ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Lan GU ; Junhua ZHANG ; Zhi LIN ; Dan WANG ; Mingyi ZHAO ; Minghua YANG ; Rong HUANG ; Rong GUI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):585-594
To guide transfusion practice in critically ill children who often need plasma and platelet transfusions, the Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB) developed Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Practice in Critically Ill Children. This guideline addresses 53 recommendations related to plasma and platelet transfusion in critically ill children with 8 kinds of diseases, laboratory testing, selection/treatment of plasma and platelet components, and research priorities. This paper introduces the specific methods and results of the recommendation formation of the guideline.
3.Overview of Studies on the Intervention of Chinese Medicinals in Energy Metabolism Reconstruction in Heart Failure
Xinyue NING ; Wenxiao LI ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Yang GUO ; Panpan ZHOU ; Ludan ZHAO ; Lin LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1073-1077
Energy metabolism reconstruction is the new target of the treatment of heart failure. By combing the researches of Chinese medicinals for energy metabolism reconstruction of heart failure, it was found that Chinese medicinal compound formula and single Chinese medicinal have a certain role in regulating energy metabolism, mainly through three aspects, including the optimization of substrate utilization, improvement of mitochondrial structure, function, and homeostasis, and improvement of mitochondrial energy transport, so as to make the energy metabolism of the cardiomyocyte adjusted in the direction of beneficial to the organism, increasing the supply of energy, and improving the cardiac function.
4.Shaoyaotang Containing Serum Mediates Fas/FasL Pathway to Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis of Caco-2 Cells
Yuting YANG ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Nianjia XIE ; Bo ZOU ; Daguang CHEN ; Erle LIU ; Yi LU ; Zhaowen LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):62-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different concentrations of Shaoyaotang-containing serum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells by inhibiting apoptosis via activating the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were allocated into blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), Shaoyaotang-containing serum (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), and Fas inhibitor (KR-33493, 20 mmol·L-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were stimulated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h for the modeling of inflammation. After successful modeling, the blank, Fas inhibitor, and model groups were treated with blank serum, and the Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups were treated with the serum samples at corresponding concentrations for 24 h. The Fas inhibitor group was subjected to KR-33493 pretreatment for 1 h. Cell proliferation and viability were examined by the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group presented a decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the cell survival rate showed no significant change in the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group but increased in the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups (P<0.01). Since there was no statistical difference between the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group and the model group, 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing sera were selected for the follow-up study. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed risen levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Fas inhibitor group and the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups showed declined levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased apoptosis rates (P<0.01), down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and higher protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can reduce the content of inflammatory factors in Caco-2 cells, down-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax, and up-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 under the intervention of LPS by regulating the Fas/FasL pathway and inhibiting the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis.
5.Shaoyaotang Alleviates Damage of Tight Junction Proteins in Caco-2 Cell Model of Inflammation by Regulating RhoA/ROCK Pathway
Nianjia XIE ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuting YANG ; Bo ZOU ; Da ZHAO ; Yi LU ; Mingsheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):70-77
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shaoyaotang (SYD) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage of tight junction proteins in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell model of inflammation via the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were grouped as follows: Blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), SYD-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%), and inhibitor (Fasudil, 25 μmol·L-1). After 24 hours of intervention, the cell viability in each group was examined by the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of RhoA, ROCK2, claudin-5, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cells of each group. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showcased a marked reduction in the cell viability (P<0.01), elevations in the levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), declines in both mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.01), and rises in mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%) groups had enhanced cell viability (P<0.01), lowered levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Moreover, the inhibitor group and the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can lower the levels of LPS-induced increases in levels of inflammatory cytokines and endothelin to ameliorate the damage of tight junction proteins of the Caco-2 cell model of inflammation by regulating the expression of proteins in the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
6.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying and Liver-regulating Cyclical Therapy and Formula in Improving Endometrial Receptivity during "Implantation Window" in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via miR-140-5p/VEGF Pathway
Quan LIU ; Yiqing HE ; Ying ZHANG ; Xi WANG ; Shuo YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):100-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy and its formula in regulating endometrial receptivity during the "implantation window" in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsSix rats were randomly selected from 36 SPF SD female rats as the normal group, and the remaining rats were administered letrozole to induce a PCOS model. By using a random number method, the rats were divided into the following groups: normal group, model group, Xiaoyaosan group (11.97 g·kg-1), Sanzi Yangmo decoction group (28.35 g·kg-1), cyclical therapy group (11.97/28.35 g·kg-1), and aspirin group (8 × 10-3 mg·kg-1). After 12 days of continuous administration by gavage (equivalent to three estrous cycles), female and male rats were co-housed. On the fifth day of pregnancy, the number of blastocyst implantation in each group was counted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of rat endometrial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in rat serum. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and integrin(ITG) αvβ3 in rat endometrial blood vessels. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-140-5 P, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PR, ER, AR, and ITGαvβ3 in rat endometrium. ResultsCompared with normal group, the estrous cycle of the rats in model group continued to be in the estrus interval and the estrous cycle lost regular changes. The endometrium was significantly thinner, the number of uterine glands and blood vessels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the pregnancy rate was significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, each drug group restored the regular estrous cycle to varying degrees, and the endometrial thickness and the number of blood vessels were significantly improved (P<0.01). The pregnancy rate of each drug group increased, and the effect of the cycle therapy group could reach the normal level. The results of molecular biology experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the levels of serum E2 and P in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of VEGF, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), the expression of AR protein was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the serum E2 level in the Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01).The levels of E2 and P in serum of rats in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, cycle therapy group and aspirin group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of AR protein in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF and ITGαvβ3 protein in Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, ER and PR protein in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group was increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, PR, ER and ITGαvβ3 protein in the cycle therapy group and the aspirin group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in each drug group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with Xiaoyaosan group and Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, the expression of miR-140-5P, VEGFR2, ER, PR, AR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in the cycle therapy group were significantly different (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy may reduce the activity of miR-140-5P, target the upregulation of VEGF expression, mediate angiogenesis, and promote endometrial angiogenesis, thereby playing a synergistic role in improving endometrial receptivity in PCOS-induced infertility. Its efficacy in increasing pregnancy rates surpasses that of Xiaoyaosan or Sanzi Yangmo decoction used alone.
7.Shaoyaotang Containing Serum Mediates Fas/FasL Pathway to Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis of Caco-2 Cells
Yuting YANG ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Nianjia XIE ; Bo ZOU ; Daguang CHEN ; Erle LIU ; Yi LU ; Zhaowen LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):62-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different concentrations of Shaoyaotang-containing serum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells by inhibiting apoptosis via activating the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were allocated into blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), Shaoyaotang-containing serum (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), and Fas inhibitor (KR-33493, 20 mmol·L-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were stimulated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h for the modeling of inflammation. After successful modeling, the blank, Fas inhibitor, and model groups were treated with blank serum, and the Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups were treated with the serum samples at corresponding concentrations for 24 h. The Fas inhibitor group was subjected to KR-33493 pretreatment for 1 h. Cell proliferation and viability were examined by the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group presented a decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the cell survival rate showed no significant change in the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group but increased in the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups (P<0.01). Since there was no statistical difference between the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group and the model group, 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing sera were selected for the follow-up study. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed risen levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Fas inhibitor group and the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups showed declined levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased apoptosis rates (P<0.01), down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and higher protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can reduce the content of inflammatory factors in Caco-2 cells, down-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax, and up-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 under the intervention of LPS by regulating the Fas/FasL pathway and inhibiting the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis.
8.Shaoyaotang Alleviates Damage of Tight Junction Proteins in Caco-2 Cell Model of Inflammation by Regulating RhoA/ROCK Pathway
Nianjia XIE ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuting YANG ; Bo ZOU ; Da ZHAO ; Yi LU ; Mingsheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):70-77
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shaoyaotang (SYD) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage of tight junction proteins in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell model of inflammation via the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were grouped as follows: Blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), SYD-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%), and inhibitor (Fasudil, 25 μmol·L-1). After 24 hours of intervention, the cell viability in each group was examined by the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of RhoA, ROCK2, claudin-5, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cells of each group. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showcased a marked reduction in the cell viability (P<0.01), elevations in the levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), declines in both mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.01), and rises in mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%) groups had enhanced cell viability (P<0.01), lowered levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Moreover, the inhibitor group and the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can lower the levels of LPS-induced increases in levels of inflammatory cytokines and endothelin to ameliorate the damage of tight junction proteins of the Caco-2 cell model of inflammation by regulating the expression of proteins in the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
9.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying and Liver-regulating Cyclical Therapy and Formula in Improving Endometrial Receptivity during "Implantation Window" in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via miR-140-5p/VEGF Pathway
Quan LIU ; Yiqing HE ; Ying ZHANG ; Xi WANG ; Shuo YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):100-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy and its formula in regulating endometrial receptivity during the "implantation window" in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsSix rats were randomly selected from 36 SPF SD female rats as the normal group, and the remaining rats were administered letrozole to induce a PCOS model. By using a random number method, the rats were divided into the following groups: normal group, model group, Xiaoyaosan group (11.97 g·kg-1), Sanzi Yangmo decoction group (28.35 g·kg-1), cyclical therapy group (11.97/28.35 g·kg-1), and aspirin group (8 × 10-3 mg·kg-1). After 12 days of continuous administration by gavage (equivalent to three estrous cycles), female and male rats were co-housed. On the fifth day of pregnancy, the number of blastocyst implantation in each group was counted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of rat endometrial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in rat serum. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and integrin(ITG) αvβ3 in rat endometrial blood vessels. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-140-5 P, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PR, ER, AR, and ITGαvβ3 in rat endometrium. ResultsCompared with normal group, the estrous cycle of the rats in model group continued to be in the estrus interval and the estrous cycle lost regular changes. The endometrium was significantly thinner, the number of uterine glands and blood vessels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the pregnancy rate was significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, each drug group restored the regular estrous cycle to varying degrees, and the endometrial thickness and the number of blood vessels were significantly improved (P<0.01). The pregnancy rate of each drug group increased, and the effect of the cycle therapy group could reach the normal level. The results of molecular biology experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the levels of serum E2 and P in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of VEGF, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), the expression of AR protein was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the serum E2 level in the Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01).The levels of E2 and P in serum of rats in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, cycle therapy group and aspirin group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of AR protein in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF and ITGαvβ3 protein in Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, ER and PR protein in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group was increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, PR, ER and ITGαvβ3 protein in the cycle therapy group and the aspirin group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in each drug group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with Xiaoyaosan group and Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, the expression of miR-140-5P, VEGFR2, ER, PR, AR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in the cycle therapy group were significantly different (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy may reduce the activity of miR-140-5P, target the upregulation of VEGF expression, mediate angiogenesis, and promote endometrial angiogenesis, thereby playing a synergistic role in improving endometrial receptivity in PCOS-induced infertility. Its efficacy in increasing pregnancy rates surpasses that of Xiaoyaosan or Sanzi Yangmo decoction used alone.
10.Efficiency and fairness: the government’s “vulnerable responsibility” in safeguarding rare disease patients
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):565-573
In the issue of safeguarding the rights of rare disease patients, the government, as the principal responsible entity, bears an important mission. However, traditional ethics are insufficient when confronted with the moral needs of rare disease patients and the government’s rescue dilemma. The theory of vulnerability provides us with new ethical thinking, guiding us to explore the concept of “vulnerable responsibility.” Starting from ethical dilemmas, this paper explored the government’s “vulnerable responsibility” in safeguarding the rights of rare disease patients. This responsibility stems from the vulnerable position of rare disease patients unable to help themselves, the profound impact of government actions on their significant interests, as well as the government’s role and capacity. This responsibility includes the negative responsibility of providing a safety net, and the positive responsibility of meeting the diverse needs of rare disease patients. The pathways, boundaries, and principles of the government’s “vulnerable responsibility” were deeply analyzed. The rationality of the government’s “vulnerable responsibility” was elucidated by comparison with traditional ethics. This study contributes to understanding the government’s responsibility in safeguarding the rights of rare disease patients, while providing valuable insights for future policy formulation.

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