1.Interaction Mechnisms Between Gut Microbiota and Ischemic Stroke——A Study Based on the “Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis” Integrating 16S rRNA Sequencing with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Ting WANG ; Jing-Hao ZHANG ; Chao JIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):470-484
ObjectiveThis Study was conducted to investigate the interaction mechemisms between gutmicrobiota dysregulation and ischemic stroke by establishing a rat model of ischemic stroke and employing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). MethodsA preliminary experiment was conducted to establish an antibiotic-induced pseudo-sterile (ABX) rat model through antibiotic treatment, and a cerebral ischemia model was prepared using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. Fecal microbiota from stroke patients and healthy individuals were transplanted via FMT, followed by behavioral testing. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbial community, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to observe histopathological status, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the tight junction structure of the small intestine, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect levels of inflammatory factors and intestinal barrier-related markers. Results16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples showed that compared with the normal control group and the metronidazole group, the abundance and diversity of fecal microorganisms in the quadruple antibiotic group were significantly reduced, indicating successful establishment of the ABX model. After transplanting fecal microbiota from stroke patients into ABX rats, significant changes in gut microbiota composition were observed. Behavioral tests revealed that the MCAO model group showed significant decreases in both horizontal movement and vertical exploration abilities. ELISA results indicated that IL-17 concentration in the ABX+mFMT (antibiotic-treated+model fecal microbiota transplantation) group was lower than in the ABX+cFMT (antibiotic-treated+control fecal microbiota transplantation) group, suggesting that IL-17 may serve as a key inflammatory indicator for evaluating the impact of stroke intervention on gut microbiota. Triphenyltetrazolium chloricle staining (TTC) staining suggested that gut microbiota intervention may increase the risk of stroke. HE staining showed that, except for the control group, all groups exhibited ischemic changes and inflammatory infiltration in brain tissues. TEM revealed that microvilli of small intestinal epithelial cells in the ABX+mFMT group were sparser than those in the ABX+cFMT group, indicating that microbial intervention affects intestinal barrier function. ConclusionThe ABX model established using broad-spectrum antibiotics showed no significant differences in physiological characteristics compared to normal rats, and the findings were consistent with those from germ-free rat models. Stroke prognosis appears to be influenced by intestinal dysbiosis, accompanied by significantly elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17, which may exacerbate neural injury via the gut-brain axis. Behavioral experiments indicated that transplantation of gut microbiota from stroke rats impaired cognitive function. Furthermore, IL-17 demonstrated sensitivity to alterations in the gut microbiota, suggesting its potential as a key therapeutic target for stroke intervention.
2.Interaction Mechnisms Between Gut Microbiota and Ischemic Stroke——A Study Based on the “Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis” Integrating 16S rRNA Sequencing with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
Ting WANG ; Jing-Hao ZHANG ; Chao JIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):470-484
ObjectiveThis Study was conducted to investigate the interaction mechemisms between gutmicrobiota dysregulation and ischemic stroke by establishing a rat model of ischemic stroke and employing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). MethodsA preliminary experiment was conducted to establish an antibiotic-induced pseudo-sterile (ABX) rat model through antibiotic treatment, and a cerebral ischemia model was prepared using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. Fecal microbiota from stroke patients and healthy individuals were transplanted via FMT, followed by behavioral testing. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbial community, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to observe histopathological status, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the tight junction structure of the small intestine, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect levels of inflammatory factors and intestinal barrier-related markers. Results16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples showed that compared with the normal control group and the metronidazole group, the abundance and diversity of fecal microorganisms in the quadruple antibiotic group were significantly reduced, indicating successful establishment of the ABX model. After transplanting fecal microbiota from stroke patients into ABX rats, significant changes in gut microbiota composition were observed. Behavioral tests revealed that the MCAO model group showed significant decreases in both horizontal movement and vertical exploration abilities. ELISA results indicated that IL-17 concentration in the ABX+mFMT (antibiotic-treated+model fecal microbiota transplantation) group was lower than in the ABX+cFMT (antibiotic-treated+control fecal microbiota transplantation) group, suggesting that IL-17 may serve as a key inflammatory indicator for evaluating the impact of stroke intervention on gut microbiota. Triphenyltetrazolium chloricle staining (TTC) staining suggested that gut microbiota intervention may increase the risk of stroke. HE staining showed that, except for the control group, all groups exhibited ischemic changes and inflammatory infiltration in brain tissues. TEM revealed that microvilli of small intestinal epithelial cells in the ABX+mFMT group were sparser than those in the ABX+cFMT group, indicating that microbial intervention affects intestinal barrier function. ConclusionThe ABX model established using broad-spectrum antibiotics showed no significant differences in physiological characteristics compared to normal rats, and the findings were consistent with those from germ-free rat models. Stroke prognosis appears to be influenced by intestinal dysbiosis, accompanied by significantly elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17, which may exacerbate neural injury via the gut-brain axis. Behavioral experiments indicated that transplantation of gut microbiota from stroke rats impaired cognitive function. Furthermore, IL-17 demonstrated sensitivity to alterations in the gut microbiota, suggesting its potential as a key therapeutic target for stroke intervention.
3.Molecular Mechanisms of Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Its Active Ingredients against Colorectal Cancer: A Review
Jianing GUO ; Xiaochen NI ; Kaiyuan ZHANG ; Wei FAN ; Chuhang WANG ; Chao XU ; Jianbo HUANG ; Tao JIANG ; Guangji ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):307-314
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with its incidence ranking high among cancers. It stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the early stages, CRC lacks specific symptoms, and most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, making it a major research focus in the field of gastrointestinal tumors. Currently, clinical CRC treatments face several common challenges, including high surgical risks, frequent metastasis and recurrence, drug resistance, and significant side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. With the development and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it has been found that TCM and its active ingredients can effectively inhibit CRC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis, and promote apoptosis and autophagy, thereby slowing the progression of CRC. This has become a key focus of CRC treatment research. Salvia Miltiorrhiza has multiple pharmacological effects, including activating blood circulation to dispel blood stasis, unlocking meridians to relieve pain, clearing heat to calm irritability, and cooling blood to reduce abscesses. It contains a variety of chemical components, including diterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, nitrogen-containing compounds, steroids, and lactone compounds. This review summarized the molecular mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients in the treatment of CRC. It is found that these ingredients exert anti-CRC effects through various molecular mechanisms, including cell cycle arrest, promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion and migration, induction of autophagy, suppression of tumor angiogenesis, and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. The review aims to provide new insights for the drug development and clinical application of Salvia miltiorrhiza in CRC treatment.
4.Association between urinary levels of six per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Ziyi LIU ; Luming YAN ; Tingting JIANG ; Yaling LI ; Chao ZHANG ; Jiahu HAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):174-181
Background Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can influence gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, current studies on their association are limited and have yielded inconsistent findings. Objective To investigate the association between maternal exposure to PFAS, as measured by urinary concentrations in early pregnancy, and the risk of developing GDM. Methods Based on the Wuhu Birth Cohort in Anhui Province conducted between 2020 and 2023, this study included
5.The Current Issues and Thoughts on the Empowerment of Famous Doctors' Experience Inheritance by Artificial Intelligence
Xiaochen JIANG ; Fudong LIU ; Chuanlong ZHANG ; Yi LI ; Qian SHEN ; Bo PANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):710-715
In the context of the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the inheritance of the experiences of famous doctors faces significant challenges due to its complex nonlinear characteristics and dynamic evolution. There are still issues in the current inheritance system, such as the homogenization of talent cultivation models, lack of standardized mentoring practices, and monotonous evaluation method, which hinder the systematic inheritance and innovative development of famous doctors' experiences. Based on a systematic review of the current state of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted inheritance of famous doctors' experiences, this study explores innovative pathways for deep integration of modern information technologies with famous doctors' experiences from key dimensions, including data authenticity assurance, interdisciplinary collaboration mechanisms, and the establishment of dynamic inheritance standards. It proposes a paradigm shift in the inheritance of TCM famous doctors' experiences in the AI era, aiming to build a new TCM inheritance system of "digital intelligence empowerment and cross-disciplinary innovation", providing theoretical support and practical pathways for the inheritance of famous doctors' experiences in TCM.
6.Complete chloroplast genomes and phylogenetic analysis of 7 Murraya species in China
Ziyuan CHEN ; Yan JIN ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Yuan YUAN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):62-72
Background: Murraya, a genus of shrubs and trees in the Rutaceae family, consists of approximately 9 species in China with significant medicinal and horticultural value. However, the phylogeny and taxonomy of Murraya species remain controversial, particularly with respect to Murraya exotica and M. paniculata. Objective: This study aimed to provide insights into the taxonomy, phylogeny, and identification of Murraya. Methods: In this study, the chloroplast (CP) genomes of 7 Murraya species were sequenced, assembled, and subjected to comparative and phylogenetic analyses. Results: The CP genomes of Murraya ranged from 158,573 to 160,817 bp in length and encoded 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Similar to other angiosperms, the inverted repeat regions of the CP genomes exhibited lower sequence divergence than the single-copy regions, and coding regions were more conserved than noncoding regions. Comparative analysis identified several highly variable regions (eg, matK, ycf1, ndhI-ndhA, trnH-GUG-psbA, rpl32-trnL) that could serve as molecular markers for species identification in Murraya. Among these, the ycf1 gene was validated as a useful marker for distinguishing M. exotica from M. paniculata. Positive selection was detected in 10 genes, including rbcL, psaJ, ndhD, ndhF, rpl2, rpl20, ycf1, accD, ccsA, and rpl32. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP genomes supported the recognition of M. exotica and M. paniculata as independent species. Moreover, the phylogenetic trees indicated that Murraya is not monophyletic, with sect. Bergera showing a closer relationship to Clausena. Molecular dating results suggested that the diversification of M. paniculata, M. alata, and M. exotica occurred approximately 9.11 Mya (95% highest posterior density: 4.90-13.87 Mya). Conclusion: These findings provide valuable CP genome data for clarifying the phylogenetic relationships between M. exotica and M. paniculata, and for advancing the study of DNA markers and the evolutionary history of Murraya.
7.Analysis of blood return and its influencing factors
Xiaotong WU ; Zhi JIANG ; Chao SUN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):643-649
Objective: To analyze the situation of blood return in medical institutions in Qingdao, and provide a reference basis for improving blood utilization efficiency. Methods: Data on whole blood donations, and the distribution and return of various blood components from 2022 to 2024 at the Qingdao Central Blood Station were collected. The overall trend of blood return, return situation of various blood components, main reasons for blood return, and related influencing factors were analyzed. Results: The average blood return rate from 2022 to 2024 was 1.43‰ (1 249/875 007), showing an overall downward trend (P<0.05). The return rate of red blood cell (RBC) components increased year by year over the three years, while those of plasma components and cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factors decreased. Regarding the reasons for blood return, the return rates due to direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity and unexpected antibody positivity increased year by year, whereas those due to leakage and other reasons decreased. Univariate analysis of the causes of RBC components return showed that DAT positivity rates differed significantly by sex, age, and blood type, but not by donation season; unexpected antibody positivity rate differed significantly by sex, but not by age, blood type, or donation season. Multivariate analysis indicated that female gender, age>30 years, and blood type A or AB were independent risk factors for DAT positivity, while female gender was an independent risk factor for unexpected antibody positivity. The return rate due to DAT positivity differed significantly among medical institutions of different levels, while that due to unexpected antibody positivity did not show a significant difference. Some donors who tested positive for DAT (76.92%, 60/78) or unexpected antibody (71.15%, 37/52) became antibody-negative upon subsequent donations. Comparing RBC donors with DAT positivity who became negative upon subsequent donations with those who remained positive, the difference in donation interval was statistically significant. Conclusion: Over the past three years, the overall blood return rate in Qingdao has declined, but the return rate of RBC components has increased. Further investigation and targeted interventions are needed to enhance the utilization of blood resources and ensure safe clinical blood transfusion.
8.Analyses of mental health literacy levels and influencing factors among middle school students in Minhang District, Shanghai
Caixia YANG ; Yihua JIANG ; Chao JIANG ; Guo XUAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(4):302-310
ObjectiveTo understand the mental health literacy levels and influencing factors among middle school students in Minhang District, Shanghai, and to provide a basis for formulating mental health promotion strategies
9.Evaluation of myopia prevention and control effect of defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses in children with monocular myopia
Lu JIANG ; Mengling PENG ; Miao MA ; Xue YUAN ; Chao ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1683-1687
AIM:To compare the changes in diopters and axial length after 1 a of wearing defocus incorporated multiple segments(DIMS)lenses or single vision(SV)spectacle lenses in children with monocular myopia.METHODS:In this retrospective case group study, monocular myopia children aged from 6 to 14 years old in Hankou Aier Eye Hospital from October 2020 to October 2022, who were fitted with DIMS lens(n=52)or single-vision(SV)spectacle lenses(n=49)were collected. The spherical degree of myopia eyes ranged from -4.00 D to -0.50 D and the nonmyopic eyes ranged from 0 to +1.00 D, astigmatism in all eyes ranged from 0 to -2.00 D. The DIMS lens group was classified into DIMS-myopia group(the myopic eyes)and DIMS-nonmyopia group(the nonmyopic eyes). The SV lens group was also divided into SV-myopia group and SV-nonmyopia group. The changes in spherical equivalent refraction(SER)and axial length(AL)of each group were compare before and after wearing lenses for 1 a, and variations in SER and AL of both eye among groups were analzed.RESULTS: After wearing lenses for 1 a, the changes of SER in the DIMS-myopic group and the DIMS-nonmyopic group were -0.41±0.44 and -0.26±0.54 D, respectively, and the changes of AL were 0.18±0.20 and 0.15±0.15 mm, respectively. SER changes were -0.74±0.63 and -0.70±0.68 D in SV-myopic group and SV-nonmyopic group, and AL changes were 0.30±0.28 and 0.31±0.28 mm. The changes of SER and AL in the DMS-myopic and non-myopic groups were slower than those in SV group(all P<0.05). Compared with SV lenses, wearing DIMS lenses delayed and 44.6% in myopia eyes, and 62.9% in non-myopia eyes, AL delayed by 40.0% in myopia eyes and 51.6% in non-myopia eyes. The percentage of 1-year AL change ≤0.2 mm in the DIMS-myopic group and non-myopic group was 53.9% and 65.4%, respectively, which was higher than that in the SV myopic group(34.7% and 42.9%, all P<0.05). The percentage of AL change >0.4 mm in the DIMS-myopic group and nonmyopic group was 17.3% and 7.7%, respectively, which was lower than that in the SV myopic group(32.7% and 28.6%, all P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the change of AL and age and baseline AL in the DIMS-myopic and non-myopic groups after wearing lens for 1 a(all P>0.05); the change of AL in SV-myopic group and non-myopic group was negatively correlated with age(r=-0.446, P=0.001; r=-0.312, P=0.029), and there was no significant correlation with baseline AL(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: DIMS lens has a good effect on myopia control and prevention in both myopia and non-myopia children with monocular myopia. Children with early pre-myopia can wear DIMS to prevent myopia.
10.The mechanism of epigallocatechin gallate enhancing the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to lenva-tinib
Chuanfang SONG ; Jiang AI ; Chao WEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Jianghe CUI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2256-2261
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) enhancing the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to lenvatinib based on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. METHODS Five human HCC cell lines (HepG2, Huh-7, SMMC-7721, SNU-368 and SNU-739) were used to evaluate the effects of lenvatinib alone and in combination with EGCG on survival rates, clone number, proliferation rate, invasion number and the expressions of mRNAs and proteins related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The PI3K activator insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was introduced to investigate the effect of activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on the sensitization effect of EGCG. RESULTS Compared with the control group, lenvatinib (10 μmol/L) and different concentrations of EGCG+ lenvatinib (1, 5 and 10 μg/mL EGCG+10 μmol/L lenvatinib) significantly reduced the survival rates and clone numbers of all five HCC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Lenvatinib (10 μmol/L) and EGCG+lenvatinib (10 μg/mL EGCG+10 μmol/L lenvatinib) also markedly inhibited the proliferation rate and invasion numbers of these cells, and decreased the mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), P70S6K and 4EBP, and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, as well as the protein expressions of mTOR and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in HepG2 cells or all five HCC cells; conversely, the mRNA and protein expressions of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN), and the protein expressions of caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were significantly upregulated, with more pronounced effects observed in the EGCG+lenvatinib group than in the lenvatinib group (P<0.05). Compared with the lenvatinib group and the EGCG+lenvatinib group, the clone number, proliferation rate and invasion number of HepG2 cells in the EGCG+lenvatinib+IGF-1 group (10 μg/mL EGCG+10 μmol/L lenvatinib+50 ng/mL IGF-1) were significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EGCG can enhance the sensitivity of HCC cells to lenvatinib, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation.

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