1.Causal relationship between immune cells and knee osteoarthritis:a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis
Guangtao WU ; Gang QIN ; Kaiyi HE ; Yidong FAN ; Weicai LI ; Baogang ZHU ; Ying CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1081-1090
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a common chronic inflammatory disease that causes damage to joint cartilage and surrounding tissues.Immune cells play an important role in the immune-inflammatory response in knee osteoarthritis,but the specific mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the potential causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and the risk of knee osteoarthritis using Mendelian randomization. METHODS:Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)for 731 immune cell phenotypes(from GCST0001391 to GCST0002121)obtained from the GWAS catalog and GWAS data for knee osteoarthritis from the IEUGWAS database(ebi-a-GCST007090)were used.Inverse variance-weighted method,MR-Egger regression,weighted median method,weighted mode method,and simple mode method were employed to investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and knee osteoarthritis.Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the Mendelian randomization results.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis was also performed using the same methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The forward MR analysis indicated significant causal relationships(FDR<0.20)between knee osteoarthritis and four immune cell phenotypes,namely CD27 on CD24+CD27+in B cells(OR=1.026,P=0.000 26,Pfdr=0.18),CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR-in myeloid cells(OR=1.014,P=0.000 50,Pfdr=0.18),and CD45RA+CD28-CD8br%CD8br in Treg cells(OR=1.001,P=0.000 78,Pfdr=0.18),and PDL-1 on monocytes in mononuclear cells(OR=0.952,P=0.000 98,Pfdr=0.18).These immune cell phenotypes showed direct positive or negative causal associations with the risk of knee osteoarthritis.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no significant causal relationships(FDR<0.20)between knee osteoarthritis as exposure and any of the 731 immune cell phenotypes.The results of sensitivity analysis show that the P-values of the Cochran's Q test and the MR-Egger regression method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization were both greater than 0.05,indicating that there is no significant heterogeneity and pleiotropy in the causal effect analysis between immune cell phenotypes and knee osteoarthritis.To conclude,there may be four potential causal relationships between immune cell phenotypes,such as CD27 on CD24+CD27+cells,CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR-cells,CD45RA+CD28-CD8br%CD8br cells,and PDL-1 on monocytes,and knee osteoarthritis.These findings provide valuable clues for studying the biological mechanisms of knee osteoarthritis and exploring early prevention and treatment strategies.They also offer new directions for the development of intervention drugs.
2.Construction of evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):438-442
Objective:
To construct a scientific and perfect evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities, so as to provide reference tools for colleges and universities to effectively respond to infectious disease.
Methods:
The initial framework of the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was constructed by using literature analysis method. Experts familiar with infectious disease prevention and control or school health work were selected to conduct two rounds( n =16,18) of Delphi expert consultation for determining the evaluation index system. Analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the index weights and combined weights. About 198 prevention and control personnel were conveniently selected from 3 universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to comprehensively evaluate the evaluation indicators by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.
Results:
After two rounds of Delphi consultation questionnaire, the effective recovery rates were 80.0% and 90.0%, the expert authority levels were 0.89 and 0.86, the expert harmony coefficients for Kendall W were 0.166 and 0.310, and the variation coefficient of each index was <0.25. Finally, the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability of colleges and universities included 4 first level indicators, 14 second level indicators and 75 third level indicators. The weights of prevention and monitoring and early warning, organizational system guarantee, emergency management, rehabilitation and summary were 0.176, 0.476, 0.268 and 0.080, respectively. The top 3 weights of the secondary indexes were 0.623 for infectious disease surveillance and early warning, 0.595 for loss assessment and 0.370 for emergency response. The score of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was 79.148, suggesting a high level.
Conclusion
The established evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities is scientific and reasonable, which is conducive to provide tool reference for the evaluation of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities.
3.HAN Mingxiang's Experience in Staged and Syndrome-Based Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Jian DING ; Hui TAO ; Gang CHENG ; Weizhen GUO ; Zegeng LI ; Ya MAO ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):780-785
This paper summarizes Professor HAN Mingxiang's clinical experience in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He believes that the key pathomechanism of COPD in the acute exacerbation stage is the invasion of external pathogens triggering latent illness, while lung qi deficiency is the primary mechanism in the stable stage. The core pathological factors throughout disease progression are deficiency, phlegm, and blood stasis. Treatment emphasizes a staged and syndrome-based approach. During the acute exacerbation stage, for wind-cold invading the lung syndrome, the self-formulated Sanzi Wenfei Decoction (三子温肺汤) is used to relieve the exterior, dispel cold, warm the lung, and resolve phlegm. For phlegm-dampness obstructing the lung syndrome, Huatan Jiangqi Fomulation (化痰降气方) is prescribed to warm the lung, transform phlegm, descend qi, and calm wheezing. For phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, Qingfei Huatan Fomulation (清肺化痰方) is applied to clear heat, resolve phlegm, moisten the lung, and stop coughing. For phlegm and blood stasis interlocking syndrome, Qibai Pingfei Fomulation (芪白平肺方) is used to tonify qi, resolve phlegm, and activate blood circulation to remove stasis. During the stable stage, for lung qi deficiency syndrome, Shenqi Wenfei Decoction (参芪温肺汤) is employed to warm the lung, tonify qi, resolve phlegm, and eliminate turbidity. For lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome, Shenqi Buzhong Decoction (参芪补中汤) is utilized to strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, and reinforce metal (lung) from earth (spleen). For lung-kidney deficiency syndrome, Shenqi Tiaoshen Fomulation (参芪调肾方) is prescribed to tonify the lung, warm yang, and regulate kidney function to calm wheezing. These strategies provide insights into the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of COPD.
4.Correlation Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and eGFR in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-sectional Analysis Based on NHANES Data
Chunyu JIA ; Gangan WANG ; Jiahui WANG ; Gang CHEN ; Ke ZHENG ; Xuemei LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):379-385
To investigate the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) andestimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with diabetes using large-scale data. Across-sectional analysis was conducted using data from diabetic patients in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2009 to 2014. Differences in NLR between patients with and without chronickidney disease (CKD) were compared. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models wereapplied to assess the relationship between NLR and eGFR. A total of 857 diabetic patients were included, with 190 (22.2%) having CKD and 667 (77.8%) without CKD. NLR was significantly higher in patients with CKD compared to those without CKD (2.94±1.69 vs.2.36±1.98, NLR is independently negatively associatedwith eGFR in diabetic patients, demonstrating potential clinical value as an indicator of kidney function declineand CKD risk in this population.
5.Bufei Tongbi Decoction Inhibits Pulmonary Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats via TGF-β1/p-Smad3 Signaling Pathway
Gang WANG ; Rensong YUE ; Qiyue YANG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):176-184
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Bufei Tongbi decoction on pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/phosphorylated Smad family member 3 (p-Smad3) signaling pathway. MethodsStreptozotocin (60 mg·kg-1) and bleomycin (24.80 U·kg-1) were used to prepare the rat model of diabetes with pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection. Sixty rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.98, 7.95, and 15.90 g·kg-1, respectively) Bufei Tongbi decoction, and pirfenidone (0.36 mg·kg-1) groups (n=10). The successfully modeled rats in each group were administrated with corresponding agents once per day for four consecutive weeks. After drug administration, fasting blood glucose and lung function indicators were measured. Chemical immunoassay was employed to determine the serum levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN). The lung index was determined by the wet and dry methods. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the degree of fibrosis was detected by Masson staining. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad3, Smad3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1), and fibronectin were determined by PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed alveolar septa thickening, obvious thickening of the basement membrane of pulmonary blood vessels, severe destruction of the alveolar structure, structural disarrangement of the lung parenchyma, and an increase in the proportion of inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue, together with a large amount of blue collagen deposition and a large amount of collagen fibroplasia in the bronchial wall, vessel wall, interstitium, and alveolar wall, which indicated severe fibrosis. Bufei Tongbi decoction groups and the pirfenidone group showed lower fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05) and higher forced vital capacity (FVC), cytoplasmic dynein (Cydn), FEV0.3/FEV ratio, and lung index (P<0.05) than the model group. Moreover, these groups demonstrated alleviated lung fibrosis, elevated Hyp, HA, and LN levels, down-regulated mRNA levels of α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin, and down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, p-Smad3, α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin (P<0.05). ConclusionBufei Tongbi decoction can inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats by inhibiting the TGF-β1/p-Smad3 signaling pathway.
6.The Refinement and Innovation of The UV Cross-linking and Immunoprecipitation
Jia-Min ZHAO ; Cheng-Jiang LU ; Ming YANG ; Nashun BUHE ; Gang WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1036-1052
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are ubiquitous components within cells, fulfilling essential functions in a myriad of biological processes. These proteins interact with RNA molecules to regulate gene expression at various levels, including transcription, splicing, transport, localization, translation, and degradation. Understanding the intricate network of RBP-RNA interactions is crucial for deciphering the complex regulatory mechanisms that govern cellular function and organismal development. Ultravidet (UV) cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) stands out as a powerful approach designed to map the precise locations where RBPs bind to RNA. By using UV light to create covalent bonds between proteins and RNA, followed by immunoprecipitation to isolate the protein-RNA complexes, researchers can identify the direct targets of specific RBPs. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revolutionized CLIP, enabling the identification of not only the types but also the exact sequences of RNA bound by RBPs on a genome-wide scale. The evolution of CLIP has led to the development of specialized variants, each with unique features that address specific challenges and expand the scope of what can be studied. High-throughput sequencing CLIP (HITS-CLIP) was one of the first advancements, significantly increasing the throughput and resolution of RNA-protein interaction mapping. Photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced CLIP (PAR-CLIP) introduced the use of photoactivatable ribonucleosides to enhance cross-linking efficiency and specificity, reducing background noise and improving the detection of low-abundance RNA-protein interactions. Individual-nucleotide resolution CLIP (iCLIP) further refined the technique, achieving unprecedented precision by resolving individual nucleotides involved in RBP binding, which is particularly valuable for studying the fine details of RNA structure and function. Despite the remarkable progress, there remains room for improvement in CLIP technology. Researchers continue to seek methods to increase sensitivity, reduce technical variability, and improve the reproducibility of results. Advances in sample preparation, data analysis algorithms, and computational tools are critical for addressing these challenges. Moreover, the application of CLIP to more diverse biological systems, including non-model organisms and clinical samples, requires the development of tailored protocols and the optimization of existing ones. Looking forward, the field of RNA biology is poised to benefit greatly from ongoing innovations in CLIP technology. The exploration of non-canonical RNA-protein interactions, such as those involving long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), promises to reveal new layers of cellular regulation and may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Furthermore, integrating CLIP data with other omics approaches, such as proteomics and metabolomics, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interplay between RNA and its binding partners within the cell. In conclusion, the continuous refinement and expansion of CLIP techniques have not only deepened our knowledge of RNA biology but have also opened up new avenues for investigating the molecular underpinnings of health and disease. As the technology matures, it is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in both basic and applied research, contributing to the advancement of medical science and biotechnology.
7.Analysis of Mechanism of Xingpi Capsules in Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia Based on Transcriptomics
Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Keyan WANG ; Xiangning LIU ; Yinglan LYU ; Gang WANG ; Fangfang RUI ; Qiong DENG ; Jianteng DONG ; Yong WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):164-172
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of Xingpi capsules on functional dyspepsia(FD) and the potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD neonatal rats(7 days old) were randomly divided into the normal group(n=12) and the modeling group(n=48), and the FD model was prepared by iodoacetamide gavage in the modeling group. After the model was successfully prepared, the rats in the modeling group were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose and high-dose groups of Xingpi capsules(0.135, 0.54 g·kg-1) and the domperidone group(3 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. Rats in the normal and model groups were gavaged with distilled water, and rats in the rest of the groups were gavaged with the corresponding medicinal solution, once a day for 7 d. The general survival condition of the rats was observed, and the water intake and food intake of the rats were measured, the gastric emptying rate and the small intestinal propulsion rate were measured at the end of the treatment, the pathological damage of the rat duodenum was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the expressions of colonic tight junction protein(Occludin) and zonula occludens protein-1(ZO-1) were detected by immunofluorescence. The differentially expressed genes in the duodenal tissues of the model group and the normal group, and the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules and the model group were detected by transcriptome sequencing after the final administration, and Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses were carried out. The transcriptomic results were validated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the active ingredients of Xingpi capsules were screened for molecular docking with the key targets. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the general survival condition of rats in the model group was poorer, and the water intake, food intake, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly reduced(P<0.05), inflammatory infiltration was seen in duodenal pathology, and the fluorescence intensities of Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general survival condition of rats in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules improved significantly, and the water intake, food intake, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly increased(P<0.05), the duodenal pathology showed a decrease in inflammatory infiltration, and the fluorescence intensities of colonic Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased(P<0.01). Transcriptomic results showed that Xingpi capsules might exert therapeutic effects by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) through the key genes such as Slc5a1, Abhd6. The validation results showed that compared with the normal group, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt proteins, the protein expression level of interleukin(IL)-1β, and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1, Abhd6, Mgam, Atp1a1, Slc7a8, Cdr2, Chrm3, Slc5a9 and other key genes were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, the protein expression level of IL-1β and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1, Abhd6, Mgam, Atp1a1, Slc7a8, Cdr2, Chrm3 and Slc5a9 were significantly reduced(P<0.05). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and molecular docking results showed that E-nerolidol and Z-nerolidol in Xingpi capsules were well bound to ABDH6 protein, and linarionoside A, valerosidatum and senkirkine were well bound to Slc5a1 protein. ConclusionXingpi capsules can effectively improve the general survival and gastrointestinal motility of FD rats, its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to alleviate the low-grade inflammation of duodenum, and E-nerolidol, Z-nerolidol, linarionoside A, valerosidatum and senkirkine may be its key active ingredients.
8.Analysis of Mechanism of Xingpi Capsules in Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia Based on Transcriptomics
Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Keyan WANG ; Xiangning LIU ; Yinglan LYU ; Gang WANG ; Fangfang RUI ; Qiong DENG ; Jianteng DONG ; Yong WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):164-172
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of Xingpi capsules on functional dyspepsia(FD) and the potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD neonatal rats(7 days old) were randomly divided into the normal group(n=12) and the modeling group(n=48), and the FD model was prepared by iodoacetamide gavage in the modeling group. After the model was successfully prepared, the rats in the modeling group were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose and high-dose groups of Xingpi capsules(0.135, 0.54 g·kg-1) and the domperidone group(3 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. Rats in the normal and model groups were gavaged with distilled water, and rats in the rest of the groups were gavaged with the corresponding medicinal solution, once a day for 7 d. The general survival condition of the rats was observed, and the water intake and food intake of the rats were measured, the gastric emptying rate and the small intestinal propulsion rate were measured at the end of the treatment, the pathological damage of the rat duodenum was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the expressions of colonic tight junction protein(Occludin) and zonula occludens protein-1(ZO-1) were detected by immunofluorescence. The differentially expressed genes in the duodenal tissues of the model group and the normal group, and the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules and the model group were detected by transcriptome sequencing after the final administration, and Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses were carried out. The transcriptomic results were validated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the active ingredients of Xingpi capsules were screened for molecular docking with the key targets. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the general survival condition of rats in the model group was poorer, and the water intake, food intake, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly reduced(P<0.05), inflammatory infiltration was seen in duodenal pathology, and the fluorescence intensities of Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general survival condition of rats in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules improved significantly, and the water intake, food intake, gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly increased(P<0.05), the duodenal pathology showed a decrease in inflammatory infiltration, and the fluorescence intensities of colonic Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased(P<0.01). Transcriptomic results showed that Xingpi capsules might exert therapeutic effects by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) through the key genes such as Slc5a1, Abhd6. The validation results showed that compared with the normal group, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt proteins, the protein expression level of interleukin(IL)-1β, and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1, Abhd6, Mgam, Atp1a1, Slc7a8, Cdr2, Chrm3, Slc5a9 and other key genes were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, the protein expression level of IL-1β and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1, Abhd6, Mgam, Atp1a1, Slc7a8, Cdr2, Chrm3 and Slc5a9 were significantly reduced(P<0.05). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and molecular docking results showed that E-nerolidol and Z-nerolidol in Xingpi capsules were well bound to ABDH6 protein, and linarionoside A, valerosidatum and senkirkine were well bound to Slc5a1 protein. ConclusionXingpi capsules can effectively improve the general survival and gastrointestinal motility of FD rats, its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to alleviate the low-grade inflammation of duodenum, and E-nerolidol, Z-nerolidol, linarionoside A, valerosidatum and senkirkine may be its key active ingredients.
9.Construction and validation of a job competency model for mental health professionals in Tianjin City
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):50-55
Objective To construct and validate a competency model for mental health professionals. Methods The literature analysis method, semi-structured expert interview method and Delphi method were used to construct the job competency model of mental health professionals. The hierarchical analysis method was used to construct the judgment matrix of each index and determine its weight coefficient. A total of 23 psychiatrists were selected as the validation subjects using the convenience sampling method to validate the model's effectiveness. Results The recovery rate of the valid correspondence questionnaire in this study was 100%, with an expert authority degree of 0.823, a coefficient of variation ranging from 0.070 to 0.101, and Kendall's W of 0.627-0.763 (all P<0.001). The constructed job competency model includes five primary indicators and 38 secondary indicators. The results of the consistency test (CR) showed that the CR value of the primary indicators was 0.028, and the CR values of the secondary indicators were 0.041, 0.034, 0.015, 0.020, and 0.032. The results of the hierarchical analysis showed that the weight ranking, in descending order, for primary indicators was knowledge, skills, ethical quality, intrinsic motivation, and personal traits. The top five secondary indicator combinations with the highest weights were basic clinical medicine knowledge, mental health professional knowledge, clinical diagnosis and treatment ability, medical ethics knowledge, and dedication to the job. The results of the validation analysis showed that the model scores for the 23 psychiatrists were consistent with their annual unit assessment results. Conclusion The constructed job competency model for mental health professionals can provide a reference for training and evaluation in mental health workforce development.
10.Effects of Shujin Jiannao Formula (舒筋健脑方) on Neural Repair and PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway of Brain Tissue in Cerebral Palsy Model Rats
Ruiqin YU ; Yanjun MO ; Houjun ZHANG ; Gang LIU ; Zhuoluo ZHOU ; Zechen RUAN ; Lin XU ; Xiaohong MU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1038-1045
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Shujin Jiannao Formula (舒筋健脑方) for cerebral palsy. MethodsThirty 7-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, and Shujin Jiannao Formula group, with 10 rats in each group. The model group and Shujin Jiannao Formula group established a cerebral palsy model by the classic Rice-Vannucci method. After successful modeling, rats in Shujin Jiannao Formula group were given Shujin Jiannao Formula 16 g/(kg·d) by gavage, while the normal group and model group were given normal saline 10 ml/(kg·d) by gavage once a day. After one week of intervention, the rats' body weight was measured, and Zea-Longa scores, the righting reflex test, and the hindlimb suspension test were conducted for assessment; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissue, and the number of Nissl-positive neurons was counted; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue, specifically interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression levels of neurofilament protein 200 (NF200) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in brain tissue; Western Blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt/PKB/Rac), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly higher Zea-Longa scores and lower scores in the hindlimb suspension test (P<0.01); pathological findings revealed loose structure in the cerebral cortex, hippocampal atrophy, and neuronal damage in brain tissue. Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α elevated, and the number of Nissl-stained positive neurons in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region reduced, and immunofluorescence intensity of NF200 and MBP, as well as protein expression levels of PI3K and mTOR, significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in Shujin Jiannao Formula group showed decreased Zea-Longa scores and increased hindlimb suspension test scores (P<0.05); pathological damage in brain tissue alleviated, levels of IL-1β and TNF-α reduced, the number of Nissl-stained positive neurons in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region increased, and the immunofluorescence intensity of NF200 and MBP, as well as the protein levels of PI3K and mTOR, significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in body weight, body-turning time, or AKT protein levels in brain tissue (P>0.05). ConclusionShujin Jiannao Formula can improve the neurological function of rats with cerebral palsy, exert neurorestorative effects, and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of inflammatory response in brain tissue and the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.


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