1.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
2.Research progress on the bidirectional association between periodontal disease and depression/anxiety
WANG Liwen ; CAI Yutai ; RUAN Yaru ; ZHANG Fan ; YU Hongmei ; GAO Yanhui
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):281-291
There are practical and cost-effective opportunities for the prevention and early intervention of periodontal disease, a common oral condition. Depression and anxiety represent major global mental health challenges, and they are characterized by high prevalence rates and an elevated suicide risk. Their clinical management is complicated by extended treatment timelines and substantial healthcare costs. Accumulating evidence demonstrates a statistically significant bidirectional association between periodontal disease and depression/anxiety disorders. However, established clinical pathways integrating these conditions remain lacking. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of current research examining the relationship between periodontal disease and mood disorders, specifically depression and anxiety. This study explored the bidirectional mechanisms within the microbiota-oral-brain axis, which includes both periodontal disease inducing neuroinflammation through pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activating the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and depression and anxiety leading to “glucocorticoid resistance” through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, thus causing dual immune dysfunction that exacerbates periodontal tissue destruction, as well as the mechanisms by which biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the bidirectional association between periodontal disease and depression/anxiety. We propose implementing bidirectional referral protocols between dental and psychiatric services in clinical practice, incorporating mental health screening tools, such as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7), for patients with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease, and incorporating periodontal examination into routine assessment during psychiatric services. This multidisciplinary approach aims to break the vicious circle between these conditions and provide clinicians with pragmatic intervention strategies.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Juanbitang Hot Compress Pack Combined with Intensive Rehabilitation Training in Ameliorating Hemiplegia After Stroke
Yuqin SHENG ; Yong YU ; Yan ZHANG ; Yuqing XIE ; Qing LIN ; Qian HU ; Longyu ZHANG ; Hongmei XU ; Xiaohong FAN ; Shouliang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):210-218
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of Juanbitang hot compress pack combined with intensive rehabilitation training in stroke patients with hemiplegia. MethodsA total of 80 stroke patients with hemiplegia were selected and assigned into a control group (40 cases) and an observation group (40 cases) according to the random number table method. The control group received conventional rehabilitation training and nursing intervention,while the observation group was additionally treated with Juanbitang hot compress pack. The two groups were compared in terms of the neurological function (national institute of health stroke scale score,NIHSS score),muscle strength,motor function (fugl-meyer assessment scale score,FMA score),daily living activity (modified barthel index,MBI),balance ability (berg balance scale score,BBS score),trunk control ability (Sheikh Trunk Control Test score,Sheikh TCT score),and homocysteine (Hcy) level before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment,the observation group had lower NIHSS score and Hcy level than the control group (P<0.05). The total response rate of the observation group (97.50%) was higher than that of the control group (77.50%). The scores of upper limb and lower limb FMA,MBI,BBS,and Sheikh TCT in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe application of Juanbitang hot compress pack combined with rehabilitation training can effectively improve the neurological function,muscle strength,motor function,daily living ability,balance ability,and trunk control ability and reduce the Hcy level in stroke patients with hemiplegia,demonstrating enhanced clinical efficacy.
4.Analysis on factors affecting blood transfusion volume of obstetric patients in a tertiary hospital in Beijing
Lihui FU ; Chunya MA ; Yuanyuan LUO ; Xiaozhen GUAN ; Shengfei TAI ; Hongmei SHI ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1018-1025
Objective: To explore the influencing factors of blood transfusion volume in obstetric patients based on the national health development strategy, and to provide evidence for clinical transfusion management and maternal and infant safety. Methods: A total of 1 203 obstetric patients who received blood transfusion in a tertiary hospital in Beijing from 2013 to 2023 were enrolled retrospectively. Seventeen indicators including age, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin and prothrombin time were selected as research variables. Descriptive analysis was conducted firstly. Scatter plot matrix was used to analyze the correlation between continuous variables and transfusion volume, and box plots were used to analyze the relationship between categorical variables and transfusion volume. Linear regression, logistic regression and random forest models were established for empirical analysis, and ROC curves and AUC values were compared to evaluate model performance. Results: Descriptive analysis showed that the distribution of obstetric blood transfusion volume was right-skewed, and multiple indicators were significantly correlated with transfusion volume. Linear regression indicated that 9 variables such as age, BMI and hemoglobin had linear correlation with transfusion volume. Logistic regression confirmed that 7 variables including BMI and hemoglobin were statistically correlated with the probability of massive blood transfusion. Random forest model screened the core influencing factors, which were ranked by importance: hemoglobin, prothrombin time, hematocrit, BMI, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count and age. The AUC values of logistic regression and random forest were 0.78 and 0.81 respectively, and the latter had better predictive performance. Conclusion: Prenatal anemia, coagulation disorders, advanced age, obesity, gestational hypertension, placental abnormalities and organ damage can increase the risk of massive blood transfusion in obstetric patients. The random forest model has better analytical and predictive ability in this study. The results can provide reference for accurate blood transfusion and risk prediction in obstetrics.
5.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cryopreserved deglycerolized red blood cells infusion based on propensity score matching method
Wei YANG ; Fanfan FU ; Lei NIU ; Tingchen XU ; Xin ZHANG ; Hongmei SHI ; Lihui FU ; Chunya MA ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):531-536
[Objective] To compare the efficacy and safety of deglycerolized red blood cells (DRBC) and suspended red blood cells (SRBC) based on the propensity score matching (PSM) method, so as to provide evidence for the rational use of DRBC resources in clinical practice. [Methods] A total of 89 patients who received DRBC transfusion and 2 916 patients who received SRBC transfusion in our hospital from January 2023 to September 2024 were included. A 1∶1 nearest neighbor PSM was used to balance covariates such as gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). The changes of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), and inflammatory markers such as white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil (NE) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6(IL-6) in the last 72 hours after transfusion were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 and R software to evaluate clinical efficacy and transfusion safety. [Results] The baseline of the two groups was balanced after PSM (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the DRBC group (80.9%) and the SRBC group (86.5%) (P>0.05). In the SRBC group, WBC (×10
/L) increased from 9.634±6.742 to 10.147±6.835, CRP (mg/dL) increased from 5.468±4.647 to 6.174±6.114, and IL-6(pg/mL) decreased from 213.733±587.191 to 157.255±552.626. In the DRBC group, WBC (×10
/L) decreased from 11.123±7.880 to 11.011±8.549, CRP (mg/dL) decreased from 5.729±4.761 to 5.326±4.466, and IL-6(pg/mL) decreased from 238.806±639.060 to 152.255±266.558. Compared with the before treatment, the differences between the SRBC group and DRBC group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among all patients included in the statistics, the overall incidence of transfusion adverse reactions was 0.205% (6/2 916) in the SRBC group, and no adverse reactions occurred in the DRBC group. The incidence in the SRBC group was higher than that in the DRBC group. [Conclusion] Based on PSM analysis, there was no significant difference in the efficacy and safety of DRBC transfusion compared with SRBC transfusion, which can provide evidence-based support for routine application.
6.Application and evaluation of structured symptom intervention program in patients with chronic kidney disease during peri-dialysis period
Hongmei PENG ; Shi PU ; Min WANG ; Yang LI ; Xia HUANG ; Youying ZHANG ; Yu SHI ; Rongrong ZHAO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(20):2522-2531
Objective To evaluate the application efficacy of structured symptom intervention program in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)during the peri-dialysis period.Methods A non-simultaneous control study was conducted on 151 peri-dialysis outpatients having not yet initiated dialysis and being followed up who were subjected with convenience sampling from Department of Nephrology of Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from April to September 2024.According to the time period of their visits,the patients who visited from April to June 2024 were assigned into a control group(n=75),and those from July to September 2024 into an experimental group(n=76).The control group received conventional symptom intervention(telephone symptom reporting+health education),while the experimental group received the intervention as the control group and a structured symptom intervention program covering 4 evidence-based modules:symptom identification,assessment,intervention,and outcome.The efficacy of above treatments was evaluated before and at 3 months after intervention.Dialysis symptom index was used to assess the degree of symptom distress and the number of symptoms.MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)was employed to evaluate the quality of life.The differences in clinical indicators and endpoint events were compared between the 2 groups after intervention.Results The experimental group obtained more significant reduction in the total score of symptom distress than the control group(P=0.021).After intervention,the number of symptoms was decreased in both groups(P<0.001),but no statistical difference was observed between the groups.The score of mental health dimension in SF-36 was obviously improved in the experimental group(P=0.004),which was notably better than that in the control group(P=0.033).The experimental group exhibited significantly higher prealbumin level than the control group(P=0.019),and stable albumin level,which was significantly decreased in the control group(P=0.035).The incidence of endpoint events was remarkably lower in the experimental group than the control group(P=0.028).Conclusion The structured symptom intervention program implements intervention through a closed-loop symptom module,which can effectively alleviate the symptom distress of patients during the peri-dialysis period,improve mental health and reduce the short-term risk for endpoint events.
7.Advances in gene therapy for hereditary liver diseases
Siyuan FAN ; Hongmei GUO ; Yu JIN
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(9):608-613
Hereditary liver diseases refer to liver metabolic disorders caused by gene mutations. The existing clinical treatments are mostly symptomatic therapies,delaying liver damage and improving patients' lives. With the development of gene therapy technology,it has become possible to treat genetic diseases by modifying known gene mutations. This review briefly introduces several common gene therapies(including recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors,CRISPR/Cas9,antisense oligonucleotides,lipid nano particle-mRNA),and discusses the latest research progress,ongoing challenges and potential solutions of gene therapy for hereditary liver diseases through the relevant preclinical studies and drug clinical trials of hereditary liver diseases. In order to promote the further development of gene therapy and provide reference for the treatment of other complex diseases.
8.Usnea acid inhibits the proliferation of human ovarian cancer cell line
Hongmei SHEN ; Yan YU ; Xuqiang FENG ; Keqiang WANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(1):31-37
Objective To investigate the impacts of usnea acid(UA)on the proliferation of human ovarian cancer(OC)cells.Methods Ovarian adenocarcinoma cells SKOV3 were randomly divided into control group,L-UA group,M-UA group,H-UA group(with 10,20,and 50 μmol/L UA added respectively),pcDNA3.1-NC group and pcDNA3.1-PD-1 group.RT-qPCR method was applied to detect the expression of programmed cell death 1(PD-1)and programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1)in SKOV3 cells.CCK-8 assay and plate method were applied to detect the effect of UA on SKOV3 cell proliferation.The effect of UA on SKOV3 cells apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry.Mouse ovarian epithelial cancer cell line ID8 cells were collected to construct an OC mouse model,and the mass and volume of OC tumors were recorded.Immuno-histochemical microscopy was applied to detect the infiltration of PD-1,PD-L1,and CD8+T cells.Results The PD-1 mRNA,PD-L1 mRNA,colony count,A450 val-ue,PCNA protein,PD-1 protein,and PD-L1 protein in the L-UA,M-UA,and H-UA groups were lower than those in the control group,the apoptosis rate and Bax protein were higher in the control group(P<0.05).Com-pared with the H-UA group and the pcDNA3.1-NC group,the PD-1 mRNA,PD-L1 mRNA,colony count,A450 value,PCNA protein,PD-1 protein,and PD-L1 protein in the pcDNA-3.1-PD-1 group increased and the apoptosis rate and Bax protein decreased(P<0.05).The quality,volume,positivity rate of PD-1and PD-L1 of OC tumors in the UA group was lower than that in the control group,the counting number of CD8+T cell infiltration was higher than control group(P<0.05).Conclusions UA may inhibit progression of OC cell line SKOV3 by regula-ting cell proliferation,apoptosis,and immune escape.
9.Application of shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of diabetes with peripheral neuropathy
Ling YU ; Xi WANG ; Xinru HUANG ; Yan CHEN ; Li TAO ; Hongmei LIU ; Qing XU ; Rong XIAO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(2):229-233
Objective To evaluate the application of shear wave elastography(SWE)in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes.Methods Totally 85 patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM)were selected from the Chengdu Office Hospital of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region,including 46 patients with peripheral neuropathy(DPN)and 39 patients without peripheral neuropathy(NDPN).Compared for clinical data(gender,age,disease duration),cross-sectional area of the median nerve measured by high-frequency ultra-sound(CSA)and shear wave elastography(SWE)parameters(mean Young's modulus value,Emean)and shear wave velocity(SWV)between two groups of patients.Multifactor Logistic regression analysis was carried out on the indicators between the above groups to screen independent predictors in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients,and a combined model was constructed.The area under the operating characteristic curve(AUC),sensitivity and specificity of the subjects were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the single model and com?bined model of the quantitative parameters(CSA,Emean,SWV)measured by clinical data,high?frequency ultra?sound and SWE in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients.Results Age,course of disease,Emean,SWV and CSA were statistically significant in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients(all P<0.05).AUC was 0.658,0.754,0.839,0.822 and 0.736,respectively.The combination model based on disease course,CSA and SWV showed the highest diagnostic efficiency,with AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of 0.887(0.800-0.946),80.43%,and 84.62%,respectively.Conclusions The combined model based on the course of disease,CSA and SWV have a high diagnostic efficiency in peripheral neuropathy of diabetes patients,and has good clinical application value.
10.The value of IVIM in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast nodules
Xinyu WANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Songli ZHANG ; Chaofan WANG ; Weiying SHEN ; Hongmei QIAO ; Yuan CHEN ; Yu ZHANG ; Hu LIU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(21):5-9
Objective To explore the application value of intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM)imaging parameters in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast nodules and their correlation with the expression of Ki-67 receptor in breast cancer.Methods The data of 41 female patients who completed 3.0 T breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with complete surgical pathology results in the Second Hospital of Jiaxing City from October 2022 to January 2025 were analysed and evaluated.Conventional images and diffusion-weighted images with 11 b values were collected.The IVIM imaging parameters of real diffusion coefficient(D),perfusion related diffusion coefficient(D*)and perfusion fraction(f)were measured and calculated in the region of interest of each lesion.The receiver operating characteristic curve were plotted to quantify the differential diagnostic efficacy of each parameter of IVIM imaging in benign and malignant breast nodules.The differences of parameters between benign and malignant breast nodules and between the groups with different expression levels of Ki-67 receptor in breast cancer were analysed,and the correlation between each parameter and the expression level of Ki-67 in breast cancer was counted.Results The D value of benign breast nodules group(benign groups)was significantly higher than that of malignant breast nodules group(malignant groups),and the D*value was significantly lower than that of malignant group,and the differences between benign group and malignant group were statistically significant(t=-4.773,t=2.063,P<0.05);Thefvalue of benign group was slightly lower than that of malignant group,and the differences between two groups were not statistically significant(t=0.035,P>0.05).Among the parameters of IVIM imaging,D value had the best differential diagnostic efficacy for benign and malignant breast nodules,with area under the curve(AUC)of 0.870(95%CI:0.755-0.985)and a specificity of 75.0%;D*value had the second best differential diagnostic efficacy after D value,with an AUC of 0.789(95%CI:0.658-0.920),but it had the highest sensitivity of 88.2%;And the differential diagnosis efficiency off value was the worst,much less than D and D*values.The D value in the high Ki-67 expression group of breast cancer was lower than that in the low expression group,while the D* and f values in the high expression group were higher than that in the low expression group,and the differences of each imaging parameter of IVIM were not statistically significant between two groups(t=-2.617,t=2.169,t=0.647,P>0.05).There was a significant negative correlation between the expression of the Ki-67 receptor and the D value(r=-0.615,P<0.05),and no significant correlation was seen with either D *or f value(r=0.223,r-0.031,P>0.05).Conclusion The D and D*values of IVIM imaging parameters have great clinical value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast nodules.


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