1.Exploring Mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway to Improve Learning and Memory Ability of Insomnia Rats with Liver Depression Syndrome Based on Transcriptomics
Jiamin LIU ; Yale WANG ; Hai HUANG ; Yue LI ; Xin FAN ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Shizhao ZHANG ; Mei YAN ; Guiyun LI ; Hongyan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):114-125
ObjectiveBased on transcriptomics, to explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, eszopiclone group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan (3.82, 7.65, 15.30 g·kg-1), with ten rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were induced insomnia rat model with liver depression by chronic restraint, tail clamping stimulation and intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Each treatment group received intragastric administration according to the specified dosage, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The pentobarbital sodium cooperative sleep test, open field test, and Morris water maze test were used to test the sleep quality, depressive-like behavior, and learning and memory abilities of rats. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of the hippocampal tissue, while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Transcriptomic sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in hippocampus between the model group and the blank group, as well as between the medium-dose group of Hei Xiaoyaosan and the model group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting genes. Subsequently, the enriched key genes and signaling pathways were analyzed and verified. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein 11 (BCL2L11), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in hippocampus, and Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylation (p)-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved Caspase-3 in the same tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight, an increase in sleep latency, and a decrease in sleep duration (P<0.01). Additionally, rats showed obvious depression-like behavior, and their learning and memory abilities decreased. Furthermore, the contents of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in hippocampus decreased (P<0.01). Histological examination revealed a disorganized cell arrangement in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, characterized by irregular cell shapes, a reduced cell count, deeply stained and pyknotic nuclei, increased vacuolar degeneration, and an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight of the high and medium dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan increased, the sleep latency shortened and the sleep time prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, depression-like behavior and learning and memory abilities of rats were significantly improved, the levels of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampus increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). These interventions also ameliorated pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 area and reduced the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons (P<0.01). Transcriptomic sequencing results indicated that Hei Xiaoyaosan might exert a therapeutic effect by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway through key mRNAs such as PTEN, BCL2L11, and MAPK1. The roles of these key mRNAs and proteins within PI3K/Akt pathway were further validated. In comparison to the blank group, the expression levels of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats in the model group were increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan could down-regulate the expressions of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNAs (P<0.01), up-regulate the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 proteins (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expressions of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by down-regulating expressions of key genes such as PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1, and thus improve the learning and memory abilities of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome.
2.Literature analysis of 43 cases of death caused by non-ionic iodine contrast media
Hongxing TIAN ; Hongyan TIAN ; Tao LI ; Wan YAN ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1655-1660
OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of patient deaths caused by non-ionic iodine contrast media and provide recommendations for safe medication, thereby providing references for clinical application. METHODS Reports of fatal cases associated with non-ionic iodine contrast media were retrieved from databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and SpringerLink. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the characteristics and influencing factors of these fatalities. RESULTS A total of 43 deaths caused by non-ionic iodine contrast media were retrieved, including 21 males (48.84%) and 22 females (51.16%). The majority of deaths occurred in 32 patients aged 51-85 years old (74.42%). The original diseases were mostly cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (30.23%) and digestive system diseases (30.23%), and only 2 cases had a clear allergy history (4.65%). Among the lethal drugs, iohexol (37.21%) and iopromide (25.58%) accounted for the highest proportions. The main causes of death were anaphylactic shock (51.16%), cardiac arrest (11.63%), and pulmonary edema (11.63%); 48.84% of the patients’ ADR occurred within 30 minutes, and 62.79% of the patients died on the first day. It mainly involved the circulatory system, nervous system and respiratory system, and the main manifestations were breathing difficulties, low or undetectable blood pressure, vomiting, etc. CONCLUSIONS The lethal drugs of non-ionic iodine contrast media are mainly iohexol and iopromide. The adverse reactions occur quickly. Clinically, it is necessary to focus on monitoring the vital signs within 30 minutes after medication, and timely treatment of symptoms such as dyspnea and abnormal blood pressure to reduce the risk of death.
3.Application of a digital chylous plasma assessment device in the determination of chylous plasma
Lingyue GUO ; Caina LI ; Hongyan GAO ; Wei WEI ; Ping ZHANG ; Yan LIU ; Yajie WANG ; Weidong HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1236-1241
Objective: To develop a simple digital chylous plasma device and validate its ability to accurately, standardly, and non-destructively determine chylous plasma in blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals. Methods: A digital chylous plasma assessment device was designed and manufactured. This device was used to measure the chylous degrees of chylous plasma samples before freezing, after freeze-thawing, before viral inactivation, and after viral inactivation. The measured chylosity index values were categorized according to the requirements specified in Appendix A of the Chinese national standard GB 18469-2001 "Quality Requirements for Whole Blood and Blood Components". This process established a digital standard for chylous plasma, enabling the identification of severe, moderate and mild chylous plasma, and non-chylous plasma. Results: The initial simple product of the digital chylous assessment device was successfully designed and manufactured. There was no significant difference in the degree of chylous plasma between pre-freezing 468.11±217.73 lux and post-thawing 538.91±273.39 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05), or between pre-viral inactivation 858.33±387.79 lux and post-viral inactivation 928.33±166.51 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05). The median of chylous degree values for plasma chylous index grades 0 to 6 were 45 lux, 250 lux, 620 lux, 835 lux, 1 130 lux, 1 390 lux, and 1 700 lux, respectively. The defined cutoff values/ranges for the chylous degree values corresponding to plasma chylous index grade 0 to 6 were ≤125 lux, 126-465 lux, 466-740 lux, 741-1 000 lux, 1 001-1 233 lux, 1 234-1 560 lux, and ≥1 561 lux. Conclusion: This study successfully developed the initial product of the digital chylous device and established digital standards for classifying chylous plasma. The device demonstrates the potential to meet the needs for assessment of chylous plasma in both blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals, thereby promoting the development and application of standardized, non-destructive chylous plasma assessment technology.
4.Correlation of blind box consumption and non-suicidal self-injury among middle school students
LEI Lin, ZHANG Yi, HU Bin, WANG Hongyan, LUO Jinshuo, YAN Zidan, TANG Jie
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1392-1395
Objective:
To explore the correlation between blind box consumption and non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI) among middle school students, so as to provide new theoretical insights for the prevention of NSSI.
Methods:
Using stratified random cluster sampling method, 2 807 middle school students aged 11-19 years old were selected from Hunan and Gansu provinces from November 2024 to March 2025. The blind box consumption questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Self mutilation Scale were administered to collect data on students blind box consumption frequency, as well as NSSI behavior. The χ 2 test was used to compare differences in the distribution of NSSI across different groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to infer the correlation and gender differences.
Results:
A total of 15.3% of middle school students reported having at least one NSSI incident in the past year, among which the reported rates of occasional NSSI (1-4 times) and repeated NSSI (≥5 times) were 5.5% and 9.8% respectively. The results of univariate analysis showed that there was statistically significant different in NSSI distribution among groups with different blind box consumption frequencies ( χ 2=55.72, P <0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, school stage, family type, discipline style, pocket money, impulsiveness and emotion management, the results of multiple Logistic regression models showed that compared with the group without blind box consumption, the risks of "occasional NSSI" and "repeated NSSI" were higher in the group with blind box consumption ( OR =1.54, 1.66), and the frequency of blind box consumption(continous variable) was positively correlated with the risks of "occasional NSSI" and "repeated NSSI" among middle school students ( OR =1.26, 1.34)(all P <0.05).After gender stratification, the consumption behavior of blind boxes and the frequency of blind box consumption (continuous variable) of boys and girls were associated with "repeated NSSI"(boys: OR =1.61, 1.32, girls: OR =1.65, 1.35), and only in the male group was a correlation between blind box consumption and "occasional NSSI" observed ( OR =2.27) (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Blind box consumption may be related to NSSI among middle school students, and there are gender differences in its correlation with NSSI among middle school students.
5.Pitavastatin-loaded procyanidins self-assembled nanoparticles alleviate advanced atherosclerosis via modulating macrophage efferocytosis and cholesterol efflux.
Yizhou WU ; Hongyan ZHOU ; Hao LIU ; Jiayao HU ; Yue SUN ; Wei YAN ; Chunyi TONG ; Ying KONG ; Bin LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3305-3320
Advanced atherosclerosis is the major global cause of death, as featured by the aggregation of apoptotic cells (ACs) in necrotic cores. The defective efferocytosis and dysfunctional cholesterol efflux of macrophages are the main reasons for forming necrotic cores in advanced atherosclerosis. In this study, we constructed self-assembled procyanidins (PC) NPs for loading pitavastatin (Pita). The designed HA@PC@Pita NPs with hyaluronic acid (HA) modification combined the advantages of efferocytosis restoration of Pita and cholesterol efflux enhancement of PC. In vitro assay indicated that HA@PC@Pita NPs could induce M1/M2 repolarization and upregulate ERK5/Mertk expression to restore efferocytosis of macrophages. Simultaneously, HA@PC@Pita NPs notably promoted cholesterol efflux by promoting macrophage lipophagy, a selective autophagy of lipid droplets. In vivo study showed that HA@PC@Pita NPs cleared necrotic core and enhanced plaque stability in the ApoE -/- mice model with advanced atherosclerosis. Taken together, this study demonstrated the potential of HA@PC@Pita NPs for the treatment of advanced atherosclerosis.
6.Research progress on early screening methods for occupational noise-induced hearing loss
Aihua LI ; Wenyan YU ; Hongyan YANG ; Weihong CAI ; Rui ZHANG ; Haijiang FENG ; Huaiying TAO ; Yixian MA ; Yan YE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1400-1404
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible sensorineural hearing loss that severely endangers workers’ health, making early screening crucial. This article reviewed the research progress on early screening methods for occupational NIHL, introduced the testing mechanisms of three core screening methods—tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry —and summarized their clinical application advantages and limitations. It is proposed that multimodal combined detection (e.g., the combination of tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry) can significantly improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of early screening. Meanwhile, future studies with prospective cohort design are encouraged to verify the long-term monitoring value of each method and to strengthen the joint development of screening technologies with cutting-edge approaches such as machine learning, in order to further improve screening efficiency and provide stronger protection for workers’ hearing health.
7.Therapeutic effects of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root and Hovenia dulcis Thunb. extracts on alcoholic liver disease: Network pharmacology and experimental validation
Zhendong Chen ; Yu Yue ; Hongyan An ; Haisu Yan ; Hyeok-Joo Park ; Pei Lin
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):100-111
Objective:
To investigate the protective effects of the combined concentrated liquid extract of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root (P. lobata, Ge Gen) and Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (H. dulcis, Zhi Ju Zi) against ethanol-induced liver damage in vitro, using a human hepatoma cell line G2 (HepG2) cell model.
Methods:
HepG2 cells were cultured in medium containing 4% ethanol to establish a model of alcoholic liver damage. The cells were then treated with the combined extract obtained via cryogenic extraction. Biochemical assays and Western blot analyses were performed to assess the levels of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway was examined to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of the extract.
Results:
Treatment with the extract contributed to a significant reduction in the release of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in the ethanol-treated HepG2 cells; promoted the elevated expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, indicating enhanced antioxidant defenses; and showed strong free radical-scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals. In addition, by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, treatment promoted increases in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its downstream targets, subsequently inhibiting apoptosis. Moreover. inflammatory responses were mitigated, as indicated by reductions in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, and we detected reduction in the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, thereby indicating hepatoprotective effects.
Conclusion
The combined P. lobata root and H. dulcis extract was established to have notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively alleviating ethanol-induced liver damage in vitro. These findings highlight the potential applicability of this extract as a candidate for treating alcoholic liver disease.
8.Best evidence of perioperative exercise interventions in patients with liver cancer
Hongyan YAN ; Lin XIAO ; Dou HU ; Mingxue YANG ; Fang LI ; Xiaoli TANG
Modern Clinical Nursing 2024;23(2):11-17
Objective To acquire,evaluate and integrate the best evidence of perioperative exercise interventions in patients with liver cancer and provide evidence-based references for clinical medical staff.Methods Following the"6S"Evidence Resource Pyramid model,literatures in perioperative exercise interventions published between January 2010 and June 2022 were retrieved from various databases,including BMJ Best Practice,UpToDate,Guidelines International Network,National Guideline Clearinghouse,National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence,Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network,Medlive,Cochrane Library,JBI,Web of Science,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,CNKI,SinoMed,Wanfang Data,American Cancer Society,American College of Sports Medicine and International Liver Cancer Association from January 2010 to June 2022.Two researchers evaluated the quality of the retrieved literatures and extracted evidences that met the inclusion criteria.Results A total of 22 articles were included,yielding 26 pieces of evidence across seven themes:the necessity of exercise,evaluation before exercise,preoperative exercise program,postoperative exercise program,exercise monitoring,health education and effect evaluation.Conclusions This study provides a summary of the best evidence regarding perioperative exercise interventions in the patients with liver cancer.The findings offer valuable references for clinical healthcare providers to deliver evidence-based care for the patients with liver cancer.
9.Mining pharmacovigilance signals for asthma adverse events in underage population based on the FAERS database
Yan CHEN ; Bing LI ; Xia LIU ; Hongyan LIU ; Qing SHAN ; Jinmin GUO
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(1):28-36
Objective To conduct data mining of asthma-inducing medications in underage populations based on the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database,so as to provide reference for the clinical application of related medications.Methods Adverse drug event(ADE)reports from the first quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2022 in the FAERS database were collected and screened for reports of asthma adverse events in the this population(under 18 years old),which were categorized into infants,toddlers,children,and adolescents according to different age groups,and were subjected to medication signal mining by using the reporting odds ratio method,the composite standardized method,and the information component method.Results A total of 1 915 reports were obtained after screening,involving 1 042(54.41%)males and 831(43.39%)females;the highest percentage of the reporting population was between 12 and under 18 years old,with a total of 762(39.79%);60.78%of the reports were reported by health professionals;and the results of the clinical referrals showed that serious adverse events occurred in 85.90%of the cases.306 suspected drugs were screened,52 drugs were determined to be valid signals,and 1 044 adverse events were reported,of which 16 drug inserts did not mention the risk of asthma,in order of elosulfatase alpha,canakinumab,tobramycin,vancomycin,ceftriaxone,cetirizine,phenylephrine,imiglucerase,cefuroxime,betamethasone,atropine,tadalafil,riscovastatin,cyclophosphamide,octreotide,and omeprazole.Conclusion The FAERS database was mined for adverse drug event signals and evaluated using the proportional disequilibrium method to identify 16 medicines that may trigger pharmacogenetic asthma and are not documented in the specification,which can be used to provide a good early warning for the clinic.At the same time,focusing on special populations,strengthening the assessment of lung function before medication and monitoring during and after medication,timely interventions were taken to reduce the harm of drug-derived adverse reactions and ensure the safe use of medication.
10.The Development of Chinese Herbal Formulae for Non-severe COVID-19 Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology and Investigation of Its Action Mechanisms
Wenting HUANG ; Liansheng QIAO ; Di YAN ; Tengwen LIU ; Hongmei CAO ; Hongyan GUO ; Zhi ZHANG ; Jing CHENG ; Lan XIE ; Qingquan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):103-112
ObjectiveTo develop traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae for the treatment of nonsevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism. MethodsThe dysregulated signaling pathways were determined in macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of COVID-19 patients and in lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro based on transcriptome analysis. A total of 102 TCM formulae for the clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were collected through literature. The pathway-reversing rates of these formulae in macrophages and lung epithelial cells were evaluated based on signature signaling pathways, and the basic formula was determined in conjunction with TCM theory. The commonly used Chinese materia medica for nonsevere COVID-19 were summarized from the 102 TCM formulae as abovementioned. And together with the screening results from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, a “Chinese materia medica pool” was esta-blished for the development of TCM formulae for COVID-19. The regulatory effects of each herb on signaling pathways were obtained based on targeted transcriptome analysis. Oriented at reversing dysregulated signaling pathways of COVID-19, the calculation was carried out, and the artificial intelligent methods for compositing formulae, that are exhaustive method and parallel computing, were used to obtain candidate compound formulas. Finally, with reference to professional experience, an innovative formula for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 was developed. The ethanol extract of the formula was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effects by detecting the mRNA expression of interleukin 1b (Il1b), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Cxcl2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2), nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ResultsIn macrophages and lung epithelial cells, 34 dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 were identified respectively. The effects of the 102 formulae for clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were evaluated based on the dysregulated signaling pathways and targeted transcriptome, and the result showed that Yinqiao Powder and Pingwei Powder (银翘散合平胃散, YQPWP) ranked first, reversing 91.18% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in macrophages and 100% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in lung epithelial cells. Additionally, YQPWP had the function of scattering wind and clearing heat, resolving toxins and removing dampness in accordance with the pathogenesis of wind-heat with dampness in COVID-19. It was selected as the basic formula, and was further modified and optimized to develop an innovative fomula Qiaobang Zhupi Yin (翘蒡术皮饮, QBZPY) based on expert experience and artificial intelligence in composing formulae. QBZPY can reverse all the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 in macrophages and lung epithelial cells, with the reversing rates of 100%. The chief medicinal of QBZPY, including Lianqiao (Fructus Forsythiae), Xixiancao (Herba Siegesbeckiae) and Niubangzi (Fructus Arctii), can down-regulate multiple signaling pathways related with virus infection, immune response, and epithelial damage. RT-qPCR results indicated that compared with the model group, the QBZPY group down-regulated the mRNA expression of Il1b, tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), Cxcl2, Cxcl10, Ccl2, Nos2 and Ptgs2 induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBased on targeted transcriptome analysis, expert experience in TCM and artificial intelligence, QBZPY has been developed for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19. The ethanol extract of QBZPY has been found to inhibit mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory genes in a cellular inflammation model.


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