1.Risk factors for decompensated liver cirrhosis and the construction of a nomogram prediction model
Yuanyuan LIANG ; Huifang QU ; Xiyue WANG ; Yan WANG ; Hezhao ZHANG ; Jun XU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1327-1334
ObjectiveTo investigate the independent risk factors for decompensation in patients with liver cirrhosis, to construct a nomogram-based risk assessment model, and to assess its risk assessment performance and clinical value by comparing it with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD combined with serum sodium concentration (MELD-Na), and MELD 3.0 scoring system. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 514 patients with liver cirrhosis who attended The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2020 to May 2025, and related data were collected, including demographic data and laboratory markers. According to the presence or absence of decompensation, the patients were divided into compensation group with 275 patients and decompensation group with 239 patients. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was used for screening of variables, and the multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for decompensated liver cirrhosis and construct a nomogram model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the discriminatory ability, calibration, and net clinical benefit of the model. ResultsThe multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR]=0.984, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.969 — 0.999, P<0.05), low lymphocytes (OR=0.564, 95%CI: 0.383 — 0.830, P<0.05), high international normalized ratio (OR=3.131, 95%CI: 1.242 — 7.891, P<0.05), and low serum sodium (OR=0.922, 95%CI: 0.872 — 0.975, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for decompensation events in patients with liver cirrhosis. Construct the prediction model equation: Logit(P)=intercept value-0.016×hemoglobin-0.573×lymphocytes+1.141×INR-0.081×serum sodium. The nomogram constructed based on these factors had a good discriminatory ability, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.787, a specificity of 77.8%, and a sensitivity of 67.4%, and it had significantly better predictive performance than MELD score (AUC=0.718), MELD-Na score (AUC=0.719), and MELD 3.0 score (AUC=0.725). The calibration curve showed good consistency between the probability of risk assessed by the model and the observed probability. The decision curve analysis showed that compared with the MELD-based scores, this model provided higher net clinical benefit across a wide range of risk thresholds. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated a nomogram risk assessment model incorporating hemoglobin, international normalized ratio, lymphocytes, and serum sodium. This model has good clinical practicability and can help to achieve early identification of high-risk patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and optimize intervention strategies in clinical practice.
2.Clinical diagnostic value of MRI combined with serum CYR61 and CXCL1 for acute stroke
Juan TIAN ; Huifang WANG ; Weijing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):394-400
Objective To evaluate the clinical utility of combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with serum levels of cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) for early identification of acute stroke. Methods The study was conducted 205 patients with suspected acute stroke admitted to the neurology department of our hospital between April 2021 and April 2024. Based on brain CT imaging and clinical diagnosis, 119 patients were acute stroke group and 86 to non-acute stroke group. All patients underwent MRI examination. Serum levels of CYR61 and CXCL1 were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess diagnostic value, and Kappa tests were used to performed to evaluate the consistency. Results Serum level of CYR61 and CXCL1were significantly higher in the acute stroke group than in the non-acute stroke group (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for serum CYR61 in diagnosing acute stroke was 0.867 (95%CI: 0.819-0.915), with diagnostic threshold of 6.02 μg/L; for CXCL1, the AUC was 0.818 (95%CI: 0.762-0.875), with a threshold of 1.28 ng/mL. The Kappa values for agreement between MRI, serum CYR61, and CXCL1 clinical diagnosis results were 0.766, 0.586, and 0.528, respectively, the Kappa value for the consistency between the combination of the three with clinical diagnosis results was 0.920 (P<0.05). The sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the combination of MRI, serum CYR61, and CXCL1 were obviously higher than that of the individual diagnosis, and the specificity and positive predictive value were obviously higher than that of the individual diagnosis of serum CYR61 and CXCL1 (P<0.05). Conclusion The clinical diagnostic accuracy of MRI combined with serum CYR61 and CXCL1 in the diagnosis of acute stroke is high, the combined diagnosis is obviously better than the individual diagnosis of each indicator.
3.Effects of the Bushen Zhuyun Formula(补肾助孕方)on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Macrophage Polarization in Uterine Tissues of Mice with Embryo Implantation Failure
Yunan LIU ; Huifang ZHOU ; Chen WANG ; Mengwen ZHANG ; Ping CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1767-1774
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Bushen Zhuyun Formula(补肾助孕方, BZF) on macrophage pola-rization in mouse uterine tissue with embryo implantation failure based on the janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty female and 25 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups including blank group, model group, low- and high-dose BZF groups, and dydrogesterone group, with 10 female and 5 male mice in each group. Except for the blank group, female mice in the estrous phase were subjected to superovulation induction. At 18:00 on the same day, female mice were co-housed with male mice at a ratio of 2∶1. The presence of sperm in vaginal exfoliated cells was examined on the following day, which was designated as gestational day 1 (GD1). On GD4, an oil-based mifepristone solution was subcutaneously injected into the neck region of female mice to establish an embryo implantation dysfunction model. Beginning on GD1, mice in the low- and high-dose BZF groups were given 11.18 and 22.36 g/kg of the BZF solution by gavage, respectively. The dydrogesterone group was given 2.6 mg/kg of dydrogesterone solution by gavage. The blank group and the model group were given 10 g/kg of normal saline by gavage once daily. Interventions were administered once a day until GD4. On GD5, uterine tissues were collected, and HE staining was performed to evaluate endometrial morphology, endometrial thickness, and glandular number in female mice. The proportions of M1 and M2 macrophages in uterine tissues were detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in uterine tissue were measured by ELISA. The protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in uterine tissue were detected by western blotting, and the mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3, IL-10, and TGF-β1 in uterine tissue was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group exhibited smaller and straighter endometrial glands, denser stroma, and fewer blood vessels, with reduced endometrial thickness and decreased glandular numbers. The proportion of M1 macrophages in uterine tissue increased, while the proportion of M2 macrophages and the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 decreased. The protein expression levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3, as well as the p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratios, were reduced. The mRNA expressions of JAK2, STAT3, IL-10, and TGF-β1 also decreased (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the above indicators were improved in the low- and high-dose BZF groups, while some indicators were improved in the dydrogesterone group (P<0.05). Compared to the dydrogesterone group and the low-dose BZF group, the high-dose BZF group showed superior effects in improving endometrial morphology, endometrial thickness, glandular number, the proportion of M1 macrophages in uterine tissues, TGF-β1 levels, JAK2, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 protein expression levels, the p-STAT3/STAT3 and p-JAK2/JAK2 ratios, as well as JAK2, IL-10, and TGF-β1 mRNA expressions (P<0.05). ConclusionBZF can improve the morphology of the endometrium during implantation in mice with embryo implantation failure, which may be related to specific regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, modulation of macrophage polarization, and promotion of anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
4.Staged Treatment of Pediatric IgA Vasculitis Based on the Concept of "Qi Disorder Causing Turbidity"
Hongji WU ; Ying DING ; Xuejun LI ; Qiuyan WANG ; Huifang LUO ; Jiexin SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1784-1788
The core pathogenesis of pediatric IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is considered to involve qi movement disorder, with the failure of clear-turbid separation and internal generation of turbid pathogens. Accordingly, the viewpoint of "qi disorder causing turbidity" is proposed. In clinical practice, the disease is divided into the acute, persistent, and stable stages. The acute stage is characterized by impaired dispersion of wei (卫) qi and the internal generation of heat turbidity, while the persistent stage by congestion of ying (营) qi and retention of stasis-turbidity, and the stable stage by depletion of pectoral qi with lingering latent turbidity. In clinical practice, regulating qi and transforming turbidity is taken as the basic therapeutic principle, and the self-formulated Tiaoqi Huazhuo Decoction (调气化浊汤) is used as the basic prescription for staged treatment with flexible modifications. Specifically, the acute stage is treated with the method of dispersing wei qi and clearing heat-turbidity; the persistent stage is recommended to harmonize ying qi and purging stasis-turbidity; and the stable stage should focus on securing pectoral qi and venting latent turbidity.
5.Sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among young students in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1102-1105
Objective:
To assess the status of sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among school attending young students in Guangdong Province, so as to provide evidence base for formulating targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was employed to conduct an anonymous online survey among 41 119 students from 20 higher education institutions and vocational colleges in Guangdong Province. Chi square test was utilized for rate comparisons and univariate analysis, and a multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze factors associated with novel synthetic drug use.
Results:
The self reported rate of sexual behavior was 5.2%. Among sexually active students, the rates of unprotected sexual intercourse, having temporary sexual partners, and having commercial sexual partners were 32.4%, 34.5%, and 26.3%, respectively. The awareness rate of HIV related knowledge was 75.7%. The overall use rate of novel psychoactive substances(NPS) was 1.0%, and among sexually active students it was 6.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that students with sexual experience ( OR =4.15) and those with HIV testing history ( OR =9.38) had higher risks of NPS use; among sexually active students, those with unprotected sexual intercourse ( OR =6.83) and those with commercial sexual partners ( OR = 4.68 ) had higher risks of NPS use (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The HIV/AIDS knowledge level among surveyed students needs further improvement, and high risk sexual behaviors are cross linked with novel synthetic drug use. It is recommended to carry out integrated health education for all students and implement comprehensive targeted interventions for sexually active students.
6.Graphene-mediated Far-infrared Therapy Enhances Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Effects of Panax quinquefolium Saponins via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Huifang ZANG ; Zikai GENG ; Yan GAO ; Lu LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Bonian ZHAO ; Jing LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):131-145
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the inhibitory effect of Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is enhanced under graphene-mediated far-infrared therapy (GFIR), and to analyze its relationships with mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, and the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways. MethodsIn the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of PQS alone or in combination with GFIR (PQS+GFIR) on A549 cell viability. The scratch assay and the colony formation assay were adopted to evaluate cell migration and colony formation capabilities, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was performed to assess mitochondrial localization. Real-time polymerase China reaction(PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. A STING knockdown cell model was established by transfecting cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the knockdown efficiency was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The cell viability and apoptosis following gene knockdown were assessed through the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. In the animal experiments, an allogeneic xenograft mouse model was established with Lewis lung cancer cells. Mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, a cisplatin group, a low-dose PQS (PQS-Low, 90 mg·kg-1) group, a high-dose PQS (PQS-High, 180 mg·kg-1) group, a low-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-Low+GFIR, 90 mg·kg-1) group, and a high-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-High+GFIR, 180 mg·kg-1) group. Treatment lasted for 14 days, and the fluorescence intensity was monitored at the tumor site by small-animal in vivo imaging during the treatment period. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK cell levels in the spleens of mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse tumors. The mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, p-IRF3, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot. ResultsThe cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, PQS inhibited the viability and migration of A549 cells, promoted apoptosis, affected mitochondrial localization, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the ROS level, and promoted mtDNA leakage. Following STING knockdown, the reductions in cell viability and the apoptosis-inducing effects caused by PQS were partially reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group showed inhibited A549 cell migration and colony formation, exacerbated apoptosis, downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and promoted mtDNA leakage. After STING knockdown, the reduced A549 cell viability and abnormal apoptosis phenotype were further reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the model group mice exhibited reduced proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD19+ B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK1.1+ cell levels in the spleen (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed increased immune cell parameters in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group exhibited enhanced levels of the aforementioned indicators (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensity in transplanted tumors, significantly upregulated expression of CD3 and CD4 in the tumor tissue, elevated levels of IFN-α and IL-6 in tumors, and upregulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, IFNB1, and NF-κB p65 as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation level of STING in tumors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group demonstrated further reduced tumor fluorescence intensity, elevated levels of CD3, CD4, and CD8 as well as cytokine levels in tumor tissue, and upregulated mRNA levels of genes related to the cGAS/STING pathway as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) ConclusionGFIR enhances the inhibitory effect of PQS on NSCLC, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA leakage, and activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
7.Graphene-mediated Far-infrared Therapy Enhances Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Effects of Panax quinquefolium Saponins via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Huifang ZANG ; Zikai GENG ; Yan GAO ; Lu LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Bonian ZHAO ; Jing LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):131-145
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the inhibitory effect of Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is enhanced under graphene-mediated far-infrared therapy (GFIR), and to analyze its relationships with mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, and the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways. MethodsIn the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of PQS alone or in combination with GFIR (PQS+GFIR) on A549 cell viability. The scratch assay and the colony formation assay were adopted to evaluate cell migration and colony formation capabilities, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was performed to assess mitochondrial localization. Real-time polymerase China reaction(PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. A STING knockdown cell model was established by transfecting cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the knockdown efficiency was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The cell viability and apoptosis following gene knockdown were assessed through the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. In the animal experiments, an allogeneic xenograft mouse model was established with Lewis lung cancer cells. Mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, a cisplatin group, a low-dose PQS (PQS-Low, 90 mg·kg-1) group, a high-dose PQS (PQS-High, 180 mg·kg-1) group, a low-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-Low+GFIR, 90 mg·kg-1) group, and a high-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-High+GFIR, 180 mg·kg-1) group. Treatment lasted for 14 days, and the fluorescence intensity was monitored at the tumor site by small-animal in vivo imaging during the treatment period. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK cell levels in the spleens of mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse tumors. The mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, p-IRF3, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot. ResultsThe cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, PQS inhibited the viability and migration of A549 cells, promoted apoptosis, affected mitochondrial localization, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the ROS level, and promoted mtDNA leakage. Following STING knockdown, the reductions in cell viability and the apoptosis-inducing effects caused by PQS were partially reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group showed inhibited A549 cell migration and colony formation, exacerbated apoptosis, downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and promoted mtDNA leakage. After STING knockdown, the reduced A549 cell viability and abnormal apoptosis phenotype were further reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the model group mice exhibited reduced proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD19+ B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK1.1+ cell levels in the spleen (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed increased immune cell parameters in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group exhibited enhanced levels of the aforementioned indicators (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensity in transplanted tumors, significantly upregulated expression of CD3 and CD4 in the tumor tissue, elevated levels of IFN-α and IL-6 in tumors, and upregulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, IFNB1, and NF-κB p65 as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation level of STING in tumors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group demonstrated further reduced tumor fluorescence intensity, elevated levels of CD3, CD4, and CD8 as well as cytokine levels in tumor tissue, and upregulated mRNA levels of genes related to the cGAS/STING pathway as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) ConclusionGFIR enhances the inhibitory effect of PQS on NSCLC, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA leakage, and activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
8.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
9.Effects of coal mine dust on lung function in rats
LIU Yang ; LI Meng ; LU Liyuan ; WANG Ru ; YANG He ; ZHANG Huifang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):96-101
Objective:
To explore the impacts of coal mine dust on lung function in rats, so as to provide the basis for the early prevention and treatment of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Methods:
Seventy-two SPF-grade 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the coal dust group, the coal-silica dust group, the silica dust group and the control group. The rats in the first three groups of rats were administered 1 mL corresponding dust suspension into the lungs using non-exposure tracheal instillation, while the rats in the control group were administered 1 mL normal saline. Respiratory rate (f), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn) were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months after dust exposure. Lung tissues were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels using corresponding ELISA kits and ATP assay kits, respectively. The relative mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The relative protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were detected using Western blotting.
Results:
There was no interaction between dust type and exposure duration on f (P>0.05), but there were interactions on FVC, PEF and Cdyn (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 6 months after dust exposure, the f of the rats in the silica dust group were increased, while the FVC and PEF of the rats in the coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased, and Cdyn of the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased (all P<0.05). There were interactions between dust type and exposure duration on ROS and ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 3 and 6 months after dust exposure, the ROS levels in the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were increased, while the ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were decreased (all P<0.05).
Conclusion
The lung function impairment in rats caused by different types of coal mine dust is related to PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction, which leads to increased ROS levels, decreased ATP and TFAM levels.
10.Mechanism of immunosuppression in rats by herb-partitioned moxibustion based on transcriptome sequencing technology
Yuefeng TIAN ; Luojie XIONG ; Huifang WANG ; Chuntao ZHAI ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):978-988
BACKGROUND:Immunosuppression leads to impaired body immune function and aggravates the disease.Herb-partitioned moxibustion can effectively regulate immune function and improve immunity in the body,but its regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To sequence immunosuppressed model rats treated with herb-partitioned moxibustion using bioinformatics techniques based on transcriptomics and to explore the mechanisms by which it regulates immunity. METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups:control,model,and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups,with eight rats in each group.The model and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups were subjected to establishment of an immune suppression model by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 35 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days.No interventions were administered to the control and model groups after modeling.In contrast,the herb-partitioned moxibustion group received moxibustion treatment at Zhongwan,Shenque,Guanyuan,and Zusanli acupoints using a combination of moxa and herbal cakes,once a day,for 10 consecutive days,with samples being collected the day after the end of the intervention.Peripheral blood was collected from all groups of rats to measure their white blood cell count.RNA-seq was performed on the Illumina sequencing platform,and differentially expressed genes were selected for bioinformatics analysis using the GO and KEGG databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited a significant decrease in white blood cell count(P<0.001).RNA-seq analysis identified 3 026 differentially expressed genes between the model and control groups,with 1 565 upregulated and 1 461 downregulated.There were 535 differentially expressed genes identified between the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the model group,with 280 upregulated and 255 downregulated.The Venn diagram analysis revealed that 159 genes were downregulated in the model group compared with the control group.However,after moxibustion with herbal cakes,these genes were upregulated.Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 10 core targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,Mx1,Syk,Hspa1a,and Ret.According to GO and KEGG analyses,moxibustion with herbal cakes regulated the body through pathways related to immune response,viruses,angiogenesis,and the autoimmune system.To conclude,there is a significant association between herbal cake-separated moxibustion intervention and immune suppression targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,and Mx1.The intervention exhibits regulatory effects in the pathways related to immune responses,viral activities,and angiogenesis.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail