1.Association between HPV outcome and vaginal microecology in women with persistent high-risk HPV infection: a prospective cohort study
Zhan ZHANG ; Xiaonan ZONG ; Huihui BAI ; Linyuan FAN ; Ting LI ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(2):121-127
Objective:To investigate the association between high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) persistent infection and vaginal microecology.Methods:A total of 53 women were enrolled in the gynecological clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021, including 7 women without HPV and 46 women with hrHPV infection. Among the hrHPV infected women, 24 woemn who did not use any drugs were classified as the observation group and the other 22 women who were given standardized interferon vaginal administration for 3 months were regarded as the treatment group. Vaginal secretions of all women were taken for Gram-stained microecological test at the time of enrollment and at the 4, 8, and 12 month follow-up. HPV turning negative was taken as the end point of follow-up.Results:(1) Women of hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups had more times of abortions ( P=0.180). (2) The hrHPV negative conversion rate was 17% (4/24) in the observation group and 36% (8/22) in the treatment group, but the difference was not significant ( P=0.183). The median hrHPV negative conversion time were 11.0 months and 7.5 months in the observation and treatment groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.001). (3) Vaginal microecology was generally normal at the time of enrollment and at the end of follow-up in women with HPV natural negative conversion in the observation group. While vaginal microecological disorders were more common in women with hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups, including high vaginal pH value, poor vaginal cleanliness, poor grade of Lactobacillus and increased vaginal clutter bacteria, and the vaginal microecological situation did not improve after the 12-month follow-up. (4) In the treatment group, women who turned HPV negative within six months all had normal vaginal microecology when enrollment (5/5). While those who turned negative six months later had a higher proportion of vaginal clutter bacteria (2/3), a poor grade of Lactobacillus (2/3) and a higher proportion of vaginal dysbiosis (2/3). Conclusions:(1) Interferon therapy could shorten the negative turning time of hrHPV. (2) Women with normal vaginal microecology have the ability to naturally clear hrHPV. (3) The vaginal microecological Gram-stain test has limited value in predicting hrHPV clearance, perhaps due to its inability to detect Lactobacillus subtypes.
2.Ultrastructural pathological observation of vaginal inflammatory mucosal injury induced by Candida albicans infection and the restorative effect of Lactobacillus crispatus
Ting LI ; Zhan ZHANG ; Huihui BAI ; Linyuan FAN ; Xiaonan ZONG ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(11):890-896
Objective:To establish a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to directly observe the histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of vaginal mucosal barrier after Candida albicans infection and treatment with Lactobacillus crispatus.Methods:Female unmated SD rats were used to establish the VVC model and divided into three groups (normal group, VVC group, and Lactobacillus group; n=6 per group). Lactobacillus group received intravaginal administration of Lactobacillus crispatus suspension, while rats in VVC group and normal group were infused with phosphate buffered solution instead. Vaginal tissues were collected on day 4 post-treatment for HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (to observe ultrastructural pathological changes). Results:The results of HE staining revealed the disruption and desquamation of vaginal epithelium, necrotic epithelial tissues, neutrophil infiltration in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal structure (mucosal layers and thickness) to normal levels, mucosal layers of Lactobacillus group and normal group were 9.50±1.38 vs 10.67±1.03 ( P=0.226), mucosal thickness of Lactobacillus group and normal group were (116.50±12.14) vs (130.33±13.91) μm ( P=0.211). The results of transmission electron microscopy revealed intercellular desmosome rupture, loss of microvilli and glycocalyx on superficial cells, and mitochondrial swelling in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal ultrastructures (mitochondria and intercellular connections, etc.) to normal levels. Conclusions:Fungal infection severely disrupte the vaginal mucosal barrier in rats. Lactobacillus crispatus could restore the vaginal mucosal barrier and epithelial ultrastructures.
3.Association between HPV outcome and vaginal microecology in women with persistent high-risk HPV infection: a prospective cohort study
Zhan ZHANG ; Xiaonan ZONG ; Huihui BAI ; Linyuan FAN ; Ting LI ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(2):121-127
Objective:To investigate the association between high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) persistent infection and vaginal microecology.Methods:A total of 53 women were enrolled in the gynecological clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021, including 7 women without HPV and 46 women with hrHPV infection. Among the hrHPV infected women, 24 woemn who did not use any drugs were classified as the observation group and the other 22 women who were given standardized interferon vaginal administration for 3 months were regarded as the treatment group. Vaginal secretions of all women were taken for Gram-stained microecological test at the time of enrollment and at the 4, 8, and 12 month follow-up. HPV turning negative was taken as the end point of follow-up.Results:(1) Women of hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups had more times of abortions ( P=0.180). (2) The hrHPV negative conversion rate was 17% (4/24) in the observation group and 36% (8/22) in the treatment group, but the difference was not significant ( P=0.183). The median hrHPV negative conversion time were 11.0 months and 7.5 months in the observation and treatment groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.001). (3) Vaginal microecology was generally normal at the time of enrollment and at the end of follow-up in women with HPV natural negative conversion in the observation group. While vaginal microecological disorders were more common in women with hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups, including high vaginal pH value, poor vaginal cleanliness, poor grade of Lactobacillus and increased vaginal clutter bacteria, and the vaginal microecological situation did not improve after the 12-month follow-up. (4) In the treatment group, women who turned HPV negative within six months all had normal vaginal microecology when enrollment (5/5). While those who turned negative six months later had a higher proportion of vaginal clutter bacteria (2/3), a poor grade of Lactobacillus (2/3) and a higher proportion of vaginal dysbiosis (2/3). Conclusions:(1) Interferon therapy could shorten the negative turning time of hrHPV. (2) Women with normal vaginal microecology have the ability to naturally clear hrHPV. (3) The vaginal microecological Gram-stain test has limited value in predicting hrHPV clearance, perhaps due to its inability to detect Lactobacillus subtypes.
4.Ultrastructural pathological observation of vaginal inflammatory mucosal injury induced by Candida albicans infection and the restorative effect of Lactobacillus crispatus
Ting LI ; Zhan ZHANG ; Huihui BAI ; Linyuan FAN ; Xiaonan ZONG ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(11):890-896
Objective:To establish a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to directly observe the histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of vaginal mucosal barrier after Candida albicans infection and treatment with Lactobacillus crispatus.Methods:Female unmated SD rats were used to establish the VVC model and divided into three groups (normal group, VVC group, and Lactobacillus group; n=6 per group). Lactobacillus group received intravaginal administration of Lactobacillus crispatus suspension, while rats in VVC group and normal group were infused with phosphate buffered solution instead. Vaginal tissues were collected on day 4 post-treatment for HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (to observe ultrastructural pathological changes). Results:The results of HE staining revealed the disruption and desquamation of vaginal epithelium, necrotic epithelial tissues, neutrophil infiltration in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal structure (mucosal layers and thickness) to normal levels, mucosal layers of Lactobacillus group and normal group were 9.50±1.38 vs 10.67±1.03 ( P=0.226), mucosal thickness of Lactobacillus group and normal group were (116.50±12.14) vs (130.33±13.91) μm ( P=0.211). The results of transmission electron microscopy revealed intercellular desmosome rupture, loss of microvilli and glycocalyx on superficial cells, and mitochondrial swelling in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal ultrastructures (mitochondria and intercellular connections, etc.) to normal levels. Conclusions:Fungal infection severely disrupte the vaginal mucosal barrier in rats. Lactobacillus crispatus could restore the vaginal mucosal barrier and epithelial ultrastructures.
5.Usage and Dosage Analysis and Countermeasures for Development of Compound Preparations of Han Dynasty Famous Classical Formulas
Yan JIN ; Bing LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Huasheng PENG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Huihui LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):1-10
In order to provide a reference basis for the development of relevant compound preparations, this article takes a comprehensive analysis of the usage and dosage of famous classical formulas in Han dynasty from various perspectives, and gives corresponding countermeasures on this basis. Through the comprehensive analysis of the classification and statistics of Zhongjing's medication characteristics, decoction methods, administration and dosage, and combining conversion methods of weights and measures by ancient medical practitioners, along with the dosage and administration of the listed Han dynasty famous classical formulas, it was found that the "Jiangxi method" served as a general guideline for administration according to Zhongjing's original text. This method allowed for flexible dosing based on the conversion of the ancient measurements to modern equivalents[13.8 g per Liang(两)], ensuring the safe and effective medication of these formulas. After combing, it is found that although the dosage of single medicine is large in famous classical formulas from Han dynasty, the administration is flexible. The crude drug amount per administration serves as the foundational dose, with the frequency of administration adjusted flexibly according to the condition. This dosing approach becomes the key for the rational development of compound formulations of famous classical formulas. Based on the conclusions of the study, it is recommended that when developing compound formulations of famous classical formulas in Han dynasty, the original administration method and dosage should be respected. The original crude drug amount per administration should be considered as the daily foundational dose, with the frequency of administration described within a range(1 to N times per day, where N is the maximum number of administrations as per the original text). The specific frequency of administration can be adjusted flexibly by clinical practitioners based on the individual condition. This approach should also be adopted in toxicological studies, where the dosage per administration serves as the basis for toxicity research, and the toxicity profile at the maximum administration frequency should be observed, providing guidance on the clinical safety range. Corresponding drug labels should provide information within a range to indicate toxicological risk intervals.
6.Hypericin reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by modulating AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Huihui LI ; ANWER GULINIGAER ; Xiaofeng GAO ; Gang WANG ; Yali BAO ; Tian ZHANG ; AINIWAR DINA ; Can LING ; Zhan SUN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(10):1882-1890
AIM:To investigate the effect of hypericin(Hyp)on the heart of rats with myocardial ischemia-re-perfusion injury(MIRI),and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:Thirty SPF male SD rats were divided into 5 groups:sham group,MIRI group,low-dose Hyp(L-Hyp)group(MIRI+L-Hyp group),high-dose Hyp(H-Hyp)group(MIRI+H-Hyp group),and positive control trimetazidine(TMZ)group(MIRI+TMZ group),with 6 rats in each group.Apart from the sham group,the MIRI model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery and then recanalizing it in the remaining four groups of rats.The success of the modeling was determined by monitor-ing the electrocardiogram.We assessed the cardiac function in rats using echocardiography.TTC staining was employed to measure the area of myocardial infarction in rats,and HE staining was utilized to observe the morphological traits of rat myocardium.We assayed the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in rat serum using biochemical kits.ELISA kits were applied to assess the contents of cardiac troponin I(cTnI)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in rat serum.Western blot analysis was perfomed to measure the pro-tein expression levels of AMPK,p-AMPK,Nrf2,and HO-1 in rat myocardial tissues.RESULTS:The rats in MIRI group exhibited increased myocardial tissue injury,larger myocardial infarction areas,decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and reduced left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)compared with sham group,as shown by echo-cardiography.Additionally,there were increases in LDH activity,cTnI,MDA and ROS levels,along with significant de-creases in SOD activity,and p-AMPK,Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels(P<0.05).Compared with MIRI group,the rats in MIRI+L-Hyp,MIRI+H-Hyp and MIRI+TMZ groups showed decreased myocardial histopathological damage and reduced myocardial tissue infarction area,increased LVEF and LVFS,and lowered serum levels of LDH activity,cTnI,MDA and ROS,while SOD activity,p-AMPK,Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels were elevated(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Hypericin attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats,possibly by modulating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling path-way.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiao DU ; Yapeng WANG ; Jinxiu QIAN ; Hongjun YANG ; Huihui LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(5):68-83
By reviewing ancient materia medica, prescription and medical books, combined with modern literature, the paper made textual research on the name, origin, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing methods of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, so as to provide a basis for the selection and use of these two herbs in the development of famous classical formulas. Through textual research, it can be found that Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix were mixed together in the early history of China, but the distinction was first made during the Southern and Northern dynasties, and since then there have been constant controversies, and it is not until contemporary times that they are distinguished clearly. In the past dynasties, Duhuo and Qianghuo were used as the rectification of names, some aliases and trade names were also seen. Angelica biserrata is the mainstream origin of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix in the past dynasties, and there are many plants belonging to Angelica, Heracleum and Aralia, which are also used as this medicine. However, the origin of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix used in the past dynasties is mostly Notopterygium incisum or N. franchetii, which is relatively uniform. The producing areas of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix are mostly concentrated in the western and northwestern regions of China, among which Angelicae Pubescentis Radix is mainly produced in Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shaanxi and other places, and the border area between Hubei and Chongqing is the geo-authentic area. Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix is mainly produced in Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi and others with the western and northern Sichuan and southern Gansu as the geo-authentic areas. Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix in the past dynasties were harvested in spring and autumn, especially in February and August of the lunar calendar. Angelicae Pubescentis Radix with strong main roots, few branches, firm texture and strong aroma is superior, and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix with strong rhizomes, tightly raised knots, purple-brown skin, tight cross-section, strong aroma and silkworm-like shape is superior. The processing methods of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix are mostly cut after cutting the reeds, and the raw product is used as medicine. Based on the above research results, it is recommended that the roots of A. biserrata should be used for Angelicae Pubescentis Radix and the roots of N. incisum should be used for Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix in the development of famous classical formulas, and raw products should be used in the formulas that do not specify processing requirements.
8.Analysis of vaginal microecology in 23 181 cases of the gynecological female outpatients
Xiaonan ZONG ; Yangzi FENG ; Huihui BAI ; Heshuqi WANG ; Xiang SHANG ; Linyuan FAN ; Ting LI ; Zhan ZHANG ; Mengyao DU ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;58(3):191-197
Objective:To analyze the vaginal microecological status of vaginitis population and non-vaginitis population of gynecological female outpatients.Methods:A total of 30 265 women who visited the gynecological outpatient clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from December 2018 to December 2020 completed vaginal microecological examination. After removing the follow-up patients, 23 181 women were divided into group with symptoms and signs of vaginitis (6 697 cases) and group without symptoms and signs of vaginitis (16 484 cases), according to whether the women with symptoms and signs of vaginitis or not. And the vaginal microecological status of the two groups was compared and analyzed.Results:(1) The total detection rate of vaginitis in the initial women was 34.87% (8 083/23 181), of which 46.10% (3 087/6 697) in group with symptoms and signs of vaginitis and 30.31% (4 996/16 484) in group without symptoms and signs of vaginitis, nearly 1/3 of the gynecological outpatients without signs and symptoms of vaginitis had vaginitis. (2) Among the types of simple vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was the most frequent in group with symptoms and signs of vaginitis (16.01%, 1 072/6 697), followed by aerobic vaginitis (AV; 12.83%, 859/6 697), with significant differences compared with group without symptoms and signs of vaginitis (all P<0.001). There were no statistical differences between the two groups of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomonal vaginitis (TV), indicating that BV and TV were more likely to be neglected (all P>0.05). (3) The proportion of various combinations of vaginitis among 2 632 cases of mixed vaginitis were, in descending order: BV+AV, VVC+AV, BV+AV+VVC, AV+TV, AV+TV+BV, BV+VVC. (4) Microecological analysis of 15 098 cases diagnosed with non-vaginitis had normal flora (including those with normal flora and those with normal flora but decreased function) in 14 013 cases (92.81%, 14 013/15 098), abnormal flora in 429 cases (2.84%, 429/15 098) and the BV intermediate in 656 cases (4.34%, 656/15 098); this indicated that the vast majority of the microecological tests were normal in the vaginal microbiota of those without vaginitis. Conclusions:Microecological examination could diagnose multiple pathogenic infections at once, and is especially important as a guide for the definitive diagnosis of mixed vaginitis and vaginitis with atypical clinical symptoms. Vaginal infections such as BV and TV that are easily overlooked should be concerned.
9.Dynamics of vaginal microbiota in women of reproductive age during the menstrual cycle
Zhan ZHANG ; Huihui BAI ; Xiaonan ZONG ; Ting LI ; Zhaohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2022;57(2):101-109
Objective:To investigate the dynamic changes of vaginal microbiota in different phases of menstrual cycle in healthy Chinese women of childbearing age.Methods:A total of 11 healthy women of childbearing age with regular menstruation, who had physical examination in the Gynecology Clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from September to December 2020 were randomly selected as research subjects. Vaginal secretions were collected during menstrual phase (2nd-3rd day), mid-follicular phase (7th-8th day), and mid-luteal phase (21st-22nd day) for microbiota analysis through metagenomic sequencing.Results:(1) Vaginal microbiota species were the most diverse in menstrual phase and the least in follicular phase, observing dominant vaginal bacteria gradually changing to Lactobacillus from menstrual phase to follicular phase and then to luteal phase. (2) The dynamic evolution of vaginal microbiota from menstrual phase to follicular phase and then to luteal phase was divided into: no change in dominant bacteria, replacement of dominant bacteria, changes in the proportion of dominant bacteria, and recurrence of dominant bacteria (non-Lactobacillus-dominance appeared again in luteal phase after returning to normal Lactobacillus-dominance in follicular phase). (3) Prevotella, especially Prevotella_bivia, was significantly higher during menstrual phase.Conclusions:Healthy vaginal microbiota should be relatively stable, but also have the ability of dynamic change and self-recovery. Prevotella plays a central role among opportunistic pathogens in the vagina, whose function remains to be investigated.
10.A real-world study on HBV infection and response to hepatitis B vaccine in children born to HBV-infected women at one year of age
Xiuzhen CAO ; Fenxin CHEN ; Zhan ZENG ; Liu YANG ; Huihui LU ; Fuchuan WANG ; Gang WAN ; Yao XIE ; Wei YI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2021;35(4):372-377
Objective:To explore the status of HBV infection, immune response to hepatitis B vaccine and its influencing factors of one-year old children born to HBV infected mothers in real world.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, eligible mothers infected with chronic HBV and children who completed standard vaccination against hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin injection were selected. Clinical biochemical, virological measurements, data of antiviral therapy and complications during pregnancy and childbirth were collected by HIS(Hospital Information System)system and LIS (Laboratoty Information Management System) system. At one year of age, the children were tested for HBsAg, HBsAb and HBV DNA in venous blood specimens.Results:A total of 1 302 eligible mothers and children were collected, including 600 in high viral load group (mothers’ HBV DNA≥2×10 5 IU/ml) and 702 in low viral load group (mothers’ HBV DNA<2×10 5 IU/ml). In high viral load group, 587 patients received antiviral drugs in the middle or late trimester (Treated group) and 13 patients did not receive antiviral drugs (Untreated group). No chronic HBV infection occurred in children of low viral load group, and in 5 cases (0.83%) the infection occurred in high viral load group. In the five HBV infected children, 3 cases (0.51%) were in the treated group, and 2 cases (15.38%) in untreated group. The failure rate of mother-to-child blocking in low viral load group was significantly lower than that in high viral load group ( χ2=5.87, P=0.015), and it was significantly lower in treated group than that in untreated group ( χ2=29.195, P=0.001). The percentages of HBsAb level <10 mIU/ml, 10- <100 mIU/ml and ≥100 mIU/ml in 1 297 children without HBV infection were 1.15%, 15.65% and 83.19%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that maternal total bilirubin level and hypothyroidism during pregnancy were correlated with HBsAb level at 1 year of age ( χ2=29.003, P <0.05). Conclusions:Antiviral drugs taken during pregnancy by pregnant women with high HBV viral load can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of HBV. Follow-up on the response of children born to HBV-infected mothers to hepatitis B vaccine should be enhanced after birth.

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