1.Hypericin ameliorates stress-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice by modulating the CN-NFAT calcium signaling pathway in microglia.
Zhengtao GAO ; Pingyan LIN ; Bingcan ZHOU ; Mingheng CHEN ; Erqi LIU ; Tianxiang LEI ; Huixin NI ; Haixin LIU ; Yao LIN ; Qian XU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):506-513
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the role of the calcium/calmodulin (CaM)-mediated activation of calcineurin (CN)-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathway in mediating the regulatory effect of hyperforin (HY) on stress-induced depression-like disorder (DP) in mice.
METHODS:
C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, DP model group, and hyperforin treatment group (n=15). Behavioral changes of the mice were assessed using open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), light/dark box test (LDB), and novel object suppression test (NSFT). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and serum serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NA) levels were detected with ELISA. Western blotting was used to analyze the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and CN-NFAT pathway proteins. In cultured BV-2 microglial cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the effects of hyperforin and CN inhibitor (CNIS) on expressions of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), 5-HT, NA, inflammatory cytokines and CN-NFAT pathway proteins were examined using immunofluorescence assay, ELISA or Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control mice, the mice in DP group showed significantly reduced activity in OFT, decreased sucrose consumption in SPT, reduced shuttle crossing in LDB, and lowered food intake in NSFT with significantly increased immobility in TST. The mice with DP showed significantly decreased TH-positive neurons, lowered 5-HT and NA levels, and increased expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2 and CaM-CN-NFAT pathway proteins. In cultured BV-2 cells, LPS stimulation strongly increased cellular IBA-1 expression, decreased the levels of neurotransmitters (5-HT and NA), and increased the levels of inflammatory cytokines and CN-NFAT signaling, and these changes were effectively reversed by treatment with hyperforin or CNIS.
CONCLUSIONS
Hyperforin improves stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice and activated BV-2 cells by targeting the CN-NFAT signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Microglia/drug effects*
;
Depression/etiology*
;
Perylene/pharmacology*
;
Calcineurin/metabolism*
;
NFATC Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Calcium Signaling/drug effects*
;
Stress, Psychological
;
Phloroglucinol/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Male
;
Behavior, Animal/drug effects*
;
Terpenes
2.To explore the curative effect of tangerine peel compound on chicken Eimeria tenella disease
Junze CHENG ; Chenchen WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Huixin LIU ; Qiyuan ZHAO ; Ting ZHANG ; Zong-gu XIE ; Hongbin SI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2264-2272,2281
The study explored the therapeutic effect and mechanism of the compound composed of tangerine peel,plum,agrimony and hawthorn on Eimeria tenella in chicks.In the experiment,144 chicks were divided into six groups:the blank group,the model group,the diclazuril group,and the high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose traditional Chinese medicine compound groups.The 14-day-old chickens were infected,the body weight and mortality were recorded,and the samples were dis-sected at 21 days of age.The anticoccidial effect of Chenpi compound at different doses was evalua-ted by calculating anticoccidial index,feed conversion rate and detecting serum cytokine levels and related mRNA expression levels.The results showed that the anticoccidial index of the middle dose group was 172.86,and the anticoccidial index of the low dose group was 158.98.In the middle and low dose groups,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and MDA in serum decreased significantly,while the levels of IL-4,IL10,T-AOC,SOD,CAT and GSH-Px increased significantly,and the mRNA ex-pression levels of related inflammation and antioxidant pathways changed.Further studies found that the medium-dose compound can regulate the ChTLR15/ChMyD88/ChNF-κB/ChNLRP3/Caspase-1 inflammatory signaling pathway,activate the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway,and enhance the body's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity;at the same time,it can increase the expression of intestinal tight junction ZO-1 and Occludin,repair the damaged in-testinal barrier,and play an anticoccidial role.The results showed that the middle dose of tangerine peel compound had a good effect in the treatment of coccidiosis,and its mechanism involved the regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.
3.Burden of alopecia areata in China, 1990-2021: Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Xiangqian LI ; Huixin LIU ; Wenhui REN ; Qijiong ZHU ; Peng YIN ; Lijun WANG ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Jinlei QI ; Cheng ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):318-324
BACKGROUND:
Research has indicated that the disease burden of alopecia areata (AA) in China exceeds the global average. Therefore, accurate and updated epidemiological information is crucial for policymakers. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the disease burden of AA in China.
METHODS:
The following four key indicators were utilized: the prevalence of cases; disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs); the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR); and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of AA according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. We analyzed the epidemiological burden of AA in China during 2021, examined changes between 1990 and 2021, and performed a Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis to predict trends over the course of the next decade (2022-2030). Additionally, a Gaussian process regression model was applied to estimate the relationship between the gross domestic product (GDP) and the ASPR and ASDR of AA at the provincial level between 1992 and 2021.
RESULTS:
In 2021, the estimated number of patients with AA in China was approximately 3.49 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.37-3.62 million); of these patients, 1.20 million (95% UI, 1.16-1.25 million) were male and 2.29 million (95% UI, 2.20-2.37 million) were female. This large number of patients with AA resulted in a total of 114,431.25 DALYs (95% UI, 74,780.27-160,318.96 DALYs). Additionally, the ASPR and ASDR were 224.61 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 216.73-232.65 per 100,000 population) and 7.41 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 4.85-10.44 per 100,000 population), respectively; both of these rates were higher than the global averages. The most affected demographic groups were young and female individuals 25-39 years of age. Slight regional disparities were observed, with the northern and central regions of China bearing comparatively higher burdens. Between 1990 and 2021, the health loss and disease burden caused by AA in China remained relatively stable. The ASPR and ASDR of AA increased with the GDP when the annual GDP was less than 2 trillion Chinese yuan; however, a downward trend was observed as the GDP surpassed 2 trillion Chinese yuan. A slight upward trend in the disease burden of AA in China is predicted to occur over the next decade.
CONCLUSIONS
AA continues to be a public health concern in China that shows no signs of declining. Targeted efforts for young individuals and females are necessary because they experience a disproportionately high burden of AA.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Alopecia Areata/epidemiology*
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Middle Aged
;
Prevalence
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Bayes Theorem
;
Child
;
Quality-Adjusted Life Years
;
Child, Preschool
4.Study on the mechanism of moxibustion regulating lipid antioxidation in inhibiting ferroptosis of spinal cord neurons and improving urinary retention after spinal cord injury
Jingyu CAO ; Kaiyan DU ; Chenxu QI ; Huixin WANG ; Shuting DUAN ; Meng CHEN ; Siwei HOU ; Xiaodan WANG ; Chengmei LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1398-1403
Objective:To observe the effects of Yiyuan moxibustion on bladder function and antioxidant level of spinal cord tissues in rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury (SCI); To explore the mechanism of inhibition of ferroptosis in spinal cord neurons after SCI by Yiyuan moxibustion.Methods:Wistar female rats were divided into sham-operation group, model group, and Yiyuan moxibustion group according to random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The modified Allen′s vertical percussion method was used to construct the model of urinary retention after SCI in T10 segment. The rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were moxibued at the Zhongji acupoint, Guanyuan acupoint, and Shenque acupoint for 20 min per day, and the intervention was continued for 2 weeks. Urodynamic test was used to observe the degree of urinary retention in rats; HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the injured spinal cord tissues; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the spinal cord tissues; ferric ion kit was used to detect the ferric ion content of the spinal cord tissues; ELISA was used to detect the GSH and MDA contents of the spinal cord tissues of the rats; Western blot was used to measure the relative expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) proteins in rat spinal cord tissue.Results:Compared with the model group, the basal and leakage point pressures of the bladder, and bladder compliance were significantly reduced in the Yiyuan moxibustion group ( P<0.05); the spinal cord tissue structure was restored and mitochondrial morphology improved; the levels of iron ions and MDA in spinal cord tissue decreased ( P<0.05), while the level of GSH increased ( P<0.05), and the relative expressions of GPX4 and SLC7A11 proteins increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Yiyuan moxibustion can improve bladder function in rats with urinary retention after SCI, and the mechanism may involve the initiation of antioxidant defense and reduction of lipid peroxidation in spinal cord neuronal cells, thus preventing the occurrence of ferroptosis and achieving the protection of neuronal cells.
5.Advances in the pathogenicity of IMPG2 gene variations and related research
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(7):665-669
IMPG2 gene variations can cause inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD).The clinical phenotypes of IMPG2 related IRD are heterogeneous, including retinitis pigmentosa, vitelliform macular dystrophy and occasionally Stargardt-like macular dystrophy.There is a certain correlation between the variation type and the clinical phenotype.The compound heterozygous/homozygous IMPG2 variations predominantly cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa, while heterozygous mutations is typically associated with autosomal dominant vitelliform macular dystrophy showing incomplete dominance.IMPG2 expressed by retinal photoreceptors encodes interphotoreceptor matrix, though its pathogenesis remains unclear.Studies suggest variations may cause mislocalization of matrix components, aberrant energy metabolism and impaired autophagy in the retina.This review summarizes IMPG2-related IRD phenotypes and advances in pathogenic mechanisms, providing theoretical support for clinical diagnosis, therapy and research.
6.Advances in the pathogenicity of IMPG2 gene variations and related research
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(7):665-669
IMPG2 gene variations can cause inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD).The clinical phenotypes of IMPG2 related IRD are heterogeneous, including retinitis pigmentosa, vitelliform macular dystrophy and occasionally Stargardt-like macular dystrophy.There is a certain correlation between the variation type and the clinical phenotype.The compound heterozygous/homozygous IMPG2 variations predominantly cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa, while heterozygous mutations is typically associated with autosomal dominant vitelliform macular dystrophy showing incomplete dominance.IMPG2 expressed by retinal photoreceptors encodes interphotoreceptor matrix, though its pathogenesis remains unclear.Studies suggest variations may cause mislocalization of matrix components, aberrant energy metabolism and impaired autophagy in the retina.This review summarizes IMPG2-related IRD phenotypes and advances in pathogenic mechanisms, providing theoretical support for clinical diagnosis, therapy and research.
7.To explore the curative effect of tangerine peel compound on chicken Eimeria tenella disease
Junze CHENG ; Chenchen WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Huixin LIU ; Qiyuan ZHAO ; Ting ZHANG ; Zong-gu XIE ; Hongbin SI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2264-2272,2281
The study explored the therapeutic effect and mechanism of the compound composed of tangerine peel,plum,agrimony and hawthorn on Eimeria tenella in chicks.In the experiment,144 chicks were divided into six groups:the blank group,the model group,the diclazuril group,and the high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose traditional Chinese medicine compound groups.The 14-day-old chickens were infected,the body weight and mortality were recorded,and the samples were dis-sected at 21 days of age.The anticoccidial effect of Chenpi compound at different doses was evalua-ted by calculating anticoccidial index,feed conversion rate and detecting serum cytokine levels and related mRNA expression levels.The results showed that the anticoccidial index of the middle dose group was 172.86,and the anticoccidial index of the low dose group was 158.98.In the middle and low dose groups,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and MDA in serum decreased significantly,while the levels of IL-4,IL10,T-AOC,SOD,CAT and GSH-Px increased significantly,and the mRNA ex-pression levels of related inflammation and antioxidant pathways changed.Further studies found that the medium-dose compound can regulate the ChTLR15/ChMyD88/ChNF-κB/ChNLRP3/Caspase-1 inflammatory signaling pathway,activate the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway,and enhance the body's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity;at the same time,it can increase the expression of intestinal tight junction ZO-1 and Occludin,repair the damaged in-testinal barrier,and play an anticoccidial role.The results showed that the middle dose of tangerine peel compound had a good effect in the treatment of coccidiosis,and its mechanism involved the regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.
8.Gender differences in left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Limei LIANG ; Xin HE ; Shiguang ZHAO ; Huixin ZHANG ; Hongli LIU
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(9):646-651
Objective To investigate sex-related differences in left ventricular systolic dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 228 HFpEF patients who were treated in the Department of Endocrinology and Cardiology of the Second Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2019 to June 2023 were enrolled.They were divided into HFpEF group[women(n=61),men(n=73)]and HFpEF+T2DM group[women(n=49),men(n=73)]according to whether they had T2DM.Conventional echocardiography and left ventricular global longitudinal strain(GLS)data were measured.Sex-related differences of left ventricular structure and function were compared between the two groups.Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed for the determinants of impaired left ventricular GLS for HFpEF with T2DM patients and HFpEF patients of both sexes.Results LVMI was lower in women than in men in HFpEF group(P<0.05).The left ventricular remodeling rate of women was higher in HFpEF+T2DM group than that of men and women in HFpEF group,and the GLS of women was lower than that of men and women in HFpEF group(P<0.05).The E/E'was higher in women than in men in HFpEF and HFpEF+T2DM groups(P<0.05).Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that age,women,HbA1c and LVMI were the determinants of GLS impairement in HFpEF patients with T2DM.Age,T2DM,NT-proBNP and LVMI were the determinants of GLS impairement in HFpEF women patients,where as age,BMI,CHD,NT-proBNP and LVMI were the determinants of GLS impairement in HFpEF men patients.Conclusions There are sex-related differences in left ventricular systolic dyfunction in HFpEF with T2DM patients.With T2DM exerting a greater adverse effect onleft ventricular systolic dyfunction in women with HFpEF than men.
9.Chinese and Western Medicine Control Strategies for Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity
Jun QIAN ; Shumin ZHANG ; Huixin QIU ; Sitong LIU ; Yanru DENG ; Lexin SHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(7):1706-1714
Cardiac toxicity of anthracycline greatly limit its clinical use,to explore the rule of anthracycline cardiotoxicity and prevention and control strategies of Chinese and western medicine,this paper through the literature search mechanism and drugs is summarized,the mechanism can be divided into oxidative stress,inflammatory reaction,myocardial cell autophagy and DNA damage four categories,the prevention and treatment of western medicine to dc prosamine,ACEI,ARB is given priority to,Chinese medicine can be divided into single medicine,by prescription and proprietary Chinese medicine.On this basis,the combination drug is discussed to prevent cardiotoxicity,and the theoretical basis and research status of the combined application of western medicine,traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese and western medicine are introduced.The results show that it has good feasibility and safety,and can provide reference for the clinical treatment strategy of anthracycline chemotherapy drugs.
10.DIP evaluation index system
Zunzun LIU ; Xinkui LIU ; Yanting ZHAO ; Linpeng YANG ; Yuzhu ZHANG ; Huixin HAN ; Shuoguo WANG
Modern Hospital 2024;24(5):703-706,710
Objective This paper aims to construct a scientific and standardized index system for evaluating the applica-tion effect of Diagnosis-Intervention Packet(DIP)in medical institutions.It seeks to determine the weights of indicators at all lev-els to provide a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of DIP used in various regions as well as a reference for improving DIP poli-cy.Methods This paper used literature analysis to develop an indicator pool preliminarily.The Delphi method was used to con-duct a questionnaire survey with 22 experts to establish the index system.It also used the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)to determine the weight of each index.Results A total of two rounds of expert consultation questionnaires were conducted.The questionnaire exhibited high expert positive coefficients by 91.00%and 100.00%and higher authority coefficients of both 0.91 for two rounds.The coordination coefficients of the two rounds of expert consultation met the standard,and the expert opinions reached a consistence.Additionally,the questionnaire established comprised three primary indicators(efficiency of medical in-surance fund,medical service management,patient benefit,and satisfaction),9 secondary indicators,and 38 tertiary indicators.The AHP was used to determine the weight of indicators at all levels.Among the primary indicators,patient benefit and satisfac-tion had the highest weight(0.446 9).Among the secondary indicators,patients'medical cost burden had the highest weight(0.287 6).Among the tertiary indicators,the inpatient satisfaction had the highest weight(0.1592).The Cronbach's α coeffi-cients of the two rounds were>0.7.Conclusion This paper utilized Delphi method and AHP to establish the evaluation system for assessing the implementation effectiveness of DIP.The approach is highly scientific and authoritative.It can be used to evalu-ate the application effect of DIP and provide an effective tool for medical insurance and hospital managers at all levels to assess DIP payment policies.

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