1.Effect and mechanism of Wnt5a knockdown on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophage in treatment of liver cirrhosis
Feifei XING ; Danyang WANG ; Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):618-628
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDM) with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis, and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF was established, and at the end of week 8, rats were randomly divided into model group, M1-BMDM group, M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group (M1-BMDMKD-EV group), and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group (M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group), with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9, the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein, along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology, serum liver function parameters, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group (P<0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area (all P<0.05), and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05) and the protein expression level of CD68 (all P<0.01); compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 (both P<0.05), significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 (both P<0.05), and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.01). Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area, with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group, and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.05). Compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (both P<0.05). The M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.05). ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF, which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.
2.Zuogui Wan Improve Ovarian Inflammatory Microenvironment and Stemness of Ovarian Germline Stem Cells in Ovarian Aging via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Yunling ZHENG ; Xinyi PAN ; Zuang LI ; Yixuan WANG ; Junyi AN ; Yuxin ZOU ; Mengting XIAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Zuogui Wan (ZGW) in improving ovarian inflammatory microenvironment and stemness of ovarian germline stem cells (OSCs) for treating ovarian aging via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a low-dose ZGW group (2.7 g·kg-1), a high-dose ZGW group (5.4 g·kg-1), and an estradiol valerate group (0.15 mg·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Except the blank group, all other groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at 120 mg·kg-1 to establish an ovarian aging mouse model. After successful modeling, each group was continuously administered for 4 weeks, once daily. The physiological status of the mice was observed, and the ovarian index was calculated. The estrus cycle of the mice was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in ovarian tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum sex hormone levels. Serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and mouse interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using kits. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cGAS, STING, p-STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (Fragilis), and Vasa homolog protein (MVH). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to locate OSCs in ovarian tissues, and fluorescence intensities of OSCs markers MVH and octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) were calculated. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01) and a disordered estrus cycle (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01), while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) levels were decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of OSCs stemness factors MVH and Fragilis was reduced (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence indicated a reduction in MVH and Oct4 expression in OSCs (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improved body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.05) and a reduced rate of estrus cycle disorder (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum FSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while AMH and E2 levels were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of MVH and Fragilis was increased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence intensities of MVH and Oct4 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue was decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionZGW alleviate ovarian inflammatory response, regulate ovarian microenvironment homeostasis, and maintain stemness of OSCs in ovarian aging mice probably by modulating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby improving ovarian function and delaying ovarian aging.
3.A progressive discovery strategy for anti-Alzheimer’s drug identification: In vitro screening with an LPS-induced neuroinflammatory cell model and in vivo validation in 5xFAD mice
Junyi ZHOU ; Linna WANG ; Lianmei WANG ; Pengyue LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Yuheng WANG ; Yan RONG ; Lihua CHEN ; Huijun WANG ; Hongping HOU ; Xiaolu WEI ; Haiyu ZHAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(3):255-269
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Cellular drug screening represents a key approach in the preclinical discovery of AD therapeutics. Moreover, selecting an appropriate cellular model is essential for exploring the mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to establish a progressive strategy integrating cell model construction, monomer evaluation, and effective component group-based drug discovery for the development of novel therapeutics targeting AD. Methods: A novel AD12 cell line stably expressing the double-transgenic genes amyloid precursor protein (APP)695/presenilin 1(PS1)-ΔE9 was first constructed and subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The resulting LPS-induced neuroinflammatory response was characterized using metabolomic analysis. Subsequently, 16 alkaloids derived from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) were screened with the LPS-AD12 cell model. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding affinity of benzoylaconitine (BAC) with APP and PS1 proteins. A targeted metabolomics approach focusing on amino acids and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was applied to BAC-treated LPS-AD12 cells. Finally, aconite extract was administered to five-familial-AD-mutations(5xFAD) transgenic mice, and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated through phenotypic and metabolomic analyses. Results: LPS stimulation induced neuroinflammation in AD12 cells, characterized by elevated levels of interleukin-6, amyloid-β
(Aβ
), and PS1. The primary metabolic pathways affected in AD12 cells included alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as arginine biosynthesis. Notably, BAC significantly reduced the levels of Aβ
and interleukin-6 in LPS-AD12 cells. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses revealed a strong binding affinity of BAC with APP and PS1 proteins. Targeted metabolomics analysis indicated that the pharmacological activity of BAC was primarily associated with its anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of the cholinergic signaling pathway, and regulation of energy metabolism. Behavioral experiments in 5xFAD mice, together with immunofluorescence assessments of brain tissues (amyloid-β, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1), demonstrated that aconite extract treatment significantly alleviated AD-related symptoms. In addition, metabolomics-based mechanistic analyses revealed that serine, acetylcholine, ornithine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid exhibited consistent trends in both brain tissue and serum samples from treated mice. Conclusion: This study established a novel AD12 cell model and an effective, reliable LPS-induced cell-based screening system. Additionally, we proposed a new drug discovery strategy integrating cell model construction, monomer evaluation, and effective component group-based drug discovery. This screening system has the potential to accelerate the identification of anti-AD agents and provides a feasible framework for subsequent in-depth investigations into new drug development from TCM, thereby contributing to the modernization of TCM-derived therapeutics.
4.Correlation between the level of serum IL-6 and the severity of infection in patients with diabetic foot
Junyi LI ; Liang XIONG ; Pengyun WANG ; Qingfeng MA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(3):352-358
To explore the correlation between the level of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the severity of infection in patients with diabetic foot (DF) and the auxiliary value of IL-6 in DF diagnosis, and aim to provide reference for clinical treatment. Based on the hospital medical record system and the laboratory system, a retrospective analysis with case-control study was conducted on the data of patients in Liyuan Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2020 to September 2024. A total of 377 patients′ information was collected, including 31 cases in control group with 17 males and 14 females from 31 to 91 years old and a median age of 71, 63 cases in NDF group with 43 males and 20 females from 37 to 96 years old, with a median age of 71, and 283 patients in DF group with 197 males and 86 females from 36 to 96 years, with a median age of 67. According to classification of infection severity, paints in the group of diabetes with DF were divided into mild infection subgroup (72 cases), moderate infection subgroup (143 cases) and severe infection subgroup (68 cases). The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in age and gender among the three groups in the study ( F=1.795/ χ 2=2.81, P>0.05). The non parametric test results showed that there were statistically significant differences in IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell (WBC) and glucose (GLU) among the three groups of patients ( H=12.480, 36.277, 12.432, 12.838, 18.334, P<0.05). The pairwise comparison results showed that compared with the control group, the NDF group had higher levels of CRP, PCT and GLU ( H=20.259, 20.118, 20.056, P<0.05), and the levels of IL-6, CRP, PCT and WBC( H=14.934,14.933,14.829,14.934, P<0.05) were higher in the DF group. Both of the differences were statistically significant. But the difference of IL-6, CRP, PCT, WBC and GLU between the NDF and DF group was not statistically significant( H=1.202,0.622,0.737,1.036,1.899, P>0.05). In DF group, there were statistically significant differences in IL-6, CRP, PCT, WBC, and GLU levels among patients in the three infection subgroups ( H=11.174, 15.136, 8.657, 8.348, 3.698, P<0.05).Compared to the mild subgroup, the levels of IL-6, CRP, PCT, WBC and GLU were higher in the severe subgroup were higher( H=111.789,237.066,74.683,83.203,15.328, P<0.05) and the levels of IL-6, CRP, PCT in the moderate subgroup were higher ( H=6.877, 8.846, 5.183, P<0.05). And both of the differences were statistically significant. But there was no statistically significant difference in WBC and GLU level between the mild and the moderate subgroup( H=1.684, 1.039, P>0.05). The severity of infection in diabetic foot patients was positively correlated with the IL-6 level ( OR=1.033, 95% CI: 0.024-0.043, P<0.05). ROC curve showed that AUC of IL-6 for diagnosis in diabetic foots were 0.635. And joint testing showed that the AUC of IL-6+CRP, IL-6+PCT and IL-6+WBC were 0.718, 0.621, and 0.638 respectively. In conclusion,the level of serum IL-6 may be positively correlated with the severity of infection in diabetic foot patients, which may have auxiliary diagnostic value in predicting diabetic foot infection. And it may provide a reference for the grading of infection severity in diabetic foot patients to gauging serum IL-6 level.
5.Experiences of food avoidance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease:a qualitative study
Qingyu WANG ; Meijing ZHOU ; Yang LEI ; Sha LI ; Junyi GU ; Zheng LIN ; Qiugui BIAN ; Jiefeng YANG ; Lichen TANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hantian CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(11):1323-1329
Objective This study applies Roy adaptation theory to deeply explore the experience of food avoid-ance behavior in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),offering insights for developing dietary management strategies.Methods A descriptive qualitative research method was employed.By purposive sampling,24 IBD pa-tients hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing from July 2022 to December 2024 were selected for semi-structured interviews.Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach.Results This study identified 4 main themes and 11 sub-themes,encompassing overattribution leading to inappro-priate avoidance(recurrent symptoms triggering overattribution,disease staging triggering inappropriate avoidance),negative self-perception leading management struggles(illness fear diminishing self-efficacy,disease trauma eroding self-identity,knowledge deficiency constraining self-determination),functional impairment intensifying role challenges(role internalization undermining social function,social roles relinquishing dietary management),and external con-straints amplifying practical difficulties(family and friend oversight heightening dietary stress,healthcare gaps foster-ing practical helplessness,traditional beliefs restricting dietary exploration,economic hardship limiting balanced nu-trition).Conclusion The interplay of overattribution,negative self-perception,functional impairment,and external constraints in IBD patients hinders their ability to adapt to disease fluctuations,ensnaring them in the adaptive predicament of food avoidance behavior.Healthcare professionals should comprehensively address these factors by fostering accurate perceptions,enhancing psychological support,guiding effective coping strategies,and optimizing ex-ternal resources,thereby improving patients' overall adaptive capacity and promoting their recovery.
6.Research progress and therapeutic prospects of visfatin in tumor immunity
Liu SHIQI ; Bai JUNYI ; Feng XINYU ; Wang YINGMEI ; Xue FENGXIA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(10):533-538
Visfatin,also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase(NAMPT)or pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor,is a proinflam-matory adipokine.Its immunomodulatory effects are closely associated with its pro-inflammatory activity,influencing the secretion of vari-ous cytokines and the function of immune cells.Visfatin exerts pro-tumorigenic effects in most cancers.The tumor immune microenviron-ment(TIME)comprises immune cells within the tumor tissue and an array of secreted cytokines.Growing evidence suggests that visfatin plays a regulatory role in the TIME by promoting inflammatory responses and modulating the polarization of immune cells,their secretory functions,surface protein expression,and energy metabolism,thereby influencing cancer progression.These newly discovered mechanisms provide a critical foundation for the application of NAMPT inhibitors(NAMPTi)in cancer immunotherapy.This review summarizes recent ad-vances in understanding the role of visfatin in tumor immunology and explores the therapeutic potential of NAMPTi in oncology.
7.Analysis of influencing factors on outcomes of LSIL patients undergoing cervical biopsy
Huiping LU ; Yanyu SHI ; Han WANG ; Yidi YAN ; Junyi ZHOU ; Shujun ZHAO
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(13):41-45
Objective To investigate the factors influencing the natural outcome of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions(LSIL)of the cervix.Methods A total of 154 patients who underwent colposcopic cervical biopsy in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected and divided into negative conversion group(55 cases),continuous group(70 cases)and upgraded group(29 cases)according to the follow-up results.Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of related factors on the outcome of LSIL.Results There were statistically significant differences in the number of vaginal births,the results of thin-prep cytology test,human papilloma virus(HPV)typing,whether vaginal LSIL was combined,whether there were symptoms,and vaginal microecology among three groups(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that combined vaginal LSIL,vaginal microecological abnormalities,atypical squamous cell-cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(ASC-H)/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL),HPV 16/18 positive or mixed positive were independent risk factors for persistent infection(P<0.05),combined vaginal LSIL,symptomatic,vaginal microecological abnormalities,ASC-H/HSIL,HPV 16/18 positive or mixed positive were all independent risk factors for escalation of lesions(P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with vaginal LSIL,vaginal microecological abnormalities,ASC-H/HSIL,HPV 16/18 positive or mixed positive should be followed up and early intervention to reduce the risk of disease escalation.
8.Analysis of the drug property and resource characteristics of the Chinese herbal medicines used in the Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach
Jindian CHEN ; Xianyuan HE ; Fanying MENG ; Junyi WANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(14):53-55,71
Objective To explore the theory of the drug property and resource characteristics contained in the classic clinical work of traditional Chinese medicine Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach,providing references for the clinical use of medicines.Methods Chinese herbal medicines recorded in the prescriptions of Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach were collected and to establish a corresponding database.The theory of drug property recorded was analyzed,and resource characteristics were analyzed by methods of modern Chinese medicinal resource science.Results A total of 63 prescriptions of Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach were collected,involving 105 Chinese medicines.High frequency Chinese medicine include 16 kinds of drugs such as Gancao,Renshen and Chenpi et al.The warm-natured Chinese medicine were the most common used,accounting for 46.67%,the spicy Chinese medicine accountting for 39.74%,mainly belong to the spleen meridian,accounting for 53.53%,toxic Chinese medicine were used less.Conclusion More than 94%of Chinese medicine contained Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach are still in clinical use,and the application of reinforcing drugs,relieving drugs and Qi-regulating drugs is of great significance to clinical guidance.
9.Interpretation of the Chinese expert consensus on allergen component resolved diagnosis
Junyi WANG ; Wenting LUO ; Baoqing SUN ; Guoping LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(9):1390-1406
In recent years, the continuous rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases has posed a significant threat to public health in China. With advancements in molecular biology technologies, allergen component resolved diagnosis (CRD) has gradually become an essential tool for precise diagnosis and personalized treatment. The Allergy Prevention and Control Specialty Committee of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, in collaboration with multidisciplinary experts, has developed the Expert Consensus on Allergen Component Resolved Diagnosis in China. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the expert consensus, aiming to assist clinicians and researchers in better understanding and utilizing CRD in the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases. It seeks to promote the standardized application and technological advancement of CRD in China, thereby enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
10.Relationship between intestinal flora metabolites and adverse reactions of chemotherapy in patients with digestive tract tumors undergoing chemotherapy
Yan BAIGE ; Guiling WANG ; Yuxia ZHANG ; Junyi MA ; Yinglong TAO
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(3):314-318,324
Objective To investigate the relationship between intestinal flora metabolites and adverse reac-tions of chemotherapy in patients with digestive tract tumors undergoing chemotherapy.Methods From Jan-uary 2022 to June 2023,179 patients with digestive tract tumors undergoing chemotherapy in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were selected as the study objects.The intestinal flora metab-olites of patients were analyzed,and the adverse reactions of chemotherapy were evaluated.According to the severity of adverse reactions of chemotherapy,patients were divided into

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