1.Traditional Chinese medicine improves synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer's disease: A review of experimental studies
Shan HE ; Xinyu YANG ; Junhe SHI ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Lina MA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):1-9
Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.
2.Study on the synergistic effects and mechanisms of IL-25 and house dust mite in promoting eosinophilic asthma allergy
Lina Xu ; Xiaoshuang He ; Dong Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):649-655
Objective :
To explore the central role of interleukin(IL)-25 in allergy of eosinophil asthma.
Methods :
Forty 4-5 week-old C57BL/6 mice were used in this study(n=10). Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: WT+shRNA NT group, WT+HDM group, IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group, and IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group. According to each group′s treatment requirement, mice were treated with house dust mite and/or IL-25 by intranasal infusion. HE staining and PAS staining were used for lung tissue section staining and pathological analysis. The levels of type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were determined by ELISA. Flow cytometry(FCM) was used to determine the number of type 2 helper T(Th2) cells, the group 2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2) and eosinophils in lung tissues. Mice were treated with FITC-labeled DQ-ovalbumin(DQ-OVA) by intranasal infusion to determine the antigen presentation ability of eosinophils infiltrated in the lungs.
Results :
HE staining and PAS staining results showed that, compared with WT+shRNA NT group, a large amount of mucus and a large number of eosinophil infiltration were found in the lungs, and subcutaneous thickening of inflammatory airway were observed in the pulmonary vessels, alveolar ducts and the whole alveoli in IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group. In the IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group, only a small amount of mucus and a small amount of eosinophil infiltration were found in the lungs, and a small amount of subcutaneous thickening of inflammatory airway were observed in pulmonary vessels, alveolar ducts and the whole alveoli. There was no significant difference in WT+HDM group. Compared with WT+shRNA NT group, the levels of IL-25, IL-4,IL-5,IL-13, IL-33 and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in BALF significantly increased; the levels of infiltrated Th2, ILC2 and eosinophils in the lung significantly increased; the fluorescence levels of FITC-labeled DQ-OVA in eosinophils infiltrated in lungs significantly increased in IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group(P<0.05). IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group mice also showed an increase in the above measurements, but the amplitude were limited(P<0.05). WT+HDM group had no significant difference.
Conclusion
IL-25 plays an essential role in the allergy and eosinophil antigen presentation processes in eosinophil asthma mice.
3.Effects of lncRNA DUXAP8 in lung cancer A549 cells-derived exosomes on lung cancer cell growth and its mechnism
Xiaoshuang HE ; Lina XU ; Mei CUI ; Yu ZHAO ; Bei WANG ; Zheng HUANG ; Yuchao WANG ; Wenyan XIN ; Chao WU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):958-967
Objective:To discuss the effect of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)DUXAP8 in exosomes(Exo)derived from the lung cancer A549 cells on the growth and immune escape of the lung cancer cells,and to clarify the mechanism.Methods:The human lung cancer cell line A549 was cultured,and its exosomes were extracted and identified.The A549 cells were treated with PKH67-labeled Exo to observe the uptake of Exo by A549 cells.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in A549 cells before and after Exo treatment.The A549 cells were divided into control group(no treatment),Exo group(A549 cells treated with Exo),Exo+sh-NC group(A549 cells treated with Exo and then transfected with sh-NC),and Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group(A549 cells treated with Exo and then transfected with sh-DUXAP8).RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in A549 cells in various groups;colony formation assay was used to detect the colony formation abilities of the A549 cells in various groups;5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining method was used to detect the proliferation abilities of the A549 cells in various groups.After co-culturing A549 cells in various groups with human peripheral blood lymphocytes,flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of activated CD8+T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in various groups;3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)method was used to detect the killing rates of human peripheral blood lymphocytes on the A549 cells in various groups.Results:The diameter of Exo vesicles was 50-150 nm,and the exosome-specific marker proteins cluster of differentiation 63(CD63),cluster of differentiation 9(CD9),tumor susceptibility gene 101(TSG101),and heat shock protein 70(HSP70)were positively expressed,indicating successful exosome extraction.A549 cells efficiently took up PKH67-labeled Exo.The RT-PCR results showed that compared with A549 cells cultured alone,the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the A549 cells was increased after treatment with Exo derived from A549 cells(P<0.05).compared with control group,the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the A549 cells in Exo group was increased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was decreased(P<0.05),while there were no significant difference in the expression level of IncRNA DUXAP8 in the cells in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The colony formation assay results showed that compared with control group,the number of colony formation of the A549 cells in Exo group was increased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the number of colony formation of the A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was decreased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the number of colony formation of the A549 cells in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The EdU staining results showed that compared with control group,the EdU-positive rate of the A549 cells in Exo group was increased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the EdU-positive rate in A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was decreased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the EDU-positive rate in the cells in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that compared with control group,the percentage of activated CD8+T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in Exo group was decreased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the percentage of activated CD8+T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was increased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the percentage of activated CD8+T lymphaytes in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The MTT assay results showed that compared with control group,the killing rate of human peripheral blood lymphocytes on the A549 cells in Exo group was decreased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the killing rate of human peripheral blood lymphocytes on A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was increased(P<0.05),while no significant difference was observed in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The lncRNA DUXAP8 in exosomes derived from the lung cancer A549 cells promotes the proliferation of lung cancer cells and tumor immune escape.
4.A case of ulcerative colitis complicated with bullous pemphigoid
Yuhui GAO ; Yanfei ZHAN ; Xiaohong DANG ; Jingyu REN ; Hongxia HE ; Lina WU ; Linglin TIAN
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(5):436-437
Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may affect multiple organ systems, with approximately 50% of IBD patients presenting with at least one EIM during the course of their disease, with cutaneous involvement being particularly common. Cutaneous manifestations can present in various forms. This paper reports a case of ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated with bullous pemphigoid (BP), aiming to enhance clinicians' awareness of skin lesions associated with UC.
5.Analysis of serum HBV markers in chronic HBV infected patients with HBV DNA below the detection limit and below the quantification limit after long-term nucleotide analogues treatment
Yan ZHAO ; Yiheng ZHANG ; Jing HE ; Lina WANG ; Tao LI ; Yundong QU ; Lei WANG ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(4):454-460
Objective:This study aims to investigate the differences between two groups of patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs):those with undetectable HBV DNA by ultrasensitive testing and those with HBV DNA below the quantification limit. The findings will provide a basis for the clinical interpretation and rational use of ultrasensitive HBV DNA results.Methods:This cross-sectional study included patients with chronic HBV infection who were treated with NAs between May 2023 and December 2023 at the outpatient clinic and inpatient department of the Hepatology Department,The Second Hospital of Shandong University. All patients had ultrasensitive HBV DNA results that were either undetectable or less than 20 IU/ml. The group with undetectable ultrasensitive HBV DNA was defined as the target not detected(TND)group,while the group with HBV DNA levels below 20 IU/ml was defined as the limit of quantitation(LOQ)group. Data on patients' sex,age,type of NAs used,routine blood tests,liver and kidney function,quantitative hepatitis B serology,ultrasensitive HBV DNA,HBV pregenomic RNA(pgRNA),abdominal ultrasound,CT or MRI imaging were collected. Differences between the two groups in terms of demographic data and HBV markers were analyzed.Results:A total of 827 patients were included in the study,with 536 patients in the TND group and 291 in the LOQ group. Compared with the TND group,the LOQ group had a younger age( P<0.001),and higher level of ALT,AST,HBeAg positive rate,HBsAg,and HBV pgRNA(all P<0.001). Subgroup analyses stratified by HBeAg status,cirrhosis status,and sex showed that the LOQ group had significantly higher levels of HBsAg and HBV pgRNA compared to the TND group in all subgroups(all P<0.05). Conclusion:The LOQ group had significantly higher levels of HBsAg and HBV pgRNA compared to the TND group.
6.Investigating Causal Relationships Between Serum Trace Elements and Head and Neck Cancers:a Two-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Jiayu SONG ; Yanning LI ; Lina LIU ; Qianyong HE ; Kai SHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Xunyan LUO ; Zhuoling LI ; Xiaomei LI ; Feng JIN
China Cancer 2025;34(11):898-910
[Purpose]To investigate the potential causal relationships between serum levels of trace elements and head and neck cancers.[Methods]Single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)of oral cancer,oropharyngeal cancer,laryngeal cancer and thyroid cancer,associated with calcium,copper,iron,magnesium,zinc,were obtained from genome-wide association studies(GWAS).A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighting(IVW)method by calculating odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI).Pleiotropy was assessed using MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger regression,and sensitivity analysis was conducted via the"leave-one-out"method.[Results]IVW analysis revealed a causal association between serum magnesium levels and the incidence of oral cancer(OR=0.976,95%CI:0.956~0.997,P=0.025),also between thyroid cancer and serum calcium levels(OR=1.008,95%CI:1.001~1.015,P=0.023).No significant causal associations were observed between other trace ele-ments and head and neck cancers(all P>0.05).[Conclusion]This MR study suggests that serum magnesium levels serve as a protective factor against oral cancer,while thyroid cancer leads to el-evated serum calcium levels.
7.Effects and mechanisms of acoustic wave stimulation on cognitive improvement in chronically sleep-deprived mice
Xinlong GAO ; Ying HE ; Wenhui WU ; Tianjiao MIN ; Lina LIU ; Beier JIANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(2):81-89
Objective To study the mechanism by which acoustic wave stimulation improves cognitive function in sleep-deprived mice.Methods(1)Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups:the control group,model group and acoustic wave group(n=12 per group).A sleep deprivation model was established using the modified multiple platform method.After 21 days of sleep deprivation in a row,mice in the acoustic wave group were exposed to 30-minute acoustic wave stimulation at 40 dB.(2)During sleep deprivation,the health status of each group of mice was recorded,including the mental state and body weight.(3)After 21 days of sleep deprivation,behavioral tests(open field test,novel object recognition test,Y-maze and Morris water maze)were performed to assess the spontaneous activity,spatial exploration,and such cognitive functions as learning and memory in mice.Immunohistochemistry was conducted to analyze the expressions of neuronal nuclear antigen(NeuN),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1)in the hippocampus.Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)was used to measure the expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)in the hippocampus.(4)Transcriptome sequencing was employed to explore the mechanism underlying the improvement of cognitive impairment by acoustic wave stimulation.Results After 21 days of sleep deprivation,acoustic wave stimulation significantly alleviated weight loss in mice(P<0.01).The accuracy of Y-maze spontaneous alternation,indexes of novel object discrimination,the time spent in the target quadrant and the number of times the mice crossed the platformin the Morris water maze were all significantly increased(P<0.05),while the escape latency was significantly reduced(P<0.05).The average optical density of NeuN in the hippocampal CA3 region significantly increased(P<0.05),GFAP and Iba-1 immunopositive cell counts significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the mRNA levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and iNOS in the hippocampal tissue were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Acoustic wave stimulation can repair neural damage,modulate hippocampal inflammatory responses,and improve cognitive deficits induced by sleep deprivation.
8.Prospects for the development of space medicine experiments in China Space Station
Yinghui LI ; Zhaoxia LIU ; Lina QU ; Zhili LI ; GuangJun HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Zi XU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):189-198
Space medicine,as a comprehensive discipline ensuring the safety,health,and efficient performance of astronauts during manned space missions,focuses on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of multi-system physiological effects induced by extreme space environments and developing corresponding protective strategies.With China's space program transitioning into an application and development phase,space medical experiments—a critical domain within space applications—face significant opportunities and challenges.This paper reviews the international development trend in the field of medical experiments and the progress in China from perspectives including platform system construction,utilization of novel technologies,and scientific discoveries.It further outlines the engineering framework,guiding ideology,and key research directions for space medical experiments under China's Space Station Application and Development Project.Deliberations and prospects center on the in-depth analysis of the adaptation law of life in space flight,the application of big data and artificial intelligence technology,the emerging challenges it faces,and the scientific research organization models.This work aims to provide a reference for the development of space medical experiment field in China.
9.Lacticaseibacillus paracasei E6 improves vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish through its metabolites acetic acid and propionic acid
Xinzhu XU ; Lina GUO ; Kangdi ZHENG ; Yan MA ; Shuxian LIN ; Yingxi HE ; Wen SHENG ; Suhua XU ; Feng QIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):331-339
Objective To explore the mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei E6 for improving vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish.Methods The intestinal colonization of L.paracasei E6 labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)in zebrafish was observed under fluorescence microscope.In a zebrafish model of vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression,the immunomodulatory activity of L.paracasei E6 was assessed by analyzing macrophage and neutrophil counts in the caudal hematopoietic tissue(CHT),the number of T-lymphocyte,and the expressions of interleukin-12(IL-12)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ).The contents of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in L.paracasei E6 fermentation supernatant and the metabolites of L.paracasei E6 in zebrafish were detected by LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics.The immunomodulatory effects of the SCFAs including sodium acetate,sodium propionate and sodium butyrate were evaluated in the zebrafish model of immunosuppression.Results After inoculation,green fluorescence of FITC-labeled L.paracasei E6 was clearly observed in the intestinal ball,midgut and posterior gut regions of zebrafish.In the immunocompromised zebrafish model,L.paracasei E6 significantly alleviated the reduction of macrophage and neutrophil counts in the CHT,increased the fluorescence intensity of T-lymphocytes,and promoted the expressions of IL-12 and IFN-γ.Compared with MRS medium,L.paracasei E6 fermentation supernatant showed significantly higher levels of acetic acid,propionic acid and butyric acid,which were also detected in immunocompromised zebrafish following treatment with L.paracasei E6.Treatment of the zebrafish model with sodium acetate and sodium propionate significantly increased macrophage and neutrophil counts in the CHT and effectively inhibited vinorelbine-induced reduction of thymus T cells.Conclusion L.paracasei E6 can improve vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish through its SCFA metabolites acetic acid and propionic acid.
10.Lactobacillus plantarum ZG03 alleviates oxidative stress via its metabolites short-chain fatty acids
Shuxian LIN ; Lina GUO ; Yan MA ; Yao XIONG ; Yingxi HE ; Xinzhu XU ; Wen SHENG ; Suhua XU ; Feng QIU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2223-2230
Objective To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum ZG03(L.plantarum ZG03)for ameliorating oxidative stress in zebrafish.Methods We evaluated the growth pattern of L.plantarum ZG03,observed its morphology using field emission scanning electron microscopy,and assessed its safety and potential efficacy with whole-genome sequencing for genetic analysis.FITC-labeled ZG03 was used to observe its intestinal colonization in zebrafish.In a zebrafish model of 2%glucose-induced oxidative stress,the effect of ZG03 was evaluated by assessing the changes in neutrophils in the caudal hematopoietic tissue(CHT),superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity,reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels,and malondialdehyde(MDA)content.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics was used for analyzing short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in the zebrafish,and the antioxidant effects of the key metabolites(acetate,propionate,and caproate)were tested.Results On MRS agar,L.plantarum ZG03 formed circular,smooth,moist,and milky-white colonies with a rod-shaped cell morphology.Genomic analysis revealed abundant sugar metabolism gene clusters.After inoculation of FITC-labeled L.plantarum ZG03 in zebrafish,green fluorescence was clearly observed in the intestinal bulb,mid-intestine,and hind intestine.In zebrafish with glucose-induced oxidative stress,L.plantarum ZG03 significantly reduced ROS levels and the number of neutrophils in the CHT with increased SOD activity.L.plantarum ZG03 significantly increased the content of SCFAs including acetic acid,propionic acid,and caproic acid in zebrafish metabolites.In addition,sodium acetate,sodium propionate,and sodium caproate in the SCFAs significantly increased SOD activity in the zebrafish models.Conclusion L.plantarum ZG03 ameliorates oxidative stress in a glucose-induced zebrafish model through its metabolites,particularly the SCFAs including acetic acid,propionic acid and caproic acid.


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