1.Kaixuan Jiedu Compatibility Alleviates Skin Lesions and Inflammatory Reactions in Psoriasis-like Mice
Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Xinqian LIU ; Tianbo ZHANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Mingjing LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):79-88
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Kaixuan Jiedu compatibility and the decomposed prescriptions in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsThirty Balb/c mice were randomly grouped as follows (n=6): normal, model, Kaixuan Jiedu (KXJD, 15.21 g·kg-1), Kaixuan (KX, 3.08 g·kg-1), and Jiedu (JD, 12.13 g·kg-1). Except the normal group, the rest groups were modeled for psoriasis-like skin lesions by topical application of imiquimod, and samples were collected after 7 days of continuous intervention. Mice were photographed at the lesion site during modeling and before sampling and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the lesions and measure the epidermal thickness. Mice were photographed and observed for the tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67), and cytokeratin 10 (CK10) in the epidermal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to determine the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). The spleen and thymus were photographed and weighed, and the spleen and thymus indices were calculated. The safety of the treatment was assessed by automatic biochemistry testing of the serum, liver, and kidney functions and by HE staining of the liver, kidney and spleen. ResultsCompared with that of the normal group, the skin of the model group showed erythema, infiltration, and typical psoriasis-like changes, tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, hyperkeratosis in epidermal cells, acanthosis, massive lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis, impaired barrier function, increased expression of VEGF, CD31, Ki67, and CK10 (P<0.01), reduced expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin (P<0.01) in the epidermis, and up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.01). In addition, the mice in the model group showed spleen enlargement, thymus atrophy, increased spleen index, and decreased thymus index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, KXJD and JD reduced psoriasis-like skin lesions, inhibited the tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, reduced the expression of VEGF, CD31, Ki67, and CK10 (P<0.01), increased the expression of claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Moreover, the KXJD group outperformed the JD group. The JD group showed no significant difference from the model group regarding the spleen index, thymus index, and Occludin expression. The psoriasis indicators in the KX group were not significantly different from those in the model group. ConclusionKXJD and JD can reduce the symptoms of local skin lesions of psoriasis, which is manifested as different inhibition degrees of the proliferation and differentiation of keratin-forming cells, tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, and inflammatory reactions, as well as the protection of the skin barrier. Moreover, KXJD outperformed JD. KX alone did not significantly reduce psoriasis lesions in mice. KXJD and the decomposed prescriptions are safe and effective, causing no obvious liver and kidney injuries.
2.Kaixuan Jiedu Compatibility Alleviates Skin Lesions and Inflammatory Reactions in Psoriasis-like Mice
Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Xinqian LIU ; Tianbo ZHANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Mingjing LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):79-88
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Kaixuan Jiedu compatibility and the decomposed prescriptions in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsThirty Balb/c mice were randomly grouped as follows (n=6): normal, model, Kaixuan Jiedu (KXJD, 15.21 g·kg-1), Kaixuan (KX, 3.08 g·kg-1), and Jiedu (JD, 12.13 g·kg-1). Except the normal group, the rest groups were modeled for psoriasis-like skin lesions by topical application of imiquimod, and samples were collected after 7 days of continuous intervention. Mice were photographed at the lesion site during modeling and before sampling and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the lesions and measure the epidermal thickness. Mice were photographed and observed for the tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67), and cytokeratin 10 (CK10) in the epidermal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to determine the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). The spleen and thymus were photographed and weighed, and the spleen and thymus indices were calculated. The safety of the treatment was assessed by automatic biochemistry testing of the serum, liver, and kidney functions and by HE staining of the liver, kidney and spleen. ResultsCompared with that of the normal group, the skin of the model group showed erythema, infiltration, and typical psoriasis-like changes, tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, hyperkeratosis in epidermal cells, acanthosis, massive lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis, impaired barrier function, increased expression of VEGF, CD31, Ki67, and CK10 (P<0.01), reduced expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin (P<0.01) in the epidermis, and up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.01). In addition, the mice in the model group showed spleen enlargement, thymus atrophy, increased spleen index, and decreased thymus index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, KXJD and JD reduced psoriasis-like skin lesions, inhibited the tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, reduced the expression of VEGF, CD31, Ki67, and CK10 (P<0.01), increased the expression of claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Moreover, the KXJD group outperformed the JD group. The JD group showed no significant difference from the model group regarding the spleen index, thymus index, and Occludin expression. The psoriasis indicators in the KX group were not significantly different from those in the model group. ConclusionKXJD and JD can reduce the symptoms of local skin lesions of psoriasis, which is manifested as different inhibition degrees of the proliferation and differentiation of keratin-forming cells, tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, and inflammatory reactions, as well as the protection of the skin barrier. Moreover, KXJD outperformed JD. KX alone did not significantly reduce psoriasis lesions in mice. KXJD and the decomposed prescriptions are safe and effective, causing no obvious liver and kidney injuries.
3.Proanthocyanidins regulate retinal autophagy in form-deprivation myopic guinea pigs through the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Jifu LIU ; Xiaotian YANG ; Bowen ZHENG ; Chen YE ; Meiqi FANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):1906-1913
AIM:To investigate the regulatory effects of proanthocyanidins on autophagy and apoptosis in the retinas of guinea pigs with form-deprivation myopia via the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.METHODS:Fifty guinea pigs were randomly divided into a normal control group, a myopia model group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose proanthocyanidins groups(25, 50 and 100 mg/kg). Refractive power and axial length of right eye were measured using a retinoscope and A-scan ultrasound. Retinal pathological changes were observed via HE staining. Immunohistochemistry assessed p-AMPK and p-mTOR expression in the retina. Immunofluorescence detected p62 and LC3 expression. TUNEL staining evaluated retinal cell apoptosis. Western blot examined expression of proteins related to the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy(p62, Beclin1, LC3-II/LC3-I), and apoptosis-related proteins(Bax, Bcl-2, Cleaved-Caspase3, Caspase3)in the retina.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the myopia model group showed significantly reduced refractive power and significantly increased axial length(both P<0.05); retinal cell arrangement became sparse and retinal thickness thinned. The p-AMPK levels in the retina were significantly reduced, while p-mTOR levels were significantly increased(both P<0.05), indicating suppression of the AMPK-Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The p62 levels were significantly elevated and LC3 levels were significantly reduced(both P<0.05), suggesting inhibition of autophagy. Bax and Cleaved-Caspase3 were significantly increased, while Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, indicating significantly increased apoptosis(both P<0.05). Compared with the myopia model group, all proanthocyanidins dose groups significantly inhibited refractive error reduction and axial length growth(both P<0.05), restored retinal cell alignment and thickness, activated the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway, significantly increased p-AMPK expression, and suppressed p-mTOR expression(all P<0.05); significantly suppressed p62 expression, increased Beclin1 and LC3-II/LC3-I expression(both P<0.05), and activated retinal autophagy; significantly suppressed Bax and Cleaved-Caspase3 expression, increased Bcl-2 expression(both P<0.05), and inhibited retinal cell apoptosis.CONCLUSION:Proanthocyanidins enhance retinal autophagy by activating the AMPK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby inhibiting retinal apoptosis and preventing or alleviating the onset of myopia.
4.Isolation of microglia from aged rat brain tissue and phenotypic identification by flow cytometry
Miaomiao Liu ; Meiqi Guan ; Lian Yu ; Xiaorong Yang ; Jie Wang ; Yanli Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(11):1967-1973
Objective:
To establish an optimized method for isolation and purification of microglia from aged rat brain tissue, and the phenotype of microglia was detected by flow cytometry.
Methods:
With young rats(3 months old) as control, the brain tissues of aged rats were immediately processed into single cell suspensions by mechanical dissociation and enzymatic digestion using type IV collagenase. Microglia were isolated on Percoll gradients(30%-37%-70%). The cells were stained with fluorescence-labeled antibodies and the phenotype of microglia was detected by flow cytometry.
Results:
This study developed a method that enzymatic digestion and mechanical dissociation combined with density gradient centrifugation. More single cells could be obtained by using this method. And the survival rate of cells was more than 90%. The flow cytometric analysis showed that the expression of M1 microglia marker CD86 and MHC Ⅱ increased(P<0.01), and the expression of M2 microglia marker CD200R increased(P<0.01) in aged rats compared with that in young rats.
Conclusion
The use of type IV collagenase and mechanical digestion combined with density gradient centrifugation is good for isolating and purifying microglia from adult and aged rat brain tissue.
5.Discussion on the effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on cough variant asthma mice by adjusting Th2 deviation based on molecular docking technique
Qiuling CHEN ; Huayu LIU ; Ailing ZHOU ; Yanling LI ; Hui LIN ; Meiqi WEN ; Xueqin SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(2):191-195
Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on cough variant asthma (CVA) mice based on molecular docking technique; To explore the possibility of its treatment for cough variant asthma.Methods:The software of Autodock Vina was used for molecular docking. The mice were divided into control group, model group, prednisone acetate group, glycyrrhetinic acid high-, medium-, and low-dosage groups according to the random number table method, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank control group, all other groups were induced by egg protein to establish cough variant asthma models. Glycyrrhetinic acid high-, medium-, and low-dosage groups were orally administered glycyrrhetinic acid suspension at 20, 10, and 5 mg/kg, while the prednisone acetate group was orally administered prednisone acetate at 5 mg/kg. The blank control group and model group were orally administered equal volumes of physiological saline, once per day for 14 consecutive days. The animal asthma behavior was observed after drug administration. The secretion of bronchial mucus in lung tissue were observed by AB-PAS staining and the index of spleen were recorded. The protein expressions of Gata3, IL-4 and IL-13 in the spleen tissue were determined by Western blot.Results:Molecular docking results showed that glycyrrhetinic acid had good binding ability to Th2-related factors Gata3, IL-4 and IL-13. Results of animal experiment showed that compared with the model group, the mucus secretion decreased in glycyrrhetinic acid groups, the index of the spleen of mice obviously decreased, protein expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the spleen tissue of mice in glycyrrhetinic acid high-, medium-, and low-dosage groups decreased ( P<0.05), and Gata3 in glycyrrhetinic acid medium- and low-dosage groups decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Glycyrrhetinic acid can correct the shift of Th2 in the immune system of cough variant asthma mice and has a certain therapeutic effect.
6.ZHANG Zhiyuan's Experience in Treating Gastric Diseases with Daizheshi (Haematitum)
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(5):455-458
This paper summarized the experience of ZHANG Zhiyuan, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, in treating gastric diseases with Daizheshi (Haematitum). It is believed that the treatment of gastric diseases should focus on restoring the purification and descent of stomach qi, and Daizheshi, as the essential medicine for directing stomach qi and counterflow downward, is especially suitable. Commonly, Daizheshi is used in combination with herbal medicinals Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) and Wuzhuyu (Fructus Evodiae) to relieve constraint and direct counterflow downward, with Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and Gualou (Fructus Trichosanthis) to disperse phlegm and direct qi downward, with Chenxiang (Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum) to regulate qi and unblock the center, and with Renshen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) to open congestion and supplement deficiency. For the syndrome of disharmony between the liver and stomach, the addition of Daizheshi to liver soothing and qi regulating medicinals can lower liver Qi and calm Chong Qi(冲气), restore the unblock and purge nature of stomach qi. For the syndrome of disharmony between the gallbladder and stomach, adding Daizheshi to the medicinals for gallbladder function promoting and phlegm resolving can direct phlegm turbidity downward, and promote gallbladder fire to reach the stomach, permitting the clear qi of the gallbladder rising naturally.For spleen and stomach disharmony syndrome, adding Daizheshi to the medicinals for spleen fortifying and stomach warming can calm the counterflow and the center, allowing the deficiency can be replenished. For lung and stomach disharmony, the addition of Daizheshi to medicinals for lung moistening and stomach clearing can directing stomach qi downward and harmonizing yin, direct repulsion of hyperactive fire, assist metal to purify qi, bank up earth to generate metal, and help with transformation of body fluids.
7.Monitoring results of plague vector fleas in Yulong ,Yunnan Province from 2019 to 2021
Yuqiong LI ; Fahong WANG ; Zongti SHAO ; Ennian PU ; Jian WANG ; Meiqi LIU ; Pan CHENG ; Zhengxiang LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(9):879-884
ObjectiveTo analyze the community structure and dynamics of parasitic fleas on the body surface of host animals and nested fleas in different seasons in the natural foci of wild rat plague in Yulong County,Yunnan Province, to explore the relationship between seasonal fluctuation of fleas and the prevalence of plague among animals, so as to provide evidence for plague prevention and control in the natural foci. MethodsNanxi Village, Huangshan Town, the core area of plague epidemic in Yulong County, was selected as the monitoring sample area in December 2019 (winter), August 2020(summer), October 2020(autumn) and March 2021(spring). Host animals were captured by rattrap at night and rat nests were excavated for collecting parasitic fleas on host animals and rat nest fleas in different seasons. Excel 2010 and SPSS 26.0 software were used to analyze the data, and Chi square test was used to compare the rate. Community ecological indicators were used to analyze the community structure and species diversity of the host animals and their parasitic fleas. ResultsA total of 355 vector fleas were captured, belonging to 7 species of 5 genera in 2 families. 441 small animals were captured and 138 rat body fleas were detected with the flea infection rate of 14.51% and the flea index 0.31. 96 effective rat holes were excavated and 217 fleas were detected with the flea infection rate of 35.42% and the flea index 2.26. Among the four seasons, the flea infection rates of rat body and rat nests were higher in summer and winter, showing a significant difference in general (χ2=15.851, P<0.01; χ2=16.398, P<0.01). The dominant species of flea community were Ctenophthalmus quadratus, Stenischia humilis, Neopsylla specialis and Frontopsylla spadix, with a dominance index of 0.434, 0.254, 0.180 and 0.110, respectively. The diversity and evenness of rat body fleas showed a distribution characteristic of decreasing, increasing and then decreasing again with season changes, and both were the highest in spring, while the ecological dominance showed an opposite trend. The diversity and evenness of rat nest fleas showed a distribution characteristic of increasing first and then decreasing in summer, autumn and winter, with the highest in autumn, while the ecological dominance was diametrically opposite. ConclusionThe fleas community structure is relatively stable in Yulong County, but the number of species in the community is unevenly distributed by seasons, and the status of dominant species is prominent. Local authorities should carry out timely preventive deratization and depulization measures according to the results of daily monitoring, so as to effectively avoid the prevalence and spread of plague among animals in plague foci.
8.Short-term voluntary exercise enhances the activation of endogenous neural stem cells inintracerebral hemorrhage mice with hyperlipidemia
Xiaoxuan HU ; Qian LIU ; Tongzhuo WANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Zixuan ZHANG ; Pengyu HUANG ; Yujia LUO ; Si WANG ; Haixia LÜ
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2023;44(3):396-402
【Objective】 To investigate the improvement of motor function recovery and the activation of endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) via voluntary exercise in mice with hyperlipidemia after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). 【Methods】 Four-month-old male Nestin-CreERT2: tdTomato transgenic mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks. Type Ⅳ collagenase was micro-injected into the corpus striatum to construct mouse ICH model with the help of stereotaxic apparatus. Voluntary exercise (wheel running) was initiated on the second day after ICH and monitored daily for seven days. Neurological severity score (NSS) and beam walking test were applied to evaluate motor function and coordination. Liver and brain tissues were collected at day 9 after ICH and sliced for staining. Then the Nestin-labeled cells, Ki67+, and doublecortin (DCX)+ in subventricular zone (SVZ) were counted to evaluate eNSCs activation. 【Results】 ① Compared with those of mice fed by chow diet (CD), the body weight, blood glucose level, concentration of lipid metabolism factors and the number of Nile Red positive cells in liver tissue were significantly higher in HFD-fed mice, confirming hyperlipidemia. ② Compared with the sham group, NSS score increased and the distance of cross-beam walking of ICH mice significantly decreased, showing the deficiency of motor function. It could be rescued by 7-day wheel running, as shown by a lower NSS score and a longer cross-beam walking distance. ③ Compared with the sham group, the number of Nestin+/Ki67+ cells decreased and Nestin+/DCX+ cells increased after ICH. After 7-day voluntary exercise, the number of Nestin+/Ki67+ cells decreased but that of Nestin+/DCX+ cells further increased significantly. However, compared with ICH, the increase of Nestin+/DCX+ cells in ICH+Ex was not significant. 【Conclusion】 Short-term voluntary exercise during the acute stage of ICH improved the recovery of motor function and enhance the proliferation of eNSCs in mice with hyperlipidemia. This provides a new idea for further developing ICH accelerated rehabilitation strategy based on eNSCs.
9.Diagnostic Stability in Psychiatric Patients From Hospital Admission to Discharge: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Furu LIU ; Menghui GAO ; Qiongqiong WU ; Meiqi YAN ; Renrong WU ; Ping SHAO ; Jing HUANG
Psychiatry Investigation 2023;20(5):461-470
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the consistency or stability of mental disorders diagnosed in the psychiatry ward setting, investigate factors associated with consistency, and observe the disease distribution over the decade.
Methods:
A total of 20,359 psychiatric inpatients were included in this retrospective study from June 2011 to December 2020. Diagnoses from the first admission to discharge were evaluated to determine the diagnostic consistency during hospitalization. Readmissions were selected as the subgroup, whose first and last discharge diagnoses were compared to analyze the relatively long-term diagnostic stability. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected to identify predictors of diagnostic discrepancy.
Results:
From 2011–2020, the hospitalization rate decreased from 42.7% to 20.7% for schizophrenia and grew from 13.3% to 23.8% for depression. Diagnoses were retained by 92.6% of patients at their first discharge diagnosis, ranging from 100% for disorders of psychological development to 16.3% for unspecified mental disorders. About 33.9% of diagnostic conversions were to bipolar disorder in patients having inconsistent diagnoses. However, among rehospitalizations, the diagnostic stability notably dropped to 71.3%. For rehospitalizations, mood disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders were relatively stable diagnoses categories, with 72.6% to 76.7% of patients receiving the same diagnosis, although results of specified diagnoses within these categories ranged from 5.9% to 91.0%. Except for mood disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, the diagnoses of all other categories were below 70%. Long lengths of hospitalization and old age were associated with short-term diagnosis alterations.
Conclusion
Longitudinal follow-up and integration of multiple aspects of information are essential for accurate diagnosis.
10.Relationship between serum iron metabolism and glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Junxin YAN ; Meiqi GUO ; Tongjuan GUAN ; Zhicong ZHOU ; Ying HUANG ; Xiaolan YANG ; Ying WANG ; Xiaoyu LV ; Jingfang LIU
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2023;31(12):903-908
Objective To explore the relationship between serum iron(SI)metabolism and glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 170 T2DM patients hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology,Lanzhou University First Hospital from 2019 to 2021 were included.During the same period,30 healthy individuals from physical examination center were selected as the normal control(NC)group.Based on HbA1c control,T2DM patients were divided into subgroups with good blood glucose control(H1,HbA1c<7%,n=39),poor glucose control(H2,7%<HbA1c<9%,n=63)and very poor glucose control(H3,HbA1c>9%,n=68).According to the level of blood lipids,T2DM patients were divided into subgroups with normal blood lipids(L1,n=36)and high blood lipids(L2,n=134).Results Compared with NC group,age,SBP,DBP,BMI,serum ferritin(SF),FPG,FIns,HOMA-IR,TyG,TG,LDL-C and SUA increased inT2DM group(P<0.05),while SI,TF,total iron binding capacity(TIBC),DI,HDL-C and eGFR decreased(P<0.05).The levels of TF and TIBC in H3 subgroup were lower than those in H1 subgroup(P<0.05).LDL-C of L2 subgroup was higher than that of L1 subgroup(P<0.05),while HDL-C was lower than that of L1 subgroup(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that SF was positively correlated with HbA1c,TyG,TG and SUA(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with HDL-C and eGFR(P<0.05).TF was positively correlated with HDL-C and eGFR(P<0.05),but negatively correlated with age,SBP,DBP,TyG and SUA(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that SF and FPG were influencing factors for HbA1c in T2DM patients.Conclusion SI metabolism is closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM patients.


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