1.Latent profile analysis of regulatory emotional self-efficacy and nonsuicidal self-injury behavior among junior and senior high school students
WU Jinyi, ZHANG Wanzhu, ZHAO Wenxin, GAO Ying, DENG Xiwen, XIONG Meiqi, LU Jingjing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):360-364
Objective:
To explore the latent profile characteristics of regulatory emotional self-efficacy and its relationship with non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behavior among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide a basis for effectively reducing NSSI behaviors.
Methods:
From April to October 2023, a total of 1 217 junior and senior high school students were selected from Tongren City, Zunyi City and Qiannan Prefecture of Guizhou Province by stratified cluster random sampling method. The Scale of Regulatory Emotional Self-efficacy and the Adolescent Self-injury Scale were administered. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to explore distinct profiles of regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and the Lanza, Tan, and Bray s method (LTB) was used to analyze the relationship between these profiles and NSSI behavior.
Results:
The prevalence rate of NSSI behavior among junior and senior high school students was 28.6%. Among males, regulatory emotional self-efficacy was categorized into two types: moderate positive expression-low negative management group (59.1%, n =353) and high efficacy group (40.9%, n =244); among females, regulatory emotional self-efficacy was classified into three categories: low efficacy group (18.4%, n =114), high positive expression-low negative management group (56.3%, n =349), and high efficacy group (25.3%, n =157). There were statistically significant differences in total NSSI scores across different potential categories of regulatory emotional self-efficacy within both males and females ( Z/H = -5.75 , 57.58, both P <0.01). The differences in NSSI prevalence rates across the potential categories of regulatory emotional self-efficacy were statistically significant for both males and females ( χ 2=38.00, 69.14, both P <0.01), and among females, the differences in NSSI prevalence rates between the high efficacy group and the low efficacy group ( χ 2=60.01) and between the high efficacy group and the high positive expression-low negative management group ( χ 2=31.34) were also statistically significant (both P < 0.016 7 ). Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with the high efficacy group within each gender, the moderate positive expression-low negative management group among males ( OR =2.36), and both the low efficacy group and the high positive expression-low negative management group among females ( OR =6.19, 2.97), were at an increased risk of engaging in NSSI (all P <0.01).
Conclusion
Different latent profiles of regulatory emotional self efficacy among junior and senior high school students are associated with NSSI behavior.
2.Huaier Enhances Efficacy of Oxaliplatin in Treatment of Gastric Cancer by Improving Gut Microbiota
Shenglian ZHANG ; Zhimin DU ; Yi GONG ; Meiqi LAN ; Ping LIU ; Yajun XIONG ; Yanli GONG ; Xiaoyong SONG ; Junli LI ; Ruizhi WANG ; Yuting GAO ; Huanhu ZHANG ; Xinli SHI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(3):176-186
Objective To elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota and molecular mechanism of huaier in
3.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Ameliorates Psoriasis Induced by IMQ Combined with Restraint Stress in Mice by Regulating Neuro-immune Axis and Inhibiting Skin Homing of Th17 Cells
Haoruo YANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Qiubai JIN ; Jiaqi LI ; Xue XIAO ; Meiqi SUN ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):55-68
ObjectiveTo observe the effect and therapeutic effect of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on skin homing of Th17 cells in the mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ) combined with restraint stress-induced psoriasis-like skin damage, and to explore its potential mechanism from the perspective of neuro-immune axis. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into five groups (n=6): Control, model (IMQ), restraint stress model (IMQ+RS), KXJD, and methotrexate (MTX). The mouse model of psoriasis-like skin damage was established by 5% IMQ combined with restraint stress. At the same time of modeling, each treatment group was treated with corresponding doses of drugs, and the control, IMQ, and IMQ+RS groups were treated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage once a day for 5 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the skin tissue and Baker scoring was performed. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), and C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in the skin tissue were determined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to determine the protein expression of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), integrin αE (CD103), cytokeratin 10 (CK10), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the skin. Immunofluorescence double staining (DIF) was adopted to detect the expression and co-localization of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31), CCR6, CD103, substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) in the skin tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to quantify the mRNA levels of IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-23. ResultsCompared with the control group, the IMQ group and IMQ+RS group showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration, abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells, keratinization and other pathological changes in the skin tissue, and a significant increase in Baker score, elevated levels of IL-1β and Ang-2 in the serum and MMP-9, CCL20 and CCR6 in the skin lesions, upregulated expression of CLA, CD103, CK10, NF-κB, IL-17A mRNA, and IL-23 mRNA in the skin lesions, and downregulated expression of TIMP-1 and IL-10 mRNA. In addition, the fluorescence intensities of VE-cadherin and CD31 co-localization, CCR6 and CD103 co-localization, SP and PGP9.5 co-localization, and CGRP and PGP9.5 co-localization were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the IMQ group, the above indicators in the IMQ+RS group were further aggravated. Compared with the IMQ group, the above indicators in the IMQ+RS group were further aggravated. Compared with the IMQ+RS group, KXJD and MTX significantly alleviated the pathological damage of skin lesions, significantly decreased the Baker score, lowered the levels of IL-1β and Ang-2 in the serum and MMP-9, CCL20 and CCR6 in skin lesions, downregulated the expression of CLA, CD103, CK10, NF-κB, IL-17A mRNA and IL-23 mRNA in skin lesions, and upregulated the expression of TIMP-1 and IL-10 mRNA. Furthermore, KXJD and MTX reduced the fluorescence intensities of VE-cadherin and CD31 co-localization, CCR6 and CD103 co-localization, CGRP and PGP9.5 co-localization, and SP and PGP9.5 co-localization (P<0.05). ConclusionKXJD can significantly ameliorate the psoriasis-like skin damage induced by IMQ combined with restraint stress in mice by regulating the neural-immune axis and inhibiting the skin homing of Th17 cells.
4.Construction of Mouse Models of Psoriasis-like Lesions Induced by Cold Exposure Combined with Imiquimod and Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription
Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Jiarong WU ; Jiaqi LI ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Mengyao JIANG ; Huan LIU ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):69-78
ObjectiveTo establish the mouse models of psoriasis-like lesions induced by continuous cold exposure or intermittent cold exposure combined with imiquimod (IMQ), and to evaluate the interventional effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on the two models. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were selected and classified into two experimental batches. The first batch of 36 mice was randomized into a room temperature group, a continuous cold exposure (10 ℃/24 h) group, and an intermittent cold exposure (10 ℃/6 h) group. Each group was further divided into a normal subgroup and a model subgroup (topical application of IMQ to induce skin lesions), with 6 mice in each subgroup, for modeling and evaluation. The second batch of 54 mice, with 6 in each group, were subjected to the same temperature grouping with an additional KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) group. Comprehensive evaluation of model characteristics and KXJD efficacy was conducted through Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scoring, skin temperature measurement by infrared thermography, histopathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31) by immunohistochemistry, detection of Claudin-1 and Occludin by immunofluorescence assay, determination of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantification of mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) in skin lesions by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsModel mice in all temperature groups exhibited typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal groups, the model groups showed increased PASI scores, decreased skin temperatures (P<0.05), obvious epidermal thickening, parakeratosis, and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as elevated mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 (P<0.05). Cold exposure further aggravated psoriasis. The total PASI score of the intermittent cold exposure model group was higher than that of the room temperature model group (P<0.05). The serum IL-10 did not show a compensatory elevation, and the blood vessels presented a characteristic of elevated CD31 expression (P<0.05) without a synchronous increase in VEGF. The continuous cold exposure model group exhibited more significant dermal capillary tortuosity and dilation, with the highest mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 among all groups. Compared with the respective model groups, KXJD intervention alleviated skin lesions, reduced epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased skin temperature, with the temperature increase being particularly significant in the intermittent cold exposure+KXJD group (P<0.05). Furthermore, KXJD down-regulated the expression of VEGF and CD31, restored the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin, decreased the mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.05), and reduced the serum TNF-α level. ConclusionThis study successfully established compound psoriasis-like mouse models induced by cold exposure combined with IMQ. It confirms that cold aggravates the severity of psoriasis by exacerbating the closure of Xuanfu (sweat pores), microcirculation disorders, and immune imbalance. Moreover, different cold exposure patterns have distinct mechanism differences. Continuous cold exposure focuses on enhancing the inflammatory response via the IL-23/IL-17 axis and angiogenesis, simulating chronic aggravation under a long-term cold environment. Intermittent cold exposure tends to impair immune regulation and induce microvascular endothelial stress, corresponding to acute exacerbations caused by sudden temperature drops. KXJD can effectively alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions under cold conditions by unblocking Xuanfu, regulating vasomotor function, and correcting abnormal immune-inflammatory responses.
5.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Alleviates Psoriatic Skin Lesions in Mice by Modulating Cold-sensitive TRPM8 Neuron-derived Signaling
Xue XIAO ; Bin YANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Haoruo YANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Yuanyao SHE ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):89-101
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on skin lesions in psoriasis-like mouse models under cold environment exposure, and to analyze its influences on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and related neuroimmune regulatory factors. MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6J mice were randomized into 6 groups, with 6 mice in each group. Two feeding conditions were set: Normal temperature and cold [simulating a cold environment at (10±0.5) ℃, for 6 h daily]. Mice were induced to develop psoriasis-like lesions by applying imiquimod externally. The model mice were allocated into model groups and KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) groups. Normal mice were used as the control group. Specifically, mice were allocated into normal temperature, normal temperature model, normal temperature+KXJD, cold exposure control, cold exposure model, and cold exposure+KXJD groups. The pathological changes in skin lesions were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+ T lymphocytes, CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and substance P (SP) were detected by immunofluorescence assay. The protein level of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in the skin tissue was determined by Western blot. The expression of TRPM8, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) at the protein and mRNA levels was determined by immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR, respectively. The levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and TRP pathway network construction were conducted based on the GEO database. The co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions was verified by immunofluorescence double labeling. ResultsBoth the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups showed typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure control groups, the model groups had excessive epidermal keratinization, thickened spinous layer, and inflammatory infiltration in the dermis, with increased pathological scores (P<0.05), increased infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and expression of p-ERK and SP, upregulated mRNA levels of TRPM8, TRPA1, and TRPV2, downregulated mRNA level of TRPV1 (P<0.05), and reduced content of CGRP and increased content of NPY in the serum. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reduced the pathological manifestations and pathological scores of psoriasis-like skin lesions (P<0.05), and inhibited the infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and the expression of p-ERK and SP. Gene enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs of psoriasis were significantly enriched in the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway and TRP channel inflammatory regulation. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reversed the abnormal mRNA levels of genes related to the TRP channel subfamilies (P<0.05), increased the CGRP level, and decreased the NPY level. Immunofluorescence double labeling further confirmed that compared with the model groups, KXJD down-regulated the co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions. ConclusionKXJD may ameliorate psoriasis-like skin lesions by downregulating the overexpressed cold-sensitive receptor TRPM8 in skin lesions and correcting the disorder of neuropeptide (such as SP and CGRP) release mediated by it, thereby inhibiting the IL-23/helper T cell 17 (Th17) core inflammatory pathway, suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, and regulating the Xuanfu (sweat pore)-TRPM8-neuroimmune response axis.
6.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Ameliorating Psoriasis-like Inflammation via TrkA Receptor-mediated Regulation of CGRP Expression and Dendritic Cell Activation
Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):102-110
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on neuroimmunological inflammation in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice. MethodsA total of 24 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): Normal, model, KXJD, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor GW441756 groups. The mice in the model, KXJD, and GW441756 groups were topically treated with 5% IMQ cream (62.5 mg·d-1) on the back to induce psoriasis-like inflammation. The KXJD group received KXJD by gavage (30.42 g·kg-1), the GW441756 group received intraperitoneal injection of GW441756 (10 mg·kg-1), and the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, with continuous intervention for 5 days. The severity of skin lesions was evaluated using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure epidermal thickness and observe pathological changes in the lesioned skin. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the lesioned skin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lesioned tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TrkA and phosphorylated TrkA (p-TrkA). Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the expression of TrkA receptor, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), cluster of differentiation 11c (CD11c), and CGRP in the lesions. Flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of splenic dendritic cells (DCs). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited typical psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, infiltration and scaling, with histopathological findings of epidermal hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. The model group showed significantly increased expression of Ki67, IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased fluorescence intensity of CD11c, and significantly decreased CGRP expression (P<0.05). The splenic DC activation was significantly enhanced, as indicated by the increased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD86 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both the KXJD and GW441756 groups showed amelioration of the psoriasis-like skin inflammation, with significantly down-regulated expression of IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly up-regulated expression of CGRP (P<0.01), reduced CD11c+ DC infiltration, and restored splenic DC activation balance (down-regulated CD86 MFI and up-regulated CD80 and CD40 MFI). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of KXJD on Ki67 was significantly superior to that of the GW441756 group (P<0.01). ConclusionKXJD may alleviate IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice by targeting and inhibiting TrkA receptor phosphorylation, regulating CGRP expression in the lesions, and ameliorating aberrant activation of dendritic cells, while also significantly inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation.
7.Deep learning-based fusion of color and spectral features from hyperspectral imaging for the origin identification of Salvia miltiorrhiza
Ruibin BAI ; Feng XIONG ; Hui WANG ; Meiqi LUAN ; Junhui ZHOU ; Xiufu WAN ; Zihan ZHAO ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Chu ZHANG ; Jian YANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):250-258
Background: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, commonly known as “Danshen” in China due to the distinctive red color of its roots, is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines. It is cultivated in various regions across China, and environmental differences among these regions can affect the secondary metabolites of plants, thereby influencing the quality of S. miltiorrhiza. In recent years, increasing demand for S. miltiorrhiza has exacerbated the problem of origin fraud. Therefore, ensuring the authenticity of its geographical origin is crucial for the sustainable development of the industry. Objective: The red coloration of S. miltiorrhiza is closely associated with the content of its primary active compounds, particularly tanshinones. Therefore, both its internal chemical composition and external color characteristics serve as key indicators for quality assessment. This study utilized hyperspectral imaging technology to evaluate its potential in classifying the geographical origin of S. miltiorrhiza. Methods: Spectral data reflecting the internal chemical properties of S. miltiorrhiza were integrated with color information representing its external features through 3 levels of data fusion. These fused datasets were then combined with deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate origin classification. Results: The results demonstrated that the Transformer model combined with soft-voting decision-level fusion achieved the highest classification accuracy of 98.72% by integrating image color and short-wave infrared spectral data. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that integrating hyperspectral imaging spectral data with color information provides a reliable and innovative approach for verifying the authenticity and traceability of S. miltiorrhiza.
8.Development and application of a novel fumigation moxibustion device.
Xin WU ; Xuetao ZHANG ; Fang GAO ; Jiaojiao ZHANG ; Shengbing WU ; Nenggui XU ; Meiqi ZHOU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(5):713-716
A novel fumigation moxibustion device has been designed to enable adjustable and controllable moxa smoke temperature, maintaining a relatively stable fumigation temperature while improving the utilization efficiency of moxa smoke. The device consists of five main components: a temperature control chamber, fumigation outlet, temperature measurement module, moxa smoke filtration chamber, and elastic band. It is compact, refined, and easy to operate. The device allows users to set the desired fumigation temperature according to therapeutic needs and simultaneously filters and eliminates residual moxa smoke after treatment. This design addresses the challenges of traditional fumigation moxibustion therapy, including unstable moxa smoke temperature, difficulty in regulation, low utilization efficiency, and high dependence on manual operation. It contributes to the promotion and application of fumigation moxibustion therapy and supports the establishment of a standardized moxibustion system.
Moxibustion/methods*
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Humans
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Equipment Design
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Fumigation
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Temperature
9.A network meta-analysis on the efficacy and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine combined with mesalazine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
Fan ZHANG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Hongmin ZHUO ; Yan CHEN ; Baoping REN ; Meiqi ZHONG ; Meiyan ZENG ; Houpan SONG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1408-1418
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of six kinds of commonly used traditional Chi-nese medicine combined with mesalazine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)based on frequency statis-tical network meta-analysis.Methods Randomized controlled trials(RCT)of oral Chinese medicine for the treatment of UC were searched from the establishment of the database to June 2024 of PubMed,CNKI,Wan-fang,VIP,Sinomed and other databases.The quality of the included literatures was evaluated by Cochrane bias risk assessment tool,and the data were statistically analyzed by Stata MP17.0 software.Results A total of 24 RCTs involving 1 939 patients were included,involving 6 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese pa-tent medicine,including 4 macro and micro outcome indicators.In terms of improving the total clinical effec-tive rate,Shaoyao decoction,Gancao Xiexin decoction,Huangqin decoction granule,Baitouweng decoction,Kangfuxin liquid,Shenlingbaizhu powder+mesalazine were all superior to using mesalazine alone,and Kang-fuxin liquid+mesalazine had the best effect(P<0.05).In terms of down-regulation of interleukin(IL)-6 expression in colonic mucosa,Shaoyao decoction,Gancao Xiexin Decoction,Huangqin Decoction granules,Pul-satilla decoction,Kangfuxin Liquid+mesalazine were better than using mesalazine alone,and Pulsatilla De-coction+mesalazine had the best effect on reducing IL-6(P<0.05).In terms of down-regulation of colonic mucosal tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α expression,Shaoyao decoction,Gancao Xiexin decoction,Huangqin decoction granule,Baitouweng decoction,Shenlingbaizhu decoction+mesalazine was better than using me-salazine alone,and Gancao Xiexin decoction+mesalazine had the best effect(P<0.05).In terms of down-regulation of IL-10 expression in colonic mucosa,Pulsatilla decoction+mesalazine was better than mesalazine alone(P<0.05).Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine combined with mesalazine could alleviate the clin-ical symptoms of UC patients,improve inflammatory factor indicators,eliminate inflammation,and show a better treatment effect for UC than mesalazine used alone.
10.Electroacupuncture improves myocardial injury in rats with acute myocardial ischemia by inhibiting HPA axis hyperactivity via modulating hippocampal glutamatergic system.
Kun WANG ; Haiyan ZUO ; Jiaojiao ZHANG ; Xin WU ; Wenhui WANG ; Shengbing WU ; Meiqi ZHOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1599-1607
OBJECTIVES:
To clarify the role of hippocampal glutamate system in regulating HPA axis in mediating the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the heart meridian for improving myocardial injury in rats with acute myocardial ischemia (AMI).
METHODS:
Male SD rats were randomized into sham-operated group, AMI group, EA group, and L-glutamic acid+EA group (n=9). Rat models of AMI were established by left descending coronary artery ligation, and EA was applied at the "Shenmen-Tongli" segment; the rats in L-glutamic acid+EA group were subjected to microinjection of L-glutamic acid into the bilateral hippocampus prior to AMI modeling and EA treatment. Cardiac functions of the rats were evaluated using echocardiography, and ECG and heart rate variation (HRV) were analyzed using PowerLab and LabChart. Pathological changes in the myocardial tissue was examined using HE staining, and serum levels of myocardial enzymes were detected with ELISA. Myocardial expressions of TH and GAP43 were detected with immunohistochemistry, and colocalization of VGLUT1, VGLUT2 and c-fos were observed using immunofluorescence staining; the expressions of VGLUT1, VGLUT2, NMDAR1 and NMDAR2B were detected using Western blotting.
RESULTS:
The rat models of AMI showed significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS and increased serum levels of myocardial enzymes in positive correlation with the HPA axis. Numerous TH- and GAP43-positive cells were observed in the hippocampus, where the expressions of NE and E, neurons colabeled with VGLUT1, VGLUT2 and c-fos, and expressions of VGLUT1, VGLUT2, NMDAR1, NMDAR2B and Glu increased significantly. All these changes were significantly improved by interventions with EA as compared with those in AMI and L-Glutamate+EA groups.
CONCLUSIONS
In rats with AMI, EA at the heart meridian can regulate excessive glutamate release in the hippocampus, thereby inhibiting HPA axis hyperactivity and reducing sympathetic nerve activity to protect the myocardial tissue.
Animals
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Electroacupuncture
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
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Rats
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Glutamic Acid/metabolism*
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Myocardial Ischemia/physiopathology*
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology*
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Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiopathology*
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism*


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