1.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Mechanism of baicalin in alleviating intestinal mucosal barrier injury via VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in rats with intraperitoneal infection-induced sepsis
Haohao CAO ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Tao LIU ; Tao YANG ; Meixia XU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2248-2252
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of baicalin in alleviating the intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rats with intraperitoneal infection-induced sepsis through the vitamin D receptor(VDR)/nuclear factor E2-relat-ed factor 2(Nrf2)/haemoglobin oxygenase-1(HO-1)signalling pathway.METHODS Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-surgery group,a model group,an ulinastatin group and a baicalin group,with six rats in each group.Sepsis models were established via cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)in rats in each groups ex-cept for the sham surgery group.Six hours after modeling,the sham-surgery and the model groups received intra-peritoneal saline,while the ulinastatin and baicalin groups were administered ulinastatin at 20,000 U/kg and ba-icalin at 100 mg/kg,respectively,via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 5 consecutive days.The histopatho-logical changes in the ileum tissue of rats in each group were observed,and the levels of oxidative stress,inflam-matory factors,and the expression of related mRNA and proteins in the VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway were compared.RESULTS Compared with the sham-surgery group,the model group showed disordered villus ar-rangement,severe intestinal mucosal atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration,with necrotic epithelial cell shed-ding.Additionally,in the model group,the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX)levels reduced,while the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inter-leukin(IL)-6,and IL-1βsignificantly increased,and the expression of VDR mRNA,Nrf2 mRNA,HO-1 mR-NA,and VDR,Nrf2,and HO-1 proteins were downregulated(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the ulinastatin group and the baicalin group showed that villus arrangement,intestinal mucosal atrophy and inflamma-tory cell infiltration got improved,the levels of T-AOC,SOD,and GSH-PX elevated,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βdecreased,and expressions of VDR mRNA,Nrf2 mRNA,HO-1 mRNA,and VDR,Nrf2,and HO-1 proteins were upregulated.Moreover,all indicators in the baicalin group were superior to those in the ulinastatin group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Baicalin can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and regulate the bal-ance of oxidative stress in vivo by up-regulating the VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby alleviate the in-testinal mucosal barrier dysfunction caused by intraperitoneal infection-induced sepsis.
4.Study on the relationship between serum SAA,IL-10,IL-21 levels and the first acute exacerbation in COPD patients with pneumothorax
Yumei CHEN ; Meixia ZHANG ; Maoliang TIAN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(15):1825-1830
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum amyloid A(SAA),interleukin-10(IL-10),interleukin-21(IL-21)levels and the first acute exacerbation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmo-nary disease(COPD)with pneumothorax.Methods A total of 102 patients with stable COPD complicated with pneumothorax admitted to the hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were selected.They were treated with closed thoracic drainage,anti-inflammatory,antiasthmatic,expectorant,and high-flow nasal hu-midification oxygen therapy(HFNC).The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had the first acute exacerbation within 1 year after treatment,the first acute exacerbation group(32 patients had the first acute exacerbation within 1 year of follow-up)and the non-first acute exacerbation group(70 pa-tients had no first acute exacerbation within 1 year of follow-up).Serum SAA,IL-10 and IL-21 levels and blood gas indexes were compared between the two groups after treatment.Multivariate Logistic regression a-nalysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of the first acute exacerbation after HFNC treatment.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of serum SAA,IL-10 and IL-21 levels after treatment for the first acute exacerbation of COPD patients with pneumothorax.Results There were significant differences in hypoproteinemia,smoking,underlying diseases,forced vital ca-pacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)as a percentage of predicted value(FEV1%),FEV1 to FVC ratio(FEV1/FVC),arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),arterial partial pressure of car-bon dioxide(PaCO2),SAA,IL-10,IL-21 between the two groups(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypoproteinemia,smoking,underlying diseases,PaCO2,SAA,IL-10 and IL-21 were the risk factors for the first acute exacerbation after HFNC treatment(P<0.05).FVC,FEV1%,FEV1/FVC and PaO2 were protective factors for the first acute exacerbation after treatment(P<0.05).ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of SAA,IL-10 and IL-21 levels after treatment to predict the first acute exacerbation of COPD patients with pneumothorax was 0.755,0.726 and 0.674,respectively.When the cut-off values of SAA,IL-10 and IL-21 were 171.06 g/L,26.46 pg/mL and 244.79 pg/mL,the sen-sitivity was 76.51%,60.84%and 56.90%,and the specificity was 66.73%,74.49%and 74.52%,respective-ly.The AUC of combined prediction was 0.860,the sensitivity was 80.44%,and the specificity was 76.51%.Conclusion The serum SAA,IL-10 and IL-21 levels in COPD patients with pneumothorax have certain pre-dictive value for the first acute exacerbation of COPD patients with pneumothorax.
5.Disinfection effect of periodic hypochlorous acid on water supply pipeline and metagenomic next-generation sequencing for water specimens
Hong ZHOU ; Xiaodong GAO ; Meixia WANG ; Mengzhu ZHANG ; Jun YANG ; Jing ZHUANG ; Hua XU ; Wei SUN ; Qingfeng SHI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(9):1244-1249
Objective To explore the disinfection effect of periodic hypochlorous acid infusion on water supply pipelines.Methods Water specimens from 6 water outlets of central sterile supply department were collected at baseline for microbial culture.After introducing a slightly acidic hypochlorous acid water generator,water speci-mens were collected every 10 days.Continuous disinfection with hypochlorous acid was carried out on the 1st-3rd day,and discontinued on the 4th-10th day.Water specimens of 6 water outlets were collected on the 1st,4th,7th,and 10th day of each cycle,in total 3 cycles.Microbial culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)analysis were conducted simultaneously on all water specimens from the outlets of the endoscope cleaning tank.Results Before disinfection of the pipeline,a total of 18 bottles of water specimens were collected.Bacterial count of water specimens from 10 bottles(55.56%)was between 102 and 104 CFU/mL,mainly Sphingomonas ad-hesins and Bacillus cereus.After disinfection,only 2 out of 72 water specimens(2.78%)exceeded the bacterial lim-it.The mNGS results showed that three most dominant bacterial genera in the pre-disinfection water specimens were Sphingomonas,Methylobacterium,and Ralstonia,with stringent mapped reads number(SMRN)ranging from 10 000 to 100 000;while the most dominant bacterial genera in post-disinfection water specimens were Lacto-baci-llus,Ralstonia,Acinetobacter,and Bradyrhizobium.PCoA analysis showed that there was a statistically sig-nificant difference in β-diversity of water specimens before and after disinfection(P<0.05).Conclusion Periodic hypochlorous acid infusion disinfection can effectively remove bacterial biofilms in water pipelines,but there is a risk of bacterial biofilm recovery during disinfection suspension.In the future,monitoring and management of medical water should be strengthened.
6.Predictive value of a Chinese visceral adiposity index for metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Meixia ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yuechen DONG ; Yingchun WANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(8):781-789
Objective:To explore the correlation between Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) so as to evaluate its predictive value for MAFLD.Methods:Six hundred and thirteen cases admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University from June 2022 to August 2023 were selected and divided into the MAFLD group ( n=312) and the non-MAFLD group ( n=301) according to the diagnostic criteria of MAFLD. The clinical data differences between the two groups were compared. The MAFLD group was divided into a mild MAFLD group ( n=243) and a moderate to severe MAFLD group ( n=69) according to the liver/spleen CT value. The differences in body fat indices such as CVAI, visceral fat index (VAI), and visceral fat area (VFA) were compared between subjects with different degrees of MAFLD. The Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation between CVAI, VAI, and various clinical indicators. The subjects were divided into groups (Q1-Q4) according to the quartile levels of CVAI and VAI, and the distribution of MAFLD conditions among the groups was compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the occurrence risk of MAFLD at different CVAI and VAI levels. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive value of CVAI, VAI, VFA, waist circumference, and body mass index for MAFLD. The DeLong test was used to compare the differences in the AUC of each predictive index. Results:The prevalence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, CVAI, VAI, VFA, subcutaneous fat area, waist circumference, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and serum uric acid were higher in the MAFLD group than the non-MAFLD group ( P<0.05), while the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower than the non-MAFLD group ( P<0.001). The levels of CVAI, VAI, VFA, waist circumference, and body mass index were higher in the mild and the moderate to severe MAFLD group than those in the non-MAFLD group ( P<0.001). The detection rate of MAFLD gradually increased( χ2=176.953, 133.659, P<0.001) with the increase of CVAI and VAI levels. Correlation analysis showed that CVAI was positively correlated with VFA ( r=0.755, P<0.001) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( r=0.579, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for various risk factors, the risk of MAFLD in the Q4 group of the CVAI subgroup was still 7.159 times that of the Q1 group (95% CI:3.126-16.392, P<0.001), and the risk of MAFLD in the Q4 group of the VAI subgroup was still 4.667 times that of the Q1 group (95% CI: 2.187-9.962, P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that the AUC of CVAI for predicting MAFLD was similar to that of VFA (0.822 vs. 0.826), and higher than that of VAI (AUC 0.772), waist circumference (AUC 0.796), and body mass index (AUC 0.755). The optimal critical value of CVAI for predicting the risk of MAFLD was 125.50, with sensitivity and specificity at 70.5% and 79.1%, respectively. Conclusion:The patient's risk of MAFLD increases with the rise of CVAI level, and CVAI has a favorable predictive value for the occurrence of MAFLD.
7.Study on the effectiveness of modified cardiac rehabilitation and Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in treating Qi deficiency and blood stasis type heart failure based on Gal-3 and sST2 levels
Feikai WU ; Meixia XIAO ; Shengming SHI ; Haibing LIU ; Shasha ZHANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(6):19-23
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of modified cardiac rehabilitation combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on patients with heart failure of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type,with a focus on analyzing the improvement of galectin-3(Gal-3),soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2(sST2)levels,cardiac function,traditional Chinese medicine syndromes,and exercise tolerance.Methods 180 patients with heart failure of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type who attended the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Huzhou First People's Hospital from October 2021 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into treatment group(modified cardiac rehabilitation+Xuefu Zhuyu decoction)and control group(conventional treatment),with a treatment course of 12 weeks.The changes of Gal-3,sST2,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),New York heart association functional classification(NYHA),N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and 6-minute walk test(6MWT)were compared between two groups before and after 12 weeks of treatment,and the safety was evaluated.Results After 12 weeks of treatment,Gal-3 and sST2 levels of patients in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group;LVEF levels of patients in treatment group were significantly higher than those in control group,and the degree of improvement of cardiac function grading in treatment group was significantly better than that in control group;NT-proBNP in treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group;The 6MWT in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group;The score of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome in treatment group was lower than that in control group;The difference is statistically significant(P<0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment,the effective rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.05);There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions and serious adverse events between two groups of patients(P>0.05).Conclusion Modified cardiac rehabilitation combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction can significantly improve cardiac function,traditional Chinese symptoms,and exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type,reduce Gal-3 and sST2 levels,and has high clinical application value.
8.Effect of high-fat on NOX4-SIRT1 signaling pathway in vascular aging
Dandan SHI ; Meixia LIU ; Jiangang LIU ; Xiaochen GUO ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(7):871-876
Objective To observe the alterations of protein expression of nicotinamide adenine di-nucleotide phosphatase oxidase 4-silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1(NOX4-SIRT1)signaling pathway in ApoE-/-mice and C57BL/6J mice induced by high-fat diet.Methods Twenty ApoE-/-mice and 40 C57BL/6J mice,aged of 10 weeks and half male and half female,were randomly divided into a NC group and a HFD group,with 10 mice in each group(ApoE-/-+NC and ApoE-/-+HFD groups,and C57+NC and C57+HFD groups).After 1 week of adaptive feed-ing period,each group was fed with their corresponding diet for subsequent 12 weeks,and then blood samples were collected from the anesthetized orbits and aortic arch tissues were harvested.HE staining and Masson staining were performed to examine the pathological morphology of the aortic arch tissues.The serum levels of TG,TC,HDL-C and LDL-C were measured using an auto-matic biochemical analyzer.The content of ox-LDLC was detected with ELISA,and the contents of ROS,GSH,GPX and NAD+were measured by colorimetry.The expression of SIRT1,p53,p21 and NOX4 was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the C57+NC group,the ApoE-/-+NC group showed significant lipid deposition,increased collagen fibers,elevated levels of TC,TG,HDLC,LDL-C,ox-LDL-C and ROS and increased p21 expression level,and obviously decreased contents of GSH,GPX and NAD+(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the ApoE-/-+NC group,the ApoE-/-+HFD group showed larger plaque areas,lessened elastic fibers,more col-lagen fibers,increased levels of TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ox-LDL-C and ROS,and p21 expression level(P<0.01),and declined expression of GSH,GPX,NAD+and NOX4[6.4±0.8 μmol/L vs 9.6±0.8 μmol/L,242.0±39.0 U/ml vs 362.7±11.1 U/ml,0.61±0.15 nmol/L vs 1.07±0.20 nmol/L,0.26±0.01 vs 0.32±0.03;P<0.05,P<0.01[.Conclusion High-fat diet may accelerate vascular aging by elevating lipid and oxidative stress levels,decreasing NAD+and NOX4 expression,ele-vating p21 expression,and thereby activating the NOX4-SIRT1 pathway.
9.Mechanism of baicalin in alleviating intestinal mucosal barrier injury via VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in rats with intraperitoneal infection-induced sepsis
Haohao CAO ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Tao LIU ; Tao YANG ; Meixia XU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2248-2252
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of baicalin in alleviating the intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rats with intraperitoneal infection-induced sepsis through the vitamin D receptor(VDR)/nuclear factor E2-relat-ed factor 2(Nrf2)/haemoglobin oxygenase-1(HO-1)signalling pathway.METHODS Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-surgery group,a model group,an ulinastatin group and a baicalin group,with six rats in each group.Sepsis models were established via cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)in rats in each groups ex-cept for the sham surgery group.Six hours after modeling,the sham-surgery and the model groups received intra-peritoneal saline,while the ulinastatin and baicalin groups were administered ulinastatin at 20,000 U/kg and ba-icalin at 100 mg/kg,respectively,via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 5 consecutive days.The histopatho-logical changes in the ileum tissue of rats in each group were observed,and the levels of oxidative stress,inflam-matory factors,and the expression of related mRNA and proteins in the VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway were compared.RESULTS Compared with the sham-surgery group,the model group showed disordered villus ar-rangement,severe intestinal mucosal atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration,with necrotic epithelial cell shed-ding.Additionally,in the model group,the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX)levels reduced,while the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inter-leukin(IL)-6,and IL-1βsignificantly increased,and the expression of VDR mRNA,Nrf2 mRNA,HO-1 mR-NA,and VDR,Nrf2,and HO-1 proteins were downregulated(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the ulinastatin group and the baicalin group showed that villus arrangement,intestinal mucosal atrophy and inflamma-tory cell infiltration got improved,the levels of T-AOC,SOD,and GSH-PX elevated,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1βdecreased,and expressions of VDR mRNA,Nrf2 mRNA,HO-1 mRNA,and VDR,Nrf2,and HO-1 proteins were upregulated.Moreover,all indicators in the baicalin group were superior to those in the ulinastatin group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Baicalin can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and regulate the bal-ance of oxidative stress in vivo by up-regulating the VDR/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby alleviate the in-testinal mucosal barrier dysfunction caused by intraperitoneal infection-induced sepsis.
10.Study on the effectiveness of modified cardiac rehabilitation and Xuefu Zhuyu decoction in treating Qi deficiency and blood stasis type heart failure based on Gal-3 and sST2 levels
Feikai WU ; Meixia XIAO ; Shengming SHI ; Haibing LIU ; Shasha ZHANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(6):19-23
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of modified cardiac rehabilitation combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on patients with heart failure of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type,with a focus on analyzing the improvement of galectin-3(Gal-3),soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2(sST2)levels,cardiac function,traditional Chinese medicine syndromes,and exercise tolerance.Methods 180 patients with heart failure of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type who attended the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Huzhou First People's Hospital from October 2021 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into treatment group(modified cardiac rehabilitation+Xuefu Zhuyu decoction)and control group(conventional treatment),with a treatment course of 12 weeks.The changes of Gal-3,sST2,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),New York heart association functional classification(NYHA),N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and 6-minute walk test(6MWT)were compared between two groups before and after 12 weeks of treatment,and the safety was evaluated.Results After 12 weeks of treatment,Gal-3 and sST2 levels of patients in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group;LVEF levels of patients in treatment group were significantly higher than those in control group,and the degree of improvement of cardiac function grading in treatment group was significantly better than that in control group;NT-proBNP in treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group;The 6MWT in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group;The score of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome in treatment group was lower than that in control group;The difference is statistically significant(P<0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment,the effective rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.05);There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions and serious adverse events between two groups of patients(P>0.05).Conclusion Modified cardiac rehabilitation combined with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction can significantly improve cardiac function,traditional Chinese symptoms,and exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type,reduce Gal-3 and sST2 levels,and has high clinical application value.

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