OBJECTIVES: To compare the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects of Yinqiao Powder (YQS) formulated granules and decoction. METHODS: We first evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the two dosage forms of YQS in a LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. We further constructed zebrafish models of inflammation by copper sulfate exposure, caudal fin transection, or LPS and Poly (I:C) microinjection, and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects of YQS granules and decoction by examining neutrophil aggregation and HE staining findings. In a mouse model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by intratracheal LPS instillation, the effects of YQS gavage at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg on lung pathologies were evaluated by calculating lung wet-dry weight ratio and using HE staining, ELISA and Western blotting. The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of YQS. Mouse pain models established by hot plate and intraperitoneal injection of glacial acetic acid were used to evaluate the analgesic effects of YQS at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg. RESULTS: Both YQS granules and decoction significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expressions and p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) phosphorylation level in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, and obviously inhibited neutrophil aggregation in the zebrafish models. In ALI mice, YQS granules and decoction effectively ameliorated lung injury, lowered lung wet-dry weight ratio, and reduced p-STAT3 (Tyr 705) expression and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. YQS produced obvious antibacterial effect at the doses of 15.63 and 31.25 mg/mL, and significantly reduced body torsion and increased pain threshold in the mouse pain models. CONCLUSIONS The two dosage forms of TQS have similar anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects with only differences in their inhibitory effect on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expressions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.
Animals ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Analgesics/pharmacology* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Zebrafish ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Powders ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides

Objective : To explore the causal relationship between 46 phenotypes ( including 15 seropositive case- control phenotypes and 31 quantitative antibody-measurement phenotypes) and ulcerative colitis( UC) using two- sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization( TSMR) . Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) sig- nificantly associated with the relative abundance of the 46 antibody sera were extracted as instrumental variables ac- cording to preset thresholds . Summary statistics for UC were obtained from the OPEN GWAS database ( n = 47 745) . MR-Egger regression , weighted median method ( WME) , inverse variance weighting ( IVW) , the simple mode method (SM) , and weighted multitude method (WM) were used to estimate the causal relationship between antibody levels and UC , primarily using the IVW method . The results were assessed according to the effect indica- tor dominance ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) . Sensitivity analysis , heterogeneity test , gene plei- otropy test , and outlier test (MR-PRESSO) were combined to verify the stability and reliability of the results , and the causal association study was performed again using reverse Mendelian randomization(MR) . Results : IVW re- sults showed that Epstein-Barr( EB) virus EA-D antibody levels ( OR = 0. 806 , 95% CI = 0. 693 - 0. 939 , P < 0. 01) , Epstein-Barr virus EBNA-1 antibody levels ( OR = 1 . 870% , 95% CI = 1 . 480 - 2. 360 , P < 0. 000 1) , Anti-polyomavirus 2 IgG seropositivity (OR = 0. 570 , 95% CI = 0. 435 - 0. 746 , P < 0. 000 1) were associated with UC . The inverse MR analysis revealed a causal effect on anti-polyomavirus 2 IgG seropositivity , and none of the a- bove revealed genetic pleiotropy or significant heterogeneity of IVs . Conclusion EB virus EBNA-1 antibody levels are positively associated with the risk of UC , while EB virus EA-D antibody levels and anti-polyomavirus 2 IgG se- ropositivity are negatively associated with the risk of UC , indicating that they are protective factors for UC .

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between qi stagnation constitution and suboptimal health status (SHS) or lifestyle.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 24 159 Chinese individuals aged 12–80 years. The qi stagnation constitution was assessed using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire. Health status was evaluated through medical records and the Subhealth Measurement Scale V1.0 (SHMS V1.0). Health-promoting lifestyles were measured using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II).ResultsOf the 24 159 participants, 16.1% and 15.2% were classified as “always” and “sometimes” having the qi stagnation constitution, respectively. Those classified as “rarely” having the qi stagnation constitution scored higher on both the HPLP-II and SHMS V1.0. The participants classified as “always” having the qi stagnation constitution showed a significant association with SHS or disease compared to other imbalanced constitutions. Those in the “always” category were approximately 21 times more likely to be classified as having SHS (odds ratio [OR]: 21.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.74–28.45), whereas those in the “sometimes” category were approximately six times more likely (OR: 5.89, 95% CI: 5.04–6.90). Accordingly, the qi stagnation constitution score was significantly associated with the diagnosis of SHS, with an area under the curve of 0.77 (P .001). A score of 18.75 yielded the highest Youden Index (0.407), with a sensitivity of 60.5% and a specificity of 80.3%. Significant associations were observed between health-promoting lifestyles and qi stagnation constitution severity in an ordinal regression analysis (P .001). Protective factors included stress management (OR: 1.59), self-actualization (OR: 1.57), and exercise (OR: 1.36). In contrast, poorer interpersonal relationships (OR: 0.79), greater health responsibilities (OR: 0.86), and poorer nutrition (OR: 0.91) were associated with increased severity.ConclusionModulating the qi stagnation constitution through lifestyle interventions may help prevent the progression of SHS to disease, which aligns with core preventive principles in traditional Chinese medicine.

A comprehensive profiling of the vaginal microbial communities and their variability enables an accurate description of the microbiome in women.However,there is a lack of studies available on Chinese women.In the present study,the composition of the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy and the 6-week postpartum period of 454 Chinese women was characterized by sequenc-ing the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA(rRNA)gene.The vaginal microbiome showed variations during pregnancy and the postpartum period based on the abortion history,hypertensive disorders,delivery mode,and maternal age.Co-variation of 22 bacterial taxa,including the Lacto-bacillus genus and two of its species,may account for the common characteristics of the vaginal microbiome under scenarios of different medical histories and pregnancy outcomes.In contrast,dis-criminant bacterial species were significantly different between women who had preterm birth(PTB)with and without premature rupture of membranes(PROM),and the community state type(CST)Ⅳ-A without any predominant Lactobacillus species in the microbiota was more prevalent during pregnancy in the PROM-PTB cases,suggesting that specific bacterial species could be considered to distinguish between different types of PTB.By providing data on Chinese women,this study will enrich the knowledge of the human microbiome and contribute to a better understanding of the association between the vaginal microbiome and reproductive health.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of intranasal administration of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged rats.Methods:Forty healthy Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes, aged 21-23 months, weighing 480-600 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), operation group (group O), intranasal administration of low-dose GDNF group (group G1) and intranasal administration of high-dose GDNF group (group G2). Rats underwent exploratory laparotomy under anesthesia with chloral hydrate in O, G1 and G2 groups, while the rats in group S only received sham operation.The rats in group G1 and group G2 were intranasally treated with GDNF 25 and 50 μg (in 25 μl of PBS), respectively, and PBS 25 μl was nasally administered in group S and group O every day for 3 consecutive days after operation or sham operation.Morris water maze test was performed on days 3-7 after surgery, and then the rats were sacrificed, and hippocampal tissues were removed for determination of the expression of GDNF, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), activated caspase-3 and Bax (by Western blot). Results:Compared with group S, the escape latency was significantly prolonged on days 5-7 after operation, the number of crossing the platform was reduced, time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, expression of GDNF was down-regulated, and expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, HMGB1, activated caspase-3 and Bax in hippocampi was up-regulated in group O, and the number of crossing the platform was reduced, time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, and expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was up-regulated in G1 and G2 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group O, the escape latency was significantly shortened on days 5-7 after operation, the number of crossing the platform was increased, time spent in the target quadrant was prolonged, expression of GDNF was up-regulated, expression of TNF-α, HMGB1, activated caspase-3 and Bax in hippocampi was down-regulated in G1 and G2 groups, and IL-1β in hippocampi was down-regulated in group G1 ( P<0.05). Compared with group G1, the expression of TNF-α in hippocampi was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the other parameters mentioned above in group G2 ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Intranasal administration of GDNF can improve postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting neuroinflammatory responses and neuroapoptosis in aged rats.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist DA-JC4 on postoperative neuroinflammatory responses in aged rats.Methods:Forty-five Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 21-23 months, weighing 530-630 g, provided by the Animal Experiment Center of Medical School of Zhengzhou University, were assigned into 3 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), operation group (group O) and DA-JC4 group (group G). Rats underwent exploratory laparotomy under anesthesia with chloral hydrate in O and G groups.In group G, DA-JC4 10 nmol/kg (dissolved in 1 ml of sterile normal saline) was intraperitoneally injected immediately after the end of operation and at 24 and 48 h after operation.Western blot was used to determine the expression of hippocampal Bax, Bcl-2, activated caspase-3, Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on day 3 after surgery.The Morris water maze test was performed on days 14-18 after operation to assess the cognitive function. Results:Compared with group S, the escape latency was significantly prolonged on days 15-18 after operation in group O and on day 18 after operation in group G, and the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, the expression of activated caspase-3, Bax, LC3Ⅱ, HMGB1, IL-1β and TNF-α in hippocampi was up-regulated, and the expression of Bcl-2, LC3Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was down-regulated in O and G groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group O, the escape latency was significantly shortened, and the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the time spent in the target quadrant was prolonged, the expression of activated caspase-3, Bax, LC3Ⅱ, HMGB1, IL-1β and TNF-α in hippocampi was down-regulated, and the expression of Bcl-2, LC3Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was up-regulated in group G ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which DA-JC4 reduces postoperative cognitive dysfunction may be related to inhibiting neuroinflammatory responses in aged rats.

Objective To evaluate the effect of exercise training on heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression during endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats.Methods Thirty-two SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 8 weeks,weighing 175-220 g,were divided into 4 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table method:control group (group C),group ALI,low-intensity exercise training group (group ET1) and high-intensity exercise training group (group ET2).The rats in ET1 and ET2 groups received 2-and 4-week treadmill exercise training before establishing the ALI model,while the rats in C and ALI groups received no training.ALI was induced by intravenously injecting 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide via the tail vein in ALI,ET1 and ET2 groups,and the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C.The animals were sacrificed,and the lungs were harvested for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of lung tissues which were also scored and for determination of wet to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio),concentrations of total protein,interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF),and expression of HSP70 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in lung tissues by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the W/D ratio and pathological changes of lung tissues were significantly increased,the concentrations of total protein,IL-1 β and TNF-α in BALF were increased,the expression of NF-κB was up-regulated (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in HSP70 expression in group ALI(P＞0.05).Compared with group ALI,the W/D ratio and pathological changes of lung tissues were significantly decreased,the concentrations of total protein,IL-1β and TNF-α in BALF were decreased,the expression of HSP70 was up-regulated,and the expression of NF-κB was down-regulated in ET1 and ET2 groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion Exercise training can attenuate the endotoxin-induced ALI through relieving the inflammatory responses,which may be related to up-regulating HSP70 expression in the lung of rats.

Objective To investigate the role of transient receptor potential melastatin 7(TRPM7) in sevoflurane preconditioning for inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis and inflammation response induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD).Methods Fifty SD rats of postnatal 1 d were selected for extracting hippocampal neurons and randomly divided into 5 groups,including the control group(C),sevoflurane preconditioning group (Sev),OGD group,Sev preconditioningt OGD group (Sev + OGD) and Sev preconditioning+ bradykinin+OGD group(combined group).After 1.5 h oxygen-glucose deprivation,reintroduction was performed,and then the normal culture was performed again for preparing the OGD model.Hippocampal neurons in the control group were normally cultured only;which in the Sev group conducted 2 ％ Sev preconditioning for 1 h;which in the OGD group only prepared the OGD model;which in the SEv+OGD conducted 2％ Sev preconditioning for 1 h,and prepared the OGD model after 24 h;which in the combined group was simultaneously added with bradykinin(final concentration 200μmol/L) in Sev preconditioning,other treatment was same to that in the Sev+OGD group.After 24 h normal culture,the mRNA and protein levels of TRPM7,apoptosis rate,survival rate,mRNA and supernatant protein levels of IL-1β and TNF-α of the hippocampal neurons were detected.Results Compared with the control group,hippocampal neurons mRNA and protein levels of TRPM7,apoptosis rate,mRNA and supernatant protein levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the OGD group were significantly increased(P＜0.05),whereas the survival rate was significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the OGD group,hippocampal neurons mRNA and protein levels of TRPM7,apoptosis rate,mRNA and supernatant protein levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the Sev group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),whereas the survival rate was significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the Sev group,hippocampal neurons mRNA and protein levels of TRPM7,apoptosis rate,the mRNA and supernatant protein levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the combined group were significantly increased(P＜0.05),whereas the survival rate was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Sev preconditioning can attenuate hippocampal neurons apoptosis and inflammatory response after OGD via alleviating the overexpression of TRPM7.

Objective To compare cable tension band fixation with other 3 fixations in terms of biomechanical stability for tibial avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).Methods Eighty fresh porcine knees were randomized into 4 equal groups (n =20).For each knee,all the soft tissues were removed only to keep the femur-ACL-tibia complex.The knee complexes were used to create fracture models of standard Meyers-Mc Keever type Ⅲ at the ACL attachment region using a swing saw.The fracture fragments in the 4 groups were subjected to fixation respectively with intramedullary lag screws,high-strength suture,tension band wire and cable tension band.All the specimens were subsequently tested on a Material Testing Machine at a load rate of 60 mm/mm.The 4 groups were compared in terms of ultimate failure load,yield load,and fragmental displacement under single-cycle loading and multi-cyclic loadings.Results Cable tension band fixation displayed significantly higher ultimate failure,higher yield load and lower fragmental displacement than all the other 3 fixations (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion As cable tension band fixation,which is convenient and economical,provides better biomechanical stability than other 3 fixations for tibial avulsion fractures of the ACL,it may allow earlier functional and weight-bearing exercise after operation.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) signaling pathway and regulatory T cells (Tregs) during vagus nerve stimulation-induced reduction of endotoxin-caused acute lung injury (ALI) in mice.Methods Clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 22-25 g,were divided into 5 groups (n=10 each) using a random number table method:control group (group C),group ALI,vagus nerve stimulation group (group VNS),α-BGT group (group α-BGT) and vagus nerve stimulation plus α-BGT group (group VNS + α-BGT).After successful establishment of the model,the vagus nerve was stimulated for 30 s with a stimulus intensity of 0.5 mA,frequency of 20 Hz,an interval of 5 min,60 min in total.Sterile normal saline 100 μl was injected into the trachea,and the vagus nerve was only exposed but not stimulated in group C.In group ALI,the ALI model was established,and the vagus nerve was isolated but not stimulated.In group α-BGT,α-BGT 1 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected,the ALI model was established 1 h later,and the vagus nerve was isolated but not stimulated.In group VNS+α-BGT,α-BGT 1 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected,the ALI model was established 1 h later,and the vagus nerve was stimulated at 1 h after the end of establishment.Animals were sacrificed at 72 h after establishing the model,and lungs were removed for determination of lung water content,percentage of Tregs (using flow cytometry),myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (by colorimetric assay),expression of α7nAChR (by Western blot) and contents of interleukin-10 (IL-10),transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and IL-1β (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).Results Compared with group C,the lung water content,MPO activity and IL-1β content were significantly increased in the other four groups,the expression of α7nAChR was significantly down-regulated in ALI,α-BGT and VNS+α-BGT groups,the percentage of Tregs was significantly increased in group VNS,the IL-10 content was significantly decreased in ALI and α-BGT groups and increased in VNS and VNS+α-BGT groups,and TGF-β contents were significantly decreased in ALI,α-BGT and VNS+α-BGT groups and increased in group VNS (P＜0.05).Compared with group ALI,the lung water content,MPO activity and IL-1β content were significantly decreased,the expression of α7nAChR was up-regulated,and the percentage of Tregs and contents of IL-10 and TGF-β were increased in group VNS,and the TGF-β content in group α-BGT and contents of IL-10 and TGF-β in group VNS+α-BGT were significantly increased (P＜0.05).Compared with group VNS,the lung water content,MPO activity and IL-1β content were significantly increased,the expression of α7nAChR was down-regulated,and the percentage of Tregs and contents of IL-10 and TGF-β were decreased in α-BGT and VNS+α-BGT groups (P＜0.05).The contents of IL-1O and TGF-β were significantly higher in group VNS+α-BGT than in group α-BGT (P＜0.05).Conclusion Vagus nerve stimulation can activate α7nAChR signaling pathway and raise the percentage of Tregs,thus reducing ALI in mice.