1.Exploration of the Intervention Mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏) on Psoriasis Model Mice Based on Caspase-1/GSDMD Protein Pathway
Yatong LI ; Yuanwen LI ; Yutong DENG ; Xuewen REN ; Xuewan WANG ; Xinhui YU ; Tangyunni LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):170-177
ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏, QAO) in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups, blank group, model group, calcipotriol group and QAO group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily, the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO, respectively, applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was assessed every other day. After 7 days, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of Caspase-1,Pro-Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin-D-N (GSDMD-N) were detected by Western Blot (WB). The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group mice showed redness, erythema, and white scales on their skin, with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening, elongated spines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were elevated; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased; the protein levels of Caspase-1, Pro-Caspase-1,GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions; the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group, and on day 3, 5, and 7 in the calcipotriol group, were reduced; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein, and the protein level of Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups; in the calcipotriol group, Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the calcipotriol group, the QAO group showed slightly redder skin, more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum, and less capillary dilation; the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased, while the score on day 5 was reduced; the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway, down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels, and alleviation of pyroptosis.
2.Causal relationship of liposomes and circulating metabolomes to schizophrenia: a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Mengyun LEI ; Yanhong DU ; Yao GAO ; Huaili DENG ; Binhong WANG ; Zhiyong REN ; Sha LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):223-228
BackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex, chronic and severe mental disorder, and the pathogenesis of which has not been fully elucidated. The abnormalities in lipid metabolism and circulating metabolomes have already been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, available studies have mainly focused on a few liposomes and circulating metabolites, failing to systematically reveal the mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo uncover mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia, thereby providing biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. MethodsData from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were analyzed, taking data on 179 liposomes as exposure variables, data on 123 circulating metabolites as intermediate variables, and data on schizophrenia as outcome variable. A two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR- Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode methods to study the causal relationship of liposomes with schizophrenia and the mediating role of circulating metabolomes in the relationship. ResultsIVW model identified 8 lipids associated with schizophrenia without reverse causality. There were 5 circulating metabolomes strongly associated with schizophrenia. Acetate played a significant mediating role in the causal relationship between phosphatidylinositol (18:0_18:2) and schizophrenia (P=0.023, 95% CI: 0.036~0.532), accounting for 28.4% of the causal relationship. ConclusionThis study demonstrates a causal relationship between liposomes and schizophrenia, with phosphatidylinositol being a risk factor in the progression of schizophrenia, and acetate playing a mediating role in this process. [Fund by National Natural Science Foundation of China General Program (number, 82271546); Shanxi Merit Funding for Overseas Students Sci-Tech Activities Project (number, 20240041); Shanxi Province Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent Team Project (number, 202304051001049); Shanxi Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars (number, 2022-190); "Six Measures for Health Care Prosperity" Specialized Research Program (number, Y2024008)]
3.A Randomized Controlled,Double-Blind Study on Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Blood-Heat Syndrome
Xuewen REN ; Yutong DENG ; Huishang FENG ; Bo HU ; Jianqing WANG ; Zhan CHEN ; Xiaodong LIU ; Xinhui YU ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1679-1686
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方, HJF) in treating psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group, with 30 cases in each. The treatment group received HJF granules orally, one dose a day, combined with topical Qingshi Zhiyang Ointment (青石止痒软膏), while the control group received placebo granules, one dose a day, combined with the same topical ointment. Both groups were topically treated twice daily of 28 days treatment cours. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), visual analogue scale for pruritus (VAS), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI) were assessed before treatment and on day 14 and day 28. Response rates for PASI 50 (≥50% reduction) and PASI 75 (≥75% reduction), as well as overall clinical efficacy, were compared between groups. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultsAfter 28 days of treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in PASI total score, lesion area score, erythema, scaling, and infiltration scores, pruritus VAS score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in PASI total score and erythema score, TCM syndrome score, serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels, and PASI 50 response rate after 28 days (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons of score differences before and after 28-day treatment revealed that the treatment group showed significantly better improvements in PASI total, lesion area score, erythema score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and inflammatory markers (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The total effective rate on day 14 and day 28 was 40.00% (12/30) and 83.33% (25/30) in the treatment group, versus 6.90% (2/29) and 41.38% (12/29) in the control group, respectively. The clinical efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). Mild gastric discomfort occurred in 3 patients in the treatment group and 1 in the control group. ConclusionHJF can effectively improve skin lesions and TCM symptoms relieve pruritus, enhance quality of life, and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-17, in patients with blood-heat syndrome of psoriasis vulgaris, with a good safety profile.
4.LI Yueqing's Experience in Treating Prostate Cancer by Stages from the Perspective of Deficiency and Stasis
Jie LI ; Bin WANG ; Kecheng LI ; Xujun YOU ; Mingqiang ZHANG ; Haodong YANG ; Peixuan REN ; Longsheng DENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2299-2303
This paper summarized Professor LI Yueqing's clinical experience in treating prostate cancer by stages from the perspective of deficiency and stasis. It is believed that the onset of prostate cancer is due to kidney deficiency, while blood stasis is the core pathogenesis, and dampness-heat, phlegm-turbid, and cancer toxins are the key pathological factors in the progression of the disease. The pathogenesis in the early stage of the disease is kidney qi depletion and dampness, heat and phlegm coagulation; in the middle stage, it is spleen and kidney depletion, phlegm coagulation and blood stasis; and in the late stage, the pathogenesis changes into yin deficiency and essence depletion, and stasis-turbid toxin obstruction. For treatment, the basic principle is to supplement and boost kidney qi, enrich and nourish the kidney yin. The main treatment methods are draining dampness, dissolving phlegm, dispelling stasis, clearing heat and resolving toxins, and the method of invigorating blood and dispelling stasis runs through the whole course of treatment. In the early stage, radical treatment is mainly used, and Longshe Yangquan Decoction (龙蛇羊泉汤) with modifications is supplemented to clear and drain dampness and heat. In the middle stage, androgen deprivation therapy is the basic treatment, and Bushen Tongqiao Decoction (补肾通窍汤) with modifications is used in combination to nourish the spleen and kidney, dissolve phlegm and dispel stasis. In the late stage, Dabuyin Pills and Liuwei Dihuang Pills (大补阴丸合六味地黄丸) with modifications is mainly used to enrich yin and supplement essence, resolve toxins and dissolve stasis, and prevent cancer recurrence.
5.Quality Standard and Acute Toxicity Study of Triadica Cochinchinensis
Fang LYU ; Xiao XU ; Xiaopeng WU ; Yan YOU ; Dongjie SHAN ; Xueyang REN ; Xianxian LI ; Qingyue DENG ; Yingyu HE ; Gaimei SHE
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(4):512-519
OBJECTIVE
To establish the quality standard of Triadica cochinchinensis and to perform the acute toxicity study.
METHODS
Appearance properties, powder microscopic identification, and thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification were researched. The specific chromatogram was established by HPLC. The content of cadmium(Cd), lead(Pb), arsenic(As), copper(Cu), and mercury(Hg) was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). Acute toxicity was studied by maximum dose.
RESULTS
The outer skin of herbs was dark brown, and the inner surface was light yellow brown and fibrous. Besides, crystal sheath fiber was common, and calcium oxalate clusters arranges in rows. In the TLC diagram of the test product, the fluorescent spots of the same color were displayed at the corresponding position of the control product(scopoletin, isofraxidin). Five common peaks were calibrated in the characteristic map and the three characteristic peaks(scopoletin, isofraxidin, dimethylfraxetin) were recognized. The content of the measured heavy metal elements was lower than the national limit standard. The linear correlation coefficient was R2 > 0.999. The precision, stability, repetitive RSD were < 10%. The average recovery rate of the added sample was 80%−120%, and the RSD was < 10%. The maximum dose of the acute toxicity test was 184.09 g·kg−1. The 14 d internal body mass, food intake, organ-body ratios, the serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were not significantly different by comparing with the normal controls. Therefore, no significant toxicity was observed.
CONCLUSION
The established standard can provide a reference for evaluating the quality of Triadica cochinchinensis. The heavy metal content of ten batches of medicinal materials is within the safe range. Acute toxicity test show that there is no obvious significant adverse teactions after oral administration, and the safe dose range is large, which can provide a reference for the subsequent development and utilization.
6.The value of exponential apparent diffusion coefficient value in predicting progression-free survival in patients with FIGO stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ cervical cancer
Wanxu REN ; Lei DENG ; Ali SHANG ; Zhiwen CHE ; Jinman ZHONG ; Quanxin YANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(3):402-405,421
Objective To explore the correlation between exponential apparent diffusion coefficient(eADC)value before radical hysterectomy and postoperative clinical results in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stageⅠ/Ⅱ cervical cancer,and to find MR quantitative indicators for predicting the prognosis of patients with early stage cervical cancer.Methods Patients with FIGO stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ cervical cancer who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively collected.All patients underwent MRI plain scan and diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)scan before surgery.Baseline parameters included age,menopause,stage,tumor size,pathological differentiation and type,lymph node involvement,and postoperative adjuvant therapy.MR parameters included mean apparent diffusion coefficient(ADCmean),normalized apparent diffusion coefficient(nADC),eADC,SIDWI,and SIT2.Baseline and MRI parameters associated with recurrence were determined by Cox regression analysis.Results The progression-free survival(PFS)in the low eADC group was longer than that in the high eADC group(P=0.010).Univariate analysis showed that ADC,nADC and eADC were associated with recurrence(P<0.05).In multivariate analysis,only eADC[hazard ratio(HR)3.610;95%confidence interval(CI)1.467-8.886;P=0.005]was associated with recurrence.Conclusion Preoperative eADC is associated with PFS in patients with surgically treated FIGO stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ cervical cancer and is helpful in evaluating the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.
7.Research progress on the current status and associated factors of airborne microbial pollution in college campuses
DENG Xunuo, LIU Yuheng, GAO Chunyan, XU Zihua, MA Xuezheng, REN Liping, CHEN Xiaoqin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(5):751-756
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms, especially pathogenic microorganisms, are easily transmitted through dust and droplets, leading to various infectious diseases. The study summarizes the status of airborne microbial pollution, potential exposure levels, particle size, and species distribution of microorganisms, discusses the impact of airborne microorganisms on human health, and analyzes specific factors affecting campus air microorganisms from four aspects:climate, anthropogenic factors, time, and space, to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective improvement measures, improving air quality and safeguarding the health of teachers and students.
8.Shujin Jiannao Prescription alleviates inflammation in the cerebral cortex of rats with hypoxic-ischemic cerebral palsy
Gang LIU ; Jie ZENG ; Yalin ZHAO ; Bowen DENG ; Shengyuan JIANG ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Jingpei REN ; Chuanyu HU ; Lin XU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(23):3674-3679
BACKGROUND:Shujin Jiannao Prescription is an empirical formula for the treatment of cerebral palsy in Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,with clear clinical efficacy,but the specific mechanism needs to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To explore the possible mechanism of Shujin Jiannao Prescription in treating cerebral palsy. METHODS:Sixty-four 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=12)and a model group(n=52).An animal model was established by the Rice-Vannucci method.After successful modeling,52 model rats were randomly divided into control model group(n=12),minocycline group,and the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of the Shujin Jiannao Prescription(n=10 per group).Rats in the minocycline group were given 40 mg/kg·d minocycline by gavage;rats in the low-,medium,and high-dose groups were given 4,8,and 16 g/kg·d Shujin Jiannao Prescription granules by gavage,respectively;and rats in the normal group and control model group were given an equal dose of normal saline by gavage.Medication in each group was given once a day for 1 week.The rats in each group were evaluated behaviorally using suspension test,abnormal involuntary movement score,and Bederson score.The pathological changes of the cerebral cortex were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The levels of tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin 1β,and interleukin 10 in the cerebral cortex were determined using ELISA.The positive expressions of Janus kinase 2(JAK2),phosphorylated Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3)in the cerebral cortex were detected using immunohistochemistry.The protein expression levels of JAK2,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 were detected using western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the suspension test score and involuntary movement score were decreased in the control model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The pathological results showed structural disruption of nerve cells,formation of large numbers of vacuoles,cell swelling,and increased intercellular space in the control model group.In addition,the expressions of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of interleukin 10 was decreased(P<0.05),and the protein expressions of JAK2,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased(P<0.01)in the control model group compared with the normal group.Compared with the model group,minocycline and Shujin Jiannao Prescription at each dose could improve the behavioral indexes of rats(P<0.01 or P<0.05)and ischemic-hypoxic pathological changes were attenuated,with only a small amount of necrotic nerve cells and a few vacuoles,and reduced intercellular space.Moreover,the expressions of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in the cerebral cortex were decreased in each drug group compared with the control model group(P<0.05),while the protein expressions of JAK2,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 in the cerebral cortex were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The most obvious improvement was observed in the high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription group.To conclude,Shujin Jiannao Prescription can inhibit inflammation in the cerebral cortex of rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
9.Efficacy and safety of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking for refractive error in thin or irregular cornea
Linli ZHANG ; Yu DI ; Ying LI ; Hongli DENG ; Yan REN ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(4):361-366
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) combined with accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) for refractive error in patients with thin or irregular corneas, excluding keratoconus.Methods:An observational case series study was performed.Fifty-five right eyes of 55 myopic patients diagnosed with thin or irregular corneas, who underwent Trans-PRK combined with prophylactic CXL surgery, were included at Baotou Chaoju Eye Ophthalmic Hospital from August 2017 to July 2018.Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of the operated eye was measured using international standard visual acuity charts, and refractive diopters were measured by computer and comprehensive refraction before surgery and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Corneal morphology was assessed with the Pentacam anterior segment analyzer before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a non-contact tonometer before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.The incidence of postoperative complications was recorded.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Baotou Chaoju Ophthalmic Hospital (No.btcj-u-1). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Preoperative, 1-week, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative UDVA (LogMAR) were 0.52(0.55, 0.78), 0.22(0.12, 0.17), 0.10(0.04, 0.07), 0.00(-0.04, -0.16), -0.08(-0.05, -0.03) and -0.08(-0.06, -0.04), respectively, showing a statistically significant overall difference ( Z=249.44, P<0.001). UDVA at each postoperative time point was improved compared to preoperative, and UDVA at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was significantly improved compared to 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (all at P<0.001). The spherical diopter at each postoperative time point decreased significantly compared to preoperative, with the spherical diopter at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively being lower than that at 1 week postoperatively, and the 12-month postoperative spherical diopter being lower than that at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). The cylindrical degree at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was lower than that at preoperative and 1 week postoperatively, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). After the operation, the spherical equivalent of the operated eye gradually decreased with time, tending toward emmetropia.The spherical equivalent at each postoperative time point decreased compared to preoperative, with the spherical equivalent at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively being lower than that at 1 week postoperatively, and the spherical equivalent at 12 months postoperatively being lower than that at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). The corneal K1 and K2 values at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were significantly lower than preoperatively (all at P<0.001), and the corneal K1 and K2 values at 3 months postoperatively tended to stabilize.The IOP of the operated eye at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was significantly lower than preoperatively, and the IOP at 6 and 12 months postoperatively was lower than that at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). One eye developed grade 0.5 corneal haze at 1 week postoperatively, which spontaneously resolved to transparency at 1 month postoperatively. Conclusions:Trans-PRK combined with accelerated CXL has good efficacy, stability and safety for refractive error patients with thin or irregular corneas, except for keratoconus.
10.A case of toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by sorafenib and sintilimab
Lin DENG ; Chao REN ; Tao SUN ; Xi LI ; Shun GUO ; Ang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(2):224-229
A 67-year-old female patient with postoperative recurrence of stage Ⅳright renal cell carcinoma and multiple intracranial metastases was treated with sorafenib and sintilimab.Within 2 weeks,the patient had a fever and red spotted rash in facial,back,buttocks and limb.After 2 days,the fever completely relieved,but subcutaneous exudation appeared on the skin of both elbow joints,buttocks,and outer thighs,followed by gradual epidermal lysis and detachment with skin ulceration.After 4 days,the patient's epidermolysis area was greater than 30%of the body surface area.The patient was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN).The adverse reaction correlation was assessed by ALDEN SCORE sheet.The adverse reaction of TEN was"likely"caused by sorafenib and sintilimab.After withdrawal and treatment,the TEN was cured.This paper explores the correlation between the TEN and the combination use of sorafenib and sintilimab and the management.This paper will provide reference for the early diagnosis and correct treatment of TEN.


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