1.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.
2.Improvement effects and mechanism of Achyranthes bidentata total saponins extract on vascular endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Ruifeng LIANG ; Wenjing GE ; Xiaobo KOU ; Ping TIAN ; Hongzhi AN ; Zheng WEI ; Mingli ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):331-337
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of Achyranthes bidentata total saponins (ABS) extract on vascular endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) based on cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A)/20-hydroxyeicosatetetraenoic acid (20-HETE)/G protein-coupled receptor 75 (GPR75) axis. METHODS Ten Wistar- Kyoto rats were taken as the normal control group. Forty SHR were first stratified by systolic blood pressure and then, within each stratum, randomly assigned using a random-number table to the model group (MOD group), captopril positive control group (CAP group, 10 mg/kg), ABS low- and high-dose extract groups (ABS-L group, ABS-H group, 60 and 120 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Animals in each group were given the corresponding drug or equal volume of pure water by gavage, once a day, for 28 consecutive days. After the last administration, systolic blood pressure of rats was measured. The levels of vasoactive substances, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators in serum were measured. The pathological changes of rat thoracic aorta were observed. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aortic tissue was analyzed. The expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), CYP4A, GPR75, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), phosphorylated NF-κB p65, p22phox, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4(NOX4) in thoracic aorta tissue were detected. RESULTS After 28 d of treatment, compared with MOD group, the systolic blood pressure of rats in the ABS-L and ABS-H groups decreased significantly. The levels of 20-HETE, angiotensin Ⅱ, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and malondialdehyde in serum were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the levels of nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Intimal damage of thoracic aorta was reduced, and endothelial cell morphology was improved. The expressions of ROS, CYP4A, GPR75, p22phox, NOX4 and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 protein in thoracic aorta were down-regulated or reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the expression of eNOS was up-regulated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS ABS extract may alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in SHR effectively by down-regulating the expression of CYP4A, reducing the production of 20-HETE, inhibiting the activation of GPR75, and subsequently suppressing the activation of downstream NF-κB and NOX4, thereby improving hypertension-related vascular endothelial dysfunction.
3.Comorbidity Mechanism Between Ulcerative Colitis and Atrial Fibrillation Based on "Gut Microbiota-gut-heart" Axis
Meiyu FENG ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Yihang DU ; Xuanye DING ; Yuanhui HU ; Haitai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):276-281
The gut microbiota is regarded as the "eighth organ" of the human body and plays a critical regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology and a tendency toward recurrent episodes. In recent years, studies have shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a key role in its pathological processes. Meanwhile, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that imbalances in the gut microbiota and abnormalities in its metabolites are closely associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although UC and AF belong to diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular system, respectively, both exhibit systemic inflammatory characteristics and are often accompanied by gut microbiota dysregulation and abnormal metabolic products. However, systematic investigations into the mechanisms by which gut microbiota-derived metabolites act in these two diseases remain limited. Based on this, the present study adopts literature review and theoretical analysis methods, taking the "gut microbiota-gut-heart" axis as the entry point, to systematically summarize the signaling networks of three key classes of metabolites, i.e., short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in the comorbidity mechanism of UC and AF. The findings indicate that these metabolites may activate key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB and NLRP3, thereby synergistically mediating intestinal barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammation and constructing a potential comorbidity network. On this basis, potential intervention strategies for the treatment of UC-AF comorbidity, including probiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation, are further discussed. This study aims to provide new theoretical evidence and research perspectives for prevention and treatment strategies of cross-system diseases.
4.Correlation between hand foot mouth disease incidence and meteorological factors with assessment for excess incidence risk among children in Jiujiang City
XIE Wenjing, XU Ting, ZHANG Jingjing, LI Jie, FU Weijie
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):417-420
Objective:
To discuss the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) among children in Jiujiang City, and its correlation with meteorological factors, so as to provide scientific evidence for developing targeted HFMD prevention and control measures.
Methods:
HFMD incidence data among children and meteorological factor records from Jiujiang City during 2019-2023 were collected. Pearson correlation analysis and Quasi-Poisson regression analysis of generalized additive model were used to analyze the relationship between the number of cases and meteorological factors, calculating correlation coefficients (r) and excess risk (ER).
Results:
The annual reported children HFMD cases in Jiujiang City during 2019-2023 were 4 299, 4 671, 2 560, 3 230, and 3 584, respectively. Except for a peak in autumn-winter in 2020, outbreaks occurred mainly in spring and summer in other years. The majority of cases involved scattered children (71.11%) and children in daycare centers (26.64%). Pearson correlation analysis showed that total case counts, cases among scattered children, and cases among children in daycare centers were positively correlated with average temperature ( r =0.36, 0.39, 0.23), maximum temperature ( r =0.32, 0.36, 0.20), minimum temperature ( r =0.37, 0.41, 0.24), and average relative humidity ( r =0.19, 0.20, 0.15) (all P <0.05). Quasi-Poisson regression analysis of generalized additive model revealed that total cases, cases among scattered children, and cases among daycare children were positively associated with average temperature ( r =0.05, 0.06, 0.03) and average relative humidity ( r =0.03, 0.02, 0.02) (all P <0.01). Excess incidence risk analysis indicated that for every 10 ℃ increase in average temperature, the ER (95% CI ) values were 72.16 (45.91-103.14), 79.76 (52.99- 111.23 ) and 39.30 (14.45-69.54) among total children, scattered children and daycare children, respectively; for every 10% increase in average relative humidity, the ER (95% CI ) values were 28.69 (12.22-47.56), 27.81 (12.01-45.84) and 24.42 (5.56-46.65), respectively.
Conclusions
The incidence level of HFMD among children in Jiujiang City is positively correlated with the average temperature and average relative humidity. Higher temperature and humidity are associated with an increased risk of excess HFMD incidence in scattered children compared to children in daycare centers.
5.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
6.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
7.Effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Jiajia YUAN ; Huaining HU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):337-344
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy on respiratory function, exercise capacity and clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA total of 96 COPD patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from January, 2023 to June, 2024 were selected. They were divided into control group and observation group (48 cases each) using block randomization combined with a random number table. The control group received routine treatment and nursing intervention, while the observation group added tele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy, for six months. Evaluations were conducted before intervention and one, three and six months after intervention. ResultsThree cases in the control group and two in the observation group dropped out. Compared to the control group, the observation group was better in forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted (FEV1%) level six months after intervention (χ2 = 10.481, P < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure three months (Z = -2.045, P = 0.044) and six months (Z = -3.643, P = 0.033) after intervention, maximal expiratory pressure three months (Z = 2.111, P = 0.036) and six months (Z = 4.025, P < 0.001) after intervention, exercise capacity one month (t = 2.266, P = 0.028), three months (t = 3.943, P = 0.028) and six months (t = 6.703, P < 0.001) after intervention, fatigue scores three months (Z = -4.352, P < 0.001) and six months (Z = -5.718, P < 0.001) after intervention, clinical symptoms three months (t = -2.698, P = 0.007) and six months (t = -2.898, P = 0.003) after intervention, and clinical control levels three months (t = -3.402, P < 0.001) and six months (t = -5.036, P < 0.001) after intervention. ConclusionTele-supervised home-based pulmonary music therapy is beneficial in improving respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, clinical symptoms and clinical control levels in patients with COPD.
8.Mechanism of Xinnao shutong capsule alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating ferroptosis
Huani LI ; Changhe LIU ; Xiaoyan GUO ; Xin ZHONG ; Wei ZHANG ; Wenjing GE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):306-311
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of Xinnao shutong capsule alleviating cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats by regulating the ferroptosis pathway. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, Xinnao shutong low-dose, high-dose group (220, 440 mg/kg), Ginkgo biloba leaves extract group (positive control, 150 mg/kg). Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication/normal saline for 7 consecutive days. Transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was adopted to induce the CIRI model; the samples were taken 24 h after the operation; the cerebral infarction area of rats was detected, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated. The pathological changes of brain tissues were observed, and the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in cerebral tissue were detected; mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were all detected in cerebral tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with model group, the cerebral infarction rate, the content of total iron in cerebral tissue and serum level of LPO (except for Ginkgo biloba leaves extract group and Xinnao shutong low-dose group) were all decreased significantly in G. biloba leaves extract group and Xinnao shutong groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the serum level of GSH, the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 were all increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological damage to brain tissue was reduced, the number of nerve cells increased, the edema was alleviated, and the nuclear membrane was flattened. CONCLUSIONS Xinnao shutong capsule can inhibit ferroptosis and reduce CIRI, the mechanism of which may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
9.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
10.Advances in the impact of obesity on ocular diseases
Di ZHANG ; Huixian WANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Wenjing LI
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):88-93
Obesity is a risk factor and pathological basis for various chronic non-communicable diseases and is an important risk factor leading to human mortality and disability. The harm of obesity to the body includes not only various systemic diseases but also some ocular diseases. Currently, the higher pursuit of life and visual quality has led to increased attention to the etiology and prevention of ocular diseases, and the impact of obesity on ocular diseases has been gradually discovered. This article reviews the impact of obesity on certain ocular diseases to deepen the understanding of obesity's impact on ocular diseases and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases.


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