1.Exploring Intervention Effect of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice on Slow-transit Constipation and Its "Microbiota-Metabolism" Synergistic Regulation Mechanism Based on Theory of "Spleen Governing Transportation and Transformation"
Dan LI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Xiaofen WANG ; Zuxin HE ; Junnan WEI ; Yanqing LIU ; Yuxuan GAO ; Ping LUO ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):201-209
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "spleen governing transportation and transformation", this study investigates the efficacy of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AMR-AFI) in improving slow-transit constipation(STC), as well as the synergistic regulatory mechanism involving the microbiota-metabolism axis, thereby elucidating the scientific basis of its processing theory. MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into the control group, model group, positive drug(mosapride) group(3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of AMR-AFI(3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the remaining five groups were induced with STC using loperamide hydrochloride. Following modeling, interventions were administered. All groups received continuous administration for 15 d, during which fecal samples, colon tissue, and serum were collected. Constipation improvement was assessed by measuring fecal moisture content and small intestinal propulsion rate, histological morphology of colonic tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-2 in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, the microbial community structure in mouse feces was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, while transcriptomic sequencing was employed to screen differentially expressed genes in colonic tissue, followed by gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the association between differential microbiota and differential genes. ResultsCompared with the control group, the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2 were significantly elevated(P<0.01). HE staining showed damage and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, along with a reduction in goblet cells in the model group. In comparison with the model group, all treatment groups improved the pathological state of the colonic mucosa to varying degrees and reduced serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2(P<0.01). Among these, the high-dose group of AMR-AFI significantly increased the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content of rats(P<0.05, P<0.01). Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that a total of 104 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons between the model group and the control group, as well as between the model group and the high-dose group of AMR-AFI. These genes were mainly enriched in pathways closely related to STC pathogenesis, such as arachidonic acid metabolism and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that AMR-AFI reversed the structural imbalance of the gut microbiota in model mice, increased species richness, downregulated the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Parasutterella, and enriched beneficial and butyrate-producing bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the beneficial bacteria enriched in the AMR-AFI group were negatively correlated with genes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and positively correlated with genes in the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. In contrast, pro-inflammatory bacteria in the model group exhibited the opposite correlation trends. ConclusionAMR-AFI can effectively exert synergistic therapeutic effects on STC by regulating intestinal microbiota, arachidonic acid-mediated inflammatory metabolism, and aldosterone-regulated water-salt balance pathways.
2.Exploring Intervention Effect of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice on Slow-transit Constipation and Its "Microbiota-Metabolism" Synergistic Regulation Mechanism Based on Theory of "Spleen Governing Transportation and Transformation"
Dan LI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Xiaofen WANG ; Zuxin HE ; Junnan WEI ; Yanqing LIU ; Yuxuan GAO ; Ping LUO ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):201-209
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "spleen governing transportation and transformation", this study investigates the efficacy of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AMR-AFI) in improving slow-transit constipation(STC), as well as the synergistic regulatory mechanism involving the microbiota-metabolism axis, thereby elucidating the scientific basis of its processing theory. MethodsAnimals were randomly divided into the control group, model group, positive drug(mosapride) group(3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of AMR-AFI(3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the remaining five groups were induced with STC using loperamide hydrochloride. Following modeling, interventions were administered. All groups received continuous administration for 15 d, during which fecal samples, colon tissue, and serum were collected. Constipation improvement was assessed by measuring fecal moisture content and small intestinal propulsion rate, histological morphology of colonic tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-2 in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, the microbial community structure in mouse feces was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, while transcriptomic sequencing was employed to screen differentially expressed genes in colonic tissue, followed by gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the association between differential microbiota and differential genes. ResultsCompared with the control group, the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2 were significantly elevated(P<0.01). HE staining showed damage and shedding of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, along with a reduction in goblet cells in the model group. In comparison with the model group, all treatment groups improved the pathological state of the colonic mucosa to varying degrees and reduced serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2(P<0.01). Among these, the high-dose group of AMR-AFI significantly increased the intestinal propulsion rate and fecal moisture content of rats(P<0.05, P<0.01). Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that a total of 104 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons between the model group and the control group, as well as between the model group and the high-dose group of AMR-AFI. These genes were mainly enriched in pathways closely related to STC pathogenesis, such as arachidonic acid metabolism and aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that AMR-AFI reversed the structural imbalance of the gut microbiota in model mice, increased species richness, downregulated the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Parasutterella, and enriched beneficial and butyrate-producing bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. Spearman correlation analysis further showed that the beneficial bacteria enriched in the AMR-AFI group were negatively correlated with genes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and positively correlated with genes in the aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption pathway. In contrast, pro-inflammatory bacteria in the model group exhibited the opposite correlation trends. ConclusionAMR-AFI can effectively exert synergistic therapeutic effects on STC by regulating intestinal microbiota, arachidonic acid-mediated inflammatory metabolism, and aldosterone-regulated water-salt balance pathways.
3.Preparation and evaluation of PET tracer 18F-JR-1001 targeting cannabinoid type 1 receptor
Dilong MAO ; Yangyang XU ; Junwei CHEN ; Wanli HE ; Chentao JIN ; Xiaofen MA ; Hong ZHANG ; Yi WEI ; Shuxia CAO ; Qiaozhen CHEN ; Qinggang HE
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(10):617-622
Objective:To prepare ((2-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-((2- 18F-fluoroethyl)oxy)phenyl)-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydrooxepino[3, 2-c]pyrazol-8-yl)amino)methanoic acid methyl ester ( 18F-JR-1001) and evaluate its binding affinity to the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). Methods:18F-JR-1001 was synthesized using an integrated automated synthesis module, and its radiochemical yield (RCY) and molar activity were determined. Cell-specific uptake, lipid-water partition coefficient (log P), competitive binding assays, and in vitro stability tests were performed. Rimonabant-fed rat models (blocking group) with pre-occupied CB1R were established. Radioautography and microPET/CT imaging were conducted on both the blocking group and normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to evaluate the brain uptake of 18F-JR-1001 and its blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration capability. Results:The RCY of the synthetic 18F-JR-1001 after decay correction was (32.5±9.2)% ( n=10), with the molar activity of (194.6±67.3)GBq/μmol. Cell experiments demonstrated that 18F-JR-1001 exhibited specificity for CB1R, with log P of 3.40±0.11 ( n=3) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.975nmol/L. Within 3h at 37℃, the radiochemical purity of 18F-JR-1001 in physiological saline and blood remained above 92%, with no significant radioactive by-product peaks observed. Radioautography showed that the whole brain uptake of 18F-JR-1001 in the blocking group was 65.6% of that in normal SD rats. MicroPET/CT imaging showed that the mean whole brain uptake of 18F-JR-1001 in the blocking group was 0.4706, which was lower than that in normal SD rats (1.0561). Additionally, continuous scanning for 60min demonstrated that 18F-JR-1001 exhibited good BBB penetration capability. Conclusion:The synthesized 18F-JR-1001 meets the requirements of production and application, and is proved the potential as a CB1R-targeted tracer in the in vitro experiments, microPET/CT imaging and radioautography.
4.Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of TRPV4 in the dorsal root ganglion of diabetic neuropathic pain model rats
Minjian JIANG ; Hengyu CHI ; Yurong KANG ; Yongliang JIANG ; Yinmu ZHENG ; Siyi LI ; Shuting ZHOU ; Boyu LIU ; Xiaomei SHAO ; Jianqiao FANG ; Xiaofen HE
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):241-248
Objective To explore the function of electroacupuncture(EA)on body mass,fasting blood glucose,heat pain threshold,and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4)in the dorsal root ganglia(DRG)of rats with diabetic neuropathic pain(DNP).Methods A DNP rat model was formed by intraperitoneally injecting the animals with STZ.From days 15 to 21,bilateral Zusanli and Kunlun points of the DNP rat model were treated with electroacupuncture once daily for 30 min.We then measured their body mass,fasting blood glucose,and heat pain threshold.The co-expression of TRPV4 and NeuN in the rat L4~L6 DRG was detected by immunofluorescence.The effects of the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A on body mass,fasting blood glucose,and the heat pain threshold of DNP rats treated with electroacupuncture were detected.Results After the 7th day,body mass was significantly decreased(P<0.01)and fasting glucose was significantly increased(P<0.01)in the model group compared with the normal group.After the 21st day,compared with the model group,heat pain threshold of the model+electroacupuncture group was significantly higher(P<0.01);the results of co-expression of TRPV4 and NeuN immunofluorescence on rat L4~L6 DRG showed that:the expression of positive cells in the model group was significantly higher(P<0.01)than that in the normal group,the co-expression of TRPV4 and NeuN positive cells in L4~L6 DRG of rats in the model+electroacupuncture group was significantly lower(P<0.01)than that in the model group.The TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A can reverse the downregulation of thermal pain threshold induced by electroacupuncture in DNP rats(P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture alleviated the DNP induced by STZ,and its mechanism may involve the inhibition of TRPV4 protein expression in the DRG.
5.Catalpol regulates expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 in salivary gland epithelial cells for therapy mechanism of Sj?gren's syndrome model mice
Weiqian HE ; Chunfeng WU ; Xiaofen LI ; Yuan LIU ; Yujie GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(4):798-802
Objective:To observe therapeutic effect of catalpol on Sj?gren's syndrome(SS)model mice and explore further mechanism through vitro experiments.Methods:Eight-week-old NOD mice were given catalpol 100 mg/kg by gavage for 8 weeks.Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were measured.Pathological of salivary glands were observed.lnc-NONHSAT071210 shRNA trans-fected salivary gland epithelial cell lines were treated with 50 μmol/L catalpol,and expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 was detected.Cells were intervented by 10 ng/ml IFN-γ,lnc-NONHSAT071210 shRNA and catalpol treatment for 72 h,cell proliferation and expressions of IL-17 and IFN-γ were detected.Results:Compared with control group,expressions of IFN-γ and IL-17 were decreased(P<0.05),pathology of salivary gland showed that infiltration of lymphocytes was reduced and destruction of gland structure was significantly reduced in catalpol group.Compared with IFN-γ intervention group,catalpol treatment significantly increased prolifera-tion of salivary gland epithelial cells,and decreased expressions of IFN-γ and IL-17(P<0.05).After catalpol treatment,expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 was decreased(P<0.05).Moreover,IFN-γ and IL-17 expressions were decreased by catalpol and lnc-NONH-SAT071210 shRNA co-treatment(P<0.01).Conclusion:Catalpol can inhibit expressions of inflammatory cytokines in serum and infiltration of lymphocyte in salivary gland of SS model mice,and inhibit salivary gland ductal fine epithelial inflammatory response and progression of SS by regulating lnc-NONHSAT071210.
6.Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of TRPV4 in the dorsal root ganglion of diabetic neuropathic pain model rats
Minjian JIANG ; Hengyu CHI ; Yurong KANG ; Yongliang JIANG ; Yinmu ZHENG ; Siyi LI ; Shuting ZHOU ; Boyu LIU ; Xiaomei SHAO ; Jianqiao FANG ; Xiaofen HE
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):241-248
Objective To explore the function of electroacupuncture(EA)on body mass,fasting blood glucose,heat pain threshold,and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4)in the dorsal root ganglia(DRG)of rats with diabetic neuropathic pain(DNP).Methods A DNP rat model was formed by intraperitoneally injecting the animals with STZ.From days 15 to 21,bilateral Zusanli and Kunlun points of the DNP rat model were treated with electroacupuncture once daily for 30 min.We then measured their body mass,fasting blood glucose,and heat pain threshold.The co-expression of TRPV4 and NeuN in the rat L4~L6 DRG was detected by immunofluorescence.The effects of the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A on body mass,fasting blood glucose,and the heat pain threshold of DNP rats treated with electroacupuncture were detected.Results After the 7th day,body mass was significantly decreased(P<0.01)and fasting glucose was significantly increased(P<0.01)in the model group compared with the normal group.After the 21st day,compared with the model group,heat pain threshold of the model+electroacupuncture group was significantly higher(P<0.01);the results of co-expression of TRPV4 and NeuN immunofluorescence on rat L4~L6 DRG showed that:the expression of positive cells in the model group was significantly higher(P<0.01)than that in the normal group,the co-expression of TRPV4 and NeuN positive cells in L4~L6 DRG of rats in the model+electroacupuncture group was significantly lower(P<0.01)than that in the model group.The TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A can reverse the downregulation of thermal pain threshold induced by electroacupuncture in DNP rats(P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture alleviated the DNP induced by STZ,and its mechanism may involve the inhibition of TRPV4 protein expression in the DRG.
7.Catalpol regulates expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 in salivary gland epithelial cells for therapy mechanism of Sj?gren's syndrome model mice
Weiqian HE ; Chunfeng WU ; Xiaofen LI ; Yuan LIU ; Yujie GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(4):798-802
Objective:To observe therapeutic effect of catalpol on Sj?gren's syndrome(SS)model mice and explore further mechanism through vitro experiments.Methods:Eight-week-old NOD mice were given catalpol 100 mg/kg by gavage for 8 weeks.Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were measured.Pathological of salivary glands were observed.lnc-NONHSAT071210 shRNA trans-fected salivary gland epithelial cell lines were treated with 50 μmol/L catalpol,and expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 was detected.Cells were intervented by 10 ng/ml IFN-γ,lnc-NONHSAT071210 shRNA and catalpol treatment for 72 h,cell proliferation and expressions of IL-17 and IFN-γ were detected.Results:Compared with control group,expressions of IFN-γ and IL-17 were decreased(P<0.05),pathology of salivary gland showed that infiltration of lymphocytes was reduced and destruction of gland structure was significantly reduced in catalpol group.Compared with IFN-γ intervention group,catalpol treatment significantly increased prolifera-tion of salivary gland epithelial cells,and decreased expressions of IFN-γ and IL-17(P<0.05).After catalpol treatment,expression of lnc-NONHSAT071210 was decreased(P<0.05).Moreover,IFN-γ and IL-17 expressions were decreased by catalpol and lnc-NONH-SAT071210 shRNA co-treatment(P<0.01).Conclusion:Catalpol can inhibit expressions of inflammatory cytokines in serum and infiltration of lymphocyte in salivary gland of SS model mice,and inhibit salivary gland ductal fine epithelial inflammatory response and progression of SS by regulating lnc-NONHSAT071210.
8.Preparation and evaluation of PET tracer 18F-JR-1001 targeting cannabinoid type 1 receptor
Dilong MAO ; Yangyang XU ; Junwei CHEN ; Wanli HE ; Chentao JIN ; Xiaofen MA ; Hong ZHANG ; Yi WEI ; Shuxia CAO ; Qiaozhen CHEN ; Qinggang HE
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(10):617-622
Objective:To prepare ((2-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-((2- 18F-fluoroethyl)oxy)phenyl)-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydrooxepino[3, 2-c]pyrazol-8-yl)amino)methanoic acid methyl ester ( 18F-JR-1001) and evaluate its binding affinity to the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R). Methods:18F-JR-1001 was synthesized using an integrated automated synthesis module, and its radiochemical yield (RCY) and molar activity were determined. Cell-specific uptake, lipid-water partition coefficient (log P), competitive binding assays, and in vitro stability tests were performed. Rimonabant-fed rat models (blocking group) with pre-occupied CB1R were established. Radioautography and microPET/CT imaging were conducted on both the blocking group and normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to evaluate the brain uptake of 18F-JR-1001 and its blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration capability. Results:The RCY of the synthetic 18F-JR-1001 after decay correction was (32.5±9.2)% ( n=10), with the molar activity of (194.6±67.3)GBq/μmol. Cell experiments demonstrated that 18F-JR-1001 exhibited specificity for CB1R, with log P of 3.40±0.11 ( n=3) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.975nmol/L. Within 3h at 37℃, the radiochemical purity of 18F-JR-1001 in physiological saline and blood remained above 92%, with no significant radioactive by-product peaks observed. Radioautography showed that the whole brain uptake of 18F-JR-1001 in the blocking group was 65.6% of that in normal SD rats. MicroPET/CT imaging showed that the mean whole brain uptake of 18F-JR-1001 in the blocking group was 0.4706, which was lower than that in normal SD rats (1.0561). Additionally, continuous scanning for 60min demonstrated that 18F-JR-1001 exhibited good BBB penetration capability. Conclusion:The synthesized 18F-JR-1001 meets the requirements of production and application, and is proved the potential as a CB1R-targeted tracer in the in vitro experiments, microPET/CT imaging and radioautography.
9.A randomized controlled trial on effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on negative emotions in patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention
Xia YAN ; Xiaofen DONG ; Wei TAN ; Lingyun WANG ; Lihua HE ; Laimei LUO ; Yi CHENG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(10):867-872
Objective:Evaluate the effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on improving negative e-motions,mindfulness attention awareness,and sleep quality in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)for coronary heart disease.Methods:Eighty-four patients with coronary heart disease after PCI admitted to the cardiology department were selected.According to the principle of simple randomization,they were divided into an intervention group of 42 cases and a control group of 42 cases.The Self Rating Anxiety Scale/Self Rating De-pression Scale,Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale,and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale were used as eval-uation indicators before and after intervention.Results:The difference in total scores of anxiety,depression,and mindfulness attention awareness before and after intervention in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The difference in total sleep score,sleep quality,time to fall asleep,sleep duration,use of hypnotic drugs,daytime dysfunction,and total sleep score before and after intervention was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:It suggests that brief mindfulness meditation training could alleviate negative emotions in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI,improve mindfulness awareness,and improve sleep quali-ty.
10.Effect of electroacupuncture on expression of p-ERK and p-CREB in the spinal dorsal horn of diabetic neuropathic pain rats
Liqian MA ; Xiaoxiang WANG ; Kunlong ZHANG ; Yiqi MA ; Qunqi HU ; Yurong KANG ; Hanzhi WANG ; Siying QU ; Yinmu ZHENG ; Siyi LI ; Xiaomei SHAO ; Yongliang JIANG ; Jianqiao FANG ; Xiaofen HE
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2022;44(8):679-684
Objective:To observe any effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (p-ERK1/2) and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (p-CREB) in the spinal dorsal horns of diabetics experiencing neuropathic pain.Methods:Eight rats were randomly selected from 30 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats as the normal group (N), and the remaining twenty-two rats were treated with a single high-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to establish a neuropathic pain model. The rats modeled successfully were randomly divided into a model group (M, n=8) and an EA group ( n=8). In the EA group, electroacupuncture was applied at the bilateral Hou san li and Kunlun acupoints starting on the 15th day after the STZ injection. The daily sessions lasted 30 minutes for 1 week. Body weight (BW), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were observed before the STZ injection and on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days afterward. The expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB in the dorsal horns of the rats′ spinal cords was detected using western blotting. The count of p-CREB-positive cells in the dorsal horns and their co-localization with neurons was detected using immunofluorescence. Results:In comparison with the N group, the average BW of the M group on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after the STZ injection was significantly lower, while the average FBG was significantly higher. There was no significant difference between the M and N groups in the average PWL on the 7th day after the STZ injection, but it had decreased significantly in the M group on the 14th and 21st days. Compared with the M group, the average PWL of the EA group was significantly longer on the 21st day after the injection. The expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB protein in the spines of the M group was significantly higher than in the N group. p-CREB positive cells were more numerous in the M group compared with the N group, while in the EA group they were fewer. P-CREB was co-located with neurons in the spinal dorsal horn.Conclusion:EA can alleviate neuropathic pain effectively, perhaps by inhibiting the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-CREB in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord.

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