1.Mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules regulating NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway on antidepressant effect in rats
Shuang MENG ; Jie ZHAO ; Xinxin WANG ; Dandan TAN ; Xiaorong ZHOU ; Huimin SUN ; Xiaojuan MA ; Zhenyu FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1440-1446
OBJECTIVE To explore the antidepressant mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules (WYJYG) via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)/Caspase-1 pathway. METHODS A rat model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with single-housing for 42 consecutive days.The experiment set up blank group, model group, MCC950 (NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor) group (10 mg/kg), fluoxetine group (positive control,2.08 mg/kg),low-dose WYJYG(3.78 g/kg) and high-dose WYJYG group (7.56 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group. From the 22nd day of the experiment, rats in the fluoxetine group, low-dose and high-dose WYJYG groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Rats in the MCC950 group were intraperitoneally injected with MCC950 at the corresponding concentration and intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water. Rats in the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage and an equal volume of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. All interventions were performed once a day for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were conducted once a week. After the last administration, the contents of ASC, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in hippocampal tissues were detected. The protein expressions of NLRP3, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein were determined, and neuronal apoptosis was observed. RESULTS After the last administration, compared with the model group, the open-field activity time was significantly prolonged ( P <0.05), and the latency to feed in a novel environment was significantly shortened ( P <0.05) in rats of the high-dose WYJYG group. In hippocampal tissue, the contents of ASC, Iba1, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and CD68, and the positive rate of neuronal apoptosis were all significantly decreased/downregulated ( P <0.05). Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly upregulated ( P <0.05), and the density of neuronal apoptosis-positive cells was significantly reduced ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS WYJYG play on antidepressant role by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway, reducing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, and inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis.
2.Dual regulatory role of Müller glial cells in glaucoma and its targeted therapeutic potential
Weihua SUN ; Hongyun YUE ; Xiaojuan HUANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1371-1375
The core pathological process of optic neuropathy caused by glaucoma is the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs). As the primary glial cells in the retina, Müller glial cells play a crucial and complex dual regulatory role in the pathological microenvironment of glaucoma. On one hand, Müller cells can exert endogenous protective effects by secreting neurotrophic factors, enhancing RGC viability through co-culture, and regulating glutamate metabolism. On the other hand, under sustained stress such as elevated intraocular pressure, Müller cells are activated by mechanosensitive channels(e.g., TRPV4), transforming into a reactive gliosis phenotype. This leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines that exacerbate RGC apoptosis, while their metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations also contribute to the process of neuronal injury. This article systematically reviews the research progress on the dual roles of Müller cells in protecting and damaging the optic nerve in glaucoma, exploring new therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection by regulating their cellular states. It outlines the main controversies and unresolved issues in this field and, based on the latest research advances, analyzes the implications of targeting Müller cells for current clinical treatments and future development trends.
3.Investigation of natural radionuclide activity in drinking water in Hohhot, China
Bo JU ; Yulong BAO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Xiang LIU ; Xiao XU ; Zhichao SUN ; Xiaojuan YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):159-164
Objective To investigate the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in drinking water (tap water and well water) in urban and rural areas of Hohhot, assess the safety of drinking water, and to provide data support for local drinking water radioactivity monitoring and management. Methods Representative samples of well water and tap water were collected from nine banners/counties/districts in Hohhot. Activity concentrations were measured using a low-background gross α/β counter, an α spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and a radium/radon analyzer. Results A total of nine tap water samples and nine well water samples were analyzed. For the tap water samples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.093 to 0.193 Bq/L, gross β from 0.091 to 0.225 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrations from 2.32 to 10.36 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.09 to 0.20 μg/L,210Po activity concentrations from below the minimum detectable limit to 0.41 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 8.70 to 13.35 mBq/L. For the well water samples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.111 to 0.203 Bq/L, gross β from 0.111 to 0.270 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrations from 2.31 to 13.28 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.17 to 0.26 μg/L,210Po activity concentrations from 1.03 to 2.12 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 15.38 to 23.63 mBq/L. Conclusion The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in both well water and tap water in the Hohhot region were at environmental background levels and met national drinking water hygiene standards.
4.Prevalence and influencing factor of high myopia with fundus lesions in active-duty military personel
Shuqi SONG ; Di HUANG ; Xiaojuan LI ; Xueying WANG ; Zhenzhen WU ; Yongfeng SUN
International Eye Science 2026;26(10):1860-1864
AIM:To investigate the prevalence of ocular fundus lesions among active-duty military personnel with high myopia and to analyze the associated influencing factors.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study. Subjects included military personnel with high myopia(≤-6.00 D)and elongated axial length(≥26 mm). A systematic evaluation protocol was implemented, consisting of standardized questionnaires, general physical health examinations, and comprehensive ophthalmic assessments. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to screen for fundus lesions in highly myopic subjects, and the prevalence of related lesions was calculated. Axial length, refractive error, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and macular ganglion cell complex(GCC)thickness were measured. Univariate analysis was performed to compare differences in the above parameters between highly myopic subjects with and without concomitant fundus lesions. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was further applied to identify risk factors for fundus lesions.
RESULTS:A total of 134 male patients(268 eyes)were enrolled, with the mean age of 24.5±3.2 y. Of the 268 eyes, 123 eyes(45.9%)showed positive signs of fundus lesions. Among these, parapapillary blood flow density reduction was found in 84 eyes(31.3%), GCC thinning in 46 eyes(17.2%), drusen in 8 eyes(3.0%), optic disc edema in 7 eyes(2.6%), retinoschisis in 6 eyes(2.2%), and choroidal excavation in 3 eyes(1.1%). BCVA was significantly lower in highly myopic patients with retinoschisis than in those without retinoschisis(P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed that refractive error, axial length, and posterior scleral expansion were associated with the occurrence of fundus lesions(P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that axial length(OR=2.52, 95%CI: 1.67-3.80, P<0.001)and posterior scleral expansion(OR=3.12, 95%CI: 1.65-5.92, P<0.01)were significant risk factors for fundus lesions in highly myopic military personnel.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of fundus lesions is relatively high among active-duty military personnel with high myopia. Peripapillary flow density reduction and GCC thinning are the most common manifestations in this population. Increased axial length and posterior scleral ectasia are significant contributing factors. It is recommended that OCT be incorporated into routine ophthalmic examinations for these military personnel, thereby providing a basis for the early detection and intervention of fundus lesions.
5.Microbial Culture Results and Pathogen Profiles of Donor Corneas in Eye Bank
Jianping JI ; Huicong HU ; Zhancong OU ; Rongrong CHEN ; Jiabi LIANG ; Nandan WU ; Xiaojuan DONG ; Ting HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):886-898
ObjectiveTo analyze the microbial culture positivity rate, pathogen spectrum, prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and differences among donor procurement sources in corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province, and to provide evidence for eye bank quality control and the prevention of post-keratoplasty infections. MethodsThis retrospective study included 7 442 donor corneas procured by the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province and used for keratoplasty at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, between 2018 and 2025. During surgery, donor corneoscleral rim tissue was excised for bacterial and fungal culture. Culture-positive specimens underwent microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Culture-positive corneas were compared across study years, pathogen categories, and donor procurement sources. ResultsOf the 7 442 donor corneas, 251 were culture-positive, corresponding to an overall culture positivity rate of 3.37%, with annual rates ranging from 1.50% to 5.31%. Among culture-positive corneas, 178 (70.92%) yielded bacteria alone, 72 (28.68%) yielded fungi alone, and 1 (0.40%) yielded both bacteria and fungi. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the predominant fungal isolates. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently isolated than Gram-positive bacteria. The most common bacterial isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. MDROs accounted for 75.47% of bacterial isolates, predominantly Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium, and demonstrated an increasing trend over the study period. Donor corneas procured through the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP) had a higher culture positivity rate than those obtained through Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) (P<0.000 1). Among culture-positive donor corneas, the proportion of fungal culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the HCRP group than in the OPO group (P=0.001 5), whereas the proportion of MDROs among bacterial culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the OPO group than that in the HCRP group (P=0.005 2). ConclusionsThe overall culture positivity rate of donor corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province is relatively low, indicating that the risk of microbial contamination is controlled. However, pathogen profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns varies by procurement source. Ongoing microbiological and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, together with optimized donor risk assessment and timely reporting of culture results, may further improve eye bank quality management and help inform strategies for preventing post-keratoplasty infections.
6.Microbial Culture Results and Pathogen Profiles of Donor Corneas in Eye Bank
Jianping JI ; Huicong HU ; Zhancong OU ; Rongrong CHEN ; Jiabi LIANG ; Nandan WU ; Xiaojuan DONG ; Ting HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):886-898
ObjectiveTo analyze the microbial culture positivity rate, pathogen spectrum, prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and differences among donor procurement sources in corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province, and to provide evidence for eye bank quality control and the prevention of post-keratoplasty infections. MethodsThis retrospective study included 7 442 donor corneas procured by the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province and used for keratoplasty at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, between 2018 and 2025. During surgery, donor corneoscleral rim tissue was excised for bacterial and fungal culture. Culture-positive specimens underwent microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Culture-positive corneas were compared across study years, pathogen categories, and donor procurement sources. ResultsOf the 7 442 donor corneas, 251 were culture-positive, corresponding to an overall culture positivity rate of 3.37%, with annual rates ranging from 1.50% to 5.31%. Among culture-positive corneas, 178 (70.92%) yielded bacteria alone, 72 (28.68%) yielded fungi alone, and 1 (0.40%) yielded both bacteria and fungi. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the predominant fungal isolates. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently isolated than Gram-positive bacteria. The most common bacterial isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. MDROs accounted for 75.47% of bacterial isolates, predominantly Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium, and demonstrated an increasing trend over the study period. Donor corneas procured through the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP) had a higher culture positivity rate than those obtained through Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) (P<0.000 1). Among culture-positive donor corneas, the proportion of fungal culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the HCRP group than in the OPO group (P=0.001 5), whereas the proportion of MDROs among bacterial culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the OPO group than that in the HCRP group (P=0.005 2). ConclusionsThe overall culture positivity rate of donor corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province is relatively low, indicating that the risk of microbial contamination is controlled. However, pathogen profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns varies by procurement source. Ongoing microbiological and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, together with optimized donor risk assessment and timely reporting of culture results, may further improve eye bank quality management and help inform strategies for preventing post-keratoplasty infections.
7.Preparation of decellularized extracellular matrix-gelatin methacryloyl composite hydrogels and their effects on hepatocyte proliferation
Jing SHI ; Jin CHU ; Tao SUN ; Jin GAO ; Xiaolong HE ; Ning YANG ; Liang LI ; Xue ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Guodong LYU ; Renyong LIN ; Xiaojuan BI
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(1):47-55
Objective:To prepare decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composite hydrogels and to study their effects on hepatocyte proliferation.Methods:Hepatic dECM was prepared by elution, and GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels were prepared by pepsin solubilization. The morphology of normal liver and dECM liver was observed by eyes and scanning electron microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red and periodate-Schiff staining, respectively. The internal structure of the dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the pore diameter was measured. Liver HL-7702 cells were co-cultured with GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels, and the cell proliferation viability was determined by cell counting kit-8. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Wnt family protein 5a (Wnt5a), β-catenin, extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test or one-factor analysis of variance. Results:After decellularization, the hepatocyte morphology showed rounded depressions, and the extracellular matrix structure was intact. The GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels showed inernally porous structures. The pore diameter increased from (3.06±1.35) μm in the GelMA hydrogel to (16.01±4.02) μm in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel. On the 3rd, 5th and 7th day, the relative cell proliferation was higher in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group than that in the GelMA hydrogel group (1.89±0.04 vs 1.53±0.01, 9.36±0.04 vs 3.89±0.09, 7.15±0.27 vs 4.89±0.15, all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of PCNA, Wnt5a, β-catenin, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 proteins in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group were higher than those in the GelMA hydrogel group (2.14±0.04 vs 1.00±0.03, 2.36±0.09 vs 1.00±0.08, 1.45±0.03 vs 1.00±0.04, 1.43±0.04 vs 1.00±0.01, all P<0.05). Conclusions:A dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel can be prepared, which may promote hepatocyte proliferation by upregulating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
8.Role and mechanism of DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by Echinococcus alveolar infection
Jin GAO ; Tao SUN ; Mulati MUKEXINA ; Xiaolong HE ; Jing SHI ; Liang LI ; Ning YANG ; Jin CHU ; Xue ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Guodong LYU ; Renyong LIN ; Xiaojuan BI ; Qingyong GUO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):298-304
To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P<0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P<0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P<0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P<0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.
9.The incidence and influencing factors of axillary reticular syndrome after breast cancer surgery:a systematic review
Yuying SUN ; Yeting WANG ; Xiaojuan QIAO ; Yu XU ; Bei YANG ; Qiuyue SONG ; Yaofeng ZHU
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(2):31-39
Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence and influencing factors of axillary web syndrome(AWS)in postoperative breast cancer patients,and to provide evidence for reducing the incidence of axillary web syndrome.Methods A computer search was performed in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP,Wanfang,SinoMed,PubMed,Medline,Scopus,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,searched for articles on AWS influencing factors of breast cancer published from the establishment of the database to January 6th,2025.The articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Revman5.4 and Stata17.0 were used for systematic review.Results Fifteen studies involving 3979 breast cancer patients and 1 156 patients with AWS were included.The results of the Meta-analysis showed that there was significant statistical heterogeneity among the included studies(I2=97.0%,P<0.0001).Using the random effects model,the incidence of AWS was 32.2%[95%CI(0.24,0.40),P<0.0001].The influencing factors for AWS after breast cancer surgery are age,body mass index(BMI),total mastectomy,lymph node metastasis,and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.NAC),axillary lymph node dissection(ALND),and the number of harvested axillary lymph nodes.Conclusion The incidence of AWS after breast cancer surgery was high.Clinicians should give early nursing to the influencing factors,reduce the incidence of AWS and improve patients'quality of life after surgery.
10.Temporal and spatial expression characteristics of nestin in the liver of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis
HE Xiaolong ; BI Xiaojuan ; SUN Tao
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(2):131-
Objective Exploring the role of Nestin in liver repair in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Methods The expression of Nestin in the liver of normal Nestin-cre/Rosa26-tdTomato transgenic mice at 1, 2 and 8 weeks of birth was detected by immunofluorescence method, and the transgenic mice model of Echinococcus multilocularis infection was established. HE was used to detect the pathological damage of Echinococcus multilocularis infected liver, and the expression of Nestin in the liver after Echinococcus multilocularis infection was detected by immunofluorescence. Transwell experiment detected the migration ability of Nestin positive cells stimulated by EmP. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the co localization of Nestin and ALB in the liver of transgenic mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Ki67 in the liver of infected mice. Results A Nestin-cre/Rosa26-tdTomato transgenic mouse genotype was established. Immunofluorescence detection revealed that Nestin expression was highest in the liver of mice at 1 week of birth, and gradually decreased after 2 and 8 weeks (P<0.001); The Nestin content in the liver of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis gradually increased after 1, 3, and 5 months of infection, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Transwell experiments showed that EmP at a concentration of 5 μg/mL enhanced the migration ability of Nestin positive cells (P<0.001). Immunofluorescence detection revealed co localization of Nestin and ALB in the liver of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression level of Ki67 in the liver of infected mice gradually increased with infection time of 1, 3, and 5 months (P<0.001). Conclusion After infection with Echinococcus multilocularis, Nestin expression is enhanced in the liver, and Nestin-positive cells are recruited to participate in the process of liver injury repair.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail