1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Trend and influencing factors of low birth weight among newborns in Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022
Aiyu SHI ; Tianyi GU ; Yan XU ; Yuhua HUANG ; Xiaolei SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):168-173
ObjectiveTo analyze the trend and influencing factors of low birth weight (LBW) among newborns in Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022, so as to provide references for the development of intervention measures reducing the rate of LBW. MethodsBirth surveillance data of Chongming District of Shanghai from 2008 to 2022 were collected and organized, and the annual percentage change (APC) of LBW was calculated by using Joinpoint 5.0.2 software for trend change analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of LBW. ResultsThe overall incidence of LBW was 3.71% in Chongming District, Shanghai from 2008 to 2022. Joinpoint trend analysis showed that the incidence of LBW in Chongming District had an upward trend (APC=5.49%, 95%CI: 3.31%‒7.72%, P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm birth, multiple births, female infants, birth defects, first pregnancy, primiparity, and a young father age (<20 years) were risk factors for LBW in Chongming District. Among the term infants, female infants, birth defects, and first pregnancy were risk factors for LBW (P<0.05). Female infants, birth defects, first pregnancy, primiparity, advanced maternal age (≥35 years), and a young father age (<20 years) were risk factors in singleton neonates. ConclusionThe incidence of LBW among newborns is on the rise in Chongming District of Shanghai. Therefore, high risk groups need to be identified, and prenatal check-ups and pregnancy care should be strengthened to reduce the risk of neonatal LBW.
3.Mechanism of Tangbikang Dry Paste in Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on GLO-1/AGE/RAGE Pathway
Lijia WU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Yukun HUANG ; You WANG ; Xincui BAO ; Jing YANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Tangbikang dry paste in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1)/advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway. MethodsA total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided, with eight assigned to the normal group. The remaining 48 rats were fed a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Based on blood glucose levels, the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Tanglin group (13.5 mg·kg-1), metformin group (135 mg·kg-1), and Tangbikang dry paste low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (3, 6, 12 g·kg-1). Successful modeling of DPN was confirmed by a decrease in mechanical pain threshold in the model group at week 4. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and mechanical pain threshold were measured every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, the pathological morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of RAGE, AGE, protein kinase C (PKC), and collagen (COL) in the sciatic nerve was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of RAGE, PKC, Toll-like receptor (TLR), COL, and GLO-1 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased body weight and mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), and elevated serum AST, ALT, CREA, UREA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was significantly increased (P<0.01), while COL expression was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas COL and GLO-1 mRNA levels were downregulated (P<0.01). Histological examination showed irregular nerve morphology, axonal alterations, and myelin degeneration. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose levels in the Tangbikang dry paste high-dose group at all time points and in the medium-dose group at weeks 4 and 16 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant changes in body weight were observed across all Tangbikang dose groups. The mechanical pain threshold was elevated at different time points after administration in all Tangbikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was reduced (P<0.01), while COL expression was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was downregulated (P<0.01), whereas GLO-1 mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, COL mRNA expression was significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Pathological changes in the sciatic nerve were milder in all Tangbikang groups compared to the model group. ConclusionTangbikang dry paste significantly improves DPN, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the GLO-1/AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.
4.Mechanism of Tangbikang Dry Paste in Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on GLO-1/AGE/RAGE Pathway
Lijia WU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Yukun HUANG ; You WANG ; Xincui BAO ; Jing YANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Tangbikang dry paste in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1)/advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway. MethodsA total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided, with eight assigned to the normal group. The remaining 48 rats were fed a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Based on blood glucose levels, the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Tanglin group (13.5 mg·kg-1), metformin group (135 mg·kg-1), and Tangbikang dry paste low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (3, 6, 12 g·kg-1). Successful modeling of DPN was confirmed by a decrease in mechanical pain threshold in the model group at week 4. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and mechanical pain threshold were measured every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, the pathological morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of RAGE, AGE, protein kinase C (PKC), and collagen (COL) in the sciatic nerve was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of RAGE, PKC, Toll-like receptor (TLR), COL, and GLO-1 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased body weight and mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), and elevated serum AST, ALT, CREA, UREA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was significantly increased (P<0.01), while COL expression was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas COL and GLO-1 mRNA levels were downregulated (P<0.01). Histological examination showed irregular nerve morphology, axonal alterations, and myelin degeneration. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose levels in the Tangbikang dry paste high-dose group at all time points and in the medium-dose group at weeks 4 and 16 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant changes in body weight were observed across all Tangbikang dose groups. The mechanical pain threshold was elevated at different time points after administration in all Tangbikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was reduced (P<0.01), while COL expression was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was downregulated (P<0.01), whereas GLO-1 mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, COL mRNA expression was significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Pathological changes in the sciatic nerve were milder in all Tangbikang groups compared to the model group. ConclusionTangbikang dry paste significantly improves DPN, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the GLO-1/AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.
5.Research advances in clinical features and inflammatory factors of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Xiaomei LI ; Xiaolei WANG ; Xinyue HUANG ; Chunbei GONG ; Zhen WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):496-500
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is a progressive eye disease characterized by immune-mediated inflammation of the extraocular muscles and orbital connective tissue.TAO tends to have complex and diverse symptoms and signs,with the features of diversity and concealment,which seriously affect the quality of life of patients.The pathogenesis of TAO is closely associated with thyroid autoimmunity.This article reviews the pathogenesis,clinical features,and treatment of TAO.
6.Screen of FDA-approved drug library identifies vitamin K as anti-ferroptotic drug for osteoarthritis therapy through Gas6.
Yifeng SHI ; Sunlong LI ; Shuhao ZHANG ; Caiyu YU ; Jiansen MIAO ; Shu YANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuxuan ZHU ; Xiaoxiao HUANG ; Chencheng ZHOU ; Hongwei OUYANG ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Xiangyang WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101092-101092
Ferroptosis of chondrocytes is a significant contributor to osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is still a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs targeting ferroptosis. Here, we screen for anti-ferroptotic drugs in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library via a high-throughput manner in chondrocytes. We identified a group of FDA-approved anti-ferroptotic drugs, among which vitamin K showed the most powerful protective effect. Further study demonstrated that vitamin K effectively inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of vitamin K inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated OA phenotype in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing and knockdown experiments revealed that the anti-ferroptotic effects of vitamin K depended on growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6). Furthermore, exogenous expression of Gas6 was found to inhibit ferroptosis through the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) axis. Together, we demonstrate that vitamin K inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates OA progression via enhancing Gas6 expression and its downstream pathway of AXL/PI3K/AKT axis, indicating vitamin K as well as Gas6 to serve as a potential therapeutic target for OA and other ferroptosis-related diseases.
7.Clinicopathologic analysis of 19 cases of urachal adenocarcinoma
Xiang LI ; Ying HUANG ; Weiyu PAN ; Juan YU ; Xinxin GUO ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Licheng SHEN ; Yingyong HOU ; Jun HOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(5):571-576
Purpose To explore the clinical and pathological features,differential diagnosis,treatment methods and prognosis of urachal adenocarcinoma.Methods Nineteen cases of urachal adenocarcinoma were collected and an-alyzed by combining clinical symptoms,auxiliary examinations,histology,immunohistochemical,and genetic testing and 11 cases of bladder adenocarcinomas.Results Among the 19 patients(15 males,4 females;age range:33-75 years,mean:55 years),tumors were located at the dome or anterior wall of the bladder.Histological subtypes includ-ed mucinous adenocarcinoma(6 cases),adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified(4 cases),enteric-type adenocarci-noma(6 cases),adenocarcinoma with focal mucinous differentiation(1 case),adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma(1 case),and metastatic urachal adenocarcinoma(1 case).Immunophenotypic analysis revealed membra-nous positivity for β-catenin,diffuse positivity for CK34βE 12,MUC-2,and CK20,focal CK7 positivity in some cases,and rare GATA-3 positivity.Mutations in p53 were observed,while KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,and PIK3CA mutations were absent.In colorectal adenocarcinomas,CK34βE12 positivity was 40%,nuclear β-catenin positivity was 48%,and MUC-2 expression was approximately 50%.In bladder adenocarcinomas,GATA-3 and MUC-2 positivity rates were 45%and 63.6%,respectively.Conclusion Distinguishing urachal adenocarcinoma from colorectal and primary bladder adenocarcinomas remains challenging.Urachal adenocarcinoma should be suspected in patients with anterior bladder wall or dome lesions,gross hematuria,or mucinuria.No definitive diagnostic markers currently exist for ura-chal adenocarcinoma.Immunophenotypic features such as membranous β-catenin,MUC-2,and CK7 positivity may fa-vor urachal adenocarcinoma over colorectal adenocarcinoma.Additional markers(e.g.,GATA-3,CK20,CK34βE12)aid in differential diagnosis,though individual markers lack specificity.Comprehensive evaluation integrating clinical presentation,imaging,and clinicopathological features is essential for accurate diagnosis.
8.Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improves oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome mice
Mingxing LI ; Xiaolei YUE ; Xiurong CHEN ; Kangmei LI ; Yunjia LIU ; Liming WU ; Yulin HUANG ; Yuanyuan WU ; Lin BAI ; Qiaoli PAN ; Guozhen HE ; Sufang YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(14):2958-2968
BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.
9.Combined screening of two primary immunodeficiency diseases and spinal muscular atrophy in neonates by multiplex real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR
Chao ZHANG ; Jianbin YANG ; Shiqiang SHANG ; Chi CHEN ; Huaqing MAO ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Fang HONG ; Haixia MIAO ; Hanyi ZHAO ; Rulai YANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(2):249-257
Objective:To explore the feasibility of joint screening of the two primary immunodeficiency diseases [severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia(XLA)] and spinal muscular atrophy(SMA) in newborns by multiplex real-time quantitative PCR technology, and to provide evidence for early screening, diagnosis and treatment of children.Methods:Cross-sectional study. From July 2021 to January 2023, a total of 103 240 dry blood spots samples of newborns were collected which were delivered to Neonatal Disease Screening Center of Zhejiang by cold chain transportation. The concentrations of the T cell receptor excision ring (TREC), Kappa deletion of the recombinant excision loop (KREC), and exon 7 deletion of Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene in dry blood spots were simultaneously detected by multiplex real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, taken ribonuclease P/MRP 30 000 subunits (RPP30) as an internal reference gene. The positive newborns were further diagnosed by other laboratory tests and gene sequencing was taken as gold standard. Children samples from 1 case of SCID, 3 cases of XLA and 2 cases of SMA were used for positive verification. The correlation between detected concentration of TREC/KREC and basic information in newborns were analyzed. The differences among groups for each factor were analyzed.Results:One case of SCID, 2 cases of XLA, 9 cases of SMA and 7 cases of other genetic diseases (4 cases of DiGeorge syndrome, 1 case of trisomy 21 syndrome, 1 case of Noonan syndrome and 1 case of super male syndrome) were identified by multiplex real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The positive predictive values of screening neonatal SCID, XLA and SMA were 2.44% (1/41), 2.78% (2/72) and 9/9 respectively. Taking the samples from clinically diagnosed 1 case of SCID, 3 cases of XLA and 2 cases of SMA as positive validation samples, which were all identified. The detected results of TREC/KREC correlated with time of blood collection, sex, weight, gestational age and delivery mode of newborns, whose r values were 0.162/0.187, 0.066/0.032, 0.045/0.042, ?0.015/?0.088 and 0.014/0.068 respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Relying on current neonatal screening platform in Zhejiang, it is feasible to screen jointly two kinds of primary immunodeficiency diseases and spinal muscular atrophy in newborns by multiple real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology.
10.Generationof the polyclonal antibody against Zaire Ebola virus GP1 protein and development of indirect ELISA for antibody detection
Xiao WU ; Mengyao ZHANG ; Hailun LI ; Pei HUANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Xiaolei LIU ; Hualei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1194-1201
To establish an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method for the detection of Zaire Ebola virus(ZEBOV)specific antibodies,the full-length of ZEBOV GP1 gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into pET-30a(+)vector to generate the pET-30a(+)-GP1 plasmid.After expressed in the E.coli expression system,the purified GP1 protein was used as coating antigen to establish the indirect ELISA method for detection of ZEBOV antibody.The con-ditions including concentration of coating antigen and serum dilution were determined by chess-board titration.Specificity,sensitivity,and reproducibility of the established ELISA detection meth-od were evaluated.GP1 protein was successfully prepared by prokaryotic expression,and was used as the coatingantigen for indirect ELISA.By optimizing the reaction conditions,the optimal concen-tration of the coating antigen was determined to be 0.5 g/L;the optimal dilution of serum was cal-culated to be 1∶3 200;the optimal dilution of enzyme-labeled secondary antibody was measured to be 1∶20 000.The established method exhibited excellent specificity,sensitivity,and reproducibili-ty.In the present study,the GP1 protein was successfully expressed in the E.coli expression sys-tem and the high purity GP1 protein was used as the coating protein to establish an indirect ELISA assay for ZEBOV antibody.This method is highly specific,sensitive,and reproducible,which provides technical support for the fur-ther study of the biological function of GP1 and the detection of ZEBOV antibody in serum.

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