1.Total Flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen Inhibit Depression in CUMS Mice via UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Andong SONG ; Guohua LI ; Bo YUAN ; Menghui JIA ; Zhantao LI ; Xiaoli WANG ; Long WANG ; Huiling FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen (TFCC) in the mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MethodsFifty male 4-week-old ICR mice were randomized into five groups (n=10 per group): blank control, model, Cuscutae Semen decoction (10.2 g·kg-1·d-1), paroxetine (2.6 mg·kg-1·d-1), and TFCC (173.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). The other groups except the blank control group underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessments were conducted post-modeling. Then, the model group received distilled water (10 mL·kg-1·d-1), while treatment groups were administrated with respective agents via oral gavage (10 mL·kg-1) for 4 weeks. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated by the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, and apoptosis in the brain tissue was assessed via terminal- deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the hippocampal levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α)] and neurotransmitters [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)], while the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited weight loss (P<0.01), reduced sucrose preference (P<0.01), prolonged immobility time in FST and TST (P<0.01), neuron disarrangement with nuclear pyknosis in hippocampal CA3 region, increased apoptosis in the brain tissue, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01), declined levels of 5-HT, DA, and BDNF (P<0.01), increased ROS accumulation (P<0.01), upregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), down-regulated protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the interventions restored sucrose preference (P<0.01), shortened immobility time (P<0.01), repaired hippocampal neuronal structure, reduced apoptosis, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), restored the levels of neurotransmitters (P<0.01), alleviated ROS accumulation (P<0.01), downregulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), upregulated the protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and reduced the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Moreover, TFCC outperformed Cuscutae Semen decoction in ameliorating depressive behaviors. TFCC excelled in neuronal repair, neurotransmitter regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of the UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionTFCC modulates the hippocampal UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit inflammasome activation, reduce oxidative stress, restore neurotransmitters, thus suppressing neuronal apoptosis and promoting the rearrangement and morphology recovery of hippocampal cells. It outperforms Cuscutae Semen decoction in the antidepressant efficacy.
2.Total Flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen Inhibit Depression in CUMS Mice via UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Andong SONG ; Guohua LI ; Bo YUAN ; Menghui JIA ; Zhantao LI ; Xiaoli WANG ; Long WANG ; Huiling FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the antidepressant effects and mechanisms of total flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen (TFCC) in the mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). MethodsFifty male 4-week-old ICR mice were randomized into five groups (n=10 per group): blank control, model, Cuscutae Semen decoction (10.2 g·kg-1·d-1), paroxetine (2.6 mg·kg-1·d-1), and TFCC (173.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). The other groups except the blank control group underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessments were conducted post-modeling. Then, the model group received distilled water (10 mL·kg-1·d-1), while treatment groups were administrated with respective agents via oral gavage (10 mL·kg-1) for 4 weeks. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated by the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, and apoptosis in the brain tissue was assessed via terminal- deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the hippocampal levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α)] and neurotransmitters [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)], while the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited weight loss (P<0.01), reduced sucrose preference (P<0.01), prolonged immobility time in FST and TST (P<0.01), neuron disarrangement with nuclear pyknosis in hippocampal CA3 region, increased apoptosis in the brain tissue, elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01), declined levels of 5-HT, DA, and BDNF (P<0.01), increased ROS accumulation (P<0.01), upregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), down-regulated protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the interventions restored sucrose preference (P<0.01), shortened immobility time (P<0.01), repaired hippocampal neuronal structure, reduced apoptosis, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), restored the levels of neurotransmitters (P<0.01), alleviated ROS accumulation (P<0.01), downregulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.01), upregulated the protein level of UCP2 (P<0.01), and reduced the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and TXNIP (P<0.01). Moreover, TFCC outperformed Cuscutae Semen decoction in ameliorating depressive behaviors. TFCC excelled in neuronal repair, neurotransmitter regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of the UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionTFCC modulates the hippocampal UCP2/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit inflammasome activation, reduce oxidative stress, restore neurotransmitters, thus suppressing neuronal apoptosis and promoting the rearrangement and morphology recovery of hippocampal cells. It outperforms Cuscutae Semen decoction in the antidepressant efficacy.
3.TACE combined with propranolol for treating giant infantile hepatic hemangioma
Weiwei QI ; Song WANG ; Deng PAN ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Shiyu LI ; Chuangao YIN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(8):449-452
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with propranolol for treating giant infantile hepatic hemangioma(IHH).Methods Ten infants with giant IHH who underwent TACE combined with propranolol were retrospectively enrolled.The technical success rate,complications and recurrence were recorded.The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to clinical symptoms and changes of IHH volume before and 6 months after TACE.Results Totally 15 times of TACE were successfully performed in 10 infants,with technical success rate of 100%.Bleomycin-lipiodol emulsion+poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)+coil embolization were performed in 3 cases,while bleomycin-lipiodol emulsion+PVA embolization were performed in 7 cases.Complications of TACE included subcutaneous hematoma around the puncture site in 1 case and transient hypothermia within 24 h after TACE in 2 cases,all alleviated after symptomatic treatments.No other complication occurred.Six months after the last TACE,significantly effective was observed in 9 cases(9/10,90.00%),while effective was noticed in 1 case(1/10,10.00%),with total therapeutic effective rate of 100%.No serious complication such as gallbladder necrosis,liver necrosis,death,nor recurrence of hepatic hemangioma occurred during follow-up.Conclusion TACE combined with propranolol was effective and safe for treating giant IHH.
4.Antimicrobial susceptibility of 72 strains of Corynebacterium striatum and the clinical characteristics of the patients infected or colonized with these strains
Xiaoli YAN ; Qingqing CHEN ; Yuling LIN ; Ruiya SONG ; Jianming ZHANG ; Tingjin ZHENG ; Zhishan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2024;24(4):395-401
Objective To investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates of Corynebacterium striatum and the clinical characteristics of the patients infected or colonized with these strains.Methods The C.striatum strains isolated from clinical specimens were collected in Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from July 2020 to September 2022.The clinical data were analyzed to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with C.striatum colonization or infection.The susceptibility of these strains to 18 antimicrobial agents were tested by broth microdilution method.The gyrA gene related to quinolone resistance determining region was amplified and sequenced to analyze the position of amino acid mutations.The ribosomal methylase gene ermX and aminoglycoside enzyme gene aphA1 were amplified by PCR and sequenced.Results Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that all of the 72 strains were susceptible to vancomycin,linezolid and daptomycin.All stains were resistant to ceftriaxone,ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin.The C.striatum strains showed high resistance rate to penicillin(87.5%),cefepime(95.8%),meropenem(95.8%),trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(90.3%),erythromycin(98.6%)and clindamycin(98.6%),but relatively lower resistance rate to gentamycin(25.0%),tetracycline(30.6%)and rifampicin(23.6%).Sequencing analysis indicated that 3 strains of C.striatum had single mutation of gyrA gene(Ser87Val),67 strains had double mutations(Ser87Phe,Asp91Ala or Ser87Tyr,Asp91Ala)and 2 strains had three point mutations(Ser87Phe,Ala88Pro and Asp91 Ala),which was newly identified in this study.The ermXgene was detected in all of the isolates and the prevalence of aphA1 gene was 43.1%.The 72 strains of C.striatum were mainly isolated from ICU(65.2%)and lower respiratory tract specimen(91.6%).The average age of patients was 68.0±15.3 years old.About 72.2%(52/72)of the C.striatum strains were isolated from the patients with infection and 27.8%(20/72)were colonizers.Compared to the patients colonized with C.striatum,the patients with C.striatum infection had statistically significant higher percentages of hospital stay ≥ 28 days,cerebral hemorrhage,disturbance of consciousness and disease deterioration(P<0.05).Conclusions All of the 72 C.striatum isolates were multidrug resistant,and the outcome of patients with C.striatum infection was relatively poor.
5.Effect of lycopene on blood-brain barrier and nerve damage in rats with cerebral small vessel disease by regulating JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway
Chuanfen LIU ; Zhengyu SONG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Jin HU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(11):2343-2349
Objective:To investigate the effect of lycopene on blood-brain barrier and nerve damage in rats with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD)by regulating Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/vascular endo-thelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.Methods:Fifty CSVD rat models were prepared by in vitro injection of the same germ-line microemboli,and were randomly grouped into model group,low-dose lycopene(65 mg/kg)group,high-dose lycopene(85 mg/kg)group,AG490(JAK2 inhibitor,3.5 mg/kg)group,and high-dose lycopene(85 mg/kg)+AG490(3.5 mg/kg)group,with 10 cases in each group,another 10 SD rats were regarded as sham operation group.After grouping with lycopene and AG490,cognitive ability of rats was detected by Morris water maze test and dark avoidance test;permeability of blood-brain barrier in rats was detected by Evans blue method;the number of rat hippocampal neurons was detected by Nissl staining;levels of inflammatory factors prostaglandin E2(PGE2),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and oxidative stress factors catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialde-hyde(MDA)in rats brain tissue were detected by kits;expressions of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP9,tight junction-related proteins(ZO-1,Occludin)and JAK2/STAT3/VEGF pathway-related proteins in rats brain were detected by Western blotting.Results:Compared with sham operation group,the times of rats crossing the platform,the time of staying in the target quadrant,step through latency,the number of hippocampal neurons,levels of CAT and SOD in brain tissue,protein expressions of ZO-1,Occludin and VEGF,and p-JAK2/JAK2,p-STAT3/STAT3 were obviously decreased in model group(P<0.05),while the error times,Evans blue content,levels of brain tissue PGE2,TNF-α and MDA,and protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 were obviously increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the times of rats crossing the platform,the time of staying in the target quadrant,step through la-tency,the number of hippocampal neurons,levels of CAT and SOD in brain tissue,protein expressions of ZO-1,Occludin and VEGF,and p-JAK2/JAK2,p-STAT3/STAT3 were all increased in low-dose lycopene group and high-dose lycopene group(P<0.05),while the error times,Evans blue content,levels of brain tissue PGE2,TNF-α and MDA,and protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 were all decreased(P<0.05),and high dose lycopene was more effective;the change trend of each index in AG490 group was opposite to that in lycopene groups,and AG490 could reverse the effect of lycopene.Conclusion:Lycopene can inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress in CSVD rats by activating JAK2/STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway,thereby reducing the blood-brain barrier and nerve damage,and improving their cognitive ability.
6.Expert consensus on the rational use of psychotropic drugs related to intensive care medicine
Shenglin SHE ; Zhen SONG ; Tongwen SUN ; Jingguo ZHAI ; Yan YU ; Ningbo YANG ; Maosheng FANG ; Wenbin GUO ; Man WANG ; Guanglei XUN ; Lulu ZHANG ; Xijia XU ; Xiaoli WU ; Qinling WEI ; Fang LIU ; Huiping LI ; Xingrong SONG ; Youping WANG ; Yingjun ZHENG ; Xueqin SONG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(9):513-524
Critical care medicine-related treatment is an interdisciplinary and multi-professional process,often leading to secondary or concomitant mental disorders in clinical practice.Currently,there is no consensus on the pharmacological treatment of related mental illnesses in China.The Chinese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine collaborated with the Critical Care Medicine expert group to form a consensus writing expert group.After a systematic review of relevant literature,summarizing published domestic and foreign literature,and extensive discussions,the consensus was developed.The consensus elaborates on the principles and processes of the standardized use of psychotropic drugs in critical care medicine,as well as the clinical indications,precautions,and specific drug selection of various psychiatric medications,providing feasible suggestions and guidance for the clinical application of psychiatric medications in the intensive care unit.
7.Ursolic acid ameliorates pancreatic β-cell injury in type Ⅰ diabetic rats via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and Th17/Treg cell homeostasis
Yu SONG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Huanhuan CHEN ; Cong TANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(5):74-83
Objective To investigate the effects of ursolic acid(UA)on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and Th17/Treg cells in type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)rats.Methods T1DM rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ)and randomly divided into blank(Control),Model,metformin(MET),and UA groups.General conditions,such as body weight and blood glucose,were recorded,and peripheral blood and pancreatic tissues were collected after 6 weeks of gavage to assess insulin treatment.Immunohistochemistry was used to observe pathological changes in pancreatic tissues.Horseshoe crab reagent was used to assess changes in serum lipopolysaccharide(LPS)content.qRT-PCR was used to measure expression of pancreatic TLR4,MyD88,IκBα,and NF-κB p65 mRNAs,and mRNA expression of transcription factors RORγt and Foxp3.Western blot was used to assess pancreatic TLR4,MyD88,IκBα,NF-κB p65,RORγt,and Foxp3.Flow cytometry was used to assess changes Th17/Treg cell ratio in peripheral blood.ELISA were used to measure serum contents of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β.Results After STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated by gavage for 6 weeks,compared with the Model group,the fasting blood glucose of rats in MET and UA groups was significantly decreased and their body weights were increased.Inflammatory infiltration of pancreatic islet β-cells was reduced.Expression of TLR4,MyD88,IκBα,NF-κB p65,and RORγt mRNAs and proteins was significantly decreased.LPS content was significantly decreased.IκBα and Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression was significantly increased.The Th17/Treg ratio was significantly decreased,and TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β contents were significantly decreased.Conclusions UA improves the symptoms of rats by reducing the LPS shift,inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway,down-regulating RORγt expression,and up-regulating Foxp3 expression to correct the imbalance in the Th17/Treg cell ratio in T1DM rats.
8.Summary of the best evidence on nebulizing inhalation care in adults with mechanical ventilation
Juan DING ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Yue XIAO ; Lin CHEN ; Yingting XU ; Changju LIAO ; Hang SONG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Hong YU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(12):1512-1519
Objective The researchers systematically retrieved,evaluated,and summarized the best evidence for the care of nebulized inhalation in adult patients on mechanical ventilation,to provide a basis for standardizing the care of nebulized inhalation in patients on mechanical ventilation.Methods We systematically searched the domestic and foreign databases to collect the evidence on the literature related to nebulization therapy for mechanical ventilation in adults.The time for the retrieval is from the inception of databases until February 2023.There were 3 researchers who evaluated the quality of the literature,and extracted and summarized the evidence based on this subject.Results A total of 19 articles were obtained in database.42 pieces of evidence were summarized,covering pre-assessment of nebulized inhalation,preparation before nebulized inhalation,medication management,selection and standardized use of nebulization devices,respiratory machine mode and parameter settings,equipment management during nebulized inhalation,evaluation of effect,management of adverse reactions,disposal of materials and environment after nebulized inhalation and management of nebulized inhalation for respiratory infectious diseases.Conclusion This study summarized the best evidence for nebulized inhalation nursing in adult patients with mechanical ventilation,so as to provide a reference of standardized nebulized inhalation therapy for such patients,which is conducive to ensuring the safety of patients.
9.Expert consensus on subcutaneous injection nursing for allergic asthma in children
Pediatric Respiratory(Asthma)Group,Pediatric Nursing Alliance,Children's National Medical Center ; Nan SONG ; Wei LIU ; Juan LÜ ; Rui ZHU ; Wei CHI ; Huayan LIU ; Qiyun SHANG ; Cuizhi WANG ; Qianmei LI ; Xiaoli LIU ; Hanqing SHAO ; Zijuan WANG ; Yulin LIU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(21):2602-2606
Objective To develop an expert consensus on subcutaneous injection nursing for allergic asthma in children,standardize nursing practice to reduce the occurrence of related adverse reactions.Methods The clinical guideline,expert consensus,systematic review,evidence summary and original research on subcutaneous injection of monoclonal antibody drug for children with allergic asthma were comprehensively searched in domestic and foreign databases.The time limit for retrieval was from the establishment of databases until August 2023.Combined with clinical practice experience,the first draft of the consensus was formed.From December 2023 to February 2024,27 experts were invited to conduct 2 rounds of expert letter consultation,revise and improve the contents of the first draft,and expert demonstration was conducted,and finally a consensus final draft was formed.Results The effective recovery rate of the 2 rounds of letter consultation questionnaires was 100%;the authority coefficient of experts was 0.88;the judging basis coefficient was 0.93;the familiarity coefficient was 0.83.In the 2 rounds of correspondence,the Kendall concordant coefficients of expert opinions were 0.241 and 0.252,respectively(P<0.001 for both).The consensus includes 6 parts,including personnel management,environmental layout,indications and contraindications,subcutaneous injection operation norms,identification and treatment of adverse reactions,and health education.Conclusion The consensus is strongly scientific and practical,and can provide guidance for nursing practice of subcutaneous injection of monoclonal antibodies in children with allergic asthma.
10.Hyperaldosteronism caused by drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets: a case report
Liling LIN ; An SONG ; Xiaoli MA ; Yutong ZOU ; Wei LUO ; Shaowei XIE ; Songlin YU ; Wei XIONG ; Ling QIU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(5):574-577
A young female patient with acne and elevated testosterone level underwent plasma steroid hormones testing and found a significant increase in aldosterone. We excluded testing interference and verified the absence of hypertension, hypokalemia, and adrenal occupancy, as well as primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism. During follow-up, a temporal correlation was found between aldosterone levels and the use of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets. It was observed that the combination of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol could lead to the increase of aldosterone level and the concentration ratio of aldosterone to direct renin through different mechanisms. Drospirenone exerts an antagonistic effect on mineralocorticoid receptor to prevent the development of hypertension or hypokalemia. In clinical practice, it is necessary to pay attention to the effect of this drug on screening markers for primary aldosteronism. In the laboratory examination, when female patients with no symptoms of hypertension and hypokalemia but with elevated aldosterone levels are encountered, it can be verified whether they have a history of use of compound estrogen-progestin such as drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets, and appropriate tips are provided in the report.

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