1.A Mouse Model and Mechanism Study of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Induced by Different Concentrations of Cyclophosphamide
Leilei GONG ; Xiaoxia WANG ; Xuewei FENG ; Xinlei LI ; Han ZHAO ; Xueyan ZHANG ; Xin FENG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):403-410
ObjectiveTo observe and compare the effects of different concentrations of cyclophosphamide (CTX) in inducing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) model in mice and investigate the mechanism of injury. MethodsThirty-two 6~8-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group) using a weight-based block randomization method. The POI model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CTX), 120 mg/kg CTX, 120 mg/kg CTX + 12 mg/kg Busulfan, or an equivalent volume of normal saline (control). Ovarian coefficients, serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured. Western blotting was performed to assess changes in ovarian expression levels of NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-5 (SIRT5) and forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) under different modeling conditions. After determining the optimal CTX concentration for modeling, an additional forty 6~8-week-old femal C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 per group) using a weight-based block randomization method: saline control, 120 mg/kg CTX sampling at 1, 2, 7, or 14 days after modeling. Western blotting was used to evaluate temporal changes of ovarian SIRT5 and FOXO3a protein expression. ResultsCompared with the saline control, all concentrations of CTX (75 mg/kg CTX, 120 mg/kg CTX) and 120 mg/kg CTX + 12 mg/kg Busulfan induced POI injury in mice. The 120 mg/kg CTX group exhibited smaller changes in ovarian coefficients (P<0.001) and E2 levels (P<0.05), whereas the 120 mg/kg CTX + 12 mg/kg Busulfan group showed rough and reduced luster fur, sluggish response and was in the worst state. Compared with the saline control group, FOXO3a expression was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while SIRT5 remained unchanged in the 75 mg/kg CTX group (P>0.05). In contrast, both SIRT5 (P<0.05) and FOXO3a (P<0.05) were significantly down-regulated in the 120 mg/kg CTX group. Further analysis revealed that on day 2 and 7 after 120 mg/kg CTX modeling, the expressions of SIRT5 (P<0.01) and FOXO3a (P<0.001) were significantly down-regulated, with the largest decrease observed on day 7 (SIRT5, P<0.000 1; FOXO3a, P<0.000 1). ConclusionOvarian injury in the POI model induced by 120 mg/kg CTX is milder than that in the POI model induced by 75 mg/kg CTX. Moreover, the expression changes of SIRT5 and FOXO3a are most significant on day 7 after modeling induced by 120 mg/kg CTX, which may be related to the inhibition of the SIRT5-FOXO3a signaling pathway.
2.Improvement effect and mechanism of ursolic acid on allergic contact dermatitis model rats
Yang YANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Tian LIU ; Leilei PENG ; Yun PAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2537-2541
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect of ursolic acid on skin inflammation in rats with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), and explore its mechanism of action based on the Notch1/hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) signaling pathway. METHODS The ACD model was established by skin application of 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene. Forty successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model control group (MC group), ursolic acid low-dose group (UA-L group, 50 mg/kg), ursolic acid high-dose group (UA-H group, 100 mg/kg), and ursolic acid high-dose+Notch1 activator group (UA-H+Jagged1 group, 100 mg/kg ursolic acid+50 ng/kg Jagged1), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 rats with only hair shedding were selected as the normal control group. Rats in the administration groups were given the corresponding dose of ursolic acid intragastrically or/and Jagged1 by intraperitoneal injection once a day for 14 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the skin inflammation status and dermatitis scores of rats in each group were detected. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17 and IL-10 in serum and skin tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect the pathological morphology of the skin tissue. Immunohistochemical staining and immunoblotting assay were used to detect the protein expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in skin tissues. RESULTS Compared with the MC group, both the UA-L group and UA-H group exhibited significantly lower dermatitis scores, along with varying degrees of reduction in histopathological skin damage such as inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in serum and skin tissues were markedly decreased, while the levels of IL-10 were significantly increased in both groups; protein expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and the improvements in the aforementioned indicators were more significant in the UA-H group (P<0.05). Jagged1 could significantly weaken the improvement effects of UA-H on the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Ursolic acid may attenuate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory factors by blocking Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway, thereby improving dermatitis symptoms in ACD rats.
3.Prediction of core behaviors of self-management in diabetes mellitus by empowerment and theory of planned behavior
Fangli TANG ; Wenjun WANG ; Jiaohong LUO ; Danyu ZHANG ; Leilei ZHU ; Zhumin JIA ; Huanhuan LIU ; Qingqing LOU
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(10):750-755
Objective To explore the predictive effect of empowerment and theory of planned behavior(TPB)on the four core behaviors of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)self-management,and analyze the influence path of TPB model and behavioral intention on the four core behaviors.Methods A total of 500 T2DM patients who were hospitalized in the Endocrinology Department of three tertiary general hospitals in different provinces from December 2022 to May 2023 were selected for investigation.Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to explore the predictive effects of empowerment and TPB models on self-management behaviors.Bootstrap method was used to analyze the influence path of TPB model and behavior intention on self-management behaviors.Results Empowerment had a predictive effect on self-management behavior,which was improved after the addition of TPB,with medication R2=0.194,blood glucose monitoring R2=0.308,regular diet R2=0.337 and regular exercise R2=0.343,respectively.Mediation effect analyses revealed that attitude,subjective norm,and perceived behavioral control were observed to predict behavior intention across the four behaviors,and the three except through the behavior intention indirectly affect behavior,can also directly affect the behavior.Conclusions Empowerment can predict self-management behavior,and adding TPB to this can improve the prediction effect.Attitude,subjective norms and perceived control can indirectly or directly affect self-management behavior through behavioral intention.
4.Genetic variation and clinical characteristics of children with congenital hypothyroidism with different thyroid morphology: an analysis of 98 cases
Feng ZHANG ; Ying WANG ; Shuang LIU ; Leilei WANG ; Bin YU ; Wei LONG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(8):649-655
Objective:To explore the differences in genetic variations and clinical features of children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with different thyroid morphologies.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 98 children with CH diagnosed at Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, and Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from August 19, 2011, to November 13, 2019. According to thyroid morphology, they were divided into the thyroid dysplasia (TD) group ( n=24), the gland-in-situ (GIS) group ( n=67), and the goiter group ( n=7). Whole exome sequencing was used to detect genetic variants, and pathogenic, likely pathogenic variants, and variants of uncertain significance were defined as potential functional variants. General condition, genetic variants, and treatment were compared between the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Bonferroni correction tests, Kruskal-Wallis test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Results:(1) The proportion of female infants in the TD group was higher than that in the GIS and goiter groups [87.5% (21/24) vs.47.8% (32/67) and 3/7, Bonferroni correction, respectively, both P<0.017]. The difference in serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels when diagnosed with CH was statistically significant in the TD, GIS, and goiter groups [128.00 mU/L (33.30-208.00 mU/L), 55.40 mU/L (17.73-116.00 mU/L), and 32.00 mU/L (21.55-57.65 mU/L), H=7.02, P=0.030], but was not statistically significant in pairwise comparisons (all P>0.017). (2) The detection rates of potential functional variants in the TD, GIS, and goiter groups were 45.8% (11/24), 88.1% (59/67), and 6/7, respectively, and the detection rate in the GIS group was higher than that in the TD group (Bonferroni correction, P<0.001). The detection rate of potential functional variants in DUOX2 gene was the highest [59.2% (58/98)], which was 20.8% (5/24), 73.1% (49/67), and 4/7 in the TD, GIS, and goiter groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences between groups ( χ2=20.02, P<0.001). Single allele variants were more common in the TD group (7/11), while double allele variants were more common in the GIS and goiter groups [71.2% (42/59) and 4/6, respectively], in addition, six cases of oligogenic variants were detected in the GIS group (10.2%, 6/59). (3) The difference in the dose of levothyroxine (μg/d) administered to children in the TD, GIS, and goiter groups was statistically significant at 2 years of age [37.50 (25.00-45.00), 25.00 (16.60-25.00), and 25.00 (16.50-40.00), H=16.53] and 3 years of age [37.50 (27.12-47.50), 20.00 (6.25-29.25), and 31.25 (9.38-52.50), H=14.16] (all P<0.001), and the dose of levothyroxine administered in the TD group was higher than that of the GIS group at the age of 2 and 3 years ( Z were -4.06 and -3.75, both P<0.017). Conclusions:The detection rate of underlying functional variants varies among children with CH with different thyroid morphologies. DUOX2 gene variants are the most prevalent and double allele variants are common. Infants and toddlers with TD may require higher doses of levothyroxine as they grow.
5.Background, design, and preliminary implementation of China prospective multicenter birth cohort
Si ZHOU ; Liping GUAN ; Hanbo ZHANG ; Wenzhi YANG ; Qiaoling GENG ; Niya ZHOU ; Wenrui ZHAO ; Jia LI ; Zhiguang ZHAO ; Xi PU ; Dan ZHENG ; Hua JIN ; Fei HOU ; Jie GAO ; Wendi WANG ; Xiaohua WANG ; Aiju LIU ; Luming SUN ; Jing YI ; Zhang MAO ; Zhixu QIU ; Shuzhen WU ; Dongqun HUANG ; Xiaohang CHEN ; Fengxiang WEI ; Lianshuai ZHENG ; Xiao YANG ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Zhongjun LI ; Qingsong LIU ; Leilei WANG ; Lijian ZHAO ; Hongbo QI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(9):750-755
China prospective multicenter birth cohort (Prospective Omics Health Atlas birth cohort, POHA birth cohort) study was officially launched in 2022. This study, in collaboration with 12 participating units, aims to establish a high-quality, multidimensional cohort comprising 20 000 naturally conceived families and assisted reproductive families. The study involves long-term follow-up of parents and offspring, with corresponding biological samples collected at key time points. Through multi-omics testing and analysis, the study aims to conduct multi-omics big data research across the entire maternal and infant life cycle. The goal is to identify new biomarkers for maternal and infant diseases and provide scientific evidence for risk prediction related to maternal diseases and neonatal health.
6.Therapeutic effects of tofacitinib on steroid-resistant immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis
Yuchen XU ; Jian ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Jinyi LIN ; Yuhong ZHOU ; Leilei CHENG ; Junbo GE
China Oncology 2024;34(4):400-408
Background and purpose:Outcomes for cancer patients with steroid-resistant immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis(srICIAM)are poor.Intensified immunosuppressive therapies,including tofacitinib,a novel Janus kinase(JAK)inhibitor,may have some therapeutic benefits.However,due to the lack of sufficient clinical data,the effectiveness of such treatments and their impact on cardiovascular outcomes remain unclear.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of tofacitinib on srICIAM.Methods:This retrospective case-control study included 36 malignant tumor patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment at Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University from July 2019 to May 2022 and developed srICIAM.Patients receiving corticosteroids in combination with tofacitinib were assigned to the tofacitinib group(n=19),while those not treated with tofacitinib were allocated to the control group(n=17).The study compared clinical characteristics,laboratory findings,and imaging results between the two groups.Additionally,follow-up was conducted to monitor the incidence of cardiovascular endpoints in these patients.The research plan was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University(Approval Number:B2021-275R).This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Helsinki Declaration.Results:Compared to the control group,and with no significant difference in the cumulative dose and duration of corticosteroids(P<0.05),the tofacitinib group showed a shorter myocarditis recovery time(median recovery time:86.5 days vs 126.5 days,P=0.021).The myocarditis-related mortality rate was significantly lower in the tofacitinib group than in the control group(5%vs 35%,P=0.025).Conclusion:Tofacitinib may reduce mortality and promote cardiac recovery in srICIAM patients without impeding the anti-tumor effect.It may become one of the potential treatment strategies in the future.
7.Characteristics of Cerebral Blood Flow in Sleep Deprivation Based on Arterial Spin Labeling
Xiaolei WANG ; Leilei LI ; Bo HAN ; Zeheng SUN ; Keke XIN ; Gang LIN ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuanqiang ZHU ; Yani BAI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(7):653-658
Purpose To investigate the difference of cerebral blood flow between sleep deprivation and rest wakefulness.Materials and Methods Fifty subjects were recruited from universities in Xi'an from October 2020 to December 2021.The psychomotor vigilance test(PVT)task was used to measure sustained attention.Arterial spin labeling technique was used to analyze and compare the relative cerebral blood flow(rCBF)between sleep deprivation and rest wakefulness.The correlation between altered rCBF of specific brain regions and PVT task performance after sleep deprivation was analyzed.Results Compared with rest wakefulness,rCBF in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe,bilateral parietal lobule,left orbital middle frontal gyrus,bilateral middle temporal gyrus,right posterior central gyrus,and bilateral angular gyrus was significantly decreased after sleep deprivation.The rCBF of bilateral thalamus,left precuneus,right medial prefrontal lobe,left posterior cingulate gyrus,and left inferior temporal gyrus was significantly increased(FDR corrected,P<0.05,cluster size≥20 voxels).The changes of rCBF in left dorsolateral prefrontal lobe and right parietal lobule were significantly negatively correlated with the PVT task performance(r=-0.56,P<0.001;r=-0.64,P<0.001),and the change of rCBF of left precuneus was significantly positively correlated with the PVT task performance(r=0.72,P<0.001).Conclusion The abnormal changes of CBF in default mode network,frontoparietal network-related brain regions and thalamic may be the important neural mechanism of sustained attentional decline after sleep deprivation.
8.Discussion on the"simultaneous treatment of liver and intestine"strategy for liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome in hypertension based on the theory of"communication between liver and large intestine"
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2024;31(3):257-261
This paper holds that the main pathogenesis evolution characteristics of the occurrence and development of hypertension is from hyperactivity of live-yang to liver-yang forming wind syndrome,and abnormal ascending and descending of qi movement is its core pathogenesis.The theory of"communication between liver and large intestine"from"Medical Introduction"can be explored and traced back to its origins and development,also analyzing the anatomical and functional correlation between the liver and intestine.Based on this,it is proposed that regulating the movement of liver ascending and intestine descending,and treating the liver and large intestine simultaneously are important strategies for the treatment of hypertension with liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome.
9.Discussion on the Effects of Tumor-associated Macrophages Polarization on Lung Cancer Based on the TCM Yin-yang Theory
Yu WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Simin HUANG ; Dongdong YU ; Leilei TANG ; Tingting LU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(7):14-19
Lung cancer is the cancer type with the highest incidence rate and mortality among malignant tumors in China.Tumor associated macrophages(TAMs)are closely related to the occurrence,development,invasion and metastasis,and treatment tolerance of lung cancer.This article explored the etiology and pathogenesis of lung cancer in TCM,as well as the key role of TAMs in lung cancer.It was found that the local imbalance of yin and yang in TAMs,as well as the overall imbalance of yin and yang in the tumor microenvironment and whole body,were important reasons for the formation and progression of lung cancer.In the progression and sequelae of lung cancer,M1 and M2 type TAMs each plays different roles and has different yin and yang properties.Both of them maintain a constantly developing and changing state of mutual use,opposing constraints,and balance of growth and decline.Based on the yin-yang theory in TCM,according to the progression of lung cancer and the imbalance of yin and yang,rational selection and medication can adjust the phenotype of TAMs,promote the overall balance of yin and yang,and provide reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
10.Mechanism of Zishen Qinggan Prescription in Improving Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Based on Transcriptomics
Jingcun WANG ; Chunyu TIAN ; Fan ZHANG ; Xiaojin LA ; Fanwu WU ; Liang ZHU ; Leilei MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):109-117
ObjectiveBased on network pharmacology and transcriptomics, the mechanism of Zishen Qinggan prescription (ZSQGF) in improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) model rats was explored. MethodBased on network pharmacology analysis of the differential genes between ZSQGF and T2DM, gene ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) analysis were conducted, and molecular docking analysis was used to verify the binding between components and targets. A T2DM rat model was established by high-fat feeding and injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, metformin (Met, 72 mg·kg-1) group, and ZSQGF high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (ZSQGF-H, ZSQGF-M, and ZSQGF-L, with 4.8, 2.4, and 1.2 g·kg-1 raw drug in the solution). The living status of rats was monitored and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in rat serum were detected. The liver tissues were subjected to Hematoxylin eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining. The differential genes were analyzed through transcriptomics, GO and KEGG analysis, and the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was obtained to screen key targets. With network pharmacology and transcriptomics analysis results, the protein pathways were identified. The expression levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-1 and MMP-9 proteins in liver tissues were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) modifying factor(BMF), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4), and fatty acid synthase(FASN) was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). The expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in the liver was detected by immunofluorescence staining. ResultTranscriptomics and network pharmacology analysis suggested that ZSQGF may protect the liver through the glucose and lipid metabolism pathway and the inflammation pathway. Experiments showed that after 8 weeks of administration, the body weight, blood sugar, serum indicators, and pathological staining results of rats were improved. Western blot results indicated a decrease in the relative expression levels of NF-κB, MMP-1 and MMP-9 proteins in the liver. Real-time PCR results showed a decrease in the transcriptional expression of BMF, NOX4, and FASN in the ZSQGF-H group, while immunofluorescence staining results present decreased expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in the ZSQGF groups. ConclusionZSQGF can improve the glucose and lipid metabolism by inhibiting the expression of FASN, reducing lipid synthesis, and regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.

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