1.Preliminary comparative analysis of cytokines related to blood and lipid metabolism and histopathological characteristics in SPF grade and GF grade golden hamsters
Yaxi GUO ; Zhaohua WANG ; Xiaopeng DU ; Kaihui LIU ; Hua ZHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(6):858-865
Objective To compare the hematological parameters,biochemical profiles,histopathological characteristics,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism in 8-weeks-old specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade and germ-free(GF)golden hamsters.Methods Twenty 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,with equal numbers of males and females,were utilized in this study.Serum cytokines associated with routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry,and lipid metabolism were quantified using automated hematology and biochemical analyzers,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.The cecum,small intestine,lung,spleen,forestomach,and glandular stomach were examined by histopathology.Results We compared the result between SPF grade and GF golden hamsters at 8 weeks of age.Regarding hematological parameters,females showed significant differences(P<0.05)in white blood cell count,hemoglobin concentration,mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH),and mean platelet volume between the two groups,and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in MCH concentration(MCHC),platelet distribution width(PDW),and lymphocyte count(LYM).Males showed significant differences(P<0.05)in mean corpuscular volume,MCH,LYM,neutrophil count,basophil count,and basophil percentage,and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in MCHC,PDW,lymphocyte percentage,and neutrophil percentage.In terms of biochemical parameters,females showed significant differences(P<0.05)in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,fasting insulin(FINS),and glycosylated serum protein(GSP),and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in triglycerides(TG).Males showed significant differences(P<0.05)in GSP levels and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in total cholesterol,TG,LDL-C,FINS,and C-peptide levels.For serum cytokines related to lipid metabolism,females showed significant differences(P<0.05)in interleukin(IL)-10,adiponectin(ADP),and IL-6 levels,and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP).Males showed significant differences(P<0.05)in hs-CRP levels and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in ADP and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels.Hematoxylin/eosin staining showed that the cecal muscle layer was thinner and the number of crypts attached to the mucous membrane was reduced in GF compared with SPF grade golden hamsters.In addition,the ileocele was enlarged and the number of goblet cells was increased,the alveolar septum was widened,immune cells in the white pulp of the spleen were increased,and the blood content in the blood sinuses was increased.There was also thinning of the anterior gastric mucosa and the basophilic strength of the glandular gastric tube gland was weakened.Conclusions This study established the differences in routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry indicators,histopathological features,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism between 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,to establish preliminary reference ranges.
2.MRI imaging characteristics of non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases with different epidermal growth factor receptor mutation types and PD-L1 expression
Bingxue MA ; Xuhong MIN ; Biao SONG ; Shanghu WANG ; Qilong SONG ; Zhaohua WANG ; Yunfu XU ; Cheng CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1472-1476
Objective To analyze the MRI imaging characteristics of brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)with different epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutation types and programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression,and to provide imaging diagnostic support for patients who can't undergo genetic and immunohistochemical testing.Methods A retrospec-tive selection was performed in 88 patients diagnosed with brain metastases of NSCLC,all patients were divided into EGFR mutation group and wild group according to the results of genetic testing,and patients with EGFR mutation group were divided into EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expression positive group and EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expression negative group according to whether the expression of PD-L1 was≥1%.The clinical data and MR image characteristics of brain metastases were compared in EGFR mutation group and wild group,as well as in EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expression positive group and EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expres-sion negative group.Results There were statistically significant differences in smoking history and intracranial symptoms between EGFR mutation group and wild group(P<0.05).The edema diameter,edema index and enhancement ratio of EGFR mutation group and wild group were(0.67±1.10)cm,0.39±0.54,0.32±0.17 and(1.57±2.04)cm,1.05±1.21,0.53±0.27,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were 43 cases and 23 cases in EGFR mutation group and wild group with ≥2 metastases,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with>60 years old,there were 15 patients(75%)of EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expres-sion positive in≤60 years old(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with EGFR wild patients,patients with EGFR mutation have more brain metastases(≥2),milder enhancement,less peritumoral edema,and fewer intracranial symptoms at initial diagnosis,and patients with EGFR mutation aged≤60 years are more likely to have PD-L1 expression positive.
3.Decompression mechanism of symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous
Chunlin ZHANG ; Zhaohua HOU ; Xu YAN ; Yan JIANG ; Su FU ; Yongming NING ; Dongzhe LI ; Chao DONG ; Xiaokang LIU ; Yongkui WANG ; Zhengming CAO ; Tengyue YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1810-1819
BACKGROUND:Traditional surgery for lumbar disc herniation involves extensive excision of tissue surrounding the nerve for decompression and removal of protruding lumbar intervertebral discs,which poses various risks and complications such as nerve damage causing paralysis,lumbar instability,herniation recurrence,intervertebral space infection,and adjacent vertebral diseases. OBJECTIVE:To propose the symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous technique for lumbar spine symmetrically decompression,showing the induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous phenomenon and early clinical efficacy,and then analyze its decompression mechanism. METHODS:214 patients with lumbar disc herniation at Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled in this study.Among them,81 patients received conservative treatment as the control group,and 133 patients received symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous treatment as the trial group.Before surgery,immediately after surgery(7-14 days),and early after surgery(over 1 year),MRI images were used to measure the volume changes of lumbar disc herniation.CT images were used to measure the posterior displacement distance of the lumbar spinous process ligament complex,as well as the width and height of the lateral recess.Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were used to evaluate the patient's neurological function recovery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Control group:81 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated conservatively,with a total of 171 herniated lumbar discs.The average follow-up time was(22.7±23.1)months.The first and second MRI measurements of 171 herniated lumbar discs showed herniated lumbar disc volumes of(551.6±257.9)mm3 and(792.2±330.4)mm3,respectively,with an average volume increase rate of(53.2±44.4)%,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.001).Out of 171 herniated lumbar discs,4 experienced natural shrinkage,with an absorption ratio of 2.3%(4/171)and an absorption rate of(24.5±9.9)%.(2)Trial group:133 patients with lumbar disc herniation had a total of 285 herniated lumbar discs.(1)Immediately after surgery:All patients were followed up immediately after surgery.229 out of 285 herniated lumbar discs experienced retraction,with an absorption ratio of 80.3%(229/285)and an average absorption rate of(21.5±20.9)%,with significant and complete absorption accounting for 6.5%.There were a total of 70 herniated lumbar discs in the upper lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 85.7%(60/70),an average absorption rate of(23.1±19.5)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 86.6%.There were 215 herniated lumbar discs in the lower lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 78.6%(169/215),an average absorption rate of(21.0±21.3)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 83.2%.Significant and complete absorption of the upper and lower lumbar vertebrae accounted for 5.7%and 6.5%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The average distance of posterior displacement of the spinous process ligament complex immediately after surgery was(5.2±2.8)mm.There were no significant differences in the width and height of the left and right lateral recess before and immediately after surgery(P>0.05).The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score immediately after surgery increased from(10.1±3.4)before surgery to(17.0±4.8),and the immediate effective rate after surgery reached 95.6%.(2)Early postoperative period:Among them,46 patients completed the early postoperative follow-up.There were 101 herniated lumbar discs,with an absorption ratio of 94%(95/101)and an average absorption rate of(36.9±23.7)%.Significant and complete absorption accounted for 30.6%,with a maximum absorption rate of 100%.Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 remained unchanged in volume,with a volume invariance rate of 2.97%(3/101).Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 had an increased volume of herniated lumbar discs,with an increase ratio of 2.97%(3/101)and an increase rate of(18.5±18.4)%.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from preoperative(9.3±5.1)to(23.5±4.0),with an excellent and good rate of 93.4%.(3)The early postoperative lumbar disc herniation absorption ratios of the control group and trial group were 2.3%and 85.9%,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001).(4)Complications:There were two cases of incision exudation and delayed healing in the trial group.After conservative treatment such as dressing change,no nerve injury or death occurred in the incision healing,and no cases underwent a second surgery.(5)It is concluded that symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous is a new method for treating lumbar disc herniation that can avoid extensive excision of the"ring"nerve and achieve satisfactory early clinical efficacy.It does not damage the lumbar facet joints or alter the basic anatomical structure of the lateral recess,fully preserves the herniated lumbar discs,and can induce significant or even complete induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous.Symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous provides a new basis and method for the clinical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.
4.Quantitative analysis of policy text on the pilot work of health impact assessment system in Zhejiang province
Zhaohua WANG ; Ziyue HUANG ; Zeng LIN ; Bo XU ; Xingyu ZHU ; Yumei FANG ; Luxia YU ; Shuai GUAN ; Meng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(1):8-14
Objective:To construct analytical dimensions for policy texts related to the pilot work of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) system in Zhejiang Province and conduct quantitative analysis, thereby providing references for improving the pilot work.Methods:Policy texts issued by Zhejiang Province between February 11, 2018, and February 29, 2024, which involved HIA content, were selected. The policy instruments theory was employed to construct an analytical framework around the dimensions of policy instruments, policy objectives, policy actors, and the interactions between policy instruments and policy objectives, and between policy instruments and policy actors. Based on this framework, a combination of literature analysis and content analysis was used to conduct a multi-dimensional quantitative analysis of the policy texts related to the pilot work of HIA system in Zhejiang Province.Results:Fifty core policy texts were included and 1 588 codes were obtained. In terms of policy instruments, environmental-type instruments were the most widely used (852 items), with internal responsibilities and methodological measures being the most frequently used; supply-type instruments were the second most used (459 items), with mechanism improvement being the most frequently used; demand-type instruments were the least used (277 items), with multi-stakeholder participation being the most frequently used. In terms of policy objectives, the objective of system construction dominated (701 articles, accounting for 56.45%), while the proportion of policy coverage, evaluation technology, and effectiveness evaluation was relatively low. In terms of policy subjects, the Party committee and government were the main policy subjects (434 articles, accounting for 39.20%), followed by health departments and public policy-making departments, while the proportion of public health institutions and social forces was extremely low. In the interaction between policy instruments and policy objectives, policy coverage, system construction, and effectiveness evaluation objectives all responded most frequently to environmental-type instruments, while the evaluation technology objectives responded more frequently to supply-type instruments. In the interaction between policy instruments and policy subjects, the Party committee and government played a dominant role in the use of policy instruments, with the health department and public policy-making department in the middle.Conclusions:The pilot work of the HIA system in Zhejiang Province presented a " environment-driven, system-construction-priority, Party-committee-and-government-led" policy characteristic. The main challenges were the imbalanced structure of policy instruments, insufficient synergy among policy objectives, and the need for greater participation of multiple stakeholders.
5.AI-integrated IQPD framework of quality prediction and diagnostics in small-sample multi-unit pharmaceutical manufacturing: Advancing from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing.
Kaiyi WANG ; Xinhai CHEN ; Nan LI ; Huimin FENG ; Xiaoyi LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Yanfei WU ; Yufeng GUO ; Shuoshuo XU ; Lu YAO ; Zhaohua ZHANG ; Jun JIA ; Zhishu TANG ; Zhisheng WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4193-4209
The pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in quality digitization for complex multi-stage processes, especially in small-sample systems. Here, an intelligent quality prediction and diagnostic (IQPD) framework was developed and applied to Tong Ren Tang's Niuhuang Qingxin Pills, utilizing four years of data collected from four production units, covering the entire process from raw materials to finished products. In this framework, a novel path-enhanced double ensemble quality prediction model (PeDGAT) is proposed, which combines a graph attention network and path information to encode inter-unit long-range and sequential dependencies. Additionally, the double ensemble strategy enhances model stability in small samples. Compared to global traditional models, PeDGAT achieves state-of-the-art results, with an average improvement of 13.18% and 87.67% in prediction accuracy and stability on three indicators. Additionally, a more in-depth diagnostic model leveraging grey correlation analysis and expert knowledge reduces reliance on large samples, offering a panoramic view of attribute relationships across units and improving process transparency. Finally, the IQPD framework integrates into a Human-Cyber-Physical system, enabling faster decision-making and real-time quality adjustments for Tong Ren Tang's Niuhuang Qingxin Pills, a product with annual sales exceeding 100 million CNY. This facilitates the transition from experience-driven to data-driven manufacturing.
6.MRI imaging characteristics of non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases with different epidermal growth factor receptor mutation types and PD-L1 expression
Bingxue MA ; Xuhong MIN ; Biao SONG ; Shanghu WANG ; Qilong SONG ; Zhaohua WANG ; Yunfu XU ; Cheng CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1472-1476
Objective To analyze the MRI imaging characteristics of brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)with different epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutation types and programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression,and to provide imaging diagnostic support for patients who can't undergo genetic and immunohistochemical testing.Methods A retrospec-tive selection was performed in 88 patients diagnosed with brain metastases of NSCLC,all patients were divided into EGFR mutation group and wild group according to the results of genetic testing,and patients with EGFR mutation group were divided into EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expression positive group and EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expression negative group according to whether the expression of PD-L1 was≥1%.The clinical data and MR image characteristics of brain metastases were compared in EGFR mutation group and wild group,as well as in EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expression positive group and EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expres-sion negative group.Results There were statistically significant differences in smoking history and intracranial symptoms between EGFR mutation group and wild group(P<0.05).The edema diameter,edema index and enhancement ratio of EGFR mutation group and wild group were(0.67±1.10)cm,0.39±0.54,0.32±0.17 and(1.57±2.04)cm,1.05±1.21,0.53±0.27,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were 43 cases and 23 cases in EGFR mutation group and wild group with ≥2 metastases,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with>60 years old,there were 15 patients(75%)of EGFR mutation with PD-L1 expres-sion positive in≤60 years old(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with EGFR wild patients,patients with EGFR mutation have more brain metastases(≥2),milder enhancement,less peritumoral edema,and fewer intracranial symptoms at initial diagnosis,and patients with EGFR mutation aged≤60 years are more likely to have PD-L1 expression positive.
7.Preliminary comparative analysis of cytokines related to blood and lipid metabolism and histopathological characteristics in SPF grade and GF grade golden hamsters
Yaxi GUO ; Zhaohua WANG ; Xiaopeng DU ; Kaihui LIU ; Hua ZHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(6):858-865
Objective To compare the hematological parameters,biochemical profiles,histopathological characteristics,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism in 8-weeks-old specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade and germ-free(GF)golden hamsters.Methods Twenty 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,with equal numbers of males and females,were utilized in this study.Serum cytokines associated with routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry,and lipid metabolism were quantified using automated hematology and biochemical analyzers,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.The cecum,small intestine,lung,spleen,forestomach,and glandular stomach were examined by histopathology.Results We compared the result between SPF grade and GF golden hamsters at 8 weeks of age.Regarding hematological parameters,females showed significant differences(P<0.05)in white blood cell count,hemoglobin concentration,mean corpuscular hemoglobin(MCH),and mean platelet volume between the two groups,and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in MCH concentration(MCHC),platelet distribution width(PDW),and lymphocyte count(LYM).Males showed significant differences(P<0.05)in mean corpuscular volume,MCH,LYM,neutrophil count,basophil count,and basophil percentage,and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in MCHC,PDW,lymphocyte percentage,and neutrophil percentage.In terms of biochemical parameters,females showed significant differences(P<0.05)in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,fasting insulin(FINS),and glycosylated serum protein(GSP),and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in triglycerides(TG).Males showed significant differences(P<0.05)in GSP levels and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in total cholesterol,TG,LDL-C,FINS,and C-peptide levels.For serum cytokines related to lipid metabolism,females showed significant differences(P<0.05)in interleukin(IL)-10,adiponectin(ADP),and IL-6 levels,and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP).Males showed significant differences(P<0.05)in hs-CRP levels and highly significant differences(P<0.001)in ADP and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels.Hematoxylin/eosin staining showed that the cecal muscle layer was thinner and the number of crypts attached to the mucous membrane was reduced in GF compared with SPF grade golden hamsters.In addition,the ileocele was enlarged and the number of goblet cells was increased,the alveolar septum was widened,immune cells in the white pulp of the spleen were increased,and the blood content in the blood sinuses was increased.There was also thinning of the anterior gastric mucosa and the basophilic strength of the glandular gastric tube gland was weakened.Conclusions This study established the differences in routine blood parameters,blood biochemistry indicators,histopathological features,and cytokines associated with lipid metabolism between 8-weeks-old SPF grade and GF golden hamsters,to establish preliminary reference ranges.
8.Quantitative analysis of policy text on the pilot work of health impact assessment system in Zhejiang province
Zhaohua WANG ; Ziyue HUANG ; Zeng LIN ; Bo XU ; Xingyu ZHU ; Yumei FANG ; Luxia YU ; Shuai GUAN ; Meng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(1):8-14
Objective:To construct analytical dimensions for policy texts related to the pilot work of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) system in Zhejiang Province and conduct quantitative analysis, thereby providing references for improving the pilot work.Methods:Policy texts issued by Zhejiang Province between February 11, 2018, and February 29, 2024, which involved HIA content, were selected. The policy instruments theory was employed to construct an analytical framework around the dimensions of policy instruments, policy objectives, policy actors, and the interactions between policy instruments and policy objectives, and between policy instruments and policy actors. Based on this framework, a combination of literature analysis and content analysis was used to conduct a multi-dimensional quantitative analysis of the policy texts related to the pilot work of HIA system in Zhejiang Province.Results:Fifty core policy texts were included and 1 588 codes were obtained. In terms of policy instruments, environmental-type instruments were the most widely used (852 items), with internal responsibilities and methodological measures being the most frequently used; supply-type instruments were the second most used (459 items), with mechanism improvement being the most frequently used; demand-type instruments were the least used (277 items), with multi-stakeholder participation being the most frequently used. In terms of policy objectives, the objective of system construction dominated (701 articles, accounting for 56.45%), while the proportion of policy coverage, evaluation technology, and effectiveness evaluation was relatively low. In terms of policy subjects, the Party committee and government were the main policy subjects (434 articles, accounting for 39.20%), followed by health departments and public policy-making departments, while the proportion of public health institutions and social forces was extremely low. In the interaction between policy instruments and policy objectives, policy coverage, system construction, and effectiveness evaluation objectives all responded most frequently to environmental-type instruments, while the evaluation technology objectives responded more frequently to supply-type instruments. In the interaction between policy instruments and policy subjects, the Party committee and government played a dominant role in the use of policy instruments, with the health department and public policy-making department in the middle.Conclusions:The pilot work of the HIA system in Zhejiang Province presented a " environment-driven, system-construction-priority, Party-committee-and-government-led" policy characteristic. The main challenges were the imbalanced structure of policy instruments, insufficient synergy among policy objectives, and the need for greater participation of multiple stakeholders.
9.Effects of different transplantation routes and fecal status on structural abundance of gut microbiota
Kaihui LIU ; Yaxi GUO ; Xiaopeng DU ; Zhaohua WANG ; Hua ZHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(12):1532-1542
Objective To evaluate the effects of fecal status and transplantation method on the intestinal flora structure after fecal microbiota transplantation in germ-free mice.Methods Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into three groups:fresh fecal gavage transplantation(group A),frozen fecal gavage transplantation(group B),and frozen fecal rectal transplantation groups(group C).Feces were collected at 2,4 and 6 weeks after transplantation.All mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks to obtain the contents of the small and large intestines.The structure and function of the gut microbiota and dynamic trends in microbial changes were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing.Results The diversity of the small intestine microbes in both the group A and group C were similar to those in the group B,according to α-diversity analysis(P>0.05),but the diversity of large intestine microbes was significantly increased(P<0.001).According toβ-diversity analysis,small intestine samples from the group A and group B clustered in the same area,indicating that the microbial community compositions were similar(P>0.05),but samples from the large intestine were distributed in different areas,showing significant differences(P<0.001).Small and large intestine samples from the group B and group C were distributed in different areas,with significant differences(P<0.001).Linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that Bacteroidota were relatively dominant in the group A,while Verrucomicrobiota and Proteobacteria were relatively dominant in the group B and Firmicutes were relatively dominant in the group C.Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 software showed that neither fecal status nor the method of transplantation affected the functions of the microbial community.Conclusions Both fresh fecal gavage and frozen fecal rectal transplantation can enhance the microbial diversity of the large intestine,compared with frozen fecal gavage transplantation.Fecal status does not affect the gut function and colonization trends of the microbiota,whereas the method of transplantation affects the colonization trends but not the functions of the microbiota.
10.Mechanism of action of Wuzi Yanzong pill in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia in rats determined via serum metabolomics
Zhenru Shen ; Zhaohua Zhang ; Kejin Tong ; Chunrui Wang ; Shuaiqiang Wang ; Ping Zhao ; Meng Gu ; Jingjing Hu ; Yibo Tang ; Zhenquan Liu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(2):180-190
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of action of Wuzi Yanzong pill (WYP) in rats with oligoasthenozoospermia (OAZ) via metabolomics and to provide a possible basis for improving this WYP-based treatment.
Methods:
A rat model of OAZ was established by treating male Sprague–Dawley rats with glucosides from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, L-carnitine (positive control), model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose WYP groups. Rats in the experimental groups were treated with WYP for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, sperm cell quality (density, motility, and viability) was assessed using a semen analysis system, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed using flow cytometry, and testicular injury was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining to validate the therapeutic effect of WYP in OAZ. Further, serum metabolomics-based analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify differential metabolic pathways and possible mechanisms of action of WYP in OAZ treatment.
Results:
A rat model of OAZ was considered successfully-established after comparing the quality of spermatozoa in the model group to that in the control group. WYP-M and WYP-H treatments significantly improved sperm cell density, motility, and viability compared with those in the model group (all P < .05). Compared with the model group, both WYP-M and WYP-H treatments increased MMP values (P = .006 and P = .021 respectively), while there was no significant difference in the L-carnitine group. L-carnitine and WYP administration reversed damage to the testes to varying degrees compared with that in the model group. Further, 44 differential metabolites and four metabolic pathways, especially autophagy pathway, related to OAZ were identified via metabolomics.
Conclusions
WYP improves sperm cell quality and MMP in OAZ primarily via autophagy regulation. These findings can be employed to improve the efficacy of WYP in humans.


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