1.Construction of a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Junli CHEN ; Han ZHANG ; Yefan ZHANG ; Yanqiu ZHANG ; Runguo GAO ; Qianqian GAO ; Weiqin CAI ; Haiyan LI ; Lihong JI ; Zhiwei DONG ; Qi JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo develop a community-family management model for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to formulate detailed application specifications, and to fully leverage the initiative of communities and families under limited resource conditions, for achieving community-based early detection and early intervention for older adults with MCI. MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify pertinent publications. Corpus-based research methodologies were employed to extract, refine, integrate and synthesize management elements, thereby establishing the specific content and service processes for each stage of the management model. Utilizing the 5W2H analytical framework, essential elements such as management stakeholders, target populations, content and methods for each stage were delineated. The model and its application guidelines were finalized through expert consultation and demonstration. ResultsAn expert evaluation of the management model yielded mean scores of 4.84, 4.32 and 4.84 for acceptability, feasibility and systematicity, respectively. By integrating the identified core elements with expert ratings and feedback, the final iteration of the community-family management model for older adults with MCI was formulated. This model comprised of five stages: screening and identification, comprehensive assessment, intervention planning, monitoring and referral pathways to ensure implementation, and enhanced support for communities, family members and caregivers. Additionally, it included 18 specific application guidelines. ConclusionThe proposed management model may theoretically help delay cognitive decline, improve cognitive function and potentially promote reversal from MCI to normal cognition. It may also enhance the awareness and coping capacity of older adults and their families, strengthen community healthcare professionals' ability to early identify and manage MCI.
2.PRMT1-mediated asymmetric dimethylation of arginine residue 602 in DDX1 promotes cholangiocarcinoma progression
Wenzheng LIU ; Yangwei LIAO ; Yiyang KUAI ; Xin GAO ; Xingmin YAN ; Jingjing LI ; Junsheng CHEN ; Jukun SU ; Jingcong ZHOU ; Yizhu KONG ; Siqin HUANG ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Feng PENG ; Bing WANG ; Yongjun CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):843-865
Background/Aims:
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary malignant neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. While combined chemoradiotherapy has been demonstrated to delay CCA progression to a certain extent, the absence of specific molecular biomarkers or targets significantly hinders the diagnosis and treatment of CCA.
Methods:
Through cross-analysis of proteomics and ADMA modificationomics, we identified DDX1 overexpressed in CCA with elevated R602-ADMA modifications. HPLC-MS/MS identified PRMT1 as the methyltransferase and USP10 as the deubiquitinating enzyme for DDX1. Immunofluorescence and nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning experiments confirmed DDX1’s nuclear localization. GO and KEGG analyses clarify the biological functions of DDX1 in response to hypoxia. RNA-seq transcriptomics analyzed key pathways influenced by DDX1. A hydrodynamic in situ CCA mouse model was established to validate the chemopreventive effects of the PRMT1-specific inhibitor GSK715 on CCA development.
Results:
DDX1 promotes CCA progression both in vivo and in vitro and can be inhibited by GSK715. Mechanistically, PRMT1 mediates ADMA modification at position R602 of DDX1. This modification promotes DDX1 nuclear localization by recruiting USP10 to deubiquitinate DDX1, while simultaneously inhibiting PRMT1 degradation. DDX1 promotes the transcription of PRMT1 and USP10 by binding to the mRNA 3’UTR region, establishing a positive feedback regulatory pathway. This mechanism promotes the occurrence and development of CCA and can serve as a target for the inhibitor GSK715 to suppress CCA progression.
Conclusions
Our study identified DDX1-R602-ADMA modification as a novel ADMA modification in CCA. It further confirmed its pivotal role in CCA progression. Targeting the USP10-PRMT1-DDX1 axis may represent a significant therapeutic approach for CCA.
3.Effects of Tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on Mechanical Pain Hypersensitivity in Chronic Dorsal Root Ganglion Compression Model Rats and the Characterization of Acupoint-Related Neural Afferents and Central Projections
Suhong ZHAO ; Zhiwei WU ; Dashuang GAO ; Lingjun KONG ; Qingguang ZHU ; Min FANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1893-1898
ObjectiveTo determine the effects of tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on mechanical pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic dorsal root ganglion (CCD), and to preliminarily explore the anatomical distribution characteristics of neural afferents associated with "Weizhong (BL 40)" acupoint and their central projections. MethodsThirty SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham operation group, a model group, and a tuina group, with 10 rats in each group. In the model group and the tuina group, a chronic compression of CCD model was established by implanting stainless-steel rods into the right L4/5 and L3/4 intervertebral foramina. Rats in the sham operation group underwent surgical exposure only. From day 4 to day 28 after modeling, rats in the tuina group received daily manipulation at the right "Weizhong (BL 40)" (pressure: 5 N; frequency: 2 Hz; duration: 10 min/session). Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were subjected only to fixation. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) was assessed before modeling and on day 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after modeling. On day 29 after modeling, pseudorabies virus (PRV), a retrograde trans-multisynaptic tracer, was injected into the right "Weizhong (BL 40)" acupoint in rats from the model group. After 120 h, rats were perfusion-fixed through the heart, and local tissues surrounding the "Weizhong (BL 40)" acupoint, corresponding lumbar dorsal root ganglia, lumbar spinal cord, and brain tissues were collected for fluorescence imaging of PRV-positive signals. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, rats in the model group and the tuina group showed significantly reduced MWT on day 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, rats in the tuina group exhibited significantly increased MWT on day 21 and 28 after modeling (P<0.05). Fluorescence imaging revealed PRV-positive signals in the deep fascial layer of local muscle tissue at "Weizhong (BL 40)", the L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia, the dorsal horn and central canal region of the spinal cord, as well as the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), secondary motor cortex (M2), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Among the examined cortical regions, M2 contained the largest number of PRV-positive neurons. ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" alleviates mechanical hyperalgesia in rats with the chronic compression of CCD model. A traceable neuroanatomical connection exists between the linking deep tissues within "Weizhong (BL 40)" region and the corresponding lumbar dorsal root ganglia, the spinal dorsal horn, and specific cortical areas.
4.Analysis of prostate cancer screening results and exploration of screening model for elderly males in Songjiang Rural Areas of Shanghai City based on PSA preliminary screening under the community linkage mode
Daocheng FANG ; Lingfeng WU ; Lixin CHEN ; Chunhua TANG ; Yong WANG ; Hui LI ; Hui WANG ; Kui ZHANG ; Shuangquan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Mingyuan DONG ; Chao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Zhiwei YANG ; Jing LIU ; Wendi DU ; Zhenbing SHI ; Shumei BI ; Hui WEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):230-234
This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.
5.Research and application of a new deep learning based strategy for platelet histogram review
Enming ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Xianchun CHEN ; Yan LIN ; Taixue AN ; Haixia LI ; Yongjian HE ; Zhiwei LIU ; Limei FENG ; Wanying LIN ; Tie XIONG ; Kai QIU ; Ya GAO ; Lizhu HUANG ; Jing HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Dehua SUN ; Bo SITU ; Lei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1201-1206
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platelet review strategy to identify abnormal platelet histograms with no significant difference between initial impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F results.Methods:This study included 5 119 routine blood analysis in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and its Ganzhou branch from July 2023 and March 2024. Specimens exhibiting abnormal platelet histograms and an initial platelet count >40×10?/L underwent review using the fluorescent platelet count (PLT-F) channel. Consistency of the results was defined as a difference between impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F less than ±20% of the PLT-F results. A deep learning model was developed using platelet and red blood cell histogram data from a training set of 3 807 specimens. The model′s diagnostic performance was evaluated on an independent external validation set ( n=805) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Changes in the number of reviewed samples and sample turnaround time were analyzed to assess its clinical utility. Results:The deep learning model based on platelet and red blood cell histograms achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.854 in the training set. At a cutoff value of 0.1, the sensitivity was 0.954 and specificity was 0.358. The model could reduce review by 16.80% (190/1 131). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 0.955 and specificity of 0.307, corresponding to a reduction of 17.41% (47/270) in reviewed specimens.Conclusion:The platelet review prediction model developed based on deep learning technology can efficiently identify samples with consistent results before and after review, reducing unnecessary reviews and shortening specimen testing time, thereby improving the efficiency of platelet test.
6.Risk factors of central regional lymph node metastasis in micropapillary thyroid neoplasms
Zhiwei LUO ; Hongli JI ; Jinshan LIAN ; Yamei CHEN ; Jiang GAO ; Longlong WANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(3):213-216
Objective:To explore potential risk factors for central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).Methods:The clinicopathological data of 304 PTMC patients admitted to Baotou Cancer Hospital from Oct 2021 to Mar 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors of CLNM were analyzed using unifactorial and multifactorial regression.Results:The rate of central regional lymph node metastasis in 304 patients with PTMC was 46.7% (142/304). Univariate analysis showed that male, age <45 years, maximum cancerous lesion diameter ≥5 mm, total cancerous lesion diameter ≥9.5 mm, anterior-posterior lesion diameter ≥5 mm, anterior-posterior lesion diameter ratio of cancerous lesions ≥0.48, breaching of thyroid capsule, number of lymph nodes on the side of cancerous lesions ≥5, and antithyroid peroxidase antibody ≤34 IU/ml were associated with CLNM (all P<0.05); Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that. male, age <45 years, total diameter of cancer foci ≥9.5 mm ( OR=2.052, 95% CI: 1.176-3.581, P=0.011), anteroposterior diameter ratio of cancer foci ≥0.48 ( OR=2.076, 95% CI: 1.161-3.711, P=0.014), number of lymph nodes on the side of cancer foci ≥5, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody ≤34 IU/ml were independent risk factors for CLNM. Conclusion:Male, age ,total diameter of cancer foci, anterior-posterior diameter ratio of cancer foci, number of lymph nodes on the side of cancer foci, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody level are all independent risk factors for CLNM in patients with PTMC.
7.En Masse Intrusion of Mandibular Anterior Teeth Assisted by Buccal Mini-implants with Clear Aligners:A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study
Xin GAO ; Yuan CAO ; Zhiwei WANG ; Lu LIU ; Xiao LEI ; Qijingyi QI ; Fang JIN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):821-827
Objective To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of the mandibular anterior teeth intrusion assisted by buccal mini-implants,so as to provide theoretical guidance for the clinical treatment of deep overbite and other conditions requiring intrusion of the mandibular anterior teeth.Methods A finite element model of implant screws,clear aligners(CAs)and mandibular complex including the mandibular dentition,periodontal ligament(PDL)and alveolar bone was constructed.The model was designed with 0.2 mm intrusion in the mandibular anterior teeth.Seven groups were set:without traction,30 g,50 g,100 g,150 g,200 g,and 250 g force groups.The stress and displacement of the teeth as well as the related stress distributions of PDL and CAs in each group after loading were analyzed.Results Without traction and under different traction forces,the mandibular anterior teeth tended to be tipped and intruded.With the increase of traction force,the increasing trend was manifested in the vertical displacement and labial displacement of the mandibular anterior teeth.When the traction force reached 200 g,the vertical displacement showed a significant increase,the subsequent increase then showed a tendency to flatten.The ratio of the labial tipping displacement to the intrusive displacement of the mandibular anterior teeth showed a decreasing trend with the increase of traction force.Within a reasonable force range,increasing traction force led to greater bodily intrusion of the anterior teeth.When the traction force was less than 150 g,the mandibular posterior teeth exhibited a tendency of extrusion.When the traction force of more than 150 g was applied,it showed a tendency of intrusion.The PDL stress was concentrated on the labial and cervical surface of the anterior teeth.Conclusions Intrusion efficiency of the mandibular anterior teeth has been effectively improved with CAs assisted by buccal mini-implants.Moreover,the traction force of the mini-implants has a significant impact on the movement of the mandibular anterior teeth.Based on a comprehensive analysis of factors such as the displacement trend of the mandibular dentition and the PDL stress,the optimal force value for buccal traction of the mini-implants to intrude the mandibular anterior teeth can be selected as 150-200 g force.
8.PTPRD demethylation regulates the proliferation,migration,and chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Yanhui LIU ; Ziyu GAO ; Peng REN ; Yuxin DU ; Caixia LIU ; Zhiwei XING
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(1):48-55
Objective:To investigate the effect of protein tyrosine phosphatase D(PTPRD)demethylation on the proliferation,migration,and chemoresistance of gastric cancer(GC)cells through the phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)pathway.Methods:The gastric cancer MKN-74 and MKN-45 cells,as well as human gastric mucosal epithelial GES-1 cells,GES-1 were cultured in vitro and PTPRD expression was detected.MKN-45 cells and their drug-resistant variant MKN-45/5-FU cells were routinely cultured and transfected with various vectors:PTPRD empty vector(NC group,NC/5-FU group),PTPRD overexpressing adenovirus(PTPRD group,PTPRD/5-FU group),shRNA empty vector(sh-NC group,sh-NC/5-FU group),shRNA PTPRD lentivirus(sh-PTPRD group,sh-PTPRD/5-FU group),and PTPRD overexpressing adenovirus+10 μmol/L 740Y-P treatment(PTPRD+740Y-P group,PTPRD+740Y-P/5-FU group).MTT assay and wound healing assay were used to assess cell proliferation and migration.Cell autophagy levels were assessed using autophagy assay,and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway related proteins was detected using western blot(WB).MKN-45 cells were treated with 0,2.5,5,10,20 and 40 μmol/L 5-aza solutions,and the PTPRD mRNA expression and cell proliferation in MKN-45 cells were detected using qPCR and MTT assays.Results:PTPRD mRNA and protein were significantly downregulated in gastric cancer cells(P<0.05).Compared with the MKN-45 group,the numbers of autophagosomes and autophagosomes,as well as the protein expression of PTPRD,E-cadherin,and BAX significantly increased in the PTPRD group(all P<0.05),while cell proliferation,migration rate,and protein expression of p-PI3K,vimentin,p-Akt,and p-mTOR decreased significantly(all P<0.05);However,in the sh-PTPRD group,cell proliferation activity,migration rate,and protein expression of p-PI3K,vimentin,p-Akt,and p-mTOR increased notably,while the quantity of autophagosomes,autophagosomes,and protein expression of PTPRD,E-cadherin,and BAX decreased(all P<0.05).Compared with the PTPRD group,the PTPRD+740Y-P group showed an increase in cell proliferation activity,migration rate,protein expression of p-PI3K,vimentin,p-Akt,and p-mTOR(all P<0.05),and a decrease in number of autophagosomes,autophagosomes,and protein expression of PTPRD,E-cadherin,and BAX(all P<0.05).With the increase of 5-aza concentration,the mRNA expression of PTPRD in MKN-45 cells increased(P<0.05),while the cell proliferation activity decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the MKN-45/5-FU group,the cell migration rate and proliferation activity decreased in PTPRD/5-FU group,while the sh-PTPRD/5-FU group showed an increase in cell migration rate and proliferation activity(all P<0.05).Compared with the PTPRD/5-FU group,the PTPRD+740Y-P/5-FU group showed an increase in cell migration rate and proliferation activity(all P<0.05).Conclusion:PTPRD is downregulated in GC cells,and its demethylation may inhibit proliferation and migration of GC cells and enhance chemosensitivity by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
9.Impacts of pre-pregnancy exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on menstrual characteristics among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Huyi TAO ; Yujie CAO ; Yitao PAN ; Jiuru ZHAO ; Zhiwei LIU ; Yu GAO ; Ying TIAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):652-660
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants widely used in various products, leading to population exposure and long-term accumulation. At present, there is a lack of research on the relationships between pre-pregnancy PFAS and menstrual characteristics among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China. Objective To explore the relationships between pre-pregnancy PFAS exposure among women undergoing ART and menstrual characteristics prior to assisted reproductive treatment. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional research design, recruiting women undergoing ART treatment at the Reproductive Clinic of the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, from 2017 to 2020 as study participants. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect 42 types of PFAS in pre-pregnancy serum samples. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and menstrual characteristics (average menstrual cycle length, average menstrual period length, menstrual irregularities, and menstrual bleeding volume) of women undergoing ART. Multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between individual PFAS exposure before pregnancy and menstrual characteristics among ART women. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) model was applied to analyze the association between PFAS mixtures and menstrual characteristics. Results In the pre-pregnancy serum samples of the study population, 15 PFAS were detected in more than 60% of the samples, including perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), 8:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (8:2 Cl-PFESA), perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid (HFPO-DA), perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA), and perfluoro-(3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic) acid (PFO5DoDA). Among them, PFOA had the highest median concentration of 9.160 ng·mL−1. The single PFAS exposure analysis revealed a positive correlation between PFAS and irregular menstrual cycles. Specifically, for every natural-log unit (e) increase in PFOA, PFBS, or PFHxS level, the incidence of irregular menstrual cycles increased by 57%, 42%, or 39%, respectively. Most PFAS were positively correlated with the average number of menstrual cycle days, such as PFHpA (b=1.08, 95%CI: 0.11, 2.05), PFOA (b=1.69, 95%CI: 0.39, 3.00), PFBS (b=1.23, 95%CI: 0.25, 2.22), PFHxS (b=1.47, 95%CI: 0.61, 2.32), PFHpS (b=1.48, 95%CI: 0.35, 2.61), and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (b=0.90, 95%CI: 0.08, 1.72). Furthermore, levels of PFHpA (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.82), PFOA (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.09, 2.30), PFBS (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.80), PFHxS (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.71), PFHpS (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.14), and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.70) were positively correlated with low menstrual blood volume, while PFOA (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.71), PFHpS (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.71), and HFPO-DA (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.97) were negatively correlated with high menstrual blood volume. The mixed exposure model showed that PFAS mixtures were positively correlated with the average number of menstrual cycle days (b=1.60, 95%CI: 0.49, 2.71), irregular menstrual cycles (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.19, 2.63), and low menstrual blood volume (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.35), but negatively correlated with high menstrual blood volume (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.22, 0.73). Conclusion Women undergoing ART in Shanghai are widely exposed to PFAS prior to conception. Exposure to PFAS before pregnancy may be related to menstrual characteristics among women seeking ART before undergoing fertility treatments, but additional data from larger populations are required to validate the findings of this study.
10.Antidepressant effects and mechanisms of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
Zhiwei Qi ; Lingling Qin ; Ming Gao ; Ruifeng Yang ; Congyi Liu ; Ning Wang ; Wenjing Li ; Yongxin Huang ; Lili Wu ; Tonghua Liu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(3):364-374
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.MethodsWe tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control. The rats were divided into four groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group, and Wuhua herbal tea group. The rats underwent body weight measurements, sucrose preference test, and open-field test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6. Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group rats had depressive tendencies, exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair. The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees (P = .015 and P = .002); reduced serum levels of ACTH, corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6 (all P .05); and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF, CREB, JAK2, and STAT3 in the hippocampus (all P .05); and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels (P = .006).ConclusionWuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation, alleviating neuroinflammation. It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function, reducing depressive symptoms.


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