1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Effects of loganin on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats
Can WANG ; Yantao LI ; Zheng ZHOU ; Lupeng WANG ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Shaoxi FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):574-578
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of loganin on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats by regulating the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling pathway. METHODS A sepsis rat model was established by cecal ligation and puncture, and randomly divided into sepsis group, loganin low-dose group (50 mg/kg loganin, gavage), loganin high-dose group (200 mg/kg loganin, gavage), positive control group (0.2 mg/kg atorvastatin, intraperitoneal injection), and loganin high-dose + lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) group (200 mg/kg loganin gavage and intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg RohA activator LPA). An additional sham surgery group was established. Each group consisted of 10 rats, and medications were administered once every 6 hours for 4 times. After 24 hours of the last intervention, the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β were detected. The pathological changes of ileal tissue were observed and Chiu’s intestinal mucosal injury score was also performed. The levels of intestinal function-lactate dehydrogenase (D-lactate), D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin, the percentages of zonula occludens-1 protein (ZO-1) and Occludin positive staining area, as well as protein expressions of RhoA, and ROCK1 were all detected. com RESULTS Compared with the sepsis group, the percentages of ZO-1 and Occludin positive areas increased significantly in loganin low-dose and high-dose groups; while the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, DAO, D-lactate and endotoxin, Chiu’s intestinal mucosal injury score as well as protein expressions of RhoA and ROCK1 decreased significantly (P<0.05); the destruction of rat ileal tissue was alleviated, and tissue edema and inflammatory infiltration were significantly reduced; moreover, the improvement effect in loganin high-dose group was superior to that in loganin low-dose group (P<0.05). Compared with loganin high-dose group, RhoA activator LPA reversed the trend of changes in the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Loganin can alleviate inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats, the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.
3.Improving the Certainty of Evidence in Animal Experiment Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis: An Empirical Study of the GRADE Method
Tengfei LI ; Qingyong ZHENG ; Jianguo XU ; Yiyi LI ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Mingyue ZHANG ; Jiexiang TIAN ; Gang WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):101-111
Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.
4.Progress on mRNA tumor vaccine with non-viral delivery system
Jiao ZHOU ; Jianyu ZHENG ; Sizhen WANG ; Feng YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(3):109-116
At the end of 2020, the FDA issued emergency use authorization for two mRNA vaccines(BNT162b2 and mRNA-
5.Huayu Mingmu Prescription Downregulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1α/VEGFA Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Retinal Angiogenesis of DR Rats
Xiaoqiu MA ; Lei ZHAO ; Huimin ZHOU ; Fanghui ZHENG ; Guoqing YANG ; Tao ZUO ; Xiande MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):78-87
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Huayu Mingmu prescription on retinal angiogenesis and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR)-hypoxia inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor A (HIF-1α/VEGFA) signaling pathway in diabetic retinopathy (DR) rats. MethodsSixty-four SPF-grade male SD rats were used in the study. Eleven rats were randomly selected as the normal group, while the remaining 53 rats were fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model. DR model evaluation was performed after 12 weeks of diabetes. The rats were then divided into model, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Huayu Mingmu prescription (9.29, 18.57, 37.14 g·kg-1), and a calcium dobesilate group (0.16 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. The rats were orally administered the corresponding doses of Huayu Mingmu prescription and calcium dobesilate. The normal and model groups received equal volumes of physiological saline via gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Retinal vascular changes were observed through fundus photography, and pathological changes in retinal tissue were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Retinal microvascular pathological changes were examined through retinal vascular network preparation and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of VEGFA and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in retinal tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant pathological changes in retinal tissue, including the appearance of acellular capillaries, as well as significant endothelial cell (E) proliferation and pericyte (P) loss (P<0.01). The E/P was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of Ang-2 protein was significantly elevated (P<0.01). In contrast, retinal tissue in the treatment groups showed alleviated pathological changes, with reduced endothelial cell proliferation and pericyte loss (P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, the high-dose Huayu Mingmu prescription and the calcium dobesilate group exhibited a decreased E/P (P<0.01). Protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of Ang-2 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuayu Mingmu prescription can intervene in retinal neovascularization in DR rats, delay the progression of DR, and its mechanism may be related to antagonizing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway.
6.From tumor immunity to organ transplantation immunity
Guxiang ZHOU ; Yixuan LI ; Jin ZHENG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):229-236
The major histocompatibility complex plays a crucial role in the immune response process, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors and organ transplantation. Cellular immunity occupies an important position in tumor immunity and organ transplantation immunity, while humoral immunity also plays a significant role in organ transplantation immunity. Organ transplantation requires the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance, while tumors develop immune escape phenomena during their progression. In-depth exploration and comparison of the mechanisms of tumor immune escape and organ transplantation immune tolerance are of great significance for formulating reasonable immune tolerance induction strategies, improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival time of organ transplant patients.
7.Progress in the application of lung transplantation in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Hanzhou HUANG ; Yongqi CHENG ; Jiaji ZHOU ; Rongguo LU ; Feng LIU ; Mingfeng ZHENG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):309-314
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease characterized by the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary lymphatic smooth muscle cells. It is common in women and often accompanied by recurrent pneumothorax, chylothorax and progressive dyspnea, imaging characterized by diffuse cystic lesions in both lungs. Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis progresses aggressively and has a very poor prognosis, with a lack of effective medical treatment options in the advanced stages. Lung transplantation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of advanced pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which may significantly improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients. The median survival period after surgery can reach 12 years. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and the current status and existing problems of lung transplantation in pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment and subsequent research of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
8.Systematic review of association between 24 h movement behavior and cognitive function in children and adolescents
YANG Jie, ZHENG Shuqi, WU Hua, ZHOU Wenlong, RUAN Hui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):244-248
Objective:
To analyze the relationship between 24 h movement behaviors and cognitive function in children and adolescents, as well as the isotemporal substitution benefits, in order to provide a basis for developing cognitive development intervention strategies among children and adolescents.
Methods:
Relevant studies were searched in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from their inception to November 30, 2024. Systematic evaluation was performed after document screening, data extraction and quality assessment.
Results:
A total of 24 highquality studies were included, comprising 35 295 children and adolescents aged 3-18 years. Adhering to the 24 h activity guidelines was associated with better cognitive performance (19 studies). Additionally, substituting 5-30 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sleep (SLP) for sedentary behavior (SB) or light physical activity (LPA) were associated with improvements in cognitive function (7 studies). There were inconsistencies in the effects of different types of SB (learning or entertainment) on cognitive function.
Conclusions
Adherence to the 24 h activity guidelines supports cognitive development in children and adolescents, with MVPA and SLP as key intervention targets. Increasing the proportion of MVPA, ensuring adequate SLP, and limiting recreational SB and screen time might be helpful to enhance the combined benefits of these three behaviors.
9.Clinical Observation on 45 Cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Stable Phase with Qi Deficiency,Blood Stasis and Phlegm Obstruction Syndrome with Auxiliary Treated with Jinwei Guben Decoction (金卫固本汤) Combined with Bailing Capsule (百令胶囊)
Deyu KONG ; Xudong ZHENG ; Huimin ZHOU ; Ruitao WANG ; Benzhang ZHAO ; Jianjun WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):367-375
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of modified Jinwei Guben Decoction (金卫固本汤, MJGD) combined with Bailing Capsule (百令胶囊, BC) in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the stable stage with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome, in addition to conventional western medicine treatment. MethodsA total of 102 patients with stable COPD and qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome were included in the study. According to the patients'preferences, they were divided into treatment group (49 cases) and control group (53 cases). The control group received conventional western medicine treatment, while the treatment group was given MJGD (1 dose daily) combined with BC (2.0 g each time, three times a day) additionally. The treatment period was 3 months, and the patients were followed up for 1 year after the treatment. The acute exacerbation frequency (mild, moderate, severe) before treatment, during treatment, at 6-month follow-up, and at 1-year follow-up was compared between groups. Additionally, the lung function indicators such as FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores before and after treatment were compared. A logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the impact of MJGD combined with BC on clinical efficacy. ResultsFour patients dropped out from the treatment group and eight from the control group, leaving 45 patients of each group for statistical analysis. The number of mild and moderate acute exacerbations in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group during the treatment period, at 6-month follow-up and within 1 year of follow-up (P<0.05) .The number of severe acute exacerbations was only lower in the treatment group than in the control group at 6-month follow-up (P<0.05). Compared with that before treatment, the number of acute exacerbations of all degrees in the treatment group was significantly reduced within 1 year of follow-up (P<0.05),while only the number of mild acute exacerbations in the control group was significantly reduced within 1 year of follow-up (P<0.05). The treatment group showed significant improvement in FEV1 and FEV1%pred and FEV1/FEV, while the control group showed a significant decline in FEV1 and FVC (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores, including coughing, sputum, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue, as well as mMRC and CAT scores (P<0.05), with the treatment group having significantly lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). The overall clinical effective rate of in the treatment group was 93.33% (42/45), significantly higher than that of the control group, 75.56% (34/45, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the use of MJGD combined with BC (OR = 4.68, 95%CI: 1.15 - 19.09, P = 0.03) was positively correlated with clinical efficacy. ConclusionsIn addition to conventional western medicine treatment, the combination of MJGD and BC can reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations, delay the decline of lung function, improve clinical symptoms, and significantly enhance the clinical efficacy in patients with stable COPD and qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome.
10.Optimization of Ovarian Tissue Vitrification Using Hydrogel Encapsulation and Magnetic Induction Nanowarming
Yu-Kun CAO ; Na YE ; Zheng LI ; Xin-Li ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):464-477
ObjectiveFor prepubertal and urgently treated malignant tumor patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation represent more appropriate fertility preservation methods. Current clinical practices often involve freezing ovarian tissue with high concentrations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and thawing with water baths. These processes lead to varying degrees of toxicity and devitrification damage to ovarian tissue. Therefore, this paper proposes optimized methods for vitrification of ovarian tissues based on sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation and magnetic induction nanowarming technology. MethodsFirstly, the study investigated the effects of sodium alginate concentration, the sequence of hydrogel encapsulation and CPAs loading on vitrification efficiency of encapsulated ovarian tissue. Additionally, the capability of sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation to reduce the required concentration of CPAs was validated. Secondly, a platform combining water bath and magnetic induction nanowarming was established to rewarm ovarian tissue under various concentrations of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field strengths. The post-warming follicle survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and ovarian tissue integrity were evaluated to assess the efficacy of the method. ResultsThe study found that ovarian tissue encapsulated with 2% sodium alginate hydrogel exhibited the highest follicle survival rate after vitrification. The method of loading CPAs prior to encapsulation proved more suitable for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, effectively reducing the required concentration of CPAs by 50%. A combination of 8 g/L Fe3O4 nanoparticles and an alternating magnetic field of 300 Gs showed optimal warming effectiveness for ovarian tissue. Combining water bath rewarming with magnetic induction nanowarming yielded the highest follicle survival rate, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and preserved tissue morphology. ConclusionSodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation of ovarian tissue reduces the concentration of CPAs required during the freezing process. The combination of magnetic induction nanowarming with water bath provides an efficient method ovarian tissue rewarming. This study offers novel approaches to optimize ovarian tissues vitrification.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail