1.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Gardeniae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yuanjun SHANG ; Bo GENG ; Xin CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Chun LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Junjie HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):225-234
ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) recorded in historical materia medica, this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics, microscopic features, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length, diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF, and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF, and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently, the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method, the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD), and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits, combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits, the wild GF fruits were smaller, exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger, displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF, while the blue-yellow value(b*) of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure, the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals, while the endocarp contained stone cell class round, polygonal or tangential prolongation, undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast, the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals, or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like, with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature, and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF(P<0.01). In category-specific component content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Conversely, the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside, geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF(P<0.01). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits, microstructure, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete, and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.
3.Toxic effects of benzo(a)pyrene exposure on olfactory function in mice
Lijun YUAN ; Wenyu WANG ; Shuangxi GENG ; Jisheng NIE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):550-555
Background Studies have shown that benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) exhibits neurotoxicity and can induce cognitive dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction is an early marker of mild cognitive impairment; however, the mechanism by which BaP exposure causes this impairment is still unclear. Objective To investigate the effects of BaP exposure on olfactory function in mice. Methods Thirty 5-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n=6 per group): blank control, solvent control (olive oil), and low, medium and high doses (0.72, 1.44, and 2.89 mg·kg−1, respectively). Following one week of acclimatization, BaP was administered intranasally every other day. Behavioral changes were assessed using the buried food test and Morris water maze (MWM). Olfactory bulb tissues were subsequently harvested for analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate pathological changes, while immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were employed to examine the expression and distribution of protein and mRNA expressions and distributions of olfactory marker protein (OMP), membrane-spanning 4-pass A1 (MS4A1), trace amine-associated receptor1 (TAAR1). Results The buried food test revealed that BaP exposure significantly prolonged the time taken to find food in a dose-dependent manner (F=56.753, P< 0.01). MWM results showed significant main effects for both time (F=128.5, P<0.01) and dose (F=3.889, P<0.05), with a significant interaction effect between them (F=2.128, P<0.05). HE staining showed that in the 2.89 mg·kg−1 group, although granule remained abundant, mitral cell layer neurons exhibited structural atrophy and deep staining. Immunofluorescence demonstrated a decreased distribution of OMP, MS4A1, and TAAR1 in the olfactory nerve layer and glomerular layers in the 2.89 mg·kg−1 group compared with the blank control group (F=11.590, P<0.01; F=12.807, P<0.01; F=7.436, P<0.01). Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of OMP, MS4A1, and TAAR1 in the 2.89 mg·kg−1 group were also significantly downregulated compared to the control group (F=6.720, P<0.01; F=16.931, P<0.01; F=48.060, P<0.01). Conclusion BaP exposure leads to olfactory dysfunction in mice by inducing pathological damage to mitral cells and reducing the expression of key olfactory receptors and markers in the olfactory bulb.
4.Prokaryotic expression of Echinococcus granulosus Polo-like kinase 2 and immunoprotective efficacy of its recombinant protein
Xue WANG ; Mingzhi YAN ; Wenjing QI ; Chuanchuan WU ; Guowu ZHANG ; An GENG ; Mengxiao TIAN ; Jun LI ; Wenbao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):184-193
Objective To prepare the recombinant Echinococcus granulosus Polo-like kinase 2 (rEgPLK2) protein and evaluate its immunoprotective efficacy against cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into research and development of novel vaccines against echinococcosis. Methods The Polo-like kinase (PLK) protein sequences were retrieved from 12 species in the NCBI protein database, including E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Multiple sequence alignment was performed using the Clustal Omega program, and structural visualization and homology analysis were conducted using the ESPript 3.2 program. The recombinant plasmid pET-30a-EgPLK2 was transformed into BL21(DE3) competent cells. Protein expression was induced with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to characterize the expression and molecular weight of the rEgPLK2 protein. The purified rEgPLK2 protein was thoroughly emulsified with Freund’s complete adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio. Two New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with multipoint subcutaneous injection on the back at a dose of 300 μg per rabbit for primary immunization. For booster immunizations, the protein was emulsified with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio and administered on days 14, 28, and 42 after the primary immunization at a dose of 150 μg per rabbit. Serum was sampled from the rabbit ear vein on day 7 after the final immunization to yield anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibodies. Antibody titer was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibody specificity was verified by Western blotting. The tissue localization of the EgPLK2 protein was detected in E. granulosus protoscoleces and adult worms using immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Eighteen 6- to 8-week-old female SPF-grade BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the blank control group, rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group, and PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, of 6 mice each group. Mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and PBSISA group received three primary immunizations via intramuscular injection, and animals in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group was inoculated with immunogens prepared by emulsifying rEgPLK2 protein with ISA 201 adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio (6 μg per mouse), while mice in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group received an equal volume of PBS emulsified with ISA adjuvant at a 1 : 1 volume ratio. A fourth booster immunization was administered via intraperitoneal injection. Mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group received a booster immunization with 8 μg of rEgPLK2 protein per mouse, and animals in the PBS-ISA group received an equal volume of PBS, with immunizations given at 2-week intervals. Mice in the blank control group were given no treatment, and housed under standard conditions. Tail vein blood was collected from all mice 7 days after the final immunization, and levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG antibody and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3) were measured by indirect ELISA. E. granulosus infection was modelled in mice through injection with 1 000 E. granulosus protoscoleces via intrahepatic portal vein in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and PBS-ISA adjuvant control group 2 weeks after the last immunization. All mice were sacrificed and dissected. The number of cysts was counted in mouse livers, and the cyst reduction rate was calculated. Liver tissues were processed for paraffin sectioning and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and histopathological changes were examined under a light microscope. Results Sequence analysis revealed that EgPLK2 shared a high amino acid sequence homology with E. multilocularis PLK2 (EmPLK2) and contained the typical domains of the Polo-like kinase family, including the serine/threonine protein kinase catalytic domain (STKc) and Polo-box. The IPTG-induced rEgPLK2 protein was mainly expressed in the form of inclusion bodies, and the purified rEgPLK2 protein showed a relative molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. The prepared rabbit anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibody had a titer of 1 : 256 000, and Western blotting assay showed that this anti-body specifically recognized the rEgPLK2 protein with a relative molecular mass of approximately 70 kDa. Immunofluorescence assay showed that the EgPLK2 protein was localized in the excretory bladder and rostellum of E. granulosus protoscoleces, as well as the tegument, suckers, and inter-proglottid junctions of adult worms. Immunoprotective assay showed that the serum levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies were 2.92 ± 0.49, 0.33 ± 0.10, 0.31 (0.36), and 3.12 (1.73) in mice in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group, which were all significantly higher than those in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group (0.14 ± 0.04, 0.07 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.04, and 0.11 ± 0.04, respectively) (t = 19.28 and 8.46, Z = 3.75 and 4.15; all P values < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the serum anti-IgG3 antibody level between the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group [0.07 (0.01) vs. 0.073 (0.07); Z = 0.69, P > 0.05)]. In the mouse model of E. granulosus infections, the area of hepatic lesions was reduced and the inflammatory infiltration was alleviated in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group than in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, and the number of hepatic cysts was higher in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group than in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group [8.00 (2.00) vs. 1.00 (0.75); Z = −2.93, P < 0.01], with a cyst reduction rate of 80.40%. Indirect ELISA assay measured higher serum levels of specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG (3.28 ± 0.48 vs. 0.11 ± 0.04; t = 15.86, P < 0.01), IgG1 (0.29 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01; t = 15.67, P < 0.01), IgG2a [3.71 (1.09) vs. 0.08 (0.03); Z = 2.88, P < 0.01], and IgG2b antibodies [3.34 (1.01) vs. 0.08 (0.03); Z = 2.88, P < 0.01] in the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group than in the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group, and there was no significant difference in the serum level of the specific anti-rEgPLK2 IgG3 antibody between the rEgPLK2-ISA immunization group and the PBS-ISA adjuvant control group (0.07 ± 0.01 vs. 0.07 ± 0.01; t = 1.29, P > 0.05). Conclusions The prokaryotic expression system has been successfully constructed for the EgPLK2 gene and the anti-rEgPLK2 polyclonal antibody has been obtained. The rEgPLK2 protein exhibits a high immunogenicity, and is effective to protect against E. granulosus infection, and inhibits cyst development, which is a promising candidate vaccine target against cystic echinococcosis.
5.Effects and mechanisms of oliceridine fumarate on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats through TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Dong XIE ; Xiaoying GENG ; Yushan ZHU ; Zhengxiang LI ; Hengjie YUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1434-1439
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of oliceridine fumarate (TRV130) in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly rats based on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into the control group (normal saline), the model group (normal saline), the TRV130 group (2.8 mg/kg), the TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibitor (TAK-242) group (3 mg/kg), the β -arrestin inhibitor (Barbadin) group (3 mg/kg), and the traditional opioid drug (morphine) group (2.8 mg/kg), with 15 rats in each group. Except for the control group, POCD models were established in all other groups. From the first day after surgery, drugs/normal saline were administered via caudal vein injection once daily for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, the pathological damage of hippocampal tissue was observed; the cognitive function, serum inflammatory factor levels, hippocampal neurons apoptosis rate, and the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related mRNA and protein in hippocampal tissue were detected. RESULTS In the model group, the neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were disordered and sparse, with decreased number, pyknotic and fragmented nuclei accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the control group, the escape latency, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β, hippocampal neurons apoptosis rate, average fluorescence intensities of Iba-1 and GFAP, mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65, and their protein expression/phosphorylation levels in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased/elevated in the model group ( P <0.05); the time spent in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly shortened/decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the cognitive function, pathological, inflammatory, and apoptosis-related indicators were significantly improved in the TRV130 group, TAK-242 group, and Barbadin group ( P <0.05); the mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 and their protein expression/phosphorylation levels were significantly decreased in the TRV130 group and TAK-242 group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TRV130 may improve POCD in elderly rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and alleviating postoperative central nervous system inflammatory responses.
6.Current situation and development strategy of the construction of traditional Chinese medicine digital herbarium
LIU Junling ; HAO Dajun ; CHENG Shiyun ; SU Chang ; GENG Chao ; LIU Bingxin ; RONG Yu ; KANG Shuai
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0049-0057
This study aims to review the current status and development trends of digital TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) specimen museums, providing a theoretical basis for their future construction. By systematically organizing literature and materials, practical experiences in platform architecture design, content planning, and technical implementation were summarized. The research results show that digital technology has significant application value in the TCM field. Currently, some Food and Drug Control Institutes have formed diverse construction achievements by integrating regional characteristics with technological innovation. However, current TCM specimen museums generally still face many challenges, such as insufficient digitalization. In conclusion, the digitalization of TCM specimen museums has become an inevitable trend in the industry. Targeted measures are urgently needed to solve existing problems and promote the sustainable development of digital TCM specimen museums. It is suggested to strengthen the standardization of data collection and storage, deepen the integration of technologies such as 3D, AR, and AI into the construction of specimen museums, and at the same time promote the spatial design combining regional culture with TCM. This will help create "one museum with one feature for one region" digital TCM specimen museums, further promoting their sustainable development and facilitating the digital inheritance of TCM.
7.PRMT5 promotes angiogenesis in colorectal cancer via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Wen ZHANG ; Yongyong GENG ; Xijiang TU ; Qianhui YAO ; Wenlong GUO ; Bogang YAO ; Xuling SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):803-811
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) on the angiogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. MethodsThe expression and prognostic value of PRMT5 in CRC tissues were analyzed based on the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases. A total of 105 pairs of cancer tissues and matched adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected from CRC patients, and PRMT5 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC); Western blot was used to detect the PRMT5 protein level in normal colonic epithelial cells (FHC) and CRC cell lines (including RKO, SW480). SW48 and LoVo cells were divided into negative control (NC) group and PRMT5 knockdown interference group. After the stable knockdown cell models were successfully constructed, the effects of conditioned medium on the proliferation, cell cycle, migration and tube formation abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected; the correlation between PRMT5 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and cytoplasm-nucleus separation assay were performed to verify the regulatory pathway. ResultsPRMT5 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines, which was significantly correlated with poor prognosis and pathological characteristics of patients (all P<0.05); PRMT5 knockdown could significantly inhibit the angiogenesis-related abilities of HUVECs (all P<0.05) and down-regulate the expression of VEGFA (all P<0.01). GSEA results indicated that PRMT5 expression was significantly associated with the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway (all P<0.001). PRMT5 knockdown could inhibit the activation of JAK2/STAT3, the nuclear translocation of STAT3 and the protein level of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in the nucleus, thus inhibiting the expression of VEGFA. ConclusionPRMT5 is highly expressed in CRC tissues and indicates poor prognosis of patients. It promotes the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of STAT3 by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and drives the expression of VEGFA to promote tumor angiogenesis.
8.The value of preoperative LNLR combined with cM0(i+)staging in prognostic assessment and model construction for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Yu QIAO ; Zhenlong WANG ; Haibin ZHOU ; Huayang ZHENG ; Zihao LI ; Yao DONG ; Geng TIAN ; Tie CHONG ; Yue CHONG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):207-216
Objective To construct and evaluate a prognostic model for clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)based on preoperative lipid ratios, cM0(i+)staging, and other clinical characteristics, so as to provide a precise tool for clinical prognosis assessment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 215 ccRCC patients treated in our hospital during May 2014 and May 2023. Lipid ratios were calculated using preoperative lipid data, and patients were divided into cM0(i+)stage or cM0 stage according to postoperative circulating tumor cells(CTCs)test results. The optimal lipid ratio and cutoff value were selected using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and the X-tile method. Patients were subdivided into three groups based on the level of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to non-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(LNLR)and cM0(i+)staging:Group A [LNLR>1.68 and diagnosed with cM0(i+)], Group B [LNLR>1.68 or diagnosed with cM0(i+)], and Group C(LNLR ≤1.68 and diagnosed with cM0). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to plot survival curves for patients in different groups. The log-rank test was employed to compare differences in recurrence-free survival(RFS)among the subgroups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent risk factors influencing RFS, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these results. The predictive performance of the model was validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curves. Results ROC curves were plotted for lipid markers, and LNLR was identified as the most predictive for RFS. Its optimal cutoff point was 1. 68. Patients in Group A experienced a significantly shorter postoperative RFS. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified preoperative LNLR, cM0(i+)staging, pathological grade, and stage as independent risk factors for RFS. A nomogram model was constructed based on these risk factors. The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS was 0.896(95% CI:0.8121-0.9627), 0.890(95%CI:0.7879-0.9641), and 0.870(95%CI:0.7697-0.9526), indicating good discriminatory ability and predictive performance. Calibration plots demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual outcomes. Clinical decision curve analysis showed high clinical net benefit. Conclusion Preoperative LNLR level is an independent risk factor for RFS in ccRCC patients. The prognostic prediction model based on LNLR, cM0(i+)staging, patient pathological grade, and staging demonstrates good predictive performance for RFS and holds potential clinical application value.
9.Effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方) on Synaptic Vesicle-Associated Proteins in Neurons and the Intestinal Barrier in Parkinson's Disease Model Rats
Naxin WEI ; Yingfan CHEN ; Xiaorong QI ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Min LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1640-1649
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Bushen Huoxue Formulation (补肾活血方, BSHXF) in Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspectives of synaptic vesicle cycling and intestinal barrier function. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, control group, model group, Madopar group, and BSHXF group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administered rotenone by gavage once daily for 4 consecutive weeks to establish a PD rat model. After successful modeling, rats in the BSHXF group received concentrated BSHXF solution by gavage at a dose of 13.5 g/(kg·d), while rats in the Madopar group received Madopar tablet suspension at 2 g/(kg·d). Rats in the control group and the model group were administered distilled water by gavage at 10 ml/(kg·d). All groups received continuous gavage treatment for 2 weeks. Motor function was evaluated using the open field test (total distance traveled, average speed, and total distance traveled in the central zone), rotarod test (latency to fall), and balance beam test (traversal time). Histopathological changes in colon tissues were observed by HE staining. Western Blotting was used to detect the protein levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), phosphorylated serine 129 α-synuclein (pSer129-α-syn), vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the substantia nigra and colon tissues. The mRNA expression levels of α-syn, VAMP2, and SYP were detected by RT-PCR, and α-syn expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the levels of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin in colon tissues, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group showed reduced total distance traveled, average speed, and central-zone distance in the open field test, decreased latency to fall in the rotarod test, and prolonged traversal time in the balance beam test. The protein levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn, as well as α-syn mRNA expression were increased in the substantia nigra and colon tissues, whereas the protein and mRNA expression levels of VAMP2 and SYP were decreased. The relative integrated optical density of α-syn in the substantia nigra and colon tissues was increased, while the relative fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissues and TH in the substantia nigra were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining showed focal necrosis in the mucosal layer of colon tissues, disappearance of some intestinal glands, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the submucosa. Compared with the model group, both the Madopar group and BSHXF group showed varying degrees of improvement in the above indicators (P<0.05). Pathological damage in colon tissues was also alleviated, with only mild fibrous tissue proliferation and limited diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration observed in the mucosal layer. Compared with the Madopar group, rats in the BSHXF group exhibited increased average speed, central-zone distance, and latency to fall in the rotarod test. The levels of pSer129-α-syn and α-syn proteins in the substantia nigra were decreased, while VAMP2 protein expression was increased. In colon tissues, SYP protein levels and mRNA expression were elevated. The relative fluorescence intensity of ZO-1 in colon tissues and TH in substantia nigra tissues was also increased (P<0.05). ConclusionBSHXF may improve motor dysfunction in PD by regulating synaptic vesicle cycling, restoring intestinal barrier integrity, and improving neuronal synaptic function through modulation of synaptic vesicle-associated protein expression in the substantia nigra and colon tissues.
10.Research progress on effects and mechanisms of early life antibiotic exposure on childhood neurodevelopment
Jiao CHEN ; Xing WANG ; Menglong GENG ; Fangbiao TAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):769-777
Early life is a critical window for nervous system development. Antibiotics can cause human exposure through multiple pathways, and exposure during this stage increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children, which has garnered widespread concern in the academic community. Currently, the characteristics of multi-pathway antibiotic exposure during early life and the empirical evidence linking such exposure to NDDs have yet to be systematically summarized. This review integrated domestic and international literature, summarized the current status of antibiotic exposure, analyzed its epidemiological associations with NDDs, and synthesized findings from animal studies and underlying mechanisms. Existing studies indicate that early life antibiotic exposure increases the probability of adverse outcomes in children, including autistic-like behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders. Animal experiments further support a causal relationship, demonstrating that antibiotic intervention can disrupt offspring gut microbiota composition, impede central nervous system development, and induce abnormal phenotypes such as social deficits and learning/memory impairment. Dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, direct neurotoxicity of antibiotics, and activation of inflammatory immune responses constitute the core mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental damage. Future research should advance refined exposure assessments to investigate the differential effects of antibiotic types and treatment durations, distinguish the health impacts of medical versus food/environmental sources, and elucidate the molecular targets and signaling pathways through which gut microbiota metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, regulate neurodevelopment. Furthermore, extended follow-up into adolescence and adulthood is needed to evaluate the long-term neuropsychological outcomes, including depression and cognitive decline. Through interdisciplinary collaborative research, scientific support can be provided for the early identification and intervention of neurodevelopmental impairment risks associated with antibiotic exposure.

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