1.Evaluation of Animal Models of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Clinical Characteristics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Beibei BAO ; Peng ZHANG ; Baichuan XU ; Yiyin ZHANG ; Suyun LI ; Yang XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):212-220
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common clinical chronic airway disease with high morbidity, high mortality, a heavy disease burden, and complex mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated. Clinical problems promote the continuous progress of basic research. The establishment and evaluation of animal models is an important way to delve into the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of COPD. On the basis of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and syndrome differentiation of COPD in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, this paper summarizes the establishment methods and characteristics of existing animal models of COPD and analyzes the fitting degree of the models with the disease characteristics in Western medicine and syndrome characteristics in TCM. The results showed that the animal models of COPD in Western medicine were mainly induced by single factors and compound factors, and the model with the highest fitting degree was established by cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide and hormone. The model showed a fitting degree of 84% with the disease characteristics in Western medicine and 70% with the syndrome characteristics in TCM, being consistent with the clinical characteristics of COPD induced by multiple factors. Most of the animal models of COPD in TCM were established on the basis of disease models and combined with TCM etiology and pathogenesis characteristics, and prepared by syndrome differentiation. Among them, the model of accumulation of cold and water retention in lung had the highest fitting degree of 92% with the TCM diagnostic criteria. The models of phlegm-heat obstructing lung and phlegm-stasis obstructing lung had the fitting degree of 94% with clinical manifestations in Western medicine and the highest fitting degree with the diagnostic criteria in Western medicine. Different animal models of COPD have their own advantages and disadvantages, and most of them simply replicate the manifestations of COPD at a certain stage, failing to reflect the multiple causes and the dynamic changes of TCM etiology and pathogenesis. Moreover, the syndromes of these models fail to match the clinical syndromes in TCM. Therefore, establishing the animal models reflecting clinical characteristics of COPD in TCM and Western medicine and improving the model evaluation criteria are important contents to promote the overall development of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine for COPD.
2.Immunotherapy and radiotherapy: An effective combination in cancer treatment.
Xuewei LI ; Chen WANG ; Haiou YANG ; Wenhui XUE ; Yaqian DING ; Na WU ; Beibei PEI ; Xiaoyan MA ; Wenhui YANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(20):2527-2539
Immunotherapy has been widely used in cancer treatment in recent years and functions by stimulating the immune system to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy (RT) uses radiation to induce DNA damage and kill tumor cells. However, this activates the body's immune system, promoting the release of tumor-related antigens from inactive dendritic cells, which stimulates the recurrence and metastasis of tumors in immune system tissues. The combination of RT and immunotherapy has been increasingly evaluated in recent years, with studies confirming the synergistic effect of the two antitumor therapies. Particularly, the combination of RT by dose adjustment with different immunotherapies has positive implications on antitumor immunity as well as disease prognosis compared with respective monotherapies. This review summarizes the current research status, progress, and prospects of RT combined with immunotherapy in cancer treatment. It additionally discusses the prevalent concerns regarding the dose, time window, and toxicity of this combination therapy.
Humans
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Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Immunotherapy/methods*
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Combined Modality Therapy
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Radiotherapy/methods*
3.Cucurbitacin B alleviates skin lesions and inflammation in a psoriasis mouse model by inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Yijian ZHANG ; Xueting WANG ; Yang YANG ; Long ZHAO ; Huiyang TU ; Yiyu ZHANG ; Guoliang HU ; Chong TIAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Zhaofang BAI ; Bin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):428-436
Objective To investigate the effects of cucurbitacin B (CucB) on alleviating skin lesions and inflammation in psoriasis mice via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Methods The expression of genes associated with the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in psoriatic lesions and non-lesional skin was analyzed, and hallmark gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The cytotoxicity of CucB on BMDMs was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, along with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, were measured at different concentrations of CucB using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose CucB group [0.1 mg/ (kg.d)], and high-dose CucB group [0.4 mg/ (kg.d)], with five mice per group. PASI scoring was performed to assess the severity of psoriasis after 6 days of treatment, and HE staining was conducted to observe pathological damage. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and their secretion were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Results Most cGAS-STING signaling-related genes were upregulated in lesional skin of psoriasis patients, and the hallmark gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly upregulated genes were primarily associated with immune response signaling pathways. CucB inhibited dsDNA-induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and STING proteins in both bone-marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs) and THP-1 cells. CucB also suppressed dsDNA-induced mRNA expression of IFNB1, TNF, IFIT1, CXCL10, ISG15, and reduced the secretion of cytokines such as IFN-β, IL-1β, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. In the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, CucB treatment reduced psoriatic symptoms, alleviated skin lesions, and attenuated inflammation. ELISA and qPCR results showed that CucB significantly reduced serum secretion levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as the mRNA levels of IL23A, IL1B, IL6, TNF, and IFNB1. Conclusion CucB inhibits cytoplasmic DNA-induced activationc of the GAS-STING pathway. CucB significantly attenuates skin lesions and inflammation in IMQ-induced psoriatic mice, and the potential molecular mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway.
Animals
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Psoriasis/pathology*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Membrane Proteins/genetics*
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Mice
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Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Skin/metabolism*
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Triterpenes/therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Cytokines/metabolism*
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Inflammation/drug therapy*
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Male
4.Autonomous drug delivery and scar microenvironment remodeling using micromotor-driven microneedles for hypertrophic scars therapy.
Ting WEN ; Yanping FU ; Xiangting YI ; Ying SUN ; Wanchen ZHAO ; Chaonan SHI ; Ziyao CHANG ; Beibei YANG ; Shuling LI ; Chao LU ; Tingting PENG ; Chuanbin WU ; Xin PAN ; Guilan QUAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3738-3755
Hypertrophic scar is a fibrous hyperplastic disorder that arises from skin injuries. The current therapeutic modalities are constrained by the dense and rigid scar tissue which impedes effective drug delivery. Additionally, insufficient autophagic activity in fibroblasts hinders their apoptosis, leading to excessive matrix deposition. Here, we developed an active microneedle (MN) system to overcome these challenges by integrating micromotor-driven drug delivery with autophagy regulation to remodel the scar microenvironment. Specifically, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were introduced into the MNs as a built-in engine to generate CO2 bubbles, thereby enabling enhanced lateral and vertical drug diffusion into dense scar tissue. The system concurrently encapsulated curcumin (Cur), an autophagy activator, and triamcinolone acetonide (TA), synergistically inducing fibroblast apoptosis by upregulating autophagic activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that active MNs achieved efficient drug penetration within isolated scar tissue. The rabbit hypertrophic scar model revealed that TA-Cur MNs significantly reduced the scar elevation index, suppressed collagen I and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression, and elevated LC3 protein levels. These findings highlight the potential of the active MN system as an efficacious platform for autonomous augmented drug delivery and autophagy-targeted therapy in fibrotic disorder treatments.
5.Progress in the application of enzymatic debridement in burn injuries
Baoling YAN ; Jiao ZHOU ; Beibei GUO ; Feng YANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(6):635-640
Burn is a common trauma,and debridement is an important step in the treatment of burn.Traditional surgical debridement is the standard of care,but it can lead to additional trauma,infection and other complications,with a low compliance.Enzymatic debridement,a new debridement strategy,can promote wound healing,reduce infection,inhibit scar formation,avoid secondary damage,greatly relieve pain,and shorten wound healing time.This paper comprehensively compares enzymatic debridement versus traditional surgical debridement in the management of burn injuries,and reviews the advantages and latest advancements of enzymatic debridement in burn management.
6.Comparison of Quality Change During Processing Process of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix from Different Origins Based on Color-component Correlation Analysis
Haohan DUAN ; Hao JIA ; Jingwei LEI ; Chunjing YANG ; Caixia XIE ; Haiyan GONG ; Beibei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):143-151
ObjectiveTaking Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix(ABR) from different origins as samples, to quantitatively analyze the chemical composition and chromaticity of ABR with different processing degrees, and clarify the correlation and change law between color and composition in the processing process of ABR, so as to provide reference for the quality evaluation of processed products of ABR. MethodThe colorimeter is used to measure the chromaticity values of three kinds of processing degrees of ABR in different origins to show the color value change trend during the processing process, and the color parameters of wine-processed and salt-processed products of ABR with different processing degrees were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and other analysis methods. The contents of eight representative components of ABR were measured by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), the correlation between chromaticity and each representative component was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, and the applicability of the selected eight representative components was further verified by Fisher linear discriminant analysis, and the wine-processed and salt-processed products of ABR with different processing degrees were grouped according to the degree of processing, and 48 samples of wine-processed and salt-processed products with different processing degrees were used as training samples. Taking the contents of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, polypodine B, β-ecdysterone, 25R-inokosterone, 25S-inokosterone, ginsenoside Ro, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa and polysaccharides as variables, the discriminant function was established respectively, and 12 samples of wine-processed and salt-processed products of ABR with different processing degrees were back-tested to verify the discriminant function and test the reliability of the function. ResultPCA and OPLS-DA results showed that ABR samples with different processing degrees were classified into clusters, and the results could significantly distinguish different processed products. During the process of wine and salt processing, the contents of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, ginsenoside Ro, and chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa gradually increased with the deepening of the processing degree, while the contents of polypodine B, β-ecdysterone, 25R-inokosterone, 25S-inokosterone and polysaccharides showed a gradual decreasing trend, indicating these 8 components increased and decreased to different degrees in the process of wine and salt processing. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content of the samples with different processing degrees of wine-processed and salt-processed products were negatively correlated with the brightness value(L*) and the total color difference value(E*ab)(P<0.01), and positively correlated with the red-green value(a*) and the yellow-blue value(b*)(P<0.01), and that the content of polypodine B and polysaccharides were positively correlated with L* and E*ab(P<0.01). The discriminant functions of wine-processed and salt-processed products of ABR were established by Fisher linear discriminant analysis, and their accuracy rates in the training samples were 93.75% and 95.83%, respectively. Twelve test samples of wine-processed and salt-processed products with different processing degree were back substitution, and the correct rate was 100%. ConclusionThe trend of composition and color changes of ABR with different processing degrees in different production areas is relatively consistent, and the color value can better distinguish ABR with different processing degrees, and the color of ABR is related to some representative components in the processing process, indicating that the color can provide reference for the identification of the processing degree of ABR and the prediction of component content.
7.Residual content of eugenol in commercially available aquatic products in four cities of Hubei Province in 2021 - 2023
Beibei MA ; Caiping YANG ; Lyv JI ; Xiaobo YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(5):77-80
Objective To understand the residual levels of eugenol in aquatic products sold in 4 cities in Hubei Province and timely discover potential food safety hazards, and to provide a scientific basis for supervision of eugenol in aquaculture and transportation of aquatic products. Methods From 2021 to 2023, 124 samples of aquatic products were randomly collected from supermarkets and farmers’ markets in Yichang, Xiantao, Jingmen, and Ezhou cities in Hubei Province. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the residues of eugenol. Results Eugenol was detected in 51 out of 124 samples, with a detection rate of 41.13%,and a concentration range of N.D. - 2601μg/kg. Among them, 19 out of 40 samples were detected in 2021, with a detection rate of 47.50%; 12 out of 40 samples were detected in 2022, with a detection rate of 30.00%; and 20 out of 44 samples were detected in 2023, with a detection rate of 45.45%. There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rates in different years (P>0.05). The detection rates of eugenol in aquatic products sold in Yichang City, Xiantao City, Jingmen City, and Ezhou City were 22.58%, 35.48%, 41.94%, and 64.52%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The detection rates of samples in supermarkets and farmers' markets were 35.56% and 44.30%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The detection rate of eugenol in bighead carp was the highest at 66.67%, followed by grass carp with a detection rate of 61.22%, which was significantly higher than other fish (P<0.05). Conclusion At present, the widespread use and arbitrary addition of eugenol should be paid attention to by relevant departments.
8.Relationship of selfinjurious behavior with peer discrimination and depression among AIDS orphans
ZHANG Yifan, KONG Beibei, YANG Meng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(9):1324-1327
Objective:
To explore the relationship of self-injurious behavior with peer discrimination and depression among AIDS orphans, so as to provide the basis for promoting the mental health of AIDS orphans.
Methods:
From March 2021 to March 2022, 626 AIDS orphans from 5 counties in Henan Province were selected by stratified cluster random sampling methods. Non suicidal Self-injury assessment Tool, Discrimination Experience Scale, and Zung Self-rating Depression Scale were used to investigate AIDS orphans self-injurious behavior, peer discrimination and depression. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between self-injurious behavior and peer discrimination of AIDS orphans. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to explore the moderating effect of depression between self-injurious behavior and peer discrimination of AIDS orphans.
Results:
The detection rates of self-injurious behavior, peer discrimination and depression of AIDS orphans were 80.0%, 73.3% and 67.6 % respectively. The detection rates of the three items mentioned above were 86.9%, 81.5%, and 77.5% for double orphaned children, respectively, which were higher than 74.6%, 67.0%, and 59.8% for single orphaned children, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=21.29, 23.78, 14.23, P <0.01). The score of self-injurious behavior of AIDS orphans was positively correlated with peer discrimination and depression ( r=0.55, 0.40, P <0.01). Depression played a moderating role in the relationship between self-injurious behavior and peer discrimination of AIDS orphans ( β= 0.03, P <0.05).
Conclusions
AIDS orphans are more likely to engage in self-injurious behaviors after experiencing peer discrimination and psychological depression. The society and schools should adopt targeted intervention strategies to promote the mental health among AIDS orphans.
9.Study on the Improvement of Transfection Efficiency of Antisense Oligonucleotides and Its in Vivo Anti-tumor Effect by Reduction Responsive Micelle Based on Polyethyleneimine
Shuang YANG ; Fei PAN ; Beibei HE ; Minfei SHI ; Cuiping HE ; Bin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(9):1159-1167
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize a polymer PEI-ss-PEG2000-DSPE containing disulfide bond and to prepare as cationic micelle(P-ss-PD) based on branched polyethyleneimine(PEI). To investigate the ability of P-ss-PD micelle to reduce cytotoxicity and improve the transfection efficiency of antisense oligonucleotide(ASO) in human breast cancer cell lines, and to study the anti-tumor effect of P-ss-PD micelle in nude mice.
METHODS
PEI-ss-PEG2000-DSPE was synthesized by grafting PEG2000-DSPE onto branched PEI with disulfide bond as a connecting arm. P-ss-PD micelle was prepared by ethanol injection method and P-ss-PD/ASO nanocomplex was obtained by combining P-ss-PD micelle with ASO. The particle size and zeta potential of P-ss-PD/ASO nanocomplex at various mass ratios were determined by laser particle size analyzer. Agarose gel retardation assay was used to investigate the binding degree of P-ss-PD/ASO nanocomplex and determine the optimal mass ratio. At the same time, the reduction responsive ability of P-ss-PD micelle was investigated. The cytotoxicity of P-ss-PD micelle was detected by CCK8 kit. The transfection efficiency of P-ss-PD micelle was investigated by flow cytometry and high content cell imaging analysis system in MDA-MB-231 cells. The anti-tumor effect of P-ss-PD micelle was investigated by tumor-bearing nude mice models.
RESULTS
When the mass ratio was 300∶1, the particle size of P-ss-PD/ASO nanocomplex was the smallest and had a good stability. The average particle size was (58.90 ± 4.08)nm, the average zeta potential was (16.80 ± 1.23)mV, and the morphology was uniform spherical. P-ss-PD/ASO nanocomplex had the reduction responsive ability and could release ASO under highly reductive conditions.In vitro, compared with unmodified branched PEI, the cytotoxicity of P-ss-PD micelle was significantly reduced and the transfection efficiency was significantly increased.In vivo, the tumor growth inhibition rate of P-ss-PD/ASO nanocomplex in tumor-bearing nude mice was more than 50%.
CONCLUSION
The P-ss-PD micelle prepared in this study is a kind of low toxicity and high transfection efficiency non-viral vector, which has the characteristics of reduction responsive releasing, and shows a promising application in ASO drug delivery.
10.Modulation of synaptic damage by Bushen Tiansui Decoction via the PI3K signaling pathway in an Alzheimer’s disease model
HUI Shan ; ZHENG Qing ; LI Hongli ; ZHU Lemei ; WU Beibei ; LIANG Lihui ; YANG Jingjing
Digital Chinese Medicine 2024;7(3):284-293
Methods:
(i) Animal experiments. This study conducted experiments using specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice and APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. The animals were divided into three groups: WT group (WT mice, n = 5, receiving distilled water daily), APP/PS1 group (APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, n = 5, receiving distilled water daily), and BSTSD group [APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, n = 5, treated with BSTSD suspension at a dosage of 27 g/(kg·d) for 90 d]. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). Post-experiment, hippocampal tissues were collected for analysis of pyramidal cell and synaptic morphology through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). (ii) Cell experiments. The HT-22 cells were divided into control group (untreated), Aβ25-35 group (treated with 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35 for 24 h), icariin group (pre-treated with 20 μmol/L icariin for 60 min, followed by 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35 for an additional 24 h), and icariin + LY294002 group [treated with 20 μmol/L icariin and 20 μmol/L LY294002 (an inhibitor of the phosphoinostitide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling pathway) for 60 min, then exposed to 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35 for 24 h], and cell viability was measured. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of synapse-associated proteins [synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95)] and PI3K signaling pathway associated proteins [phosphorylated (p)-PI3K/PI3K, p-protein kinase B (Akt)/Akt, and p-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR].
Results:
(i) Animal experiments. Compared with APP/PS1 group, BSTSD group showed that escape latency was significantly shortened (P < 0.01) and the frequency of crossing the original platform was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Morphological observation showed that pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region were arranged more regularly, nuclear staining was uniform, and vacuole-like changes were reduced after BSTSD treatment. TEM showed that the length of synaptic active zone in BSTSD treatment group was increased compared with APP/PS1 group (P < 0.01), and the width of synaptic gap was decreased (P < 0.01). (ii) Cell experiments. Icariin had no obvious toxicity to HT-22 cells when the concentration was not more than 20 μmol/L (P > 0.05), and alleviated the cell viability decline induced by Aβ25-35 (P < 0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with Aβ25-35 group, the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR in icariin group were significantly increased (P < 0.01), while the protein expression levels of SYP and PSD-95 were increased (P < 0.01). These effects were blocked by LY294002 (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
BSTSD and icariin enhance cognitive function and synaptic integrity in AD models and provide potential therapeutic strategies through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.


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