1.Effect of hypertension on cardiovascular fibrosis and sFRP2 expression in rats
Yao XU ; Chunhui MA ; Zhiyong LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):180-184
Objective To investigate the effect of spontaneous hypertension on the remodeling of cardiac and aortic tissues in rats, with special attention to the changes in the content of collagen fibers, elastic fibers and secreted Frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) in cardiac and aortic tissues. Methods 28-week-old SHR rats (Spontaneously Hypertensive rats) and WKY (Wistar-Kyoto rats) of the same age were selected as experimental animals. Cardiac load was assessed by calculating the cardiac weight index. Collagen fibers and elastic fibers were isolated from the rat thoracic aorta by hot alkali method, and their content was determined by biochemical analysis. In addition, pathological evaluation of tissue sections of the left ventricle and thoracic aorta were performed by H&E staining, Sirius red staining, and lichen red staining. Western blotting was used to determine the expression level of sFRP2 protein in cardiac tissues. Results Compared with WKY rats, the heart weight index of SHR rats increased significantly (P<0.001), and the results of biochemical analysis and staining of pathological sections showed that the content of collagen fibers in the aorta in the SHR group was higher than that in the WKY group, while the content of elastic fibers was lower, but the difference did not have statistical significance. The content of collagen fibers in the heart of the SHR group was significantly higher than that in the WKY group (P<0.01). Western blotting showed that there was no significant difference in the expression level of sFRP2 protein in heart tissues between the two groups. Conclusion The remodeling of cardiac and aortic tissues in a rat model of spontaneous hypertension may involve complex molecular mechanisms, not just changes in the content of collagen fibers and elastic fibers. The detailed mechanism of the progression of spontaneous hypertension and target organs damage still need further investigation.
2.Effects of Shugan jieyu capsules on the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole,rivaroxaban and apixaban in rats
Ying LI ; Chunhui SHAN ; Yizhen SONG ; Yinling MA ; Zhi WANG ; Caihui GUO ; Zhanjun DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1470-1475
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of multiple doses of Shugan jieyu capsules on the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole, rivaroxaban and apixaban in rats. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into voriconazole group (30 mg/kg), rivaroxaban group (2 mg/kg), apixaban group (0.5 mg/kg), Shugan jieyu capsules+voriconazole group (145 mg/kg+30 mg/kg), Shugan jieyu capsules+rivaroxaban group (145 mg/kg+2 mg/kg), Shugan jieyu capsules+apixaban group (145 mg/kg+0.5 mg/kg), with 6 rats in each group. After the rats in each group were consecutively administered solvent (0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution) or Shugan jieyu capsules by intragastric gavage for 8 days, they were respectively given voriconazole, rivaroxaban and apixaban solution by intragastric gavage on the 8th day. Blood samples were then collected at different time points (in voriconazole group, rivaroxaban group and corresponding drug combination groups, blood was collected before administration and at 0.17, 0.34, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours post-administration; in apixaban group and corresponding drug combination group, blood was collected before administration and at 0.08, 0.17, 0.25, 0.34, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 hours post-administration). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was employed to determine the mass concentrations of voriconazole, rivaroxaban and apixaban in rat plasma. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of these drugs were calculated using a non-compartmental model, and the comparisons were made between groups. RESULTS Compared with single drug group, after multiple administrations of Shugan jieyu capsules, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ and cmax of voriconazole were significantly decreased, while CLz/F was significantly increased, and tmax was also significantly prolonged (P<0.05). For rivaroxaban and apixaban, their tmax values were both significantly prolonged (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the other pharmacokinetic parameters between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of Shugan jieyu capsules can decrease the exposure, increase the clearance, and delay the peak concentration of oral voriconazole. However, it does not affect the exposure levels of rivaroxaban and apixaban, but it does delay the time to reach peak concentration for both drugs.
3.Effect of heterologous expression of Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene SqME on photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation in tobacco leaves.
Yizhen LIU ; Mengyuan LI ; Zhanqian LI ; Yushuang GUO ; Jingfang JI ; Wenchao DENG ; Ze YANG ; Yan SUN ; Chunhui ZHANG ; Jin'ai XUE ; Runzhi LI ; Chunli JI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2829-2842
Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO2, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO2 and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics*
;
Photosynthesis/physiology*
;
Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis*
;
Plant Leaves/genetics*
;
Scenedesmus/enzymology*
;
Carbon Cycle/genetics*
;
Lipid Metabolism/genetics*
;
Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*
4.Clinical characteristics and contributors to diagnostic delay in autoimmune gastritis
Haofeng LI ; He MA ; Tao FU ; Xinyi HUANG ; Qing SHI ; Yan ZHENG ; Hanning LIU ; Hengqi LIU ; Yan GUO ; Chunhui LAN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2396-2404
Objective To analyze the diagnostic process and clinical characteristics of autoimmune gastritis(AIG)in order to improve the awareness and diagnostic proficiency of this disease.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 114 patients diagnosed with AIG in Army Medical Center of PLA between January 2021 and June 2024.Comprehensive statistical analysis was performed on clinical data,including demographic characteristics(age,sex),clinical symptoms,comorbidities,diagnostic process,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection and treatment history,laboratory indicators[results of routine blood test,anemia-related indices,thyroid function,anti-parietal cell antibody(APCA),intrinsic factor antibody(IFA)],and gastrointestinal endoscopic findings(frequency and endoscopic features).Results Among the 114 patients,males accounted for 28.1%(32/114)and females for 71.9%(82/114),and they were at a mean age of 56.3±8.4 years.Predominant symptoms included epigastric/upper abdominal pain(47.4%,54/114)and postprandial fullness(43.0%,49/114),while 24.6%(28/114)reported acid reflux or heartburn.Diagnostic delay occurred in 76.4%(87/114)of patients,with a median delay duration of 11.5 months.Primary diagnostic clues were endoscopic reverse gradient atrophy(significantly more severe mucosal atrophy in the gastric corpus/fundus versus antrum;53.5%,61/114)and repeated H.pylori eradication failure(≥2 attempts;22.8%,26/114).Positivity rate of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb)and thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb)was 56.9%(33/58)and 36.2%(21/58),respectively.APCA positive rate was 98.8%(81/82),IFA positive rate was 34.1%(28/82),and dual-antibody rate was 32.9%(27/82).Anemia was present in 25.7%(26/101)of the patients.Gastric neuroendocrine tumors(NET)were found in 12.2%(14/114),intraepithelial neoplasia in 5.3%(6/114),and gastric adenocarcinoma in 0.9%(1/114).Among colonoscopy-examined patients,tubular adenomas occurred in 25.0%(13/52)and colorectal malignancies in 3.4%(2/58).There were 18.4%(21/114)patients having gallbladder-related diseases,7.9%(9/114)having diabetes mellitus,and 1.8%(2/114)of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.Conclusion AIG is frequently associated with diagnostic delay.The reverse pattern of atrophy on endoscopy serves as a critical diagnostic clue,necessitating enhanced recognition in endoscopists.Patients with recurrent H.pylori eradication failure(≥2 attempts)should be evaluated for AIG.
5.Correlation of small patticle of lecithin,inflammatory factors,and immunoglobulins in prostatic fluid with chronic prostatitis
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(4):401-405
Objective To analyze the correlation between small patticle of lecithin,inflammatory factors,and immunoglobulins in prostatic fluid and chronic prostatitis(CP).Methods A total of 102 CP patients who were admitted to Beijing Puren Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled into CP group.According to the pathological classification of the National Institutes of Health in the United States,the patients were classified into type Ⅱ group(32 cases),type ⅢA group(39 cases),and type ⅢB group(31 cases).According to the severity of the disease,the patients were classified into mild group(33 cases),moderate group(43 cases),and severe group(26 cases).Meanwhile,34 healthy males who underwent physical examination were selected as controls.The levels of small patticle of lecithin(SPL),inflammatory factors,and immunoglobulins in prostate fluid were compared among groups.The relationship of these parameters with the pathological classification and severity of CP were analyzed.Results CP group had lower level of SPL and higher levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,and IgM than control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the SPL,IgA,IgG,or IgM among CP patients with different pathological types(P>0.05),but there were significant differences in the TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-8 levels(type Ⅱ group>type ⅢA group>type ⅢB group,P<0.05).There were significant differences in the SPL in CP patients with different severity levels(mild group>moderate group>severe group,P<0.05).So were the TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8,IgA,IgG,and IgM(severe group>moderate group>mild group,P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that SPL in the prostatic fluid was negatively correlated with the severity of CP(P<0.05);TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-8 were positively correlated with pathological classification and severity of CP(P<0.05);IgA,IgG,and IgM were positively correlated with the severity of CP(P<0.05).Conclusion SPL,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8,IgA,IgG and IgM in prostatic fluid are closely related to the severity of CP.TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-8 in prostatic fluid are closely related to the pathological classification of CP.
6.Fundamental scientific research questions of human related safety in complex tightly-coupled human-machine systems
Shanguang CHEN ; Yijing ZHANG ; Zhizhong LI ; Liezhong GE ; Chunhui WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):1-6
Under the"Four Specials"conditions(special environments,special tasks,special equipment,and special personnel),complex tightly-coupled human-machine systems exhibit distinct characteristics such as human-in-the-loop,frequent human-machine interactions,and significant mutual influence between humans and machines.These features lead to prominent and typical human related safety issues.Through aggregating knowledge from literature review,accident case studies,and engineering practice,this paper elaborates on the characteristics of complex tightly-coupled human-machine systems,clarifies the definition of human related safety(including its research subjects,topics,and methods),and provides a systematic analysis framework on the causes of human related safety from a whole life-cycle perspective of system development.Furthermore,theoretical hypotheses are proposed for human related safety,along with its fundamental scientific research questions and methods.
7.Efficacy of Beckman oral-motor training combined with auditory integration training on rehabilitation of children with language development delay
Ying TIAN ; He LI ; Fang YUAN ; Chunhui SONG ; Qiulong XU ; Ling DU ; Runshuo LI ; Dan WANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(16):79-83
Objective To investigate the rehabilitation efficacy of Beckman oral-motor training combined with auditory integration training(AIT)in children with language development delay.Methods A total of 118 children diagnosed with language development delay were enrolled in this study,and randomly assigned to auditory training group or combined training group,with 59 cases in each group.Children in the auditory training group received AIT,while those in the combined train-ing group underwent Beckman oral-motor training combined with AIT.The clinical efficacy,intellec-tual development,language ability,oral motor function,articulation ability,and serum neurotrophic factor levels of the two groups were observed and compared.Results After treatment,the overall ef-fective rate in the combined training group was 93.22%(55/59),which was significantly higher than 79.66%(47/59)in the auditory training group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Following treatment,the scores of intellectual development,language ability,oral motor function,and articulation ability,as well as the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF)in both groups were elevated compared to the pre-treatment levels.Moreover,these parameters in the combined training group were superior to those in the audi-tory training group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Beck-man oral-motor training combined with AIT can enhance the rehabilitation outcome in children with language development delay,improving their speech function,intellectual development,oral motor function,articulation ability,and serum neurotrophic factor levels.
8.Effect of Thyme Herbal Tea on Proliferation of Human Coronavirus OC43 in vitro and in vivo
Jixiang TIAN ; Tongtong ZHANG ; Yuning CHANG ; Peifang XIE ; Shuwei DONG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Yun WANG ; Chunhui ZHAO ; Hongwei WU ; Amei ZHANG ; Haizhou LI ; Xueshan XIA ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):81-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of thyme herbal tea (BLX) on the proliferation of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical composition of BLX was analyzed by UPLC-MS. The cytotoxicity of BLX in HRT-18 cells and the effect of BLX treatment on the proliferation of HCoV-OC43 in cells were analyzed. Copies of viral gene were detected by real-time PCR. The effect of BLX treatment on the life cycle of HCoV-OC43 was detected by time-of-addition assay. The maximum tolerated dose of BLX and the influences of BLX on the body weight and survival time of suckling mice infected with HCoV-OC43 were determined. The expression of viral protein in the brain and lung tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. ResultThere were 11 chemical components identified in BLX by UPLC-MS. BLX showed the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of (13 859.56±319) mg·L-1, the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of (1 439.09±200) mg·L-1, and the selection index of 8.26-11.44 for HCoV-OC43 in HRT-18 cells. Compared with the cells infected with HCoV-OC43, BLX at the concentrations of 1 500, 1 000, 500 mg·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of this virus (P<0.05, P<0.01). BLX exhibited antiviral effect in the early stage of virus infection, and the inhibition role in the attachment stage was more significant than that in the entry stage (P<0.05). In the suckling mice infected with HCoV-OC43, BLX at 1200 and 600 mg·kg-1·d-1 alleviated the symptoms, prolonged the survival period, reduced the death rate, and down-regulated the mRNA level of nucleocapsid protein in the mice. Moreover, BLX at 1 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 down-regulated the expression of nucleocapsid protein in the brain (P<0.01) and the lung (P<0.01). ConclusionBLX contained multiple antiviral ingredients. It inhibited the proliferation of HCoV-OC43 both in vitro and in vivo by interference with viral attachment. This study provides theoretical reference for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection with HCoV-OC43 and for further development and application of BLX.
9.Bibliometric and visual analysis of in vitro-in vivo extrapolation in risk assessment
Yulu HU ; Yue LI ; Tao YU ; Chunhui NI ; Huanqiang WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(11):1232-1239
Background In vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) is an approach utilizing in vitro experimental data to predict in vivo phenomena. It is a promising tool for chemical risk assessment. Objective To learn the hotspots, evolution path, and trend of IVIVE in risk assessment by literature search and bibliometric analysis, and provide reference and data support for subsequent research. Methods PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection were selected as foreign databases to search for literature about IVIVE applied in risk assessment published by December 31, 2023. The number of relevant documents in CNKI and Wanfang database was too small, so the Chinese databases were not included in this study. This study employed bibilometric analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace for visualizing networks categorized by author, institution, country, journal, keyword, and co-citation. Results A total of 189 articles were included in this study. The first article was published in 2006, and since then the number of publications overall showed an upward trend and increased significantly after 2016. The institution with the most publications was the United States Environmental Protection Agency (28 articles). The United States was the most productive country (87 articles), and had a close cooperation with the United Kingdom. The journal with the most publications and the highest number of citations per article was Archives of Toxicology (19 articles). The keyword co-occurrence analysis suggested that research on IVIVE in risk assessment mainly studied the methods and models of IVIVE and prediction of chemical toxicity, and toxicity, in vitro, and models were the research hotspots in this field. Keyword timeline cluster analysis suggested that the assessment objects gradually expanded from drugs to environmental chemicals, organic chemicals and food additives. The co-citation analysis suggested that articles about IVIVE in risk assessment mostly cited journals in the environment, food, and drug fields, and these articles were mainly methodological studies followed by literature reviews. Conclusion The research of IVIVE in risk assessment has developed rapidly. With the improvement of prediction models and the expansion of application scope, animal experiments in risk assessment may be greatly reduced and the efficiency of risk assessment can be increased. At present, the United States has a leading position in this field, while China has few relevant studies and needs to actively carry out international cooperation to improve the level of applied research of IVIVE. In the future, it is hoped that the IVIVE method can be further refined to improve its application and expand its research fields.
10.Role of Ferroptosis in Bone Homeostasis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Bo WEI ; Juan LI ; Yiwei JIANG ; Yuying ZHOU ; Chunhui LUO ; Zhongchao YU ; Pei LIU ; Yunxiang HAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):249-257
Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic bone disease characterized by bone microstructure degeneration and bone mass loss, which has a high prevalence and disability rate. Effective prevention and treatment of OP is a major difficulty in the medical community. The nature of OP is that multiple pathological factors lead to the imbalance of human bone homeostasis maintained by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic cell death pathway, and its fundamental cause is cell damage caused by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown that ferroptosis is involved in and affects the occurrence and development of OP, which leads to OP by mediating the imbalance of bone homeostasis. Ferroptosis is an adjustable form of programmed cell death. The intervention of ferroptosis can regulate the damage degree and death process of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which is beneficial to maintain bone homeostasis, slow down the development process of OP, improve the clinical symptoms of patients, reduce the risk of disability, and improve their quality of life. However, there are few studies on ferroptosis in OP. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a medical treasure with unique characteristics and great application value in China. It has been widely used in China and has a long history. It has the multi-target and multi-pathway advantages in the treatment of OP, with high safety, few toxic and side effects, and low treatment cost, and has a significant effect in clinical application. The intervention of TCM in ferroptosis to regulate bone homeostasis may be a new direction for the prevention and treatment of OP in the future. This article summarized the regulatory mechanisms related to ferroptosis, discussed the role of ferroptosis in bone homeostasis, and reviewed the current status and progress of active ingredients in TCM compounds and monomers in the regulation of OP through ferroptosis, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the participation of TCM in the prevention and treatment of OP in the future.

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