1.Establishment and Evaluation of New Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Combined with Interstitial Lung Disease
Liting XU ; Qingyu ZHAO ; Chao YANG ; Lianhua HE ; Congcong SUN ; Shuangrong GAO ; Lili WANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):81-90
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) in DBA/1 mice using Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection combined with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and to comprehensively evaluate pathological characteristics in joints, lungs, and serum. MethodsForty DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., Control, Pg infection (Pg), CIA, and Pg infection combined with CIA (Pg+CIA), with 10 mice in each group. Arthritis clinical symptoms were evaluated by recording arthritis incidence and clinical scores. Micro-CT scanning was used to assess knee joint pathology. Histopathological changes and collagen deposition in knee joints and lung tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ), and fibronectin (FN) in lung tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR)was used to measure mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, FN, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in lung tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of Pg, cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). ResultsJoint lesions: The CIA and Pg+CIA groups showed 100% arthritis incidence, with evident joint redness, swelling, and deformity. The number of affected limbs was 27 and 28, and clinical scores were 68 and 70, respectively. No obvious clinical symptoms were observed in the Pg group. Histopathological and imaging analyses showed severe joint lesions in the CIA and Pg+CIA groups, with significantly increased histopathological scores, bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number compared to the Control group (P<0.01). No obvious joint pathology was observed in the Pg group. Lung lesions: The Pg+CIA group exhibited marked alveolar inflammation, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, and alveolar wall thickening, with pronounced blue staining of collagen fibers. Histopathological scores and collagen area ratios were significantly higher than those of the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). Lung protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, and FN were markedly increased, and mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly elevated compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Serology: The Pg+CIA group showed significantly higher levels of CCP, Pg, and IgG compared with the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). ConclusionDBA/1 mice subjected to Pg infection combined with CIA exhibited pronounced symptoms and pathological features of RA-ILD, along with elevated serum anti-CCP antibody levels. This model represents a novel RA-ILD mouse model, providing a valuable experimental tool for investigating RA-ILD pathogenesis and developing new therapeutics, and serves as a basis for establishing anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)-positive RA-ILD animal models.
2.Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with dual-task training on upper limb func-tion in patients with ischemic stroke
Congcong ZOU ; Xiaojun WANG ; Jinrong MA ; Shangbo LU ; Yong DING ; Hani WANG ; Jianfei SONG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(5):513-519
Objective To explore the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(taVNS)combined with dual-task training(DTT)on upper limb function recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods From January to October,2024,60 ischemic stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction admitted to Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center were selected and randomly divided into control group(n=30)and observation group(n=30).Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training.The control group underwent sham-taVNS combined with DTT,while the observation group received active taVNS combined with DTT,for four weeks.Before and after treatment,they were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities(FMA-UE),Action Research Arm Test(ARAT),modified Barthel Index(MBI)and motor-evoked potential(MEP)tests.Results The FMA-UE scores,ARAT scores,MBI scores,MEP amplitude and MEP latency improved in both groups af-ter treatment(|t|>3.670,P<0.01),and were superior in the observation group than in the control group(|t|>3.081,P<0.01).Conclusion The combination of taVNS and DTT can significantly improve upper limb function,enhance activities of daily living,and promote neurological recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.
3.Traits and genetic mechanisms related to high-altitude adaptation of in dairy cat-tle:Status and prospect
Yaping ZHANG ; Congcong ZHANG ; Gong CHEN ; Lingling HOU ; Jingyi XU ; Qianhai FANG ; Yuechuan HUANG ; Bin LI ; Min LI ; Qing XU ; Yachun WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2548-2556
As a critical component of global agriculture,the dairy industry is essential for the food security and economic development.In China,the dairy sector in plateau regions plays an important role in addressing the nutritional needs of residents,boosting farmers' incomes,and fostering re-gional economic growth.However,the harsh high-altitude conditions,such as low oxygen,low at-mospheric pressure,and severe climate,pose significant challenges to the health and survival of dairy cows.This article summarizes the changes in physiological characteristics,metabolic perform-ance,production performance,and health status of dairy under high altitude areas,providing in-sights for the identification of adaptive traits in dairy to plateau.Also,the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms behind these phenotypic adaptations are discussed,and future directions and strategies for enhancing adaptability of dairy of dairy n plateau regions are outlined,thereby guiding re-searchers in adaptation evolution and breeding of dairy cattle.
4.Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related factors in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province
Ke WANG ; Yali XIE ; Qiguo MENG ; Shanling WANG ; Tingting HUA ; Congcong LI ; Congcong GUO ; Na HE ; Haijiang LIN ; Xing LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):810-819
Objective:To describe the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, and identify the factors associated with NAFLD in this population.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2021 to 2023. Based on the routine follow-up management of people living with HIV, liver ultrasound examination, physical examination and laboratory test were conducted to collect the information about the diagnosis of NAFLD and biochemical indicators in this population. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of NAFLD.Results:In the 2 550 study participants, the prevalence of NAFLD was 21.5% (548/2 550), abnormal liver function was found in 23.7% (604/2 550) of the study participants, and liver fibrosis was found in 45.2% (1 152/2 550) of the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being women (a OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.73), being overweight or obese (a OR=3.22, 95% CI: 2.59-4.01), having diabetes (a OR=3.37, 95% CI: 2.15-5.29), having dyslipidemia (a OR=2.96, 95% CI: 2.25-3.89), CD4 + T lymphocyte (CD4) counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88), and receiving Efavirenz (EFV) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Zidovudine (AZT) for antiretroviral therapy (ART)(a OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-1.98) were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with abnormal liver function (a OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.60-2.52) and inversely associated with liver fibrosis (a OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98). The 45-59 age group (a OR=7.05, 95% CI: 5.65-8.80), CD4 counts <200 cells/μl (a OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.97) and receiving Nevirapine (NVP)+3TC+AZT of ART (a OR=1.87,95% CI: 1.44-2.43) were the main factors associated with liver fibrosis. Conclusions:The prevalence of NAFLD in people living with HIV Taizhou was more than 20.0%, with a significant proportion of them having abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis. Being overweight or obese, suffering from diabetes, having dyslipidemia, low CD4 counts, and receiving specific ART were associated with NAFLD. NAFLD, CD4 counts and specific ART were the main factors associated with abnormal liver function and liver fibrosis.
5.Relationship between serum prolactin and mild cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiaxuan JIANG ; Zhou ZHANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiang XU ; Yingwen MIAO ; Qun DING ; Congcong YU ; Yinjiao HOU ; Shihua CHEN ; Yan BI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(9):673-677
Objective To investigate the relationship between prolactin and mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 319 postmenopausal women with T2DM who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology,Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Nanjing University were enrolled in this study from August 2016 to October 2023.All the patients were divided into two groups according whether they had MCI:T2DM group(n=161)and MCI group(n=158).Differences in clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between sex hormones and cognitive domains,and Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors for MCI development.Results Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in the MCI group than in the T2DM group[(5.5±2.1)vs(7.2±2.9)μg/L,P<0.05].Serum prolactin level was positively correlated with mini-mental state examination score,Montreal cognitive assessment score,immediate memory score,visuopatial constructional score,attention score and hippocampal volume(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with processing speed test(time)and executive function test(time)(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum prolactin level was an influencing factor for the risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM(OR 0.715,95%CI 0.605~0.845,P<0.01).Conclusions The decrease of serum prolactin level is associated with an increased risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM.
6.Effect of aerobic exercise on mobilization and function of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with myocardial infarction
Peng ZHAO ; Congcong WANG ; Chenyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(23):4947-4955
BACKGROUND:Exercise rehabilitation is an important means of non-drug treatment for patients with myocardial infarction.It can improve myocardial perfusion and cardiovascular function.The mechanism may be related to angiogenesis and repair mediated by vascular endothelial cells,while endothelial progenitor cells are the precursors of vascular endothelial cells.OBJECTIVE:To explore the impact of 12-week aerobic exercise on mobilization and function of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with myocardial infarction.METHODS:(1)A total of 66 patients with acute myocardial infarction who received percutaneous coronary intervention in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to October 2022 were selected and divided into exercise group(n=33)and control group(n=33)according to random number table method.Patients in the control group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation treatment for 12 weeks.Patients in the exercise group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation+12 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention.Cardiopulmonary fitness,New York Heart Association classification,left ventricular ejection fraction,serum troponin I,brain natriuretic peptide levels,and peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells were measured before and 72 hours after intervention.(2)Endothelial cells were isolated from peripheral blood of the two groups of patients before intervention and 72 hours after intervention,and the proliferation,adhesion,and migration ability of endothelial cells were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At 72 hours after the intervention,New York Heart Association classification,serum troponin I and serum brain natriuretic peptide decreased(P<0.05);peak oxygen uptake,maximum power,completion time of incremental load test,and left ventricular ejection fraction at peak exercise increased(P<0.05);average heart rate and average subjective fatigue sensation score decreased(P<0.05);peripheral blood endothelial cell count increased(P<0.05)in the exercise group compared with those before intervention and the control group.(2)At 72 hours after intervention,the cell proliferation,adhesion,and migration ability of peripheral blood endothelial cells in the exercise group were higher than those before intervention and control group(P<0.05).(3)Regular aerobic exercise can promote mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and enhance ability of proliferation,adhesion,and migration,thereby improving clinical condition,cardiac function,and cardiopulmonary fitness of patients with myocardial infarction.
7.Effect of aerobic exercise on mobilization and function of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with myocardial infarction
Peng ZHAO ; Congcong WANG ; Chenyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(23):4947-4955
BACKGROUND:Exercise rehabilitation is an important means of non-drug treatment for patients with myocardial infarction.It can improve myocardial perfusion and cardiovascular function.The mechanism may be related to angiogenesis and repair mediated by vascular endothelial cells,while endothelial progenitor cells are the precursors of vascular endothelial cells.OBJECTIVE:To explore the impact of 12-week aerobic exercise on mobilization and function of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with myocardial infarction.METHODS:(1)A total of 66 patients with acute myocardial infarction who received percutaneous coronary intervention in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to October 2022 were selected and divided into exercise group(n=33)and control group(n=33)according to random number table method.Patients in the control group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation treatment for 12 weeks.Patients in the exercise group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation+12 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention.Cardiopulmonary fitness,New York Heart Association classification,left ventricular ejection fraction,serum troponin I,brain natriuretic peptide levels,and peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells were measured before and 72 hours after intervention.(2)Endothelial cells were isolated from peripheral blood of the two groups of patients before intervention and 72 hours after intervention,and the proliferation,adhesion,and migration ability of endothelial cells were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At 72 hours after the intervention,New York Heart Association classification,serum troponin I and serum brain natriuretic peptide decreased(P<0.05);peak oxygen uptake,maximum power,completion time of incremental load test,and left ventricular ejection fraction at peak exercise increased(P<0.05);average heart rate and average subjective fatigue sensation score decreased(P<0.05);peripheral blood endothelial cell count increased(P<0.05)in the exercise group compared with those before intervention and the control group.(2)At 72 hours after intervention,the cell proliferation,adhesion,and migration ability of peripheral blood endothelial cells in the exercise group were higher than those before intervention and control group(P<0.05).(3)Regular aerobic exercise can promote mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and enhance ability of proliferation,adhesion,and migration,thereby improving clinical condition,cardiac function,and cardiopulmonary fitness of patients with myocardial infarction.
8.Efficacy of combined acupuncture and medication therapy for acute-stage cerebral infarction and its impact on cerebral blood flow
Yunxiao GAO ; Congcong HU ; Pei LIANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Jie CHEN ; Junli AN
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(5):409-415
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and medication therapy in treating cerebral infarction in the acute stage and its impact on cerebral blood flow.Methods:A total of 160 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into 4 groups using the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.Conventional treatment was given to all groups.Besides,the Chinese medication group received Tong Shen Fu Nao Wan;the acupuncture group received Xing Nao Kai Qiao(mind-refreshing and orifice-opening)needling therapy;the acupuncture-medication group received both Tong Shen Fu Nao Wan and Xing Nao Kai Qiao needling therapy.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was assessed,and changes in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom score and hemodynamics were compared among the four groups,as well as complications and adverse reactions.Results:After treatment,the acupuncture-medication group had a higher total effective rate compared to the other three groups(P<0.05).After the intervention,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score dropped in all groups(P<0.05)and was lower in the acupuncture-medication group than in the other three groups(P<0.05);all groups showed a decrease in the TCM symptom score(P<0.05),and the acupuncture-medication group was significantly lower than the other groups(P<0.05).After treatment,the blood flow velocity of the bilateral anterior cerebral artery(ACA),middle cerebral artery(MCA),and posterior cerebral artery(PCA)increased in every group(P<0.05),and the acupuncture-medication group had higher blood flow velocities compared to the other three groups(P<0.05).The acupuncture-medication group had the fewest number of complications among the four groups(P<0.05),and there was no statistical significance when comparing the adverse reactions among the groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the separate use,the combined use of acupuncture and medication enhances the clinical efficacy,accelerates cerebral blood circulation,and boosts the recovery in treating cerebral infarction.
9.Traits and genetic mechanisms related to high-altitude adaptation of in dairy cat-tle:Status and prospect
Yaping ZHANG ; Congcong ZHANG ; Gong CHEN ; Lingling HOU ; Jingyi XU ; Qianhai FANG ; Yuechuan HUANG ; Bin LI ; Min LI ; Qing XU ; Yachun WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2548-2556
As a critical component of global agriculture,the dairy industry is essential for the food security and economic development.In China,the dairy sector in plateau regions plays an important role in addressing the nutritional needs of residents,boosting farmers' incomes,and fostering re-gional economic growth.However,the harsh high-altitude conditions,such as low oxygen,low at-mospheric pressure,and severe climate,pose significant challenges to the health and survival of dairy cows.This article summarizes the changes in physiological characteristics,metabolic perform-ance,production performance,and health status of dairy under high altitude areas,providing in-sights for the identification of adaptive traits in dairy to plateau.Also,the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms behind these phenotypic adaptations are discussed,and future directions and strategies for enhancing adaptability of dairy of dairy n plateau regions are outlined,thereby guiding re-searchers in adaptation evolution and breeding of dairy cattle.
10.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.

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