1.Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins identifies biomarkers for anxiety disorders
Xuelian LI ; Min DENG ; Rongting RAN ; Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Yujie LI ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):63-69
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, with its prevalence showing a continuous upward trend, significantly affecting the quality of life and social function of patients. Due to the lack of objective and reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, the early identification and treatment of anxiety disorder have been somewhat limited. Plasma proteins have the potential to serve as biomarkers for mental diseases, however, the causal relationship between them and anxiety disorder remains unclear. ObjectiveTo identify the plasma proteins that have a causal relationship with anxiety disorders, and to elucidate the associated biological pathways, in order to provide references for the search for biomarkers of anxiety disorders and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. MethodsBased on the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4 907 plasma proteins covering 35 559 Icelandic individuals from the deCODE database, and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 50 486 patients with anxiety disorders and 330 460 healthy controls, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model method, and weighted model method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was conducted for the related proteins. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 10 plasma proteins were identified as significantly associated with anxiety disorders. Among these, SPATA9 (OR=0.856, 95% CI: 0.784–0.934, P<0.01) and PDE5A (OR=0.911, 95% CI: 0.864–0.961, P<0.01) were identified as protective factors, while CRYGD (OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.095–1.334, P<0.01), BTN3A3 (OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.018–1.073, P<0.01), SERPINB13 (OR=1.102, 95% CI: 1.040–1.168, P<0.01), ERBB4 (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.109–1.484, P<0.01), LSAMP (OR=1.096, 95% CI: 1.037–1.158, P<0.01), ICOSLG (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.104–1.490, P<0.01), DNAJB11 (OR=1.172, 95% CI: 1.076–1.277, P<0.01), and TREML1 (OR=1.115, 95% CI: 1.054–1.179, P<0.01) were identified as risk factors. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust, with no heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test P>0.05) or pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that these plasma proteins were enriched in biological processes such as T-cell signal transduction, lymphocyte proliferation, cell membrane structure and synaptic function, as well as the intestinal immune network that produces IgA and the ErbB signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study identified 10 plasma proteins associated with anxiety disorders. The functions of these plasma proteins involve multiple biological processes such as neural development and immune regulation.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
3.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of the topical preparation of baicalein on atopic dermatitis
Deng WANG ; Zhongying FAN ; Qinglong GUO ; Xi LI ; Yujie BAI ; Libin WEI ; Yuan HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):99-109
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of baicalein topical preparation on atopic dermatitis, we first constructed two atopic dermatitis-like mouse models induced by calcipotriol and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to assess their therapeutic effect with skin tissue staining and other experiments. It was found that topical preparation of baicalein could alleviate epidermal thickening of diseased skin tissues, repair damaged skin barrier proteins, and inhibit T helper 2 cells (Th2) infiltration and mast cell infiltration and activation in lesional sites. Cyberpharmacology was utilized to analyze whether baicalein could treat atopic dermatitis by interfering with multiple pathogenesis-associated pathways. Results indicated that baicalein reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and STAT1 proteins in keratinocyte cells. Together, the topical preparation of baicalein may be effective in alleviating atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by down-regulating the phosphorylation level of NF-κB in keratinocytes, thereby decreasing the expression of inflammatory factors in keratinocytes, which provides an idea and a theoretical basis for the topical preparation of baicalein for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
4.Advancements in herbal medicine-based nanozymes for biomedical applications.
Mei YANG ; Zhichao DENG ; Yuanyuan ZHU ; Chenxi XU ; Chenguang DING ; Yujie ZHANG ; Mingxin ZHANG ; Mingzhen ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(9):1037-1049
Nanozymes are a distinct category of nanomaterials that exhibit catalytic properties resembling those of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Nanozymes derived from Chinese herbal medicines exhibit the catalytic functions of their enzyme mimics, while retaining the specific medicinal properties of the herb (termed "herbzymes"). These nanozymes can be categorized into three main groups based on their method of synthesis: herb carbon dot nanozymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes. The reported catalytic activities of herbzymes include POD, SOD, CAT, and GPx. This review presents an overview of the catalytic activities and potential applications of nanozymes, introduces the novel concept of herbzymes, provides a comprehensive review of their classification and synthesis, and discusses recent advances in their biomedical applications. Furthermore, we also discuss the significance of research into herbzymes, including the primary challenges faced and future development directions.
Nanostructures/chemistry*
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Humans
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Herbal Medicine/methods*
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Superoxide Dismutase/chemistry*
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Catalase/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Catalysis
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Glutathione Peroxidase/chemistry*
5.Research on the association between immune-related gene expression and panic disorder
Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Rongting RAN ; Xuelian LI ; Yujie LI ; Min DENG ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):392-397
BackgroundGenetic factor plays an important role in the pathogenesis of panic disorder. Previous studies have revealed that immune system dysregulation is closely related to mental disorders such as panic disorder, while the relationship between panic disorder and immune-related gene expression remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between the expression of CXCL8, IL6R, JUN, PTGS2, TGFBR1, TLR2, CCR4 genes and panic disorder, providing references for the diagnosis and treatment of panic disorder. MethodsA total of 52 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder according to the Diagnosed and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) were enrolled at the Psychosomatic Medicine Center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to March 2021. Another 72 healthy individuals matched for age and gender from Chengdu were concurrently recruited as control group. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) was used to assess the severity of symptoms in panic disorder patients. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect gene expression levels in two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to determine the correlation between PDSS score and immune-related gene expression in research group. ResultsThe expression of the JUN, PTGS2 and TGFBR1 genes were significant higher in panic disorder patients than those in control group (Z=-4.172, -2.086, -3.018, P<0.05 or 0.01). After false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple testing, the differential expression of JUN and TGFBR1 genes remained statistically significant between two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of CCR4, CXCL8, IL6R and TLR2 genes between two groups (P>0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of the JUN gene in panic disorder patients was positively correlated with PDSS score (r=0.360, P<0.01), while the CCR4, CXCL8, IL6R, PTGS2, TGFBR1 and TLR2 genes showed no statistically significant correlation with the PDSS score (P>0.05). ConclusionThe expression of the JUN and TGFBR1 genes may be associated with panic disorder, and the expression of the JUN gene correlated with the severity of panic disorder. [Funded by Science and Technology Plan Project of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology (number, 2021YJ0440)]
6.Determination of 12 pesticide metabolites in human urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Yujie CHEN ; Shuling DENG ; Yonglin ZHOU ; Hao ZHANG ; Hualiang LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(8):919-924
Background Pesticides like organophosphorus and pyrethroids are extensively utilized, and associated potential human health risks arising from multi-route exposure, including environmental sources and dietary intake, cannot be overlooked. Conducting human exposure studies using pesticide exposure biomarkers is essential for an objective evaluation of human pesticide exposure levels. Objective To develop a rapid and precise liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of 12 pesticide metabolites in urine, including 5 metabolites of organophosphorus pesticide, 4 metabolites of pyrethroid pesticide, 2 metabolites of herbicides, and 1 metabolite of insecticide. Methods After overnight enzymatic hydrolysis, urine samples were subjected to extraction and purification using Oasis HLB 96-well solid-phase extraction. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and quantified using the isotope internal standard method. The developed method was employed to analyze 143 urine samples from a general population to assess its effectiveness and to evaluate pesticide exposure levels. Results All 12 target compounds exhibited good linear ranges, with their correlation coefficients of calibration curves exceeding 0.999. The limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.02 to 0.19 μg·L−1, while the limits of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.06 to 0.27 μg·L−1. The recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 84% to 112%, and the inter- and intra- day precisions of targeted analystes were 0.43%-9.6% and 1.6%-9.7% respectively. Using this method, 143 urine samples from residents in Jiangsu region were analyzed, and 11 pesticides were detected except N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). Conclusion The established method of solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has the characteristics of low detection limit, good repeatability, and high throughput, which is suitable for quantitative detection of selected 12 pesticides in large batches of human urine samples, and provides technical support for pesticide internal exposure monitoring and health risk assessment.
7.Research on the association between the DYS570 microvariant and Y-SNP haplogroup in Kunming
Lei HUANG ; Guangsen YANG ; Yujie FAN ; Xueyun CHEN ; Zhu YANG ; Wei WANG ; Wei HE ; Dian ZHAI ; Jun DENG ; Yiyan ZHANG ; Baowen CHENG
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;39(1):82-87
Objective To investigate the association between microvariants at locus DYS570 and Y-SNPs haplogroup.Methods 89 Y-SNPs and 34 Y-STRs in AIYSNP42,AIYSNP47 and YfilerTM Platinum kits were used to detect the genotype of 116 microvariants at locus DYS570 in Kunming,and the Set-B kit was used to detect the core repeat sequences of the DYS570 locus.The data were statistically analyzed by direct counting method.Then,a network map was drawn by Network 10.2,in order to visualize the genetic information of the sample.Results The results demonstrated that 111 DYS570/18.3-21.3 samples had a core repeat sequence of TTT[TITC]18-21,belonging to subgroup O2a2b1a1a1a4-F14494.A DYS570/20.3 sample had a core repeat sequence of[TTTC]15TTC[TTTC]5,belonging to O2a1b1a1a1a1e-F1365 subgroup.A DYS570/17.1 sample had a core repeat sequence of[TTTC]17 T,belonging to the O2a1b1a1a1a-F11 subgroup.Three DYS570(19.2)samples had[TTTC]3 TT[TTTC]16,belonging to the D1a1a-M15 haplogroup.Conclusion The results indicated that the microvariant with the same core repeat structure at locus DYS570 was associated with haplogroups,and the ancestry origin of samples can be inferenced from microvariant characteristics during the practice of forensic medicine.
8.One case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy complicated with chronic Guillain-Barre syndrome
Liuming LIANG ; Yangang WANG ; Lijun LIU ; Chengqian LI ; Qing YU ; Yujie DENG ; Qing WANG ; Yuhang ZHAO ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(3):248-251
Chronic Guillain-Barre syndrome, also known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy(CIDP), is an immune-mediated demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. This article analyzes the clinical data of a CIDP patient presenting primarily with limb numbness, pain, and weakness. Along with literature review, this study explores the differential diagnosis between CIDP and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in terms of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and treatment.
9.Preparation Methods and Evaluation Criteria Analysis of Animal Models for Perimenopausal Syndrome
Tianwei LIANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Hui HUANG ; Na RONG ; Xin LIU ; Yujie WANG ; Jiang LIN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(1):74-84
Objective To comprehensively analyze the reported preparation methods for animal models of perimenopausal syndrome (PS), to compare the advantages and disadvantages of various preparation elements and detection indexes, so as to provide useful references for the optimization of the relevant animal models as well as the standardization of their application in the efficacy evaluation of new drugs.MethodsIn this paper, literature research methods were applied using "perimenopausal syndrome" as the subject term. The publication period of the literature was limited to January 2016 to February 2023. Relevant literature on the preparation of PS animal models was retrieved from databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and PubMed. After screening the experimental literature that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, detailed information on experimental animal strains, modeling methods, duration of drug administration, positive drugs, detection indexes and other relevant information were collected. After the above information was standardized, the PS animal model database was established using Excel 2010 software. The model preparation elements and evaluation indexes were summarized systematically, and the statistical results were processed and analyzed using Excel 2010 software.Results A total of 247 articles were screened. SD rats (164 times, 65.86%) and Wistar rats (35 times, 14.06%) were often used to prepare PS animal models. Bilateral ovariectomy (139 times, 53.87%) and natural aging (43 times, 16.80%) were chosen as modeling methods. The ages of rats used for modeling ranged from 7 weeks to 18 months, with 3-month-old rats (22 times, 21.78%) being the most common. The detection indexes were comprehensively evaluated from multiple perspectives, including serum biochemistry, vaginal exfoliated cell smear, histomorphology, general observation, behavioral observation, and organ tissue protein immunoblotting. Western medical evaluation indexes were commonly used to test the successful preparation of models, with vaginal exfoliated cell smears being the most frequently used method (125 times, 85.04%). A model was considered successfully prepared when estrous cycle disorder or irregularity was observed. Some literature also determined modeling success by detecting a significant decrease in serum estradiol levels (5 times, 3.04%). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome evaluation often used a combination of Chinese and Western medical evaluation indexes for comprehensive evaluation, with researchers determining the TCM syndrome through vaginal exfoliated cell smears supplemented by general observation (3 times, 2.04%).Conclusion There are many methods for preparing PS animal models, but there are still significant differences in the selection of animal species, age, criteria for successful modeling, and TCM syndrome evaluation in the related literature.
10.Modulating gut microbiota improves neurological function and depressive symptoms in rats with post-stroke depression
Xinyi LI ; Yujie LIU ; Kechong DENG ; Yikui HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(2):405-410
Objective To evaluate the effect of modulating gut microbiota for improving brain injury in rats with post-stroke depression.Methods Adult SD rats were randomized into normal control,middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO),post-stroke depression(PSD),PSD with fecal transplantation,PSD with antibiotics(rifaximin),PSD with probiotics(lactobacilli),and PSD with fluoxetine treatment groups(n=9).Neurological function scores of the rats were determined,and the changes in sugar water preference and immobility time in forced swimming test were observed;plasma levels of trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO)and hydrogen sulfide(H2S)were detected with ELISA,Occludin,and the expressions of occludin,caudin-5 and IgG proteins I the brain tissues were determined using Western blotting.Results Compared with those in the control group,the rats in MCAO and PSD groups had significantly increased neurological function scores,TMAO level,the ratio of TMAO/H2S,and immobility time in forced swimming test with a lowered level of H2S(P<0.05).These changes were more obvious in PSD rats,which also exhibited a reduced sugar water preference with increased IgG protein and decreased occluding and caudin-5 expressions in the brain tissue(P<0.05).TMAO/H2S ratio in PSD rats was positively correlated with neurological function score(R2=0.3235,P=0.0269)and immobility time in swimming(R2=0.6290,P=0.0004)and negatively with sugar water preference(R2=-0.4534,P=0.0059).Treatment with fecal transplantation,antibiotics,probiotics and fluoxetine all significantly reduced neurological function scores,immobility time in forced swimming,TMAO/H2S ratio,and IgG protein expression and increased sugar water preference and brain occludin and caudin-5 expressions of the PSD rats(P<0.05).Conclusion In PSD rats,TMAO/H2S ratio is correlated with neurological function score,immobility time in forced swimming and sugar water preference,and modulating intestinal flora can improve neurological function and depressive symptoms and improve the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

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