1.Cervical lordosis ratio can be used as a decision-making indicator for selection of posterior surgical approach for multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Jiahang MIAO ; Sheng MA ; Qupeng LI ; Huilin YU ; Tianyu HU ; Xiao GAO ; Hu FENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1796-1802
BACKGROUND:At present,research has only shown that the cervical lordosis ratio can be an important factor in predicting the loss of lordosis curvature after laminoplasty,and no one has studied whether the cervical lordosis ratio,a dynamic level indicator,can be one of the decision-making factors for the selection of posterior cervical surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether the cervical lordosis ratio,an index of cervical hyperextension and hyperflexion,can be used as a selective index for laminoplasty and laminectomy fusion. METHODS:A retrospective review of 141 patients who had undergone posterior cervical surgery more than one year of follow-up due to multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy from December 2015 to March 2020 was performed.Among them,63 patients received laminectomy and fusion(laminectomy and fusion group)and 78 patients received laminoplasty(laminoplasty group).The demographic statistics(gender,age,body mass index,follow-up time),imaging indexes such as C2-7 Cobb angle,C2-7 range of motion,flexion Cobb angle,extension Cobb angle,flexion range of motion and extension range of motion,clinical effect indexes such as Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and visual analog scale score were compared between the two groups.The evaluation index of cervical lordosis alignment change was C2-7 Cobb angle difference before and after operation(ΔCL).Cervical lordosis ratio was equal to 100%×flexion range of motion/C2-7 range of motion.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the role of cervical lordosis ratio in predicting postoperative severe cervical lordosis loss(ΔCL≤-10°).According to the critical value of cervical lordosis ratio(68.5%),all patients were divided into low cervical lordosis ratio group and high cervical lordosis ratio group.In these two ratio groups,the cervical lordosis alignment index and clinical effect index between the two operation groups were discussed again. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cervical lordosis alignment decreased after laminectomy and fusion and laminoplasty(P=0.039,P=0.002),and cervical lordosis alignment change in laminoplasty group(ΔCL)was greater than that of laminectomy and fusion group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant.(2)Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,cervical lordosis ratio in predicting severe cervical lordosis alignment change(ΔCL≤-10°)had good identification ability(area under the curve=0.792).(3)In low cervical lordosis ratio group,there was no significant difference in cervical lordosis alignment change(ΔCL)between laminectomy and fusion group and laminoplasty group(P=0.141).(4)In high cervical lordosis ratio group,the ΔCL of laminoplasty group was greater than that in laminectomy and fusion group(P=0.001),which had a higher probability of postoperative severe cervical lordosis alignment change(ΔCL≤-10°)(43%,29%).(5)It is indicated that cervical lordosis ratio can be used as a decision-making index for the choice of posterior surgery for multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Laminoplasty can be considered in the low cervical lordosis ratio group,while laminectomy and fusion can be considered in the high cervical lordosis ratio group.
2.Analysis of subjective visual vertical test results in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo at different head deflection angles
Maolin QIN ; Xiaobao MA ; Dekun GAO ; Jiali SHEN ; Qin ZHANG ; Yulian JIN ; Jie WANG ; Jun YANG ; Jianyong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):183-187
Objective To analyze the clinical significance of subjective visual vertical (SVV) tests at different head deflection angles in assessing utricle function in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods A total of 61 BPPV patients who were treated at the Hearing Impairment and Vertigo Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from August 2022 to May 2023 were retrospectively included, and 29 healthy adults were selected as controls. SVV tests were performed on all research subjects at different head deflection angles: upright head (0°), left head 45° (L45°), right head 45° (R45°). The test results between the two groups were compared. Results SVV absolute value at R45° in BPPV group was lower than that in the control group (P=0.003); there was no significant difference in SVV values at 0° and L45° between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in SVV values at different head deflection angles between the control group and the left BPPV group. SVV absolute value at R45° in right BPPV group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.001); there was no statistical difference in SVV values at 0° and L45° between the two groups. Conclusions SVV test can provide subjective information about the utricle, and SVV tests at different head deflection angles can fine-tune evaluate the function of the utricle in BPPV patients.
3.History, Experience, Opportunities, and Challenges in Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Linxian, Henan Province, A High Incidence Area for Esophageal Cancer
Lidong WANG ; Xiaoqian ZHANG ; Xin SONG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Duo YOU ; Lingling LEI ; Ruihua XU ; Jin HUANG ; Wenli HAN ; Ran WANG ; Qide BAO ; Aifang JI ; Lei MA ; Shegan GAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):251-255
Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading
4.Trends in disease burden due to childhood asthma from 1990 to 2021 and future projections in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):573-578
Objective:
To investigate the trends in disease burden due to childhood asthma in China from 1990 to 2021 and to project the disease burden from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into formulation of the control interventions for childhood asthma in China.
Methods:
The prevalent case, agestandard prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and agestandard DALYs rate of children with asthma at ages of 0 to 14 years and their 95% uncertainty interval (UI) in China from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. The temporal trends in the disease burden of childhood asthma were evaluated with estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), and the disease burden due to asthma was projected among children at ages of 0 to 14 years in China using a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model from 2022 to 2035.
Results:
There were 9.368 3 million (95%UI=6.410 7 million to 14.026 1 million) prevalent cases of asthma among children at ages of 0 to 14 years in China in 2021, contributing to 0.387 9 million (95%UI=0.216 1 million to 0.668 8 million) DALYs loss. The prevalent cases and DALYs of asthma decreased by 37.28% and 52.55% among children at ages of 0 to 14 years in China in 2021 compared with 1990, and the agestandardized prevalence [EAPC=-0.70%, 95%CI=-1.26% to -0.13%)] and DALY rates [EAPC=-1.71%, 95%CI=-2.32% to -1.10%)] also appeared a tendency towards a decline. From 1990 to 2021, the prevalent cases, prevalence, DALYs and DALYs rate of asthma were all higher among male children than among female children, and the disease burden of asthma was higher among children at ages of 5 to 9 years than at other age groups. BAPC model predicted a decline in both prevalent cases and DALYs of asthma among children at ages of 0 to 14 years in China from 2022 to 2035, with 6.759 6 million prevalent cases and DALYs of 0.228 4 million personyears in 2035, while the prevalence and DALYs rates were projected to rise to 5 143.35/105 and 173.75/105 in 2035.
Conclusions
Despite a reduction in the disease burden of asthma among children at ages of 0 to 14 years in China from 1990 to 2021, the prevalence remained high. The disease burden due to asthma is projected to appear a decline among children at ages of 0 to 14 years in China from 2022 to 2035; however, the prevalence and DALYs rates still rise. Intensified control measures and targeted interventions are required to reduce the disease burden of childhood asthma.
5.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
6.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Longxiao HU ; Jiabei GAO ; Weihao MA ; Jieming LU ; Yunxiao GAO ; Yue YUAN ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):41-51
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility, evaluation methods and metabolic differences of high-fat diet(HFD) combined with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) to establish a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome(PBSBCS). MethodsThirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, HFD, MIRI, and MIRI+HFD groups. Rats in the sham operation and MIRI groups were fed a standard diet(regular chow), while the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups received a HFD for 10 weeks. Rats in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups underwent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion surgery, while the sham operation group underwent only thread placement without ligation. Cardiac function was assessed via small-animal echocardiography, including left ventricular ejection fraction(EF), left ventricular fractional shortening(FS), cardiac output(CO), and stroke volume(SV). Serum levels of creatine kinase(CK), CK-MB, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), endothelin-1(ET-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-18(IL-18), oxidized LDL(ox-LDL), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) were measured by biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Myocardial histopathology was evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, while myocardial infarction and no-reflow area were assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC), Evans blue, and thioflavin staining. Changes in syndrome characteristics[body weight, tongue surface red-green-blue [RGB] values, and pulse amplitude] of PBSBCS were recorded. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increases in body weight(P<0.01), RGB values and pulse amplitude decreased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels increased in the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups, while HDL-C decreased. Blood perfusion peak time and myocardial no-reflow area increased, serum eNOS level decreased, and CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities increased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Whole blood viscosity was increased in the HFD group at medium shear rate, and in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups at low, medium and high shear rates(P<0.05, P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate increased in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, accompanied by elevated ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-18 levels, reduced cardiac function indices, expanded myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, and increased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MIRI group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increase in body weight, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels, and significant decrease in HDL-C content(P<0.01). The MIRI+HFD group showed decrease in RGB values and pulse amplitude, and an increase in whole blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, blood perfusion peak time, myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, elevated ET-1, TNF-α and IL-18 levels, decreased eNOS content, EF and SV, increased serum CK, CK-MB and cTnT activities, and worsened myocardial pathology(P<0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the MIRI+HFD group showed similar aggravated trends(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics results showed that 34 potential biomarkers involving 13 common metabolic pathways were identified in the MIRI+HFD group compared with the sham operation group. ConclusionThe MIRI group resembles blood stasis syndrome in hemodynamics and myocardial injury, and the HFD group mirrors phlegm-turbidity syndrome in lipid profiles and tongue characteristics. While the MIRI+HFD group aligns with PBSBCS in comprehensive indices, effectively simulating clinical features of coronary heart disease(CHD), which can be used for the evaluation of the pathological mechanism and pharmacodynamics of CHD with PBSBCS.
7.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
9.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Longxiao HU ; Jiabei GAO ; Weihao MA ; Jieming LU ; Yunxiao GAO ; Yue YUAN ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):41-51
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility, evaluation methods and metabolic differences of high-fat diet(HFD) combined with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) to establish a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome(PBSBCS). MethodsThirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, HFD, MIRI, and MIRI+HFD groups. Rats in the sham operation and MIRI groups were fed a standard diet(regular chow), while the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups received a HFD for 10 weeks. Rats in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups underwent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion surgery, while the sham operation group underwent only thread placement without ligation. Cardiac function was assessed via small-animal echocardiography, including left ventricular ejection fraction(EF), left ventricular fractional shortening(FS), cardiac output(CO), and stroke volume(SV). Serum levels of creatine kinase(CK), CK-MB, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), endothelin-1(ET-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-18(IL-18), oxidized LDL(ox-LDL), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) were measured by biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Myocardial histopathology was evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, while myocardial infarction and no-reflow area were assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC), Evans blue, and thioflavin staining. Changes in syndrome characteristics[body weight, tongue surface red-green-blue [RGB] values, and pulse amplitude] of PBSBCS were recorded. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increases in body weight(P<0.01), RGB values and pulse amplitude decreased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels increased in the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups, while HDL-C decreased. Blood perfusion peak time and myocardial no-reflow area increased, serum eNOS level decreased, and CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities increased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Whole blood viscosity was increased in the HFD group at medium shear rate, and in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups at low, medium and high shear rates(P<0.05, P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate increased in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, accompanied by elevated ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-18 levels, reduced cardiac function indices, expanded myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, and increased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MIRI group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increase in body weight, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels, and significant decrease in HDL-C content(P<0.01). The MIRI+HFD group showed decrease in RGB values and pulse amplitude, and an increase in whole blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, blood perfusion peak time, myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, elevated ET-1, TNF-α and IL-18 levels, decreased eNOS content, EF and SV, increased serum CK, CK-MB and cTnT activities, and worsened myocardial pathology(P<0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the MIRI+HFD group showed similar aggravated trends(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics results showed that 34 potential biomarkers involving 13 common metabolic pathways were identified in the MIRI+HFD group compared with the sham operation group. ConclusionThe MIRI group resembles blood stasis syndrome in hemodynamics and myocardial injury, and the HFD group mirrors phlegm-turbidity syndrome in lipid profiles and tongue characteristics. While the MIRI+HFD group aligns with PBSBCS in comprehensive indices, effectively simulating clinical features of coronary heart disease(CHD), which can be used for the evaluation of the pathological mechanism and pharmacodynamics of CHD with PBSBCS.
10.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.


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