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.Research on the correlation between Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway and spermatogenesis in rats based on the testicular tissue co-culture system
Yan LI ; Shanshan LIU ; Lin GAO ; Lingyi KONG ; Xia YUN ; Yan ZHANG ; Taodi LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):91-97
ObjectiveTo verify the association between the Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway and rat spermatogenesis by constructing an in vitro co-culture system of testis. MethodsTesticular tissue blocks from 20-25-day-old male rats were placed in an in vitro culture system, and the culture medium was replaced every 2 to 3 days. PCR was used to verify the expression of marker genes of various spermatogenic cells. RNA interference technology was employed to verify the correlation between the Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway and rat spermatogenesis. ResultsThe co-culture system could be continuously cultured for more than 2.5 months in vitro. RT-PCR showed that specific marker genes of spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermoblast were expressed. The RNA and protein expression of Trib3 and Akt changed after the knocking down of Ddit3 and Trib3, respectively. It demonstrated the existence of Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway in rat spermatogenesis. ConclusionThe culture time of more than 2.5 months indicates that the culture system can temporarily maintain the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, and simultaneously maintain and stabilize spermatogenesis in a simple system. The successful validation of the Ddit3-Trib3-Akt signaling pathway also confirms that this culture system can be used to study possible molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis in vitro.
3.Effect of ankle soft robotic exosuit on gait function for stroke patients: a scoping review from 2020 to 2025
Huigang GAO ; Yuanwen LIU ; Yuling QIN ; Xiquan HU ; Lin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):645-652
ObjectiveTo explore effect of the ankle soft robotic exosuits (ASRE) on gait function in stroke patients. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were searched for researches evaluating the impact of ASRE on gait function in stroke patients with hemiplegia, covering the period from January 1st, 2020 to May 1st, 2025. The PEDro scale and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool were used to assess the quality of the included researches, and data were extracted for a scoping review. ResultsA total of twelve researches were finally included, consisting of three randomized controlled trials (RCT), three cross-over controlled trials and six pre-post controlled trials, which came from three countries of China, the United States and South Korea, involving 256 patients. The three RCT were rated as high-quality, while the remaining researches were presented moderate to serious risk of bias. Five researches employed a single-session intervention; and seven used multiple-session intervention, with 30 to 60 minutes a session, two to five sessions a week, for five to 20 sessions. ASRE was effective on walking speed, walking distance, propulsive force of the hemiplegic side, gait parameters and spatiotemporal symmetry, joint range of motion, as well as the scores of scales related to lower limb motor function, balance and gait, with favorable safety and reliability. ConclusionASRE may improve the gait function in stroke patients.
4.Study on the efficacy of vacuum-assisted minimally invasive gyrotomy for benign lesions in the lower quadrant of the breast
Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Xin SUN ; Yinqi GAO ; Jian JIAO ; Siqi LIU ; Fangcai LIN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(8):852-855
Objective To explore the efficacy of vacuum-assisted minimally invasive gyrotomy for benign lesions in the lower quadrant of the breast.Methods From August 2022 to August 2023,90 patients with benign lesions in the lower quadrant of the breast were treated.According to the different surgical methods,they were divided into two groups:the traditional group included 45 cases,which underwent surgery through the trans-areolar incision;the minimally invasive group included 45 cases,which underwent surgery through the trans-mammary fold incision with vacuum-assisted minimally invasive technique.The surgical-related indicators,inflammatory response indicators,patient satisfaction,and safety were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time[(20.45±6.18)min],intraoperative bleeding[(7.78±2.23)ml],hospital stay[(4.37±1.05)d],scar length[(2.32±0.42)cm]and healing time[(3.46±1.08)d]in the minimally invasive group were significantly better than those in the traditional group[(34.52±9.46)min,(23.16±6.44)ml,(8.72±2.73)d,(19.14±4.18)cm and(7.37±2.16)d](P<0.05).The levels of IL-6[(12.14±2.86)ng/L],IL-10[(14.33±3.74)pg/ml],CRP[(13.85±3.11)mg/L],Cor[(131.27±6.43)nmol/L]and NE[(82.55±8.44)in the minimally invasive group at 3 days after surgery ng/ml were increased and VEGF was decreased[(59.72±7.44)mg/L]than the traditional group[(17.23±3.38)ng/L,(19.62±4.88)pg/ml,(28.36±4.67)mg/L,(196.52±8.84)nmol/L,(117.62±7.14)ng/ml and(88.46±7.89)mg/L](P<0.05).The satisfaction of patients in minimally invasive group(97.78%,44/45)was significantly higher than that in traditional group(82.22%,37/45)(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse events in minimally invasive group(4.44%,2/45)was significantly lower than that in traditional group(22.22%,10/45)(P<0.05).Conclusion Vacuum-assisted minimally invasive rotatory excision can optimize surgical indicators,improve serological indicators,enhance patient satisfaction and treatment safety compared to traditional areola incision surgery.
5.Design and Verification of Implantable Central Venous Dialysis Port
Yangzhi LIU ; Qingjing LIN ; Qinxian GAO ; Chengli SONG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1265-1271
Objective To design and verify an implantable dialysis port that enables the central venous catheter to no longer be placed on the body surface,and to study the effect of the central venous catheter's structural design on its performance.Methods The feasibility of the dialysis port was verified by flow and pressure experiments.Four representative catheter structures were analyzed by finite element method.The recirculation rate,flow rate-pressure ratio and proportion of indwelling particles were recorded,and performance differences were analyzed.An experimental platform was built to verify the simulation conclusion,and the fluid flow direction of the arteriovenous cavity was quantified by the salinity measurement method.Results The dialysis port could reach the flow requirement of 300 mL/min under the 45 kPa pressure.The recirculation rate of the measured central venous catheter was between 10.7%and 23.5%,and the residual value of heparin was between 2.3%and 2.8%.The performance of the catheter with bundle mouth,positive position and side hole structure was better.Conclusions The implantable dialysis port can potentially cooperate with central venous catheters to establish a new vascular access approach.The structure of the central venous catheter should adopt the design of bundle mouth,positive position and side hole,which has better recirculation rate and heparin locking performance with low flow rate-pressure ratio.This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for structural design and clinical selection of the central venous catheter.
6.Study on the correlation between the degree of intracranial vascular stenosis and culprit plaque characteristics with the risk of stroke recurrence
Lin HAN ; Jie WANG ; Zi'ang LI ; Yu GAO ; Ziqing YANG ; Xinhui MA ; Haipeng LIU ; Ruifang YAN ; Hongling ZHAO ; Hongkai CUI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1593-1599
Objective To evaluate the application of high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging(HRMR-VWI)in identifying high-risk features of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques,and to analyze the correlation between plaque characteristics and stroke recurrence under varying degrees of stenosis.Methods The data from 368 patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS)across two centers were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the degree of stenosis,all patients were categorized into mild-to-moderate stenosis group(luminal stenosis<70%,n=155)and severe stenosis group(luminal stenosis≥70%,n=213).HRMR-VWI images and clinical information of the patients were collected and analyzed,and the culprit plaques were quantitatively analyzed.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the risk factors for stroke recurrence,and the predictive performance was evaluated using the area under the curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Higher normalized wall index(NWI)[odds ratio(OR)=1.082,95%confidence interval(CI)1.050-1.118,P<0.05]and the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage(IPH)(OR=1.843,95%CI 1.120-3.036,P<0.05)were risk factors for stroke recurrence in all patients.And these two factors were also significant in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group(NWI:OR=1.088,95%CI 1.009-1.186,P<0.05;IPH:OR=4.049,95%CI 1.227-16.065,P<0.05).A predictive model for stroke recurrence was constructed using the combination of IPH and NWI,with the best performance in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group(AUC=0.813,95%CI 0.723-0.906).Conclusion In patients with luminal stenosis<70%,the increase of NWI and the presence of IPH have been validated as significant and effective indicators for predicting stroke recurrence,demonstrating notable predictive performance.In contrast,among patients with luminal stenosis≥70%,the utility of plaque characteristics in predicting stroke recurrence is relatively lower,indicating that the correlation between plaque characteristics and stroke recurrence varies across different degrees of stenosis.
7.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.
8.Effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Han-li YANG ; Ming SHI ; Chun-zhi LIU ; Shao-hu LIN ; Ming-gao HU ; Xian-zhong BU ; Yuan-ming ZHONG ; Wei XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3233-3241
AIM To investigate the effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM).METHODS The CSM rat models were established and randomly assigned to the model group,the Fer-1 group(2 g/kg Ferrostatin-1 via intraperitoneal injection),the low-dose(9.7 g/kg,intragastrically),medium-dose(19.4 g/kg,intragastrically)and high-dose(38.8 g/kg,intragastrically)Jisuishang Formula groups,and the sham operation group,with 6 rats in each group.Following 4 weeks of treatment administration,BBB locomotor scores and oblique plate test result were recorded to assess their neurological function in rats.Histopathological evaluation utilized HE staining for spinal cord tissue pathology,Nissl staining for Nissl body visualization,and Prussian blue staining for iron ion deposition analysis.Protein expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1,TFRC and Cox2 in spinal cord tissues was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,while mRNA expressions were quantified using RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared to the sham group,the CSM model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB locomotor scores and inclined plane test performance at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P<0.05);obvious tissue cavitation,cellular edema and Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1(P<0.05);and upregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the Jisuishang Formula and Fer-1 intervention groups showed significantly improved BBB scores and inclined plane test result at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P<0.05);reduced tissue cavitation,attenuated cellular edema and decreased Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;upregulated protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 and HO-1 in spinal cord tissues(P<0.05);and downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Targeting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway,Jisuishang Formula potentially suppresses ferroptosis and alleviates iron accumulation in spinal cord neurons,thereby improving neurological recovery in CSM rats.
9.Ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice
Li-na LIU ; Yu-fang SHEN ; Qin-qin WANG ; Lin-yu XIAO ; Jing-yu LIU ; Jun-ni MO ; Ren-yi-kun YUAN ; Hong-wei GAO ; Jian XIAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3249-3256
AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture(CFM)on cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice.METHODS Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the blank control group,the model group,the levamisole hydrochloride group(40 mg/kg)and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose CFM groups(3.75,7.5,10 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,and given respective intervention orally once daily for 14 days.On the 5th to 7th day of administration,with the blank control group given normal saline intraperitoneally,the other groups underwent intraperitoneal CTX injections(80 mg/kg).24 hours after the last administration,organ indices of thymus and spleen were calculated;splenic histopathological alterations were assessed by HE staining;serum levels of IL-2,IL-6 and IgG were quantified using ELISA;splenic CD4+,CD8+T lymphocytes,alongside CD86+and CD206+macrophages populations were analyzed by flow cytometry;and splenic expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS In CTX-treated mice,CFM administration mitigated body weight loss;enhanced thymus weight and thymic index;ameliorated splenic immune cell populations,elevated serum levels of cytokines IL-2,IL-6 and IgG in serum;and upregulated splenic levels of CD45+CD3+T lymphocytes and F4/80+CD11b+macrophages,alongside increasing the expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 surface markers.CONCLUSION CFM alleviates CTX-induced immunosuppression state in mice by modulating immune cells,restoring immune function and enhancing anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capabilities.
10.Preparation of sustained-release microspheres of ginsenosides
Xiang-ying LIU ; Ru-nan HE ; Gao QIU ; Zong-hao LIN ; Yu-hai GUO ; Chu-qin YU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1097-1104
AIM To prepare the sustained-release microspheres of ginsenosides.METHODS The sustained-release microspheres were prepared by SPG membrane emulsification technology with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)as a shell carrier.With PLGA concentration,feed rate and Span 60 concentration as influencing factors,comprehensive score for appearance,drug loading and encapsulation efficiency as an evaluation indice,the preparation process was optimized by response surface method.The morphology of sustained-release microspheres was observed,after which the particle size,drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were determined,and the in vitro drug release was investigated.RESULTS The optimal conditons were determined to be 45 s for agitation time of primary emulsion,74.68 mg/mL for PLGA concentration,11%for feed rate,and 4.18 mg/mL for Span 60 concentration,the comprehensive score was 74.98.The round sustained-release microspheres demonstrated the average particle size of 4.33 μm,drug loading of(8.24±0.13)%,and encapsulation efficiency of(74.94±1.17)%,respectively.At 336 h,ginsenosides Rg1,Rb1,Rb2 displayed the accumulative release rates of 84.12%,78.04%,65.88%,respectively.CONCLUSION This reasonable and feasible method can be used for the preparation of sustained-release microspheres of ginsenosides with good appearance and high drug loading,which can provide references for the preparation of other water-soluble drug microspheres and solution of microsphere collapse problem.

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