1.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
2.Risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery
Hongxia TAO ; Zhen WU ; Tao JIANG ; Zhabing LI ; Aihong GU ; Yiqiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):286-290
Objective:To identify the risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.Methods:In this case-control study, 6 differentially expressed genes were screened through gene expression database analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7C (COX7C), ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex III subunit VII (UQCRQ), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7A2 (COX7A2), translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 7, ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S5, and ribosomal protein L31. Elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at Anhui No. 2 Provincial People′s Hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were recruited. Based on the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination, the patients were divided into POCD group ( n=51) and non-POCD (NPOCD) group ( n=53). The expression of differentially expressed genes in the peripheral blood was detected using the fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The 6 differentially expressed genes were subjected to a difference test, and genes with P<0.05 were included in the binary logistic regression analysis to screen for risk factors for POCD. Results:The expression of COX7C, UQCRQ and COX7A2 was significantly down-regulated in POCD group compared with non-POCD group ( P<0.05). The results of logistic regression showed that the low-expression COX7C ( OR=1.926, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.604-5.264, P=0.022), UQCRQ ( OR=3.023, 95% CI 1.966-7.156, P=0.001), and COX7A2 ( OR=1.744, 95% CI 1.479-6.127, P=0.013) in peripheral blood were independent risk factors for the occurrence of POCD in elderly patients. Conclusions:Low-expression COX7C, UQCRQ and COX7A2 are risk factors for POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.
3.Monitoring results of mosquito-ovitraps placed in different orientations in multi-storey residential areas
Caixiong LIU ; Bin GE ; Haibing ZHANG ; Lin WANG ; Tao YANG ; Yujiao WEI ; Haiying XIE ; Yu ZHANG ; Hongxia LIU ; Juntao SHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):109-113
ObjectiveTo find out whether there is any difference in the monitoring results of mosq-ovitraps placed in different orientations in multi-storey residential areas, so as to provide a scientific basis for routine and emergency monitoring of Aedes albopictus with mosq-ovitraps in residential areas. MethodsFrom July 6th to October 26th 2023, one mosquito ovitrap was set up in each of the 4 orientations of east, south, west and north around the buildings in a multi-storey residential area in Jinhui Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai. Data was collected and recorded 72 hours after placement. The chi-square test was used to compare the mosquito ovitrap indices (MOIs) of two independent samples, and the Kruskal⁃Wallis H test was used to compare the MOIs of multiple independent samples. ResultsAfter 16 weeks of surveillance, 997 mosquito ovitraps were recovered, of which 211 were positive, with the mosquito ovitrap index (MOI) of 21.16% and the Aedes albopictus density index of 1.03 mosquitoes·ovitrap-1. The MOIs were higher in September (24.22%) and October (23.96%), and the MOIs in the west, south and north within the two months were all above 20.00%. From July to October, the MOIs in the east, west, south and north were 20.70%, 22.20%, 25.50% and 16.20%, respectively, and the difference in MOIs among the 4 orientations was not statistically significant (χ2=6.647, P=0.084). Stratified analysis by month showed that in August, the south side of the multi-storey residential areas had the highest MOI (31.30%), the north side had the lowest MOI (1.30%), and there was a statistically significant difference in MOI in the east, west, south and north (χ2=25.986, P<0.001). In October, the MOI in the west was the highest (33.30%) and the MOI in the east was the lowest (6.30%), the difference in MOIs of the 4 orientations was statistically significant (χ2=12.007, P=0.007). The MOIs in the south side of the building in the outskirts of the residential area from the 1st week in July to the 4th week in October was lower (19.20%) than that in the south side of the inner building (31.70%), and the difference in MOI was statistically significant (χ2=5.118, P=0.024). ConclusionThe study of MOI in different orientations in a multi-storey residential area is a preliminary exploration based on field work, and the results show that there is a difference in MOIs in different orientations during the peak breeding period of mosquitoes. Further indicators such as temperature, humidity and wind speed in different orientations can be collected to explore the influencing factors of MOIs.
4.Application of microarray chemiluminescent protein chip assay in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and comparison with immunoblotting
Yuxuan CHEN ; Wei SHEN ; Shuai DING ; Yang HANG ; Hongxia WEI ; Yue TAO ; Yijia ZHU ; Qisi ZHENG ; Weihua PAN ; Lingyun SUN
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(10):820-829
Objective:To compare the consistency of microarray chemiluminescent protein chip and immunoblotting in the autoantibody spectrum of patients and the diagnostic efficacy of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE), and to explore the correlation between the detection results of protein microarray and clinical indicators and lymphocyte subsets.Methods:Serum autoantibodies in 649 samples collected between December 2023 and December 2024 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were analyzed using the microarray chemiluminescent protein chip method, with 401 samples simultaneously tested by immunoblotting. Kappa coefficient assessed inter-method consistency. Diagnostic performance was compared via ROC curves. Spearman correlation analysis evaluated relationships between autoantibody levels and SLEDAI-2000 scores, clinical parameters, and lymphocyte subsets.Results:The two methods demonstrated good consistency across 14 antinuclear antibodies, with optimal agreement for anti-SSA/Ro ( Kappa=0.845, P<0.001), anti-SSB ( Kappa=0.825, P<0.001), and anti-CENP B ( Kappa=0.851, P<0.001). The protein chip method significantly improved SLE diagnostic efficacy, particularly for anti-dsDNA (AUC difference=0.291, P<0.001) and anti-Sm antibodies (AUC difference=0.295, P<0.001). Combined detection of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-nRNP/Sm antibodies achieved superior diagnostic performance (AUC=0.927). Anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, and anti-nucleosome antibodies positively correlated with SLEDAI-2000 ( r=0.408, 0410, 0.384, all P<0.001), complement ( P<0.001), and 24-hour urinary protein ( r=0.374, 0.387, 0.301, all P<0.001). Immunological analysis showed that the proportion of NK cells was generally negatively correlated with antinuclear antibodies such as anti-dsDNA ( r=-0.352, P<0.001) and anti-Sm ( r=-0.328, P<0.001) antibodies. Meanwhile, the proportion of CD8 + T cells was positively correlated with anti-nRNP/Sm ( r=0.229, P=0.002) and anti-Sm antibodies ( r=0.211, P=0.005). The proportion of CD4 + T cells was negatively correlated with anti-SSA/Ro ( r=-0.239, P<0.001), while the proportion of B cells was positively correlated with anti-dSDNA antibody ( r=0.300, P<0.001). Conclusion:The protein chip method showed strong consistency with immunoblotting for detecting 14 autoantibodies but demonstrated superior SLE diagnostic efficacy. The combined use of multiple detection methods can enhance the reliability of clinical diagnosis.
5.Risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery
Hongxia TAO ; Zhen WU ; Tao JIANG ; Zhabing LI ; Aihong GU ; Yiqiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):286-290
Objective:To identify the risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.Methods:In this case-control study, 6 differentially expressed genes were screened through gene expression database analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7C (COX7C), ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex III subunit VII (UQCRQ), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7A2 (COX7A2), translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 7, ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S5, and ribosomal protein L31. Elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at Anhui No. 2 Provincial People′s Hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were recruited. Based on the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination, the patients were divided into POCD group ( n=51) and non-POCD (NPOCD) group ( n=53). The expression of differentially expressed genes in the peripheral blood was detected using the fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The 6 differentially expressed genes were subjected to a difference test, and genes with P<0.05 were included in the binary logistic regression analysis to screen for risk factors for POCD. Results:The expression of COX7C, UQCRQ and COX7A2 was significantly down-regulated in POCD group compared with non-POCD group ( P<0.05). The results of logistic regression showed that the low-expression COX7C ( OR=1.926, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.604-5.264, P=0.022), UQCRQ ( OR=3.023, 95% CI 1.966-7.156, P=0.001), and COX7A2 ( OR=1.744, 95% CI 1.479-6.127, P=0.013) in peripheral blood were independent risk factors for the occurrence of POCD in elderly patients. Conclusions:Low-expression COX7C, UQCRQ and COX7A2 are risk factors for POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.
6.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
7.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
8.Application of microarray chemiluminescent protein chip assay in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and comparison with immunoblotting
Yuxuan CHEN ; Wei SHEN ; Shuai DING ; Yang HANG ; Hongxia WEI ; Yue TAO ; Yijia ZHU ; Qisi ZHENG ; Weihua PAN ; Lingyun SUN
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(10):820-829
Objective:To compare the consistency of microarray chemiluminescent protein chip and immunoblotting in the autoantibody spectrum of patients and the diagnostic efficacy of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE), and to explore the correlation between the detection results of protein microarray and clinical indicators and lymphocyte subsets.Methods:Serum autoantibodies in 649 samples collected between December 2023 and December 2024 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were analyzed using the microarray chemiluminescent protein chip method, with 401 samples simultaneously tested by immunoblotting. Kappa coefficient assessed inter-method consistency. Diagnostic performance was compared via ROC curves. Spearman correlation analysis evaluated relationships between autoantibody levels and SLEDAI-2000 scores, clinical parameters, and lymphocyte subsets.Results:The two methods demonstrated good consistency across 14 antinuclear antibodies, with optimal agreement for anti-SSA/Ro ( Kappa=0.845, P<0.001), anti-SSB ( Kappa=0.825, P<0.001), and anti-CENP B ( Kappa=0.851, P<0.001). The protein chip method significantly improved SLE diagnostic efficacy, particularly for anti-dsDNA (AUC difference=0.291, P<0.001) and anti-Sm antibodies (AUC difference=0.295, P<0.001). Combined detection of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-nRNP/Sm antibodies achieved superior diagnostic performance (AUC=0.927). Anti-dsDNA, anti-histone, and anti-nucleosome antibodies positively correlated with SLEDAI-2000 ( r=0.408, 0410, 0.384, all P<0.001), complement ( P<0.001), and 24-hour urinary protein ( r=0.374, 0.387, 0.301, all P<0.001). Immunological analysis showed that the proportion of NK cells was generally negatively correlated with antinuclear antibodies such as anti-dsDNA ( r=-0.352, P<0.001) and anti-Sm ( r=-0.328, P<0.001) antibodies. Meanwhile, the proportion of CD8 + T cells was positively correlated with anti-nRNP/Sm ( r=0.229, P=0.002) and anti-Sm antibodies ( r=0.211, P=0.005). The proportion of CD4 + T cells was negatively correlated with anti-SSA/Ro ( r=-0.239, P<0.001), while the proportion of B cells was positively correlated with anti-dSDNA antibody ( r=0.300, P<0.001). Conclusion:The protein chip method showed strong consistency with immunoblotting for detecting 14 autoantibodies but demonstrated superior SLE diagnostic efficacy. The combined use of multiple detection methods can enhance the reliability of clinical diagnosis.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Autophagy to Prevent and Treat Osteoarthritis: A Review
Jutang CHAI ; Qian YANG ; Hongxia NING ; Wenjuan LIU ; Tao LIU ; Xiaotao WEI ; Xiaoyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):287-298
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic, highly prevalent, painful, and disabling degenerative joint disease. It has imposed a heavy burden on social healthcare and patients' psychology and economy due to its clinical symptoms such as impaired joint mobility and severe joint pain and the immature therapies. Studies have shown that OA is closely associated with articular cartilage dysfunction, synthesis and degradation disorders of chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM), and joint inflammation. Moderate autophagy can restore the function of damaged chondrocytes, regulate chondrocyte apoptosis, and promote the synthesis and metabolism of ECM to alleviate the inflammation of joints and delay the onset and progression of OA. According to the clinical symptoms, OA can be classified into the category of impediment in traditional Chinese medicine. With the theories of holistic conception, treatment based on syndrome differentiation, and individualised diagnosis and treatment, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated definite effects in the treatment of OA in thousands of years of practice. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine causes mild adverse reactions, and the patients have high tolerance and acceptance. This paper briefly explains the roles of autophagy and the related regulatory proteins, such as Unc-51-like autophagy-activated kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin-1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and details the latest research achievements in the prevention and control of OA by traditional Chinese medicines and its related markers via the regulation of autophagy, so as to provide a idea for the in-depth research in this field and the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing and treating OA.
10.Effect and Mechanism of Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Osteoporosis
Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Wei DING ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):290-298
Osteoporosis (OP) is a common bone disease affecting the quality of life and causing huge medical burden to the patients and society. The occurrence of OP is mainly caused by excessive bone resorption and insufficient bone formation, which are directly influenced by external calcium ion balance. Calcium imbalance can impair bone integrity, reduce the calcium supply to the bone, and lower the calcium content in the bone, thus triggering OP. Drugs are the main anti-OP therapy in modern medicine, which, however, may cause adverse reactions and drug dependence. Chinese medicines have good clinical effects and high safety in treating OP, being suitable for long-term use. Recent studies have shown that Chinese medicines can alleviate estrogen deficiency, regulate bone cell and calcium metabolism, which is crucial for the formation and development of OP. The transient receptor potential cation channel superfamily V members 5 and 6 (TRPV5 and TRPV6, respectively) affect bone homeostasis by mediating the transmembrane calcium ion transport in the intestine (TRPV6) and kidney (TRPV5). Therefore, TRPV5/6 is one of the key targets to understand the anti-OP mechanisms of the effective parts of Chinese medicines, which is worthy of further study. This paper summarizes the research results about the anti-OP effects of Chinese medicines in the last two decades, especially the mechanism of regulating calcium metabolism, aiming to provide new ideas for the basic research, clinical application, and drug development of OP treatment.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail