1.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of photobiomodulation on cognitive dysfunction caused by chronic stress
Huafeng DONG ; Bing LIU ; Xiaobing CHEN ; Weiwei LIU ; Fang XIE ; Yun ZHAO ; Zhaowei SUN ; Xue WANG ; Lingjia QIAN
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(9):647-654
Objective To find out whether photobiomodulation(PBM)can mitigate cognitive dysfunction caused by chronic stress by affecting levels of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)and adenosine receptors.Methods Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group,a stress group,and a treatment group.Chronic unpredictable mild stress was used to establish a mouse model of stress.Six weeks into modeling,the treatment group was subjected to one week of PBM interventions.Behavioral tests were conducted to observe behavioral changes in the mice.Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the expressions of A1,A2B,and A3 adenosine receptors in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of mice in the three groups.Twelve C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group.The intervention group received a week of PBM interventions and underwent behavioral testing.WB was used to detect the expression changes of A1,A2B,and A3 adenosine receptors in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in both groups.Immunofluorescence assay was adopted to detect the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampus of mice in the two groups.The ATP assay kit made by Beyotime Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.was used to measure changes in ATP contents in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex tissues of mice.Cell experiments were conducted to verify the effect of PBM on intracellular ATP contents.Results Mice in the stress group covered a similar distance to the control group,but finished far fewer platform crossings.There was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group in the number of times of platform crossings,but compared favorably with the stress group where the levels of adenosine receptors in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were lower,but were increased by PBM.After PBM interventions in normal mice,platform crossings were increased significantly compared to the control group.PBM also raised adenosine receptor levels and ATP contents in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex,and increased hippocampal c-Fos expressions.In vitro,PBM elevated intracellular ATP levels.Conclusion PBM may improve chronic stress-induced cognitive dysfunction by regulating ATP levels and adenosine receptor expressions,thereby modulating neuronal responsiveness in the hippocampus.
2.A novel gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system
Gang LI ; Wenhong FAN ; Wencheng WANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Huafeng CHEN ; Jun LI ; Hua ZHENG ; Yongjiang MA ; Bihong ZHAN ; Liting QIAN ; Aidong WU ; Jieping ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):878-882
Stereotactic radiotherapy is widely favored because of its high treatment precision and less fractionations.ZND-A is a new domestic gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system.Herein the technical characteristics of ZND-A system are described in detail from the aspects of the treatment frame,gamma-ray module,collimator module,six-dimensional treatment couch module and image-guided system module,and the main parameters are compared with the mainstream gamma knife equipments at home and abroad.With reference to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST 1.1),the initial efficacy of the patients treated by the ZND-A system is analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the ZND-A system for providing a reference for the hospital clinical use of this type of gamma knife.
3.Association of serum uric acid trajectories with renal function progression and diabetic kidney disease in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yijia CHEN ; Qiannan SUN ; Weiwei WANG ; Hairong ZHOU ; Huafeng YANG ; Xin HONG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(9):740-746
Objective:To investigate the association between serum uric acid trajectories and the risk of renal function decline and diabetic kidney disease(DKD) incidence in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 5 037 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 60 years and above who underwent at least three health examinations between 2019 and 2023, with 2019 as the baseline. Latent growth mixture modeling(LGMM) was employed to identify distinct serum uric acid trajectories. Renal function changes and DKD incidence were followed from 2020 to 2023. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between serum uric acid trajectories and the risks of renal function decline and DKD.Results:Two distinct serum uric acid trajectory groups were identified based on model selection criteria: A stable group( n=4 485, 89.04%) and an inverted U-shaped group( n=552, 10.96%). After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with the stable trajectory group, the inverted U-shaped group showed a significantly increased risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) <60 mL·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1, ≥25% decline in eGFR, doubling of serum creatinine, and DKD events, with OR(95% CI) of 1.99(1.28-3.09), 2.27(1.65-3.13), 1.52(1.09-3.02), and 1.52(1.27-1.82), respectively(all P<0.05). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated that elevated baseline serum uric acid levels were also associated with an increased risk of adverse renal outcomes and DKD incidence; However, the magnitude of the associations was lower than that observed for serum uric acid trajectory groups. Conclusions:An inverted U-shaped serum uric acid trajectory is significantly associated with an increased risk of renal function progression and DKD in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings highlight the importance of long-term dynamic monitoring of serum uric acid levels to facilitate early identification and intervention for high-risk individuals.
4.Investigation of the Jianpi Huayu Jiedu Formula in Mitigating Helicobacter Pylori-associated Gastric Precancerous Lesions through Suppression of NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis
Penghui YANG ; Siyi LI ; Minchao FENG ; Ya-nan WEI ; Kefeng ZENG ; Huafeng PAN ; Gengxin CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2899-2909
Objective To observe the effect of a Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula on the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway in gastric precancerous lesion(GPL)associated with Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection.Methods A GPL mouse model was prepared using Hp suspension gavage combined with Atp4a gene-deficient mice.The Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula was administered as an intervention.Gastric mucosal tissue pathological damage was observed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The presence of intestinal metaplasia(IM)was assessed using Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff(AB-PAS)staining.Ultrastructural changes in cell organelles were observed using transmission electron microscopy.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure levels of gastrin-17(G-17),pepsinogen I(PGI),and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18.The expression of molecules related to the pyroptosis pathway was detected using Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).Results Compared to the control group,Hp-related GPL mice exhibited gastric mucosal atrophy accompanied by IM and dysplasia.Damage to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in parietal cells was observed.Levels of G-17,PGI,and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were elevated.The expression of molecules related to the pyroptosis pathway was increased.The Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula significantly reduced gastric mucosal tissue pathological damage in GPL mice,decreased G-17 and PGI levels,mitigated inflammatory responses,and downregulated the expression of molecules related to the pyroptosis pathway.Conclusion The Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula may exert its effects by inhibiting the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway,thereby alleviating or even reversing the pathological damage of gastric mucosa in Hp-related GPL.
5.Investigation of the Jianpi Huayu Jiedu Formula in Mitigating Helicobacter Pylori-associated Gastric Precancerous Lesions through Suppression of NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis
Penghui YANG ; Siyi LI ; Minchao FENG ; Ya-nan WEI ; Kefeng ZENG ; Huafeng PAN ; Gengxin CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2899-2909
Objective To observe the effect of a Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula on the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway in gastric precancerous lesion(GPL)associated with Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection.Methods A GPL mouse model was prepared using Hp suspension gavage combined with Atp4a gene-deficient mice.The Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula was administered as an intervention.Gastric mucosal tissue pathological damage was observed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The presence of intestinal metaplasia(IM)was assessed using Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff(AB-PAS)staining.Ultrastructural changes in cell organelles were observed using transmission electron microscopy.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure levels of gastrin-17(G-17),pepsinogen I(PGI),and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18.The expression of molecules related to the pyroptosis pathway was detected using Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).Results Compared to the control group,Hp-related GPL mice exhibited gastric mucosal atrophy accompanied by IM and dysplasia.Damage to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in parietal cells was observed.Levels of G-17,PGI,and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were elevated.The expression of molecules related to the pyroptosis pathway was increased.The Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula significantly reduced gastric mucosal tissue pathological damage in GPL mice,decreased G-17 and PGI levels,mitigated inflammatory responses,and downregulated the expression of molecules related to the pyroptosis pathway.Conclusion The Jianpi Huayu Jiedu formula may exert its effects by inhibiting the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway,thereby alleviating or even reversing the pathological damage of gastric mucosa in Hp-related GPL.
6.A novel gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system
Gang LI ; Wenhong FAN ; Wencheng WANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Huafeng CHEN ; Jun LI ; Hua ZHENG ; Yongjiang MA ; Bihong ZHAN ; Liting QIAN ; Aidong WU ; Jieping ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):878-882
Stereotactic radiotherapy is widely favored because of its high treatment precision and less fractionations.ZND-A is a new domestic gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system.Herein the technical characteristics of ZND-A system are described in detail from the aspects of the treatment frame,gamma-ray module,collimator module,six-dimensional treatment couch module and image-guided system module,and the main parameters are compared with the mainstream gamma knife equipments at home and abroad.With reference to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST 1.1),the initial efficacy of the patients treated by the ZND-A system is analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the ZND-A system for providing a reference for the hospital clinical use of this type of gamma knife.
7.Association of serum uric acid trajectories with renal function progression and diabetic kidney disease in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yijia CHEN ; Qiannan SUN ; Weiwei WANG ; Hairong ZHOU ; Huafeng YANG ; Xin HONG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(9):740-746
Objective:To investigate the association between serum uric acid trajectories and the risk of renal function decline and diabetic kidney disease(DKD) incidence in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 5 037 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 60 years and above who underwent at least three health examinations between 2019 and 2023, with 2019 as the baseline. Latent growth mixture modeling(LGMM) was employed to identify distinct serum uric acid trajectories. Renal function changes and DKD incidence were followed from 2020 to 2023. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between serum uric acid trajectories and the risks of renal function decline and DKD.Results:Two distinct serum uric acid trajectory groups were identified based on model selection criteria: A stable group( n=4 485, 89.04%) and an inverted U-shaped group( n=552, 10.96%). After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with the stable trajectory group, the inverted U-shaped group showed a significantly increased risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) <60 mL·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1, ≥25% decline in eGFR, doubling of serum creatinine, and DKD events, with OR(95% CI) of 1.99(1.28-3.09), 2.27(1.65-3.13), 1.52(1.09-3.02), and 1.52(1.27-1.82), respectively(all P<0.05). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated that elevated baseline serum uric acid levels were also associated with an increased risk of adverse renal outcomes and DKD incidence; However, the magnitude of the associations was lower than that observed for serum uric acid trajectory groups. Conclusions:An inverted U-shaped serum uric acid trajectory is significantly associated with an increased risk of renal function progression and DKD in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings highlight the importance of long-term dynamic monitoring of serum uric acid levels to facilitate early identification and intervention for high-risk individuals.
8.Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Danshen Baoxin Cha on Depressed Mice with Coronary Heart Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Di ZHAO ; Yi HUANG ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Guoyang ZHENG ; Kairong ZHENG ; Limei YAO ; Huafeng PAN ; Weirong LI
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(10):1552-1561
Objective To explore the mechanism of action of Danshen Baoxin Cha(DBC) on depressed mice with coronary heart disease (CHD) based on network pharmacology and NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. Methods (1) TCMSP and BATMAN-TICAM databases were used to screen the DBC active ingredients and targets. The targets of CHD with depression were screened using the OMIM and Genecards databases. The targets of DBC active ingredients and related targets of CHD with depression were imported into Venny 2.1 online platform to obtain the intersection targets,which was the potential target of DBC in the treatment of CHD with depression. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed on the intersection targets using the STRING platform to screen the key targets. A "drug-active ingredients-disease-targets" network was created to select the main active ingredients and core targets of DBC for the treatment of CHD with depression. Thereafter,the primary targets were examined by GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment using the Metascape database.(2)Kunming mice were split into six groups of eight mice each at random:the control group,the model group,the positive control group (metoprolol tartrate 5.14 mg·kg-1+sertraline hydrochloride 10.3 mg·kg-1),and the DBC high-,middle-,and low-dose groups (30.8,15.4 and 7.7 g·kg-1·d-1). Chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS)and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO) were used to induce a mice model of CHD with depression. Mice were treated orally with the corresponding drug once a day for 18 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments involving forced swimming test,tail suspension test,and open-field test were applied to detect depression levels of mice. Histopathological alterations in hippocampus tissues were noted using HE and Nissl staining. qPCR was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of IL-6,TNF-α,NLRP3,IL-1β,IL-10,and Caspase-1 in hippocampus tissues. Results(1) Sixty-five active components in Salvia and seven active components in green tea were screened out. A total of 1042 potential targets and 2116 CHD complicated with depression-related targets were obtained. The intersection of the targets of active components and disease-related targets was performed by Venny 2.1.0 platform to obtain 299 potential targets (common targets) of DBC in the treatment of CHD with depression. The core targets including IL-1β,AKT1,TNF-α,IL-6,VEGFA,CASP3 and IL-10 were screened through PPI network analysis of potential targets. Key active ingredients including vitamin B,luteolin,salvianolic acid,tanshinone ⅡA and catechin,as well as key targets,such as PTGS2、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α and IL-10,were obtained by network analysis of "drugs-active ingredients-disease-targets". The potential targets were correlated with biological processes such as inflammation response,regulation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF),glucocorticoid regulation,regulation of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) transcription factor,as well as major pathways including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,apoptosis signaling pathway,and NF-κB signaling pathway.(2) Compared with the control group,mice in the model group showed a significant decrease in the total and center distance of the open field (P<0.01) and a significant increase in the time of forced swimming and immobility time of tail suspension test (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of IL-6,TNF-α,NLRP3,IL-1β,and Caspase-1 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01) in the hippocampus tissues,but IL-10 mRNA expression was down-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,the total and center distance in DBC high-,middle-,and low-dose groups were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the time of forced swimming and immobility time of tail suspension test were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of IL-6,TNF-α,NLRP3,IL-1β and Caspase-1 of the DBC high-,middle-,and low-dose groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01),IL-10 mRNA expression in mice hippocampus tissue of DBC high-and middle-dose groups was up-regulated (P<0.01). Conclusion The intervention effect of DBC on depressed mice with CHD may be achieved by active ingredients including luteolin,tanshinone,salvianolic acid and catechin acting on the key targets,such as IL-6,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-10,to regulate the NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathway.
9.Cynaroside regulates the AMPK/SIRT3/Nrf2 pathway to inhibit doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis
ZOU HAI ; ZHANG MENGYU ; YANG XUE ; SHOU HUAFENG ; CHEN ZHENGLIN ; ZHU QUANFENG ; LUO TING ; MOU XIAOZHOU ; CHEN XIAOYI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2024;25(9):756-772
Doxorubicin(DOX)is a commonly administered chemotherapy drug for treating hematological malignancies and solid tumors;however,its clinical application is limited by significant cardiotoxicity.Cynaroside(Cyn)is a flavonoid glycoside distributed in honeysuckle,with confirmed potential biological functions in regulating inflammation,pyroptosis,and oxidative stress.Herein,the effects of Cyn were evaluated in a DOX-induced cardiotoxicity(DIC)mouse model,which was established by intraperitoneal injections of DOX(5 mg/kg)once a week for three weeks.The mice in the treatment group received dexrazoxane,MCC950,and Cyn every two days.Blood biochemistry,histopathology,immunohistochemistry,reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR),and western blotting were conducted to investigate the cardioprotective effects and potential mechanisms of Cyn treatment.The results demonstrated the significant benefits of Cyn treatment in mitigating DIC;it could effectively alleviate oxidative stress to a certain extent,maintain the equilibrium of cell apoptosis,and enhance the cardiac function of mice.These effects were realized via regulating the transcription levels of pyroptosis-related genes,such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),caspase-1,and gasdermin D(GSDMD).Mechanistically,for DOX-induced myocardial injury,Cyn could significantly modulate the expression of pivotal genes,including adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α),sirtuin 3(SIRT3),and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2).We attribute it to the mediation of AMPK/SIRT3/Nrf2 pathway,which plays a central role in preventing DOX-induced cardiomyocyte injury.In conclusion,the present study confirms the therapeutic potential of Cyn in DIC by regulating the AMPK/SIRT3/Nrf2 pathway.
10.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Liu Junzitang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC
Qiyao JIANG ; Chenchen LIU ; Huiling CHEN ; Zhifeng HUANG ; Wei ZHAO ; Ying LIANG ; Huafeng PAN ; Yue ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):169-178
ObjectiveTo establish a qualitative and quantitative analysis method for chemical constituents in Liu Junzitang(LJZT), and to clarify its material basis. MethodThe chemical constituents in LJZT were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), and the resulting compounds were identified by using databases, such as MassBank, PubChem, ChemSpider, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analytical Platform(TCMSP), and by combining with relevant literature. UPLC was used to establish a quantitative method for analysis of 9 compounds in LJZT, including liquiritin, hesperidin, lobetyolin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin, tangeretin, atractylenolide Ⅱ and Ⅰ. ResultBy combining the relevant literature, database and MS information, a total of 79 compounds were identified from LJZT, including 31 flavonoids, 15 terpenoids, 14 nitrogen-containing compounds, 6 phenylpropanoids, 6 organic acids and 7 other compounds. The established quantitative analytical method for the nine representative components showed good linearity within their respective linear ranges, and the precision, stability, reproducibility and recovery were in accordance with the requirements. The quantitative results showed that the contents of liquiritin, hesperidin, lobetyolin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin, tangeretin, atractylenolide Ⅱ and Ⅰ in LJZT were 0.376 5, 2.602 1, 0.082 6, 0.128 1, 1.778 6, 0.015 7, 0.006 7, 0.030 4, 0.003 2 mg·g-1, respectively. ConclusionThe established method can quickly, sensitively and accurately analyze the chemical constituents in LJZT, clarify that the material basis of LJZT is mainly flavonoids, terpenoids and nitrogen-containing compounds, and simultaneously determine the contents of the 9 components, which can lay a foundation for the research on quality control, mechanism and clinical application of LJZT.

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