1.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
2.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
3.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
4.Tuberculosis and vitamin D deficiency
Chenqi LI ; Gen MIAO ; Hongtao LU ; Hongxia LI ; Yuxiao TANG ; Hui SHEN
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1476-1481
Tuberculosis is still the second leading cause of death from a single source of infection in the world.There is a two-way relationship between tuberculosis and the nutritional status of the body,which affects and causes each other.Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient,most research results show that vitamin D deficiency is common in tuberculosis patients,which is related to lack of sunlight,decreased dietary intake of vitamin D and anti-tuberculosis drug treatment.Low level vitamin D can increase tuberculosis susceptibility to some extent,but the research results are not completely consistent.This paper reviews the nutritional status of vitamin D in tuberculosis patients in recent years,the causes of vitamin D deficiency in tuberculosis patients and the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and susceptibility of tuberculosis,so as to provide references for further study on the role of vitamin D in tuberculosis prevention and treatment.
5.Risk factors for hospitalization within 24 h postnatally and respiratory support in late preterm and term neonates
Shuqing TANG ; Li WANG ; Lu PENG ; Hui LIU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(5):472-479
Objective To explore the risk factors of hospitalization within 24 h after birth and respiratory support in late preterm and term neonates.Methods A case-control study was conducted on 1 468 neonates with gestational ages≥34 weeks and<42 completed weeks delivered at the University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2023 to March 2024.Maternal health parameters and neonatal outcomes were systematically obtained through standardized case report forms during the study period.The neonates were stratified into the hospitalization group and the non-hospitalization group based on neonatal ward admission within 24 h.For those hospitalized with infectious diseases,subgroup analysis was conducted with further categorization into respiratory support and the non-respiratory support subgroups according to ventilatory assistance requirements.The perinatal risk factors were compared between groups and subgroups,and the independent risk factors for hospitalization and the need for respiratory support within 24 h in neonates were identified.The indicators with P<0.1 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis,and the stepwise regression analysis was used to fit the multivariate logistic regression model.Results There were 213 cases(14.5%)in the hospitalization group and 1 255 cases(85.5%)in the non-hospitalization group.A total of 150 neonates were hospitalized due to infectious diseases,including 48 cases(32.0%)in the respiratory support subgroup and 102 cases(68.0%)in the non-respiratory support subgroup.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-regular maternal prenatal examination(OR=2.687,95%CI:1.175~6.141,P=0.019),intrauterine growth retardation(OR=2.711,95%CI:1.106~6.646,P=0.029),premature rupture of membranes(OR=1.667,95%CI:1.139~2.438,P=0.008),chorioamnionitis(OR=4.852,95%CI:2.114~11.135,P<0.001),infectious diseases in the first week before delivery(OR=1.531,95%CI:1.015~2.310,P=0.042),turbidity of amniotic fluid(OR=3.170,95%CI:2.099~4.787,P<0.001),abnormal placenta(OR=2.335,95%CI:1.202~4.534,P=0.012),complications during pregnancy(OR=2.367,95%CI:1.360~4.118,P=0.002),and the use of glucocorticoids before delivery(OR=2.744,95%CI:1.219~5.528,P=0.009)were positively correlated with hospitalization within 24 h postnatally in late preterm and term neonates.Gestational age(OR=0.693,95%CI:0.602~0.797,P<0.001),5-minute Apgar score(OR=0.026,95%CI:0.003~0.212,P=0.001),umbilical cord blood pH(OR=0.044,95%CI:0.002~0.793,P=0.034),and umbilical cord blood BE(OR=0.885,95%CI:0.823~0.823,P=0.001)were negatively correlated with it.Premature rupture of membranes(OR=0.207,95%CI:0.070~0.618,P=0.005),infectious diseases in the first week before delivery(OR=0.245,95%CI:0.070~0.854,P=0.027),5-minute Apgar score(OR=0.063,95%CI:0.008~0.526,P=0.011),and abnormal C-reactive protein of newborns(OR=0.145,95%CI:0.046~0.460,P=0.001)were negatively correlated with the need for respiratory support in neonates hospitalized due to infectious diseases.Conclusion Risk factors for neonatal hospitalization within 24 h postnatal late preterm and term are identified as irregular antenatal care,fetal growth restriction and premature rupture of membranes in late preterm and term neonates.premature rupture of membranes,antenatal maternal infections within 1 week prior to delivery and 5-minute Apgar score≥7 emerge as significant protective factors against respiratory support requirement in neonates hospitalized with infectious diseases.
6.Electrochemical Sensor Based on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanobowl-Modified Electrode for Nitrofurantoin Detection
Yao-Juan HU ; Rui-Ying GUO ; Hui-Ru TANG ; Hui-Lin LI ; Feng-Yun HE ; Chang-Li ZHANG ; Chang-Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(7):1127-1137
Nitrofurantoin(NFT)is a nitrofuran antibiotic commonly used as a veterinary drug to treat bacterial infections in animals.However,due to the low solubility and bioaccumulation properties,NFT is prone to leave excessive residues in animal-derived foods and water systems,posing serious threats to human health and ecosystems.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop an efficient and rapid detection method for NFT.In this work,nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials with unique bowl-like structures(N-CNBs)were synthesized via a hydrothermal-carbonization method.The morphology,surface structure,and specific surface area of N-CNBs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy(TEM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).The N-CNB modified glassy carbon electrode(N-CNB/GCE)was prepared,and the electrochemical test revealed that the N-CNB/GCE exhibited higher conductivity and larger electrochemical active surface area compared to bare GCE and nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanosphere-modified electrode(N-HCNS/GCE).Additionally,the N-CNB/GCE demonstrated superior electrocatalytic activity toward NFT.An NFT electrochemical sensor was constructed based on N-CNB/GCE.The detection conditions of the sensor were optimized,and differential pulse voltammetry(DPV)was employed for NFT detection under optimal experimental conditions.The established NFT electrochemical sensor had a wide linear range of 0.4-500 μmol/L,a low detection limit(S/N=3)of 0.015 μmol/L and high selectivity,with excellent stability and reproducibility.The practical feasibility of this sensor was confirmed by analysis of NFT in milk and tap water samples,with spiked recoveries ranging from 94.2%to 108.9%.
7.Progress in Methods for Electrochemical Detection of Thrombin
Di WU ; Xi-Yao ZHANG ; Jing-Jing XU ; Yi-Ting CHEN ; Wen-Qi TANG ; Wen-Hui XU ; Song-Min CHEN ; Qiong HU ; Li NIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1403-1410
As a serine protease,thrombin can convert soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin and plays a pivotal role in the coagulation cascade.Therefore,the accurate quantitative assay of thrombin levels is of great value in the evaluation of coagulation function,clinical screening and prognostic monitoring of coagulation-related diseases,and screening of drugs for targeted therapy.Existing methods for thrombin detection can be divided into two categories,e.g.,the assay of concentration levels using nucleic acid aptamers as the affinity elements and the assay of activity levels based on the hydrolytic cleavage of substrate peptides.In recent years,electrochemical biosensors have attracted much attention in thrombin detection due to high sensitivity,high selectivity,simple instrument,fast response,and good portability.In this review,the latest research progress in methods for electrochemical detection of thrombin was summarized,focusing on the detection principles and the applied signal amplification strategies of related electrochemical biosensors.In addition,the challenges with respect to the practical use of electrochemical thrombin biosensors and the prospects were discussed.
8.Epidemiological characteristics and relationship analysis of food intolerance in children in Zhuzhou area
Xiang CHEN ; Sheng LI ; Hui LIN ; Xiuying YI ; Juan LI ; Manling TANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(18):2226-2230,2236
Objective To investigate the prevalence of food intolerance among children in Zhuzhou area and its relationship with age,gender,systemic diseases,and food allergies,so as to provide a basis for the scientific adjustment of children's dietary structure.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on totally 1 592 children who underwent food intolerance and food allergen testing in the hospital,the positive rate and distri-bution of 14 kinds of food intolerance were assessed,and their correlation with various factors was analyzed.Results Among 14 kinds of food tested,milk and eggs had the highest positive rates of intolerance,at 82.22%and 55.78%,respectively.The majority of children were intolerant to 1 to 2 kinds of food,with a de-creasing trend in the number of children intolerant to multiple kinds of food.Among the 14 types of food,ex-cept for mushrooms and pork,there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of negative,mild,moderate,and severe intolerance in other foods(P<0.05).Children tended to have moderate or even se-vere intolerance to milk and eggs,while they tended to have mild intolerance to other foods.There was no sta-tistically significant difference in the overall food intolerance rate between boys and girls(P=0.654),but the positive rate of tomato intolerance in girls was slightly higher than that in boys(P=0.043).Except for pork,there were statistically significant differences in the positive rates of intolerance to 14 different foods among different age groups(P<0.05).The positive rates of intolerance to cod,mushrooms,and crabs increased with age,while the positive rates of intolerance to beef decreased with age.There was a statistically significant difference in the positive rate of milk intolerance between healthy children and children with skin allergies(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of individuals who were tolerant and not allergic to milk compared to hose who were intolerant and allergic to milk(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of individuals who were tolerant and not allergic to eggs compared to those who were intolerant and allergic to eggs(P<0.05).Conclusion The positive rate of food intolerance among children in Zhuzhou area is relatively high,with milk and eggs being the main intolerant foods.There are differences in the positive rate of intolerance among different gender and age groups,and in-tolerance to milk and eggs is associated with food allergies to some extent.
9.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
10.Exploring the Acupoint Selection Patterns for Acupuncture-Moxibustion Treatment of Chloasma Based on Data Mining Techniques
Zheng ZHOU ; Chenhui GAO ; Hui LI ; Zhengfeng JIN ; Wei TANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(9):2225-2231
Objective To analyze and summarize the acupoint selection patterns for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of chloasma using data mining techniques.Methods Computerized searches were conducted in major databases including the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Library.Clinical research literature on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of chloasma published between January 1,2003 and August 31,2024 was retrieved.A database for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of chloasma was established using Microsoft Excel 2019,and SPSS Modeler 18.0,Cytoscape 3.9.1,and SPSS 26.0 were employed to analyze the frequency of acupoint usage,meridian tropism,regional distribution,and specific acupoint categories,as well as to perform association rule analysis and cluster analysis.Results A total of 122 articles were included,involving 185 acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions and 131 acupoints,with a total application frequency of 1 532.High-frequency acupoints included Sanyinjiao(SP6),Zusanli(ST36),Xuehai(SP10),and Hegu(LI4).Commonly used meridians were the spleen meridian of foot-taiyin,stomach meridian of foot-yangming,conception vessel(ren mai),bladder meridian of foot-taiyang,and large intestine meridian of hand-yangming.Specific acupoints were predominantly front-mu points,five-shu points,and lower he-sea points.Acupoints were mostly distributed in the chest/abdomen and lower limbs.Association rule analysis revealed that the core acupoint combination was"Sanyinjiao-Zusanli-Xuehai-Hegu".Cluster analysis classified high-frequency acupoints into five major categories.Conclusion The acupoint selection patterns for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of chloasma reflect the principle of combining holistic concepts with syndrome differentiation.The core acupoint combination is"Sanyinjiao-Zusanli-Xuehai-Hegu".During treatment,acupoints in the chest/abdomen and lower limbs are frequently selected,often combined with acupoints on the head and face.

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