1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.The impact of donor reentry experience on blood donation return intention
Shangwu LI ; Yao GUAN ; Yuan YUAN ; Jing CHEN ; Minghua TAN ; Jia LUO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):636-642
Objective: To explore the impact of donor reentry experience, specifically among those with a single reactive serological result who completed the reentry process, on their willingness to return for future blood donation, and to examine the mediating roles of blood donation knowledge and trait anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2025. A total of 386 blood donors from the Changsha Blood Center were categorized into a reentry group (n=123) and a control group (n=263). Data on demographic characteristics, blood donation knowledge (BDKQ), trait anxiety (STAI-T), and blood donation return intention (BDRIS) were collected via questionnaires. SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 28.0 were used for statistical analyses, including independent-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and path analysis for mediating effect testing. Results: There were statistically significant differences in age, occupation, education level, monthly income and donation frequency between the reentry group and the control group (all P<0.05). The reentry group scored significantly higher in blood donation knowledge and blood donation return intention than the control group (both P<0.05). The mean BDRIS score was 11.51±3.62, indicating a relatively high intention to return. Blood donation knowledge was significantly negatively correlated with trait anxiety (r=-0.15, P<0.05) and positively correlated with blood donation return intention (r=0.19, P<0.05); trait anxiety was significantly negatively correlated with blood donation return intention (r=-0.33, P<0.05). Significant differences in BDRIS scores were found based on group (reentry vs control), age, and number of previous donations (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that BDKQ positively predicted BDRIS (β=0.11, P<0.05), while STAI-T negatively predicted BDRIS (β=-0.27, P<0.05). Path analysis further revealed that the reentry experience had no direct effect on the intention to return. However, it exerted a positive influence through two indirect pathways: 1) a simple mediating effect via increased blood donation knowledge (β=0.17, accounting for 25.0% of the total effect), and 2) a chain mediating effect through "increased blood donation knowledge → decreased trait anxiety" (β=0.05, accounting for 8.1% of the total effect). The model fit indices reached the ideal fitting criteria. Conclusion: The donor reentry experience does not directly enhance the intention to return for blood donation. Rather, it may exert an indirect positive influence by increasing blood donation knowledge and through the sequential pathway of "increased knowledge → decreased trait anxiety". Blood collection institutions should leverage the reentry process as an opportunity for education and psychological support to improve donor retention rate.
4.Allicin alleviates senna-induced diarrhea in mice through modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress
Qing ZHOU ; Jia-min WU ; Mo GUO ; Yao-yu ZHAO ; Lei HUANG ; Fei GE ; Pang-bo YANG ; Yuan-yuan QIN ; Yu WANG ; Jun GUO ; Shan GAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1906-1914
Aim To study the therapeutic effect of al-licin on senna-induced diarrhea in mice and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups:control,model,loperamide positive control group(2 mg·kg-1),allicin low-dose group(6 mg·kg-1),allicin medium-dose group(12 mg·kg-1)and allicin high-dose group(18 mg·kg-1).Except for the con-trol group,the diarrhea model was induced in the other groups by intragastric administration of senna leaf ex-tract.After drug administration,several diarrhea indi-ces were measured:the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,accumulated frequency of loose stools at differ-ent time points within 5 hours,and small intestine pro-pelling rate.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were de-tected by ELISA.Serum NO content was determined u-sing the Griess method.The activities of SOD and CAT,as well as MDA content in the ileum and colon,were measured.The pathological changes and the ex-pression of mRNA related to intestinal barrier proteins in the ileum and colon were evaluated using HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR.Results Allicin improved diar-rhea symptoms in mice induced by senna leaf.It re-duced the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,cumula-tive number of loose stools in five hours,and the intes-tinal propulsion rate.Allicin also protected the intesti-nal mucosa,decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and lowered MDA content in the intestines.It in-creased serum NO levels and enhanced SOD and CAT activities in the intestines.Additionally,allicin upreg-ulated the mRNA expression of AQP1,AQP4,and ZO-1 in intestinal tissues.Conclusions Allicin has a significant therapeutic effect on senna-induced diarrhea in mice.The underlying molecular mechanisms may involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,in-creased NO content,and upregulation of mRNA ex-pression of aquaporins and tight-junction proteins.
5.Acupuncture inhibites hippocampal inflammation in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating PPARβ/δ
Jia YUAN ; Yao WANG ; Xiaoyue LIU ; Litong CHEN ; Kun AI ; Haomei TIAN ; Canming XIE ; Chutao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):486-492
Objective:To explore the role of the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ(PPARβ/δ)in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture(AC)against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)in rat hippocampal tissue.Methods:A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into Sham group,CIRI group,CIRI+AC group and CIRI+AC+PPARβ/δsiRNA group.The CIRI rat model was prepared by the method of middle cerebral artery occlusion,and acupuncture treatment was used for intervention.The neurological function of rats was assessed by the modified neurological severity score(mNSS)method after 72 hours of intervention.The brain in-farction volume ratio was observed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining method.The pathological morphological changes of brain tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The expression levels of PPARβ/δ,IL-1β,and IL-10 mRNA in the hippocampal region were detected by RT-qPCR.Results:Compared with the Sham group,the mNSS scores and the brain infarction volume ratio in all modeling groups were significantly in-creased.Compared with the CIRI group,the mNSS scores and the brain infarction volume ratio in the CIRI+AC group were significantly reduced.The expression levels of PPARβ/δ and IL-10 in the hippocampus were significantly upregu-lated,while the expression level of IL-1β was significantly downregulated(P<0.01),with scattered inflammatory cell infiltration observed.Compared with the CIRI+AC group,there was no significant difference in the mNSS scores and the brain infarction volume ratio in the CIRI+AC+PPARβ/δsiRNA group.The expression level of PPARβ/δ in the hippocampus was significantly downregulated(P<0.01),while no significant difference was found in the expression level of IL-10 and IL-1β mRNA,with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration observed.Conclusion:Acupunc-ture ameliorates the recovery of neurological function and the ratio of cerebral infarction volume in rats with CIRI,and its mechanism may be associated with the upregulation of PPARβ/δ expression,thereby reducing inflammatory respon-ses and exerting neuroprotective effects.
6.The effects of acupuncture on the expression of circRNA_017109 and miR-138-5p in rat hippocampus post ischemia-reperfusion injury
Litong CHEN ; Canming XIE ; Yao WANG ; Jia YUAN ; Xiaoyue LIU ; Haomei TIAN ; Chutao CHEN ; Kun AI
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):445-451
Objective:To investigate the effects of acupuncture intervention on the expression of circRNA_017109 and miR-138-5p in the hippocampal region of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI),and to explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture in treating CIRI.Methods:Forty-five Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were divided into sham group,middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)group,and acupuncture(MCAO/R+AC)group.The MCAO/R and MCAO/R+AC groups were subjected to the modified Longa suture method to establish the MCAO/R model.The MCAO/R+AC group received acupuncture at the"Dazhui","Renzhong",and"Baihui"acu-points.Neurological impairment was assessed via the modified neurological severity score(mNSS).while cerebral infarct volume was assessed through TTC staining.Histological alterations in brain tissue were examined via HE stai-ning,and the expression of circRNA_017109 and miR-138-5p in the hippocampal area were determined using RT-qPCR.Results:The mNSS scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios in the model groups were markedly higher than those in the sham group(P<0.01),but these were significantly reduced in MCAO/R+AC group compared to the MCAO/R group(P<0.01).HE staining showed severe necrosis and inflammation in the MCAO/R group's hippocam-pus,while the MCAO/R+AC group had minimal necrosis and scattered inflammation.RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression of circRNA_017109 and miR-138-5p was downregulated in the MCAO/R group,while MCAO/R+AC group upregulated the expression of circRNA_017109 and miR-138-5p(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Acupunc-ture can improve neurological deficits,reduce cerebral infarction volume,and alleviate inflammatory cell infiltration in CIRI rats by upregulating the expression of circRNA_017109 and miR-138-5p,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.
7.Investigations into the Mechanism of Phycocyanin in Modulating the Wip1/p53 Pathway to Induce Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells
Yun-Xi JIA ; Da HUO ; Chao YAO ; Min LI ; Fu-Ling LIU ; Hong YUAN ; Hui-Ting XUE ; Rui-Ping HU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):741-752
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is difficult to detect in its early stages and current treatment methods are associated with significant side effects and a high risk of developing drug resistance.This study aims to investigate the effect of phycocyanin(PC)on the apoptosis of human HCC HepG2 cells and its potential mechanism.HepG2 cells were treated with PC at concentrations of 0.1,0.25,0.5,1,2.5,5,and 10 μg/mL for 12 h,and with 10 μg/mL PC and 2.5 μmol/L Wip1 inhibitor(Wip1i)alone or in combination for 12 and 24 h,respectively.Cell proliferation levels were assessed using the CCK-8 cell proliferation-toxicity assay kit.Apoptosis levels were measured by Annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide double staining combined with flow cytometry.TMT(Tandem Mass Tag)proteomics quantitative technol-ogy was applied to analyze differential protein expression.Western blotting was used to detect the expres-sion levels of Wip1,p53,and phosphorylated-p53(Ser15)proteins.The CCK-8 assay revealed that PC effectively inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner,with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of 19.37 μg/mL.Flow cytometry results showed that PC significantly in-duced apoptosis,with an apoptosis rate of 30.40%.Quantitative proteomics analysis indicated that PC induced activation of the p53 pathway.The CCK-8 assay showed that Wip1i enhanced the cytotoxic effect of PC on HepG2 cells.Western blotting confirmed that PC inhibited Wip1 expression,induced p53 pro-tein phosphorylation,and promoted the expression of total p53 protein.Additionally,Wip1i further en-hanced PC-mediated activation of the p53 pathway,increasing the expression of p53 and pP53(S15).In conclusion,PC may induce apoptosis by inhibiting the activity of the p53 negative regulator Wip1,thereby promoting apoptosis through the Wip1/p53 pathway.
8.Analysis of clinical outcome of IVF/ICSI with dual-stimulation protocol in POSEIDON patients with low expected prognosis
Zhuolin YAO ; Zhen LI ; Caihua ZHANG ; Mingmei ZHANG ; Ruolin JIA ; Yuan CAO ; Yiping WANG ; Yichun GUAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(4):580-587
Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of the clomiphene citrate(CC)dual stimulation protocol and the luteal phase ovarian stimulation protocol after natural cycle oocytes retrieved in POSEIDON patients with low expected prognosis.Methods The clinical data from patients who underwent in vitro fertilization(IVF)or intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)at the Reproductive Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2016 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the POSEI-DON criteria,including POSEIDON group 3 and group 4,which were treated with the CC dual stimulation protocol(the CC group)and the luteal-phase ovarian stimulation protocol after the natural cycle oocytes retrieval(the natural cycle group).The basic data and clinical outcomes of the two ovulation protocols were analyzed,and the main observations included the number of oocytes retrieved,the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate and the cumulative live birth rate,and explored the impact of ovulation promotion regimens on clinical outcomes through binary logis-tic regression.Results On the whole,there was no significant difference in the total number of oocytes retrieved,cumulative clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the CC group and the natural cycle group(all P>0.05),And in POSEIDON group 4,the numbers of oocytes retrieved in the follicular phase of the CC group were higher than those in the natural cycle group,whereas the number of oocytes retrieved in the luteal phase of natural cycle group were higher,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After logistic regression analysis,the ovulation stimulation protocols did not affect the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of POSEI-DON 3 and 4 group(P>0.05).Conclusions For the POSEIDON patients with a low expected prognosis,the clinical effectiveness of the luteal phase ovarian stimulation protocol after natural cycle oocytes retrieved is not inferior to that of the CC dual stimulation protocol.In POSEIDON group 4,on the premise that the AMH levels of patients in the natural cycle group were lower than those in the CC group,who underwent natural cycle ovulation followed by luteal phase induction achieved similar clinical outcomes to those of the CC dual stimulation protocol group.Therefore,the luteal phase ovarian stimulation protocol after natural cycle oocytes retrieved should be more clinically recommended for POSEIDON group 4 patients.
9.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
10.Allicin alleviates senna-induced diarrhea in mice through modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress
Qing ZHOU ; Jia-min WU ; Mo GUO ; Yao-yu ZHAO ; Lei HUANG ; Fei GE ; Pang-bo YANG ; Yuan-yuan QIN ; Yu WANG ; Jun GUO ; Shan GAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1906-1914
Aim To study the therapeutic effect of al-licin on senna-induced diarrhea in mice and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups:control,model,loperamide positive control group(2 mg·kg-1),allicin low-dose group(6 mg·kg-1),allicin medium-dose group(12 mg·kg-1)and allicin high-dose group(18 mg·kg-1).Except for the con-trol group,the diarrhea model was induced in the other groups by intragastric administration of senna leaf ex-tract.After drug administration,several diarrhea indi-ces were measured:the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,accumulated frequency of loose stools at differ-ent time points within 5 hours,and small intestine pro-pelling rate.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were de-tected by ELISA.Serum NO content was determined u-sing the Griess method.The activities of SOD and CAT,as well as MDA content in the ileum and colon,were measured.The pathological changes and the ex-pression of mRNA related to intestinal barrier proteins in the ileum and colon were evaluated using HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR.Results Allicin improved diar-rhea symptoms in mice induced by senna leaf.It re-duced the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,cumula-tive number of loose stools in five hours,and the intes-tinal propulsion rate.Allicin also protected the intesti-nal mucosa,decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and lowered MDA content in the intestines.It in-creased serum NO levels and enhanced SOD and CAT activities in the intestines.Additionally,allicin upreg-ulated the mRNA expression of AQP1,AQP4,and ZO-1 in intestinal tissues.Conclusions Allicin has a significant therapeutic effect on senna-induced diarrhea in mice.The underlying molecular mechanisms may involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,in-creased NO content,and upregulation of mRNA ex-pression of aquaporins and tight-junction proteins.

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