1.Mechanism of Guihuang Formula in Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome-mediated Pyroptosis in Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis
Qinghe GAO ; Jianhua FU ; Shengjing LIU ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Ming ZHAO ; Boda GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):108-116
ObjectiveTo observe the mechanism of Guihuang formula in regulating the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inhibiting pyroptosis in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis. Methods(1) In an animal experiment, 50 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the type Ⅲ prostatitis rat model was prepared for the other four groups.After the modeling was successful, the blank group and the model group were given normal saline intragastrically, and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula were given intragastrically with Guihuang formula (4.9, 9.8, 19.6 g·kg-1). After 30 days of intragastrical administration, samples were taken for detection. Inflammatory cell infiltration in prostate tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were determined by biochemistry. NLRP3 expression in prostate tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of NLRP3, cysteine-aspartic acid protease-1 (Caspase-1), and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in prostate tissue was measured by Western blot. (2) In a cell experiment, human normal prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1 cells) were divided into a blank group, a model group, a Guihuang formula group, and an NLRP3 inhibitor group (MCC950 group). Except for the blank group, the other three groups were stimulated by 100 μg·L-1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 h and 5 mol·L-1 adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for 30 min to prepare the pyroptosis model. After successful modeling, blank serum was given to the blank group and the model group. 6.25 μg·mL-1 Guihuang formula drug-containing serum was added to the Guihuang formula group, and MCC950 was added to the MCC950 group on the basis of the model group. Propidium iodide (PI) uptake and Caspase-1 expression were detected by flow cytometry, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level in the cell supernatant was measured by biochemistry. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels of the cell supernatant were determined by ELISA, and the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD was detected in Western blot. Results(1) For the animal experiment, compared with the blank group, the model group showed significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in prostate tissue, while the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed reduced infiltration of acinar inflammatory cells, reduced degree of glandular epithelial degeneration and interstitial edema, and significantly reduced degree of damage. Compared with those in the blank group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed a significant decrease in serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01). Compared with that in the blank group, the serum MDA level in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the MDA level in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those in the blank group, the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in the serum of the model group significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed a significantly increase in SOD (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula showed a significantly increase in GSH-Px (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had high expression of NLRP3 molecule in prostate tissue. The expression of NLRP3 in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula was significantly lower than that in the model group. Compared with those in the blank group, the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD proteins in the prostate tissue of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD proteins in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Guihuang formula were significantly inhibited (P<0.01). (2) For the cell experiment, compared with that in the blank group, the PI uptake rate of RWPE-1 cells in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the PI uptake rate of the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with that in the blank group, the expression of Caspase-1 in the model group was significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the Caspase-1 in the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed an increase in LDH release (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group showed a significantly decrease in LDH release (P<0.01). Compared with those in the blank group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Guihuang formula group and the inhibitor group showed a significantly decrease in the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the blank group, the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD proteins significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were significantly reduced in the Guihuang formula group and inhibitor group (P<0.01). ConclusionGuihuang formula can inhibit the activation of Caspase-1, prevent GSDMD cleavation and lysis, and inhibit cell pyrodeath in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
2.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
3.Society of Critical Care Medicine 2024 Guidelines on Adult ICU Design: An Interpretation
Hui ZHANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Wanchen ZHAO ; Lingli XIE ; Cong MA ; Yifan FANG ; Jing CAI ; Na GUO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):421-428
This article provides a systematic interpretation and review of the
4.Value of perfusion-weighted imaging in predicting early neurological deterioration in mild stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(2):160-166
Objective Approximately 10% of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) present with mild stroke, and about 20% of the patients with mild stroke who do not receive reperfusion treatment will experience early neurological deterioration. This study aims to investigate the imaging indicators for predicting the onset of early neurologic deterioration (END) in patients with mild stroke due to LVO in the anterior circulation based on magnetic resonance imaging. Methods A total of 84 hospitalized patients who were diagnosed with acute anterior circulation infarction within 72 hours after disease onset in Henan Provincial People’s Hospital from January 1, 2021 to December 30, 2024 were enrolled,and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging was used to perform perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) for all patients with acute cerebral infarction. All patients had a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) score of ≤5 within 24 hours after admission, and none of them received endovascular treatment. PWI and DWI imaging findings were collected from all patients to analyze regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional cerebral blood volume, mean transit time, and time to peak. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to analyze the value of PWI parameters in predicting END in patients with mild stroke due to LVO in the anterior circulation who did not receive endovascular treatment. Continuous variables were stratified based on the optimal cut-off value of Youden index, and the multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for END. Results The incidence rate of END was 31.0%, with the proportion of rCBF as the imaging indicator,cut-off value 29.3%. The proportion of rCBF was an independent risk factor for END (OR=14.41, 95%CI 7.00‒37.33). Conclusion The proportion of rCBF≥29.3% has a certain value in predicting END in patients with mild stroke due to LVO in the anterior circulation and is an independent risk factor.
5.Investigation of the current status of radiation diagnosis and treatment resources and their use in Taiyuan City, China
Jianhua SHI ; Wenyan GUO ; Qiyu ZHAO ; Lixian ZHENG ; Li XU ; Fengjiao WU ; Xiaoai ZHAO ; Lili GUO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(4):508-514
Objective To understand the current status of radiation diagnosis and treatment resources and their use in Taiyuan City, China, and provide data support for optimizing resource allocation and standardizing diagnosis and treatment. Methods A census-based approach was implemented using a standardized questionnaire to collect basic information on radiation diagnosis and treatment institutions in Taiyuan City. The number and use frequency of radiation diagnosis and treatment resources were calculated based on the resident population of Taiyuan City at the end of 2023. Results There were a total of 562 radiation diagnosis and treatment institutions in Taiyuan City, with
6.Analysis of influencing factors for early neurological deterioration in isolated basal ganglia lacunar infarction
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(1):42-46
摘要
目的 探讨孤立性基底节区腔隙性脑梗死早期神经功能恶化(END)的相关影响因素。方法 连续性收集2020年1月—2023年12月就诊于郑州大学人民医院的孤立性基底节区腔隙性脑梗死患者236例,临床资料完整,根据是否出现END将患者分为END组59例及非END组177例,比较患者一般资料,使用多因素二元Logistic回归分析基底节区腔隙性脑梗死患者发生END的影响因素。结果 急性孤立性基底节区腔隙性脑梗死END发生率为25%(59/236),END组病灶累及内囊后肢患者比例、入院NIHSS评分、HbA1c水平、收缩压、女性均高于非END组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素二元Logistic回归模型分析显示病灶累及内囊后肢(OR=3.167,95%CI 1.305~7.690,P=0.011)是END发生的独立危险因素,HbA1c水平(OR=6.368,95%CI 1.555~26.075,P=0.010)、入院NIHSS评分(OR=2.019,95%CI 1.236~3.299,P=0.005)、收缩压(OR=1.626,95%CI 1.373~1.926,P<0.001)是END发生的相关危险因素。结论 孤立性基底节区腔隙性脑梗死END发生率较高,与病灶累及内囊后肢、入院NIHSS评分高、HbA1c水平升高、收缩压高相关。
Abstract
Objective To identify influencing factors for early neurological deterioration (END) in isolated basal ganglia lacunar infarction (iBGLI). Methods Clinical data were continuously collected from 236 patients with iBGLI confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging between January 2020 and December 2023. The patients were divided into END group (n=59) and non-ED group (n=177) according to the presence or absence of END. General patient information was compared between the two groups, and factors influencing the occurrence of END in patients with iBGLI were identified by multivariate binary logistic regression. Results The incidence of END in acute iBGLI was 25% (59/236). The percentage of patients with lesions affecting the posterior limb of the internal capsule, admission NIHSS score, HbA1c level, systolic blood pressure, and number of females were significantly higher in the END group than in the non-END group (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that lesions affecting the posterior limb of the internal capsule (odds ratio (OR=3.167,95%CI 1.305~7.690,P=0.011) was an independent risk factor for the development of END,whereas HbA1c level(OR=6.368,95%CI 1.555~26.075,P=0.010), admission NIHSS score(OR=2.019,95%CI 1.236~3.299, P=0.005), and systolic blood pressure(OR=1.626,95%CI 1.373~1.926,P<0.001) were associated risk factors for END. Conclusion The higher incidence of END in iBGLI is associated with lesions affecting the posterior limb of the internal capsule, admission NIHSS score, HbA1c level, and systolic blood pressure.
Prognosis
7.Preface for special issue on Future Agriculture.
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):1-6
Agriculture, the strategic cornerstone of national long-term stability, is undergoing a fundamental shift from resource-dependent to technology-driven, driven by global food security and ecological conservation needs. Traditional agriculture can no longer sustain the growing food demand. Scientific and technological advancements are fundamental guarantees for ensuring food supply security and are the primary driver for future agricultural development. This special issue compiles the latest research advancements from diverse experts, covering fields such as microbe-driven green agriculture, pesticide technology innovation, intelligent agricultural machinery, smart manufacturing, and molecular design breeding fundamentals. It aims to inspire researchers to explore cutting-edge directions in future agriculture, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and technological integration, and thereby drive innovative breakthroughs and industrial transformation in agricultural modernization.
Agriculture/methods*
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Crops, Agricultural/genetics*
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Food Supply
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Biotechnology
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Pesticides
8.Microbe-induced gene silencing targeting VdEno of Verticillium dahliae for the control of cotton Verticillium wilt.
Wen TIAN ; Qianye GUO ; Qing SHUAI ; Qingyan LIU ; Huishan GUO ; Jianhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3790-3800
Small RNAs (sRNAs), the key components of RNA interference (RNAi) or RNA silencing, can mediate cell-autonomous gene silencing and function as signaling molecules across species. Microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS), which is based on interspecies RNAi, is an effective approach for controlling fungal diseases in crops. The enolase gene VdEno is essential for the growth and development of the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae, which causes cotton Verticillium wilt. In this study, we engineered Trichoderma harzianum (Th) to express the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting VdEno. The engineered strain Th-VdEnoi successfully generated VdEno-specific small interfering RNA (siVdEno). We further confirmed that Th-VdEnoi effectively induced VdEno silencing at the translational level. The results of crop protection assays revealed that the cotton plants co-inoculated with V. dahliae (strain V592) and Th-VdEnoi presented significantly reduced disease severity and lower fungal biomass in their roots than the control plants inoculated with V. dahliae alone or with V. dahliae and Th-GFPi (a control strain expressing GFP-targeting dsRNA). Collectively, our findings demonstrate that VdEno is an effective target for controlling cotton Verticillium wilt and confirm that MIGS is a promising strategy for managing soil-borne fungal pathogens in crops. MIGS provides strong technical support for reducing the application of conventional chemical pesticides, developing eco-friendly biopesticides, and facilitating the sustainable development of agriculture.
Gossypium/microbiology*
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Plant Diseases/prevention & control*
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Gene Silencing
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Ascomycota/genetics*
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RNA Interference
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RNA, Double-Stranded/genetics*
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Hypocreales/genetics*
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RNA, Small Interfering/genetics*
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Verticillium/genetics*
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Fungal Proteins/genetics*
9.Correlation between Serum LncRNA RMST,miR-582-5p Expression Levels and Early Neurological Deterioration and Prognosis in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Jianhua REN ; Ran ZHANG ; Xiuying CUI ; Xin ZHAO
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(1):64-68
Objective To investigate the expression changes of serum long non-coding RNA rhabdomyosarcoma associated transcript-2 (LncRNA RMST) and miR-582-5p in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS),and their correlation with early neurological deterioration (END) and prognosis. Methods A total of 129 patients with ischemic stroke admitted to Chengde Central Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were gathered,according to diagnostic criteria and patients were divided into END group (n=42) and non END group (n=87) besed on whether END occurred within one week. In addition,59 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in the hospital were regarded as the health group. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was applied to detect serum LncRNA RMST and miR-582-5p levels in each group. The Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between serum LncRNA RMST and miR-582-5p levels in END patients. ROC curve was applied to evaluate further the levels of blood LncRNA RMST and miR-582-5p,and the efficacy analysis of their combination in predicting the prognosis of AIS patients. Results Serum LncRNA RMST(1.01±0.28,2.10±0.41,3.99±0.52) levels gradually increased in the healthy,non-END and END groups,and miR-582-5p(1.02±0.23,0.86±0.16,0.73±0.15) levels gradually decreased,and the differences were statistically significant (F=672.974,31.907,all P<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum LncRNA RMST levels were significantly negatively correlated with miR-582-5p levels (r=-0.451,P<0.001). The AUC(95%CI) of the combined diagnosis of serum LncRNA RMST and miR-582-5p levels in AIS patients was 0.961(0.912~0.987),which was better than the independent prediction (Z=2.280,4.515,all P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum LncRNA RMST and miR-582-5p were closely related to END,and they are expected to become predictive factors for the prognosis of AIS patients.
10.Multi-center Study on Specific IgE Antibodies to Alternaria Alternata and Aspergillus Fumigatus in Sera of Clinical Allergy Patients in Selected Provinces in China
Chao XU ; Xingyuan ZHU ; Caizhi HUANG ; Hong ZHU ; Shu WANG ; Hongxia YUAN ; Pengfei ZHAO ; Ji YAN ; Jianhua MA ; Chunlei KUANG ; Yanli XIE ; Rongcai WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Sheng LIANG ; Qunying WANG ; Yingsha DUAN ; Yiwu ZHENG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):13-17
Objective To investigate the prevalence of specific IgE antibodies against Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus in serum samples from clinical allergy patients across selected provinces in China.Methods Data on specific IgE antibodies for Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.were collected from 20 hospital laboratories in 17 cities spanning 11 provinces.The study analyzed the levels of specific IgE and their variations across different provinces and seasons.Results A total of 27 471 cases of Alternaria A.and 32 843 cases of Aspergillus F.specific IgE data were included.The national average positive rate of Alternaria A.IgE was 10.40%,with the highest rate of 22.68%in Jiangsu and the lowest rate of 2.06%in Guangxi.For Aspergillus F.specific IgE,the average positive rate was 4.24%,with Hubei province having the highest rate(7.25%)and Hunan province the lowest(1.23%).The difference in IgE levels for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.among provinces were statistically significant(H=9 955,16 993,all P<0.0001).Among patients,5.85%had Alternaria A.specific IgE levels at grade 3 or above,while only 0.57%had Aspergillus F.specific IgE levels at this level.When examining seasonal variations using data from Liaoning,Hunan and Anhui provinces,significant seasonal changes were observed for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.IgE antibodies(HAlternaria A=347.6,338.0,401.3,HAspergillus F=196.6,133.7,231.7,all P<0.0001).Conclusion The sensitization to Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.exhibits distinct geographical characteristics and vary significantly with seasons.Given the relatively high IgE levels associated with Alternaria A.,it should be given adequate clinical attention.

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