1.Mechanism of Huayu Jiedu Prescription in Preventing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia Injury by Regulating NETosis After Acute Cerebral Infarction with Blood Stasis and Toxin Syndrome
Wuchaonan LIU ; Dingxiang LI ; Le YANG ; Jing LIU ; Shengping LUO ; Fang LEI ; Hanlin LEI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):50-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury with blood stasis and toxin syndrome and to explore the protective effects of Huayu Jiedu prescription (HYJDP) on neutrophil extracellular trap-related cell death (NETosis) in cerebral ischemic injury following acute cerebral infarction. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group): sham operation (Sham) group, blood stasis and toxin model (Model) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HYJDP groups (HYJDP-L, HYJDP-M, and HYJDP-H; 9, 18, and 36 g·kg-1, respectively), and butylphthalide (NBP) group (0.06 g·kg-1). Except for the Sham group, rats in all other groups were subjected to carrageenan/dry yeast combined with a modified intraluminal filament method to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model of the middle cerebral artery with blood stasis and toxin syndrome. Neurological function was evaluated at 24 h after modeling using the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. Cerebral infarction rate was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3). Protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), sequestosome 1 (p62), and CitH3 in brain tissue was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of neutrophil-specific marker Ly6G, CitH3, and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction rates in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01 for both). HE staining showed varying degrees of neuronal degeneration and necrosis, characterized by blurred neuronal structures, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, cytoplasmic dissolution into a vacuolated reticular pattern, and mild glial cell proliferation. ELISA results showed that serum levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62, while CitH3 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). IF results showed an increased number of NETs+ cells and a significant decrease in NeuN+ cells (P<0.01). Compared with the Model group, neurological deficit scores in the HYJDP-H group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and cerebral infarction rates in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). HE staining showed that brain tissue damage was markedly alleviated in the HYJDP-H group. ELISA results showed that levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly decreased in the HYJDP-M, HYJDP-H, and NBP groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups, while CitH3 expression was significantly reduced in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). IF results showed that the number of NETs+ cells was significantly decreased and the number of NeuN⁺ cells was significantly increased in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). ConclusionNETs may be the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury characterized by blood stasis and toxin. HYJDP can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and NETosis-related products, alleviate cerebral ischemic injury caused by autophagy-dependent NETosis, and thereby exert a neuroprotective effect.
2.Action Mechanism of Huamoyan Granules in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1/p38 MAPK Pathway
Jin ZHANG ; Lili YANG ; Canwen ZHENG ; Jing KANG ; Yanlei MA ; Yue SHI ; Lei LI ; Hongxu MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):79-89
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the protective effect of Huamoyan granules on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and explore whether its protective effect is oriented toward an anti-inflammatory direction by regulation of macrophage polarization, which can effectively inhibit the progression of pathological inflammatory response, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate the protein expression level of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), so as to provide experimental evidence for its clinical application and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, model group, celecoxib group, and high, medium, and low-dose synovitis granule groups (9.6, 4.8, 2.4 g·kg-1). The administration dose of celecoxib capsules was 20 mg·kg-1. There were 10 rats in the sham group and 12 rats in the model group and each administration group. A KOA animal model was established by means of intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. From the 10th day of the experiment, each administration group was given intragastric administration at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 4 weeks. General conditions of rats in each group were assessed daily. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) to mechanical stimulation and joint diameter were recorded. X-ray examination was performed on the right knee joints of rats for imaging analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat serum samples, as well as the expression levels of neurogenic inflammatory mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Histopathological changes in the knee joint synovial tissues were examined by hematoxylineosin (HE) staining. Safranin O-fast green staining was performed to observe and evaluate the degree of knee cartilage lesions. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze TRPV1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK in rat knee synovial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to measure and assess M1/M2 macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with those in the sham group, the circumference and joint diameter of the right knee were markedly enlarged in the model group (P<0.01), while PPTs of rats showed a significant reduction (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in rats' serum were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the synovial Krenn score was increased (P<0.01). The Mankin score of cartilage tissue was increased (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The experimental intervention significantly reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in the total macrophage population (P<0.01), and the percentage of M2 macrophages was decreased (P<0.01). The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Knee joint diameters of all dose groups of Huamoyan granules and the celecoxib group were reduced (P<0.01) compared with those of the model group, and the PPT recovery speeds in the high and medium-dose groups of Huamoyan granules were more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β, CGRP, and NGF in the rats' serum in all administration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of TNF-α in rats' serum was significantly reduced (P<0.01). All dose groups of Huamoyan granules demonstrated significant reductions in both synovial Krenn score (P<0.05, P<0.01) and protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in rats' synovial tissues (P<0.01). The percentage of M1 macrophages in the synovial tissues of the celecoxib group and all dose groups of Huamoyan granules was decreased (P<0.01). The percentage of M2 macrophages was increased (P<0.05), and the M1/M2 ratio was decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuamoyan granules can alleviate the inflammatory response of KOA, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate TRPV1 protein expression by regulating macrophage polarization. Its mechanism may be related to the TRPV1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving the effect of improving peripheral pain hypersensitivity in KOA.
3.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
4.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
5.Bidirectional association between metabolic associated fatty liver disease and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Yanan ZHAO ; Qi QI ; Xinyu WU ; Quanle HAN ; Jing YANG ; Boheng ZHANG ; Xuyang LI ; Lei LI ; Yun ZHANG ; Shouling WU ; Kangbo LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):856-865
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and to provide data support for the prevention and treatment of such metabolic-associated diseases in clinical practice. MethodsAn observation cohort was established for the workers of Kailuan who underwent physical examination for the first time from June 2006 to October 2007 and had complete liver assessment data, without the history of malignant tumor, MAFLD or ASCVD. According to the presence or absence of MAFLD, the patients were divided into non-MAFLD group with 67 565 patients and MAFLD group with 29 004 patients, and according to the presence or absence of ASCVD, the patients were divided into non-ASCVD group with 69 141 patients and ASCVD group with 481 patients. The group t-test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between the two groups. The
6.Compatibility of commonly used intravenous drugs in ICU patients with severe pneumonia
Lei ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Jing WANG ; Xiaokai REN ; Zhanjun DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1886-1891
OBJECTIVE To quantitatively assess the compatibility risk of commonly used intravenous drugs in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe pneumonia, and provide a reference for reducing the incidence of adverse events caused by incompatibility. METHODS The PASS clinical pharmacy management system was used to retrospectively collect the data of patients diagnosed with “severe pneumonia” in the ICU of Hebei General Hospital from January 2023 to June 2025, and the commonly used intravenous drugs and medication frequency were extracted. Based on authoritative databases such as Micromedex and Stabilis as well as relevant literature, the compatibility data of commonly used intravenous drugs with 0.9% Sodium chloride injection and 5% Glucose injection were summarized. The theoretical and actual compatibility risk values were calculated using formulas, and high-risk drugs were screened and the compatibility query table was drawn. RESULTS A total of 158 ICU patients with severe pneumonia were treated with 89 intravenous drugs, and 24 drugs with high compatibility risk were identified. The drug with the highest theoretical compatibility risk value was Amphotericin B for injection (risk value 146), and the drug with the highest actual compatibility risk value was Propofol medium and long chain fat emulsion injection (risk value 8 740). Among the 24 high-risk drugs, six drugs, namely Esomeprazole sodium for injection, Ambroxol hydrochloride injection, Midazolam injection, Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, Furosemide injection, and Cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium for injection, simultaneously ranked among the top 15 in both theoretical and actual compatibility risk rankings. Among 650 pairwise compatibility combinations of the 24 drugs, 24.62% were compatible, 11.23% were incompatible, 6.77% had conflicting evidence, and 57.38% had missing evidence. CONCLUSIONS This study quantitatively analyzed the medication safety of commonly used intravenous drugs in ICU patients with severe pneumonia, identified 24 drugs with high compatibility risk, and established a compatibility query table for high-risk drugs, which helps reduce the risk of ICU compatibility adverse events.
7.Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A (H3N2) cases in Tangshan City in 2023 - 2025
Xiaojing SONG ; Jing SUN ; Lichao MAO ; Xue' ; er BAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Da LI ; Lei QIN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):82-86
Objective To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A(H3N2) in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, from 2023 to 2025, and to provide a scientific basis for precise prevention and control of local influenza. Methods The influenza-like cases and influenza outbreak cases in the influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Tangshan City from January 2023 to December 2025 were included in this study. The clinical characteristics and epidemic characteristics of H3N2 influenza patients were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods and chi-square test. Results A total of 11 567 influenza case samples were tested in the study, with a positive rate of 9.34% (1 080/11 567). Influenza A (H3N2) remained the predominant circulating subtype throughout the study period. January 2023 to February 2023 marked the tailing end of the previous season’s H3N2. Then, a minor peak dominated by H1N1 occurred from March to June, and H3N2 circulated again from October to December, peaking in December. From September 2024 to December 2024, H1N1 and H3N2 circulated concurrently, with H3N2 as the dominant strain, peaking in January of the following year. From March 2025 to September 2025, influenza activity remained at low level, and activity began to rise in October, with H1N1 peaking in November before declining, and H3N2 becoming the dominant strain in December. H3N2 mainly occurred in the 5-14 years old group. Cases in the 0–4-year-old group were primarily characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, with high fever being common. Cases in the 5–59-year-old group were primarily characterized by systemic and respiratory symptoms, with better clinical outcomes. Cases aged 60 and older exhibited the highest rates of hospitalization, severe illness, and incidence of complications. Conclusion From 2023 to 2025, the influenza virus in Tangshan City, Hebei Province is dominated by influenza A (H3N2). The epidemic is characterized by a peak incidence during autumn and winter, co-circulation with H1N1, and fluctuations during the peak period. It is necessary to pay attention to the clinical management and prevention and control of influenza A (H3N2) in infants and the elderly.
8.Exploration of Protective Effect of Zhuluan Decoction on Ovarian Function in Rats with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Signaling Pathway
Li TANG ; Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Lei LEI ; Wen'e LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):110-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Zhuluan decoction improves ovarian function in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) rat model through regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway. MethodsA POI rat model was established via intraperitoneal injection of CTX. Ten rats were randomly selected as the normal control group. The remaining 50 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the estradiol valerate group (0.1 mg·kg-1), low-dose (7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (14 g·kg-1), and high-dose (28 g·kg-1) Zhuluan decoction groups, with 10 rats per group. All groups received intragastric administration for 21 consecutive days. Changes in body weight, uterine, and ovarian indices were observed across groups. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine ovarian pathological alterations and count follicles at various stages in cross-sections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression levels of AMPK, mTOR, ULK1 and their phosphorylated proteins, Beclin1, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissues of each group. ResultsCompared with the normal group, model rats exhibited slower body weight gain (P<0.01), significantly reduced uterine and ovarian organ indices (P<0.01), reduced ovarian volume, irregular follicular morphology, unclear cumulus and oocyte structures, and a significant reduction in the number of primordial follicles (P<0.01). Conversely,the numbers of secondary and atretic follicles significantly increased (P<0.01). Serum E2 and AMH levels significantly decreased, while FSH levels significantly elevated(P<0.01). The expression of AMPK, ULK1, Bax, and Beclin1 was increased (P<0.01), while that of mTOR and Bcl-2 was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the medium- and high-dose Zhuluan decoction groups showed significantly increased body weight, uterine organ index, and ovarian organ index (P<0.01), while the low-dose Zhuluan decoction group showed no statistically significant difference. Ovarian volume increased across all treatment groups, with improved follicular morphology and structure. The number of primordial follicles significantly increased (P<0.01), while the number of atretic follicles significantly decreased (P<0.01). The number of secondary follicles decreased in the estradiol valerate group and the high-dose Zhuluan decoction group (P<0.01), with no significant difference in the low- and medium-dose Zhuluan decoction groups. E2 and AMH levels significantly increased, while FSH levels significantly decreased in all treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The estradiol valerate group and medium- and high-dose Zhuluan decoction groups showed significantly reduced expression of AMPK, ULK1, Bax, and Beclin1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), while mTOR and Bcl-2 expression levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The low-dose Zhuluan decoction group exhibited significantly reduced expression of ULK1, Beclin1, and Bax (P<0.05), while Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionZhuluan decoction improves serum hormone levels in POI rats and mitigates chemotherapy (CTX)-induced damage to ovarian structure and function, exerting ovarian protective effect. This mechanism may involve regulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and apoptosis.
9.Analysis on current status and influencing factors of ethical sensitivity among clinical nursing interns in the context of artificial intelligence
Yue LIN ; Jing WANG ; Kun LI ; Wen WANG ; Lei YANG ; Yang LI ; Mei HUANG ; Chunping NI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(8):1121-1128
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of ethical sensitivity among clinical nursing interns in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and analyze its influencing factors. MethodsAdopting mixed research methods and convenience sampling, a total of 237 nursing interns from a tertiary A hospital in Xi’an were selected as research subjects. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire and the Nursing Students’ Ethical Sensitivity Scale, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 nursing interns. ResultsThe total score of ethical sensitivity among nursing interns was (33.98±6.32), which was at a moderate level. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that academic degree (undergraduate: β=0.147, P<0.05; postgraduate: β=0.139, P<0.05), affinity for the nursing profession (β=0.118, P<0.05), whether they had taken nursing ethics courses (β=-0.124, P<0.05), and familiarity with artificial intelligence (β=-0.159,P<0.05) were influencing factors of ethical sensitivity among nursing interns. Four themes were extracted from semi-structured interviews, namely, the incomplete mastery of nursing ethics-related knowledge among nursing interns, weakened ethical sensitivity in the AI teaching scenario of nursing interns, insufficient professional identity affecting the development of nursing interns’ ethical sensitivity, and technological dependence leading to the lack of humanistic care among nursing interns. ConclusionEthical sensitivity of nursing interns represents a moderate level, primarily influenced by educational background, degree of fondness for the nursing profession, learning experience of nursing ethics courses, and familiarity with AI. Nursing educators and clinical administrators urgently need to establish a sustainable school-hospital collaborative model of nursing ethics education, attach importance to the cultivation of ethical awareness and value guidance for nursing interns, and strengthen the intensity and depth of nursing ethics education among nursing interns, thereby improving their level of ethical sensitivity in the context of AI.
10.Exploration of Protective Effect of Zhuluan Decoction on Ovarian Function in Rats with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Signaling Pathway
Li TANG ; Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Lei LEI ; Wen'e LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):110-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Zhuluan decoction improves ovarian function in a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) rat model through regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway. MethodsA POI rat model was established via intraperitoneal injection of CTX. Ten rats were randomly selected as the normal control group. The remaining 50 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the estradiol valerate group (0.1 mg·kg-1), low-dose (7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (14 g·kg-1), and high-dose (28 g·kg-1) Zhuluan decoction groups, with 10 rats per group. All groups received intragastric administration for 21 consecutive days. Changes in body weight, uterine, and ovarian indices were observed across groups. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine ovarian pathological alterations and count follicles at various stages in cross-sections. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression levels of AMPK, mTOR, ULK1 and their phosphorylated proteins, Beclin1, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissues of each group. ResultsCompared with the normal group, model rats exhibited slower body weight gain (P<0.01), significantly reduced uterine and ovarian organ indices (P<0.01), reduced ovarian volume, irregular follicular morphology, unclear cumulus and oocyte structures, and a significant reduction in the number of primordial follicles (P<0.01). Conversely,the numbers of secondary and atretic follicles significantly increased (P<0.01). Serum E2 and AMH levels significantly decreased, while FSH levels significantly elevated(P<0.01). The expression of AMPK, ULK1, Bax, and Beclin1 was increased (P<0.01), while that of mTOR and Bcl-2 was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the medium- and high-dose Zhuluan decoction groups showed significantly increased body weight, uterine organ index, and ovarian organ index (P<0.01), while the low-dose Zhuluan decoction group showed no statistically significant difference. Ovarian volume increased across all treatment groups, with improved follicular morphology and structure. The number of primordial follicles significantly increased (P<0.01), while the number of atretic follicles significantly decreased (P<0.01). The number of secondary follicles decreased in the estradiol valerate group and the high-dose Zhuluan decoction group (P<0.01), with no significant difference in the low- and medium-dose Zhuluan decoction groups. E2 and AMH levels significantly increased, while FSH levels significantly decreased in all treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The estradiol valerate group and medium- and high-dose Zhuluan decoction groups showed significantly reduced expression of AMPK, ULK1, Bax, and Beclin1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), while mTOR and Bcl-2 expression levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The low-dose Zhuluan decoction group exhibited significantly reduced expression of ULK1, Beclin1, and Bax (P<0.05), while Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionZhuluan decoction improves serum hormone levels in POI rats and mitigates chemotherapy (CTX)-induced damage to ovarian structure and function, exerting ovarian protective effect. This mechanism may involve regulating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and apoptosis.


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