1.Expression and clinical significance of ARTN in prostate cancer
Rong LI ; Junfeng JING ; Can WEI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):448-454
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical significance of artemin (ARTN) expression in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues and its impact on the malignant behavior of PCa cell lines. MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ARTN protein in 40 benign prostate tissues and 91 PCa tissues, and its relationship with the clinical and pathological characteristics of PCa was analyzed. PCa stable cell lines with ARTN knockdown were constructed, and the effects of ARTN on the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of PCa cells were detected via CCK-8 cell proliferation assay and Transwell assay. Western blot assay was used to detect the effect of ARTN on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail family transcription inhibitory factor 1 (Snail-1). ResultsARTN was highly expressed in PCa and correlated with Gleason score, local lymph node metastasis, and local nerve invasion (P0.05). Survival analysis showed a statistically significant difference in survival rates between ARTN positive and negative patients (P=0.027). The results of CCK-8 and Transwell assay showed that the knockdown of ARTN could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of PCa cells (all P0.05). Western blot results showed that the knockdown of ARTN upregulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin in PCa cells, while the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Snail-1, and Vimentin were downregulated. ConclusionARTN is highly expressed in PCa and can promote the proliferation, migration, invasion ability of PCa cells, as well as increasing EMT levels in PCa cells, suggesting it may be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of PCa.
2.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
3.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
4.Design of 8-channel gene analyzer
Shi-hong MA ; Yu QIAN ; Song LIANG ; Xia-bin LI ; Jing-jing ZHANG ; Yuan ZHAO ; Wei WANG ; Jian-rong CAO
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(2):24-30
Objective To design an 8-channel gene analyzer to take the place of the widely used gene analyzer with problems in inconvenient consumable replacement and short storage time of electrophoresis polymer.Methods The 8-channel gene analyzer had its mechanical components composed of an automatic sample loading table,a polymer injection module,a high-voltage temperature control module,an optical module and an integrated U box,its electrical control system made up of a host computer(an embedded computer)and three slave computers(a sampling control board,a polymer injection control board and a high-voltage temperature control board).The automatic sample loading table involved in four motors and transmission systems for x,y,z directions and optical alignment,the transmission systems adopted mainly belt drive mode and the optical alignment motor had its threads with an anti-backlash structure;the polymer injuection module was manipulated by the polymer injection control board,and the polymer block was made of highly transparent acrylic material;the high-voltage temperature control module realized the regulation of electrophoresis voltage and the detection of electrophoresis current by the low-ripple precision high-voltage power supply,and controlled the temperature of the heating furnace by the proportional-integral-differential(PID)algorithm;the optical module consisted of an excitation module and a light-receiving module,which had the base of the reflector made of low expansion coefficient alloy material;the integrated U box had the electrophoresis polymer,capillary array,polymer block and anode buffer in a plastic housing;the host computer had the data acquisition software programmed with C# and C++,and the slave computers were controlled by STM32 SCM.Results The 8-channel gene analyzer had no significant differences with the widely used ABI3500 gene analyzer in resolution,precision accuracy and clinical results.Conclusion The 8-channel gene analyzer gains advantages in consumable replacement and storage time of electrophoresis polymer,and can meet the requirements for gene sequencing.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(2):24-30]
5.Effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on overweight or obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in Trendelenburg position
Guang-le WEI ; Rong-xiang LU ; Jing-hui QIU ; Chang CHEN ; Ti-jun DAI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(11):1004-1007
Objective To clarify the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on overweight or obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in Trendelenburg position.Methods A total of 72 overweight or obese patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy in Trendelenburg position at Yancheng Third People's Hospital from September 2022 to August 2024 were selected,and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 36 cases in each group.The control group received routine restriction of fasting and fluid starting from 22:00 on the day before surgery,while the observation group was given an additional 300 mL of carbohydrate orally 2 hours before anesthesia on the basis of the control group.The preoperative ultrasound results of gastric antrum,Perlas classification,full stomach status,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for thirst and hunger,awakening time,tracheal extubation time,intraoperative hypothermia,gastro-intestinal function recovery time,and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results Before anesthesia,there was no statistically significant difference in the cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum(CSA)in the right lateral position,gastric volume(GV),or the ratio of gastric volume to body weight(GV/W)between the two groups(P>0.05).There was also no statistically significant difference in the Perlas classification of gastric antrum ultrasound or the incidence of full stomach between the two groups(P>0.05).Immediately before anesthesia,the VAS scores for thirst and hunger in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The awakening time,tracheal extubation time,and incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in the observation group were significantly shorter/lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The observation group had significantly shorter time of first exhaust and defecation after surgery,as well as lower incidence of postoperative bloating,compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion For overweight or obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Trendelenburg position,oral intake of 300 mL carbohydrate 2 hours before anesthesia does not increase the risk of regurgitation or aspiration,with safety and reliability.It not only can improve comfort of patients and promote post-anesthesia awakening,but also can reduce the incidences of intraoperative hypothermia and gastrointestinal adverse reactions,which is conducive to accelerating postoperative recovery.
6.Recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick for rapid and visual detection of Plasmodium vivax
Shi-hui LI ; Chun-hua GAO ; Fu-rong WEI ; Duo-quan WANG ; Xiao-kai JIA ; Jing ZHANG ; Ying WANG ; Feng SHI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):413-418
To achieve rapid and visual detection of Plasmodium vivax,a detection method based on recombinase polymerase amplification(RPA)technology and lateral flow dipstick(LFD)was established and evaluated.Targeting the conserved sequence of the P.vivax 18S rRNA gene(GenBank:DQ660817.1)as the target sequence,primers and probes were designed with Primer Premier 5,and the P.vivax recombinant plasmid(pUCPv)was constructed as the standard.A sensitive and specific RPA-LFD-based rapid visual detection method for P.vivax nucleic acids was established.The plasmid standard was serially diluted 10-fold to concentrations of 1×103,1×102,1×101,1×10?,and 1×10?1 copies/μL for sensitivity testing.To evaluate specificity,whole blood DNA samples from patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum,Plasmodium malariae,Plasmodium ovale,or Leishmania donovani,as well as healthy participants,were tested by RPA-LFD.Additionally,The assay′s accuracy was evaluated by testing whole blood DNA samples from 24 confirmed P.vivax-infected patients.This study successfully established a sensitive,specific,and rapid visual RPA-LFD method for detecting P.vivax nucleic acids.The assay can complete P.vivax detection within 20 minutes under isothermal conditions at 39 ℃,achieving a sensitivity of 1 copy/μL.There is no significant cross reaction with parasites such as other Plasmodium species and L.donovani,and the specificity is 100%.All 24 DNA samples from confirmed P.vivax patients were detected,showing a 100%detection rate.The developed RPA-LFD assay exhibits excellent sensitivity and specificity,requires only simple heating equipment,and is user-friendly.This rapid visual detection method is particularly suitable for P.vivax screening in low-resource settings.
7.RKIP induces apoptosis in mast cells sensitized by Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xue-li PU ; Yu-qian LI ; Jing-ru ZHOU ; Jia-ling WANG ; Chun-sheng WANG ; SUBI·TAILAITI ; Jia-ying LIN ; BATESURONG·BAYINA ; Li-wei CAO ; GULIGEIYA·PAREHATI ; Jian-rong YE
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):508-514
This study explored the effects and underlying mechanism of Raf kinase inhibitory protein(RKIP)on apoptosis in mast cells sensitized by Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid.Bone marrow-derived mast cells(BMMCs)were isolated and cultured from RKIP knockout(KO)and wild-type(WT)C57BL/6 mice.Cells were divided into control and sensitized groups.The sensitized group was incubated for 24 h in RPMI1640 medium containing 10%serum from mice infected with E.granulosus,then activated for 3 h or 6 h with E.granulosus cyst fluid.The control group was incubated for 24 h in RPMI1640 medium,and then received an equal vol-ume of PBS.Cells and supernatants were collected for analysis.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD117 and FcεRⅠα on BMMCs.The levels of β-hexosaminidase,IL-4,and TNF-α in the supernatant were quantified with ELISA.Western blot analy-sis was used to assess expression changes in RKIP,apoptosis-related proteins,and pathway proteins in BMMC before and after sensi-tization.Flow cytometry analysis revealed that after 4 weeks of induction,the CD117 and FcεRⅠα double-positivity rates on both WT and KO BMMC exceeded 90%.ELISA indicated that the E.granulosus cyst fluid resulted in significantly greater β-hexosaminidase re-lease(F=16.88,P<0.05),and levels of IL-4(F=16.51,P<0.05)and TNF-α(F=9.78,P<0.05)in the KO sensitized group than the WT sensitized group.With respect to the WT control group,the WT sensitized group showed significantly down-regulated pro-tein expression levels of RKIP(F=8.20,P<0.05)and Bcl-2(F=101.40,P<0.01)after 3 h,but significantly up-regulated levels of p-PI3K(F=8.04,P<0.05),p-Akt(F=32.52,P<0.01),p-P65(F=13.29,P<0.05),and cleaved-caspase-3(F=46.34,P<0.01).With respect to the WT sensitized group,the KO sensitized group showed significantly up-regulated protein expression of p-PI3K(F=8.45,P<0.05),p-Akt(F=8.58,P<0.05),p-P65(F=11.02,P<0.05),and Bcl-2(F=84.50,P<0.001)after 3 h,but significantly down-regulated expression of cleaved-caspase-3(F=15.66,P<0.05).In conclusion,RKIP may inhibit the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway,thereby inducing apoptosis in mast cells sensitized by E.granulosus cyst fluid.This process may help ease aller-gic reactions caused by mast cells in echinococcosis,thus offering a promising new approach for preventing and treating such reactions.
8.Early screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer based on the innovative care for chronic conditions framework
Han-jing ZHU ; Liang DONG ; Bin ZHAO ; Feng ZHANG ; Rong LI ; Cheng-ye ZHU ; Jia MAO ; Zhen-ying YANG ; Yin-jie ZHU ; Wei XUE
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(3):229-233
Objective:To construct an integrated management model for early screening and diagnosis of PCa based on the In-novative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework(ICCC)and the 1+1 contract-based tiered diagnosis and treatment system(TDTS)in China.Methods:Based on the 1+1 contract-based TDTS platform,we conducted PCa screening for the male residents aged 60 years and above during health check-ups in Pujin Community Health Center from January 1,2023 to December 31,2023.For those with abnormal total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)≥4 μg/L,we promptly referred them to higher-level hospitals for further diagno-sis and treatment via the two-way referral green channel platform and information sharing service using the 1+1 contract model.We further analyzed the relevant data on screening and diagnosis.Results:A total of 4 080 males aged 71.39±5.059 years received PCa screening from January to December 2023.PSA screening was performed in 43.96%of the male residents,revealing 654 cases of PSA abnormality,with a PSA positivity rate of 16.03%,which was higher than that found in the previous large-scale PCa screenings in other regions of China.Among the males with PSA abnormality,292(44.65%)expressed their willingness for medical referral,while the others did not seek further medical attention for reasons of being asymptomatic,low awareness of the disease,no accompany for medical visits,and concerns about further costs of diagnosis and treatment.Prostate biopsy was recommended to 154 cases after further examinations,which was accepted by 92(59.74%).Fifty-eight cases were diagnosed with Pa,and thedetection rate reached 63.04%.Conclusion:The integrated management model for PSA examination-based early screening and diagnosis of PCa using the 1+1 contract-based TDTS platform is plays a significant role in enhancing peoples awareness and knowledge of PCa and improving the early detection rate of the malignancy.
9.Experimental study on the decontamination ability of different cleaning waters for surgical instruments
Bing-qing LIAO ; Xiao-mei REN ; Jing-rong WEI ; Yan GAO ; Zhong-jin YAN ; Xiao-feng LI ; Bin LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(7):610-613
Objective To analyze differences of purified water,softened water,and concentrated softened water on the decontamination effects for surgical instruments,so as to provide a reliable reference for the selection of cleaning water for surgical instruments.Methods The physical and chemical indexes and components of concentrated softened water,softened water,and purified water were detected,and their cleaning effects for instrument were compared.The decontamination cleaning experiment was conducted in three hospitals with different types of cleaning water using mini cleaning machines,and the differences in the decontamination time were analyzed.The cleaning and decontamination experiments on contaminated instruments was performed using a spray cleaning and disinfection device,and the cleaning effects of instruments with different types of cleaning water were analyzed.Results Calcium content and hardness of the three types of cleaning water were all at a low level,which can avoid scale adhesion for cleaning surgical instruments.There were statistically significant differences in the pH value,conductivity,and contents of calcium,sodium and chloride among the three cleaning waters(P<0.05).The purified water was weakly acidic,and its conductivity,hardness,and contents of calcium,sodium and chloride were all at low levels.The softened water and concentrated softened water were weakly alkaline,with high levels of conductivity and sodium content and low level of chloride.There were statistically significant differences in the decontamination time of the purified water,softened water and concentrated softened water among hospitals(P<0.05).Under the same contamination condition of surgical instruments,there was a statistically significant difference in the qualified rate of instruments cleaning in the upper and lower cleaning baskets with different cleaning waters(P<0.05).Conclusion Concentrated softened water and softened water have high sodium content,and their decontamination and cleaning abilities are significantly stronger than those of the purified water.Purified water has poorer effects in instruments cleaning for its deionized property.Using concentrated softened water or softened water in the surgical instrument cleaning process can achieve effects of reducing consumption and increasing efficiency,which is conducive to improving cleaning efficiency and quality.
10.Establishment of animal model of blood stasis syndrome in diabetic kidney disease and metabonomic analysis
Qian GUO ; Sheng-fang WAN ; Rong-ke LI ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhao-hui WEI ; Zi-hui ZHONG ; Jing SHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):592-599
Aim To establish an animal model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD)integrating blood stasis syndrome and syndrome evaluation indicators.Methods Twenty-five SD rats were ran-domly divided according to body weight into a control group(8 rats)and a modeling group(17 rats).The modeling group was fed a high-sugar and high-fat diet for four weeks and induced to form diabetic rats by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 streptozocin.The modeling rats were randomly divided into the DKD group and blood stasis syndrome combination group accord-ing to 24-hour urinary protein(24-hUP).The blood stasis syn-drome combination group was induced to replicate the DKD blood stasis syndrome model by injecting 10%high molecular weight D-glucoside three times at a dose of 0.05 mg·kg-1 via tail vein.The model was evaluated based on random blood glu-cose level,24-hUP level,syndrome assessment,pathological staining etc,and differential metabolites were selected using metabolomics.Results The comprehensive evaluation of syn-drome manifestations and pathological staining in the combined model of blood stasis syndrome in rats demonstrated successful replication.Utilizing the technique of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,22 differential metabolites were identified,with associated pathways showing a certain relevance to blood stasis syndrome in DKD.Conclusions The successful replica-tion of an animal model combining the syndrome of blood stasis in DKD has been achieved in this study.Evaluation of indicators and results from metabolomics studies consistently demonstrate a correlation with the syndrome of blood stasis in DKD.

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