1.YTHDF1 regulation of Fis1 on the activation and proliferation and migration ability of hepatic stellate cells
Lin Jia ; Feng Sun ; Qiqi Dong ; Jingjing Yang ; Renpeng Zhou ; Wei Hu ; Chao Lu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):49-58
Objective:
To explore the effect of YTH domain family protein 1(YTHDF1) on the activation, proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) by regulating mitochondrial fission mediated by mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1).
Methods:
The mouse hepatic stellate cell line JS-1 was treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 24 h to induce its activation and proliferation, andYTHDF1-siRNA was used to construct aYTHDF1silencing model.The experiment was divided into Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+si-NC group and TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group.Expression changes ofYTHDF1,Fis1and key indicators of fibrosis, type Ⅰ collagen(CollagenⅠ) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) were detected through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot; CCK-8 was used to detect cell proliferation ability; Transwell migration assay and cell scratch assay were used to detect cell migration ability; immunofluorescence staining experiment was used to detect the effect ofYTHDF1onFis1-mediated mitochondrial fission; finally, JC-1 staining was used to experimentally detect the effect ofYTHDF1on mitochondrial membrane potential.
Results:
Compared with the Control group, RT-qPCR and Western blot experimental results showed that the expression ofYTHDF1andFis1increased in the TGF-β1 group(P<0.05,P<0.01;P<0.000 1), as well as the fibrosis markersCollagenⅠand the expression level of α-SMA increased(P<0.01;P<0.001,P<0.000 1); while adding CCK-8, the experimental results showed that the proliferation ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.000 1); Transwell experimental results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.01); the cell scratch experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1 group was enhanced(P<0.000 1); the immunofluorescence experiment results showed that the TGF-β1 group Mito-Tracker Red staining andFis1co-localization signal increased(P<0.05); JC-1 staining experiment results showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential increased in the TGF-β1 group(P<0.01). Compared with the TGF-β1+si-NC group, RT-qPCR and Western blot experimental results showed that the expression ofYTHDF1andFis1in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was reduced(P<0.01;P<0.001), and fibrosis markers the levels ofCollagenⅠandα-SMAwere reduced(P<0.01;P<0.001,P<0.01).CCK-8 experimental results showed that the proliferation ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.000 1); Transwell experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.001); cell scratch experiment results showed that the migration ability of HSCs in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group was weakened(P<0.000 1); immunofluorescence experiment results showed that the Mito-Tracker Red staining andFis1co-localization signal decreased in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group(P<0.01); JC-1 staining experiment results showed that mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in the TGF-β1+si-YTHDF1 group(P<0.05).
Conclusion
YTHDF1promotes the activation, proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs by positively regulatingFis1-mediated mitochondrial fission. This suggests thatYTHDF1may be a key gene involved in regulating the activation, proliferation and migration of HSCs.
2.Simultaneous determination of four thiol derivatives in workplace air by gas chromatography
Ruibo MENG ; Jing YUAN ; Jiawen HU ; Jiaheng HE ; Jingjing QIU ; Zuokan LIN ; Ziqun ZHANG ; Weifeng RONG ; Banghua WU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):188-192
Objective To establish a method for simultaneous determination of four high-molecular-weight thiol derivatives (TDs) in workplace air by gas chromatography. Methods The four kinds of vapor-phase macromolecular TDs (1-pentanethiol, 1-hexanethiol, 1-benzyl mercaptan, and n-octanethiol) in the workplace air were collected using the GDH-1 air sampling tubes, desorbed with anhydrous ethanol, separated on a DB-FFAP capillary column, and determined by flame ionization detector. Results The quantitation range of the four TDs was 0.30-207.37 mg/L, with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.999 00. The minimum detection mass concentrations and minimum quantitation mass concentrations were 0.18-0.32 and 0.60-1.05 mg/m3, respectively (both calculated based on the 1.5 L sample and 3.0 mL desorption solvent). The mean desorption efficiencies ranged from 87.07% to 103.59%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were 1.92%-8.22% and 1.89%-8.45%, respectively. The samples can be stored at room temperature or 4 ℃ for three days and up to 7 days at -18 ℃. Conclusion This method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of four vapor-phase TDs in workplace air.
3.Research progress on the relationship between the photobiomodulation and amblyopia
Shuxian HU ; Mei LIU ; Jingjing DONG ; Yang YANG ; Li LIU ; Xuan MA ; Liyun GUO
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1431-1435
Amblyopia is a common visual development disorder and is the main cause of monocular vision impairment in children and adults. Photobiomodulation(PBM), a non-invasive treatment method, has gradually gained attention in the field of ophthalmology. This paper begins with the macroscopic manifestation of light on the animal model of amblyopia. Additionally, it discusses the pathological changes of the amblyopic retina and the human eye's central nervous system, as well as the influence and mechanism of PBM on the visual perception and processing system and its chemical effect on the visual system through dopamine and melatonin. It examines its mechanism of action, current clinical application status, and future development direction in order to provide new ideas and theoretical foundation for amblyopia treatment.
4.Efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with ischemic heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Hanchuan CHEN ; Qin YU ; Yamei XU ; Chen LIU ; Jing SUN ; Jingjing ZHAO ; Wenjia LI ; Kai HU ; Junbo GE ; Aijun SUN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):717-719
Objective To explore the safety and effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF). Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed (ClinicalTrial.gov registration number NCT03491969). From January 2019 to January 2023, 300 patients with IHF were enrolled in four medical centers in China, and were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio to receive ALA (600 mg daily) or placebo on top of standard care for 24 months. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or all-cause mortality events. The second outcome included non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) from baseline to 24 months after randomization. Results Finally, 138 patients of the ALA group and 139 patients of the placebo group attained the primary outcome. Hospitalization for HF or all-cause mortality events occurred in 32 patients (23.2%) of the ALA group and in 40 patients (28.8%) of the placebo group (HR=0.753, 95%CI 0.473-1.198, P=0.231; Figure 1A-1C). The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 5.6%, the relative risk reduction (RRR) associated with ALA therapy was approximately 19.4% compared to placebo, corresponding to a number needed to treat (NNT) of 18 patients to prevent one event. In the secondary outcome analysis, the composite outcome of the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including the hospitalization for HF, all-cause mortality events, non-fatal MI or non-fatal stroke occurred in 35 patients (25.4%) in the ALA group and 47 patients (33.8%) in the placebo group (HR=0.685, 95%CI 0.442-1.062, P=0.091; Figure 1D). Moreover, greater improvement in LVEF (β=3.20, 95%CI 1.14-5.23, P=0.002) and 6MWD (β=31.7, 95%CI 8.3-54.7, P=0.008) from baseline to 24 months after randomization were observed in the ALA group as compared to the placebo group. There were no differences in adverse events between the study groups. Conclusions These results show potential long-term beneficial effects of adding ALA to IHF patients. ALA could significantly improve LVEF and 6MWD compared to the placebo group in IHF patients.
5.Yunkang Oral Liquid Promotes Restoration of Mice from Postpartum Kidney Deficiency via TGF-β/Smads Signaling Pathway
Jiayi ZHENG ; Jie SU ; Meiqiu YAN ; Jingjing YU ; Yigong CHEN ; Meng FU ; Xueling HU ; Mengxi CHANG ; Guiyuan LYU ; Liqin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):83-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yunkang oral liquid on postpartum kidney deficiency in mice. MethodPostpartum mice were randomized into model and low-dose (6 mL·kg-1), medium-dose (9 mL·kg-1), and high-dose (12 mL·kg-1) Yunkang oral liquid groups. The mouse model of postpartum kidney deficiency was established by sleep deprivation combined with forced swimming. Another 9 female ICR mice were selected as the normal control group. The mice were administrated with Yunkang oral liquid during the period of modeling. The levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of ovaries and uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and Smad2/3 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. ResultThe mice in the model group showed prolonged estrous cycle, reduced voluntary activity, dorsal temperature, grip strength, and bone strength, and whitening tongue coating. Compared with the model group, Yunkang oral liquid shortened the estrous cycle, increased the voluntary activity, dorsal temperature, grip strength, and bone strength, and alleviated the whitening of tongue coating. Moreover, it elevated the E2 and P levels and lowered the FSH and LH levels in the serum, decreased ovarian follicular atresia rate, promoted uterine repair, and down-regulated the expression of TGF-β and Smad2/3 in the ovarian and uterine tissues. ConclusionYunkang oral liquid can ameliorate postpartum kidney deficiency in mice by regulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.
6.Mechanism of action of Wuzi Yanzong pill in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia in rats determined via serum metabolomics
Zhenru Shen ; Zhaohua Zhang ; Kejin Tong ; Chunrui Wang ; Shuaiqiang Wang ; Ping Zhao ; Meng Gu ; Jingjing Hu ; Yibo Tang ; Zhenquan Liu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(2):180-190
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of action of Wuzi Yanzong pill (WYP) in rats with oligoasthenozoospermia (OAZ) via metabolomics and to provide a possible basis for improving this WYP-based treatment.
Methods:
A rat model of OAZ was established by treating male Sprague–Dawley rats with glucosides from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, L-carnitine (positive control), model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose WYP groups. Rats in the experimental groups were treated with WYP for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, sperm cell quality (density, motility, and viability) was assessed using a semen analysis system, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed using flow cytometry, and testicular injury was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining to validate the therapeutic effect of WYP in OAZ. Further, serum metabolomics-based analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify differential metabolic pathways and possible mechanisms of action of WYP in OAZ treatment.
Results:
A rat model of OAZ was considered successfully-established after comparing the quality of spermatozoa in the model group to that in the control group. WYP-M and WYP-H treatments significantly improved sperm cell density, motility, and viability compared with those in the model group (all P < .05). Compared with the model group, both WYP-M and WYP-H treatments increased MMP values (P = .006 and P = .021 respectively), while there was no significant difference in the L-carnitine group. L-carnitine and WYP administration reversed damage to the testes to varying degrees compared with that in the model group. Further, 44 differential metabolites and four metabolic pathways, especially autophagy pathway, related to OAZ were identified via metabolomics.
Conclusions
WYP improves sperm cell quality and MMP in OAZ primarily via autophagy regulation. These findings can be employed to improve the efficacy of WYP in humans.
7.Clinical progress in the diagnosis and treatment of end-stage liver disease complicated with acute kidney injury
Jingjing LU ; Yangyang HU ; Xing ZHANG ; Yue LUO ; Yadong WANG ; Caiyan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(3):314-319
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a devastating complications of end-stage of liver disease (ESLD), seriously affecting the prognosis of patients. With the deepening understanding of the pathogenesis, the definition, staging, diagnosis and treatment of ESLD with AKI have been gradually optimized. This article reviews the evolution of definition, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ESLD with AKI, to provide reference for early recognition, precise diagnosis and standardized treatment of this condition.
8.Survey on autism knowledge of child health care professionals in primary health care institutions in Guangzhou
Shaomin LU ; Yan HU ; Bingjie MA ; Yanfei XING ; Yanyan SONG ; Jingjing LIANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(4):361-367
Objective:To evaluate the knowledge of autism among child health care professionals in primary health care institutions.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire survey was conducted from February to March 2023 in primary health care institutions in Guangzhou to investigate the knowledge on autism among medical staff engaged in children′s health services and the influencing factors.Results:A total of 341 questionnaires were returned and 312 questionnaires were valid with a recovery rate of 91.5%. The age of 312 respondents was (35.9±7.9) years, of which 303 (97.1%) were female. One hundred and fifty-two (48.7%) child health care professionals in primary health care institutions had received specialist training in assessing the psychological and behavioral development of children, and only 139 (44.6%) reported that they were aware of the"five no"principle for early identification of autism. The questionnaire scores were 88.1% pass (275/312) and 53.2% excellent (166/312). The three questions with low accuracy were: autism can be cured with drugs, autism has a genetic basis and rehabilitation training has no effect, and the accuracy for these questions was 42.6% (133/312), 52.2% (163/312) and 70.2% (219/312), respectively. The passing of autism-related knowledge was positively associated with receiving relevant training ( OR=2.585, 95% CI:1.200-5.569), and the excellence was positively associated with the highest education ( OR=1.939, 95% CI:1.220-3.083) and receiving relevant training ( OR=2.016, 95% CI:1.247-3.260). Conclusions:There is a need for more professional training in autism knowledge among child health care professionals in primary health care institutions.
9.Effect of Tongluo Juanbi Granules on Inflammatory Injury and Apoptosis of Osteoarthritis Based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qi QI ; Liang OU ; Weichen HUANG ; Zehua CHEN ; Daoqing XU ; Weiwei HU ; Jingjing LI ; Jianjun KUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):29-36
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tongluo Juanbi granules on chondrocyte apoptosis and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and study the mechanism of Tongluo Juanbi granules in the prevention and treatment of KOA. MethodThirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to the following five groups (n=6): sham group, model group, low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules (4.1 and 8.2 g·kg-1·d-1), and celecoxib group (10.9 mg·kg-1·d-1). The KOA model was established by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) for six weeks. Six weeks after the modeling, the drug was given once a day for eight weeks. The pathological changes of cartilago articularis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in synovial fluid. The mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultCompared with the sham group, the cartilago articularis of the model group significantly degenerated. Mankin's score was increased (P<0.01), and the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fluid were increased (P<0.01). The number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, chondrocyte degeneration in both low-dose and high-dose groups of Tongluo Juanbi granules was improved, and Mankin's score was decreased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01), and the number of apoptosis of chondrocytes was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in cartilage tissue were down-regulated (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were up-regulated (P<0.01). In addition, in the above observation indicators, the high-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules was significantly superior to the low-dose group of Tongluo Juanbi granules. ConclusionTongluo Juanbi granules could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis in rabbits with KOA and improve cartilage degeneration, which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Bairui Granules (百蕊颗粒) in Treating Patients with Acute Pharyngitis with Wind-Heat Syndrome: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Double-Simulation, Randomized Controlled Trial
Siming LIU ; Hui ZHOU ; Qiang LI ; Min ZHOU ; Qixiang WU ; Shanjun YANG ; Jun WANG ; Jingjing YUAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Ziqi ZHU ; Jingyi HU ; Shuang WU ; Mengting LI ; Zhanfeng YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(11):1139-1145
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Bairui Granules (百蕊颗粒) in the treatment of acute pharyngitis with wind-heat syndrome. MethodsA multicenter, double-blind, double-simulation, randomised controlled trial was conducted, in which 162 patients with acute pharyngitis and wind-heat syndrome from 7 centers were recruited, and each center was divided into trial group and control group on the ratio of 2∶1. In the trial group, 108 cases were orally administered with Bairui Granules plus Reyanning Granules (热炎宁颗粒) simulant, and in the control group, 54 cases were orally administered with Reyanning Granules plus Bairui Granules simulant for 5 days, with a follow-up visit on the 6th day. Full analysis set (FAS) analysis and per protocol set (PPS) were used for analysis, respectively. The primary efficacy index was the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment; the secondary efficacy indexes were the disappearance rate of sore throat after 3-day treatment, as well as the visual analogue score (VAS) of sore throat before treatment, every day during the treatment, and follow-up on day 6, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score was performed before treatment and at the follow-up on day 6. The effectiveness on TCM syndrome was evaluated at the follow-up on day 6, and the changes of vital signs, blood routine, urine routine, liver functions, kidney function, the adverse events before and after the treatment were recorded, and safety analysis set (SS) was analysed. Results162 patients entered the FAS and SS analyses, and 158 cases (105 cases in the trial group and 53 cases in the control group) entered the PPS analysis. FAS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.56% (87/108) in the trial group and 64.81% (35/54) in the control group, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.10, P = 0.0239). PPS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.00% (84/105) in the trial group and 64.15% (34/53) in the control group, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (χ2 =4.85, P = 0.0277). FAS and SS analyses both showed that the difference in disappearance rate of sore throat between groups on 3-day treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the VAS scores of sore throat were lower in both groups during treatment on day 2, 3, 4, 5, and follow-up on day 6 (P<0.01), but the difference between groups at each time point was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TCM syndrome scores of both groups at the follow-up were lower than that before treatment, and those of the trial group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). The cure rate and effective rate of TCM syndrome of the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in blood routine, urine routine, liver function, kidney function between groups before and after treatment (P>0.05), and no serious adverse events occured in both groups. ConclusionBairui Granules showed clinical effectiveness in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of wind-heat syndrome, and it could significantly improve the clinical symptoms, accelerate the disappearance time of sore throat with good safety.


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