1.Qiangjing Tablets Regulate CDK4-E2F Signaling Pathway to Delay Aging of Leydig Cells and Testicular Tissue in Rats
Xiucheng LAN ; Meijing WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Junjun LI ; Liang DONG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):328-336
ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-early 2 factor (E2F) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the cell experiment, 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group (administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection) and a Qiangjing tablets group (20 rats in each group) according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L-1 H2O2, and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC (1 mmol·L-1) was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low (2.5%), medium (5%), and high (10%) concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment, 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group, and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg-1·d-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low, medium, and high doses of 0.72, 1.44, 2.88 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed, and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn the cell experiment, compared with the blank control group, the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 (P<0.05) and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05), slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group, and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05). The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 (P<0.05) and E2F2, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 (P<0.05). Compared with that in the NAC group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose (P<0.05) groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups, with statistically significance in the high dose group (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, compared with the young control group, the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 (P<0.05) and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05) but increased in the medium-dose (P<0.05) and high-dose groups. In addition, the expression of E2F1 decreased (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group, CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Similarly, the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium-dose group (P<0.05). The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups. ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.
2.Qiangjing Tablets Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Varicocele by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Liang DONG ; Fang YANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Yulin LI ; Xujun YU ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):347-359
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress. MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
3.Mechanism of Quercetin-loaded Exosomes in Improving Testosterone Synthesis in Leydig Cells from Correlation Perspective of "Disease, Syndrome, Formula, and Medicine"
Meijing WANG ; Xiucheng LAN ; Fangyue WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Guangsen LI ; Degui CHANG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):360-370
ObjectiveBased on the multidimensional correlation analysis framework of "disease, syndrome, formula, and medicine", this study aims to systematically elucidate the regulatory effects of effective components in Qiangjing tablet on testosterone synthesis pathways in testicular Leydig cells under oxidative stress, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of male infertility with traditional Chinese medicine and modern research on compounds. MethodsDisease targets for male infertility were obtained from The Human Gene Database (GeneCards, score ≥20), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD, score ≥150), DrugBank (score ≥0.2), and DisGeNET (score ≥0.2). Targets related to the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were acquired from the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome association database SymMap. Components of Qiangjing tablet were retrieved based on The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP), and they were screened according to a quantitative estimate of drug-likeness (QED ≥ 0.49) and a target confidence index>0.8. Intersecting targets were taken to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. The network was visualized with Cytoscape software and subjected to the functional annotation of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Quality markers (Q-markers) were predicted via the ADMETlab 2.0 platform based on Lipinski's rule, Pfizer's rule, GSK's rule, and the Golden Triangle. For experimental validation, rats' testicular Leydig cells were used. Exosomes were extracted and loaded with active components via the ultrasonic method. Exosome concentration was determined using a BCA protein quantification kit. Morphology was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The particle size was analyzed with a particle size analyzer. The surface marker proteins such as cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), cluster of differentiation 63 (CD63), and cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) were identified by Western blot, and drug loading capacity was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An oxidative stress model was induced by alpha, alpha'-azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH), and Leydig cells were divided into the following groups: A control group, an AAPH group, a quercetin group (Que group), an exosome group (Exo group), and a QUE-loaded Exo group (Que-Exo group). The cell viability was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) thiazolyl blue assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of oxidative indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and testosterone (T), were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of steroidogenic enzymes such as cytochrome p450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1), and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3), regulatory factors such as steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and miR-145-5p content, were detected by Western blot and real-time polymerse chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis reveals that the main active components of Qiangjing tablet for intervening in male infertility with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were Que, luteolin, etc., with the core mechanism involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis. Experimental results show that compared with the control group, the AAPH group exhibits significantly reduced cell viability (P<0.01), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), significantly elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and miR-145-5p (P<0.01), significantly reduced activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, as well as reduced testosterone content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of steroidogenic enzymes, SF-1, and StAR (P<0.01). The above indicators were reversed in the Que and Que-Exo groups (P<0.05). Compared with the Que group, the Que-Exo group showed more significant effects in enhancing cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, testosterone level, antioxidant enzyme activities, and expressions of key molecules in the steroidogenic pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Que, an active component of Qiangjing tablet, inhibits oxidative stress reaction, improves mitochondrial function in Leydig cells, upregulates steroidogenic enzyme expression, and restores testosterone production. As a carrier for Que, Exo enhance its stability, delivery efficiency, and biological effect. Additionally, miR-145-5p may be closely associated with testosterone synthesis, though its precise molecular mechanism requires further exploration. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine compounds with modern scientific technology, this research expands the paths for the modernized research of traditional Chinese medicine and opens a novel therapeutic direction with translational potential for clinical intervention of male infertility.
4.Research progress on exosomes in bovine nutritional metabolic diseases
Qingnian HUANG ; Renxu CHANG ; Jingyi WANG ; Huijing ZHANG ; Yue YANG ; Shihao SONG ; Ming LI ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2086-2094
In recent years,the intensification of dairy farming has significantly improved production efficiency but has also led to a rise in the incidence of metabolic diseases.Conditions such as keto-sis,fatty liver,and hypocalcemia pose serious threats to dairy cattle health and productivity.These diseases not only profoundly affect individual physiological function but also impose considerable economic pressures and challenges on farm management.As research advances,exosomes have e-merged as a novel intercellular signaling molecule,showing unique potential in regulating dairy cattle's nutritional metabolism.Studies suggest that exosomes hold promise as biomarkers for dis-ease and can even serve as carriers for disease detection and prevention.Acting as a crucial mediator of intercellular communication,exosomes play an important role in modulating the metabolic processes of dairy cattle.This review aims to systematically explore the role of exosomes in bovine nutritional metabolism and to provide new perspectives and theoretical support for their potential as tools for diagnosing,treating,and preventing metabolic diseases in dairy cattle,thus advancing research and practice in this field.
5.Research progress on exosomes in bovine nutritional metabolic diseases
Qingnian HUANG ; Renxu CHANG ; Jingyi WANG ; Huijing ZHANG ; Yue YANG ; Shihao SONG ; Ming LI ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2086-2094
In recent years,the intensification of dairy farming has significantly improved production efficiency but has also led to a rise in the incidence of metabolic diseases.Conditions such as keto-sis,fatty liver,and hypocalcemia pose serious threats to dairy cattle health and productivity.These diseases not only profoundly affect individual physiological function but also impose considerable economic pressures and challenges on farm management.As research advances,exosomes have e-merged as a novel intercellular signaling molecule,showing unique potential in regulating dairy cattle's nutritional metabolism.Studies suggest that exosomes hold promise as biomarkers for dis-ease and can even serve as carriers for disease detection and prevention.Acting as a crucial mediator of intercellular communication,exosomes play an important role in modulating the metabolic processes of dairy cattle.This review aims to systematically explore the role of exosomes in bovine nutritional metabolism and to provide new perspectives and theoretical support for their potential as tools for diagnosing,treating,and preventing metabolic diseases in dairy cattle,thus advancing research and practice in this field.
6.Research progress of digital twin technology in medicine and nursing
Zehui XUAN ; Jingyi XU ; Yuxin WANG ; Yirou NIU ; Yanling WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Hong CHANG ; Qian XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2529-2534
With the rapid development of digital technology, digital twin technology shows great potential for application in the medical and nursing fields. This paper reviews the main elements and key aspects of digital twins, their application scenarios and effects in medicine and nursing, and application challenges faced, with a view to providing innovative solution ideas for healthcare professionals and promoting the application and development of digital twins in medicine and nursing.
7.Experience of home-based digital-intelligent blood pressure management for ischemic stroke patients: a qualitative study
Yuxin WANG ; Hong CHANG ; Siying TIAN ; Jie ZHAO ; Jingyi XU ; Na YIN ; Xuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(23):3091-3096
Objective:To explore the experiences and needs of discharged patients with ischemic stroke during the implementation of home-based digital-intelligent blood pressure management.Methods:Using purposive sampling method, 13 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to the Department of Neurology of Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University and discharged to receive home-based digital-intelligent blood pressure management were selected for face-to-face semi-structured interviews between March and May 2024. Colaizzi 7-step analysis was used for the analysis.Results:A total of three themes and six sub-themes were extracted, namely, the double-edged effect under digital-intelligent empowerment (current situation of collision between technological novelty and cognitive generation gap, and contradiction between precision priority and lagging user experience), inertial resistance and behavioral reshaping in the process of digital-intelligent intervention (behavioral intervention exclusion under life inertia and self-efficacy enhancement driven by digital intelligence), and the "support disconnection" and the need for system reconstruction in home-based rehabilitation (professional guidance "vacuum" identity anxiety, and imbalance in the tension of family support networks) .Conclusions:Home-based blood pressure digital-intelligent management devices and programs for ischemic stroke patients need to be improved and developed. The role of multidisciplinary teams should be actively utilized, the digital divide should be emphasized, and post-disease family relationships should be reconstructed to further enhance patients' awareness of long-term blood pressure management.
8.Biological rhythm disorders in the aerospace environment and acupuncture prevention and treatment strategies
Jingyi ZHU ; Xiali OUYANG ; Ying XUE ; Li HAN ; Chang HUANG ; Rui HE ; Baixiao ZHAO
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):331-336
Long-term spaceflight,characterized by drastic changes in spatial position,disrupts the Earth's inherent environmental periodic signals,such as the day-night light-dark cycle.This leads to a misalignment between the external environmental cycles and the body's endogenous biological rhythms.The cumulative effect of this persistent"time difference"severely disrupts the core biological pathways that regulate the circadian rhythm.It triggers a series of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses,exemplified by sleep-wake disorders,which have become a core medical problem constraining the success of long-term space missions and astronaut health.Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)posits that aligning with the rhythmic changes of heaven,earth,day,night,and the four seasons,and maintaining the dynamic balance and harmonious functioning of the body's Yin and Yang vital energies,are fundamental principles for safeguarding vitality and resisting external pathogens and internal injuries.However,in the prolonged weightlessness,confinement,and abnormal lighting environment of deep space flight,the bond between the human body and natural rhythms is forcibly severed.Yin and Yang Qi become difficult to sustain,the mechanisms of ascent,descent,exit,and entry are obstructed,the visceral Qi transformation functions are impaired,and the circulation of Qi and Blood becomes disordered,ultimately leading to the onset of various disorders.This paper,grounded in the TCM temporal medicine perspective of"correspondence between heaven and human"(tian ren xiang ying)and the theories of Yin-Yang and Qi-Blood,meticulously reviews the historical classics and modern research on acupoint intervention strategies for addressing rhythm disorders and harmonizing Yin and Yang.Building upon this foundation,it innovatively proposes and argues for an integrated acupoint prescription strategy:the"Bei Xin Wu Xue"combined with the classic paired points Zhaohai(KI6)-Shenmai(BL62)on the lower limbs to regulate the dynamic balance of the Yin and Yang Heel Vessels(Yin/Yang Qiao Mai),and the classic paired points Taichong(LR3)-Yongquan(KI1)to guide Qi downward.This combination aims to work at multiple levels-"Heart-Brain,Yin-Yang,Liver-Kidney"-to calm the Heart Spirit,clear the Brain Mansion,and tonify the Liver and Kidney.The goal is to restore Yin and Yang Qi to an orderly and coordinated state,thereby assisting the disordered biological rhythm system in regaining homeostasis.This provides a novel TCM-inspired approach of"rhythm regulation and equilibrium restoration"(tiao shi fu heng)to safeguard the long-term in-orbit health of astronauts.
9.Research progress of digital twin technology in medicine and nursing
Zehui XUAN ; Jingyi XU ; Yuxin WANG ; Yirou NIU ; Yanling WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Hong CHANG ; Qian XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2529-2534
With the rapid development of digital technology, digital twin technology shows great potential for application in the medical and nursing fields. This paper reviews the main elements and key aspects of digital twins, their application scenarios and effects in medicine and nursing, and application challenges faced, with a view to providing innovative solution ideas for healthcare professionals and promoting the application and development of digital twins in medicine and nursing.
10.Experience of home-based digital-intelligent blood pressure management for ischemic stroke patients: a qualitative study
Yuxin WANG ; Hong CHANG ; Siying TIAN ; Jie ZHAO ; Jingyi XU ; Na YIN ; Xuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(23):3091-3096
Objective:To explore the experiences and needs of discharged patients with ischemic stroke during the implementation of home-based digital-intelligent blood pressure management.Methods:Using purposive sampling method, 13 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to the Department of Neurology of Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University and discharged to receive home-based digital-intelligent blood pressure management were selected for face-to-face semi-structured interviews between March and May 2024. Colaizzi 7-step analysis was used for the analysis.Results:A total of three themes and six sub-themes were extracted, namely, the double-edged effect under digital-intelligent empowerment (current situation of collision between technological novelty and cognitive generation gap, and contradiction between precision priority and lagging user experience), inertial resistance and behavioral reshaping in the process of digital-intelligent intervention (behavioral intervention exclusion under life inertia and self-efficacy enhancement driven by digital intelligence), and the "support disconnection" and the need for system reconstruction in home-based rehabilitation (professional guidance "vacuum" identity anxiety, and imbalance in the tension of family support networks) .Conclusions:Home-based blood pressure digital-intelligent management devices and programs for ischemic stroke patients need to be improved and developed. The role of multidisciplinary teams should be actively utilized, the digital divide should be emphasized, and post-disease family relationships should be reconstructed to further enhance patients' awareness of long-term blood pressure management.

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