1.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Analysis of depressive symptoms and associated factors among junior and senior high school students in Beijing from 2019 to 2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):60-64
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Beijing from 2019 to 2023, in order to provide a scientific basis for interventions targeting high risk groups.
Methods:
From 2019 to 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 88 927 junior and senior high school students from 16 districts in Beijing. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale(CES-D) was conducted to assess depressive symptoms. The Chi square test was used to compare the detection rates of depressive symptoms among different student groups, and the trend Chi square test was employed for trend analysis of detection rates across the years. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between the detection of depressive symptoms and related factors among junior and senior high school students.
Results:
From 2019 to 2023, the prevalence rates of depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Beijing were 20.45%, 18.19%, 16.64%, 17.89% and 18.17%, respectively, with an overall downward trend ( χ 2 trend =27.51, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for gender, monitoring year, educational stage,family structure,boarding status and has taken a medical leave of absence in the past year unhealthy dietary behaviors ( OR=1.80, 95%CI =1.73-1.87), physical inactivity ( OR=1.24, 95%CI =1.19-1.29), try smoking ( OR=1.46, 95%CI =1.35-1.58), try alcohol( OR=1.96, 95%CI =1.88-2.05), Internet addiction ( OR=3.88, 95%CI =3.57-4.22), and adverse ear related behavior ( OR=1.82, 95%CI =1.71-1.93) were all associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The prevalence depression symptoms among middle school students in Beijing showed a fluctuating downward trend from 2019 to 2023. Targeted interventions should be adopted to reduce the occurrence of depression symptoms among junior and senior high school students.
4.Trends of changes in classroom lighting and illumination of primary and secondary schools in Beijing from 2016 to 2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):134-139
Objective:
To understand the trends of classroom lighting and illumination of primary and secondary schools in Beijing from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide a scientific basis for targeted improvement measures.
Methods:
A sampling survey was conducted on the lighting and illumination indicators of 8 390 classrooms in primary and secondary schools in Beijing from 2016 to 2023. The survey included classroom daylight factor, window to floor area ratio, average illuminance and illuminance uniformity on the desks, average illuminance and illuminance uniformity on blackboards, as well as classroom lighting and blackboard illumination sources. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and the Chi square test, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the trend of classroom lighting and illumination changes.
Results:
Except the window to floor area ratio, the measured values and compliance rates of all lighting and illumination indicators showed an overall upward trend from 2016 to 2023 (daylight factor r = 0.27, χ 2 trend =206.80, average illuminance on the desk surface r =0.30, χ 2 trend =87.97, illuminance uniformity on the desk surface r =0.14, χ 2 trend =73.59, average illuminance on the blackboard r =0.33, χ 2 trend =477.43, illuminance uniformity on the blackboard r = 0.09, χ 2 trend =50.76) (all P <0.01). The lighting and illumination indicators of classrooms (included classroom daylight factor, average illuminance and illuminance uniformity on the desks, average illuminance and illuminance uniformity on blackboards) in urban schools, primary schools, and secondary schools from 2016 to 2023 showed an upward trend (urban r =0.23-0.40, χ 2 trend =88.66-392.18; primary school r =0.12-0.36, χ 2 trend =39.50-281.44; secondary schools r =0.06-0.31, χ 2 trend =11.79-213.73) (all P < 0.01 ). The illuminance uniformity on the blackboard in suburban schools showed a downward trend ( r = -0.09, χ 2 trend =31.53, both P <0.01). The illuminance uniformity on the desk surface in suburban schools showed no significant change ( r =0.03, χ 2 trend =1.23, both P >0.05). The other indicators showed an upward trend (daylight factor r =0.28, χ 2 trend =40.69, average illuminance on the desk surface r =0.24, χ 2 trend =16.35, average illuminance on the blackboard r =0.25, χ 2 trend =118.05, all P <0.01). The trends of classroom and blackboard illumination sources were that fluorescent lamps decreased year by year and LED lamps increased by year (classroom illumination sources χ 2 trend =1 059.82, blackboard illumination sources χ 2 trend =1 070.25, both P <0.01).
Conclusions
The classroom lighting and illumination in primary and secondary schools in Beijing has shown an overall improving trend from 2016 to 2023. However, problems remain, such as limited improvement of illuminance uniformity indicators, late start and poor effect of reconstruction in suburban schools. Further improvements are still needed.
5.Mechanism of Jinshui Huanxian Component Formula Ⅱ Combined with Matrix Softening in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Inhibition of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition
Xiaojie WU ; Mingyan LI ; Shiyu KUANG ; Xiling PENG ; Xiaorong HOU ; Han LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):108-121
ObjectiveTo determine whether Jinshui Huanxian component formula Ⅱ (ECC-JHF Ⅱ) and matrix hardness interfere with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during pulmonary fibrosis by regulating integrin β1 (ITG β1), and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. MethodsA pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was established by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM). To observe the disease progression at various time points, the mice were sacrificed before modeling and on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 after modeling for assessment of relevant indicators. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of drug intervention, the mice were given ECC-JHF Ⅱ and pirfenidone (PFD) by gavage starting on day 29 after modeling for 14 days of treatment, after which the mice were sacrificed. Pulmonary function, pathological changes, collagen deposition, lung tissue hardness and EMT markers were detected. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite hydrogels with different hardness were prepared in vitro using biomaterials such as eight-arm polyethylene glycol thiol (PEG-SH) and eight-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide (PEG-MAL). Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured in hard matrix culture dishes were treated with low, medium, and high doses of ECC-JHF Ⅱ (15.31, 30.63, 61.25 mg·L-1) to observe the intervention effect of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured on soft (3.8 kPa) and hard (culture dishes, ~ GPa) matrices were treated with ECC-JHF Ⅱ, respectively. The mRNA and fluorescence expression levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (CDH1), the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin (CDH2) and vimentin (VIM), as well as ITG β1, were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CDH1, CDH2 and ITG β1, and the biomechanical mechanism of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT and pulmonary fibrosis was further verified by knocking down and specific activation of ITG β1. ResultsECC-JHF Ⅱ treatment improved BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, as evidenced by significantly increased minute ventilation (MV) and 50% expiratory flow at tidal volume (EF50) (P<0.05), and significantly increased tidal volume (TV) after treatment (P<0.01) compared with the model group. Immunohistopathological analysis revealed attenuated inflammation and alveolar injury, reduced deposition of type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), and significantly decreased lung tissue stiffness (P<0.01), thereby alleviating disease progression. The real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the model group, the ECC-JHF Ⅱ group showed increased CDH1 expression and decreased CDH2 and VIM expression in mouse lung tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the EMT process to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro experimental results showed that both ECC-JHF Ⅱ and matrix softening reversed the EMT phenotype switch. Specifically, compared with the hard matrix group, the cells cultured on the soft matrix exhibited significantly upregulated expression of the epithelial marker CDH1 (P<0.01) and significantly downregulated expression of the mesenchymal markers CDH2 and VIM (P<0.05). Furthermore, ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the expression of ITG β1 both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown and specific activation of ITG β1 further confirmed that ITG β1 is involved in the regulatory process by which ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibits EMT and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis
6.Total triterpenoids from Hovenia dulcis increase sensitivity of A549/DDP to cisplatin by inducing Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis
Xiao-lan KUANG ; Dong-ning SHEN ; Ting FU ; Fan WU ; Jian-zhan YANG ; Jin-lang ZHONG ; Bo LIU ; Fang-fang XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2128-2134
Aim To elucidate the underlying mecha-nism by which total triterpenoids extracted from Hove-nia dulcis(H-TP)enhance the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.Methods The ARE-Nrf2 lu-ciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the impact of H-TP on Nrf2 expression.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1,Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway,apoptosis-related proteins of Bcl-2 and Bax.Further validation of its effects on Nrf2 was conducted by using Nrf2 activator/inhibitor.Results H-TP could enhance the sensitivi-ty of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2,inhibiting the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signating pathway in A549/DDP cells,and inducing ferroptosis.Conclusion H-TP enhances the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by inducing the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway.
7.Analysis of pathogenic features of mucoid Haemophilus influenzae infection in children
Jianlong LIU ; Mei DENG ; Chunrong SONG ; Min FU ; Ya LIU ; Caizhi HUANG ; Min KUANG ; Xiaomei WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1287-1293
Whole-genome sequencing, serotype typing, MLST typing, population genetic structure analysis, and core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis were performed on 23 strains of mucoid Haemophilus influenzae collected from the Laboratory Center of Hunan Children′s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022. Drug susceptibility tests were conducted using the automated microbial identification and susceptibility analysis system AF-600, and virulence genes and drug resistance genes were analyzed based on the whole-genome sequences. Based on the serotype typing of whole-genome sequencing, all 23 strains were Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). MLST analysis revealed that the 23 strains belonged to six ST types, among which 10 strains (43.5%) were ST386, 5 strains (21.7%) were ST18, and 2 strains (8.7%) were the newly discovered ST2887. Bayesian population structure analysis (BAPS) showed three distinct populations. The results of the virulence gene analysis showed that the carriage rates of genes encoding capsule-related proteins and those associated with bacterial immune regulation and inflammatory signaling pathways were all 100%. However, the ompP5 gene related to bacterial adhesion, and the hgpC and hxuA genes related to bacterial protein metabolism were all present in the newly discovered ST2887. The in vitro drug susceptibility test results of 23 strains of mucoid Hib showed that the resistance rates to ampicillin, cefuroxime, and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 13.0%(3 strains), 13.0%(3 strains), and 87.0%(20 strains), respectively. They were sensitive to other beta-lactam drugs. All the 23 strains of mucoid Haemophilus influenzae infected children were Hib, and the main ST types were ST386 and ST18. It is very important to advocate Hib vaccination.
8.Exploration on the Acupoint Selection Law of Post-Stroke Respiratory Dysfunction Based on Data Mining with R Language
Wenyan WU ; Yike CHEN ; Wanshan LI ; Xingyue LEI ; Tong LIU ; Weichuan KUANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):48-55
Objective To investigate the acupoint selection law in acupuncture therapy for post-stroke respiratory dysfunction through data mining techniques with R language;To provide references for acupoint selection of clinical acupuncture practice for this disease.Methods Clinical research literature about acupuncture therapy for post-stroke respiratory dysfunction was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science and Embase from the establishment of the databases to February 20,2025.An acupuncture prescription database was established using Excel 2021.R 4.4.3 was used to analyze acupoint application frequency,meridian tropism,regional distribution and specific acupoints,and clustering analysis and association rule analysis were performed.Results Totally 123 articles were obtained,including 123 acupuncture prescriptions,involving 110 acupoints with a total application frequency of 723 times.High-frequency acupoints included Feishu(BL13),Hegu(LI4),Zusanli(ST36)and Fengchi(GB20),etc.The most frequently used meridians were the Bladder Meridian,Ren Meridian,Lung Meridian and Stomach Meridian.Acupoints were predominantly distributed in the head,neck and back regions,with crossing acupoints being the most commonly employed specific acupoints.Clustering analysis identified five meaningful acupoint combinations.The acupoint pair"Feishu(BL13)-Pishu(BL20)"demonstrated the strongest association.Conclusion Acupuncture treatment for post-stroke respiratory dysfunction follows the principle of strengthening the spleen to resolve phlegm and ventilating lung qi.The core acupoint combination is Feishu(BL13)-Pishu(BL20),with additional a acupoints adjusted based on syndrome differentiation to optimize therapeutic efficacy.
9.Preliminary clinical study of miniprobe echoendoscope combined with balloon dilation in the treatment of refractory benign esophageal stenosis
Jing TANG ; Zhiqiang YI ; Qiaomu LUO ; Tao WU ; Dan YANG ; Jing KUANG ; Aimin LIU
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(3):1-6
Objective To explore the clinical value of mini-incision combined with balloon dilatation under the guidance of miniprobe echoendoscope in the treatment of refractory benign esophageal stenosis.Methods From October 2019 to October 2023,30 cases of esophageal early cancer with esophageal scar stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)were selected and randomly divided into study group(miniprobe echoendoscope guided small incision+balloon dilatation,15 cases)and control group[esophageal radial incision(ERI),15 cases],EUS in the study group judged the hierarchical structure of esophageal wall before operation,and excluded those with esophageal cancer recurrence and submucosal invasive growth.According to miniprobe echoendoscope,the length of scar segment and the scope of scar ring lumen were defined,and the location and length of pre-incision were defined,and then balloon was used to expand step by step.The short-term postoperative complications,Stooler dysphagia scale score and restenosis rate of the two groups were observed,and the feasibility,safety and efficacy were evaluated.Results The incidence of short-term postoperative complications 6.7%in the study group was significantly lower than that 46.7%in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the Stooler dysphagia scale score were(1.133±0.990)and(1.600±0.737)in the study group at 1 and 2 months after operation with significantly lower than those(2.067±1.033)and(2.467±0.915)in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Two months after operation,the restenosis rate was 13.3%,which was significantly lower than that 46.7%of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05),and the scar thickness under miniprobe echoendoscope(2.113±0.887)mm was significantly thinner than that(3.353±1.468)mm of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Preoperative miniprobe echoendoscope evaluation,can accurately locate lesions,endoscopic mini-incision combined with balloon mechanical expansion are safe and effective,with less pain and fewer postoperative complication.
10.Recommendations on clinical application of deutetrabenazine for treatment of tardive dyskinesia
Dengtang LIU ; Tianmei SI ; Li KUANG ; Qiang WANG ; Yingjun ZHENG ; Manli HUANG ; Kaida JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):65-71
Deutetrabenazine(DTBZ)is a selective oral small molecule inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2(VMAT2).Its pharmacological action works by inhibiting VMAT2,thereby reducing the release of presynaptic dopamine and alleviating tardive dyskinesia symptoms caused by long-term use of dopamine receptor antagonists.Compared with tetrabenazine,DTBZ has longer half-life,lower peak plasma concentration,and smaller plasma concentration fluctuations.Clinical studies demonstrate that DTBZ significantly improves abnormal involuntary movement in patients with tardive dyskinesia and has a favourable safety profile.Based on available clinical evidence and practical experience,this paper discuss the common questions about DTBZ including the suitable population,dose,duration of treatment,combination administration with antipsychotics,efficacy assessment and application in special populations.This article aimed to provide guidance and recommendations on clinical application of DTBZ for clinicians.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail