1.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
2.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
3.Persistent HPV Infection Among Women in Zhengzhou, China: A Prevalence Study
Haixia DUAN ; Jin QIAN ; Yao ZHANG ; Zhimin REN ; Guohong ZHAO ; Junyan HONG ; Xinmin LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(9):770-775
Objective To analyze the status of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the distribution of viral subtypes in the Zhengzhou region. Methods Clinical data of
4.Treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture involving anterior root of lateral meniscus with wire anchor nailing composite double pulley technique.
Kunming YANG ; Xinmin WANG ; Han WANG ; Guoshuai LIU ; Bing LI ; Yuxi BAI ; Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(4):440-445
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of knee arthroscopy with wire anchor nailing composite double pulley technique in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial avulsion fracture involving the anterior root of the lateral meniscus (LM).
METHODS:
Clinical data of 35 patients with ACL tibial avulsion fracture involving the anterior root of the LM admitted between January 2019 and September 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analysed. There were 20 males and 15 females; ages ranged from 10 to 57 years, with a mean of 29 years. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 3 to 20 days, with a mean of 9.6 days. Meyers-McKeever classification included 5 cases of type Ⅱ, 12 cases of type Ⅲ, and 18 cases of type Ⅳ. Preoperative anterior knee instability Lachman test and anterior drawer test were positive. The anterior root of the LM as well as the avulsion fracture block were fixed using suture anchor nails compounded with double pulley technique under arthroscopy. Postoperative X-ray films were performed to assess fracture healing; knee stability was assessed using the anterior drawer test and Lachman test, anterior laxity of the knee was measured by KT-2000, and knee function was assessed using the Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score; at last follow-up, the recovery of the meniscus was assessed using the McMurry test and knee hyperextension test.
RESULTS:
All the patients were successfully operated, the operation time ranged from 56 to 78 minutes,with an average of 67.6 minutes, and there was no nerve or blood vessel injury during operation. Thirty-five cases were followed up 12-18 months with an average of 15.1 months. During the follow-up, there was no infection, knee stiffness, loosening of internal fixation, fracture displacement, or re-fracture. The fractures all healed, with a clinical healing time of 8-15 weeks, averaging 10.9 weeks. At last follow-up, 4 patients had weakly positive anterior drawer test and Lachman test, and the rest were negative; McMurry test and knee hyperextension test were negative; no patient complained of knee extension pain or straightening obstacles, and all the patients resumed their normal life or sports and labour; 16 patients with unclosed epiphyses did not have any epiphyseal injuries or growth disorders. Lysholm score, IKDC score, and KT-2000 anterior knee laxity at last follow-up significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The treatment of ACL tibial avulsion fracture involving the anterior root of the LM with suture anchor composite double pulley technique can effectively fix the anterior root of the LM while fixing the avulsion fracture block, and better restore the function and stability of the knee joint.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Arthroscopy/methods*
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Fractures, Avulsion/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery*
;
Child
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Suture Anchors
;
Menisci, Tibial/surgery*
;
Tibial Meniscus Injuries/surgery*
;
Bone Nails
;
Knee Joint/surgery*
5.IL-24 promotes atopic dermatitis-like inflammation through driving MRSA-induced allergic responses.
Xinmin QIAN ; Meiyi TONG ; Tianqing ZHANG ; Qingqing LI ; Meng HUA ; Nan ZHOU ; Wenwen ZENG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(3):188-210
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder in which patients experience recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching. The colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is correlated with the severity of the disease, but its role in AD development remains elusive. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we uncovered that keratinocytes activate a distinct immune response characterized by induction of Il24 when exposed to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Further experiments using animal models showed that the administration of recombinant IL-24 protein worsened AD-like pathology. Genetic ablation of Il24 or the receptor Il20rb in keratinocytes alleviated allergic inflammation and atopic march. Mechanistically, IL-24 acted through its heterodimeric receptors on keratinocytes and augmented the production of IL-33, which in turn aggravated type 2 immunity and AD-like skin conditions. Overall, these findings establish IL-24 as a critical factor for onset and progression of AD and a compelling therapeutic target.
Dermatitis, Atopic/genetics*
;
Interleukins/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/immunology*
;
Mice
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Keratinocytes/microbiology*
;
Humans
;
Interleukin-33/immunology*
;
Inflammation/microbiology*
;
Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Hypersensitivity/microbiology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
6.Chrysophanol affects macrophage polarization by promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis through AMPK/PGC-1α pathway
Lele Wang ; Caixia Tan ; Wei Zhang ; Ruihan Ge ; Chen Li ; Xinmin Wang ; Le Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(3):488-494
Objective :
To explore whether chrysophanol(CHR) affects macrophage polarization by promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis through AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.
Methods :
The molecular docking and binding ability of CHR with AMPK and PGC-1α were predicted by Autodock vina software. Human monocytes(THP-1) were induced to M0 macrophages by phorbol myristate acetate(PMA), and to M1 macrophages by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) combined with interferon-γ(IFN-γ), which were set as Control group. M1 macrophages treated with CHR were set as CHR group. M1 macrophages treated with CHR combined with AMPK inhibitor(Compound C) were set as CHR+Compound C group. The mRNA expression levels of M1 macrophage markers(iNOS, CD86) and mitochondrial biosynthesis related genes(PGC-1α, NFR-1, TFAM) were detected by Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). The expression level of M1 macrophage marker iNOS was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK and PGC-1α were detected by Western blot.
Results :
The docking results showed that the binding energies of CHR with AMPK and PGC-1α were-8.4 kcal/mol and-7.4 kcal/mol, respectively. qRT-PCR results showed that the in vitro model of M1 macrophages was successfully established. Compared with the Control group, CHR treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biosynthesis-related genes PGC-1α, NFR-1, and TFAM(P<0.001). Compared with CHR treatment group, CHR combined with Compound C treatment significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial biosynthesis-related genes PGC-1α, NFR-1, and TFAM(P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results showed that CHR treatment inhibited the protein expression of iNOS compared with the Control group(P<0.001). Compared with CHR treatment group,CHR combined with Compound C treatment reversed the inhibitory effect of CHR on i NOS protein expression(P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the Control group,the CHR treatment group had significant increase in the protein expression levels of p-AMPK and PGC-1α(P<0.001).Compared with CHR treatment group,CHR combined with Compound C treatment significantly decreased the protein expression levels of p-AMPK and PGC-1α(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Chrysophanol may inhibit macrophage polarization to M1 by activating AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway to promote mitochondrial biosynthesis.
7.Progress on vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer and its supplementation applications
Shujun ZHANG ; Tiantian LI ; Mingliang ZHONG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xinmin DONG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(3):404-408
Colorectal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in digestive system,because of its incidence and mortality rates rising annually in China,seriously threating to people's lives and health.Vitamin D plays an im-portant role in inhibiting colorectal cancer by suppressing tumor cell proliferation,promoting tumor cell apoptosis,inhibiting tumor cell migration,invasion,and angiogenesis and also,enhancing the body's immune system.This article summarizes and analyzes the specific mechanisms by which vitamin D inhibits the occurrence and develop-ment of colorectal cancer,and discusses the current progress in research on vitamin D supplementation,providing new references for the early prevention and adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer.
8.Epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of pertussis in Shandong Province from 2007 to 2022
Lei FENG ; Yan ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Guifang LIU ; Xiaodong LIU ; Manshi LI ; Li ZHANG ; Aiqiang XU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(1):33-39
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of pertussis cases reported in Shandong Province of China.Methods:Data on pertussis cases in Shandong Province from 2007 to 2022 were collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. At the same time, some case information was collected from the database of notifiable pertussis in Shandong Province from 2007 to 2022. The distribution characteristics and clinical features of pertussis were analyzed. A spatial distribution map of pertussis cases in Shandong Province was drawn.Results:A total of 26 122 pertussis cases were reported in Shandong Province during 2007-2022, with an annual incidence rate ranging from 0.11 to 5.77 cases per 100 000 people. Cases occurred throughout the whole year, with a seasonal peak occurring in spring and summer, especially in July and August. In recent years, reported cases were mainly distributed in the central and western regions of Shandong Province, with fewer cases in the eastern region. The hot spots of the disease shifted from Heze and Dezhou City in 2007-2013 to Jinan and Tai′an city in 2014-2022. The age range of onset was from 1 day to 93 years old. The proportion of cases with age≤1 year was the largest (41.81%, 10 922/26 122), and the proportion of cases aged 0-6 months decreased from 32.21% (67/208)-55.67% (157/282) within the period of 2007 to 2013 to 16.78% (883/5 263)-41.97% (444/1 058) within the period of 2014 to 2022, with a statistically significant trend ( χ2 trend=670.01, P<0.001). There were 13 682 male cases and 12 440 female cases, with a male-female ratio of 1.10∶1. The male-female ratio was 1.45∶1 (806∶556) from 2007 to 2013 and 1.08∶1 (12 876∶11 884) from 2014 to 2022. The proportion of women increased from 42.31% (88/208) in 2007 to 47.84% (2 518/5 263) in 2022, and with a significant trend ( χ2 trend=22.25, P<0.001). In pertussis cases, the proportions of scattered children, kindergarten children and students were 71.38% (18 645/26 122), 15.13% (3 951/26 122), and 11.60% (3 031/26 122), respectively. The top five clinical symptoms of pertussis cases were paroxysmal spasmodic cough (86.33%, 21 411 cases), flushing (39.61%, 9 824 cases), restless sleep (34.51%, 8 558 cases), fever (30.80%, 7 638 cases), and crowing (27.53%, 6 829 cases). Among 24 802 cases, there were 15 542 cases (62.66%) with a history of immunization against pertussis vaccine. Conclusion:From 2007 to 2022, the incidence rate of pertussis cases in Shandong Province shows an upward trend, with the majority being young children, and the clinical symptoms are relatively typical.
9.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Perimenopausal Syndrome
Shiwan HU ; Haiyan LIANG ; Kun MA ; Xiaona MA ; Zihan FANG ; Wenpei BAI ; Xinmin LIU ; Hongtian LI ; Fengmei LIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Lihua QIN ; Min SHANG ; Ailuan LAI ; Xiuxiang TENG ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):234-242
Perimenopausal syndrome (MPS), a common endocrine system disease, is one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The China Association of Chinese Medicine organized experts in endocrinology, gynecology, and interdisciplinary fields of both Western and Chinese medicine to discuss the advantages and challenges of diagnosing and treating MPS with Western medicine, TCM, and integrative medicine. Experts at the conference believe that MPS is initiated by estrogen decline and rooted in deficiency, with the pathogenesis being imbalance between Yin and Yang in the kidney. The hormone replacement therapy in Western medicine for menopause can rapidly alleviate related symptoms by quickly restoring the estrogen level and timely detect and delay complications of menopause, whereas such a therapy has certain risks, necessitating close monitoring of adverse reactions. Moreover, the various contraindications and precautions limit the clinical application of the hormone replacement therapy. TCM has advantages in synergistically alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, sleep disorders, and emotional abnormalities of MPS without causing obvious adverse reactions. However, its efficacy is slower than the hormone replacement therapy, and the TCM evidence for preventing and treating complications of menopause remains unclear. Three suggestions were proposed for the future development of both Western and TCM for ameliorating MPS. First, an integrated diagnosis and treatment system for MPS with both Western and Chinese medicine should be established. Second, high-quality evidence-based interventions for MPS should be developed with TCM alone or in combination with Western medicine. Third, efforts should be made to promote the new TCM drug development and the interdisciplinary cooperation for treating MPS.
10.Ganmai Dazao Tang Treats Breast Cancer-related Depression via MAPK/NF-κB Signling Pathway
Jieyuan LIU ; Yanli WANG ; Delian NIU ; Mengting LI ; Lijinchuan DONG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hongping HOU ; Guangping ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bo PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):170-178
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Ganmai Dazao Tang on breast cancer-related depression and explore the mechanism of the decoction in regulating immune inflammation and neurotransmitters via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. MethodBALB/c mice were randomized into control, model, fluoxetine (5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- and high-dose (crude drug 20 and 40 g·kg-1, respectively) Ganmai Dazao Tang groups (n=10). The mouse model of 4T1 orthotopic transplantation-induced breast cancer-related depression-like behavior was established. The depression-like behavior of mice was assessed by the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. RT-qPCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3),IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the proportions of immune cell subsets in the spleen and thymus. HPLC-MS/MS was employed to measure neurotransmitter levels in the cerebral cortex. Western blotting was employed to detect the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. ResultCompared with the model group, administration of Ganmai Dazao Tang at a dose of 40 g crude drug·kg-1 continuously for 4 weeks shortened the immobility time of modeled mice in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests (P<0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α (P<0.05), increased the proportions of T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, helper T 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and reduced the proportion of CD8+ T cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, it lowered the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and kynurenine (Kyn), decreased the kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) ratio (P<0.05), increased the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and down-regulated the protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (P<0.05). ConclusionGanmai Dazao Tang can down-regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α, restore 5-HT metabolism and Kyn/Trp balance, increase the 5-HT content, and reduce the activation of p38 MAPK, ERK, and the MAPK-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammation in the treatment of cancer-related depression.


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