1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates AMPK Signaling Pathway to Prevent and Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review
Lijuan DAN ; Shuanglan CHEN ; Tianyuan WANG ; Xiaojie YOU ; Xiuyan LI ; Hongfei SONG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU ; Qiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):133-143
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation, regulating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting autophagy. Accordingly, AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with low toxicity, high accessibility, and multi-component, multi-target synergistic effects, has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment, particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM, and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets, exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years, elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment, basic research, and drug development.
2.Inhibitory effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment
Zeqian WANG ; Yanzhe DUAN ; Yige WU ; Dong MA ; Jianjun HUANG ; Yuqing YAN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4044-4051
BACKGROUND:Hydroxy safflower yellow A has anti-ischemia,anti-oxidation,anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects.Whether it affects neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis and its mechanism. METHODS:HT22 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into five groups:normal group,model group,hydroxy safflower yellow A group,colivelin group,and colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.HT22 cells were treated with glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation to establish neuronal pyroptosis model,and then treated with STAT3 agonist Colivelin and hydroxy safflower yellow A.JC-1 probe was employed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.Reactive oxygen species kit was used to determine the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.GSDMD/TUNEL staining was conducted to observe cell pyroptosis.Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect STAT3 and GSDMD protein expression.RT-PCR was utilized for assessing mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1.Western blot assay was utilized to measure the protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the number of pyroptotic cells increased in HT22 cells in the model group along with a significant increase in protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,Cleaved-caspase-1,GSDMD,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the model group,the number of pyroptotic cells reduced,and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins significantly decreased in the hydroxy safflower yellow A group.(2)In comparison with the model group,pyroptosis worsened in the colivelin group where mitochondrial membrane potential decreased along with elevated reactive oxygen species content and increased mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1,as well as increased protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the Colivelin group,above indexes were improved in the colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.These results suggest that hydroxy safflower yellow A plays a neuroprotective role through STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit HT22 pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment.
3.Analysis of risk factors and establishment of prediction model of acute pancreatitis complicated with hypotension
Dan DONG ; Lijuan CHEN ; Hehua YU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(5):509-513
Objective To investigate the risk factors of acute pancreatitis(AP)complicated with hypotension and establish a prediction model.Methods From April 2020 to April 2024,198 patients with AP in our hospital were selected as the research objects.The incidence of hypotension during treatment was measured.Patients with hypotension were included in the observation group,and those without hypotension were included in the control group.The risk factors of hypotension in AP patients were screened by Logistic regression analysis.R3.5.1 software was used to establish and verify the prediction model of AP complicated hypotension based on the selected risk factors.Results Among 198 AP patients during hospitalization,88(44.44%)had hypotension.Advanced age,history of hypotension,combined hypertension,severity of disease,secondary infection and respiratory system damage were the independent risk factors for AP complicated hypotension,and higher body mass index(BMI)was the protective factor(P<0.05).The C-index of the nomogram prediction model was 0.899,and the AUC for predicting AP with hypotension was 0.899(95%CI:0.848-0.937).The sensitivity was 85.23%,the specificity was 83.64%,the Yoden index was 0.689,the Brier score of the calibration curve was 0.146 and the calibration slope was 0.735.The risk of AP complicated with hypotension predicted by the nomogram model was in good agreement with the actual risk.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model established based on influencing factors demonstrates good discrimination and applicability in predicting AP complicated with hypotension.
4.Three-dimensional finite element analysis of digital wire loop space maintainers for missing deciduous teeth.
Lijuan MA ; Yonghui TENG ; Yong WANG ; Yijiao ZHAO ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Qingzhao QIN ; Dong YIN
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):376-383
OBJECTIVE:
To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of a digital wire loop space maintainer for the mandible and primary tooth loss, in order to investigate the stress, deformation, and shear force experienced by patients with the loss of the second primary molar when wearing the wire loop space maintainer.
METHODS:
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed on the patients to create a digital model of the mandible with the absence of the second primary molar using Mimics 21.0 software. A digital model integrating the crown's retention and the wire loop structure of the full crown and ring wire loop space maintainer was constructed using pediatric space maintainer design software, utilizing three different materials: cobalt-chromium alloy, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and titanium alloy. In ANSYS Work Beach 2023 R2 software, vertical loads of 70 N, tilted 45° along the long axis of the tooth loads of 70 N, and a 10 N load on the surface of the wire loop were applied to the occlusal surfaces of models 46 and 84, simulating centric and lateral occlusions during chewing with the wire loop space maintainer in place. The stress states of the wire loop space maintainer and supporting teeth were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Under various loading conditions, the maximum principal stress of the ring wire loop space maintainer was significantly lower than that of the full crown. Stress contour maps indicated that the peak of the maximum principal stress occurred at the junction of the wire loop and crown structure, indicating that this area was more susceptible to fracture. The ring wire loop space maintainer made from PEEK material exhibited the lowest maximum shear stress on the internal organizational surfaces, with equivalent stresses of 23.18 MPa and 36.35 MPa for models 46 and 84, respectively. Stress contour maps demonstrated that the maximum stress on tooth 46 was located at its mesial, while the maximum stress on tooth 84 was situated near the root area on its distal, in contact with the wire loop space maintainer.
CONCLUSION
In cases of second primary molar loss, wearing the digital ring wire loop space maintainer can effectively distribute stress, and the ring wire loop space maintainer made from PEEK material reduces the stress experienced by supporting teeth to some extent, demonstrating its superiority in clinical application.
Finite Element Analysis
;
Humans
;
Tooth, Deciduous
;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
;
Space Maintenance, Orthodontic/methods*
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Imaging, Three-Dimensional
;
Orthodontic Wires
;
Dental Stress Analysis
;
Mandible
;
Stress, Mechanical
5.Moxibustion promotes endometrial repair in rats with thin endometrium by inhibiting the NLRP3/pyroptosis axis via upregulating miR-223-3p.
Haiyi ZHOU ; Siyi HE ; Ruifang HAN ; Yongge GUAN ; Lijuan DONG ; Yang SONG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1380-1388
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism through which moxibustion promotes endometrial repair in rats with in thin endometrium (TE).
METHODS:
Female SD rats were randomized into control group, 95% anhydrous ethanol-induced TE model group and moxibustion (at "Guan Yuan") group. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify the target genes of TE, and the targeting relationship between miR-223-3p and NLRP3 was verified using a dual luciferase assay. Histopathological of rat uterus was observed with HE staining, and expressions of miR-223-3p and NLRP3 were detected using RT-qPCR; serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 of the rats were detected using ELISA, and protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and GSDMD in the uterus were detected with Western blotting. The pregnancies of the rats after treatment were counted.
RESULTS:
Enrichment analysis of the differential genes suggested up-regulated inflammatory response in TE, and dual luciferase assay verified targeted inhibition of NLRP3 expression by miR-223-3p. The rat models of TE had significantly decreased endometrial thickness and reduced endometrial glands and blood vessels with enhanced mRNA expression of NLRP3, increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18, up-regulated protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and GSDMD, lowered pregnancy rates on both the affected and unaffected sides and the overall number of pregnancies. Treatment of the rat models with mo-xibustion obviously increased the endometrial thickness and the density of glands and blood vessels, up-regulated miR-223-3p expression, lowered serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels and the protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and GSDMD, and significantly increased the number of pregnancies.
CONCLUSIONS
Moxibustion at "Guan Yuan" acupoint up-regulates the expression of miR-223-3p, which results in targeted inhibition of NLRP3 to suppress pyroptosis and promote endometrial repair in rat models of TE.
Animals
;
Female
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Endometrium/pathology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Moxibustion
;
Pyroptosis
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Up-Regulation
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Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
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Interleukin-18
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Caspase 1/metabolism*
6.Application and effectiveness evaluation of the"cloud-based PAD class"blended teaching model in on-line clinical clerkship teaching of palliative oncology
Xueqin LI ; Hui DONG ; Lijuan ZHANG ; Quan GONG ; Chunyan ZHOU ; Jun LI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yunhua WANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(10):1623-1627
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a blended teaching model integrating the HBOPPPS framework(Hybrid Bridge-in,Objectives,Pre-assessment,Participatory learning,Post-assessment,Summary)and the"Cloud-based PAD Class"(Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion)in online clinical clerkship teaching for palliative oncology.Methods A self-con-trolled trial was conducted in October 2023,involving 41 undergraduate students majoring in Food Hygiene and Nutrition(Grade 2021)from Kunming Medical University.Phase 1 implemented conventional online teaching(control group),while Phase 2 adopted the"HBOPPPS+Cloud-based PAD Class"blended approach(experimental group).Teaching effectiveness was assessed via post-class examination scores,classroom participation rates,and satisfaction surveys.Results The experimental group dem-onstrated significantly higher outcomes than the control group:examination scores(86.34±4.19 vs.80.02±3.63,P<0.05),classroom participation(51.2%vs.12.2%,P<0.05),and teaching satisfaction(95.1%vs.80.5%,P<0.05).Conclu-sionThe"HBOPPPS+Cloud-based PAD Class"blended teaching model effectively enhances online clinical clerkship outcomes in palliative oncology,significantly improving students' learning initiative,engagement,and classroom participation.
7.Development of blood glucose management review indicators and analysis of obstacles for diabetic nephropathy patients with hemodialysis based on i-PARIHS
Xiaoqiao QIU ; Leyao ZHENG ; Jin WANG ; Xiangqin YIN ; Zhilan HE ; Xiaolan LUO ; Lijuan DONG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(32):4428-4436
Objective:To evaluate the application of blood glucose management evidence in hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy within clinical practice, establish review indicators, and analyze both obstacles and enablers.Methods:Based on the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness, and effectiveness (FAME) principle, the best evidence for blood glucose management in hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy was evaluated. Ultimately, 21 pieces of evidence were included, and review indicators were established. A baseline review was conducted at the Hemodialysis Center of the Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, from August to September 2024. Based on the review findings, obstacles and enablers in the evidence-based practice process were analyzed, and change strategies were developed.Results:A total of 39 review indicators were established. Among these, one indicator achieved a 100.00% implementation rate, four indicators achieved an implementation rate between 80.00% and <100.00%, six indicators achieved an implementation rate between 60.00% and<80.00%, 19 indicators achieved an implementation rate between>0 and<60.00%, and nine indicators achieved a 0 implementation rate. After analyzing each review indicator, the primary obstacles included evidence not being transformed into clear and accessible formats, low awareness among healthcare providers and patients, lack of incentive mechanisms, significant gaps from existing nursing processes, insufficient manpower, need for external support, and requirement for additional training. Additionally, factors that promoted evidence translation included reliable sources of evidence, recognition and support for change from administrators and teams, a culture and experience of change within the team, the potential for change to yield significant benefits, and the availability of resources within the hospital to support the change.Conclusions:There is a significant gap between blood glucose management evidence and clinical practice among hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy. Appropriate change strategies should be developed through clinical review and analysis of obstacles and enablers to promote the translation and application of evidence in clinical practice.
8.GB promotes phagocytosis of myelin debris by astrocytes and mechanism discussion
Xiaohui LI ; Kexin LIU ; Lijuan SONG ; Jiezhong YU ; Dong MA ; Jianjun HUANG ; Qing WANG ; Cungen MA
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(1):19-24
Objective:To investigate the effect of ginkgolide B(GB)on astrocyte(AST)phagocytosis of myelin debris,and to investigate the mechanism of this functional therapy to demyelination by targeting AST.Methods:In vitro culture of AST,and divided AST into three groups:Control group,Myelin debris(Debris)group and Debris+GB group,incubed them in a constant temperature CO2 cell culture incubator for 24 hours,and then detected relevant indicators to observe the effect of GB on AST on phagocytic myelin debris.Results:Compared to the phagocytosis of myelin debris by primary AST,GB could effectively promote the phagocytosis by AST and show enhanced ABCA-1 expression(both P<0.05).Phagocytosis of myelin debris had no effect on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by in vitro cultured AST.Debris+GB increased the expressions of neurotrophic CNTF and B-FGF compared to Debris(both P<0.05).Furthermore,Debris+GB decreased Bax and Caspase-3,while increased Bcl-2 expression(all P<0.05).Conclusion:GB can promote the phagocytosis of myelin debris by AST,which may be related to the upregulation of ABCA-1.Meanwhile,phagocytosis of myelin debris by AST increases the expression of the neurotrophic factors and the inhibits the apoptosis of AST themselves.
9.Hydroxylsafflower Yellow A inhibits microglial NLRP3-mediated neural function injury after ischemic stroke through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Lijun YIN ; Yige WU ; Cunyan DAN ; Kexin LIU ; Jiaxu ZHANG ; Cungen MA ; Dong MA ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):1820-1825,1832
Objective:To explore effects and mechanism of Hydroxylsafflower Yellow A(HSYA)on expression of NLRP3 in glial cells after cerebral ischemic injury.Methods:A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model was established in male SD rats.After successfully modeling for 24 h,Longa scoring and corner test were used to evaluate degree of neurological dys-function.Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect expressions of JAK2/STAT3 molecules and NLRP3,ELISA was used to measure IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α levels.A glucose-oxygen deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R)model was established in microg-lia,and JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitor AG490 was used to further verify action of HSYA on NLRP3.Results:Compared with sham group,neurological dysfunction aggravated in MCAO/R group(P<0.01),HSYA treatment improved neurological function(P<0.01).Expres-sions of p-JAK2,p-STAT3 and NLRP3 in MCAO/R group were higher than those in the sham group(P<0.01);and HSYA treatment reduced expressions of p-JAK2,p-STAT3 and NLRP3(P<0.01).Levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were higher in MCAO/R group than sham group(P<0.01),and HSYA inhibited expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.01 or P<0.05).In vi-tro experiments showed expressions of p-JAK2,p-STAT3 and NLRP3 in OGD/R group were significantly higher than normal control group(P<0.01),after adding AG490,phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 decreased,NLRP3 expression was inhibited(P<0.01).Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α levels were higher in OGD/R group than normal control group(P<0.01),and HSYA inhibited expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion:HSYA alleviates brain damage,probably by regu-lating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting NLRP3 expression in microglia after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.
10.Protective effects of Sophora subprostrate polysaccharide against oxidative dam-age in IPEC-J2 cells
Shuang XU ; Kunzhao YANG ; Xin GUO ; Yiqin CHEN ; Siyin YAN ; Zhengke HE ; Lijuan SU ; Qi MA ; Shiqi DONG ; Liting CAO ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):330-340
The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect and possible related mechanisms of Sophora subprostrate polysaccharide(SSP)on intestinal epithelial cell injury in-duced by Tert-Butyl hydroperoxide(TBHP).The optimal dose of TBHP and the safe concentra-tion range of SSP were determined using the MTT method.In this study,IPEC-J2 cells were divid-ed into five groups:the control group,the model group,the SSPL group,the SSPM group and the SSPH group,and the cell morphology,cell survival rate and LDH release rate were observed and measured.The content of intracellular reactive ROS was observed and determined by DCFH-DA staining.The content of MDA in the supernatant and the antioxidant index of cells were determined by the reagent kit.Transcriptome technology was employed to analyze the potential mechanisms by which SSP mitigates oxidative damage in IPEC-J2 cells.The results showed that treatment with 625 μmol/L TBHP for 2 h significantly reduced the activity of IPEC-J2 cells,markedly increased LDH release(P<0.05),inhibited CAT superoxide SOD and glutathione GPX activities(P<0.05),and significantly elevated MDA and ROS levels(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,after SSP treatment,intracellular ROS levels were significantly reduced(P<0.05),while CAT,SOD,and GPX activities were significantly increased(P<0.05),and MDA content and LDH re-lease were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in a dose-dependent manner.Transcriptome analysis revealed that TBHP treatment significantly altered the transcriptional profiles of IPEC-J2 cells,while SSP treatment could restore the transcriptional profiles of the damaged cells to a certain ex-tent.Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)indicated that the differentially expressed genes between the CC and TBHP groups were significantly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation,ribosome,and other pathways.Meanwhile,the differentially expressed genes between the SSP and TBHP groups were mainly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation,ap-optosis,glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism,and other pathways.These results suggest that TBHP may disrupt normal oxidative respiration in IPEC-J2 cells by affecting oxidative phospho-rylation and interfering with metabolism pathways involving glycine,serine,and threonine,leading to oxidative damage in intestinal epithelial cells.Conversely,SSP treatment may potentially restore oxidative phosphorylation processes,alleviate lysosomal damage,reduce cell apoptosis,and miti-gate oxidative damage in intestinal epithelial cells through modulation of oxidative phosphoryla-tion,apoptosis,and lysosomal pathways.This discovery provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of SSP in alleviating oxidative damage in the porcine intestinal tract.

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