1.Effect of warm acupuncture on PINK1/Parkin pathway in the skeletal muscle of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome
Huayuan LI ; Chun LI ; Junwei LIU ; Ting WANG ; Long LI ; Yongli WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1618-1625
BACKGROUND:It has been found that mitochondrial function is abnormal in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome,and the administration of coenzymes can improve the symptoms.Warm acupuncture is one of the most important treatments for this disease,but its mechanism of action is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of warm acupuncture on the phosphatase and tensin inducible kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway in the skeletal muscle of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS:After 3 days of adaptive feeding,32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control,model,warm acupuncture,and coenzyme Q groups with 8 rats in each group.The chronic fatigue syndrome model was established by multiple factors,including swimming exhaustion,chronic immobilization and fasting.After successful modeling,the normal group and the model group were treated with the same fixation and gavage procedures,and the warm acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Guanyuan,Zhongwan and Zusanli(bilateral)points,once a day.After the needling was inserted,the moxa pillar was put on the needle handle and ignited,three sessions once.The coenzyme Q group was given 1 mL/kg coenzyme by gavage,once a day for 14 days.The body mass,exhaustive swimming time and food utilization rate during the treatment were recorded.After the treatment,the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles of rats in each group were collected.The pathological morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,the mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome of the gastrocnemius muscle were observed by transmission electron microscope.The expression level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ protein in the skeletal muscle was detected by immunohistochemistry.Western blot was used to detect the expression of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅰ,and LC3 Ⅱ in the skeletal muscle. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the gastrocnemius muscle nuclei of the model group were pyknotic,condensed,the number of cells was increased,the cells were arranged disorderly,and the fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle were tightly arranged in the model group.Compared with the model group,the intercellular space became smaller,the nuclei were reduced,and the cell arrangement was orderly in the warm acupuncture group and coenzyme Q group.Compared with the normal group,the skeletal muscle mitochondria in the model group were swollen,fused,and vacuolated seriously,the membrane was partially broken,the matrix was more dissolved,the cristae was broken and disappeared,and autophagy appeared.Compared with the model group,the number of mitochondria increased,the arrangement was relatively neat,mitochondrial vacuolization and rupture of cristae in the gastrocnemius muscle were improved,the membrane structure was relatively intact,and autophagy occurred.Compared with the normal group,the expression of PINK1 protein in the skeletal muscle of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein was slightly upregulated(P>0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly upregulated in the warm acupuncture and coenzyme Q groups(P<0.05),and the up-regulation was more significant in the warm acupuncture group.To conclude,warm acupuncture can play a role in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome by activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway,upregulating LC3 Ⅱ expression,forming mitochondrial autophagosomes,promoting the degradation of damaged mitochondria,and improving mitochondrial quality.
2.Improvement effect of metformin on liver injury in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats
Shuang WU ; Hailin CHENG ; Dan LIU ; Ting XIAO ; Xingbang WU ; Huadong LI ; Xudong HU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):837-842
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of metformin (Met) on liver injury in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats by regulating the PI3K/AKT/PDGF signaling pathway. METHODS NASH model was constructed by feeding rats with a high- glucose and high-fat diet, and assigned into Model group, Met low-dose group (Met-L group, 100 mg/kg), Met medium-dose group (Met-M group, 200 mg/kg), Met high-dose group (Met-H group, 400 mg/kg), and high dose of Met+PI3K activator group (Met-H+740 Y-P group, 400 mg/kg Met+50 mg/kg 740 Y-P), with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 rats were regarded as the Control group. Each group of rats was orally administered/injected with the corresponding medication once a day for 6 consecutive weeks. The changes in body weight and liver index of rats were recorded and analyzed. The pathological damage [evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS)], lipid deposition (calculation of the proportion of oil red O-positive staining area), and fibrosis (calculation of collagen deposition score) were observed in liver tissue of rats. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in serum and liver tissue, the levels of serum lipid metabolism indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and liver function indicators [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine Δ 基金项目 武汉市知识创新专项项目(No.2022020801010588); aminotransferase (ALT)] were measured. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT/PDGF signaling pathway-related proteins and Caspase-3 in liver tissue of rats were determined. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, body weight, liver index, the levels of serum lipid metabolism indicators and liver function indicators, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and liver tissue, the NAS, the proportion of oil red O-positive staining area, the collagen deposition fraction, and the levels of phosphorylated PI3K and AKT proteins, as well as the expression levels of PDGF and Caspase-3 proteins in liver tissue, were all significantly increased (P<0.05). The liver tissue showed severe pathological damage, characterized by an abundance of lipid droplets and pronounced collagen deposition. After the intervention with Met, the aforementioned quantitative indicators and pathological changes in rats were significantly improved in a dose- dependent manner (P<0.05). 740 Y-P could reverse the improvement effects of high dose of Met on the above indexes of rats (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Met can improve liver damage, and alleviate inflammatory reactions and liver fibrosis of NASH rats, the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting PI3K/AKT/PDGF signaling pathway.
3.Exploring the Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Post-Radiofrequency Ablation Recurrence of Arrhythmia Based on the "Qi-blood-meridians" System
Yongyuan CAI ; Ting LIU ; Mengran LI ; Zhongmin YAN ; Tianfu NIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):841-845
Based on the "Qi-blood-meridians" system, it is proposed that recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for arrhythmia originates from damage to the heart and injury to the meridians caused by thermal burns. Disorder of qi movement, blood obstruction and heat constraint are the prerequisites for recurrence, while internal consumption of deficient qi, yin damage and scarce blood are key factors in frequent episodes. Latent pathogen of both phlegm and stasis, along with condensation of pathogenic yin, is the main cause of disease progression. Accordingly, self-made Tong Xin Beverage (通心饮) with 18 herbs is used throughout the postoperative intervention process to nourish the heart, unblock the meridians, restore vessels in balance of yin and yang. Self-made Qingxin Dingji Decoction (清心定悸汤) can be used to promote qi movement, diffuse stagnation, relieve heat and activate blood circulation so as to facilitate early recovery. Self-made Peiben Yangxin Decoction (培本养心汤) can boost qi and nourish yin, harmonize the ying (营) level and nourish blood, thereby improving long-term prognosis. In addition, Shiwei Wendan Decoction combined (十味温胆汤) with Taoren Honghua Decoction (桃仁红花煎) resolves phlegm, dissipates masses, removes stasis, and softens hardness, which can be used to prevent disease aggravation. These approaches aim to provide ideas and references for clinical practice.
4.Comparative Efficacy of Amiodarone and Lidocaine in Patients with Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Zhimao LI ; Dandi WANG ; Ting ZHANG ; Qimin MEI ; Yecheng LIU ; Huadong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):406-415
To investigate the efficacy of amiodarone and lidocaine in cardiac arrest patients. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases through to January 1, 2024. All studies comparing lidocaine, amiodarone, and placebo for cardiac arrest were included. Meta-analysis was performed, and the primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes was survival to 24 h or hospital admission. Three RCTs and seven non-randomized intervention studies were included. Compared with placebo, amiodarone can improve the likelihood of survival to 24 h/hospital admission ( Limited RCTs directly compared amiodarone and lidocaine. No significant difference was found between amiodarone and lidocaine in improving 24 h/admission survival rate in RCTs. While compared to amiodarone and placebo, lidocaine can improve 24 h/admission survival rate and discharge survival rate in non-randomized intervention studies.
5.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis of Skeletal Muscle via PINK1 Pathways to Resist Exercise-induced Fatigue
Huani WEI ; Ting JIANG ; Juan PENG ; Chunxiang JING ; Wei LIU ; Huashan PAN ; Daorui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):31-39
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on exercise-induced fatigue and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank, model, low-, medium-, high-dose (4.1, 8.2, 16.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Buzhong Yiqitang, and vitamin C (0.04 g·kg-1) groups. The blank and model groups were administrated with normal saline. Each group was administrated with corresponding agents by gavage at a dose of 0.2 mL once a day. Except the blank group, other groups underwent a 6-weeks exhaustive swimming test under negative gravity. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected, and the thymus, spleen, liver, and kidney weights were measured. Serum levels of lactic acid (LD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed by kits to evaluate fatigue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes in the skeletal muscle. Electron microscopy was used to examine the skeletal muscle cell ultrastructure, with a focus on mitochondrial morphological changes. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ in skeletal muscle were determined by kits. The expression levels of key genes and proteins in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis pathways in the skeletal muscle were evaluated via Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), rises in serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.01), disarrangement of skeletal muscle, broken muscle fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle fiber gaps, abnormal morphological changes (increased vacuolated mitochondria and disappearance of cristae) of mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells, and decreased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the model group showed reduced content of ATP, weakened activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin), hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1 (HEY1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), sequestosome 1 (p62), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3B (LC3B) (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Buzhong Yiqitang prolonged the swimming exhaustion time (P<0.01), increased the weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.05, P<0.01). The skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showed neat arrangement, reduced inflammatory cells, intact mitochondria with dense cristae, and increased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showcased increased ATP content, enhanced activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, HEY1, LC3B, and Drp1 and mRNA level of HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated expression level of p62 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can prevent and treat exercise-induced fatigue by regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis of skeletal muscle via the HIF-1α/PINK1/Parkin and HIF-1α/HEY1/PINK1 signaling pathways.
6.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis of Skeletal Muscle via PINK1 Pathways to Resist Exercise-induced Fatigue
Huani WEI ; Ting JIANG ; Juan PENG ; Chunxiang JING ; Wei LIU ; Huashan PAN ; Daorui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):31-39
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on exercise-induced fatigue and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank, model, low-, medium-, high-dose (4.1, 8.2, 16.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Buzhong Yiqitang, and vitamin C (0.04 g·kg-1) groups. The blank and model groups were administrated with normal saline. Each group was administrated with corresponding agents by gavage at a dose of 0.2 mL once a day. Except the blank group, other groups underwent a 6-weeks exhaustive swimming test under negative gravity. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected, and the thymus, spleen, liver, and kidney weights were measured. Serum levels of lactic acid (LD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed by kits to evaluate fatigue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes in the skeletal muscle. Electron microscopy was used to examine the skeletal muscle cell ultrastructure, with a focus on mitochondrial morphological changes. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ in skeletal muscle were determined by kits. The expression levels of key genes and proteins in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis pathways in the skeletal muscle were evaluated via Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), rises in serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.01), disarrangement of skeletal muscle, broken muscle fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle fiber gaps, abnormal morphological changes (increased vacuolated mitochondria and disappearance of cristae) of mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells, and decreased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the model group showed reduced content of ATP, weakened activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin), hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1 (HEY1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), sequestosome 1 (p62), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3B (LC3B) (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Buzhong Yiqitang prolonged the swimming exhaustion time (P<0.01), increased the weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.05, P<0.01). The skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showed neat arrangement, reduced inflammatory cells, intact mitochondria with dense cristae, and increased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showcased increased ATP content, enhanced activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, HEY1, LC3B, and Drp1 and mRNA level of HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated expression level of p62 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can prevent and treat exercise-induced fatigue by regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis of skeletal muscle via the HIF-1α/PINK1/Parkin and HIF-1α/HEY1/PINK1 signaling pathways.
7.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Prophylactic salpingectomy as a preventative strategy for ovarian cancer in the general population:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Yuting TANG ; Haiying SUN ; Peiying FU ; Ting ZHOU ; Ronghua LIU
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e8-
Objective:
The impact of prophylactic salpingectomy on the prevention of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unclear, particularly in Asian populations where data is lacking. In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, we sought to assess whether prophylactic salpingectomy could reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer in the general population of multiple ethnicities.
Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to assess the effectiveness of salpingectomy, bilateral salpingectomy (BS), and unilateral salpingectomy (US) in reducing the risk of EOC and evaluating postoperative outcomes.
Results:
The final analyses included 6 eligible trials (5,747,056 patients), including 1 cohort study and 5 case-control studies. The analyses of these studies demonstrated that women who underwent salpingectomy had a significantly reduced risk of EOC compared to those who did not receive salpingectomy (odds ratio [OR]=0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.45–0.89; p=0.007). Five studies (5,746,469 patients) indicated a significant reduction in EOC risk among patients who underwent BS (OR=0.48; 95% CI=0.33–0.69; p<0.001).On the other hand, in the analysis of 4 studies (5,745,887 patients) that examined US, the association with EOC risk was not significant despite the protective trend (OR=0.82; 95% CI=0.64–1.06; p=0.12).
Conclusion
Our results indicate BS is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of sporadic EOC, but the results did not lead to the same conclusion for patients who underwent US. When a candidate or patient is undergoing a hysterectomy or has other benign diseases, prophylactic BS may be a safe surgical procedure that carries future benefits in terms of EOC risk.
10.Challenges and future directions of medicine with artificial intelligence
Xiaoqin ZHOU ; Huizhen LIU ; Ting WANG ; Xueting LIU ; Fang LIU ; Deying KANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):244-251
This comprehensive review systematically explores the multifaceted applications, inherent challenges, and promising future directions of artificial intelligence (AI) within the medical domain. It meticulously examines AI's specific contributions to basic medical research, disease prevention, intelligent diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, nursing, and health management. Furthermore, the review delves into AI's innovative practices and pivotal roles in clinical trials, hospital administration, medical education, as well as the realms of medical ethics and policy formulation. Notably, the review identifies several key challenges confronting AI in healthcare, encompassing issues such as inadequate algorithm transparency, data privacy concerns, absent regulatory standards, and incomplete risk assessment frameworks. Looking ahead, the future trajectory of AI in healthcare encompasses enhancing algorithm interpretability, propelling generative AI applications, establishing robust data-sharing mechanisms, refining regulatory policies and standards, nurturing interdisciplinary talent, fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and medical institutions, and advancing inclusive, personalized precision medicine. Emphasizing the synergy between AI and emerging technologies like 5G, big data, and cloud computing, this review anticipates a new era of intelligent collaboration and inclusive sharing in healthcare. Through a multidimensional analysis, it presents a holistic overview of AI's medical applications and development prospects, catering to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, this review aims to catalyze the deep integration and innovative deployment of AI technology in healthcare, thereby driving the sustainable advancement of smart healthcare.

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