1.Research progress on the chemical composition and antidepressant mechanism of volatile oils of traditional Chinese medicine
Yifei ZHANG ; Lu CHENG ; Mingshi REN ; Dao GUO ; Fengjiao KUANG ; Zonghua KANG ; Jianguang LUO ; Feihua WU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):22-30
Depressive disorder is a mental illness characterized by poor mood and cognitive dysfunction caused by a range of complicated factors. Antidepressants have strong short-term efficacy in clinical application, yet with significant adverse effects and resistance in long-term use. Essential oils are small molecular compounds mainly composed of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, most of which are characterized by aromatic odors, easy permeability through the blood-brain barrier, and low toxic side effects. Volatile oil from traditional Chinese medicine can regulate neurotransmitter monoamine, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and intestinal microbiota-gut-brain axis to exert an antidepressant effect through multiple pathways and targets. This review summarizes the main antidepressant chemical components of essential oil of traditional Chinese medicine, their pharmacological mechanisms and clinical application, aiming to provide some reference for further development and clinical application of essential oil of traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Association between maternal lipids during pregnancy and risk of offspring s overweight and obesity at 3 years of age
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1074-1078
Objective:
To explore the association between maternal lipid levels during pregnancy and the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age, providing scientific evidences for the prevention and control of childhood obesity.
Methods:
A total of 2 432 mother-child pairs with maternal lipid tests during pregnancy and offspring s physical growth data at 3 years of age were included from the Borin in Guangzhou Cohort Study up to September 2021. Lipid indicators, including high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), were measured at 13-19 +6 weeks (mid pregnancy) and 32-39 +6 weeks (late pregnancy). Children s body mass index (BMI) Z score were calculated according to the World Health Organization s growth standards for children under 5 years old. The lipid Z score were divided into four quartiles: Q 1, Q 2, Q 3 and Q 4. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between maternal lipid levels during pregnancy and offspring’s BMI Z score at 3 years of age. Poisson regression with a robust error variance was employed to evaluate the association between maternal lipid levels during pregnancy and the at risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age, after adjusting for maternal age at conception, education level, parity, pre pregnancy BMI and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Results:
There was a statistically significnt difference in the detection rate of overweight and obesity risk among children with different mothers s pre pregnancy BMI ( χ 2=22.85, P <0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that TG levels in late pregnancy were positively related to BMI Z score ( β=0.10, 95%CI=0.02-0.18, P <0.05). Poisson regression with a robust error variance indicated that, compared with the Q 1 group of TC, the Q 4 group of TC in mid pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age ( RR=1.59, 95%CI =1.04-2.44); compared with the Q 1 group of TG, the Q 4 group of TG during late pregnancy increased the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age ( RR=1.79, 95%CI =1.02-3.12) (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Maternal serum TC level during mid pregnancy can increase the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age. Maternal serum TG levels during late pregnancy is positively correlated with BMI and the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age.
3.New advances in pharmacological effects and mechanisms of ganoderic acid A
Zhen XIE ; Kang YE ; Rong KUANG ; Jingxian LU ; Bilian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(8):619-632
Ganoderma lucidum is one of the widely-used traditional Chinese medicines.Ganoderma lucidum extract and Ganoderma spore powder are also widely used in foods,health care and cosmetics,and are highly favored by consumers.Ganoderic acid A is one of the main effective components of Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids.In recent years,a large number of studies have proved that ganoderic acid A has anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,hepatoprotection,hypolipidemic,renoprotective properties,and has therapeutic potential in psychiatric and neurological disorders.,which has high medicinal value and good prospects for development.Based on review of domestic and foreign literatures in recent years,the new research progress in pharmacology of ganoderic acid A is summarized in this paper in order to provide references for its further development and clinical applications.
4.Renal tubular epithelial cell quality control mechanisms as therapeutic targets in renal fibrosis
Bao YINI ; Shan QIYUAN ; Lu KEDA ; Yang QIAO ; Liang YING ; Kuang HAODAN ; Wang LU ; Hao MIN ; Peng MENGYUN ; Zhang SHUOSHENG ; Cao GANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(8):1099-1109
Renal fibrosis is a devastating consequence of progressive chronic kidney disease,representing a major public health challenge worldwide.The underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis remain unclear,and effective treatments are still lacking.Renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs)maintain kidney function,and their dysfunction has emerged as a critical contributor to renal fibrosis.Cellular quality control comprises several components,including telomere homeostasis,ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS),autophagy,mitochondrial homeostasis(mitophagy and mitochondrial metabolism),endoplasmic reticulum(ER,unfolded protein response),and lysosomes.Failures in the cellular quality control of RTECs,including DNA,protein,and organelle damage,exert profibrotic functions by leading to senescence,defective autophagy,ER stress,mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction,apoptosis,fibro-blast activation,and immune cell recruitment.In this review,we summarize recent advances in un-derstanding the role of quality control components and intercellular crosstalk networks in RTECs,within the context of renal fibrosis.
5.Clinical characteristics of patients with puerperal schizophrenia
Xiaohua LU ; Haijing LI ; Qijie KUANG ; Wenying YI ; Yu XIA ; Nyunan ZHOU ; Yingjun ZHENG ; Shenglin SHE
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(1):52-56
BackgroundWomen may develop severe symptoms of stress disorder following childbirth, which may be exposed to a risk of developing mental health problems, and even lead to the recurrence of the illness in female patients with schizophrenia, while comparatively limited research has been undertaken concerning the clinical characteristics and treatment of puerperal schizophrenia in China. ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics of puerperal schizophrenia, so as to provide references for the clinical treatment. MethodsA total of 24 patients with puerperal schizophrenia who were hospitalized in the female ward of adult psychiatry department of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from 2012 to 2020 and met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia were included as puerperal group. Another 48 non-puerperal women with schizophrenia were concurrently enrolled as control group. Then the basic data, scores on Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the discharge medication were recorded. ResultsThe percentages of newly onset and positive family history of psychosis in puerperal group were larger than those in control group, with statistical significance (χ2=9.321, 5.240, P<0.05 or 0.01). Puerperal group scored higher on PANSS excitement factor (t=-2.220, P<0.05) and lower on negative factor (t=3.377, P<0.01) compared with control group. In terms of discharge medication, puerperal group reported a higher dosage of antipsychotic drugs (t=-2.095, P<0.05), and a larger proportion of combined use of benzodiazepines or antidepressants (χ²=21.316, 5.114, P<0.05 or 0.01) compared with control group, with statistical significance. ConclusionPatients with puerperal schizophrenia display increased ratings of excitement symptoms and decreased ratings of negative symptoms, which necessitates the use of high doses of antipsychotic drugs, and combined use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
6.Construction and Validation of Prediction Model of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Multivariate Regression Analysis in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Menghua KUANG ; Cong LU ; Mengjiao KUANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(1):158-161,204
Objective To explore the risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in the first trimester(12~13+6 weeks)of pregnancy,build a prediction model and verify it.Methods 433 singleton pregnant women delivered in the First People's Hospital of Shanghai from January 2020 to December 2020 were selected.They were divided into GDM group(n=188)pregnant women and non-GDM group(n=245)pregnant women according to a 75g glucose tolerance test results at 24~28 weeks of gestation.The electrochemiluminescence method measured serum biochemical indexes in early pregnancy,and glycosylated hemoglobinAlc was measured by ion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography.Using logistic regression analysis to screen the risk factors of GDM and construct a predictive model,draw the subject's work characteristic curve to analyze the model's predictive value.Ninety-five pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations at Shanghai First People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2021 were selected to validate the model's effectiveness.Results Compared with the non-GDM group,the level of body mass index(BMI)(23.41±11.17 kg/m2 vs 21.18±2.88 kg/m2),gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(γ-GGT)(16.61±10.62 U/L vs 14.00±8.35 U/L),triacylglycerol(TG)(1.90±0.58 mmol/L vs 1.57±0.55 mmol/L),glycosylated hemoglobinAlc(HbAlc)(5.25%±0.47%vs 5.07±0.34%),fasting blood glucose(FBG)(4.68±0.47 mmol/L vs 4.36±0.36 mmol/L),LDL/HDL(1.53±0.49 vs 1.41±0.50),TG/HDL(2.93±0.59 vs 2.71±0.58),and TC/HDL(1.19±0.49 vs 0.95±0.45)in GDM group was increased,and the level of highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL)(1.69±0.39 mmol/L vs 1.77±0.41 mmol/L)was decreased,the differences were statistically significant(t=2.613,2.818,5.874,4.582,17.701,2.458,3.815,5.310,-2.187,all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-pregnancy BMI,FBG,HbAlc,TG,and TC/HDL were all independent risk factors for predicting gestational diabetes(Waldχ2=4.48~35.549,all P<0.05).The prediction model constructed based on the selected risk factors was as follows:Logit(P)=-20.562+0.085(BMI)+1.921(FBG)+1.57(HbAlc)+2.248(TG)-2.302(TC/HDL).The model predicts that the area under the curve of GDM was 0.800(95%CI:0.757~0.842),the optimal cutoff value was 0.352,and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.00%and 66.00%,respectively.Ninety-five pregnant women validated the model,and its sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy were 84.50%,91.00%,and 85.30%,respectively.Conclusion The prediction model constructed by BMI combined with FBG,HbAlc,TG and TC/HDL in the first trimester(12~13+6 weeks)of pregnancy has a high predictive value for GDM.
7.Accuracy evaluation of bioelectrical impedance analysis in assessment of appendicular skeletal muscle mass in adults aged 18-42 years
Yiying ZHENG ; Hong CHENG ; Yuxian KUANG ; Zhenxin MA ; Weiye CHEN ; Keyuan LU ; Jie MI ; Li LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(4):549-553
Objective To evaluate the accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA)in measurement of appendicular skeletal muscle mass(ASM)of adults.Methods A total of 836 adults aged 18-42 years were recruited in Guangzhou using a convenient sampling method from April 2021 to September 2022.ASM was measured using BIA and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA).Using DXA as the standard method,the consistency between the BIA and DXA measurements was evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficients(ICCs)and Bland-Altman analysis in logarithmically transformed data,in order to evaluate the accuracy of BIA in ASM measurement.Receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of BIA for screening low muscle mass.Results A total of 774 individuals were included for analysis finally.ICCs for ASM measured by BIA and DXA were 0.774 and 0.667 in males and females,respectively.Mean ratios(limits of Agreement)of ASM were 0.94(0.80-1.10)and 0.91(0.78-1.05)in males and females,respectively.Area under curve of BIA for screening low muscle mass were 0.91 and 0.94 in males and females,respectively.The optimal cut-off values of Z-score by BIA for males and females were-0.57 and-0.66,respectively.Sensitivity and specificity for males were 82.5%and 86.0%,while being 86.8%and 93.8%,for females.Conclusion BIA shows a moderate consistency with DXA for measuring ASM in adults.Furthermore,BIA yields a good diagnostic value in identifying low muscle mass in adults aged 18-42 years.
8.Study on the Anti-thymic Atrophy Effects of Different Extracts from Root Tubers of Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg
XIE Zhen ; ZHANG Chenhui ; LU Jingxian ; YE Kang ; HE Licheng ; CHEN Shuhuai ; KUANG Rong ; ZHANG Jinsong ; CHEN Bilian
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(14):1913-1920
OBJECTIVE
To compare the anti-thymic atrophy effects of petroleum ether(PEE), ethyl acetate(EAE), n-butanol(BE) and water extract(WE) fractions from root tubers of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg based on mice thymic atrophy model established by intraperitoneal injection of PolyI:C to preliminarily investigate the mechanisms of its effects.
METHODS
One hunderd ICR mice were randomly divided into 10 groups: control group, model group, low- and high-dose groups of the four extract fractions, with 10 mice in each group. The control group and model group were given equal volume of purified water and gavaged for 10 d. Starting on the 9th day, PolyI:C solution of 16 mg·kg−1 was injected intraperitoneally for 2 consecutive days, except for the control group, which was injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline. Samples of thymics were weighed and and visceral index was calculated, blood samples were taken for analysis of IL-2, TNF-α and WBC, thymic histopathology was analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining, Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of TNF-α, p-NF-κB and NF-κB.
RESULTS
Compared with the model group, all groups of extracts could enhance the thymus weight and thymus index, as well as the cortex and medulla area ratio and the number of thymic corpuscles in 1 mm2 of medulla to different degrees, and at the same time, significantly reduce the level of TNF-α in plasma, evidently inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB, and reduced the protein expression of TNF-α, and each of them having distinct advantages and disadvantages. Peripheral blood white blood cell, lymphocyte absolute count and lymphocyte percentage were elevated in the low-dose WE group, low-dose EAE group and high dose PEE group, IL-2 levels were significantly elevated in the low-dose WE group and high dose BE group, and these effects were particularly well demonstrated.
CONCLUSION
Four extracts from root tubers of Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg can improve morphological changes and atrophy of the thymus tissue in different degrees, regulate of peripheral blood leukocyte imbalance in post-modeling mice, it may be related to the inhibition of PolyI:C-induced phosphorylation of the NF-κB and reduction of protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors.
9.Analysis of the prevalence and related factors for comorbidity of myopia, obesity, and depression symptoms among middle school students in Beijing
LUO Huijuan, SUN Bingjie, ZHAO Hai, CHEN Dongni, WANG Lu, GAO Ruoyi, KUANG Huining, E Boran, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(7):1045-1049
Objective:
To analyze the current status and related factors of comorbidity of myopia, obesity, and depression symptoms among middle school students in Beijing, so as to provide a basis for comprehensive public health interventions for common diseases.
Methods:
Through stratified cluster random sampling in October 2022, a total of 11 262 junior high school, senior high school, and vocational high school students in 16 districts of Beijing were surveyed with self administered questionnaires, physical examinations and visual acuity examinations. The χ 2 test and binary Logistic regression model were used to analyze group differences in the comorbidity of myopia, obesity and depression symptoms and factors influencing the comorbidity. Stratified analysis was applied to analyze the associations between health risk behaviors and the comorbidity.
Results:
The detection rate of comorbidity of myopia, obesity, and depression symptoms among middle school students in Beijing was 3.35%, the comorbidity rate among vocational high school students (4.61%) was higher than that in junior high school students (2.80%) and senior high school students (3.41%). The comorbidity rate was higher among students in suburban areas (3.66%) than that in urban areas (2.92%), and the differences was statistically significant ( χ 2=15.02, 4.63, P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression analyses indicated that middle school students with poor dietary behaviors ( OR =1.59) and excessive screen time ( OR =1.70) were associated with elevated risk of comorbidity of myopia, obesity, and depression symptoms. Both boys and girls with poor dietary behaviors ( OR =1.63, 1.69) and excessive screen time ( OR =1.45, 2.23) had elevated likelihood of comorbidity of myopia, obesity and depression symptoms. Students in junior high school and senior high school with poor dietary behaviors ( OR =2.16, 1.47) and excessive screen time ( OR =2.20, 1.63 ) had elevated likelihood of comorbidity of myopia, obesity, and depression symptoms ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The current status of comorbidity of myopia, obesity, and depression symptoms among middle school students in Beijing is concerning. Schools and parents should work together to guide students to develop healthy behaviors such as balanced diet and moderate video, in order to achieve the goal of controlling myopia, obesity and depression symptoms.
10.Glutathione Detection Method Based on Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Zhi-Wen WANG ; Jian KUANG ; Ao-Kun LIU ; Ruo-Tong WEI ; Lu YU ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(11):3034-3045
ObjectiveGlutathione (γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH) is the most abundant non-protein compound containing sulfhydryl (―SH) groups in cells. It serves as a source of reducing equivalents, effectively neutralizing harmful reactive substances, and playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular redox balance. Therefore, sensitive detection and accurate measurement of GSH levels in tissues are of great importance. In this work, we presents a novel method for GSH detection utilizing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. MethodsInitially, ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate acid)) solution was mixed with K2S2O8 solution and reacted in the dark for 12 to 16 h to prepare ABTS·+ solution, which was then quantified using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Subsequently, the concentration of glutathione (GSH) was determined based on the changes in the EPR signal of ABTS·+. On this basis, the optimal reaction time and temperature were explored to establish a standard equation correlating the EPR signal intensity of ABTS·+ with GSH concentration. Finally, the derived standard curve was employed to quantitatively analyze the GSH concentration in whole blood from C57BL/6J mice, and the results were compared with those reported in the literature to verify the accuracy of the method. ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that this method has a linear detection range from50 nmol/L to 15 μmol/L for GSH, spanning two orders of magnitude, with a limit of detection (LOD) at0.50 nmol/L. The measured GSH content in mouse whole blood is (10 660±706) nmol/g Hb, which agrees with the value of (11 200±237) nmol/g Hb as previously reported. Furthermore, a similar method was developed for detection of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) at higher reaction temperature. ConclusionThis article presents a novel assay for the rapid detection of GSH using the intensity of EPR signal from ABTS·+ as indicator. This method demonstrates enhanced detection sensitivity and a broader linear range compared to conventional colorimetric methods. Furthermore, we have extended the application of this method to detect GSH content in blood samples efficiently and accurately, offering valuable information for assessing tissue redox balance, thus holding significant potentials.


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