1.Analysis of Chronic Gouty Arthritis Animal Models Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yan XIAO ; Siyuan LIN ; Fan YANG ; Qianglong CHEN ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Meiling WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiali LUO ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):84-92
ObjectiveBased on the clinical characteristics of chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) in both traditional Chinese and western medicine, this study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing CGA animal models, providing recommendations for establishing animal models that align with the pathological characteristics of CGA and the manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. MethodsBy comprehensively retrieving Chinese and international databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and PubMed, all relevant literature on CGA animal models was collected. Based on the guidelines, the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine were summarized and organized. The evaluation indicators for the CGA model were constructed with reference to existing evaluation modes, and the CGA animal models were analyzed to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing models. ResultsThe current methods used to construct CGA animal models mainly include monosodium urate crystal induction, high-protein diet induction (poultry lack urate oxidase), and high-fat diet combined with urate oxidase inhibitors and joint injection. Based on 11 pieces of included literature, the traditional Chinese and western medicine scoring data of each model were extracted, and the average scoring values of all models were ultimately calculated. The results show that the average clinical concordances of existing CGA animal models in both traditional Chinese and western medicine are 43.33% and 64.44%, respectively. Among them, the model with the highest clinical concordance rate is the one with a high-fat diet combined with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia plus joint injection, achieving 83.33% clinical concordance in western medicine and 60% in traditional Chinese medicine. This model aligns well with the pathogenic characteristics and pathological changes of clinical CGA. ConclusionAlthough current CGA animal models can simulate some pathological characteristics of CGA, they struggle to comprehensively reflect the complex pathological processes of CGA and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to establish the CGA animal models that incorporate the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and formulate the uniform model evaluation criteria, providing more precise tools for CGA mechanism research and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Effect and Action Mechanism of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Prescription on Gouty Bone Erosion Model Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Zhuoming ZHENG ; Jun LIU ; Meiling WANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Yuwan LI ; Siwei PENG ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Ruifang YANG ; Youxin SU ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):105-117
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the effect of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi prescription (HSCD) on the gouty bone erosion model rats and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsThirty-six two-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group with nine rats and the modeling group with 27 rats. The rats in the modeling group were administered hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1·d-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1·d-1, combined with intra-articular injection of 200 μL monosodium urate (MSU) crystal suspension at 25 g·L-1 into the right ankle joint (joint injection once every three days), so as to induce the gouty bone erosion model. After four weeks of modeling, three rats were selected from these two groups to validate the model. The modeled 24 rats were randomly divided into the model group, HSCD group (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1), allopurinol group (20 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor group (LY294002, 10 mg·kg-1·d-1), with six rats per group. Except for the blank group, rats in all other groups continued to receive hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1 via gavage concurrently with administration to maintain modeling intervention. The rats in the HSCD group and allopurinol group received administration by gavage at the above doses. The rats in the inhibitor group received an intraperitoneal injection at the above dose. The rats in the blank group and model group received saline (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage for four consecutive weeks. After administration, ankle joint swelling of the rats in all groups was observed, and the diameters were measured. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone surface area to bone volume (BS/BV) were observed and quantitatively analyzed by Micro-CT. Histopathological changes in the ankle joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining. The uric acid in the rats' serum was determined by enzyme colorimetry. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in ankle joint tissues of rats were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of the proteins related to the bone erosion, including RANKL, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
3.Research progress of red light therapy for dry eye and visual fatigue
Yutong XIE ; Siyu JIA ; Jiamin GAO ; Ruofan LIU ; Meiling LI ; Jiangying LI ; Xi LUO ; Xiaonan LI ; Rong YAN ; Hongbo LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):636-640
Dry eye disease(DED)is a common ocular surface disorder worldwide, primarily characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), decreased tear film stability, ocular discomfort, and visual impairment. In recent years, factors such as the widespread use of digital devices,the aging population, and environmental changes have contributed to a significant increase in its global prevalence, making it a major public health concern. Red light therapy(RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT)or photobiomodulation(PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-energy red or near-infrared light to irradiate tissues. It exerts photobiomodulatory effects to promote cellular repair and functional recovery. This therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in treating various ocular conditions. Its broader clinical application could improve therapeutic outcomes, alleviate patient discomfort and financial burden, and reduce the consumption of healthcare resources, thereby yielding significant socio-economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the multifaceted mechanisms and application prospects of RLT in managing DED, including its anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of meibomian gland function, promotion of conjunctival goblet cell repair, and alleviation of visual fatigue, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for its clinical adoption.
4.Effects and mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Zhide ZHU ; Yan PANG ; Liyu XIE ; Jiayong CHEN ; Xinyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Junshen LU ; Weiqi SHI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups (12.25, 24.50 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and chemical medicine group (Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets, 10.42 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group; control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in serum and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL) in myocardial tissue were all detected; the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed; the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined; the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed; the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group,the serum content of NT-proBNP, apoptotic rate of myocardial cells, and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly; serum content of ATP,contents of PA and CL, and relative expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue, degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells, and severe fibrosis; the mitochondria were swollen, with reduced or absent cristae, and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction, the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats (excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group) were significantly reversed (P<0.05); the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved, fibrosis had significantly reduced, mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal, cristae had increased, and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats, thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis, the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.
5.Effects and mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure
Meiling MAO ; Jianqi LU ; Zhide ZHU ; Yan PANG ; Liyu XIE ; Jiayong CHEN ; Xinyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Junshen LU ; Weiqi SHI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group, Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups (12.25, 24.50 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and chemical medicine group (Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets, 10.42 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group; control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication, the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in serum and phosphatidic acid (PA) and cardiolipin (CL) in myocardial tissue were all detected; the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed; the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined; the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed; the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy protein 1 (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group,the serum content of NT-proBNP, apoptotic rate of myocardial cells, and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly; serum content of ATP,contents of PA and CL, and relative expressions of Mfn1, Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue, degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells, and severe fibrosis; the mitochondria were swollen, with reduced or absent cristae, and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction, the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats (excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group) were significantly reversed (P<0.05); the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved, fibrosis had significantly reduced, mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal, cristae had increased, and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats, thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis, the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.
6.The Regulatory Role of Glucose Transporter 1 on the Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Under Ischemia-hypoxic Conditions
Meiling LI ; Siqi GAO ; Zhefu LIU ; Huanyan LIAO ; Fanmao LIU ; Wenhao XIA ; Jun GUO ; Yan LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):444-455
Abstract: ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the effects and regulatory roles of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under ischemia-hypoxic conditions. MethodsIn vitro experiments were conducted to subject HUVECs to an ischemia-hypoxic-mimicking environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2). The biological characteristics of HUVECs under normoxic and ischemia-hypoxic conditions were compared by assessing cell viability, proliferation capacity, and examining the expression changes of GLUT1, HIF-1α, and VEGFA proteins under ischemia-hypoxia using Western blot technology. Further, GLUT1 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection and the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were evaluated through scratch assays, cell adhesion assays, and tube formation assays. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was detected by Seahorse metabolic analyzer to evaluate mitochondrial function. ResultsCompared with normoxic conditions, the ischemia-hypoxic environment significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell viability, migration, and adhesion capabilities of HUVECs and impaired their angiogenic potential. The expression levels of GLUT1, HIF-1α and VEGFA proteins were also markedly reduced. However, when GLUT1 expression was upregulated, the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were significantly improved, and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR were increased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ischemic-hypoxia leads to mitochondrial swelling and matrix damage, while GLUT1 overexpression significantly alleviates mitochondrial morphology abnormalities. OCR results suggest that GLUT1 overexpression may enhance oxidative phosphorylation of endothelial cells in ischemic-hypoxic environments to improve energy metabolism. These results suggest that GLUT1 may influence the function and angiogenic potential of HUVECs by regulating glucose metabolism and energy supply. ConclusionsThis study reveals the significant regulatory role of GLUT1 in the function of HUVECs under ischemia-hypoxic conditions, potentially through modulating cellular energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby affecting cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. These findings provide a new perspective on the role of GLUT1 in cardiovascular diseases and may offer potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
7.Research progress on ionizing radiation exposure and thyroid cancer
JIANG Xinyue ; LIU Jienan ; GAO Meiling ; WANG Yuchao ; HONG Yina ; YAN Jianbo
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):471-476,480
Thyroid cancer is caused by multiple factors, including genetics, environment, metabolism, and the immune microenvironment, among which ionizing radiation exposure is an important risk factor for thyroid cancer. As one of the most sensitive target organs of ionizing radiation, the thyroid gland may have different risks of thyroid cancer caused by different types of ionizing radiation exposures, such as medical exposure, occupational exposure, and emergency exposure. The sensitivity of children and adolescents are higher than that of adults. The dose-response relationship still needs to be further explored. The molecular mechanism between ionizing radiation and the increased risk of thyroid cancer is complex, which may involve DNA damage and repair abnormalities, gene mutations, non-coding RNA regulation, DNA methylation, cell cycle regulation imbalance, and immune microenvironment changes. This article reviews the risk and molecular mechanisms associated with different types of ionizing radiation exposure in thyroid cancer, based on literature retrieved from CNKI and PubMed databases. It aims to provide a theoretical basis for the early monitoring, prevention, and intervention of thyroid cancer related to ionizing radiation exposure.
8.Analysis of risk factors for obstetric septic shock
Meiling TAN ; Xueyuan HU ; Yiqing XIONG ; Mingyu ZHENG ; Ping YAN ; Dan WANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1496-1501
Objective To explore the risk factors for obstetric septic shock.Methods The clinical data of 122 obstetric sepsis patients from Jan.2013 to Apr.2025 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were assigned to shock group(n=26)or non-shock group(n=96)based on whether they progressed to septic shock.Variables including age,body mass index,multiple pregnancy,sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score,organ dysfunction status,white blood cell count(WBC),neutrophil count(NEU),neutrophil ratio,platelet count,procalcitonin,C-reactive protein,lactate(Lac),and D-dimer were recorded.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for obstetric septic shock.The predictive efficacy of these factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results The proportions of patients aged≥35 years,and those with respiratory,cardiac,or central nervous system dysfunction,were significantly higher in the shock group than in the non-shock group,and the SOFA score,WBC,NEU,neutrophil ratio and Lac level were significantly higher in the shock group(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased NEU(odds ratio[OR]=1.093,95%confidence interval[CI]1.022-1.169,P=0.010)and age≥35 years(OR=3.433,95%CI 1.112-10.602,P=0.032)were independent risk factors for obstetric septic shock.ROC curve analysis showed that NEU had predictive value for obstetric septic shock(area under curve=0.741,95%CI 0.634-0.848),with an optimal cut-offvalue of 17.17×109/L.Conclusion Increased NEU and age≥35 years are independent risk factors for obstetric septic shock.NEU has predictive value for the development of obstetric septic shock and may serve as an important indicator for clinical assessment and timely treatment.
9.Relationship between LMAN2 expression in HR-positive breast cancer tissues and patient prognosis and its effect on proliferation and migration of MCF-7 cells
YAN Changjiao ; HUANG Meiling ; XIAO Jingjing ; LING Rui
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2024;31(1):47-53
[摘 要] 目的:探究甘露糖结合凝集素2(LMAN2)在激素受体(HR)阳性乳腺癌组织中的表达水平与乳腺癌患者预后的关系及其对MCF-7 细胞增殖和迁移的影响。方法:通过TCGA、Bc-GenExMiner、GEPIA和Kaplan-Meier Plotter数据库分析LMAN2在乳腺癌组织和正常乳腺组织中的差异性表达及其与患者预后的关系。采用小RNA干扰技术将si-LMAN2#1、si-LMAN2#2及si-NC转染至MCF-7细胞,将过表达LMAN载体(pc-LMAN)及空载体pcDNA3.1阴性对照(pc-NC)转染至MCF-7细胞,实验分为si-LMAN2#1、si-LMAN2#2、si-NC、pc-LMAN2和pc-NC组。通过qPCR和WB实验检测各组细胞中LMAN2 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平,CCK-8、克隆形成、Transwell迁移、WB等实验检测敲低和过表达LMAN 2对MCF-7细胞增殖、克隆形成、迁移及AKT信号通路相关蛋白表达的影响。结果:LMAN2在乳腺癌组织中的表达水平显著高于正常乳腺组织(P<0.001)。HR阳性乳腺癌组织中LMAN2表达水平显著高于HR阴性乳腺癌组织(P<0.001);LMAN2高表达与HR阳性乳腺癌患者不良预后有关联。敲低LMAN2可显著降低MCF-7细胞的增殖和迁移能力(P<0.01或P<0.001),过表达LMAN2可显著提高MCF-7细胞的增殖和迁移能力(均P<0.001)。敲低LMAN2组MCF-7细胞中PTEN和P21蛋白表达水平均显著升高,p-AKT蛋白表达水平显著降低(均P<0.01)。结论:LMAN2在乳腺癌组织和HR阳性乳腺癌组织中高表达,且与不良预后有关联。LMAN2高表达与MCF-7细胞增殖和迁移有关联,其作用机制可能涉及AKT信号通路。
10.Effects of Electroacupuncture Preconditioning on Local Inflammation and DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc Signaling Pathway in Myo-cardium of Acute Myocardial Ischemia Mice
Minjiao JIANG ; Rou PENG ; Yuhang YAN ; Xiaoer LIU ; Danying QIAN ; Xiaohan LU ; Liyao CHEN ; Meiling YU ; Shengfeng LU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(6):589-597
OBJECTIVE To observe the changes of cardiac function,local inflammation level and macrophage M2 polarization in mice with acute myocardial infarction(AMI after electroacupuncture preconditioning at the Neiguan point,and to explore the possible mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc signaling pathway.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group and electroacupuncture group,with 10 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received bilateral electroacupuncture interventions at the Neiguan points,sparse-dense wave,2/15 Hz,1 mA,20 min/time,once a day for 3 consecutive days,and AMI models were performed 0.5 h after the electroacupuncture interventions.The myocardial ischemia model was prepared by ligating the left anterior descending branch.Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac ejection frac-tion(EF and fractional shortening(FS to evaluate cardiac function;HE and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of myocardium and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes,and immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect IL-1β,TNF-α and NLRP3 in infarcted myocardium and peripheral blood to evaluate the level of inflammation;flow cytometry was used to detect cardiac macrophage polarization status,and Western blot method to detect the protein expression levels of DNA-PK,p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc in infarcted myocardium.RESULTS Compared with the sham group,the model group showed significantly lower EF and FS(P<0.000 1,significant inflammatory cell infiltration,significantly higher cardiomyocyte apoptotic index(P<0.001,up-regulated expression of IL-1β,NLRP3 and TNF-α in the myocardium and serum(P<0.01,P<0.001,a significant increase in the percentage of macrophages(P<0.001,a decrease in the percentage of cardiac M2-type macrophages(P<0.000 1,and a significant decrease in the expression levels of p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc proteins in myocardium(P<0.05,P<0.000 1.Compared with the model group,EF and FS were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group(P<0.000 1,inflammatory cell infiltration was re-duced,cardiomyocyte apoptotic index was decreased(P<0.01,and the expression of IL-1β,NLRP3 and TNF-α was down-regula-ted in myocardium and serum(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001;the macrophage percentage was decreased(P<0.05,cardiac M2-type macrophage percentage was increased(P<0.01,and p-DNA-PK,Rictor and Myc protein expression was enhanced in myocardium(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.000 1.CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture preconditioning may promote macrophage M2 polarization,attenuate local inflammation,and reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis by modulating the DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc signaling pathway,thus im-proving cardiac function and achieving myocardial protective effects.


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