1.Construction and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Syndrome
Qichun ZHOU ; Gangxing ZHU ; Yongchun ZOU ; Baoyi LAN ; Zhanyu CUI ; Xi WANG ; Mengfei XU ; Qing TANG ; Sumei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):138-146
ObjectiveQi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome is a common type of clinical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome. However, there is no standard, scientific, and accurate report on the construction of animal models of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. This study aims to construct a mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome by using a multi-factor composite modeling method and to evaluate the model. MethodsTwenty-one C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups with seven mice in each group, which were the normal group, model group, and Shenling Baizhusan (SLBZ) group. The control group was fed with ordinary diet and kept in a normal environment. The model group and SLBZ group were fed with a high-fat diet in a high-humidity environment. Swimming with heavy weights until exhaustion and gavage with cold water or lard were used to establish the mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. In order to test the syndrome by prescription, mice in the SLBZ group were treated with SLBZ for 14 days after model construction. The exhaustive swimming time, body weight, serum lipid levels, tongue changes, "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness" assessment scale score, and cecal index of mice in each group were measured. The feces of each group of mice were sent for metagenomics and metabolome sequencing, and the changes in intestinal flora and metabolites were analyzed. ResultsAfter the modeling of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome, the exhaustive swimming time of mice was obviously shortened (P<0.01). The serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol of mice were significantly increased (all P<0.01). The tongue of mice was significantly different from that of the normal group, and the score of the assessment scale was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). Cecal index decreased significantly (P<0.01). The serum lipid level, tongue image, assessment scale score, and cecal index were reversed in the SLBZ group. Metagenomic and metabolome sequencing results showed that intestinal flora and fecal metabolites were significantly changed in mice with Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. Akkermansia_muciniphila, Faecalibaculum_rodentium, Eubacterium_plexicaudatum, Eubacterium sp 14_2, Candida glabrata, Romboutsia_ilealis, Turicibacter sp TS3, and other bacteria had significant changes, and the expressions of intestinal metabolites such as chenodeoxycholic acid, choline, L-phenylalanine betaine, and 2-phenylbutyric acid were significantly changed. Related metabolic pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, lysine degradation, arginine biosynthesis, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were affected. ConclusionThe Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness model of mice can be constructed by the multi-factor composite modeling method of high-fat diet feeding, high-humidity environment feeding, exhaustive swimming with heavy weight, and intragastric administration with cold water or lard. The blood lipid level, tongue change, score of "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness assessment scale", cecal index, and changes in related intestinal flora and metabolites of mice can be used as key indicators for model evaluation.
2.Salidroside exerts cytoprotective effects on bone endothelial progenitor cells via the AMPK pathway in atherosclerotic mouse model
Fang JIA ; Mengfei WANG ; Sifan FEI ; Jiayi XU ; Tianhong YU ; Lin ZHU ; Min ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):653-661
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of salidroside (SAL) on the impaired bioactivity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in atherosclerotic (As) mice and the potential mechanisms regarding AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). MethodsAtherosclerosis was induced in 8-week-old male ApoE-/- mice with high-fat diet. Intragastric administration of SAL was given to one mice group to investigate the effects of SAL on aortic plaque burden, plasma NO level, the migration and angiogenic capabilities of bone marrow-derived EPCs (BM-EPCs). The proliferation, migration and vasculogenic properties of EPCs isolated from As mice were investigated in vitro. AMPK-sh-RNA or the AMPK inhibitor Compound C was used to investigate the role of AMPK/Akt/eNOS pathway in the regulatory effects of SAL. ResultsCompared with As group, NO level was significantly elevated in SAL group. The sizes of atherosclerotic plaques at the aortic root were reduced with smaller lipid cores in SAL group compared with As group. Moreover, the migration and angiogenesis capacity of EPCs markedly decreased in As mice, while SAL treatment reversed these impairments. Incubation with SAL at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L for 48 hours significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of EPCs. AMPK-sh-RNA transfection abrogated the 20 μmol/L SAL improvement in EPC biological activities. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that treatment with Compound C blocked the activation of AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway induced by SAL. ConclusionSAL upregulates the biological functions of EPCs through activating the AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating EPC dysfunction during the pathological progression of atherosclerosis.
3.Analysis of Clinical Consistency of Animal Models of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Based on Characteristics of Clinical Diseases and Syndromes in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xinyue XIE ; Xiaomian LIU ; Ming LI ; Mengfei WANG ; Rongyi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):270-278
ObjectiveBased on a new method for animal model evaluation, this study aims to analyze the characteristics of diseases and syndromes of existing animal models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medical perspectives and propose suggestions for improvement. MethodsA systematic search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed was conducted for literature on ADHD animal models. According to TCM and western medical diagnostic criteria, core and accompanying symptoms of the models were assigned with scores to comprehensively evaluate the clinical consistency. ResultsThe selection of experimental animals for ADHD models primarily involved rodents, with modeling methods including genetic, chemical induction, and environmental induction. The average consistency of clinical diseases and syndromes with TCM and western medicine was 45.19% and 49.42%, respectively. The spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats and nicotine/smoking models had the highest consistency with TCM, while the social isolation models had the highest consistency with western medicine. Most models were guided by western medicine theories, which can meet the surface validity and structural validity requirements of western medicine but lacked precise differentiation of TCM syndromes. ConclusionExisting ADHD animal models primarily focus on a single genotype or environmental factor, lacking comprehensive consideration of multigenic interactions and environmental factors. Moreover, the selection of model evaluation indicators is relatively singular, primarily focusing on "disease" indicators, while TCM "syndrome" indicators have not been fully considered. It is recommended to introduce a "formula-to-syndrome" approach in the preparation of TCM models for ADHD and establish and improve an evaluation system of animal models combining diseases and syndromes, so as to provide a solid foundation for future experimental research.
4.Analysis of Clinical Consistency of Animal Models of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Based on Characteristics of Clinical Diseases and Syndromes in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xinyue XIE ; Xiaomian LIU ; Ming LI ; Mengfei WANG ; Rongyi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):270-278
ObjectiveBased on a new method for animal model evaluation, this study aims to analyze the characteristics of diseases and syndromes of existing animal models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medical perspectives and propose suggestions for improvement. MethodsA systematic search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed was conducted for literature on ADHD animal models. According to TCM and western medical diagnostic criteria, core and accompanying symptoms of the models were assigned with scores to comprehensively evaluate the clinical consistency. ResultsThe selection of experimental animals for ADHD models primarily involved rodents, with modeling methods including genetic, chemical induction, and environmental induction. The average consistency of clinical diseases and syndromes with TCM and western medicine was 45.19% and 49.42%, respectively. The spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats and nicotine/smoking models had the highest consistency with TCM, while the social isolation models had the highest consistency with western medicine. Most models were guided by western medicine theories, which can meet the surface validity and structural validity requirements of western medicine but lacked precise differentiation of TCM syndromes. ConclusionExisting ADHD animal models primarily focus on a single genotype or environmental factor, lacking comprehensive consideration of multigenic interactions and environmental factors. Moreover, the selection of model evaluation indicators is relatively singular, primarily focusing on "disease" indicators, while TCM "syndrome" indicators have not been fully considered. It is recommended to introduce a "formula-to-syndrome" approach in the preparation of TCM models for ADHD and establish and improve an evaluation system of animal models combining diseases and syndromes, so as to provide a solid foundation for future experimental research.
5.Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in oral and maxillofacial areas.
Qianting WANG ; Jiayu SUN ; Haci JIANG ; Mengfei YU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):11-11
The oral and maxillofacial region is a highly complex area composed of multiple tissue types and bears various critical functions of the human body. Diseases in this region pose significant diagnostic and management challenges; therefore, exploring new strategies for early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and tissue reconstruction is key to improving patient prognosis and quality of life. Extracellular vesicles are a group of heterogeneous lipid-bilayer membrane structures secreted by most cell types, including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. Present in various body fluids and tissues, they act as messengers via the transfer of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites to recipient cells. To date, studies have revealed the different roles of extracellular vesicles in physiological or pathological processes, as well as applications in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The importance and tissue specificity of the dental and maxillofacial tissues indicate that extracellular vesicles derived from this region are promising for further research. This paper reviews the published data on extracellular vesicles derived from cells, body fluids, and tissues in oral and maxillofacial regions, summarizes the latest advances in extracellular vesicles from extensive sources, and concludes with a focus on the current research progress and application prospects of engineered exosomes in oral science.
Humans
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Extracellular Vesicles/physiology*
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Mouth
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Exosomes/physiology*
6.Prediction Study on Potential Suitable Habitats for Vitex negundo in China Based on the MaxEnt Model
Qingni PENG ; Pengfei ZHANG ; Xianping YANG ; Mengfei SUI ; Ming ZHANG ; Binbin YAN ; Xiufu WAN ; Zihua ZHANG ; Jian YANG ; Sheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):8-12
Objective To predict the potential suitability distribution of Vitex negundo in China;To analyze the key environmental factors influencing its suitability distribution.Methods Based on the geographic distribution data of Vitex negundo from 196 sites across China and 55 environmental variables,the Maximum Entropy(MaxEnt)model and ArcGIS 10.2 were employed to predict the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Vitex negundo in China.Results The constructed MaxEnt prediction model demonstrated high reliability.The primary environmental factors influencing the suitable distribution of Vitex negundo included the average temperature from June to October,precipitation in April and November,the mean temperature of the warmest season,soil type,and vegetation type.The predicted suitable habitats for Vitex negundo would be widely distributed,primarily concentrated in Jiangxi,central and southern Anhui,northwestern Zhejiang,eastern and northeastern Hunan,as well as eastern and southeastern Hubei.Conclusion The predicted potential distribution of Vitex negundo in China can provide a valuable reference for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this medicinal resource.
7.Investigation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and subthreshold states among children in Chongqing
Xiuying YANG ; Zhanming SHI ; Yi LI ; Jiasheng LIU ; Dengguo CHENG ; Tingting HE ; Wei ZHAO ; Gang YUAN ; Ludan ZHANG ; Chunni HUANG ; Junhao LUAN ; Xiaoyue JIA ; Tiantian CHEN ; Mei WANG ; Shiping ZHENG ; Chunying WU ; Yuanming REN ; Mengfei LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(6):561-567
BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate inattention, excessive activities incongruous with setting, and emotional impulsivity. Subthreshold ADHD (sADHD) is clinically defined as the presence of ADHD symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Children with sADHD exhibit deficits in executive function, demonstrate more conduct, learning, and anxiety-related problems compared to typically developing children, and show even poorer working memory performance than children diagnosed with ADHD. Currently, there is limited epidemiological research on sADHD in China, with few studies simultaneously investigating the prevalence of both ADHD and sADHD in children. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of ADHD and sADHD among children aged 6–13 years in Chongqing, analyzing their distribution characteristics within this population, with the aim of providing references for developing preventive measures against both ADHD and sADHD. MethodsFrom October to November 2023, a total of 3 398 students in grades 1–6 from six primary schools in Jiangbei District, Chongqing were selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. The occurrence of ADHD and sADHD was evaluated by using the short version (18-item version) of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV rating scales (SNAP-IV) and the Chinese vision of Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). ResultsThe ADHD detection rate among children in Chongqing was 1.90% (95% CI: 0.014–0.024). Boys showed a significantly higher ADHD detection rate than girls (χ2=7.733, P=0.005). No statistically significant differences were found in ADHD detection rates across different grades or age groups (χ2=7.347, 12.362, P>0.05). The sADHD detection rate was 6.32% (95% CI: 0.054–0.072). Similarly, boys exhibited significantly higher sADHD detection rates than girls (χ2=21.005, P<0.01). Significant differences emerged across different grades (χ2=20.559, P=0.001), while no statistically significant difference was observed in age groups (χ2=12.070, P=0.060). ConclusionThe ADHD detection rates were comparable across all grade levels and age groups from 6–13 years old. Second-grade children demonstrated notably higher sADHD rates compared to other grades, while boys demonstrated higher prevalence rates than girls for both ADHD and sADHD. [Funded by Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project in Jiangbei District, Chongqing City in the Second Half of 2023 (number, 2023JBKWLH022)]
8.Glucagonoma presenting with marked alopecia
Xiaomin SHI ; Yingying ZHOU ; Jie WANG ; Pu ZHANG ; Meikui CHEN ; Zhiruo WANG ; Mengfei WEI ; Zhenpeng YE ; Chaoming WU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(8):691-694
Glucagonoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor derived from the pancreatic α cells, and alopecia is an uncommon clinical manifestation. We report a case of glucagonoma presenting with marked alopecia, aiming to raise clinicians′ awareness of this rare presentation.
9.Relationship between insomnia symptoms combined with executive function impairment and depressive symptoms among adolescents in regions with different economic development levels
Mengfei ZHOU ; Xinyue MA ; Yuting WANG ; Qi ZHU ; Yanrui JIANG ; Qingmin LIN ; Fan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(7):765-771
Objective:To investigate the current status of insomnia symptoms and executive function (EF) impairments among adolescents from regions with different economic development levels, and to analyze their relationship with depressive symptoms, so as to provide clues for improved depressive symptoms screening practices.Methods:This population-based cross-sectional study employed a multistage, stratified cluster random sampling method. During November 2017 to January 2018 and December 2018 to January 2019, a total of 2 495 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years were selected from Shanghai, representing a highly developed economic region, and 2 704 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years were selected from Shangrao city, Jiangxi province, representing a less developed economic region. The depressive symptoms were assessed using the short version of the 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale, based on which participants were categorized into groups with or without depressive symptoms. Insomnia symptoms and EF impairments were measured using a self-designed insomnia scale and the behavior rating inventory of executive function, respectively. Participants were further classified into 4 subgroups: neither insomnia nor EF impairment, EF impairment only, insomnia only, and comorbid insomnia and EF impairment. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in basic information of adolescents from different regions. Multivariate Logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between insomnia, EF impairment, and their combination with depressive symptoms as well as the differences in gender and school-stage among each subgroup.Results:A total of 2 305 adolescents were recruited from Shanghai (1 192 boys and 1 113 girls, 1 266 junior high school students and 1 039 senior high school students) and 2 250 adolescents from Shangrao (1 126 boys and 1 124 girls, 1 146 junior high school students and 1 104 senior high school students). The numbers of adolescents with depressive symptoms, insomnia symptoms and EF impairment in Shanghai were 460 adolescents (20.0%), 907 adolescents (39.3%), and 411 adolescents (17.8%), respectively, all of which were fewer than those in Shangrao, which were 616 adolescents (27.4%), 1 251 adolescents (55.6%), and 524 adolescents (23.3%), respectively (all P<0.001). In Shanghai, the numbers of adolescents with EF impairment only, insomnia only, and comorbid insomnia and EF impairment were 219 adolescents (9.5%), 670 adolescents (29.1%), and 237 adolescents (10.3%), respectively. And in Shangrao, the corresponding numbers were 193 adolescents (8.6%), 865 adolescents (38.4%), and 386 adolescents (17.2%), respectively. Compared to adolescents in Shanghai with neither EF impairment nor insomnia, the risk of depressive symptoms was all higher in adolescents with EF impairment only, insomnia only, and comorbid EF impairment-insomnia ( OR=2.86, 6.48, 20.10; 95% CI 1.57-5.22, 5.09-8.26, 13.66-29.58; all P<0.01). Similar results were observed in adolescents in Shangrao ( OR=3.22, 4.82, 10.91; 95% CI 1.66-6.28, 3.09-7.51, 7.26-16.40; all P<0.01). The analysis of gender and educational stage differences showed that, compared to the group neither EF impairment nor insomnia, the risk of depressive symptoms all higher in the groups with EF impairment only, insomnia only (all P<0.05), and comorbid EF impairment-insomnia, and the risk in comorbid EF impairment-insomnia group was the highest (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with adolescents in regions with underdeveloped economies, those in economically developed regions had lower rates of insomnia, EF impairment, and depression. Both insomnia and EF impairment significantly increase the risk of depressive symptoms. Their coexistence confers the highest risk and therefore warrants particular attention for prevention and intervention efforts.
10.Causal relationship between periodontal disease and prostate cancer:A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis in two races
Xiaoxu JIN ; Jing LIU ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Wenyi HUANG ; Ning DONG ; Shihao WANG ; Mengfei MA ; Yulin ZHOU ; Yuhao CHEN ; Jinlu SUN ; Jie DONG ; Jun HU ; Song XU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(10):885-890
Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the causal relationship between periodontal disease(PD)and prostate cancer(PCa).Methods A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis based on publicly statistical data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)was conducted.MR Egger,weighted medium,simple mode and weighted mode were supplemented,while inverse variance weighted analysis(IVW)was the main method of analysis.Heterogeneity testing,pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out testing were used to assess the sensitivity and stabili-ty.Results The results of MR analysis showed that PD had no significant impact on the occurrence of PCa:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=1.07,P=0.48);European(IVW,PD:OR=1.00,P=0.37,periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.14,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.99,P=0.37,chronic periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.22).The reverse MR analysis also did not show a causal relationship between PCa and PD:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=0.97,P=0.22);European(IVW,PD:OR=0.84,P=0.44,periodontitis:OR=1.01,P=0.75,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.93,P=0.23,chronic periodontitis:OR=0.99,P=0.80).The results of other analysis were consistent with those of IVW analysis.Conclusions The results of our two-sample bidirectional MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between PD and PCa.

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