1.Effects of Exercise Training on The Behaviors and HPA Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rats Through The Gut Microbiota
Xue-Mei CHEN ; Yin-Hua LI ; Jiu-Gen ZHONG ; Zhao-Ming YANG ; Xiao-Hui HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1511-1528
ObjectiveThe study explores the influence of voluntary wheel running on the behavioral abnormalities and the activation state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rats through gut microbiota. MethodsSD female rats were selected and administered either400 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) solution or an equivalent volume of saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of pregnancy. The resulting offspring were divided into 2 groups: the ASD model group (PASD, n=35) and the normal control group (PCON, n=16). Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber social test, open field test, and Morris water maze, were conducted on postnatal day 23. After behavioral testing, 8 rats from each group (PCON, PASD) were randomly selected for serum analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) concentration, to evaluate the functional state of the HPA axis in rats. On postnatal day 28, the remaining 8 rats in the PCON group were designated as the control group (CON, n=8), and the remaining 27 rats in the PASD group were randomly divided into 4 groups: ASD non-intervention group (ASD, n=6), ASD exercise group (ASDE, n=8), ASD fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT, n=8), and ASD sham fecal microbiota transplantation group (sFMT, n=5). The rats in the ASD group and the CON group were kept under standard conditions, while the rats in the ASDE group performed 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running intervention starting on postnatal day 28. The rats in the FMT group were gavaged daily from postnatal day 42 with 1 ml/100 g fresh fecal suspension from ASDE rats which had undergone exercise for 2 weeks, 5 d per week, continuing for 4 weeks. The sFMT group received an equivalent volume of saline. After the interventions were completed, behavioral assessments and HPA axis markers were measured for all groups. ResultsBefore the intervention, the ASD model group exhibited significantly reduced social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, and exploratory interest, as well as impaired spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in the PASD group were significantly higher than those in the PCON group (P<0.05). Following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, the ASDE group showed significant improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, spatial learning, memory, and navigation skills compared to the ASD group (P<0.05), with a significant decrease in serum CORT concentration (P<0.05), and a downward trend in CRH and ACTH concentration. After 4 weeks of fecal microbiota transplantation in the exercise group, the FMT group showed marked improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, as well as spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to both the ASD and sFMT groups (P<0.05). In addition, serum ACTH and CORT concentration were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and CRH concentration also showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionExercise may improve ASD-related behaviors by suppressing the activation of the HPA axis, with the gut microbiota likely playing a crucial role in this process.
2.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Ruyi Zhenbaowan
Ming CHEN ; Jingling CHANG ; Shangquan WANG ; Gejia ZHONG ; Qiang DENG ; Hongxia CHEN ; Qien LI ; Yaming LIN ; Zujian XU ; Changkuan FU ; Yuer HU ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):173-183
Osteoarthritis (OA) and stroke are common clinical diseases that reduce patients' quality of life and place a burden on families and society. Ruyi Zhenbaowan, a classic prescription in Tibetan medicine, have the functions of clearing heat, awakening the brain and opening orifices, relaxing tendons and promoting meridian circulation, and eliminating yellow water. Clinically, they are used to treat osteoarthritis, post-stroke sequelae, neuropathic pain, and other related conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and nerve-repairing effects. However, current research remains insufficient regarding the appropriate indications, timing, and efficacy of this medicine in treating relevant diseases. To enhance clinicians' understanding of this medicine and promote its standardized and rational clinical use, a panel of national experts, including clinical specialists, Tibetan medicine practitioners, pharmacologists, and methodologists, formulated this consensus based on clinical experience and evidence-based practice. The Cochrane systematic review framework, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, and the nominal group method were employed to generate seven graded recommendations and 19 consensus-based suggestions. These recommendations clearly define the key points in the clinical application of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, including therapeutic indications, dosage and administration, treatment duration, and medication safety. The consensus specifically addresses the clinical efficacy, appropriate timing of administration, dosage strategies, treatment cycles, and combination medication strategies for treating osteoarthritis and stroke and provides an overview of safety considerations. The aim is to provide standardized guidance for hospitals and healthcare institutions nationwide to ensure the rational application of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in the treatment of osteoarthritis and stroke, reduce medication-related risks, and further leverage its clinical advantages. This consensus has been approved and issued by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, with the standard number GS/CACM 369-2024.
3.6-Week Caloric Restriction Improves Lipopolysaccharide-induced Septic Cardiomyopathy by Modulating SIRT3
Ming-Chen ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Ting-Ting LI ; Ming-Hua CHEN ; Xiao-Wen WANG ; Zhong-Guang SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1878-1889
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effects of caloric restriction (CR) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective actions of CR. This research aims to provide innovative strategies and theoretical support for the prevention of SCM. MethodsA total of forty-eight 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-25 g, were randomly assigned to 4 distinct groups, each consisting of 12 mice. The groups were designated as follows: CON (control), LPS, CR, and CR+LPS. Prior to the initiation of the CR protocol, the CR and CR+LPS groups underwent a 2-week acclimatization period during which individual food consumption was measured. The initial week of CR intervention was set at 80% of the baseline intake, followed by a reduction to 60% for the subsequent 5 weeks. After 6-week CR intervention, all 4 groups received an intraperitoneal injection of either normal saline or LPS (10 mg/kg). Twelve hours post-injection, heart function was assessed, and subsequently, heart and blood samples were collected. Serum inflammatory markers were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum myocardial enzyme spectrum was analyzed using an automated biochemical instrument. Myocardial tissue sections underwent hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of protein in myocardial tissue, including inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-9, IL-18), oxidative stress markers (iNOS, SOD2), pro-apoptotic markers (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, CASP3), and SIRT3/SIRT6. ResultsTwelve hours after LPS injection, there was a significant decrease in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) ratios, along with a notable increase in left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD). Morphological and serum indicators (AST, LDH, CK, and CK-MB) indicated that LPS injection could induce myocardial structural disorders and myocardial injury. Furthermore, 6-week CR effectively prevented the myocardial injury. LPS injection also significantly increased the circulating inflammatory levels (IL-1β, TNF-α) in mice. IF and Western blot analyses revealed that LPS injection significantly up-regulating the expression of inflammatory-related proteins (TNF-α, IL-9, IL-18), oxidative stress-related proteins (iNOS, SOD2) and apoptotic proteins (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, CASP3) in myocardial tissue. 6-week CR intervention significantly reduced circulating inflammatory levels and downregulated the expression of inflammatory, oxidative stress-related proteins and pro-apoptotic level in myocardial tissue. Additionally, LPS injection significantly downregulated the expression of SIRT3 and SIRT6 proteins in myocardial tissue, and CR intervention could restore the expression of SIRT3 proteins. ConclusionA 6-week CR could prevent LPS-induced septic cardiomyopathy, including cardiac function decline, myocardial structural damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with the regulation of SIRT3 expression in myocardial tissue.
4.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
5.Clinical study of constructing nomogram model based on multi-dimensional clinical indicators to predict prognosis of knee osteoarthritis
Xin WANG ; Cong-Jun YE ; Zhen-Zhong DENG ; Yan XUE ; Chen-Hui WEI ; Qing-Biao LI ; Yang-Ming LUO ; Jian-Zhong GAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(2):184-190
Objective To analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with knee osteoarthritis,and to construct a nomogram prediction model in conjunction with multi-dimensional clinical indicators.Methods The clinical data of 234 pa-tients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated in our hospital from January 2015 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed,including 126 males and 108 females;age more than 60 years old for 135 cases,age less than 60 years old for 99 cases.Lysholm knee function score was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients,and the patients were divided into good progno-sis group for 155 patients and poor prognosis group for 79 patients according to the prognosis.The clinical data of the subjects in the experimental cohort were analyzed by single factor and multiple factors.The patients were divided into experimental co-hort and verification cohort,the results of the multiple factor analysis were visualized to obtain a nomogram prediction model,the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),calibration curve and decision curve were used to evaluate the model's dis-crimination,accuracy and clinical benefit rate.Results The results of multivariate analysis showed that smoking,pre-treatment K-L grades of Ⅲto Ⅳ,and high levels of interleukin 6(IL-6)and matrix metallo proteinase-3(MMP-3)were risk factors for the prognosis of patients with knee osteoarthritis.ROC test results showed that the area under the curve of the nomogram model in the experimental cohort and validation cohort was 0.806[95%CI(0.742,0.866)]and 0.786[(95%CI(0.678,0.893)],re-spectively.The results of the calibration curve showed that the Brier values of the experimental cohort and verification cohort were 0.151 points and 0.134 points,respectively.When the threshold probability value in the decision curve was set to 31%,the clinical benefit rates of the experimental cohort and validation cohort were 51%and 56%,respectively.Conclusion The prognostic model of patients with knee osteoarthritis constructed based on multi-dimensional clinical data has both theoretical and practical significance,and can provide a reference for taking targeted measures to improve the prognosis of patients.
6.Digital technologies embedding,enhancing organizational resilience and reshaping service system in primary healthcare:Mechanism and action framework
Zhong LI ; Liang ZHANG ; Hao-Miao LI ; Zhao-Han CUI ; Ming-Sheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(9):36-43
Using the"structure-process-outcome-institution"framework,this article analyzes the conceptual connotation and manifestation of primary care resilience.The mechanism by which digital technologies embedding improve organizational resilience of primary healthcare institution was elucidated;From the resilience perspective,an action framework for reshaping the primary healthcare system by digital technologies was constructed.Research has found that:1)Organizational resilience is the core of primary healthcare resilience.2)Digital technologies mainly promote coupling coordination between resource and organization through promoting change perception,knowledge absorption,and knowledge integration,improve organizational resilience of primary healthcare institution.3)There is a bidirectional interaction between the improvement of organizational resilience and reshaping primary healthcare system;4)The relevant departments should unify instrumental rationality,institutional rationality,and value rationality to establish the embedding,governance,and evaluation framework for digital technologies to reshape the primary healthcare system.
7.Clinical effects of Yiqi Shengjin Prescription on patients with primary Sj?gren's syndrome due to Dual Deficiency of Qi and Yin
Zhong-Fu TANG ; Chuan-Bing HUANG ; Li-Li CHENG ; Jun-Jie CHEN ; Shuang-Shuang SHANG ; Si-Di LIU ; Ming LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(6):1857-1861
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Yiqi Shengjin Prescription on patients with primary Sj?gren's syndrome due to Dual Deficiency of Qi and Yin.METHODS Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned into control group(46 cases)for 8-week intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(46 cases)for 8-week intervention of both Yiqi Shengjin Prescription and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,ESSDAI score,ESSPRI score,salivary flow rate,immunoinflammatory indices(ESR,hs-CRP,IgG,C3,C4),SAS score,SDS score,T lymphocytes(CD4+,CD8+,Treg,Th17)and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the observation group exhibited decreased TCM syndrome scores(P<0.05),which was lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);the two groups displayed decreased ESSDAI score,ESSPRI score,ESR,hs-CRP,IgG,SAS score,SDS score,CD8+,Th17(P<0.05),and increased salivary flow rate,C3,C4,Treg(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(except for CD4+)(P<0.05).No obvious adverse reactions were observable in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome due to Deficiency of Qi and Yin,Yiqi Shengjin Prescription can safely and effectively improve dry mouth and eye symptoms,and reduce inflammatory indices,whose mechanism may contribute to the regulation of T lymphocyte balance in vivo.
8.Application progress of artificial intelligence in cardiovascular health management
Kun WANG ; Ming LI ; Xiao-Bo ZHANG ; Yi-Ping XIA ; Pei-Wei ZHAO ; Ying-Zhong DUAN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(2):92-96
The current situation of artificial intelligence(AI)was introduced when applied in the key links of cardiovascular health management such as risk prediction,early screening,clinical decision support and health consultation and education.The deficiencies of AI during the application were analyzed,and the prospects and development directions of AI in cardiovascular health management were pointed out.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(2):92-96]
9.Design and implementation of high precision ear pulse wave physiological signal detection device for human centrifuge training
Ke JIANG ; Ming-Hao YANG ; Hai-Xia WANG ; Bao-Hui LI ; Jing-Hui YANG ; Xiao-Xue ZHANG ; Zhong-Zheng GUO ; Xiao-Yang WEI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(9):35-40
Objective To design and implement a high-precision ear pulse wave physiological signal detection device for human centrifuge training to solve the problems in measurement and calibration of pilot ear pulse wave signal during human centrifuge training.Methods The high-precision ear pulse wave physiological signal detection device was composed of an ear pulse wave acquisition sensor,a signal acquisition and control unit and a host signal processing module.The ear pulse wave acquisition sensor had an ear-clip-like shape and consisted of an outer shell,an inner shell and an elastic steel plate;the signal acquisition and control unit was made up of an power supply module,a constant voltage module for the light source,a signal acquisition module,a master control module and a data transmission module,which had its software developed with an embedded system;the host signal processing module divided the signal processing into 2 phases of signal pre-processing and pulse wave signal monitoring and display.The detection performance of the device was verified by using a physiological electrical signal calibrator to test the ear pulse wave signals detected with the device;the effectiveness and stability of the device were validated by implementing human centrifuge training experiments with different loads.Results The voltage measurement error,amplitude-frequency characteristics and common mode rejection ratio detected by this device were all within the permitted ranges of JJG 760-2003 Verification Regulation for Electro Cardiac Monitor and JJG 954-2019 Verification Regulation of Digital Electroencephalographs;the device was capable of detecting the ear pulse wave signals of pilot during human centrifuge training in real time with little interference from motion and stable signal quality.Conclusion The device can accurately clarify the changes in the amplitude of the pilot's ear pulse wave during human centrifuge training and effectively reflect the changes in the pilot's cerebral blood flow under positive acceleration.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(9):35-40]
10.Construction and evaluation of a risk prediction model for healthcare-asso-ciated infection in stroke patients
Ming-Yang ZHAO ; Yong-Xin LI ; Zhong LI ; Yi-Bin HAO ; Chang-Qing SUN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(8):984-992
Objective To construct a risk prediction model for healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in stroke pa-tients,accurately and effectively screen out potential high-risk groups,and formulate targeted preventive interven-tions to reduce the occurrence of infection.Methods Stroke patients in the"Henan Stroke Cohort"in 2019-2021 were selected as the study objects,and relevant clinical data were collected as the main analysis data for model con-struction and internal validation.The relevant data of stroke patients in three hospitals that had never participated in the cohort construction from January to September 2022 were randomly selected as a test set for external validation of the risk prediction model.The main analysis data were randomly divided into a training set and a test set,and a risk prediction model was constructed based on logistic regression,artificial neural network(ANN)algorithm,extreme gradient boosting algorithm and random forest algorithm,respectively.Multiple indicators were used to evaluate the prediction performance of the model,and the optimal model was externally validated based on the test set data.Results The infection rate of stroke patients was 20.6%in the main analysis data and 56.4%in the test set data.The accuracy of the risk prediction model based on logistic regression was 91.2%,the area under the re-ceiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)was 0.938,the precision rate,recall rate,specificity,and the F1 score were 0.851,0.695,0.968,and 0.765,respectively.The accuracy rate,precision rate,specificity and AUC of the logistic risk prediction model and the ANN risk prediction model were all significantly better than other models,while the recall rate and F1 score of the logistic risk prediction model were slightly better than the ANN risk prediction model.The logistic risk prediction model had excellent prediction performance in external validation.Conclusion HAI risk prediction model of stroke patients based on logistic regression can better screen out high-risk stroke patients with infection risk,and can contribute to formulate targeted preventive interventions to reduce the occurrence of infection.

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