1.Based on 16S rDNA Technology and TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway, Molecular Mechanism of Shenling Baizhusan Resistance to Diarrhea Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats Was Investigated
Tengfei LYU ; Jingyu WANG ; Mingyue XIE ; Bin XI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):13-22
ObjectiveBased on 16S rDNA technology and molecular biology methods, the molecular mechanism of Shenling Baizhusan in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) was investigated. MethodsThe 42 SD rats with SPF were randomly divided into no control group, SLBZS-H, medium (SLBZS-M), low (SLBZS-L) dose group, positive control group and model group, with 7 rats in each group. The rat model of IBS-D was prepared by ice-cold senna (0.45 g∙mL-1) gavage (10 mL∙kg-1) combined with restraint stress for 14 consecutive days. After successful modeling, the corresponding drugs were given to each group with a gavage volume of 10 mL∙kg-1: The positive group was administered with 2.36 , 1.18, 0.59 g∙mL-1 of Shenling Baizhusan in the Positive group and the Model group with the same volume of normal saline for 14 d. The general condition of the rats: Weight, feces, mental state and death were observed and recorded. The body weight, abdominal wall retraction reflex score (AWR) and loose stool rate of rats in each group were measured before (the first day), after the model (day 14) and after treatment (day 28). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological characteristics of colon tissues of experimental animals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitatively analyze the concentration of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of experimental animals. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of key proteins of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in rat colon tissue. 16S rDNA technology was used to detect the structural changes of intestinal microbiota in rats. ResultsCompared with Control, the colon of the Model group showed partial mucosal epithelial shedding and inflammatory cell infiltration. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and 5-HT in serum increased (P<0.05), the protein expressions of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in colon tissue increased (P<0.05), the diversity indices of Richness, Chao1, abundance-based coverage estimator(ACE) and Shannon decreased (P<0.05), and the phylum Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, The relative richness of Bacteroides-H, Lactobacillus and Ligilactobacillus decreased (P<0.05), while the relative richness of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Prevotella increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the colonic structure and organization of the SLBZS-H group, SLBZS-M group, SLBZS-L group and Positive group were clearer, and only a small number of inflammatory cells were present in some areas, and the serum contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.05), TLR2, TLR4, The protein expressions of MyD88 and NF-κB decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the diversity indices of Richness, Chao1, ACE and Shannon in the SLBZS-H, SLBZS-M and SLBZS-L groups increased (P<0.05), and the richness of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria increased (P<0.05). The richness of Proteobacteria and Prevotella decreased (P<0.05), and the abundance of Prevotella decreased (P<0.05), Bacteroides-H, Muribaculum, Lactobacillus and salivarius in the Positive group salivarius (P<0.05). ConclusionShenling Baizhusan can effectively treat IBS-D, and its molecular mechanism may be to play a therapeutic role by improving intestinal flora and inhibiting the TLRS/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory response.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Danggui Yinzi in Regulating "Itch-anxiety" Cycle of Chronic Urticaria Based on STEP/NR2B Signaling Pathway
Mingyue LI ; Xinyu XIAO ; Anjing CHEN ; E LIU ; Xurui WANG ; Qin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):123-133
ObjectiveTo explore the effects and mechanism of the modified Danggui Yinzi on "itch-anxiety" model rats of chronic urticaria (CU). MethodsThe 36 SPF-grade 6-8-week-old female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,a positive control group,a low-dose modified Danggui Yinzi group,a medium-dose modified Danggui Yinzi group,and a high-dose modified Danggui Yinzi group. A "itch-anxiety" model was established by intraperitoneal injection of a suspension of sodium chloride and aluminum hydroxide and ovalbumin,combined with chronic unpredictable emotional stress stimulation. After successful modeling,rats in each group were administered drugs by gavage. The positive control group was given intragastric administration of the drug solutions of cetirizine and fluoxetine (2.08 mg·kg-1·d-1 fluoxetine, 2 mg·kg-1·d-1 cetirizine), the low-,medium-,and high-dose modified Danggui Yinzi groups were administered traditional Chinese medicine at 1.44,2.88, 5.76 g·kg-1, respectively,while the blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of normal saline. All interventions lasted for 15 days. Behavioral changes were evaluated by the elevated plus-maze test (detecting the percentage of entries into the open arms (OE%),the percentage of time spent in the open arms (OT%),and the total number of entries into the open and closed arms (TNE)),the open-field test (detecting total activity,average movement speed,and latency to enter the central area),and scratching behavior observation. Pathological changes of skin tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and toluidine blue staining,while those of amygdala tissues were observed by HE staining,Nissl staining,and immunofluorescence detection of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1). The content of immunoglobulin E (IgE),interleukin-33 (IL-33),histamine in serum and glutamate in the amygdala was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP),N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B), calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ),phosphorylated CaMKⅡ (p-CaMKⅡ),mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK),phosphorylated MAPK (p-MAPK),nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB),phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB),and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) in the amygdala. ResultsCompared with the blank control group,the model group rats showed obvious anxiety-like behaviors (decreased OE%,OT%,and TNE,reduced total activity,slower average movement speed,and prolonged latency to enter the central area),increased scratching times,obvious skin inflammation and mast cell degranulation,severe amygdala tissue damage,increased glutamate content in the amygdala,and elevated levels of IgE and IL-33 in serum. The expression of STEP,NF-κB,p-NF-κB,NR2B,MAPK,p-MAPK,CaMKⅡ,and p-CaMKⅡ proteins in the amygdala increased,while the expression of PSD-95 protein decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,the modified Danggui Yinzi group of each dose had increased OE%,OT%,TNE,total activity,and average movement speed,shortened latency to enter the central area, reduced scratching times,alleviated skin inflammation and mast cell degranulation,relieved amygdala tissue damage,decreased glutamate content in the amygdala,and reduced levels of IgE and IL-33 in serum. Moreover,compared with the model group,the low -,medium-,and high-dose modified Danggui Yinzi groups showed decreased expression levels of STEP,NF-κB,p-NF-κB,NR2B,MAPK,p-MAPK,CaMKⅡ,and p-CaMKⅡ proteins in the amygdala,and increased expression of PSD-95 protein. There was a significant dose-effect relationship,with the high-dose group showing the most significant regulatory effect (P<0.05). ConclusionThe modified Danggui Yinzi has a therapeutic effect on "itch-anxiety" model rats of CU. Its mechanism may be related to regulating glutamate metabolism in the amygdala,modulating the STEP/NR2B/CaMKⅡ/MAPK/NF-κB pathway,and regulating the expression of PSD-95.
3.Evaluate the effect of morphology driven preparation technique in indirect restoration of posterior teeth
Qikun GAO ; Shiming LIU ; Mingyue WU ; Xiaoting WU ; Zehua WANG ; Mingliang DU ; Huimin CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):943-947
ObjectiveTo evaluate the application effect of morphology driven preparation technique in indirect restoration of posterior teeth. Methods84 patients with dental defects were selected and divided into the control group and the experimental group randomly, with 42 patients in each group (a total of 84 teeth). Traditional preparation and morphology driven preparation techniques were used to complete dental preparation and adhesive glass ceramic restorations, respectively. The satisfaction, masticatory function, World Dental Federation (FDI) Scores for edge fracture and fixation,edge adaptability index,periodontal bleeding index (BI) and plaque index (PLI) of the two groups of patients were evaluated and various indicator data were recorded and statistically analyzed at 3 and 6 months after restoration completion. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction between the two groups after 3 and 6 months of repair; Both groups of data showed a significant improvement in masticatory function. There was no statistical difference after 3 and 6 months of repair. However, a statistically significant difference in masticatory function was noted after 6 months of repair compared with before and after 3 months of repair. As the repair time increased, the masticatory effect improved significantly. There was no statistically significant difference in the edge fracture and fixation index between the two groups at 3 months after repair, but there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at 6 months with the experimental group outperforming the control group(P<0.05). The edge adaptability, BI, and PLI index were statistically significant between the two groups after 3 and 6 months of repair and the experimental group had a significant advantage (P<0.05). ConclusionBoth types of tooth preparation techniques can improve patient masticatory function and reach high satisfaction after repair. However, morphology driven preparation technique has significant advantages in edge adaptability, edge fracture and fixation index scores and improve periodontal conditions. This technique is an effective method for improving dental preparation in adhesive indirect restoration of posterior teeth.
4.Effects and mechanisms of modified Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with BMSCs on nasal-pulmonary-intestinal mucosal immunity in cold asthma rats
Mingyue REN ; Guihua SONG ; Tingting WANG ; Mengmeng SUN ; Bingxue ZHANG ; Minghao PENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1691-1696
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of modified Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on nasal-pulmonary-intestinal mucosal immunity in rats with cold asthma. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, BMSCs group, BMSCs+modified Xiaoqinglong decoction (6.39 g/kg) group, and BMSCs+dexamethasone (0.125 mg/kg) group, with 10 rats in each group. The cold asthma rat model was established by sensitization and atomization challenge with ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide, together with cold air stimulation from air conditioners. One hour before the initial atomization challenge, rats in all groups except the blank group and model group were injected with BMSCs suspension via the tail vein. Starting from the 15th day of the experiment, rats in each group were intragastrically administered corresponding liquid medicine or normal saline once a day for 7 consecutive days. After the last administration, the asthmatic behavioral changes and pathological morphological changes of lung tissues in rats were evaluated. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and intestinal mucus were detected. The expression levels of proteins related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in nasal, lung and intestinal tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the asthmatic behavioral score, lung tissue injury score, IL-6 levels in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid, BALF and intestinal mucus, PI3K protein expression and Akt phosphorylation levels in nasal, lung and intestinal tissues of rats in the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.05); the IL-10 levels in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid, BALF and intestinal mucus were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Alveolar atrophy, collapse and even fusion, abnormal hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indicators in the BMSCs group, BMSCs+modified Xiaoqinglong decoction group and BMSCs+dexamethasone group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05), and pathological injuries of lung tissues were markedly alleviated. Compared with the BMSCs group, most of the above quantitative indicators were further improved in the BMSCs+modified Xiaoqinglong decoction group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with BMSCs can effectively improve nasal-pulmonary-intestinal mucosal immunity and relieve asthmatic symptoms in cold asthma rats, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
5.Effects and mechanisms of modified Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with BMSCs on nasal-pulmonary-intestinal mucosal immunity in cold asthma rats
Mingyue REN ; Guihua SONG ; Tingting WANG ; Mengmeng SUN ; Bingxue ZHANG ; Minghao PENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1691-1696
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of modified Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on nasal-pulmonary-intestinal mucosal immunity in rats with cold asthma. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, BMSCs group, BMSCs+modified Xiaoqinglong decoction (6.39 g/kg) group, and BMSCs+dexamethasone (0.125 mg/kg) group, with 10 rats in each group. The cold asthma rat model was established by sensitization and atomization challenge with ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide, together with cold air stimulation from air conditioners. One hour before the initial atomization challenge, rats in all groups except the blank group and model group were injected with BMSCs suspension via the tail vein. Starting from the 15th day of the experiment, rats in each group were intragastrically administered corresponding liquid medicine or normal saline once a day for 7 consecutive days. After the last administration, the asthmatic behavioral changes and pathological morphological changes of lung tissues in rats were evaluated. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and intestinal mucus were detected. The expression levels of proteins related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in nasal, lung and intestinal tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the asthmatic behavioral score, lung tissue injury score, IL-6 levels in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid, BALF and intestinal mucus, PI3K protein expression and Akt phosphorylation levels in nasal, lung and intestinal tissues of rats in the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.05); the IL-10 levels in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid, BALF and intestinal mucus were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Alveolar atrophy, collapse and even fusion, abnormal hyperplasia and hypertrophy of bronchial smooth muscle, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indicators in the BMSCs group, BMSCs+modified Xiaoqinglong decoction group and BMSCs+dexamethasone group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05), and pathological injuries of lung tissues were markedly alleviated. Compared with the BMSCs group, most of the above quantitative indicators were further improved in the BMSCs+modified Xiaoqinglong decoction group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with BMSCs can effectively improve nasal-pulmonary-intestinal mucosal immunity and relieve asthmatic symptoms in cold asthma rats, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Analysis of clinical demand trends and supply status of RhD-negative red blood cell products
Weidong ZHANG ; Mingyue LIANG ; Yanli JI ; Ming WANG ; Yongju LIN ; Xia RONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):903-907
Objective: To retrospectively analyze the supply and demand of RhD-negative red blood cell (RBC) components, explore the dynamic changes in clinical demand and application trends of RhD-negative RBC products, and provide evidence for optimizing the preparation and supply management of various RhD-negative RBCs products. Methods: The total supply of RBCs and the demand and supply of RhD-negative RBC products from 2021 to 2025 were retrieved from the information management system. The trend chi-square test was performed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software to analyze the annual supply rate and repeat reservation rate of RhD-negative RBC products. Meanwhile, the clinical transfusion indications for RhD-negative RBC products in 2025 were further analyzed. Results: From 2021 to 2025, the supply rate of RhD-negative RBC products gradually increased from 0.42% (1 904.5 U/448 787 U) to 0.48% (1945U/402088.5U), showing an upward trend across years (P<0.05). The actual demand and supply of RhD-negative RBC products remained balanced, while the repeat reservation rate increased significantly from 29.73% (804 U/2 704 U) to 43.62% (1 505 U/3 450 U), showing an upward trend year by year (P<0.05). Fresh RhD-negative RBC products accounted for 87.09% (8 270 U/9 495.5 U) of the total supply, while RhD-negative frozen RBC products accounted for 12.91% (1 225.5 U/9 495.5 U). In 2025, therapeutic transfusion, elective surgery (including obstetric transfusion), and emergency transfusion accounted for 55.40% (1 077.5 U/1 945 U), 38.56% (750 U/1 945 U), and 6.04% (117.5 U/1 945 U) of the total supply of RhD-negative RBC products, respectively. RhD-negative frozen RBC products accounted for 67.23% (79 U/117.5 U) of emergency use and 29.47% (221 U/750 U) of elective surgery (including obstetrics) use; fresh RhD-negative RBC suspensions accounted for 93.92% (1 012 U/1 077.5 U) of therapeutic use and 70.56% (529 U/750 U) of elective surgery (including obstetrics) use. In recent years, RhD-negative washed RBC products and concentrated washed RBC products have been introduced as new products, and their clinical utilization has shown an increasing trend. Conclusion: Despite a decline in total blood collection volume, the security management system of RhD-negative RBC components in Guangzhou Blood Center has functioned largely meeting clinical demand. Advances in hospital technology had led to the routine application of RhD-negative concentrated washed RBCs. It is recommended that concentrated washed RBCs should be standardized with a formal definition and corresponding national quality standards should be established.
7.Huoxue Wentong Prescription Ameliorates Post-myocardial Infarction Ventricular Remodeling in Rats via HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN-mediated Regulation of EndMT
Xiaoning SUN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Cheng LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Jianguo LIN ; Mingyue WANG ; Ying YANG ; Kuiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):148-158
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism by which Huoxue Wentong prescription (HXWT) ameliorates post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular remodeling by regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/periostin (POSTN) signaling pathway. MethodsEighty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=70). The MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Successfully modeled rats were further randomized into a model group, a sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto, 0.021 g·kg-1) group, and low, medium, and high-dose (4.15, 8.30, and 16.60 g·kg-1, respectively) HXWTF groups (n=10 per group). From postoperative day 2, rats received HXWTF or sacubitril/valsartan by gavage once daily for 4 weeks, and those in sham and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline. After intervention, general conditions were assessed. Echocardiography was performed to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate myocardial histopathology, and Masson's trichrome staining to assess myocardial fibrosis. Serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence double staining was adopted to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot was performed to quantify the expression of collagen type Ⅰ α2 (Col1A2), VE-cadherin, CD31, α-SMA, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited thinning and collapse of the left ventricular wall, decreased LVEF and LVFS and increased LVEDD and LVESD (P<0.01), disrupted myocardial fibers with marked inflammatory cell infiltration, increased collagen deposition, enhanced ColⅠ immunoreactivity, elevate serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, a reduced IL-10 level (P<0.01), downregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, and upregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN (P<0.05,P<0.01), accompanied by increased CD31/α-SMA co-localization. Compared with the model group, the sacubitril/valsartan group and all HXWTF groups showed improved ventricular wall structure, increased LVEF and LVFS, decreased LVEDD and LVESD, attenuated myocardial injury with reduced inflammatory infiltration and collagen deposition, declined serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, an elevated serum IL-10 level, upregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, downregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN, and reduced CD31/α-SMA co-localization (P<0.05,P<0.01). No significant differences were observed between the sacubitril/valsartan group and the medium- and high-dose HXWTF groups. ConclusionHXWTF may regulate the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN pathway to inhibit EndMT, thereby ameliorating post-MI ventricular remodeling.
8.Establishment of a Caco-2 cell line stably expressing Cas9 protein based on lentiviral packaging
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(01):8-13+21
Objective To construct a gene knockout cell library based on clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9(CRISPR/Cas9) system, and construct a cell line stably expressing Cas9 protein using human colon adenocarcinoma cells Caco-2. Methods Caco-2 cells were infected with packaged recombinant Cas9 lentivirus, and then Caco-2/Cas9 monoclonal cells were selected by medium containing blasticidin and twice limited dilution sorting,and identified by PCR and Western blot. Caco-2/Cas9 monoclonal cells were infected with lentivirus expressing both GFP gene and single guide RNA(sgRNA) targeting GFP gene. After puromycin screening, the knockout efficiency of Caco-2 cell line was calculated by flow cytometry, and the proliferation activity was detected by CCK-8 assay. Results Five Caco-2/Cas9 monoclonal cell lines, named Caco-2/Cas9-2, Caco-2/Cas9-3, Caco-2/Cas9-4, Caco-2/Cas9-5 and Caco-2/Cas9-6, were obtained, all of which were amplified for a 392 bp band of Cas9 gene. Cas9 protein was stably expressed in the cells and the knockout efficiency was 91. 27%, 20. 30%, 24. 13%, 11. 33%, 12. 27% and 8. 89%, respectively. The proliferative activity of Caco-2/Cas9-4, Caco-2/Cas9-5, Caco-2/Cas9-6 and uninfected Caco-2 cells was 2. 07, 1. 75, 1. 46 and 1. 40, respectively,with no significant difference between Caco-2/Cas9-5, Caco-2/Cas9-6 and uninfected Caco-2 cells(t = 1. 92 and 0. 37, each P > 0. 05). Conclusion A Caco-2/Cas9 monoclonal cell line, Caco-2/Cas9-6 monoclonal cells with high enzyme digestion activity of Cas9 and no significant change in proliferation activity compared with uninfected Caco-2 cells was screened out,which lays a foundation for further construction of high coverage knockout cell library and provides a platform for screening genes related to virus infection and genes with other specific functions.
9.Mechanism of Intervening with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats with Spleen Deficiency by Xingpi Capsules Through Regulating 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway
Gang WANG ; Lingwen CUI ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Ran WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules (XPC) in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling, SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group, a pinaverium bromide group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose XPC groups (0.135 and 0.54 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day, and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier, intestinal motility, and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate, diarrhea grade, and Bristol score (P<0.01). HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group, with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier, shedding and disappearance of microvilli, and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated (P<0.01). The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) were upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea, diarrhea-associated symptoms, and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically, high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea, promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure, significantly reduced congestion and edema, upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 (P<0.01), decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01), significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC20 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.
10.Improving the Certainty of Evidence in Animal Experiment Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis: An Empirical Study of the GRADE Method
Tengfei LI ; Qingyong ZHENG ; Jianguo XU ; Yiyi LI ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Mingyue ZHANG ; Jiexiang TIAN ; Gang WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):101-111
Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.


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