1.Effect of Qingyi Decoction on toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in patients with acute pancreatitis
Weijiang XIONG ; Qian LI ; Mingzhou WANG ; Xuanfu PENG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(7):71-75,81
Objective To investigate the effect of Qingyi Decoction enema on the toll-like recep-tor(TLR)4/nuclear factor(NF)-κB signaling pathway in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).Methods A total of 100 patients with mild AP were selected as the study objects,and randomly di-vided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).The control group received con-ventional western medicine therapy combined with ulinastatin,while the observation group was treated with Qingyi Decoction retention enema on the basis of control group.Clinical efficacy,symptom re-lief,traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores,pancreatic function indicators,inflammatory mark-ers as well as TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA expression levels were compared between the two groups.Results The clinical effective rate in the observation group was 92.00%which was significantly higher than 76.00%in the control group(P<0.05).The observation group had significantly shorter times for abdominal distension pain relief,first bowel movement,recovery of bowel sounds and normalization of amylase(AMS)levels compared to the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,both groups showed significantly lower scores for abdominal pain,tenderness,fullness,dryness,nausea,vomiting and short red urine syndrome compared to before treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treat-ment,serum AMS and lipase(LPS)levels were significantly lower in both groups compared to be-fore treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,serum tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells(TREM)-1,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(MAP1-LC3)and intercellular adhesion molecule(ICAM)-1 levels were significantly lower in both groups com-pared to before treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the con-trol group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA expression lev-els were significantly lower in both groups compared to before treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Qingyi Decoc-tion can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of AP patients such as abdominal pain andabdomi-nal distension,inhibit inflammatory response,and promote the recovery of pancreatic function,which may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
3.From"insufficiency of ZhiYi"to anxiety onset:a preliminary construction of the emotion-pathogenesis hypothesis based on body-spirit integration theory
Mingzhou GAO ; Minghui HU ; Hongwei DONG ; You LI ; Yue ZHAO ; Xinyu WANG ; Zifa LI ; Xiwen GENG ; Sheng WEI ; Hao ZHANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(9):1320-1328
Anxiety is a major emotional disorder manifested in the individual's expectation of future threats.The incidence rate of anxiety is about 7.3%,with the highest lifetime prevalence rate among mental health conditions.The mechanism of anxiety overlaps with depression,and anxiety is a typical symptom of various mental diseases or emotional disorders in traditional Chinese medicine.The high rates of comorbidity and disability pose serious threats to people's health.Animal models are important tools for studying anxiety and are of great use for deciphering the pathogenesis of anxiety and for developing drugs.The traditional paradigm of stress-induced anxiety,however,is relatively limited.Based on traditional theory combined with clinical and animal experimental data,we propose a new hypothesis of"insufficiency of ZhiYi'causing anxiety,defined as"an anxiety state induced by the inability of an individual to meet their own needs,limited or lacking after multiple attempts,rendered hindered and powerless by an inability to meet their desires".This hypothesis is more in line with the typical manifestations of despair,lack of pleasure,and social withdrawal in clinical patients,and is supported by traditional theory and experimental data showing"hunger but unable to eat,food but unable to obtain,and gain but not full".Based on this,the established modeling paradigm is easy to apply,with good repeatability and low cost,and can be used to establish anxiety models in rats and mice,to provide a theoretical and model basis for the development and pharmacological evaluation of anti-anxiety drugs.
4.Immunogenicity and expression of a soluble CRM197 mutant of diphtheria toxin in Escherichia coli
Zeyue ZHANG ; Biao MA ; Jiali LI ; Mengqi XU ; Mingzhou ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(8):816-823
This study investigated the expression of the soluble nontoxic mutant CRM197 of diphtheria toxin,to prepare a safe and effective recombinant CRM197 protein.Codon-optimized CRM197 gene sequences were cloned into the pCold Ⅱ and pET-28a(+)prokaryotic expression vectors.The successfully cloned recombinant plasmids were screened and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)competent cells.After induction of expression,the protein expression type was determined through SDS-PAGE analysis.The conditions for expression of the solublerecombinant protein were then optimized.The recombinant CRM197 protein was purified through two rounds of Ni-NTA affinity chromatography.The purified protein was used to immunize mice,and antibody levels in the se-rum were measured with ELISA.The codon adaptation index(CAI)of the optimized sequence increased from 0.72 to 0.93.The recom-binant plasmids pET-28a(+)-CRM197 and pCold Ⅱ-CRM197 were successfully constructed,as confirmed through colony PCR and double digestion.Expression analysis revealed that pET-28a(+)-CRM197 was expressed primarily as inclusion bodies,whereas pColdⅡ-CRM197 was expressed predominantly in soluble form.The conditions for soluble protein expression via pCold Ⅱ-CRM197 were optimized.When the inoculum was 3%and the IPTG concentration was 0.4 mmol/L,induction at 20 ℃ for 24 h significantly increased the expression of the soluble target protein.The pCold Ⅱ-CRM197 recombinant protein was purified from the supernatant with Ni-NTA affinity chromatography,thus resulting in a target protein with a purity greater than 98%.ELISA after three rounds of immuniza-tion indicated that the levels of IgG,IgM,IgG1,and IgG2a antibodies in the serum in immunized mice were significantly higher than those in the control group.In summary,the CRM197 recombinant protein was successfully prepared with the pCold Ⅱvector and exhib-ited high soluble expression,high purity,and favorable immunogenicity.
5.From"insufficiency of ZhiYi"to anxiety onset:a preliminary construction of the emotion-pathogenesis hypothesis based on body-spirit integration theory
Mingzhou GAO ; Minghui HU ; Hongwei DONG ; You LI ; Yue ZHAO ; Xinyu WANG ; Zifa LI ; Xiwen GENG ; Sheng WEI ; Hao ZHANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(9):1320-1328
Anxiety is a major emotional disorder manifested in the individual's expectation of future threats.The incidence rate of anxiety is about 7.3%,with the highest lifetime prevalence rate among mental health conditions.The mechanism of anxiety overlaps with depression,and anxiety is a typical symptom of various mental diseases or emotional disorders in traditional Chinese medicine.The high rates of comorbidity and disability pose serious threats to people's health.Animal models are important tools for studying anxiety and are of great use for deciphering the pathogenesis of anxiety and for developing drugs.The traditional paradigm of stress-induced anxiety,however,is relatively limited.Based on traditional theory combined with clinical and animal experimental data,we propose a new hypothesis of"insufficiency of ZhiYi'causing anxiety,defined as"an anxiety state induced by the inability of an individual to meet their own needs,limited or lacking after multiple attempts,rendered hindered and powerless by an inability to meet their desires".This hypothesis is more in line with the typical manifestations of despair,lack of pleasure,and social withdrawal in clinical patients,and is supported by traditional theory and experimental data showing"hunger but unable to eat,food but unable to obtain,and gain but not full".Based on this,the established modeling paradigm is easy to apply,with good repeatability and low cost,and can be used to establish anxiety models in rats and mice,to provide a theoretical and model basis for the development and pharmacological evaluation of anti-anxiety drugs.
6.Immunogenicity and expression of a soluble CRM197 mutant of diphtheria toxin in Escherichia coli
Zeyue ZHANG ; Biao MA ; Jiali LI ; Mengqi XU ; Mingzhou ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(8):816-823
This study investigated the expression of the soluble nontoxic mutant CRM197 of diphtheria toxin,to prepare a safe and effective recombinant CRM197 protein.Codon-optimized CRM197 gene sequences were cloned into the pCold Ⅱ and pET-28a(+)prokaryotic expression vectors.The successfully cloned recombinant plasmids were screened and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)competent cells.After induction of expression,the protein expression type was determined through SDS-PAGE analysis.The conditions for expression of the solublerecombinant protein were then optimized.The recombinant CRM197 protein was purified through two rounds of Ni-NTA affinity chromatography.The purified protein was used to immunize mice,and antibody levels in the se-rum were measured with ELISA.The codon adaptation index(CAI)of the optimized sequence increased from 0.72 to 0.93.The recom-binant plasmids pET-28a(+)-CRM197 and pCold Ⅱ-CRM197 were successfully constructed,as confirmed through colony PCR and double digestion.Expression analysis revealed that pET-28a(+)-CRM197 was expressed primarily as inclusion bodies,whereas pColdⅡ-CRM197 was expressed predominantly in soluble form.The conditions for soluble protein expression via pCold Ⅱ-CRM197 were optimized.When the inoculum was 3%and the IPTG concentration was 0.4 mmol/L,induction at 20 ℃ for 24 h significantly increased the expression of the soluble target protein.The pCold Ⅱ-CRM197 recombinant protein was purified from the supernatant with Ni-NTA affinity chromatography,thus resulting in a target protein with a purity greater than 98%.ELISA after three rounds of immuniza-tion indicated that the levels of IgG,IgM,IgG1,and IgG2a antibodies in the serum in immunized mice were significantly higher than those in the control group.In summary,the CRM197 recombinant protein was successfully prepared with the pCold Ⅱvector and exhib-ited high soluble expression,high purity,and favorable immunogenicity.
7.Secular trends of asthma mortality in China and the United States from 1990 to 2019
Xiaochen LI ; Mingzhou GUO ; Yang NIU ; Min XIE ; Xiansheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(3):273-282
Background::Asthma imposes a large healthcare burden in China and the United States (US). However, the trends of asthma mortality and the relative risk factors have not been comparatively analyzed between the countries. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality and risk factors between China and the US.Methods::The deaths, and mortality rates of asthma in China and the US during 1990–2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The age–period–cohort model was used to estimate these mortality rates based on a log-linear scale with additive age, period, and cohort effects. The population attributable fractions of risk factors for asthma were estimated.Results::In 1990–2019, the asthma mortality rate was higher in China than in the US. The crude and age-standardized asthma mortality rates trended downward in both China and the US from 1990 to 2019. The decline in mortality was more obvious in China. Mortality gap between the two countries was narrowing. A sex difference in asthma mortality was observed with higher mortality in males in China and females in the US. The age effects showed that mortality increased with age in adults older than 20 years, particularly in the elderly. Downward trends were generally observed in the period and cohort rate ratios in both countries, with China experiencing a more obvious decrease. Smoking and high body mass index (BMI) were the leading risk factors for asthma mortality in China and the US, respectively. Mortality attributable to occupational asthmagens and smoking decreased the most in China and the US, respectively.Conclusions::In 1990–2019, the asthma mortality rate was higher in China than in the US; however, the mortality gap has narrowed. Mortality increased with age in adults. The improvements in asthma death risk with period and birth cohort were more obvious in China than in the US. Smoking, high BMI, and aging are major health problems associated with asthma control. The role of occupational asthmagens in asthma mortality underscores the importance of management and prevention of occupational asthma.
8.Effect of tail suspension simulated weightlessness on DNA methylation profiles in liver and colon of mice
Yan LU ; Mingzhou GUO ; Huikai LI ; Qianqian CHEN ; Xiaofeng QIU ; Enqiang LINGHU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(1):47-51
Objective This study uses whole-genome methylation capture sequencing technology to screen differential sites and regions of gene methylation in mouse liver and colon under simulated weightlessness conditions to reveal the specific impact of weightlessness on gene methylation.Methods Six 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the tail suspension group and the control group,with 3 in each.The 3 mice in the tail suspension group recieved tail suspension for simulated weightlessness for 42 days.After the experiment,DNA was extracted from liver and colon tissue and analyzed using genome-wide methylation capture sequencing technology.Results DNA analysis of liver tissue showed that a total of 7 517 differentially methylated sites and 997 differentially methylated regions were found,involving 4 892 genes.DNA analysis of colon tissue revealed 70 340 differentially methylated sites and 12 004 differentially methylated regions,affecting 12 877 genes.GO and KEGG path analysis revealed that these differentially methylated genes were mainly involved in protein binding,cell adhesion,cell activation,and various metabolic pathways.Conclusion This study successfully identified differential methylation sites and regions in mouse liver and colon under simulated weightlessness conditions through high-throughput sequencing technology.These findings help to further understand the impact of long-term space residence on biological gene methylation.It provides new research ideas for the prevention and early treatment of space flight-related diseases.
9.Research progress of microgravity effect on liver and colon
Yan LU ; Mingzhou GUO ; Huikai LI ; Qianqian CHEN ; Xiaofeng QIU ; Enqiang LINGHU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):268-272
With the increasing maturity and progress of China's space technology,astronauts can stay longer in the space station and complete more complex space experiments and tasks.In the Microgravity(MG)environment of space,the digestive system of astronauts is inevitably affected,especially the liver and colon,and there are many physiological and pathological changes.MG can affect liver metabolic function,cell proliferation and differentiation,oxidative stress response and inflammatory factor levels.MG can disrupt the intestinal barrier of the colon,intestinal flora and microecology,intestinal immunity,and the gut-liver axis.However,the existing studies on the effects of MG on liver and colon are not completely clear,and there is a lack of reliable diagnostic indicators for the pathological changes of both.Therefore,in order to explore the damage mechanism of MG on liver and colon and ensure the digestive system health of astronauts,this paper reviews the research progress on the effects of MG on liver and colon.
10.Treatment of acute unstable proximal clavicular fracture with hook plate of sternoclavicular joint.
Fang-Gui SUN ; Rui LIU ; Xin-Wei XIONG ; Rong-Ming XU ; Qiang-Li ZHANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2022;35(10):1004-1007
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate clinical effect of sternoclavicular hook plate in treating acute proximal clavicle fracture.
METHODS:
The clinical of 12 patients with acute unstable proximal clavicle fracture from June 2016 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged from 46 to 63 years old. Ten patients caused by car accident and 2 patients caused by high falling. All patients had multiple injuries;the time from injury to surgery ranged from 2 to 14 d. All patients were treated with domestic sternoclavicular joint hook plate. The operative time ranged from 40 to 115 min. The intraoperative bleeding volume ranged from 30 to 110 ml, follow-up time ranged from 10 to 36 months, the fracture healing time ranged from 8 to 18 weeks. At the latest follow-up, the efficacy was evaluated by using shoulder joint function score (Rockwood score).
RESULTS:
All 12 patients were followed up, with no obvious pain at the latest follow-up. The rockwood scores of the affected shoulder ranged from 13 to 14, and the healthy shoulder ranged from 14 to 15.
CONCLUSION
The sternocleidoclavicular joint plate is fixed with preformed plate. The cantilever is designed to retain the motion of the sternoclavicular joint. It's safe and simple, avoid, the injury of important organs during operation, and has a good prognosis. It is an ideal fixation method for the treatment of proximal clavicle fracture.
Male
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Female
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Humans
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Middle Aged
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Clavicle/injuries*
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Sternoclavicular Joint/injuries*
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Retrospective Studies
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Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
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Treatment Outcome
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Fractures, Bone/surgery*

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