1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Epidemiological analysis of alcohol poisoning among minors in Zhengzhou City
XUE Yingying, LU Libin, MEI Shiyue, LI Muzi, CHENG Yibing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1203-1206
Objective:
To analyze the characteristics of alcohol poisoning cases among minors receiving pre hospital 120 emergency services in Zhengzhou, providing evidence for regional management strategies of alcohol poisoning among minors.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on 1 630 alcohol poisoning cases (aged 0-18 years) from Zhengzhou s 120 emergency system during 2017-2019 and 2023. Data on gender, age, occurrence timeframes were analyzed using t-test and χ 2 test for intergroup comparisons.
Results:
Annual cases were 291 (2017), 353 (2018), 483 (2019), and 503 (2023). Compared with 2017, male alcohol poisoning cases increased by 66.94% while female cases surged 104.35% by 2023. The peak incidence of alcohol poisoning among minors occurred among 16-18 year olds (85.40%), followed by 13-15 year olds (13.74%). Most cases clustered between 21:01-03:00 (60.43%), with male cases peaking at 22:01-23:00 (12.73%) and female cases peaking at 02:01-03:00 ( 11.25 %). Between 00:01-03:00, male cases progressively decreased while female cases increased. Severity distribution showed 355 mild cases (21.78%), 1 035 moderate cases (63.50%), and 240 severe cases (14.72%).
Conclusions
Zhengzhou region has experienced sustained growth in underage alcohol poisoning cases, predominantly occurring from evening to early morning with moderate severity, female cases demonstrate faster growth rates. Multifaceted regulatory measures should be implemented to strengthen supervision of underage drinking behaviors.
3.Research progress in the role of STMN1 in tumor.
Xingxing MA ; Muzi LI ; La CHEN ; Huijuan MEI ; Ziye RONG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(6):1052-1059
Stathmin 1 (STMN1) is a microtubule-binding cytoplasmic phosphoprotein that promotes microtubule depolymerization or inhibits microtubule assembly, thereby regulating cytoskeletal organization and cell cycle progression. STMN1 is upregulated in a variety of malignant tumors, where it drives proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis through classic pathways such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and ferroptosis. STMN1 can also modulate the function of immune cells, thereby influencing antitumor immunity. Clinical data show that its high expression correlates positively with tumor drug resistance and poor prognosis, suggesting that STMN1 has potential as a tumor biomarker and therapeutic molecular target with important clinical significance.
Humans
;
Stathmin/metabolism*
;
Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
4.Transcriptomic analysis of suspended Vero cells and reduction of cellular autophagy by epidermal growth factor.
Muzi LI ; Na SUN ; Runsheng PENG ; Fangfang MA ; Jiamin WANG ; Zilin QIAO ; Jianguo CHEN ; Abudureyimu AYIMUGL
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(4):1671-1689
The culture of suspended Vero cells is facing difficulties such as low cell viability and long doubling time. To investigate the main reasons for the slow growth and low viability of suspended Vero cells, this study conducted transcriptomic analysis of suspended Vero cells (Vero-XF) and adherent Vero cells (Vero-AD) to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) affecting the growth of suspended cells. In addition, epidermal growth factor (EGF) was supplemented to the culture system to improve the growth of Vero-XF. The results showed that compared with the Vero-AD group, the Vero-XF group had 7 376 significant DEGs. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the autophagy and mitophagy pathways. Eleven DEGs were selected and verified by quantitative real-time PCR, which showed up-regulated expression of ATG9B, WIPI2, LAMP2, OPTN, Rab7a, and DEPTOR and down-regulated expression of ATG4D, being consistent with the results of transcriptomic analysis. In addition, the Vero-XF group showed significantly up-regulated expression of ATG101, ATG2A, and STX17 and insignificant change in the expression of NBR1, compared with the Vero-AD group. The protein levels of LC3 and P62 in Vero-XF and Vero-AD were determined by Western blotting, which showed up-regulated expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and down-regulated expression of P62 in Vero-XF, indicating a higher level of autophagy. Finally, the exogenous supplementation of EGF at 10, 20, and 30 μg/L in the culture system reduced the autophagy level of Vero-XF by 22.35%, 48.15%, and 71.29%, increased the specific growth rate by 15.48%, 33.33%, and 57.14%, and decreased the apoptosis rate by 2.84%, 15.46%, and 16.23%, respectively. The results of this study preliminarily reveal that the activation of autophagy is one of the reasons for the slow growth of Vero-XF, which provides reference for the subsequent culture of suspended Vero cells.
Animals
;
Vero Cells
;
Autophagy/genetics*
;
Chlorocebus aethiops
;
Epidermal Growth Factor/pharmacology*
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Transcriptome
;
Cell Survival
5.Structure, content and psychometric properties of assessment tools for interoceptive function: a scoping review based on COSMIN and ICF
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Lu QU ; Jiaxin WANG ; Meiping ZHAO ; Muzi LI ; Qiaoyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(2):172-183
ObjectiveTo review the interoceptive assessment tools in terms of structure, content and psychometric properties, based on the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsThe literature on interoceptive evaluation tools was retrieved from databases of CNKI, PubMed, Medline and EBSCO. The principal structures and contents of the assessment tools were analyzed based on the ICF framework, and the quality of the psychometric properties were appraised using COSMIN. ResultsA total of 13 interoceptive assessment tools were ultimately included, involving 16 literature references. There were five interoceptive sensitivity tools, four accuracy tools and four awareness tools. In terms of content, interoceptive sensitivity tools involved 33 categories of body functions, six categories of activities and participation, and one of environmental factors; while interoceptive accuracy tools only involved seven categories of body function, and two of activities and participation items; interoceptive awareness tools involved 30 categories of body function, four categories of activities and participation, and three of environmental factors. In terms of psychometric properties, Body Perception Questionnaire-Short Form (BPQ-SF) was the sensitivity tool with the best reliability and validity (qualified rate of 7/8), followed by Interoceptive Sensitivity Questionnaire (ISQ) (qualified rate of 6/8). Most of the accuracy tools adopted standardized measurement methods, but lacked sufficient reliability and validity verification. The awareness tools were good in reliability and validity (qualified rate above 5/8), especially Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-1) and Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) (qualified rate of 8/8). ConclusionBPQ-SF and ISQ are recommended for interoceptive sensitivity assessment, Water-loading Test and Heart-beat Tracking Task for interoceptive accuracy assessment, and MAIA-1 and BAQ for interoceptive awareness assessment.
6.Locoregional therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Hua XIANG ; Lin LONG ; Yongjin ZHANG ; Jumei ZHOU ; Yang ZHAO ; Muzi LI ; Rengeng LIU ; Shixiong SHI ; Rongrong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1497-1503
The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain high in China,and the application of surgical resection is often limited due to the fact that most patients are in the advanced stage at the time of confirmed diagnosis.This article reviews commonly used advanced locoregional therapies for HCC and the advances in mainstream techniques such as local ablation(radiofrequency ablation,microwave ablation,irreversible electroporation,and cryoablation),intravascular intervention(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy,and Y90 hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy),and radiotherapy(CyberKnife,proton therapy,and heavy-ion therapy),and a multidimensional decision-making framework is constructed for HCC locoregional therapy by comparing treatment principles,indications,limitations,and clinical data of these techniques.This article aims to provide evidence-based support for persistent dilemmas in clinical decision-making,promote the role of locoregional therapies in clinical practice,and propose the directions for future research and clinical application.This article also establishes a comprehensive clinical roadmap for HCC locoregional therapy,which helps to address current challenges regarding technique selection and delineate future directions for innovation,in order to reshape the treatment of HCC through technological integration and paradigm innovation.
7.Mechanism of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats
Chunyan WANG ; Zhenhua SONG ; Muzi ZHANG ; Xiaodi JIN ; Jie LI ; Shihong LYU ; Qing LI ; Yonghao YU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(8):673-679
Objective:To explore the expression changes of nerve growth factor (NGF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling pathway of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in incisional rat remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia and its effect on the expression of membrane delta opioid receptor (DOR).Methods:A total of 48 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups based on body weight matching, with 8 in each group, which were control group (infusion of 0.9% NaCl solution via the tail vein), incision pain group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method), remifentanil group (infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), incision pain+ remifentanil model group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method, followed by infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), NGF group and TrkA inhibitor group(established incision pain+ remifentanil model after intrathecal injection of NGF (0.06 μg/g) or K252a (0.3 μg/g, TrkA inhibitor)). Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was used to assess pain sensitivity in rats. Western blot was employed to measure the expression of NGF, TrkA, and the total DOR(tDOR) and the membrane DOR(mDOR) in DRG tissues. Immunoelectron microscopy was used to detect subcellular DOR expression in DRG. Data were processed using SPSS 24.0 software. Multiple comparisons among groups were conducted by repeated measures ANOVA or one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni test.Results:(1) The results of pain behavior showed that there was a significant interaction effect between time and group in the comparison of PWT among the six groups of rats before and after intervention ( F=345.817, P<0.001). At each time point after intervention, the PWTs of the incision pain+ remifentanil group were lower than those of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the PWTs of the NGF group were lower than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the PWTs of the TrkA inhibitor group were higher than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (all P<0.05). (2)The Western blot results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the relative levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the DRG tissues of the six groups of rats ( F=156.2, 163.8, 421.2, all P<0.001). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR proteins in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (1.45±0.07, 1.46±0.04, 3.01±0.20) were higher than those in the incision pain group (1.25±0.05, 1.24±0.04, 1.84±0.05) and remifentanil group (1.24±0.04, 1.26±0.03, 1.84±0.04) (all P<0.05). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the NGF group (1.57±0.03, 1.58±0.07, 3.74±0.25) were higher than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of TrkA, and mDOR in the TrkA inhibitor group (1.25±0.04, 1.68±0.07) were lower than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and the NGF group (all P<0.05). (3)The results of immunoelectron microscopy showed that there were statistically significant differences in the localization of DOR in the cell membrane, subcellular sites of synthesis pathways, and subcellular localization of degradation pathways among the six groups of rat DRG tissues ( F=140.3, 60.63, 60.28, all P<0.01). The DOR of the synthesis pathway of incision pain+ remifentanil group was higher than that of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, while the DOR of the synthesis pathway of NGF was higher than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group.The DOR of the synthesis pathway of TrkA inhibitor group was lower than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). The DOR of the degradation pathway in the incision pain+ remifentanil group was lower than that in the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the DOR of the degradation pathway in the NGF group was lower than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the DOR of the degradation pathway in the TrkA inhibitor group was higher than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is involved in rat incisional pain-remifentanil hyperalgesia by upregulating the delta opioid receptor of the dorsal root ganglia.
8.Mechanism of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats
Chunyan WANG ; Zhenhua SONG ; Muzi ZHANG ; Xiaodi JIN ; Jie LI ; Shihong LYU ; Qing LI ; Yonghao YU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(8):673-679
Objective:To explore the expression changes of nerve growth factor (NGF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) signaling pathway of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in incisional rat remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia and its effect on the expression of membrane delta opioid receptor (DOR).Methods:A total of 48 SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups based on body weight matching, with 8 in each group, which were control group (infusion of 0.9% NaCl solution via the tail vein), incision pain group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method), remifentanil group (infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), incision pain+ remifentanil model group (incision pain model established using the Brennan method, followed by infusion of remifentanil via the tail vein), NGF group and TrkA inhibitor group(established incision pain+ remifentanil model after intrathecal injection of NGF (0.06 μg/g) or K252a (0.3 μg/g, TrkA inhibitor)). Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was used to assess pain sensitivity in rats. Western blot was employed to measure the expression of NGF, TrkA, and the total DOR(tDOR) and the membrane DOR(mDOR) in DRG tissues. Immunoelectron microscopy was used to detect subcellular DOR expression in DRG. Data were processed using SPSS 24.0 software. Multiple comparisons among groups were conducted by repeated measures ANOVA or one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni test.Results:(1) The results of pain behavior showed that there was a significant interaction effect between time and group in the comparison of PWT among the six groups of rats before and after intervention ( F=345.817, P<0.001). At each time point after intervention, the PWTs of the incision pain+ remifentanil group were lower than those of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the PWTs of the NGF group were lower than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the PWTs of the TrkA inhibitor group were higher than those of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (all P<0.05). (2)The Western blot results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the relative levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the DRG tissues of the six groups of rats ( F=156.2, 163.8, 421.2, all P<0.001). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR proteins in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (1.45±0.07, 1.46±0.04, 3.01±0.20) were higher than those in the incision pain group (1.25±0.05, 1.24±0.04, 1.84±0.05) and remifentanil group (1.24±0.04, 1.26±0.03, 1.84±0.04) (all P<0.05). The levels of NGF, TrkA, and mDOR in the NGF group (1.57±0.03, 1.58±0.07, 3.74±0.25) were higher than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of TrkA, and mDOR in the TrkA inhibitor group (1.25±0.04, 1.68±0.07) were lower than those in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and the NGF group (all P<0.05). (3)The results of immunoelectron microscopy showed that there were statistically significant differences in the localization of DOR in the cell membrane, subcellular sites of synthesis pathways, and subcellular localization of degradation pathways among the six groups of rat DRG tissues ( F=140.3, 60.63, 60.28, all P<0.01). The DOR of the synthesis pathway of incision pain+ remifentanil group was higher than that of the incision pain group and remifentanil group, while the DOR of the synthesis pathway of NGF was higher than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group.The DOR of the synthesis pathway of TrkA inhibitor group was lower than that of the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). The DOR of the degradation pathway in the incision pain+ remifentanil group was lower than that in the incision pain group and remifentanil group, the DOR of the degradation pathway in the NGF group was lower than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group, and the DOR of the degradation pathway in the TrkA inhibitor group was higher than that in the incision pain+ remifentanil group and NGF group (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The NGF/TrkA signaling pathway is involved in rat incisional pain-remifentanil hyperalgesia by upregulating the delta opioid receptor of the dorsal root ganglia.
9.Locoregional therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Hua XIANG ; Lin LONG ; Yongjin ZHANG ; Jumei ZHOU ; Yang ZHAO ; Muzi LI ; Rengeng LIU ; Shixiong SHI ; Rongrong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1497-1503
The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain high in China,and the application of surgical resection is often limited due to the fact that most patients are in the advanced stage at the time of confirmed diagnosis.This article reviews commonly used advanced locoregional therapies for HCC and the advances in mainstream techniques such as local ablation(radiofrequency ablation,microwave ablation,irreversible electroporation,and cryoablation),intravascular intervention(transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy,and Y90 hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy),and radiotherapy(CyberKnife,proton therapy,and heavy-ion therapy),and a multidimensional decision-making framework is constructed for HCC locoregional therapy by comparing treatment principles,indications,limitations,and clinical data of these techniques.This article aims to provide evidence-based support for persistent dilemmas in clinical decision-making,promote the role of locoregional therapies in clinical practice,and propose the directions for future research and clinical application.This article also establishes a comprehensive clinical roadmap for HCC locoregional therapy,which helps to address current challenges regarding technique selection and delineate future directions for innovation,in order to reshape the treatment of HCC through technological integration and paradigm innovation.
10.Imaging Features of Patients With Isolated Left Ventricular Apical Hypoplasia
Yaoyao CAI ; Qianqian LIU ; Linyuan WAN ; Hongxia QI ; Muzi LI ; Hong MENG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(7):682-687
Objectives:To explore the imaging features of patients with isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia(ILVAH). Methods:Twelve patients diagnosed with ILVAH(ILVAH group)in our hospital from April 2018 to August 2023 were enrolled,and all of them received transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)examination;9 patients underwent CMR examination;and 1 patient underwent CT examination.Clinical data and imaging characteristics of the patients were analyzed.At the same time,twelve healthy age and sex matched participants who underwent physical examination in the same period were selected as the control group. Results:TTE showed that:compared with the control group,the left ventricular transverse diameter([46.3±5.7]mm vs.[57.8±12.6]mm)and right ventricular long diameter([62.0±4.2]mm vs.[73.6±6.4]mm)were larger in the ILVAH group(P<0.05),the left ventricular long diameter([63.0±3.5]mm vs.[53.4±8.2]mm)was smaller(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in right ventricular transverse diameter between the two groups(P>0.05).The interventricular septum was convex to the right ventricle,and the thickness at the apex was(5.2±2.0)mm in the ILVAH group.The papillary muscles were all attached to the flat left ventricular apex.Among the 9 patients who underwent CMR examination,adipose tissue replacement was found in the left ventricular apex in 7 out of the 9 patients,and endocardial fibrosis was found in 2 out of the 9 patients. Conclusions:The clinical presentation of ILVAH is non-specific,but there are specific imaging manifestations that may help improve the understanding of the disease.


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