1.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
2.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
3.Research progress on typical work-related diseases
Xuemei TAN ; Yingying FENG ; Tangfei GUAN ; Yuqin YAO ; Xin SUN ; Juan LIAO ; Yajia LAN ; Qin ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):108-115
Work serves as a critical means of obtaining resources, facilitating personal growth, realizing self-worth, and engaging in social interactions. However, work-related diseases pose significant threats to workers’ health and productivity, and impose considerable economic burdens. This article categorized work-related diseases into six major types, including musculoskeletal disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, digestive system diseases, reproductive system diseases, and non-specific respiratory diseases, and summarized their risk factors, assessment methods, policy regulation, and prevention and control measures. Current research in this field predominantly relies on cross-sectional studies, which present limitations in causal inference and potential risks of bias. Future studies should expand sample sizes, optimize research designs, and establish multidimensional evaluation systems to comprehensively assess the health and economic impacts of work-related diseases. It is recommended to enhance the translation of research findings into practice, thereby providing a scientific basis for the occupational health protection system and promoting the well-being and sustainable development of the working population.
4.Effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on stress urinary incontinence in women
Ya'nan LI ; Miao YE ; Juan WU ; Cong CHEN ; Lingfang WAN ; Lili YU ; Linlin GAO ; Yi QIN ; Huafang JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):690-698
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle function, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethodsFrom February, 2024 to July, 2025, 40 female patients with SUI were recruited from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and advertisements. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). The control group received conventional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, and the experimental group received functional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, for eight weeks. The data of pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG), 1-hour urine pad test and Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I-QOL) were collected before and after training. The compliance rate was counted after training. ResultsOne case dropped down in the control group and three cases dropped down in the experimental group. After treatment, the pelvic floor muscle strength increased in both groups (|Z| > 3.317, P < 0.01), the pre-resting average value, sustained contraction average value and durable contraction average value of sEMG improved in the control group (|t| > 2.731, P < 0.05), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t > 9.215, P < 0.001) and the I-QOL score significantly increased (|t| > 13.229, P < 0.001) in both groups; compared with the control group, the pelvic floor muscle strength significantly increased (Z = -2.281, P = 0.023), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t = 4.215, P < 0.001), the I-QOL score significantly increased (t = -4.501, P < 0.001), and the compliance rate significantly increased (Z = -2.798, P < 0.01) in the experimental group . ConclusionFunctional pelvic floor muscle training can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle strength, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with SUI.
5.Mechanism of Modified Guishenwan in Regulating AMPK/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway to Improve Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats
Jiayu TIAN ; Wenyi QIN ; Juan YANG ; Xiaofeng RONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):1-8
ObjectiveBased on the adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Akt/Nrf2) pathway, this study aims to explore the mechanism by which modified Guishenwan improves glucose and lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats. MethodsA PCOS rat model was established by continuous oral administration of letrozole (1 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 21 days. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, a metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Guishenwan groups (4.01, 8.02, and 16.04 g·kg-1·d-1), with 8 rats in each group. Ten normal rats were assigned to the normal group. The drug groups were given their respective doses, while the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline. Intervention lasted for 4 weeks. Testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the LH/FSH ratio was calculated. Fasting blood glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) were calculated. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were conducted. Malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in serum and ovarian tissue were measured using a chemical fluorescence method. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess ovarian tissue pathology. Real-time quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to measure the expression of AMPK/Akt/Nrf2 pathway-related genes and proteins in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased levels of T, LH, LH/FSH, FPG, FINS, TG, TC, and HOMA-IR, while FSH, E2, and HOMA-ISI were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). MDA and AGEs levels were significantly higher in both serum and ovarian tissue, and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). AMPK, Akt, and Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in ovarian tissue was also significantly reduced (P<0.05). The OGTT and ITT results showed significantly higher blood glucose levels at each time point (P<0.05, P<0.01), with impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Ovarian follicles showed polycystic changes, reduced corpus luteum, and sparse granulosa cell layers. Compared with the model group, the metformin group and the high-dose modified Guishenwan group showed significant decreases in T, LH, LH/FSH, FPG, FINS, TG, TC, and HOMA-IR, while FSH, E2, and HOMA-ISI were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose modified Guishenwan group, MDA and AGEs levels in serum and ovarian tissue were significantly reduced, and SOD levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of AMPK, Akt, and Nrf2 in ovarian tissue was significantly increased (P<0.05). OGTT and ITT results showed that blood glucose levels in rats decreased significantly at each time point (P<0.05, P<0.01). No obvious abnormalities were observed in ovarian tissue. Compared with the low-dose modified Guishenwan group, the high-dose group showed significant decreases in T, LH, LH/FSH, FPG, FINS, TG, TC, and HOMA-IR, while FSH, E2, and HOMA-ISI were significantly increased (P<0.05). OGTT and ITT results indicated that the high-dose modified Guishenwan group significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance in rats. No significant abnormalities were observed in ovarian tissue. ConclusionModified Guishenwan effectively improves glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities and inhibits oxidative stress in PCOS rats, potentially through regulation of the AMPK/Akt/Nrf2 pathway.
6.The risk prediction models for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yushuang SU ; Yan LI ; Hong GAO ; Zaichun PU ; Juan CHEN ; Mengting LIU ; Yaxie HE ; Bin HE ; Qin YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):230-236
Objective To systematically evaluate the risk prediction models for anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery. Methods A computer-based search of PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed and CNKI was conducted to collect studies on postoperative AL risk prediction model for esophageal cancer from their inception to October 1st, 2023. PROBAST tool was employed to evaluate the bias risk and applicability of the model, and Stata 15 software was utilized for meta-analysis. Results A total of 19 literatures were included covering 25 AL risk prediction models and 7373 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.670-0.960. Among them, 23 prediction models had a good prediction performance (AUC>0.7); 13 models were tested for calibration of the model; 1 model was externally validated, and 10 models were internally validated. Meta-analysis showed that hypoproteinemia (OR=9.362), postoperative pulmonary complications (OR=7.427), poor incision healing (OR=5.330), anastomosis type (OR=2.965), preoperative history of thoracoabdominal surgery (OR=3.181), preoperative diabetes mellitus (OR=2.445), preoperative cardiovascular disease (OR=3.260), preoperative neoadjuvant therapy (OR=2.977), preoperative respiratory disease (OR=4.744), surgery method (OR=4.312), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR=2.424) were predictors for AL after esophageal cancer surgery. Conclusion At present, the prediction model of AL risk in patients with esophageal cancer after surgery is in the development stage, and the overall research quality needs to be improved.
7.Predictive value of spectral CT multi-quantitative parameters combined with clinical characteristics on high-risk gastroesophageal varices of liver cirrhosis
Ruisui HUANG ; Wenqi QIN ; Ke DING ; Shanjin LU ; Bin LIN ; Jianning HUANG ; Juan SU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(2):236-240
Objective To investigate the application value of spectral CT multi-quantitative parameters combined with clinical characteristics in predicting high-risk gastroesophageal varices(GOV)in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods The results of upper abdominal spectral CT enhancement and electronic gastroscopy in 112 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were analyzed retrospec-tively,and the clinical data were collected.According to the gastroscopic manifestations,the patients were divided into high-risk GOV group(n=74)and low-risk GOV group(n=38).Univariate analysis was used to compare the spectral CT quantitative parameters and clinical characteristics between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent risk factors for high-risk GOV.R software was used to construct a nomogram model for predicting high-risk GOV,and the differentia-tion,calibration and clinical practicability of the prediction model were evaluated.Results The normalized iodine concentration(NIC)of liver left lobe,prothrombin time(PT),albumin(ALB)and liver function grading were independent risk factors for high-risk GOV(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of predicting high-risk GOV in nomo-gram model was 0.893.Calibration curve showed that the predicted results were basically consistent with the actual results.Decision curve analysis(DCA)showed that the prediction model had good clinical practicability.Conclusion The nomogram model based on NIC of liver left lobe,PT,ALB and liver function grading is helpful to predict patients with high-risk GOV in liver cirrhosis,and pro-vides a reference for clinical prevention and treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EVB).
8.Protective Effect of Siraitiae fructus Qingyan Formula on Acute Pharyngitis in Rats
Wei LIU ; Jianling YAO ; Juan QIN ; Yuqing YANG ; Yongqi YANG ; Letian YING ; Feng ZHANG ; Jing JIA ; Gaimei SHE
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2864-2877
Objective To study the effect and possible mechanism of Siraitiae fructus Qingyan Formula(SQF)on acute pharyngitis(AP)rats induced by ammonia water.Methods The active ingredients and targets of SQF were obtained from TCMSP database,pharyngitis targets were acquired from disease databases such as DrugBank,and the common targets were identified through intersections.Constructing protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks to obtain key targets.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were carried out,and the"active ingredients-targets-pathways"network was constructed.Discovery Studio 2019 was used for molecular docking of active ingredients.The acute pharyngitis model was induced by fixed point quantitative application of ammonia water.After Siraitiae fructus Qingyan oral thick paste(SQP)low-,medium-and high-dose(4,8,16 g/kg)administration,The body mass,general behavior and symptoms of the rats were monitored continuously,and the score of pharyngeal swelling was recorded;the pathological changes of pharyngeal were observed by HE staining.The classification and the count of inflammatory cells were determined.The expression of inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-1β,PGE2)and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways in pharyngeal tissues were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Results A total of 35 active ingredients,223 action targets and 2549 pharyngitis related targets were obtained through network pharmacology,with 153 common targets in total.The key targets were protein kinase B(PKB or AKT).Pathways involved PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.Combined with key targets,it was speculated that PI3K-AKT is an important signaling pathway for the treatment of acute pharyngitis with SQF.Compared with the model group,the related symptoms of AP rats were alleviated after the treatment of SQP.The redness and swelling of pharynx were significantly improved(P<0.001).The hyperplasia of the upper mucosa of pharyngeal was alleviated or disappeared,infiltration of a small amount of inflammatory cells,and hypertrophy and hyperplasia of submucosa glandular cells were alleviated.The numbers of inflammatory cells in blood of rats significantly decreased(P<0.05).And the mRNA expression levels of IL-6,IL-1β and PGE2 in pharyngeal tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),while the mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT and mTOR mRNA were remarkably raised(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion SQF has obvious improvement effect on AP rats,and its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammation level,improving pharyngeal mucosa hyperplasia,inflammatory cells infiltration,hypertrophy and hyperplasia of submucosal glandular cells,and regulating PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
9.Research on the evaluation index system of department-level operation of public hospitals from the per-spective of high-quality development
Jiawei ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Yating ZHU ; Qin FANG ; Juan GUO ; Na REN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(9):1347-1351
Objective This study aims to improve the evaluation index system for the operation of department levels in tertiary public hospitals,strengthen process management,and promote the comprehensive reform and high-quality development of public hospitals.Methods Through literature retrieval and theoretical analysis,a framework for the evaluation index system of department-level operation in tertiary general public hospitals was constructed,and evaluation indicators were initially proposed.Based on the Delphi method,a systematic sorting and adjustment of the evaluation indicators for department-level operation in public hospitals were carried out,and the evaluation index system was finally established.Results The response rates and effec-tive rates of the two rounds of questionnaires using the Delphi method were 90.00%and 83.33%,respectively.The authority co-efficient was 0.8,and the differences in coordination coefficients were statistically significant.The indicators passed the consis-tency test,and the final evaluation index system was composed of 5 first-level indicators,14 second-level indicators,and 43 third-level indicators.Conclusion The evaluation indicators for the operation of department levels in tertiary general public hos-pitals are conducive to guiding hospitals to improve their internal management level and providing support for the implementation of the high-quality development strategy of public hospitals.
10.Research progress on mechanism of curcumin in treatment of depression
Lin WANG ; Qi-fei PAN ; Wen-juan LONG ; Jia-rong DU ; Zhong-yang HU ; Xin-yao LI ; Yi-shu CHEN ; Dong-dong QIN ; Xiao-man LYU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1618-1623
Depression is a prevalent mental and emotional disor-der that often results in significant emotional disturbances,cog-nitive dysfunction,and memory impairments.It is characterized by a high incidence rate,a substantial disability burden,and limited therapeutic efficacy.Currently,the long-term use of medications for the treatment of depression can result in a range of adverse reactions,highlighting the urgent need to explore no-vel approaches that can effectively alleviate depressive symptoms while minimizing side effects.Curcumin,a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric,demonstrates considerable potential in the prevention and treatment of depres-sion,owing to its diverse array of biological activities.In recent years,numerous studies have investigated the use of curcumin for the treatment of depression.This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of action underlying curcumin's efficacy in treating depression.Specifically,it focu-ses on its ability to improve neurotransmitter imbalances,restore neural plasticity,alleviate neural damage,mitigate dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis,regulate in-flammatory factors and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways,and inhibit oxidative stress.This review is intended to offer in-sights and methodological references for basic research on curcu-min,as well as for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of depression.

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