1.Effect of Ligustilide on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Qian WU ; Yang WANG ; Jianing ZHOU ; Zhihan WAN ; Ke HU ; Qi HUANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):82-88
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms by which ligustilide (LIG) exerts neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke (IS) by inhibiting the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), promoting blood-brain barrier repair, and alleviating post-ischemic neuroinflammation, thereby providing a new direction for IS treatment. MethodsA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats. The rats were divided into the sham operation (Sham) group, model (Model) group, low- and high-dose LIG groups (20, 40 mg·kg-1), and the NET inhibitor CI-amidine group (CI-amidine, 10 mg·kg-1). Drug treatments were administered for 3 days. Neurological injury after ischemia was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit scoring, and brain index measurement. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze changes in neutrophil expression. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of the NET marker citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of blood-brain barrier tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory factors, including interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group exhibited significant brain tissue injury (P<0.05), significantly increased neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.05), significantly impaired blood-brain barrier permeability (P<0.05), and significantly increased expression of inflammatory factors (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both low- and high-dose LIG significantly alleviated brain tissue injury in rats (P<0.01), inhibited neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.01), reduced blood-brain barrier damage (P<0.01), and suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β (P<0.01), thereby ultimately exerting a neuroprotective effect. ConclusionThe neuroprotective effect of LIG in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to inhibition of neutrophils and the NETs induced by them.
2.Effect of Ligustilide on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Qian WU ; Yang WANG ; Jianing ZHOU ; Zhihan WAN ; Ke HU ; Qi HUANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):82-88
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms by which ligustilide (LIG) exerts neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke (IS) by inhibiting the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), promoting blood-brain barrier repair, and alleviating post-ischemic neuroinflammation, thereby providing a new direction for IS treatment. MethodsA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats. The rats were divided into the sham operation (Sham) group, model (Model) group, low- and high-dose LIG groups (20, 40 mg·kg-1), and the NET inhibitor CI-amidine group (CI-amidine, 10 mg·kg-1). Drug treatments were administered for 3 days. Neurological injury after ischemia was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit scoring, and brain index measurement. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze changes in neutrophil expression. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of the NET marker citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of blood-brain barrier tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory factors, including interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group exhibited significant brain tissue injury (P<0.05), significantly increased neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.05), significantly impaired blood-brain barrier permeability (P<0.05), and significantly increased expression of inflammatory factors (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both low- and high-dose LIG significantly alleviated brain tissue injury in rats (P<0.01), inhibited neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.01), reduced blood-brain barrier damage (P<0.01), and suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β (P<0.01), thereby ultimately exerting a neuroprotective effect. ConclusionThe neuroprotective effect of LIG in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to inhibition of neutrophils and the NETs induced by them.
3.Optimal Ratio of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos Couplet Medicines and Its Anti-ischemic Stroke Effect
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):21-31
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the optimal compatibility ratio of the Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos (CR-CF) couplet medicines in ischemic stroke (IS) therapy and its pharmacological action mechanism, providing a scientific basis for the clinical application of CR-CF couplet medicines in IS therapy. MethodsThe chemical composition of CR-CF was analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The contents of eight characteristic chemical components in aqueous extracts of CR-CF with common clinical compatibility ratios (1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶3, 3∶2, 2∶1) were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UHPLC). An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cell injury model was established, and cells were treated with different CR-CF compatibility ratios. The collaborative index (CI) was calculated by using CompuSyn software. A cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model of rats was induced by using the modified Longa suture method. The rats were divided into the sham group, model group, Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) group (1.3 g·kg-1), Carthami Flos (CF) group (3.9 g·kg-1), CR-CF group (5.2 g·kg-1), and edaravone group (5 mg·kg-1). Neuronal defect scores were assessed by the Longa scoring method. Cerebral infarction volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. Neuronal damage was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Neuronal apoptosis of rats was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed by Western blot. Label-free proteomics was employed to screen differentially expressed proteins, and Western blot was used to examine the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway-related proteins. Finally, molecular docking was performed to predict the binding affinity of eight active constituents in CR-CF (1∶3) with PI3K. ResultsWhen CR-CF was combined at a 1∶3 ratio, the total content of the eight active constituents in the extract was the highest, and the synergistic protective effect on OGD/R-injured HT22 cells was the strongest (CI=0.308). Animal experiments showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased neuroecological score points (P<0.01), larger cerebral infarction volumes (P<0.01), aggravated brain tissue damage, elevated neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), and increased B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and cleaved Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3/Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3) ratios (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CR-CF (1∶3) significantly reduced neurological scores (P<0.01), significantly decreased cerebral infarction volume (P<0.01), alleviated brain tissue damage, inhibited neuronal apoptosis (P<0.01), and significantly lowered the Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 ratios (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of CR-CF (1∶3) was superior to that of CR or CF alone. Proteomic analysis revealed that CR-CF (1∶3) activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Validation experiments demonstrated that compared with the sham group, the model group showed obviously reduced p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios (P<0.05) obviously increased. Compared with the CR-CF group, the 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one LY294002 inhibitor+CR-CF group exhibited obviously decreased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P<0.05). Molecular docking results indicated that the active constituents of CR-CF (1∶3) had strong binding affinity with PI3K. ConclusionThe CR-CF couplet medicines at a 1∶3 ratio exhibit optimal synergistic effects, and their anti-IS mechanism is closely related to activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis.
4.The epidemiological characteristics and spatial aggregation of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023
Lu-qian ZHANG ; Shao-qi NING ; Yun-peng NIAN ; Shu WANG ; Xin-xin LI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control. Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease. Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend(AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi′an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07:1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023(P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43“high-high”clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City. Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.
5.Effect of acupuncture on postoperative delirium in diabetic patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia
Jiaxi LIU ; Qi WANG ; Lingling DING ; Jiaqi NING ; Hai KE ; Zhuoya CHEN ; Bo YU ; Weiming SUN ; Peng CHEN ; Xiang LI ; Shishun KOU ; Reiling ZHOU ; Yudong ZHOU ; Yan GUO ; Mengjie CHEN ; Ruyu YAN ; Jiansheng LUO
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(10):1313-1316
Objective:To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on postoperative delirium (POD) in diabetic patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 92 diabetic patients of either sex, aged 30-80 yr, with a body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=46 each) using a table of random numbers: control group (group C) and acupuncture group (group A). Group A received acupuncture at the Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24) and Sishencong (EX-HN1) acupoints before anesthesia. The needles were retained for 30 min, with manual stimulation applied every 10 min for 10 s each time. After 4 stimulations, routine anesthesia was carried out. Group C received routine anesthesia only. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation was recorded on admission to the operating room (T 0), after anesthesia induction (T 1), at the start of surgery (T 2), at the end of surgery (T 3), and immediately after tracheal extubation (T 4). The POD developed within 3 days after surgery was assessed. The occurrence of needle-related adverse effects such as fainting, subcutaneous bleeding, and local paresthesia was recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence of POD was significantly reduced, and the regional cerebral oxygen saturation was increased at T 1, 4 in group A ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Acupuncture can decrease the development of POD in diabetic patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, which is related to an increase in regional cerebral oxygen saturation.
6.Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang in Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Yalong KANG ; Bo NING ; Juanjuan TAN ; Hongfei QI ; Yan SHI ; Fang GUAN ; Haifang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):256-267
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD),a group of common diseases in clinical practice,are witnessing a steady rise in both incidence and mortality rates,posing a challenge to public health. Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang,originating from Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (《金匮要略》),was initially used to treat severe cases of chest impediment. The formula consists of Trichosanthis Fructus,Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus,Pinelliae Rhizoma,and Baijiu. It has a wide range of clinical applications,with therapeutic effects including moving Qi to relieve depression,activating Yang to dissipate mass,and expelling phlegm to alleviate chest congestion. In recent years,clinical research has confirmed that Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang,with or without modification,used alone or in combination with Western medicine,has definite effects in the treatment of CVD such as hyperlipidemia,coronary atherosclerotic heart disease,hypertension,heart failure,and arrhythmia. It can alleviate disease symptoms and reduce the risk of re-hospitalization. Basic research indicates that the mechanisms of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang include improving endothelial functions,exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties,countering oxidative stress,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting ventricular remodeling,regulating mitochondrial functions,improving hemorheology,and modulating autophagy and neurotransmitters. This article reviews relevant articles in recent years with focuses on the compatibility,clinical application,and mechanism of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism research and clinical application of this formula in treating CVD and to offer ideas and reference for in-depth research.
7.Clinical characteristics analysis of autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy in four cases initially suspected as tuberculous meningitis
Li-heng WANG ; Xuan WANG ; Jian-ming ZHENG ; Qi-hui LIU ; Ning LI
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(4):560-565
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy(A-GFAP-A)is an autoimmune-mediated central nervous system disease.Its symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid changes are often similar to those of central nervous system infectious diseases,particularly tuberculous meningitis(TBM),making it clinically challenging to differentiate between them.This article collects data on the clinical manifestations,auxiliary examinations,diagnosis and treatment of four patients with A-GFAP-A,who were suspected as TBM and subsequently admitted to Department of Infectious Diseases,Huashan Hospital,Fudan University from Jan 2020 to Sep 2023.Additionally,relevant literature is reviewed and the key points of differential diagnosis is discussed in order to enhance clinicians'understanding of A-GFAP-A.
8.Comparison of active constituent contents and their biological activities of Buzhong Yiqi Recipe with different dosage forms
Yan-ran HE ; Jing WANG ; Jia-qiang XU ; Zhao-zhao XIA ; Ying-jiao LIU ; Zi-shu DONG ; Liang-shan MING ; Hong-ning LIU ; Qi-meng FAN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):357-364
AIM To compare total sugar,total protein,total phenol,total flavonoid,calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,liquiritin,lobetyolin,quercetin,isoferulic acid,hesperidin,glycyrrhizic acid contents and their antioxidant activities,hypoglycemic activities of big honey pill,small honey pill,water pill,concentrated pill,granule,mixture and decoction of Buzhong Yiqi Recipe.METHODS Anthraquinone-sulfuric acid method,Coomassie brilliant blue method,Folin-phenol colorimetry method,sodium nitrite-aluminum nitrate method and HPLC were adopted in the content determination of total sugar,total protein,total phenol,total flavonoid and seven constituents,respectively,after which the scavenging capacities,reducing powers on DPPH·free radical,ABTS+free radical,hydroxyl free radical,and inhibition capacity on α-glucosidase activity were detected.Subsequently,correlation analysis was performed.RESULTS Total sugar,total protein,total phenol and total flavonoid contents demonstrated significant differences among different dosage forms(P<0.05,P<0.01).Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,glycyrrhizin,codonoside and quercetin displayed the highest contents in the decoction,while those of isoferulic acid,hesperidin and glycyrrhizin were observable in the mixture.The water pill exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity,while those of the concentrated pill and mixture were weak;the big honey pill exhibited the strongest hypoglycemic activity,while that of the decoction was the weakest.Total protein,total phenol,total flavonoid and liquiritin contents displayed significant positive correlations between antioxidant activity(P<0.05,P<0.01),while hesperidin content displayed significant negative correlation between the latter(P<0.05);total protein,calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,codonoside and quercetin contents displayed significant negative correlations between hypoglycemic activity(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Active constituent contents and their biological activities of Buzhong Yiqi Recipe with different dosage forms exist differences,total sugar,total protein,total flavonoids,calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,licorice glycoside,hesperidin,codonoside and quercetin can be taken as quality control indices for this prescription.
9.Risk assessment of perioperative adverse events and management of antiplatelet therapy in patients with bladder cancer and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease undergoing transurethral resection of bladder cancer
Qi MIAO ; Baoan HONG ; Xuezhou ZHANG ; Zhipeng SUN ; Wei WANG ; Yuxuan WANG ; Yuxuan BO ; Jiahui ZHAO ; Ning ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(4):698-703
Objective:To explore the risk factors of adverse events during the perioperative period of transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT)in bladder cancer patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease(CAD).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of bladder cancer patients who underwent TURBT in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from June 2022 to September 2024.All patients with bladder cancer and CAD underwent coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)for diagnosis and assessment of CAD before surgery.Based on the CCTA results,the patients with bladder cancer and CAD were divided into two groups:those with mild to moderate coronary stenosis and those with severe coronary stenosis.The severe coronary stenosis group was further divided into two subgroups based on whether they received low-molecular-weight heparin(LMWH)bridging therapy or continued their anti-platelet treatment before surgery.Perioperative anticoagulation and antiplatelet strategies were adjusted according to the opinions of the specialists.The incidence of adverse events within 30 days postoperative-ly was followed up and analyzed.Results:A total of 80 bladder cancer patients with CAD who underwent TURBT were included in the study.Among the 80 patients with CAD,55(68.8%)had mild to moder-ate coronary stenosis,and 25(31.2%)had severe coronary stenosis.Compared with those had mild to moderate coronary stenosis,the patients who had severe coronary stenosis had a higher incidence of post-operative bleeding and pulmonary embolism,although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the patients who had severe coronary stenosis(P=0.034).Among the patients with severe coronary stenosis,8(32.0%)received LMWH bridging therapy before TURBT,and 17(68.0%)continued their previous antiplatelet treatment.Compared with those who continued antiplatelet treatment,the patients who re-ceived LMWH bridging therapy had a higher incidence of postoperative bleeding and pulmonary embo-lism,although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the LMWH bridging group(P=0.032).Conclusion:Patients with mild-to-moderate coronary stenosis demonstrate relatively low perioperative risk during TURBT procedures and may safely undergo TURBT following antiplatelet therapy discontinuation.Conversely,those with severe coronary stenosis exhibit significantly higher perioperative risk and require intensive monitoring.In bladder cancer patients with concomitant severe coronary stenosis,perioperative LMWH bridging therapy is associated with increased myocardial infarction risk,whereas continued anti-platelet therapy does not elevate postoperative bleeding risk.Current evidence therefore supports maintai-ning antiplatelet therapy in these patients,with appropriate bleeding risk assessment.
10.Preoperative short-course radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitor administration for locally advanced rectal cancer: the initial results of a randomized controlled clinical trial (STELLAR II)
Haoyue LI ; Haitao ZHOU ; Lichun WEI ; Yinggang CHEN ; Wenjue ZHANG ; Feiyan DENG ; Ning LI ; Zheng JIANG ; Zheng LIU ; Jianwei LIANG ; Zhaoxu ZHENG ; Xianyu MENG ; Yufei LU ; Zifa LEI ; Xiaoge SUN ; Gong LI ; Yingjie WANG ; Yongwen SONG ; Shunan QI ; Hao JING ; Yirui ZHAI ; Shulian WANG ; Yexiong LI ; Yuan TANG ; Jing JIN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):913-921
Objectives:To explore whether short-course radiotherapy (SCRT)-based total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) combined with PD-1 inhibitors could further promote tumor regression and improve the prognosis.Methods:This is a prospective, multicenter, two-arm randomized controlled, seamless phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ trial for proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the iTNT (TNT+PD-1) group or the TNT group. Patients in the TNT group received SCRT (5 Gy×5) followed by 4 cycles of CAPOX or 6 cycles of mFOLFOX chemotherapy, with the iTNT group receiving SCRT followed by the same regime in combination with 4 cycles of Sintilimab. Total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery or watch and wait (W&W) was performed after neoadjuvant therapy and then 2 cycles of same regimen as before were recommended. The primary endpoints are the complete response (CR) rate for phase Ⅱ trial and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) for phase Ⅲ trial. A total of 588 patients will be enrolled for the phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ trial. Short-term efficacy and safety data from the initial 100 treated patients were analyzed as planned.Results:From 2022-8-31 to 2023-5-24 the initial 100 patients were enrolled from 10 hospitals in China, 76.0%(76/100) patients were male, and the median age was 61 years (21-74 years). More patients had tumors located in the lower rectum (78.0%, 78/100), staged T3-4 (97.0%, 97/100) and N1-2 (93.0%, 93/100), and about half of the tumors invaded the mesorectal fascia (52.0%, 52/100) and with extramural vascular invasion (51.0%, 51/100). Analyses were performed according to the per-protocal (PP) set. All patients in the iTNT group ( n=52) and the TNT group ( n=48) completed SCRT; The 4-cycle chemotherapy±Sintilimab completion rates were 86.5% and 100.0% in the iTNT and TNT groups, respectively. In the iTNT group, 82.7% (43/52), 11.5% (6/52), and 5.8% (3/52) of the patients received 4, 3, and 2 cycles of PD-1 inhibitor. After TNT, 68 patients underwent radical surgery and 15 patients achieved cCR and adopted W&W. The pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 48.5% (16/33) and 17.1% (6/35) in the iTNT and TNT groups, with CR rates of 50.0% (25/50) and 26.1% (12/46), respectively. The incidence of treatment-related grade 3-4 adverse events was 26.9% (14/52, iTNT group) and 18.8% (9/48, TNT group), with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia being the most common. Among patients receiving immunotherapy, grade 3 immunotherapy-related adverse events occurred in 2 (3.8%, 2/52) patients: one case was pancreatitis, another case was hepatitis combined with myositis and myocarditis. Conclusion:The preliminary results show that SCRT-based TNT combined with PD-1 inhibitors could further improve the CR rate for LARC without unexpected serious adverse events.


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