1.Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction Regulating Perimenopausal Syndrome via SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH Signaling Pathway
Ruiyu HUANG ; Fang LEI ; Wuchaonan LIU ; Jingjing YANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Shengping LUO ; Yanling CHEN ; Mengge ZHANG ; Fanshun SHEN ; Yihui DENG ; Dingxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):51-62
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kisspeptin)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus, so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method, with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling, including a sham operation group, a model group, an estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg∙kg-1∙d-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups (7.614, 3.807,1.903 5 g∙kg-1∙d-1), with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days, and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1, Kisspeptin, kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight (P0.01), reduced wet weight and index of uterus (P0.01), endometrial thinning or atrophy, glandular atrophy, and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally, serum levels of E2 and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased (P0.01). Serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, the expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight, serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, and expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary (P0.05, P0.01) and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus, serum level of E2, and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus (P0.05, P0.01). In addition, they showed thickened endometrium, increased number of endometrial glands, and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway, the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary, the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins, and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.
2.A clinical study on the effectiveness of feedforward control mode on improving occupational burnout among operating room nurses
Ru GU ; Liyan ZHAO ; Qianru WANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Dan LEI ; Yang YAO ; Pan LIU ; Jinzhu SUN ; Na LI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(10):1373-1378
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of feedforward control mode on improving occupational burnout among operating room nurses through theoretical research and clinical practice, with a view to promoting their physical and mental health and enhancing the quality of surgical nursing. MethodsA total of 440 operating room nurses from different regions, scales, and nursing experiences in Shaanxi Province from November 2023 to December 2023 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 220 nurses in each group. While the control group received routine intervention measures, the experimental group introduced a feedforward control mode based on the control group, with “emotional exhaustion,” “depersonalization,”and“personal achievement” as observation indicators. ResultsThe incidence of occupational burnout in the experimental group was 11.4%, while that in the control group was 20.0%. The experimental group showed a significantly lower incidence than the control group (P=0.013). ConclusionThe feedforward control mode can significantly alleviate nurses’ sense of job burnout, promote the improvement of surgical nursing quality, as well as continuously improve the scientific rigor, advancement, and humanistic nature of nursing services, which is conducive to building a harmonious and efficient nursing team. The spirit of teamwork, reflected in mutual support, mutual trust, and joint efforts for surgical success and patient health, has become an important component of nurses’ professional ethics.
3.Establishment of a nutritional risk prediction model for femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary nails
Qiang ZHANG ; Dawei LI ; Ninghao LIU ; Qianru LI ; Yingjie ZHENG ; Zhifeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(21):3380-3384
BACKGROUND:Patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture may have nutritional risks during proximal femoral nail anti-rotation surgery,and a clinical predictive model is established based on nutritional assessment tools. OBJECTIVE:To establish the nomogram of the nutritional risk prediction model for patients with intertrochanteric fracture after proximal femoral nail anti-rotation fixation and evaluate the accuracy of the model. METHODS:From December 2018 to July 2022,patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures who underwent proximal femoral nail anti-rotation fixation in First Department of Orthopedics,Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College were selected as the study subjects.The nutritional risk status of patients was assessed using nutritional risk screening 2002.Logistic regression was used to build the model.The receiver operating characteristic curve,Calibration plot calibration curve,and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the discrimination,calibration and clinical applicability of the prediction model.The model was visualized using Nomogram diagrams. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Seventy-six patients were included according to the inclusion criteria.The incidence of nutritional risk was 80%after being assessed using nutritional risk screening 2002.(2)The results of Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age≥77 years old,body mass index<22.80 kg/m2,upper arm circumference<25.01 cm,hemoglobin<98.51 g/L,albumin<31.61 g/L,and prealbumin<138.56 g/L were all independent risk factors for nutritional risk(P<0.05).(3)The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.919(95%CI:0.843-0.994).(4)The results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test displayed that nutritional risk prediction value was high.(5)It is concluded that the nutritional risk assessment model constructed in this study has a good degree of discrimination and calibration,and has a certain predictive ability,which can be used as a reference tool for nutritional risk assessment of patients after proximal femoral nail anti-rotation fixation.
4.Global epidemiology of liver cancer 2022: An emphasis on geographic disparities
Qianru LI ; Chao DING ; Maomao CAO ; Fan YANG ; Xinxin YAN ; Siyi HE ; Mengdi CAO ; Shaoli ZHANG ; Yi TENG ; Nuopei TAN ; Jiachen WANG ; Changfa XIA ; Wanqing CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(19):2334-2342
Background::Liver cancer remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, causing a heavy burden globally. An updated assessment of the global epidemiology of the liver cancer burden that addresses geographical disparities is necessary to better understand and promote healthcare delivery.Methods::Data were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, including the number, crude, and age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality at the global, country, continent, and human development index (HDI) regional levels. Age-standardized rates (incidence and mortality) per 100,000 person-years were adjusted based on the Segi-Doll World standard population. The mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) for each region and country were calculated. The HDI and gross national income (GNI) for 2022 were obtained, and a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted with the incidence, mortality, and MIR.Results::In 2022, approximately 866,136 new liver cancer cases and 758,725 related deaths were recorded worldwide, with a global MIR of 0.86. Males had a disproportionately higher burden than females across all levels, and the highest burden was observed in the elderly population. Geographically, the regions with the highest incidence rates included Micronesia, Eastern Asia, and Northern Africa, and the regions with the highest mortality rates included Northern Africa, Southeastern Asia, Eastern Asia, and Micronesia. Notably, Mongolia had a strikingly high burden compared to other countries. The highest MIR was observed in North America and the lowest in Africa. Negative associations of HDI and GNI with liver cancer mortality and MIR were identified, irrespective of sex.Conclusions::The current liver cancer burden underscores the presence of remarkable geographic heterogeneity, which is particularly evident across countries with varying HDI levels, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize health accessibility and availability to achieve health inequities.
5.Advances in methods to assess progression of glaucomatous visual impairment
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(6):569-575
Glaucoma is a group of ocular diseases characterized by structural damage to the optic nerve, and the goal of its clinical management is to slow disease progression and preserve the physiological need for visual function.Methods to assess glaucoma disease progression include assessment of structural damage and assessment of visual function damage.As glaucomatous disease progresses, some of the indicators used to assess structural damage have a floor effect when retinal ganglion cells die in large numbers.Therefore, visual function assessment has become the main modality to monitor the progression of mid- to late-stage glaucoma.This article reviews the visual function assessment methods, applications, and recent advances from four aspects, namely, visual field examination, visual electrophysiology examination, contrast sensitivity, and comprehensive visual function assessment, and analyzes their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages in assessing the progression of visual function damage in glaucoma.
6.Research Advances on Drugs Delivery Carriers for Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Drugs
Yuanyuan ZHAO ; Qianru ZHANG ; Huanhuan XU ; Yanmei XU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(6):930-935
As a noval class of nucleic acid drugs,messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)has great application potential in vaccines,immunotherapy,regenerative medicine,gene editing and so on.In particular,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in 2020 has greatly accelerated the mRNA technology development globally.However,mRNA being negatively charged,face challenges in cell entry and is easy to be phagocytized by cells of the innate immune system or degraded by nucleases in vivo.The instability and low delivery efficiency hinder widespread application of mRNA-based therapy.Therefore,safe,effective and stable delivery was needed carriers to protect mRNA from degradation and break through the barrier of cell membrane in order to ensure it express in intracellular.This paper systematically reviews the latest research progress of mRNA delivery carriers and briefly describes lipid carriers,polymer carriers,peptide carriers and viral carriers.The future directions of mRNA delivery carriers research are prospected so as to provide reference for the development of new mRNA drug delivery carriers.
7.Effect of apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage in inflammatory reactions and lipid metabolic diseases
Fan ZHANG ; Chunyu TIAN ; Jingcun WANG ; Xiaojin LA ; Qianru FU ; Jie LI ; Wenhao FU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(3):142-148
Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage(AIM)belongs to group B of the scavenger receptor cysteine rich-super family.AIM is a soluble protein secreted by macrophages.The expression of this protein is controlled by the liver X receptor.AIM,which is secreted by macrophages,plays important and broad roles in the immune responses of the body.It not only inhibits the apoptosis of macrophages but also participates in the regulation of macrophage polarization.In addition,studies have revealed that AIM is involved in various physiological and pathological processes,such as inflammation,obesity,atherosclerosis,and cancer.It has been used as a biological marker for the diagnosis of diseases such as tuberculosis and liver cirrhosis.Moreover,it can promote the lipolysis of adipose cells by inhibiting the activity of fatty acid synthase(FAS),playing an important role in the regulation of lipid homeostasis,lipid metabolism,and autoimmune diseases.In this paper,we review the multiple functional characteristics of AIM and its effects on inflammation,lipid metabolism,and related diseases to provide a theoretical basis for relevant medical research.
8.Advances in construction and applications of quantitative adverse outcome pathways in toxicology
Mintao LI ; Jiahui CHEN ; Beibei JIANG ; Jie GAO ; Jiali ZOU ; Qianru ZHOU ; Xiaofeng YAN ; Shuquan LUO ; Huadong ZHANG ; Jinyao CHEN ; Xuemei LIAN ; Jiao HUO
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(6):473-480
"Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century—A Vision and Strategy"proposed by the National Research Council of US has brought innovative directives and objectives for toxicity evaluation and risk assessment,pushing forward the next generation of toxicity testing and risk assessment.In this initiative,the concept of adverse outcome pathways(AOPs)has emerged as a prominent methodology,capturing the attention of toxicologists and researchers due to its promising applications in recent years.The quantitative AOP(qAOP)is an extension of the adverse outcome pathway,which is built upon the foundational qualitative adverse outcome pathway model and leverages mathematical frame-works to depict dose-response and/or response-response relationships.This article reviews the princi-ples and advancement surrounding qAOP,introduceds two prevalent methodologies for constructing qAOP,Bayesian network models and regression models,and demonstrates diverse applications of qAOP.Actual cases are used to underscore the transformative role of qAOP in contemporary toxicology and risk assessment practices.
9.Mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes in promoting apoptosis of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis
Linkun BAI ; Yazhen SU ; Minghui ZHANG ; Qianru LIU ; Chengqiang ZHANG ; Liyun ZHANG ; Gailian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(11):819-828
Objective:To investigate the effect of hUCMSC-exos on the expression levels of HDAC in different isotypes of RA FLSs, and to elucidate the possible mechanism of hUCMSC-exos on the apoptosis of RA FLSs by regulating HDAC.Methods:hUCMSC and hUCMSC-Exos were isolated and identified. RT-qPCR was used to detect the changes in HDAC mRNA expression levels in FLSs after hUCMSC-Exos intervention, and the most affected HDAC types were identified. Western blot was used to detect the levels of FLS HDAC1 protein and the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser 536) in the blank control group, hUCMSC group, hUCMSC-Exos group, Trichostatin A (TSA) group and HDAC1 Inhibitor (Pyroxamide) group. To investigate the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on HDAC expression and NF-κB activity in FLSs. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of hUCMSC-Exos on the apoptosis of FLSs. ELISA was used to detect the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 by FLSs. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the apoptosis level and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion level of RA FLSs in the blank control group, NF-κB Inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, hUCMSC-Exos group and PDTC+hUCMSC-Exos co-intervention group. Whether inhibition of NF-κB affects the regulatory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on RA FLSs was further explored. All experimental data conforming to the normal distribution were compared by one-way ANOVA. LSD- t test was used for pin-group comparison, and independent sample t test was used for two-sample comparison. Results:Cultured primary hUCMSC were adherently grown spindle-shaped cells, and hUCMSC-Exos were saucer-shaped membranous vesicles, both of which met the identification criteria. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of HDCA1 mRNA [(0.932±0.091), t=2.19, P<0.001] and protein [(0.204±0.012), t=8.28, P<0.001] in RA FLSs, and the inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC ( t=1.09, P=0.009) and HDAC1 ( t=11.29, P=0.013) Inhibitor. hUCMSC-Exos increased the apoptosis rate of RA FLSs [(48.68±0.84)%, t=12.33, P<0.001]. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the secretion levels of TNF-α [(29.6±1.0)pg/ml, t=10.78, P<0.001], IL-6 [(20.1±0.7)pg/ml, t=7.96, P<0.001], IL-1β [(9.28±0.23)pg/ml, t=6.14, P<0.001] and IL-8 [(108.0±3.8)pg/ml, t=1.21, P<0.001] in the supernatant of RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of p-NF-κB-p65/NF-κB-p65 in RA FLSs(0.351±0.024, t=17.67, P<0.001), and its inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC (0.515±0.064, t=8.07, P=0.009) and HDAC1 inhibitor(0.411±0.033, t=2.44, P=0.04). After use of NF-κB inhibitors, hUCMSC-Exos weakened the promotion of apoptosis of RA FLSs [(29.0±0.5)%, t=10.63, P<0.001] and weakened the inhibitory effect of IL-8 secretion in the supernatant of RA FLSs [(125.5±3.2)pg/ml, t=2.63, P=0.002]. Conclusion:hUCMSC-Exos can mimic maternal cells to effectively inhibit the aberrant expression of HDAC1 in RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos may affect the apoptosis of RA FLSs and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the HDAC1/NF-κB pathway.
10.Role of group 3 innate lymphoid cells in skin wound healing and underlying mechanisms
Wei ZHANG ; Xingyu MU ; Qianru HANG ; Yijie HUANG ; Tengjiao XU ; Xiaojie HE ; Yan DING
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2024;57(6):516-523
Objective:To investigate the role of group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in skin wound healing, and to explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods:Twenty-four 5-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly and equally allocated into 3 groups: the skin wound + ILC3 inhibitor group (referred to as ILC3 inhibitor group), the skin wound group, and the control group, with 8 mice in each group. Four days before the establishment of the wound model, mice in the ILC3 inhibitor group were intraperitoneally injected with 1 μg of ILC3 inhibitor every 2 days for a total of 2 doses, mice in the skin wound group were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline solution, and mice in the control group were fed normally. To establish a mouse skin wound model, a full-thickness circular incision with a diameter of 0.6 cm was made around the midpoint of the dorsal midline using a biopsy punch after the intraperitoneal injection of anesthetics, which was histologically confirmed to be a full-thickness injury. The size of the wounds was observed and recorded, photographs of the wounds were taken on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 after wounding, and corresponding wound healing rates were calculated. On day 9 after wounding, tissue samples were collected from the wound edges, and subjected to flow cytometry analysis to quantify ILC3 infiltrating around the skin wound, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the healing status of the skin wounds. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), Notch1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -17A, IL-17F, and IL-22 in the wound-edge tissues, and Western blot analysis to determine their protein expression. Statistical analysis was carried out by using one-way analysis of variance and t test. Results:On day 9 after wounding, the skin wound group showed an increased number of ILC3 in the wound-edge tissues (5.31% ± 1.47% vs. 3.10% ± 0.54%, P < 0.01), increased mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-22, IL-17A, and IL-17F (all P < 0.05), but decreased mRNA and protein expression of VDR (both P < 0.05) compared with the control group; the protein expression of Notch1 was significantly higher in the skin wound group than in the control group ( P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in its mRNA expression between the two groups ( P > 0.05). On days 1, 3 and 5, the wound healing rates were significantly higher in the ILC3 inhibitor group (45.17% ± 9.90%, 61.58% ± 11.61%, 75.61% ± 9.12%, respectively) than in the skin wound group (25.87% ± 10.96%, 47.78% ± 13.81%, 64.55% ± 10.29%, respectively, all P < 0.05). On day 9, the ILC3 inhibitor group showed a decreased number of ILC3 around the wound (2.69% ± 0.95%, P < 0.01), decreased mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-22, IL-17A, and IL-17F in the wound-edge tissues (all P < 0.05), but increased mRNA and protein expression of Notch1 and VDR in the wound-edge tissues (all P < 0.05) compared with the skin wound group. On day 9 after wounding, histopathological examination with HE staining revealed continuous and intact epithelial structure, as well as dense and neatly arranged collagen fibers in the ILC3 inhibitor group, and the structures of hair follicles, blood vessels, and sebaceous glands were similar to those in the control group. Conclusions:Skin ILC3 infiltrated local wounds and were involved in the skin wound healing process through inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22. Downregulating the number of ILC3 may promote skin wound healing by activating VDR and Notch1, as well as inhibiting the TNF-α signaling pathway and the expression of downstream inflammatory factors.

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