1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Heng FAN ; Rui ZHU ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):291-299
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolism, which is mainly characterized by abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes. In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and varied, involving the cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways such as glucose-lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The TLR4 signaling pathway plays a key role in the development and progression of NAFLD, and abnormal activation of this pathway accelerates the deterioration of NAFLD by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing oxidative stress, and exacerbating insulin resistance. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway to alleviate the symptoms and pathological features of NAFLD. The present review summarizes the experimental research progress in the TCM regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in treating NAFLD in the past 5 years, covering a wide range of TCM active ingredients (such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids) and compound prescriptions. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM can effectively ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders, reduce insulin resistance, regulate intestinal flora, and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway via multiple targets and pathways, thus slowing down the progression of NAFLD. Through in-depth analysis of the pathological mechanisms of NAFLD and exploration of the potential of TLR4 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target, we can provide theoretical support for the application of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD, as well as new perspectives and directions for future clinical research and new drug development, thereby promoting the innovation and development of therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
2.Epidemiological investigation on a case of acute flaccid paralysis with detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus
TANG Xuewen ; BAI Yiran ; SU Ying ; GONG Liming ; YAN Rui ; ZHU Yao ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):178-180,188
Abstract
In April 2021, type Ⅰ vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was detected from two fecal samples of a male infant with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Zhejiang Province when he was admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, with 12 and 14 nucleotide mutations in the VP1 region, respectively. The case had a history of immunization with three doses of poliovirus vaccines, and grade Ⅲ proximal muscle strength and grade Ⅱ distal muscle strength of the right lower limb. After symptomatic treatment, the activity of the right lower limb and the muscle strength was significantly restored, thus he was discharged. VDPV was not detected from subsequent (the 8th to 12th) fecal samples of the case and fecal samples of close contacts. No similar cases were found in medical institutions in the county, surrounding areas, neighboring villages or towns. Since the case did not exhibit clinical symptoms of poliomyelitis caused by VDPV, poliomyelitis was excluded, and the case was diagnosed with hemophilia type A based on the epidemiological investigation, laboratory tests, and the history of poliomyelitis vaccination. This event involved cross-provincial (municipal) cooperation and was responsed promptly, preventing further spread of the virus. It suggested that the sensitivity of the AFP case surveillance system should be maintained, environmental monitoring methods should be increased, and the poliomyelitis vaccination should be promoted to prevent the spread of the virus.
3.Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎) on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Quality of Life in Patients with Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis of Heart Fire and Spleen Deficiency Pattern:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jing NIE ; Rui PANG ; Lingjiao QIAN ; Hua SU ; Yuanwen LI ; Xinyuan WANG ; Jingxiao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Yunong WANG ; Yue LI ; Panpan ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1031-1037
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎, MGD) in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency, and to explore its possible mechanisms. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 72 patients with mild to moderate AD and the TCM pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 36 cases in each group. The treatment group received oral MGD granules combined with topical vitamin E emulsion, while the control group received oral placebo granules combined with topical vitamin E treatment. Both groups were treated twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and serum biomarkers, including interleukin-33 (IL-33), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Safety indexes was also assessed. ResultsThe total clinical effective rates were 77.78% (28/36) in the treatment group and 38.89% (14/36) in the control group, with cure rates of 19.44% (7/36) and 2.78% (1/36), respectively. The treatment group showed significantly better clinical outcomes compared to the control group (P<0.05). The treatment group exhibited significant reductions in total TCM syndrome scores, including erythema, edema, papules, scaling, lichenification, pruritus, irritability, insomnia, abdominal distension, and fatigue scores, as well as reductions in VAS, DLQI, SCORAD, and serum IgE and IL-33 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly better improvements in all indicators except for insomnia (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionMGD is effective and safe in treating mild to moderate AD patients with heart fire and spleen deficiency pattern. It significantly alleviates pruritus, improves TCM syndromes and quality of life, and enhances clinical efficacy, possibly through modulation of immune responses.
4.Occupational health literacy among key populations in the tertiary industry in Lu'an City
LIU Lei ; CHENG Tingting ; QIAN Chunsheng ; HUANG Rui ; LI Ting ; TANG Kun ; WEI Dong ; SU Yiwen ; LI Haowei ; LI Pengfei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1179-1183
Objective:
To analyze the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors among key populations in the tertiary industry in Lu'an City, Anhui Province, so as to provide a basis for developing targeted health interventions and improving regional occupational health policies.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select five categories of key populations from the tertiary industry in Lu'an City as study subjects from August to September 2024. Data on gender, age, education level, and OHL were collected through the National OHL Monitoring Questionnaire for Key Populations. The OHL levels were analyzed, and influencing factors of OHL levels among key populations were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 243 individuals were surveyed, comprising 700 (56.32%) males and 543 (43.68%) females. The median age was 42.00 (interquartile range, 17.00) years. There were 609 individuals with OHL, and the OHL level was 48.99%. The OHL levels in fundamental knowledge of occupational health protection, healthy work styles and behaviors, knowledge of occupational health laws, and basic skills for occupational health protection were 84.71%, 60.34%, 43.93%, and 37.09%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that educational level (primary school and below, OR=0.149, 95%CI: 0.064-0.344; junior high school, OR=0.340, 95%CI: 0.184-0.629; high school, OR=0.408, 95%CI: 0.230-0.723), average monthly personal income (3 000-<5 000 yuan, OR=1.655, 95%CI: 1.092-2.508; 5 000-<7 000 yuan, OR=2.195, 95%CI: 1.302-3.699; ≥7 000 yuan, OR=2.062, 95%CI: 1.016-4.183), employer nature (private enterprises, OR=2.992, 95%CI: 1.569-5.443), and industry category (education, OR=3.423, 95%CI: 1.407-8.327; courier / food delivery services, OR=0.459, 95%CI: 0.268-0.787; healthcare, OR=7.539, 95%CI: 3.255-17.461) were statistically associated with the OHL level among key population.
Conclusion
The OHL level among key population in the tertiary industry of Lu'an City can be further enhanced, with educational level, average monthly personal income, employer nature, and industry category identified as the primary influencing factors.
5.Research progress on the regulation of ferroptosis by non-coding RNAs in esophageal squamous cell cancer.
Jia-Min WANG ; Pan LIU ; Rui ZHU ; Dan SU
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(3):563-572
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent malignancy of the digestive tract that poses a significant threat to human health, with an incidence rate that continues to rise globally. Increasing research highlights the crucial role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in regulating ferroptosis and contributing to the malignant progression of ESCC. These ncRNAs influence the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion capabilities of ESCC cells by modulating iron metabolism and redox balance. miRNAs can regulate cellular iron accumulation and oxidative stress by targeting ferroptosis-related genes; lncRNAs may indirectly affect iron metabolic pathways by competitively binding to miRNAs; circRNAs, through a sponge effect, may regulate the activity of miRNAs. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of ncRNAs-mediated regulation of ferroptosis in ESCC, focusing on molecular mechanisms, regulatory networks, and their specific roles in the ferroptosis process. Additionally, the potential of ncRNAs in ESCC diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and therapeutic intervention is discussed, aiming to provide new insights and targets for ferroptosis-based tumor therapy.
Ferroptosis/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Esophageal Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
;
MicroRNAs/physiology*
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RNA, Long Noncoding/physiology*
;
RNA, Circular
;
RNA, Untranslated/physiology*
6.Pharmacokinetics study of Dayuanyin in normal and febrile rats.
Yu-Jie HOU ; Kang-Ning XIAO ; Jian-Yun BI ; Xin-Jun ZHANG ; Xin-Rui LI ; Yu-Qing WANG ; Ming SU ; Xin-Ru SUN ; Hui ZHANG ; Bo-Yang WANG ; Li-Jie WANG ; Shan-Xin LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):527-533
Based on the pharmacokinetics theory, this study investigated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of albiflorin, paeoniflorin, wogonoside, and wogonin in normal and febrile rats and summarized absorption and elimination rules of Dayuanyin in them to provide reference for further development and clinical application of Dayuanyin. Blood samples were taken from the fundus venous plexus of normal and model rats after intragastric administration of Dayuanyin at different time points. The concentration of each substance in blood was determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) technique at different time points. DAS 2.0, a piece of pharmacokinetics software, was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component. The results show that the 4 components had good linear relationship in their respective ranges, and the results of methodological investigation met the requirements. The pharmacokinetic parameters of C_(max), T_(max), t_(1/2), AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-∞), and MRT_(0-t) were calculated by the DAS 2.0 non-compartmental model. Compared with those in the normal group, C_(max) and AUC_(0-t) of the 4 components in the model group were significantly increased. There were significant differences in the pharmacokinetic characteristics between the normal and model groups, suggesting that the absorption and elimination of Dayuanyin may be affected by the changes of internal environment of the body in different physiological states.
Animals
;
Rats
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Fever/metabolism*
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Glucosides/pharmacokinetics*
;
Monoterpenes
7.Stimulation mechanism of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by Duzhong Decoction-containing serum through L-VGCCs.
Ze-Bin CHEN ; Lan-Lan LUO ; Xin-Yi SHI ; Rui-Tong ZHAO ; Cai-Xian HU ; Yun-Ying FU ; Su-Zhen CHAO ; Bo LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3335-3345
This paper aimed to explore the effects of Duzhong Decoction(DZD)-containing serum on the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels(L-VGCCs). L-VGCCs inhibitors, nifedipine and verapamil, were used to block L-VGCCs in osteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into a control group, a low-dose DZD-containing serum(L-DZD) group, a medium-dose DZD-containing serum(M-DZD) group, a high-dose DZD-containing serum(H-DZD) group, a nifedipine group, a H-DZD + nifedipine group, verapamil group, and a H-DZD + verapamil group. The CCK-8 method was used for cell proliferation analysis, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) assay kits for intracellular ALP activity measurement, Western blot for protein expression level in cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology for intracellular mRNA expression level determination, fluorescence spectrophotometer for free Ca~(2+) concentration determination in osteoblasts, and alizarin red staining(ARS) for mineralized nodule formation in osteoblasts. The experimental results show that compared to the control group, DZD groups can promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule formation, increase intracellular Ca~(2+) concentrations, and upregulate the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), collagen Ⅰ(COL1), α2 subunit protein of L-VGCCs(L-VGCCα2), and the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and BMP2. After blocking L-VGCCs with nifedipine and verapamil, the intervention effects of DZD-containing serum were inhibited to varying degrees. Both nifedipine and verapamil could inhibit ALP activity, reduce mineralized nodule areas, and downregulate the expression of bone formation-related proteins. Moreover, the effects of DZD-containing serum on increasing MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and Ca~(2+) concentrations, upregulating the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) and protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1(p-FOXO1), and upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) expression were reversed by nifedipine. The results indicate that DZD-containing serum can increase the Ca~(2+) concentration in MC3T3-E1 cells to promote bone formation, which may be mediated by L-VGCCs and the PTEN/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of DZD in treating osteoporosis.
Animals
;
Osteoblasts/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Mice
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics*
;
Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics*
;
Serum/chemistry*
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Cell Line
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/genetics*
8.Identification of tissue distribution components and mechanism of antipyretic effect of famous classical formula Dayuanyin.
Yu-Jie HOU ; Kang-Ning XIAO ; Jian-Yun BI ; Xin-Rui LI ; Ming SU ; Li-Jie WANG ; Yu-Qing WANG ; Dan-Dan SUN ; Hui ZHANG ; Xin-Jun ZHANG ; Shan-Xin LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2810-2824
Based on the ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) technology, combined with related literature, databases, and reference material information, this study qualitatively analyzed the components of Dayuanyin in the tissue of rats after gavage and employed molecular docking technology to predict the rationality of the mechanism behind the antipyretic effect of the in vivo components in Dayuanyin. A total of 21, 26, 20, 21, 14, and 31 prototype components and 3, 16, 3, 7, 5, and 24 metabolites were identified from the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and hypothalamus of the rats, respectively, and the binding ability of key components and targets was further verified by molecular docking. The results showed that all components had good binding ability with targets. The established UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS could effectively and quickly identify the Dayuanyin components distributed in tissue and preliminarily identify their metabolites. Many components were identified in the hypothalamus, which suggested that the components delivered to the brain should be focused on in the study on Dayuanyin in the treatment of febrile diseases. The molecular docking technology was used to predict the rationality of the mechanism behind its antipyretic effect, which lays the foundation for the clarification of the material basis and action mechanism of Dayuanyin, the development of new preparations, and the prediction of quality markers.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Rats
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
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Male
;
Antipyretics/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Tissue Distribution
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Mass Spectrometry
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Hypothalamus/metabolism*
9.Effect and mechanism of Xintong Granules in ameliorating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating gut microbiota.
Yun-Jia WANG ; Ji-Dong ZHOU ; Qiu-Yu SU ; Jing-Chun YAO ; Rui-Qiang SU ; Guo-Fei QIN ; Gui-Min ZHANG ; Hong-Bao LIANG ; Shuai FENG ; Jia-Cheng ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4003-4014
This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Malondialdehyde/metabolism*
10.Expression regulation of lipid metabolism gene ABHD5 in the mouse of testes.
Hao LIU ; Ze-Yu LI ; Kai-Cheng SHEN ; Yuan-di HUANG ; De-Xi SU ; Rui CHENG ; Ke XIONG ; Yi ZHI ; Wei-Bing LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(6):492-498
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the expression regulation of lipid metabolism gene ABHD5 in testes.
METHODS:
Differential gene analysis was performed by integrating databases of TCGA and GTEx to identify the target gene ABHD5. The expression trends of ABHD5 gene in testicular carcinoma tissue were analyzed. Human testis single-cell atlases were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas and Male Health Atlas databases to determine the expression distribution of ABHD5 across different testicular cell types. Additionally, the GTEx database was utilized to visualize the expression pattern of ABHD5 in the testis, thereby enhancing the understanding of its transcriptional profile. The relationship between ABHD5 expression and age was assessed through integrated database analysis. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect differential expressions of ABHD5 in testicular tissues of young and aged mice respectively.
RESULTS:
The TCGA database indicated that the expression of ABHD5 in human testicular carcinoma tissue was significantly lower than that in normal testicular tissue which showed a negative correlation with patient survival. ABHD5 was highly expressed in germ cells of the testis reveaked from Human Protein Atlas and Male Health Atlas databases. The stability of ABHD5 protein was crucial for testicular tissue, and its expression decreased with age. Furthermore, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that ABHD5 expression in the testicular tissue of aged mice was significantly lower than that in young mice.
CONCLUSION
ABHD5 plays an important role in testicular tissue, and may be inseparable from testicular tumors and reproductive aging. However, its mechanism of action remains to be further studied.
Male
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Lipid Metabolism/genetics*
;
1-Acylglycerol-3-Phosphate O-Acyltransferase/metabolism*
;
Testicular Neoplasms/metabolism*


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