1.Trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021
MA Rongjiao ; HUANG Hanyan ; ZHU Manyu ; LIU Rui ; SHI Fang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):89-92
Objective:
To investigate the trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide the basis for improving intervention measures of asthma.
Methods:
Data on asthma-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to tobacco among adults aged ≥30 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate were calculated using the GBD world standard population structure to analyze the tobacco-attributable asthma burden. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was employed to evaluate temporal trends in the age-standardized mortality and DALY rate from 1990 to 2021.
Results:
In China, the age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco decreased from 0.73/100 000 and 22.20/100 000 in 1990 to 0.17/100 000 and 6.64/100 000 in 2021, showing downward trends (AAPC=-4.603% and -3.888%, both P<0.05). Among males, the tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate declined from 1.44/100 000 and 41.05/100 000 in 1990 to 0.36/100 000 and 12.79/100 000 in 2021 (AAPC=-4.369% and -3.810%, both P<0.05). Among females, the corresponding rates decreased from 0.21/105 and 5.37/105 to 0.03/105 and 1.08/105 (AAPC=-6.074% and -5.074%, both P<0.05). In 2021, males had higher tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate for asthma than females. Both the mortality and DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco increased with age, peaking in the age group ≥80 years at 7.84/100 000 and 112.07/100 000, respectively.
Conclusion
From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco showed a declining trend in China, with males and elderly population aged ≥80 years bearing a relatively heavier disease burden.
2.Proteomic Analysis of Danlou Tablet in Improving Platelet Function for Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Intermingling Syndrome in Minipigs
Ziyan WANG ; Ying LI ; Aoao WANG ; Hongxu MENG ; Yue SHI ; Yanlei MA ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):41-53
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the role of Danlou tablet in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs by improving platelet function and explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of Danlou tablet in regulating platelet function by using proteomics technology. MethodsThirty Bama minipigs were randomly divided into a normal control group (6 pigs) and a high-fat diet group (24 pigs). After 2 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the high-fat diet group was randomly subdivided into a model group, an atorvastatin group (1 mg·kg-1), and Danlou tablet groups (0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1). All groups continued to receive a high-fat diet for 8 weeks after the procedure. The normal control group was given a regular diet, underwent only coronary angiography, and did not receive an interventional injury procedure. The model group and each administration group were fed a high-fat diet. Two weeks later, they underwent a coronary angiography injury procedure. After the procedure, drugs were mixed into the feed every morning for 8 consecutive weeks, with the minipigs maintained on a continuous high-fat diet during this period. Quantitative proteomics technology was further used to study platelet proteins, and differential proteins were obtained by screening. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze key regulatory proteins and biological pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of Danlou tablet on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of minipigs' serum (P<0.01), a significant shortening in prothrombin time of (PT) (P<0.01), a coagulation function index, and an increase in whole blood viscosity (P<0.01) and platelet aggregation rate (P<0.01). Moreover, the platelet morphology was altered, and the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Hemodynamic parameters were obviously abnormal, including significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular maximal positive dp/dt (LV+dp/dtmax) (P<0.01). Left ventricular maximal negative dp/dt (LV-dp/dtmax) was significantly increased (P<0.01). Besides, there were myocardial cell hypertrophy, obvious edematous degeneration, massive interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, high degree of fibrosis, and coronary endothelial atherosclerosis. TC and TG levels in minipigs' serum were significantly reduced in Danlou tablet groups with 0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), compared with those in the model group. LDL-C was decreased in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). The whole blood viscosity under low and high shear conditions was significantly reduced in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, maximum aggregation rate (MAR) and average aggregation rate (AAR) were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and platelets' morphological changes such as pseudopodia extension were reduced. ET-1 levels in the serum were significantly reduced. In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, NO level in the serum was reduced (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, DBP and MAP were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, LVSP and LV+dp/dtmax were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and LV-dp/dtmax was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, edematous degeneration in myocardial tissue was milder, and coronary artery lesion degree was significantly alleviated. Compared with the normal control group, there were 94 differentially expressed proteins in the model group, including 81 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated proteins. Compared with the model group, the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 showed 174 differentially expressed proteins, including 100 up-regulated and 74 down-regulated proteins. A total of 30 proteins were reversed after Danlou tablet intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that its pharmacological mechanism may exert anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion effects through biological pathways such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton, platelet activation pathway, Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, as well as proteins such as growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), RAC1, and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1). ConclusionDanlou tablet can effectively reduce platelet activation and aggregation, exerting a good therapeutic effect on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs. Its pharmacological mechanism may involve regulating biological pathways such as actin cytoskeleton and platelet activation pathway, as well as proteins like GRB2, RAC2, RAC1, and HSP90AA1, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect in anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion.
3.Mechanism of Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula in Improving Unilateral Vestibular Labyrinth Destruction by Regulating Metabolism-neuroplasticity
Yu TIAN ; Hui LENG ; Rupeng QU ; Xianglong HAO ; Aiping WANG ; Lei SHI ; Zhongyuan QU ; Ye DONG ; Xiande MA ; Yangling HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):54-64
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism by which Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula improves metabolism-neuroplasticity and treats unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction by regulating the metabolic balance of glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Methods48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group, Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula groups with low, medium, and high doses (9.20, 18.39, 36.78 g·kg-1), and betahistine group (1.62 mg·kg-1). A unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction (vestibular dysfunction) model was established by intratympanic injection of chloroform into the right ear, while the control group received intratympanic injection of normal saline. Drugs were administered once daily for seven consecutive days. During the period, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the behaviors of rats after unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal morphology in the medial vestibular nucleus. Golgi staining was employed to assess the number of dendritic spines of neurons in the medial vestibular nucleus. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was utilized to detect Glu/GABA. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expressions of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were applied to determine the expressions of glutamate-immunoreactive (Glu-IR), GABA, GFAP, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and GAP-43. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group presented with head deviation, balance disorder, increased tail suspension score, nuclear consolidation of medial vestibular nerve neurons, and decreased Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines in neurons and NeuN-positive cells decreased. The content of Glu decreased. The content of GABA increased (Glu/GABA decreased). The expression of GAP-43 was down-regulated, and GFAP was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PSD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA decreased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the head deviation, imbalanced behavior, and tail suspension scores in each treatment group decreased, with alleviated neuronal injury and recovered Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines of neurons increased, and the number of NeuN-positive cells rebounded. The content of Glu increased, and the content of GABA decreased (Glu/GABA increased). GFAP was down-regulated, and GAP-43 was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PMD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA increased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA decreased. The effect was more significant in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula can alleviate vestibular dysfunction, and its mechanism may be associated with regulating the metabolic balance of Glu/GABA, mitigating neural damage, improving synaptic plasticity (promoting GAP-43 expression and inhibiting GFAP expression), and facilitating vestibular compensation.
4.Knowledge map and visualization analysis of pulmonary nodule/early-stage lung cancer prediction models
Yifeng REN ; Qiong MA ; Hua JIANG ; Xi FU ; Xueke LI ; Wei SHI ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):100-107
Objective To reveal the scientific output and trends in pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. Methods Publications on predictive models of pulmonary nodules/early lung cancer between January 1, 2002 and June 3, 2023 were retrieved and extracted from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and Web of Science database. CiteSpace 6.1.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used to analyze the hotspots and theme trends. Results A marked increase in the number of publications related to pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models was observed. A total of 12581 authors from 2711 institutions in 64 countries/regions published 2139 documents in 566 academic journals in English. A total of 282 articles from 1256 authors were published in 176 journals in Chinese. The Chinese and English journals which published the most pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction model-related papers were Journal of Clinical Radiology and Frontiers in Oncology, respectively. Chest was the most frequently cited journal. China and the United States were the leading countries in the field of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. The institutions represented by Fudan University had significant academic influence in the field. Analysis of keywords revealed that multi-omics, nomogram, machine learning and artificial intelligence were the current focus of research. Conclusion Over the last two decades, research on risk-prediction models for pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer has attracted increasing attention. Prognosis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, nomogram, and multi-omics technologies are both current hotspots and future trends in this field. In the future, in-depth explorations using different omics should increase the sensitivity and accuracy of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. More high-quality future studies should be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models further and reduce the global burden of lung cancer.
5.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
6.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
7.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
8.Comparison of SEC-RI-MALLS and SEC-RID methods for determining molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of PLGA
WANG Baocheng ; ZHANG Xiaoyan ; ZHOU Xiaohua ; ZHAO Xun ; MA Congyu ; GAO Zhengsong ; SHI Haiwei ; YUAN Yaozuo ; HANG Taijun
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):110-116
Objective: To establish a method for determining the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide Acid) (PLGA) using Size Exclusion Chromatography-Refractive Index-Multiangle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-RI-MALLS) and Size Exclusion Chromatography-Refractive Index (SEC-RID), and to compare the results obtained from these two methods.
Methods: For SEC-RI-MALLS, tetrahydrofuran was used as the mobile phase, Shodex GPC KF-803L was employed as the chromatographic column with a flow rate of 1 mL·min-1, column temperature at 30 ℃, and an injection volume of 100 μL. For SEC-RID, tetrahydrofuran was also used as the mobile phase, Agilent PLgel 5 μm MIXD-D was used as the chromatographic column with a flow rate of 1 mL·min-1, column temperature at 30 ℃, differential detector temperature at 35 ℃, and an injection volume of 20 μL. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were calculated using Agilent’s GPC software. The newly established methods were validated methodologically, and the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of 13 batches of samples were determined.
Results: The precision, accuracy, stability, and repeatability tests for SEC-RI-MALLS showed RSD values of 1.35%, 1.58%, 1.53%, and 1.26%, respectively. The SEC-RID method exhibited good linearity (r=0.999 9), with RSD values for precision, accuracy, stability, and repeatability tests (n=6) of 2.05%, 1.62%, 1.30%, and 2.97%, respectively. The results obtained from SEC-RI-MALLS were lower than those from SEC-RID, and the molecular weight distribution coefficient was smaller, but the results from the paired T-test performed with the value measured by SEC-RID method and the value measured by SEC-RI-MALLS method multiplied a conversion coefficient of 1.5 showed no significant difference between the two methods.
Conclusion: Both methods are stable and reliable, and can be used for the determination of PLGA molecular weight and molecular weight distribution based on the specific situations.
9.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
10.Influence of corneal fluorescein sodium staining on test results of iTrace visual function analyzer
Xin YIN ; Qingyan LIU ; Xiao SHAO ; Min XUE ; Yao LU ; Shuying MA ; Chunsheng SHI
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):680-684
AIM: To investigate the impact of corneal fluorescein sodium(NaF)staining on the examination results of iTrace visual function analyzer(iTrace).METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Totally 100 patients(100 eyes)with ametropia who visited the outpatient department of Anhui Eye Hospital from April to November 2024 were recruited. They were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 patients(50 eyes, and only the right eyes were selected for inclusion)in each group. In the experimental group, corneal staining was performed using fluorescein sodium staining test strips, while in the control group, 1 drop of 0.9% normal saline was instilled into the eyes. The iTrace examination was conducted before the intervention and at 5, 10, and 20 min after the intervention. The total corneal higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, trefoil aberration, best sphere value(RO value), asphericity factor(Q value), and corneal vertical refractive power difference(IS value)at each time of examination were recorded and compared.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline levels between the two groups(all P>0.05). Intra-group comparison revealed that the total higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, and trefoil aberration measured 5 min after NaF staining in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with those before staining(all P<0.05). Inter-group comparison showed that the changes(differences from the baseline)in the total corneal higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, and trefoil aberration measured by iTrace 5 min after the intervention in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group(all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the changes(differences from the baseline)of various iTrace parameters measured at 10 and 20 min after the intervention between the two groups(all P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the RO value, Q value, and IS value in the two groups(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Corneal NaF staining can cause a short-term increase in the wavefront aberration values(total corneal higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, trefoil aberration)measured by iTrace, and it gradually disappears with the passage of time. However, it has no impact on the measurement of corneal topography parameters(RO value, Q value, IS value).


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail