1.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
2.Mechanism of MEK/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway Modulated by Mimenghua Prescription on Inflammatory Response in Dry Eye Animal Model
Shi TAN ; Pei LIU ; Yuan ZHONG ; Sainan TIAN ; Pengfei JIANG ; Genyan QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):211-221
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of Mimenghua prescription in modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory responses in a dry eye animal model. MethodsA total of 60 C57BL/6J mice (eight weeks old, half male and half female) were used in the experiment. Ten mice were randomly selected as the blank control group, while the remaining 50 were exposed to a controlled dry system and received instillation of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the eyes for four weeks to establish a dry eye mouse model. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Mimenghua prescription groups with low dose (4.83 g·kg-1), medium dose (9.67 g·kg-1), and high dose (19.34 g·kg-1). The mice in the model group received an equal volume of normal saline via gavage for four weeks. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received instillation of sodium hyaluronate eye drops twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The tear secretion volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were evaluated once every two weeks. After four weeks of administration, mice were euthanized, and their lacrimal gland tissues and corneas were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess histopathological morphology. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the contents and expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, ERK, and interleukin (IL)-1β in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues of the mice in each group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. ResultsThe Mimenghua prescription groups and the sodium hyaluronate group exhibited significantly increased tear secretion volume (P<0.05) and prolonged TBUT (P<0.05) after treatment. Ocular surface damage of mice was visibly recovered. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal gland and corneal tissues were significantly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription group with high dose (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that IL-1β levels were highest in the model group but significantly reduced in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05). Both ELISA and Real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05), but markedly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05), suggesting that Mimenghua prescription can decrease the expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues. ConclusionMimenghua prescription can reduce inflammatory responses, increase tear secretion, prolong TBUT, and promote corneal recovery by inhibiting the MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK signaling pathways in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues.
3.Two sample Mendelian randomization study on causal relationship between insulin-like growth factor-1 and colorectal cancer
Huaxia MU ; Weixiao BU ; Shuting DING ; Mengyao GAO ; Weiqiang SU ; Zhen ZHANG ; Qifu BO ; Feng LIU ; Fuyan SHI ; Qinghua WANG ; Yujia KONG ; Suzhen WANG
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(2):479-485
Objective:To explore the causal association between insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)and colorectal cancer(CRC)based on two sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.Methods:A bidirectional two sample MR analysis was conducted based on publicly aggregated data from the IEU OpenGWAS project.The inverse variance weighted(IVW)method was used as the main analysis model to assess the causal relationship between IGF-1 and CRC.Additional analyses were performed using weighted median(WM),MR-Egger regression,weighted mode estimator(WME),and simple mode(SM)methods.Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the results.Results:A total of 386 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were selected as instrumental variables(IVs)with IGF-1 as the exposure factor.The MR analysis results revealed a positive causal association between IGF-1 and the risk of CRC[odds ratio(OR)=1.178,95%confidence interval(CI):1.092-1.272)](P<0.001),and the association remained significant after adjusting for height[OR(95%CI)=1.214(1.111,1.327)](P<0.001).Cochran's Q-test showed heterogeneity among the IVs(P<0.05),while the horizontal pleiotropy of IV was not detected by the MR-Egger regression(P>0.05).The leave-one-out analysis showed that the MR results were robust.Reverse MR analysis indicated no reverse causal relationship between IGF-1 and CRC[OR(95%CI):1.017(0.997,1.037)](P=0.103).Conclusion:There is a causal relationship between IGF-1 level and CRC,and elevated IGF-1 level could be a risk factor for CRC.
4.Association of hypertension onset age with diabetes
GAO Hui ; ZHU Xuting ; ZHANG Lei ; XIA Qinghua ; WANG Yingquan ; ZHANG Yanping ; XU Jiangmin ; SHI Yue ; SHI Wuyue ; JIANG Yu ; WAN Jinbao
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(11):921-925,930
Objective:
To examine the association of hypertension onset age with diabetes, so as to provide insights into reducing the the risk of cardiovascular events.
Methods:
Permanent residents aged 35 to 75 years were selected through the program of early screening and comprehensive intervention for the high-risk cardiovascular disease population in Changning District and Baoshan District, Shanghai Municipality from 2016 to 2020. Demographic information, disease history, hypertension onset age, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examination and laboratory tests. The residents were divided into four groups based on the onset age of hypertension: <45, 45-<55, 55-<65 and ≥65 years old, and the residents with normal blood pressure were selected as control. The association of hypertension onset age with prediabetes and diabetes were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 25 228 residents were recruited, including 8 753 males (34.70%) and 16 475 females (65.30%). The prevalence of hypertension was 43.80%. There were 1 779, 3 274, 3 781 and 2 217 cases with hypertension onset age of <45, 45-<55, 55-<65 and ≥65 years old, respectively, and 14 177 residents with normal blood pressure. The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes were 24.01% and 11.29%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, marital status and educational level, compared with the normal blood pressure group, the risk of prediabetes was higher in the hypertension onset age groups of <45 (OR=1.345, 95%CI: 1.164-1.553), 45-<55 (OR=1.365, 95%CI: 1.212-1.536) and 55-<65 years old (OR=1.376, 95%CI: 1.239-1.527), and the risk of diabetes was higher in the hypertension onset age groups of <45 (OR=2.302, 95%CI: 1.906-2.775), 45-<55 (OR=2.349, 95%CI: 2.016-2.734), 55-<65 (OR=1.909, 95%CI: 1.667-2.184) and ≥65 years old (OR=1.315, 95%CI: 1.131-1.526).
Conclusion
There are statistically significant associations between hypertension onset age with prediabetes and diabetes.
5.Analysis of the Nature,Flavor and Combination Characteristics of the Two-herb Compound Formulas inTreatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (《伤寒杂病论》)
Ying ZHANG ; Yihan ZHAO ; Qinghua SHANG ; Ruina BAI ; Wenhui DUAN ; Jianpeng DU ; Zhuye GAO ; Zhonghui JIANG ; Dazhuo SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2378-2382
Based on the natures and flavors of herbal medicinals recorded in Shen Nong's Classic of the Materia Medica (《神农本草经》); Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians (《名医别录》), this study analyzed the characte-ristics of the natures, flavors and combination of medicinals of the two-herb compound formulas in Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (《伤寒杂病论》).Finally, 31 compound formulas were included, and it was found that the nature and flavor of the herbs in these two-herb compound formulas are closely related to the functions of the compound formulas, such as the common pairing of the acrid and the sweet herbs to warm yang and transform qi, the acrid and the bitter herbs in pairs to regulate and harmonize cold and heat, the sweet and the bitter in pairs to remove dampness and clear heat, the acrid and the acrid in pairs to arrest vomiting and direct qi downward, and the sour and the sweet in pairs to slow the urgent and relieve pain. Regardless of the deficiency or excess nature of the disease, the corresponding two-herb compound formulas often aim to reinforce healthy qi while eliminating pathogenic factors, with some formulas showcasing a unique correspondence between the disease pattern and the symptoms addressed.
6.Interpretation of the radiologist training system in Canada and enlightenment
Jingyu ZHONG ; Yue XING ; Yangfan HU ; Defang DING ; Xianwei LIU ; Qinghua MIN ; Zhengguang XIAO ; Caisong ZHU ; Dandan SHI ; Xiaoyu FAN ; Jingshen CHU ; Huan ZHANG ; Weiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(9):1210-1216
This paper aims to discuss the ideas and experience about the radiology residency training system of Canada with a presentation of its base accreditation standards for five aspects, competency goals for seven roles, four stages of training arrangement, and two types of final assessment questions. Although the Canada's radiology residency program differs from China's standardized resident and specialist training programs for radiology, there are still several points that are worth referencing, including emphasizing the training priority of competency goals, providing a specific basis for the stratification of training, offering clear guidance for the implementation of training content, and improving assessment methods to focus on competency goals. These points are of great value for improving the standardized radiology resident and specialist training programs in China, so as to provide a reference for the training of excellent radiologists in China.
7.Transcriptomic Analysis of Menstrual Blood-Derived Stem Cells Transplantation Combined with Exercise Training in Promoting Spinal Cord Injury Recovery in Rats
Longju QI ; Shiyuan CHEN ; Zehua LIAO ; Yuanhu SHI ; Yuyu SUN ; Qinghua WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):531-542
ObjectiveTo explore the potential therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) transplantation combined with exercise training in promoting recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) through transcriptome sequencing analysis. MethodsFemale SD rats aged two months were selected and a SCI model was established by a hemisection at the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10). The rats were then divided into two groups: the Cell and Treadmill Training (CTMT) group, which received MenSCs transplantation and treadmill training after SCI, and the SCI group (control), with 12 rats in each group. One week after modeling, the CTMT group received a microinjection of 1×105 MenSCs at the injury site, followed by two weeks of weight-supported aerobic exercise training. Spinal cord tissue from the injury site was selected for transcriptome sequencing, and mRNA expression data from both the SCI and CTMT groups were analyzed. Differential gene expression, GO (Gene Ontology) functional enrichment, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed. Motor function recovery was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score, while histopathological changes at the injury site were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the expression of differentially expressed genes. ResultsTranscriptome sequencing analysis showed 247 upregulated genes and 174 downregulated genes in the CTMT group compared to the SCI group. Notably, genes such as Bdnf, Hmox1, Sd4, Mmp3, and Cd163 were significantly upregulated [|log2(FoldChange)|≥0.66, P<0.05]. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and GO functional enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in growth and development, metabolic reactions, and immune-inflammatory processes, such as axon growth and the electron transport chain. The Bdnf gene was notably enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The BBB score showed that MenSCs transplantation combined with exercise training significantly improved the motor function of SCI rats. HE staining revealed that pathological changes at the injury site were significantly reduced in the treatment group. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting confirmed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein expression levels in the CTMT group were significantly higher than those in the SCI group (P<0.001). ConclusionThe combined exercise training with MenSCs effectively promotes the recovery of motor function in SCI rats by upregulating BDNF expression, providing a novel strategy for SCI treatment.
8.Clinical and genetic analysis of two pedigree affected with Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency due to variant of SLC25A20 gene
Qinghua ZHANG ; Xuan FENG ; Xing WANG ; Furong LIU ; Bingbo ZHOU ; Chuan ZHANG ; Yupei WANG ; Jingyun SHI ; Shengju HAO ; Ling HUI ; Bin YI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(4):467-472
Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotype and genotypes of two children with Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency (CACTD).Methods:Two children diagnosed with CACTD at the Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital respectively on January 3 and November 19, 2018 were selected as the study subjects. Trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were validated through Sanger sequencing and pathogenicity analysis.Results:Both children were males and had manifested mainly with hypoglycemia. Trio-WES and Sanger sequencing showed that child 1 had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the SLC25A20 gene, namely c. 49G>C (p.Gly17Arg) and c. 106-2A>G, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Child 2 had harbored homozygous c. 199-10T>G variants of the SLC25A20 gene, which were inherited from both of his parents. Among these, the c. 106-2A>G and c. 49G>C variants were unreported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c. 49G>C (p.Gly17Arg), c. 106-2A>G, and c. 199-10T>G variants were classified as likely pathogenic (PM2_supporting+ PP3+ PM3_strong+ PP4), pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_supporting+ PM5+ PP3), and pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_supporting+ PP3+ PP5), respectively. Conclusion:Combined with their clinical phenotype and genetic analysis, both children were diagnosed with CACTD. Above finding has provided a basis for their treatment as well as genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for their families.
9.Successfully diagnosed and treated of 2 peritoneal dialysis patients with cholangiolithiasis: a case report and literature review
Lei WU ; Jiandong NIE ; Qinghua SUN ; Chunying SHI ; Wen TANG
Clinical Medicine of China 2024;40(3):212-215
Objective:To summarize the successful diagnosis and treatment experience of two patients with peritoneal dialysis complicated with cholangiolithiasis and cholangitis who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of two patients with peritoneal dialysis combined with bile duct stones at Peking University Third Hospital who underwent ERCP combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy and were successfully transferred out of the hospital. Observe successful removal of bile duct stones and adverse events related to surgery, such as pancreatitis, summarize experience, and conduct literature review.Result:The overall success rate of stone removal in 2 patients was 100%, and they recovered well after treatment without severe postoperative bleeding. One patient developed postoperative pancreatitis and secondary peritonitis after ECRP, and active anti infection treatment did not affect peritoneal function. Regular peritoneal dialysis was maintained during the perioperative period, and postoperative close follow-up and flexible adjustment of peritoneal dialysis dose and concentration were carried out to ensure a smooth transition of patients to regular and stable peritoneal dialysis.Conclusion:ERCP is a feasible treatment for PD patients combined with choledocholithiasis, and can be well tolerated by them. The treatment of peritoneal dialysis patients requires long-term follow-up and management, and multidisciplinary cooperation is required when acute complications occur.
10.Systolic blood pressure variation within a visit of community hypertension patients in Shanghai
Dongchen LANG ; Qinghua YAN ; Xuyan SU ; Yan SHI ; Fei WU ; Yuheng WANG ; Wei LUO ; Minna CHENG ; Yiling WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(4):314-319
ObjectivesTo investigate characteristics and influencing factors of short-term variation of systolic blood pressure of community hypertension patients in Shanghai. MethodsBased on the standardized blood pressure measurement data of hypertensive patients in Shanghai (2018‒2021) and the noninfectious chronic disease management system database, coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure (CV_S) was described and the influencing factors were analyzed. ResultsAmong 112 680 community hypertension patients, males accounted for 46.87% with a median age of 69 years. CV_S was 0.038 6 ± 0.035 0. Generalized linear model analysis showed the following influencing factors of CV_S: gender, females were higher than males, B=0.032, P<0.001; age group, 60‒69 years, 70‒79 years old group, and ≥80 years groups were all higher than <50 years group, B=0.042, 0.056, and 0.074 respectively with P values of 0.020, 0.002, and <0.001 respectively; smoking, smoking cessation and smoking everyday was lower than never smoking, B=-0.032 and-0.028 respectively with P values of 0.023 and 0.007 respectively; systolic blood pressure, 140‒159 mmHg group, 160‒179 mmHg group, and ≥180 mmHg group were lower then <140 mmHg group, B=-0.039, -0.091, and -0.175 respectively with P values all <0.001; and measurement season, autumn was lower than spring, (B=-0.056, P<0.001). The paired test showed that CV_S calculated from the three measurements was 1.04% higher than that calculated from the two measurements (P<0.001). ConclusionThe coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure of community hypertension patients in Shanghai has large variation, and was influenced by many factors.


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