1.Protective Mechanism of Paeoniflorin on Mice with Ulcerative Colitis Based on AMPK/mTOR Autophagy Pathway
Xin DAI ; Rou LI ; Yang HU ; Yuhang WANG ; Ruizhu ZHAO ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shilei LOU ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):45-53
ObjectiveTo explore the protective mechanism of paeoniflorin on mice with ulcerative colitis (UC) through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) autophagy pathway. MethodUC mouse model was established by allowing mice freely drink 4% DSS, and 56 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into model group, AMPK inhibitor group (20 mg·kg-1), paeoniflorin (50 mg·kg-1) + inhibitor (20 mg·kg-1) group, and high dose (50 mg·kg-1), medium dose (25 mg·kg-1), and low dose (12.5 mg·kg-1) paeoniflorin groups. After seven days of drug intervention, the protective effect of paeoniflorin on mice with UC was determined by comparing the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) changes, and Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of mice in each group, and immunofluorescence was utilized to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) content in the colon, AMPK, mTOR proteins, and their phosphorylated proteins including p-AMPK and p-mTOR in the colon tissue were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, mTOR, Beclin1, LC3, and p62 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body mass, an increase in DAI score, and severe pathological damage to the colon. The levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6 increased in serum (P<0.01), while the protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK were down-regulated in colon tissue, and those of p-mTOR/mTOR were up-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPK and LC3 were down-regulated, while the mRNA expression levels of mTOR and p62 were up-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the paeoniflorin + inhibitor group, the mice treated with paeoniflorin showed an increase in body mass, a decrease in DAI score, a reduction in pathological damage to colon tissue, and a reduction in the levels of inflammatory factors of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum (P<0.05). The protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK in colon tissue were up-regulated, while the protein levels of p-mTOR/mTOR were down-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3 were up-regulated, while the mRNA expression of mTOR and p62 were down-regulated (P<0.01). The colon tissue of the inhibitor group was severely damaged, and the trend of various indicators was completely opposite to that of the high dose paeoniflorin group. ConclusionPaeoniflorin can enhance autophagy and reduce inflammatory damage in mice with UC by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and thus play a protective role.
2.Effect of gastrogin on AMPK/TRPA1 signaling pathway in rats with neuropathic pain
Xue SUN ; Shilei WANG ; Yanyu LU ; Yang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(3):329-333
Objective:To evaluate the effect of gastrogin on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/transient receptor potential anchor protein 1 (TRPA1) signaling pathway in rats with neuropathic pain.Methods:Thirty-six SPF-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 200-230 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation+ normal saline group (SHAM group), neuropathic pain+ normal saline group (NP group), and neuropathic pain+ gastrogin group (GAS group). Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constrictive injury to sciatic nerve under 2% isoflurane anaesthesia. The sciatic nerve was only exposed but not ligated in SHAM group. Gastrogin 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days after developing the model in GAS group, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in SHAM and NP groups. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before developing the model (T 0) and 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days after developing the model (T 1-6). The rats were anesthetized and sacrificed following the measurement of pain thresholds at T 4 and T 6. The lumbar segment (L 4-6) of the spinal cord was removed for determination of TRPA1 mRNA expression (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), expression of TRPA1, AMPK and p-AMPK (by Western blot), expression of TRPA1 (by immunofluorescence staining) and expression of tumor necrosis-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1beta(IL-1β) and c-fos (by immunohistochemistry). Results:Compared with SHAM group, MWT and TWL were significantly decreased at T 1-6, the expression of TRPA1 mRNA, TRPA1, TNF-α, IL-1β and c-fos was up-regulated, the expression of p-AMPK was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in AMPK expression in NP group ( P>0.05). Compared with NP group, MWT at T 3-6 and TWL at T 2-6 were significantly increased, the expression of TRPA1 mRNA, TRPA1, TNF-α, IL-1β and c-fos was down-regulated, and p-AMPK expression was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in AMPK expression in GAS group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which gastrogin reduces neuropathic pain may be related to modulating the expression of the AMPK/TRPA1 signaling pathway in rats.
3.Mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang in Inhibiting Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasomes and Ameliorating Acute Liver Injury in Septic Mice
Ruizhu ZHAO ; Zhengyang HUA ; Yuhang WANG ; Xinyue REN ; Dingxing FAN ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):27-34
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang in inhibiting the pyroptosis mediated by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes and alleviating the acute liver injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the mouse model of sepsis. MethodFifty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into blank, model, low- (3.08 g·kg-1), medium- (6.15 g·kg-1), and high-dose (12.30 g·kg-1) Huanglian Jiedutang, and positive control (dexamethasone) groups (n=9). The mice were administrated with Huanglian Jiedutang at different doses by gavage for 7 days, and then LPS (15 mg·kg-1) was injected intraperitoneally for the modeling of sepsis. In the positive control group, dexamethasone (0.05 g·kg-1) was injected intraperitoneally 1.5 h after modeling, and the mouse sepsis score (MSS) was recorded 12 h after modeling. The mice were sacrificed for the collection of blood and liver tissue samples. The levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured by a biochemical analyzer. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. The content of NLRP3 was observed by the immunofluorescence assay. The expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of ALT and AST (P<0.01) and risen levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum (P<0.01). In addition, the modeling resulted in edema and necrosis in the liver, and up-regulated the protein levels of GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 (P<0.01) and the mRNA levels of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed reduced content of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage in the liver tissue, and down-regulated protein levels of GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 (P<0.05,P<0.01) and mRNA levels of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.05,P<0.01) in the liver tissue. ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang can inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, thus demonstrating a therapeutic effect on acute liver injury in the mouse model of sepsis induced by LPS.
4.The mediating effect of personality traits between job stress and mental symptoms among firefighters
Shilei WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Fanhua KONG
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(1):49-53
ObjectiveTo explore the mediating effect of personality traits between job stress and mental symptoms among firefighters. Methods A total of 974 firefighters in Shandong Province were selected as the research subjects using convenience sampling method. The Job Stress Scale, Brief Version of Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory and Symptom Checklist 90 were used to investigate their job stress, personality traits and mental symptoms. Results Job stress was found at a relatively high level in 39.7% of the firefighters, and 19.2% of the firefighters had high level of neurotic personality trait tendency. The positive detection rate of mental symptoms was 9.9% among firefighters. The score of job stress of the firefighters had a positive correlation with neuroticism and the score of mental symptoms (all P<0.01). The score of job stress and mental symptoms of the firefighters had a negative correlation with the personality traits score of extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness (all P<0.05). Neuroticism played a partially positive mediating effect between job stress and mental symptoms, and its mediating effect accounted for 39.6% of the total effect. Extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness played a partially negative mediating effect between work stress and mental symptoms, and the mediating effect accounted for 12.0%, 17.8% and 8.4% of the total effect respectively. There was no mediating effect of openness between job stress and mental symptoms. Conclusion Neurotic personality trait may enhance the negative effects of work stress on firefighters' mental health.
5.Small cell carcinoma of the ovary of hypercalcaemic type: a clinicopathological analysis of sixteen cases
Jing ZHAO ; Rongkui LUO ; Tingting CHEN ; Jing LIN ; Jie ZHANG ; Shilei ZHANG ; Xianrong ZHOU ; Xiang TAO ; Yan NING
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(12):1210-1216
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological, molecular pathological features, and family genetic pedigree of small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT).Methods:A total of 16 cases of SCCOHT diagnosed in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to January 2023 were collected. The clinicopathologic features, SMARCA4/2/B1 protein expression, outcomes and SMARCA4 gene detection were reported. A follow-up study was also carried out.Results:The average age at diagnosis was 28.7 years (range 17-38 years). The preoperative calcium level was evaluated in 3 of 6 patients. The tumor was unilateral in all 16 cases, ranged from 8 to 26 cm (average 15.8 cm) in the greatest dimension. Extraovarian spread was present in 7 cases. In 10 cases, the tumors were initially misinterpreted as other ovarian neoplasms. BRG1 and BRM expression by immunohistochemistry were all lost in detected cases, while INI1 exhibited retained nuclear expression. All BRM-negative SCCOHTs also lacked BRG1 protein,but retained INI1 expression. SCCOHTs were only focally positive for EMA, CKpan, Calretinin, SALL4, and diffusely positive for WT1. Two of nine cases exhibited mutation-type p53 immunoreactivity. Ki-67 index was 58% on an average. ER, PR, FOXL2, α-inhibin, chromogranin A and LCA were negative in all the cases. SMARCA4 sequencing was available in 8 cases of SCCOHT, which revealed a germline SMARCA4 mutation in one patient, and others carried somatic mutation. Furthermore, two daughters, mother and an aunt of a patient with germline mutation were reported to be SMARCA4 mutation carriers. Follow-up was available for 15 patients, and the 6-month, 1-year and 2-year survival rate was 65.8%, 45.1%, and 22.6%, respectively. For patients in FIGO stages Ⅱ+Ⅲ, 6-month, 1-year survival rate was 53.6% and 35.7% respectively, compared to 80% (6-month) and 60% (1-year) in patients of staged I ( P=0.358). Conclusions:With dismal prognosis of SCCOHT, accurate diagnosis is necessary. The typical age distribution, a panel of various staining results, especially concomitant loss of BRG1 and BRM may be of diagnostic aid and can be used to distinguish SCCOHT from its histological mimics. After the diagnosis of SCCOHT, genetic testing and genetic counseling are recommended.
6.Anatomical variations and it's imaging characteristics of frontal recess cells in patients with frontal sinus related headache
Chengyao LIU ; Xiangdong WANG ; Qinggang XU ; Shilei CUI ; Zhongyan LIU ; Yan ZHAO ; Luo ZHANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(4):242-247
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of frontal recess cells variations in patients with frontal sinus associated headache according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification(IFAC).METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on the CT scans of sinuses in patients with frontal sinus associated headache.We reviewed 46 patients with frontal sinus-related headache who had clinical symptoms and were relieved after nasal endoscopic surgery.The development of frontal recess cells in the frontal recess drainage area was analyzed,and the variation of middle meatus and sinus involvement were analyzed in the same time.The Anatomical variations and imaging characteristics of frontal recess cells development in patients with frontal sinus associated headache were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 92 sinus CT profiles were analyzed in 46 patients.The most common cells were agger nasi cell(ANC)(100%,92/92),followed by supra bulla cell(SBC)(78.3%,72/92),supra agger cell(SAC)(67.4%,62/92),supra bulla frontal cell(SBFC)(27.2%,25/92),supra agger frontal cell(SAFC)(20.7%,19/92),frontal septal cell(FSC)(8.7%,8/92)and supraorbital ethmoid cell(SOEC)(0%,0/92).In the conventional frontal sinus drainage area,SAFC(P=0.0108),SAC(P=0.0104)and SAFC(P=0.0088)in the IFAC classification were significantly associated with the occurrence of frontal sinus associated headache.At the same time,the middle concha bullosa also showed a significant correlation with the occurrence of frontal sinus associated headache in the lower segment of the frontal recess drainage channel(P=0.0390).CONCLUSION In the frontal recess drainage channel,the abnormal development of SAC,SAFC,SBFC and the middle concha bullosa are significantly correlated with frontal sinus associated headache.
7.Influence of compassion fatigue, psychological stress and positive psychological capital on overall happiness of firefighters
China Occupational Medicine 2023;50(2):145-149
8.Role of Sigma-1 receptor in pentazoxine-induced reduction of oxygen-glucose deprivation and restoration injury in SH-SY5Y cells: relationship with endoplasmic reticulum stress
Lin DING ; Shilei WANG ; Yang ZHAO ; Yongqi DONG ; Zekun WANG ; Jia LIU
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2023;43(8):1002-1006
Objective:To evaluate the role of Sigma-1 receptor (Sigma-1R) in pentazoxine-induced reduction of oxygen-glucose deprivation and restoration (OGD/R) injury in SH-SY5Y cells and the relationship with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).Methods:The well-growing SH-SY5Y cells were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), OGD/R group (group O), OGD/R+ pentazoxin group (group OP) and OGD/R+ pintazoxin+ BD1047 group (group OPB). The cells in group C were normally cultured. In O group, OP group and OPB group, the culture medium was replaced with EBSS medium, and then the cells were cultured in an incubator of 5% CO 2-95% N 2 at 37 ℃ for 4 h, then replaced with DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum for restoration of O 2-glucose supply for 18 h, and in addition pentazoxin (final concentration 10 μmmol/L) was added during restoration in OP group, and pentazoxin (final concentration 10 μmmol/L) and Sigma-1R blocker BD1047 (final concentration 20 μmol/L) were added during restoration in OPB group. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry at the end of restoration, and the expression of Sigma-1R, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (p-IRE1), spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s), and activated caspase-3 (c-cas-3) was detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with group C, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, and the expression of CHOP and p-IRE1 was up-regulated in O group, OP group and OPB group, the expression of XBP1s and c-cas-3 was significantly up-regulated in O group and OPB group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the expression of Sigma-1R, XBP1s and c-cas-3 in OP group ( P>0.05). Compared with O group, the apoptosis rate was significantly decreased, the expression of Sigma-1R was up-regulated, and the expression of CHOP, p-IRE1, XBP1s and c-cas-3 was down-regulated in OP group ( P<0.05). Compared with OP group, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, the expression of Sigma-1R was down-regulated, and the expression of CHOP, p-IRE1, XBP1s and c-cas-3 was up-regulated in OPB group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Sigma-1R is involved in pentazoxine-induced reduction of OGD/R injury in SH-SY5Y cells, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
9.Application of MOOC in the teaching reform of human anatomy
Hongni SUN ; Yujuan ZHAO ; Zhuomei YU ; Xueli QU ; Shilei JIA
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2022;21(3):293-296
Objective:To explore the practical role of massive open online course (MOOC) mode based on the cultivation of creativity and thinking ability in clinical human anatomy teaching.Methods:Two classes of clinical medicine students of Batch 2019 were selected in the study, and one class was control group ( n=73), which adopted the traditional teaching mode of face-to-face teaching; the other class was research group ( n=79) and the MOOC mode based on the cultivation of creativity and thinking ability for teaching was adopted. After the teaching, the students' creativity, thinking ability, self-learning ability and learning interest were compared, and the mastery of knowledge (theoretical scores and anatomical operation assessment) and satisfaction with teaching were compared between the two groups. SPSS 19.0 was used for t test, chi-square test and rank sum test. Results:The scores of creativity, thinking ability, self-study ability and learning interest of the research group were significantly higher than those of the control group after the teaching ( P<0.05). The scores of theoretical knowledge[(91.41±6.28) points] and anatomical operation[(87.41±7.25) points] in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group after the teaching[(85.24±7.36) points and (80.26±6.38) points] ( P<0.05). There was significant difference in the distribution of teaching satisfaction between the two groups ( P<0.05), and the total satisfaction rate for teaching of the research group (94.94%) was higher than that of the control group (83.56%). Conclusion:The MOOC mode based on the cultivation of creativity and thinking ability in clinical human anatomy teaching can significantly improve students' creativity, thinking ability and self-learning ability, improve their learning interest and mastery of human anatomy knowledge, and improve their satisfaction with teaching.
10.Ongoing Positive Selection Drives the Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes
Hou YALI ; Zhao SHILEI ; Liu QI ; Zhang XIAOLONG ; Sha TONG ; Su YANKAI ; Zhao WENMING ; Bao YIMING ; Xue YONGBIAO ; Chen HUA
Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics 2022;(6):1214-1223
SARS-CoV-2 is a new RNA virus affecting humans and spreads extensively throughout the world since its first outbreak in December,2019.Whether the transmissibility and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 in humans after zoonotic transfer are actively evolving,and driven by adaptation to the new host and environments is still under debate.Understanding the evolutionary mechanism underlying epidemiological and pathological characteristics of COVID-19 is essential for predicting the epidemic trend,and providing guidance for disease control and treatments.Interrogating novel strategies for identifying natural selection using within-species polymorphisms and 3,674,076 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences of 169 countries as of December 30,2021,we demonstrate with popula-tion genetic evidence that during the course of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in humans,1)SARS-CoV-2 genomes are overall conserved under purifying selection,especially for the 14 genes related to viral RNA replication,transcription,and assembly;2)ongoing positive selection is actively driving the evolution of 6 genes(e.g.,S,ORF3a,and N)that play critical roles in molecular processes involving pathogen-host interactions,including viral invasion into and egress from host cells,and viral inhi-bition and evasion of host immune response,possibly leading to high transmissibility and mild symptom in SARS-CoV-2 evolution.According to an established haplotype phylogenetic relation-ship of 138 viral clusters,a spatial and temporal landscape of 556 critical mutations is constructed based on their divergence among viral haplotype clusters or repeatedly increase in frequency within at least 2 clusters,of which multiple mutations potentially conferring alterations in viral transmis-sibility,pathogenicity,and virulence of SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted,warranting attention.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail