1.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
2.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
3.One Health theory and practice in China:history,present and future
Mu-xin CHEN ; Tian TIAN ; Yang HONG ; Jun-hu CHEN ; Jing-shu LIU ; Jian HE ; Xian-fa CHEN ; Qin LI ; Jin-xin ZHENG ; Tie-jian FENG ; Xiao-nong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):447-455
This paper summarizes the progress of theoretical research and practice of One Health in China,and discusses the paradigm of One Health governance to improve the prevention and control of infectious diseases in China and the world,and provide an example for the improvement of the public health system.In particular,China has long history to apply the concept of One Health in the national schistosomiasis control programmes and patriotic health campaigns,which were not only focusing on human health,but also emphasizing the sustainable development of animal health and ecological environment.At the same time,the application of tools such as system dynamics model,eDNA technology,One Health economic assessment and global One Health index(GOHI)in the field of disease control and environmental health provides technical support for the concept of One Health.Despite the challenges of practical application of these tools,the One Health concept will play a greater role in providing sustainable solutions for human-animal-environmental health by strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration,improving standardization protocols and promoting inter-national cooperation.
4.Application of goal-directed pulse pressure variation combined with low central venous pressure technique in liver surgery
Ping-juan WANG ; Jian-wei SHU ; Tao JIANG ; Cha-bing LI ; Kun-kun GAO ; Yi-qiao WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(9):813-817
Objective To explore the application of goal-directed fluid therapy based on pulse pressure variation rate(PPV)combined with low central venous pressure(LCVP)technique in liver surgery.Methods A total of 86 patients who underwent liver lobe/segment resection in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were included,and randomly divided into two groups by random sequence method.Patients in the conventional group were treated with LCVP technique,while patients in the test group were given PPV goal-directed intervention on the basis of the conventional group.The surgical indicators,hemodynamic indicators,cognitive function,adverse reactions and recovery of gastrointestinal function of patients in the two groups were compared.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time,Pringle maneuver time,first postoperative exhausting time or first postoperative defecation time of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).However,the intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative fluid infusion volume and hospital stay of patients in the test group were all less/shorter than those in the conventional group(P<0.05).Compared with the time point of T0,patients in the two groups showed increased heart rate(HR)but decreased mean arterial pressure(MAP)and central venous pressure(CVP)at time points of T1 and T2(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the HR or MAP of patients between the two groups at time points of T0,T1,T2 and T3(P>0.05).At time points of T1 and T2,the CVP of patients in the test group was lower than that in the conventional group(P<0.05).One day after operation,the mini-mental state examination(MMSE)score of patients in the test group was higher than that in the conventional group(P<0.05).The MMSE scores 7 days after operation of patients in the two groups were higher than those 1 day after operation(P<0.05).Patients in the test group had a lower total incidence of adverse reactions and a shorter recovery time of gastrointestinal function than those in the conventional group(P<0.05).Conclusion The goal-directed fluid therapy based on PPV combined with LCVP technique has a good application effect in liver surgery,which can reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluid infusion volume of patients,shorten hospital stay,increase hemodynamic stability,improve postoperative cognitive dysfunction,and promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function,with a relatively high treatment safety.
5.Study on the correlation between cardiac implantable electronic device electrode leads and tricuspid regurgitation
Yu-yang JIN ; Jian-hua WANG ; Jian XU ; Shu-feng LI ; Wei CAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):141-149
Objective To investigate the effect of operation mode,thickness,and number of implanted electrode leads on tricuspid regurgitation.Methods This was a single-center retrospective study.Patients who received their first cardiac implantable electronic device at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2019 to January 2024 and were followed up within(10±4)months were continuously enrolled.General clinical data,preoperative and outpatient follow-up echocardiography,and other indicators were collected.According to the different operation modes,patients were divided into delivery sheath group,support wire group,and delivery sheath combined support wire group.Under the premise of only one electrode wire crossing the tricuspid valve,according to the different thicknesses of the electrode wire,they were divided into 3830 69 group(4.1 F),5076 58/Solia S60 group(7 F),and 6935M-65cm defibrillator group(9 F).The number of electrode wires was divided into 3830 69 subgroup and 6935M-65cm defibrillator subgroup under the premise of balanced operation mode and electrode material.The changes in tricuspid valve regurgitation were compared in each group.Results A total of 219 patients,aged(65.92±12.04)years,were enrolled.There was no difference in tricuspid valve regurgitation in the 6935M-65cm defibrillator subgroup before implantation(all P>0.05).In the 3830 69 subgroup,there was a higher proportion of severe regurgitation in the two-electrode group before implantation(P=0.013).In comparison with the change in tricuspid valve regurgitation before electrode wire implantation and during follow-up,the regurgitation of the tricuspid valve in the 6935M-65cm defibrillator subgroup with≥2 electrodes was unexpectedly improved compared to that in the group with one electrode,and the regurgitation of the valve in the group with one electrode was more severe than that in the group with ≥ 2 electrodes implantation(P=0.019).Conclusions The operation mode and thickness of the implanted electrode lead did not cause significant differences in tricuspid valve regurgitation.Single implantation of a 6935M-65cm defibrillator electrode will lead to increased tricuspid regurgitation,and the effect brought by combination with physiological pacing will offset the adverse effects of electrode leads on the valve,providing directional evidence for future implantation strategy selection.
6.One Health theory and practice in China:history,present and future
Mu-xin CHEN ; Tian TIAN ; Yang HONG ; Jun-hu CHEN ; Jing-shu LIU ; Jian HE ; Xian-fa CHEN ; Qin LI ; Jin-xin ZHENG ; Tie-jian FENG ; Xiao-nong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):447-455
This paper summarizes the progress of theoretical research and practice of One Health in China,and discusses the paradigm of One Health governance to improve the prevention and control of infectious diseases in China and the world,and provide an example for the improvement of the public health system.In particular,China has long history to apply the concept of One Health in the national schistosomiasis control programmes and patriotic health campaigns,which were not only focusing on human health,but also emphasizing the sustainable development of animal health and ecological environment.At the same time,the application of tools such as system dynamics model,eDNA technology,One Health economic assessment and global One Health index(GOHI)in the field of disease control and environmental health provides technical support for the concept of One Health.Despite the challenges of practical application of these tools,the One Health concept will play a greater role in providing sustainable solutions for human-animal-environmental health by strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration,improving standardization protocols and promoting inter-national cooperation.
7.Salvianolic acid B mediates Elovl6/Echs1/Acot1 pathway to regulate fatty acid metabolism and attenuates OGD/R injury in H9c2 cells
Ce CAO ; Jian-shu SONG ; Li-li YANG ; Hao-ran LI ; Zi-xin LIU ; Lei LI ; Jian-hua FU ; Jian-xun LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(3):482-490
Aim To observe the mechanism of salvian-olic acid B(SalB)against oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation(OGD/R)injury in H9c2 cardiomyo-cytes.Methods The protective concentration of SalB against OGD/R-injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes was screened by CCK-8 assay.The levels of lactate dehy-drogenase(LDH),aspartate transaminase(AST)and creatine kinase(CK)were detected by ELISA kit.The mechanism of action of SalB on OGD/R-injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes was explored using high-through-put sequencing of the transcriptome.The binding of SalB to differential proteins was assessed using molecu-lar docking assays.Fatty acid content was determined using free fatty acid kits.The relative expressions of mRNA and protein of differential genes were verified by RT-qPCR and Western blot.The causal relationship between the target of action of SalB and heart failure was examined by Mendelian randomization experiment.Results SalB protected OGD/R-injured H9c2 cardio-myocytes and significantly reduced the levels of CK,LDH and AST compared with the blank control group.One hundred differential genes were screened by tran-scriptome sequencing,which were mainly involved in fatty acid elongation,central carbon metabolism of cancer,tryptophan metabolism pathways.Molecular docking showed that SalB had good binding energy to differential proteins.The mRNA and protein expression of core differential genes Elovl6,Echs1 and Acot1 were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results.SalB reduced fatty acidsafter OGD/R injury.Mende-lian randomization experiments suggested that SalB might reduce the risk of heart failure through fatty acid metabolism,thereby reducing the risk of heart failure.Conclusion SalB can protect H9c2 cardiomyocytes after OGD/R injury by down-regulating Elovl6,Echs1 and Acot1 expression through the fatty acid metabolism pathway.
8.Effects of Japan Tallow on Alleviating Liver Injury and Modulating Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Kai-ya XIE ; Xin YU ; En-ya LI ; Li-ping HUA ; Xiao-man LI ; Ying-zhen SU ; Meng-chun SHU ; Yi-jian YANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(19):3041-3047
Objective:To investigate the effects of Japan tallow(JT)on liver injury and gut microbiota regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)mice,thereby providing a theoretical basis for developing therapeutic edible oils for diabetes treatment.Methods:T2DM animal model was established through a combined approach of nutritional intervention and chemical induction.Experimental animals were first fed a high-fat diet(HFD)for 6 weeks,followed by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin(STZ).After successful model establishment,the mice were divided into five groups(n=6 per group):control group without any intervention;T2DM group;HFD reversion to standard chow group;metformin group;and JT intervention group,which received respective treatments for 4 weeks.At the endpoint,fresh fecal samples were collected from all groups,and the gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16s rDNA high-throughput sequencing.Liver histopathological changes were examined using histological methods.Results:Compared with the normal control(ND),T2DM mice showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels,with evident hepatocyte lipid accumulation,steatosis,inflammatory cell infiltration,and widespread vacuolar and fatty degeneration.After Japan tallow(JT)intervention,FBG levels decreased significantly,liver color approximated normal appearance,and pathological morphology improved noticeably.16s rDNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that JT treatment could effectively regulate the intestinal microbiota structure in T2DM mice.Increased microbial α-diversity indices(Chao1,observed_species,Faith_pd,Simpson);At the phylum level,increased Verrucomicrobia abundance while decreased Proteobacteria were detected;At the family level,elevated Bifidobacteriaceae and reduced Porphyromonadaceae were seen;At the genus level,Bifidobacterium was promoted and Akkermansia proliferat while Escherichia and Klebsiella were downregulated.Conclusions:Japan tallow exhibits significant effects in alleviating liver tissue damage and regulating intestinal microbiota disorders in T2DM mice,our study indicated new theoretical basis for the research and development of potential strategy for diabetes.
9.Effects of Japan Tallow on Alleviating Liver Injury and Modulating Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Kai-ya XIE ; Xin YU ; En-ya LI ; Li-ping HUA ; Xiao-man LI ; Ying-zhen SU ; Meng-chun SHU ; Yi-jian YANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(19):3041-3047
Objective:To investigate the effects of Japan tallow(JT)on liver injury and gut microbiota regulation in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)mice,thereby providing a theoretical basis for developing therapeutic edible oils for diabetes treatment.Methods:T2DM animal model was established through a combined approach of nutritional intervention and chemical induction.Experimental animals were first fed a high-fat diet(HFD)for 6 weeks,followed by intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin(STZ).After successful model establishment,the mice were divided into five groups(n=6 per group):control group without any intervention;T2DM group;HFD reversion to standard chow group;metformin group;and JT intervention group,which received respective treatments for 4 weeks.At the endpoint,fresh fecal samples were collected from all groups,and the gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16s rDNA high-throughput sequencing.Liver histopathological changes were examined using histological methods.Results:Compared with the normal control(ND),T2DM mice showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels,with evident hepatocyte lipid accumulation,steatosis,inflammatory cell infiltration,and widespread vacuolar and fatty degeneration.After Japan tallow(JT)intervention,FBG levels decreased significantly,liver color approximated normal appearance,and pathological morphology improved noticeably.16s rDNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that JT treatment could effectively regulate the intestinal microbiota structure in T2DM mice.Increased microbial α-diversity indices(Chao1,observed_species,Faith_pd,Simpson);At the phylum level,increased Verrucomicrobia abundance while decreased Proteobacteria were detected;At the family level,elevated Bifidobacteriaceae and reduced Porphyromonadaceae were seen;At the genus level,Bifidobacterium was promoted and Akkermansia proliferat while Escherichia and Klebsiella were downregulated.Conclusions:Japan tallow exhibits significant effects in alleviating liver tissue damage and regulating intestinal microbiota disorders in T2DM mice,our study indicated new theoretical basis for the research and development of potential strategy for diabetes.
10.Anatomical features and clinical significance of the pelvic segment of the obturator artery
Li-na REN ; Xiu-ning XUAN ; Jian-yue REN ; Xue-hui ZHANG ; Pu-yi WANG ; Shu-xuan LI ; Jing LI ; Zhe XING ; Jing-han DU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):868-871
Objective To observe the origin and course of the obturator artery(OA),so as to provide anatomical reference for reducing hemorrhage during pelvic surgery and pubic fracture fixation.Methods A total of 65 human hemi-pelvises specimens with intact structure were dissected to observe the origin,course and other variations of OA.Measure the length of the inner section of OA basin and the outer diameter at the origin,etc.Results OA originated from the internal iliac artery in 57 cases(87.7%),including 3 cases(4.6%)of the superior gluteal artery,5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior gluteal artery,3 cases(4.6%)of the external iliac artery and 5 cases(7.7%)of the inferior epigastric artery.OA participated in the formation of the arterial trunk in 3 cases(4.6%).The length of the pelvic segment of the OA in male and female was(50.87±15.41)mm and(51.71±14.19)mm,respectively,with no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).The outer diameters at the origin of the OA in male and female were(2.79±1.05)mm and(2.35±0.86)mm,and there was no statistically significant difference between them(P>0.05).Conclusion OA mainly originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery,with a few OA originated from the branches of the posterior trunk or the inferior epigastric artery,or participated in the formation of the arterial trunk.In pelvic surgery involving OA area,attention should be paid to the length of its pelvic segment and the outer diameter at the origin of OA,so as to better locate and protect blood vessels during surgery.

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