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.Investigation of Component Difference of Astragali Radix Before and After Rice Stir-frying by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Chemometrics
Miaoshi YAO ; Yimeng ZHAO ; Zekun WANG ; Minglu LI ; Chenxi LIU ; Chen CHEN ; Yajun CHEN ; Yachun SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):189-197
ObjectiveA qualitative analysis method was established for the composition of Astragali Radix(AR) before and after rice stir-frying. On the basis of systematic characterization of the chemical compositions in AR and stir-fried AR with rice(ARR), the structures of their major compounds were deduced and identified, and the differential compositions between them were analyzed. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the samples of AR and ARR in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. The compounds were analyzed and identified through self-constructed databases, literature, and reference standards, etc. And the data were analyzed by chemometrics, in order to screen for the differential components between AR and ARR. ResultsA total of 123 compounds were identified in AR and ARR, including 41 flavonoids, 19 terpenoids, 26 organic acids, 8 amino acids, 5 nucleotides, 5 carbohydrates and 19 other compounds. Among them, there were 95 common components in both, 18 unique components in AR, and 10 unique components in ARR. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) results both showed that there were significant differences in the chemical constituents of AR before and after rice stir-frying, and a total of 26 constituents with differences in the content were screened out, including L-canavanine, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-phenylalanine, cis-caffeic acid, and malonylastragaloside Ⅰ. Among them, 19 constituents of ARR were down-regulated and 7 constituents were up-regulated by comparing with AR. ConclusionThis study clarifies that the chemical composition of AR and ARR is mainly composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acids, and analyzes the components with significant differences in content between the two in combination with chemometrics, and the differential components are dominated by amino acids, organic acids and terpenoids, which can provide reference for the subsequent quality control and material basis research.
4.Treating acute type Ⅲ-Ⅴ acromioclavicular joint dislocation with single tunnel fixation versus tunnel-free suspension fixation of the coracoid process under shoulder arthroscopy
Yongtao ZENG ; Hongcheng ZHENG ; Nacikedaoerji ; Refati·Nijiati ; Li SHU ; Xu LIU ; Hongtao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1036-1042
BACKGROUND:At present,there are few reports on the postoperative efficacy of arthroscopic coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation and coracoid single tunnel fixation in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation at home and abroad.The specific clinical efficacy of the two procedures and whether there are other risks need to be explored. OBJECTIVE:To compare the short-term postoperative clinical efficacy of arthroscopic TightRope band plate fixation with single tunnel fixation of the coracoid process and tunnel-free suspension fixation of the coracoid process in the treatment of acute type Ⅲ-Ⅴ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed in 45 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation who met the inclusion criteria admitted to the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 2019 to September 2022,and were divided into coracoid single tunnel fixation group(20 cases)and coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation group(25 cases)according to the surgical treatment plan.Operation time,incision length,blood loss,Constant-Murley score,visual analogue scale score,the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons(ASES)score and intraoperative and postoperative complications of the shoulder joint before operation,3 months after surgery and the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:All patients successfully completed the operation,and there was no important nerve or blood vessel damage during the operation.The operation time of the coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation group was significantly shorter than that of the coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and incision length between the two groups(P>0.05).All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months,with an average of(15.29±2.73)months.In the coracoid single tunnel fixation group,at 3 months after operation and the final follow-up,the visual analogue scale score was significantly lower than the preoperative score(P<0.05);Constant-Murley score and ASES score were significantly increased compared with the preoperative values(P<0.05).In the coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation group,at 3 months after operation and the final follow-up,the visual analogue scale score was significantly lower than the preoperative score(P<0.05);the Constant-Murley score and the ASES score were both significantly higher than the preoperative scores(P<0.05).At 3 months after operation,the Constant-Murley score of the coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation group was higher than that of the coracoid single tunnel fixation group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in visual analogue scale and ASES scores between the two groups(P>0.05).There was also no significant difference in the visual analogue scale,Constant-Murley,and ASES scores between the two groups at the corresponding time points before surgery and at the final follow-up(P>0.05).Intraoperative and postoperative complications:In the coracoid single tunnel fixation group,there was one case of coracoid cortical rupture and fracture during the tunnel drilling during the operation,and one case of a loss of reduction at 3 months after operation,which was repositioned and fixed with hook plate transposition of the coracoacromial ligament.All patients had good acromioclavicular joint function recovery and no re-dislocation at the final follow-up.All patients in the coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation group did not suffer from coracoid fractures,loss of reduction and other complications during surgery,postoperatively and at the last follow-up.To conclude,these two arthroscopic treatments for acute type Ⅲ-Ⅴ acromioclavicular joint dislocation have the advantages of less trauma,reliable reduction and fixation,and good recovery of shoulder joint function after operation.However,compared with the coracoid single tunnel technique,the coracoid tunnel-free suspension fixation requires shorter time,faster recovery of shoulder joint function in the short term,and avoids the establishment of bone tunnels on the coracoid process,which reduces the probability of iatrogenic fracture of the coracoid process during operation and provides a higher degree of safety.
5.Research on the mechanism of Kaempferol targeting BCL-2 to inhibit lung cancer from the perspective of network pharmacology
Jiandong Chen ; Yingying Lv ; Zheng Xu ; Miao Zhang ; Luyao Liu ; Peng Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1373-1380
Objective:
To investigate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of kaempferol , an active component in the traditional Chinese medicine gardenia , for lung cancer treatment using a network pharmacology approach .
Methods:
The main active ingredients and potential targets of Gardenia jasminoides were obtained through the Tra⁃ditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) , and combined with the lung cancer related target information collected from Gene Cards and OMIM databases , the intersection targets of Garde⁃nia jasminoides and lung cancer treatment were determined by drawing Venn diagrams . Further screening of core targets was conducted through PPI network analysis , and gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the Metascape platform . Auto dock software was used to evaluate the binding affinity between the active ingredients of Gardenia jasminoides and target proteins . In terms of experiments , cell proliferation ability was evaluated through CCK⁃8 assay , cell migration and invasion ability were detected through cell scratch healing assay and Transwell assay , and the expression levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition ( EMT) protein and inflammatory factors were detected by Western blot and RT⁃qPCR .
Results:
The active ingredient kaempferol in Gardenia jasminoides exhibited significant binding ability invasion of lung cancer cells . The results of Western blot and RT⁃qPCR further confirmed that kaempferol could promote an increase in E ⁃cadherin , a decrease in N ⁃cadherin and Vimentin , and reduce the expression of inflam⁃matory factors .
Conclusion
The active ingredient of Gardenia jasminoides , kaempferol , inhibits the proliferation ,migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by targeting BCL⁃2 , while reversing EMT progression and suppressing the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in lung cancer cells , thus preventing lung cancer progression .
6.Effect of cholesterol on distribution,cell uptake,and protein corona of lipid microspheres at sites of cardiovascular inflammatory injury
Lingyan LI ; Xingjie WU ; Qianqian GUO ; Yu'e WANG ; Zhiyong HE ; Guangqiong ZHANG ; Shaobo LIU ; Liping SHU ; Babu GAJENDRAN ; Ying CHEN ; Xiangchun SHEN ; Ling TAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):1542-1564
Cholesterol(CH)plays a crucial role in enhancing the membrane stability of drug delivery systems(DDS).However,its association with conditions such as hyperlipidemia often leads to criticism,overshadowing its influence on the biological effects of formulations.In this study,we reevaluated the delivery effect of CH using widely applied lipid microspheres(LM)as a model DDS.We conducted comprehensive in-vestigations into the impact of CH on the distribution,cell uptake,and protein corona(PC)of LM at sites of cardiovascular inflammatory injury.The results demonstrated that moderate CH promoted the accumulation of LM at inflamed cardiac and vascular sites without exacerbating damage while partially mitigating pathological damage.Then,the slow cellular uptake rate observed for CH@LM contributed to a prolonged duration of drug efficacy.Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that CH depended on LM and exerted its biological effects by modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR-γ)expression in vascular endothelial cells and estrogen receptor alpha(ERα)protein levels in myocardial cells,thereby enhancing LM uptake at cardiovascular inflam-mation sites.Proteomics analysis unveiled a serum adsorption pattern for CH@LM under inflammatory conditions showing significant adsorption with CH metabolism-related apolipoprotein family members such as apolipoprotein A-V(Apoa5);this may be a major contributing factor to their prolonged circu-lation in vivo and explains why CH enhances the distribution of LM at cardiovascular inflammatory injury sites.It should be noted that changes in cell types and physiological environments can also influence the biological behavior of formulations.The findings enhance the conceptualization of CH and LM delivery,providing novel strategies for investigating prescription factors' bioactivity.
7.The safety and efficacy of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in the treatment of recurrent malignant tumors
Junqiang HONG ; Xiaoyi LIN ; Youqun LAI ; Ye CAO ; Xiangquan KONG ; Yuanhao LIU ; Shuiying LUO ; Zhicheng XIONG ; Mei GONG ; Yalai LIN ; Qiaoyun CHEN ; Mingang YING ; Li HUO ; Xiaohua ZHU ; Xiaoping SUN ; Yiqiao DENG ; Diyun SHU ; Haige ZHANG ; Cheng HUANG ; Jianji PAN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(10):985-992
Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT) in the treatment of recurrent and refractory malignant tumors.Methods:The data of 14 patients admitted to Xiamen Humanity Hospital from September 2022 to April 2023 were prospectively collected, including 7 patients with primary brain malignancies and 7 patients with locally recurrent inoperable head and neck malignancies. All patients received intravenous infusion of boron drug (NBB-001, p-dihydroxyborylphe nylalanine, a patented freeze-dried formulation) at a total nominal dosage of 500 mg/kg (11 patients) or 750 mg/kg (3 patients), and were irradiated with neutrons (operating with NeuPex system). Adverse events after treatment were recorded and assessed. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 90 d objective response rate (ORR), while the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and complete response rate (CRR). Data were compiled and analyzed by SAS 9.4 software. The rate and 95% CI were calculated using Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median dose delivered to 80% of the target volume (D 80%) was 16.80 GyE (range: 8.93-23.79 GyE). The most common adverse reactions were hyperamylasemia, alopecia, and hyperprolactinemia. Five patients experienced 8 cases of grade 3 or above adverse events, including 1 case of grade 4 acute kidney injury and 7 cases of grade 3 adverse events. All adverse events were recovered after observation or treatment. At 90 d after treatment, the ORR of all patients was 9/14 (64%, 95% CI: 35%-87%), disease control rate (DCR) was 10/14 (71%, 95% CI: 42%-92%), CRR was 2/14 (14%, 95% CI: 2%-42%); and the best overall response during the entire course included an ORR of 10/14 (71% ,95% CI: 42%-92%), DCR of 13/14 (93%, 95% CI: 66%-100%), and CRR of 3/14 (21% ,95% CI: 5%-51%). The 1-year survival rate for head and neck malignancies was 71.4%, and the 2-year survival rate was 42.8%. The 1-year survival rate for recurrent brain malignancies was 42.8%. Conclusion:AB-BNCT demonstrates favorable safety and promising efficacy in treating primary brain malignancies and recurrent/refractory head and neck malignancies, representing a potential therapeutic option.
8.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.
9.Similarity of human forward and backward crawling patterns based on multiscale motion coordination analysis
Ying CHEN ; Qiliang XIONG ; Yuan LIU ; Jieyi MO ; Xiaolong SHU ; Bo LIU ; Changyuan DENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(5):640-647
Objective To test the hypothesis that backward crawling and forward crawling share similar inter-joint coordination patterns,thus providing potential evidence for the application of backward crawling in rehabilitation training.Methods The acceleration signals in the X,Y,and Z directions for 9 joints(including bilateral wrists,elbows,shoulders,knees,and hips)in 9 volunteers during forward and backward crawling were collected using a custom signal acquisition system,and the pressure signals were also recorded when the palms contacted the ground.The collected acceleration signals were preprocessed,segmented into cycles,and vectorized.Based on the pressure signals,a single crawling cycle was divided into support phase and swing phase.In addition,principal component analysis was applied to extract inter-joint coordination in limbs at various scales(sagittal,coronal,and transverse planes).Pearson correlation coefficients of inter-joint coordination patterns were compared between forward and backward crawling in support period,swing period,and full cycle.Results The correlation coefficients for coordination patterns in the full cycle at the transverse plane scale were 0.813 5(PC1)and 0.837 5(PC2),and the correlation coefficient of the support period PC2 was 0.901 8.At the sagittal plane scale,the correlation coefficient of the support period PC1 was 0.948 5.Conclusion The study provides preliminary evidence that limb motion coordination patterns during backward crawling are similar to those observed during forward crawling.Future research will further explore the effects of backward crawling on functional rehabilitation in individuals with motor impairments.
10.Selection of exosomal microRNA biomarkers for brucellosis diagnosis and construction of a potential miRNA-mRNA regulation network
Jin ZHAO ; Zhi-qiang CHEN ; Bing-Li WANG ; Shu-ling LI ; Xiao-yu ZHU ; Jin-tong JIA ; Ye-zi LIU ; Zhi-wei LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):269-277
This study was aimed at exploring novel auxiliary diagnostic biomarkers for brucellosis and their potential miR-NA-mRNA regulatory networks.High-throughput sequencing was used to compare miRNA expression differences in serum ex-osomes between patients with brucellosis and healthy controls.Subsequently,RT-qPCR was used to validate the expression of significantly upregulated exosomal miRNAs.The diagnostic value of these miRNAs was assessed with ROC curves,and bioin-formatics analyses were performed to investigate the potential roles of the miRNAs in brucellosis infection.The ROC curve a-nalysis indicated that the area under the curve for exosomal hsa-miR-11400(P<0.05),hsa-miR-199a-5p(P<0.05),and hsa-miR-148a-5p(P<0.05)was 0.79,0.81,and 0.74,respectively.A total of 465 differentially expressed miRNAs and their tar-get genes were predicted,including 25 immune-related target genes,most of which were closely associated with cancer-related proteoglycans,NF-kappa B signaling pathways,and IL-17 signaling pathways.The constructed differentially expressed gene network indicated that the immune genes PLXNA2,IL17RA,PRKCA,CD22,ACVR1B,and CBL might be regulated by hsa-miR-199a-5p and hsa-miR-148a-5p.These findings suggest that exosomal miRNAs might serve as auxiliary diagnostic indicators for brucellosis.Our exosomal miRNA-mRNA regulatory network provides new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of brucellosis.


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