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.Microscopic Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis and New Ideas on Medicine Management Based on Theory of Mutual Interference Between Lucidity and Turbidity
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Lei LUO ; Renwu CHEN ; Zishun LI ; Meiling LI ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):288-299
The chapter Zhouyu in Guoyu says "Qi of the heaven and the earth moves without losing its order." With lucidity ascending and turbidity descending, Qi moves in a normal state, and Yin and Yang consolidate the foundation of the body. The mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity leads to the disorder of Qi movement, thus causing diseases. It is a pathological state of disorder between ascending and descending, as well as between entering and exiting, gradually evolving into a state of turbidity affecting lucidity and transforming into pathogen, which can be used to interpret and analyze the core of disease pathogenesis. The theory of lucidity and turbidity is connected with the harmony of nutrient and defensive aspects, Qi circulation, and sweat pore associating with Qi movement, and it has common implications with immune responses and nutrient metabolism system, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and mitochondrial energy synthesis. Modern studies have shown that intestinal flora imbalance, bile acid receptor inactivation, macrophage polarization imbalance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ferroptosis and other related microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis. By delving into the common meaning of the classic theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical pathological mechanisms, this paper summarizes the correspondence between the micropathological mechanism and the theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in the regulation and mamagement of ulcerative colitis. The combined use of sweet and warm medicinal materials consolidates the middle Qi and activates Qi circulation, thus ascending lucidity and descending turbidity. The combined use of pungent medicinal materials for dispersing and bitter medicinal materials for descending simultaneously raises warm and clear Qi. Wind-extinguishing medicinal materials facilitate the ascending of Qi and the opening of sweat pores. Accordingly, turbidity descends and lucidity ascends. The prescriptions incorporating these medication principles are in agreement with the therapeutic approach of following the normal flow of lucidity and turbidity. This paper clarifies the scientific connotation and micropathologic mechanism of ulcerative colitis from the perspective of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity, providing new theories and prescriptions for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ulcerative colitis.
4.Latent tuberculosis infection among cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers in Hubei Province,China
Da XU ; Zhixiong SHU ; Xue LI ; Ni NI ; Feifei TIAN ; Yanlin ZHAO ; Lijie ZHANG ; Wei CHEN ; Liping ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(10):1061-1068
This study was aimed at preliminarily assessing the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers across Wuxue,Xianning,and Yichang Cities in Hubei Province,and exploring associated risk factors.Data on cattle farming and slaughterhouse workers were gathered via a questionnaire.LTBI detection was performed with a tu-berculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay,and influencing factors were subsequently analyzed.The LTBI prevalence among cattle farming and slaughterhouse personnel in the three cities was 30.50%,and a higher rate was observed in slaughterhouse workers(39.01%)than cattle farmers(21.63%)(P<0.01).Multifactor analysis indicated that working in slaughterhouses(95%CI:1.582-3.878),having a history of tuberculosis(95%CI:1.377-25.057)or BCG vaccination(95%CI:1.229-3.285),and having a college education or above(95%CI:0.303-0.859)were significant factors influencing LTBI positivity in these personnel.Having more than 30 years of work experience(95%CI:1.303-18.782)was a risk factor for personnel at cattle breeding farms.Among slaugh-terhouse personnel,having a college education or above(95%CI:0.164-0.894),11-20 years of work experience(95%CI:0.122-0.994),or a history of tuberculosis(95%CI:1.661-64.397);performing logistics work(95%CI:3.234-126.424);and working in slaughter-related positions(95%CI:1.209-19.639)were associated with LTBI positivity.Therefore,the slaughterhouse workers in the three cities had higher LTBI rates than the cattle farming workers,thus underscoring the need for increased attention to personnel in logistics and slaughter-related positions.
5.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.
6.Exploring the Construction of Key miRNA mRNA Networks in TS Model Rats Based on Transcriptomics and Potential Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Fan LI ; Yue-chen ZHANG ; Shan ZHOU ; Jing XIE ; Meng-qing WANG ; Qing-jia ZENG ; Xia ZHOU ; Shu-jing ZHANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(16):2577-2584,2597
Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.
7.Luteolin alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting autophagy of hepatic stellate cells
Shu-ling CHEN ; Xi-xuan WANG ; Rui-qi LI ; Da-wei YANG ; Hui CAO ; Yong-feng YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1875-1883
Aim To explore the mechanism of luteolin in alleviating hepatic fibrosis.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,CCl4 group,silybin group(100 mg·kg-1)and luteo-lin group(100 mg·kg-1).After 10-week modeling and 2-week treatment,the serum levels of aminotrans-ferase and liver histopathology were examined.Hepatic fibrosis and autophagy-related gene expression were as-sessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluores-cence.Human hepatic stellate cell line(LX2)was cultured and divided into control,TGF-β1(10 mg·L-1),TGF-β1+silybin(40 μmol·L-1),TGF-β1+luteolin(40 μmol·L-1).Fibrotic and autophagy-re-lated markers were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR,Western blot,immunofluorescence and MDC staining.Results Compared with the CCl4 group,the treatment groups showed significantly improved liver function and reduced hepatic fibrosis,with markedly downregulated COL1A1 and α-SMA expression,and luteolin demonstrated superior efficacy.Compared with TGF-β1 group,luteolin treatment significantly de-creased mRNA levels of COL1A1,ACTA2 and MAP1LC3B,while increasing the mRNA level of SQSTM1,the protein levels of COL1A1 and α-SMA de-creased,p62 was enhanced,the LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was downregulated,and autophagy was reduced.These effects of luteolin were reversed by autophagy inducer rapamycin.Conclusion Luteolin alleviates liver fi-brosis by decreasing the autophagy of hepatic stellate cells.
8.Construction of emergance agitation prevention strategy for patients undergoing orthopedic general anesthesia surgery
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(8):40-42,50
Objective To construct the prevention strategy of emergance agitation in orthopedic surgery patients under general anesthesia,it provides reference for clinical nursing practice.Methods Through literature review and expert correspondence,strategy to prevent agitation during the awakening period in patients undergoing orthopedic general anesthesia surgery was developed.Results Two rounds of expert correspondence were conducted.The effective recovery rates of the questionnaires were 91.3%and 95.2%respectively.Expert authority coefficients were 0.940 and 0.919 respectively.Kendall harmony coefficients were 0.153 and 0.163.In the second round of expert correspondence,the average importance of indicators at all levels ranged from 4.000 to 4.944,and coefficient of variation ranged from 0.046 to 0.213.Finally,3 first-level indicators,15 second-level indicators,and 42 third-level indicators were determined.Conclusion The preventive strategy constructed in this study covers the entire perioperative process and has good scientific validity,reliability.
9.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.
10.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.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail