1.Epidemiological survey of Helicobacter pylori infection and correlation of dietary and lifestyle habits among adult physical examination population in Xuzhou Area
Jiao JIAO ; Xingsong JIANG ; Chunping QIAN ; Shujuan GAO ; Shuli ZHAO ; Jie ZHUANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Yun ZHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):163-166
Objective To explore the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and its association with dietary and lifestyle habits among the adult physical examination population in Xuzhou area. Methods Retrospectively selected the physical examination population who underwent HP testing at our hospital's physical examination center from May 2021 to December 2023 as the research object. The prevalence of Hp infection in the population was analyzed based on the physical examination results. A questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the eating and living habits of all study subjects. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between eating and living habits and Hp infection. Results A total of 1 354 physical examination people were included in the study, and the Hp infection rate was 37.30% (505/1354). The difference in Hp infection rates among people of different age groups is statistically significant (P<0.05), with the middle-aged population (41-59 years old) having the highest Hp positive infection rate (45.38%).High salt (41.11%), hot diet (40.56%), history of smoking (45.23%) and drinking (43.80%), less consumption of fruits and vegetables (43.73%), irregular exercise (41.29%), irregular diet People who frequently eat out (43.56%) and eat out frequently (42.57%) have a higher Hp infection rate (P<0.05).After adjusting for demographic factors such as gender, age, place of residence and education level, multivariate Logistic regression results showed that high-salt diet (OR=3.975, 95%CI: 2.670-5.917) and hot diet (OR=3.357, 95%CI: 2.291-4.919), smoking (OR=1.458, 95%CI: 1.082-1.964), drinking alcohol (OR=1.654, 95%CI: 1.279-2.138), eating fruits and vegetables (OR=1.759, 95%CI: 1.345-2.301), regular exercise (OR=1.822, 95%CI: 1.371-2.421), regular diet (OR=1.893, 95%CI: 1.391-2.575), eating out (OR=1.690, 95%CI: 1.277-2.237) were associated with the risk of Hp infection (P<0.05). Conclusion The positive infection rate of Hp among the physical examination population in Xuzhou is slightly lower than the average epidemic level in China. Cultivating healthy eating and living habits can effectively reduce the risk of Hp infection.
2.Analysis of related factors for the comorbidity of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):27-31
Objective:
To investigate the factors influencing the co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia, so as to provide a data foundation and theoretical basis for developing targeted intervention measures.
Methods:
In September and October 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 139 102 students from 539 schools across 12 leagues/cities and 103 banners/counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Participants who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by a doctor at least once within one year and had a body mass index ≥ 28 kg/m 2 were considered to have comorbid conditions.
Results:
The coprevalence rate of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia was 6.4% (8 931 cases). Lasso-Logistic regression revealed that nonboarding status, higher maternal education, consuming high protein foods ≥1 time daily, occasionally or never eating breakfast, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥60 minutes on fewer than half of holidays, and having been exposed to second hand smoke in person within the past seven days were associated with higher odds ratios for co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity( OR = 1.23 , 1.22-1.63, 1.20, 1.19, 1.38, 1.35); being female, higher grade level, residence in flag/county/district areas, non only child status, never having consumed a full glass of alcohol, non hypertensive status, and households without pets were associated with lower co-prevalence risks ( OR =0.65, 0.67-0.77, 0.81, 0.87, 0.73, 0.41, 0.68) (all P <0.05). The ROC curve indicated an area under the curve of 0.64 for the predictive model, demonstrating satisfactory discriminatory ability. The calibration curve showed consistency between predicted and actual occurrence probabilities.
Conclusions
The co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia is closely associated with demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours, and lifestyle habits. Future prevention and control strategies should prioritize these factors to implement targeted interventions.
3.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
4.Current Status of Early Surgical Site Infection Following Prosthetic Implantation in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery and Evaluation of Quality Control Improvement Outcomes
Mingzi ZHANG ; Loubin SI ; Jiaojie ZHENG ; Shujuan SHAN ; Qianyu LI ; Jingya WANG ; Xiaojun WANG ; Xiao LONG ; Xiao XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1174-1180
To assess the current status of early surgical site infections following prosthetic implantation in plastic surgery across four provincial-level administrative regions in China, and to explore the effectiveness of standardized training for infection prevention and control. From January to May 2025, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to perform a baseline investigation in medical institutions performing plastic and aesthetic prosthetic implant surgeries in Chongqing, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, and Guizhou provinces. Data were collected on the volume of various types of prosthetic implant surgeries and the corresponding incidence of early surgical site infections. Improvement strategies for the prevention and control of early surgical site infections in prosthetic implant surgeries were jointly developed by the National Medical Quality Control Center for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery and the National Medical Quality Control Center for Hospital Infection Management, followed by promotion and training. Subsequently, post-implementation data from June to October 2025 were collected from the above regions, and comparisons were made between pre- and post-implementation periods across different regions and surgical categories. A total of 209 medical institutions were included in the baseline period, with a questionnaire response rate of 99.52% and a total of 7475 prosthetic implantation surgeries. In the post-implementation period, 624 medical institutions were included, with a response rate of 96.00% and a total of 4813 surgeries. The combined proportion of breast prosthesis implantation and nasal/nasal base prosthesis implantation surgeries consistently exceeded 80% across all regions and periods. Regarding the distribution of infection cases, among different types of prosthetic implant surgeries, nasal/nasal base prostheses accounted for the highest proportion, with 57.50%(23/40) at baseline and 62.86% 22/35) post-implementation. The proportion of breast prosthesis infections decreased from 40.00%(16/40) at baseline to 17.14%(6/35) post-implementation. Across different regions, infection cases in Jiangxi (post-implementation)(100%), Guizhou[both baseline(100%) and post-implementation(100%)] were all concentrated in nasal/nasal base prostheses. Shaanxi reported four cases of chin prosthesis infections (22.22%) during the post-implementation period, and Chongqing reported three cases of metal-related infections(27.27%) during the post-implementation period. In terms of infection rates, Chongqing(0.55% Breast prostheses and nasal/nasal base prostheses currently represent the main types of implants used in prosthetic implantation surgeries. The improvement strategies implemented in this study were associated with decreased early surgical site infection rates in multiple regions, suggesting that these strategies provide clinical insights for the prevention and control of early infections following prosthetic implantation surgeries in China.
5.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
6.Clinical Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Fatigue Based on Real-world Evidence
Qiuwei PENG ; Quan JIANG ; Jian WANG ; Xun GONG ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):181-188
Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with the aim of providing guidance for clinical treatment. Methods Based on the multicenter real-world cohort of the China Registry of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Rheumatism (CERTAIN) platform, patients with RA enrolled from 2019 to 2025 were included. Demographic data, disease assessment indicators, laboratory indices, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns were collected to analyze the TCM syndromes and clinical characteristics of RA patients with fatigue. Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with fatigue in RA. Results A total of 3 021 patients with RA were included, among whom 2 007 (66.43%) had fatigue. Compared with the non-fatigue group, the fatigue group was older and had a longer disease duration, with significantly higher scores for the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and patient global assessment (PGA) (P<0.01). Among TCM syndromes, fatigue was more common in patients with dampness-heat obstruction, cold-dampness obstruction, and liver-kidney deficiency syndromes (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that morning stiffness duration exhibited a stepwise association with fatigue, while poor appetite, insomnia with frequent dreaming, restlessness, high HAQ scores, and high pain VAS scores were identified as risk factors. ConclusionFatigue is a prominent symptom in patients with RA and is more common among those with dampness-heat obstruction, cold-dampness obstruction, and liver-kidney deficiency syndromes. It is closely associated with disease activity, pain, functional limitation, sleep, and emotional status.
7.Differentiation and Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease from the Perspective of "Guarding the Channel Passages" Based on Circadian Rhythm
Jingjing ZHAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Lanlan LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Ran ZHAO ; Shujuan XU ; Han PENG ; Lingmei LI ; Hao GUO ; Jianhua FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1977-1981
Coronary heart disease (CHD) has a distinct circadian rhythmicity in its onset, which is closely related to the waxing and waning of qi and blood in the channel passages of the human body. Grounded in the circadian rhythm theory of "correspondence between heaven and humankind", this paper explores the pathogenic evolution rules of qi-blood disharmony, channel obstruction, interacting as cause and effect with circadian rhythm disorders in CHD. Clinically, CHD can be observed to attack in the early morning, at night, in the afternoon, and at fixed or unfixed circadian intervals. The pathogenesis rhythms at different time nodes can correspondingly reflect the susceptibility tendencies and pathological stress responses of the human body to core pathogeneses such as yang deficiency with cold congelation, yin deficiency with yang floating, qi and yin deficiency, and liver constraint with qi stagnation under specific temporal states. Treatment should be adapted to the season and time, regulating yin and yang in accordance with biological rhythms. It is recommended to regulate qi during the daytime by promoting ascending and dispersing to unblock the channel passages, and select the appropriate timing for administration to harness natural timing. At the Mao (卯) hour, yang ascends while yin descends, and taking medication at this time conforms to the ascending of yang qi. At the Wu (午) hour, the heart meridian is active, and taking medication at this time warms the channel passages and assists heart yang, which can be treated with modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) or Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤). At night, blood should be harmonized, when the channel passages are unblocked through nourishing, restraining, and searching, with Lianmei Decoction (连梅汤) combined with Dahuang Zhechong Pill (大黄䗪虫丸). Following the temporal rhythm, the focus is put on the transitional time of day and night and the four seasons to treat disease before it arises, resonating and corresponding with the natural rhythm.
8.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
9.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
10.Effects of different exercise interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats
Shujuan HU ; Ping CHENG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Yiting DING ; Xuan LIU ; Rui PU ; Xianwang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):269-278
BACKGROUND:Carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis.However,the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats remain to be revealed. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS:Thirty-two 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group(n=12)and modeling group(n=20)after 1 week of adaptive feeding.Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus were prepared by high-fat diet and single injection of streptozotocin.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into diabetic control group(n=6),moderate-intensity exercise group(n=6)and high-intensity intermittent exercise group(n=6).The latter two groups were subjected to treadmill training at corresponding intensities,once a day,50 minutes each,and 5 days per week.Exercise intervention in each group was carried out for 6 weeks.After the intervention,ELISA was used to detect blood glucose and blood lipids of rats.The morphological changes of skeletal muscle were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The mRNA expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,insulin resistance index in the diabetic control group were significantly increased(P<0.01),insulin activity was decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,never in mitosis gene A related kinase 7(NEK7)and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle tissue were upregulated(P<0.05).Compared with the diabetic control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and insulin resistance index in the moderate-intensity exercise group and high-intensity intermittent exercise group were down-regulated(P<0.05),and insulin activity was increased(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the diabetic control group,the mRNA level of NEK7 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were decreased in the moderate-intensity exercise group(P<0.05),while the mRNA levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7,NOD-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3 and interleukin 18 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were downregulated in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that compared with the diabetic control group,the cavities of myofibers in the moderate-intensity exercise group became smaller,the number of internal cavities was reduced,and the cellular structure tended to be more intact;the myocytes of rats in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group were loosely arranged,with irregular tissue shape and increased cavities in myofibers.To conclude,both moderate-intensity exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise can reduce blood glucose,lipid,insulin resistance and carboxylesterase 1 levels in type 2 diabetic rats.Moderate-intensity exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of NEK7 protein in skeletal muscle,while high-intensity intermittent exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of interleukin 18 protein in skeletal muscle.In addition,the level of carboxylesterase 1 is closely related to the levels of NEK7 and interleukin 18.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail