1.Network pharmacology analysis of efficacy and mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Suqin DUAN ; Jinghan HOU ; Junchi MA ; Aiyi LI ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(5):1-11
Objective To explore the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis using network pharmacology,with confirmation of its efficacy and mechanism in cell experiments.Methods Astragalus and viral pancreatitis targets obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP)and GeneCards databases were combined to obtain intersection targets.GO functional enrichment and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses of therapeutic targets were conducted using the Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)database.The interactions between therapeutic targets were analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.10.2,and the core therapeutic targets were screened.Molecular docking between the most effective therapeutic components and the core targets was performed using PyMOL 3.0 and AutoDock Tools 1.5.7.CVB3 was used to construct a viral pancreatitis cell model for verification of the core targets.Results Seventy-eight therapeutic targets were identified.Enrichment analyses revealed the possible involvement of pathways related to cancer,lipids and atherosclerosis,and PI3K-AKT signaling.AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 were identified as possible core targets.The result of cell experiments showed that the expression level of AMY was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).The Astragalus injection group exhibited significantly decreased expression levels of AMY,AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusions Astragalus injection effectively treated viral pancreatitis,and its therapeutic mechanism may involve reduced expression levels of AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9.
2.Coinfection with coxsackievirus A6 and B1 in a Syrian hamster animal model
Jinghan HOU ; Suqin DUAN ; Hongjie XU ; Wenting SUN ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Lixiong CHEN ; Quan LIU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Fengmei YANG ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):30-40
Objective To establish an animal model of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)in Syrian hamsters coinfected with coxsackievirus A6(CVA6)and coxsackievirus B1(CVB1).Methods 42 Syrian hamsters were divided into a CVA6 infection group,CVB1 infection group,CVA6 and CVB1 coinfection group and control group.A HFMD model was established by nasal instillation of virus solution and phosphate-buffered saline.Clinical and physiological indicators and detoxification status were monitored and recorded for 15 d,and animals were selected on day 7(D7)after infection for histopathology and viral antigen and nucleic acid testing.Results Hamsters in the single-infection and coinfection groups showed clinical symptoms similar to human HFMD.White blood cell,neutrophil,and lymphocyte result were characteristic of viral infection.Both viral nucleic acids were detected in throat swabs,feces,blood,and tissues and both viruses were isolated from fecal samples.Pathological damage and positive co-localization of CVA6 and CVB1 viral antigen proteins and nucleic acids were found in brain and other tissues.Conclusions Nasal instillation of a CVA6 and CVB1 mixture can successfully coinfect Syrian hamsters,replicate herpes infection similar to human HFMD,and cause pathological viral myocarditis and encephalitis damage.The result showed that the coinfection group was more seriously affected than the single-infection group,with worse clinical symptoms,increased viral replication,and obvious tissue pathological damage.This study provides a reference for further basic and clinical research into human enterovirus coinfection.
3.Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments on Astragali Radix or Its Ingredients for Acute Pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Aiyi LI ; Jinghan HOU ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Fengmei YANG ; Suqin DUAN ; Zhanlong HE
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):561-573
Objective Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,to obtain precise and reliable comprehensive effect conclusions by quantitatively combining pharmacodynamic results from animal experiments investigating Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for treatment of acute pancreatitis(AP)in literature reports through meta-analysis.Methods Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals(VIP),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,China Biomedical Literature Database(CBMdisc),PubMed,and Web of Science(WOS)were searched from inception to March 2025 for animal studies related to Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for AP treatment.Risk of bias for included studies was assessed with SYRCLE tool.Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated according to Cochrane Handbook using Cochrane's Qtest and/2statistic.Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method,and publication bias risk was detected using Egger's test.Results A total of 297 articles were retrieved,and after screening and evaluation,19 animal studies were finally included for meta-analysis.These 19 publications cover SD rats,as well as three breeds of mice:C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice.SYRCLE scores ranged from 3 to 4.The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that no study significantly affected the heterogeneity index.The results of Egger's test showed a significant publication bias with P<0.05.Cochrane's Qtest and I2statistic indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies.Meta-analysis results of 19 animal studies showed that single-entity Astragali Radix preparation(Astragali Radix injection)could reduce serum amylase(AMY)levels,an AP-specific indicator.The Astragali Radix ingredients could decrease both AMY and lipase(LPS)levels.Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients could reduce serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1 β,while increasing IL-10 levels;could increase serum levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and decrease malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.High-dose groups of Astragali Radix injection or Astragali Radix ingredients were more effective than low-dose groups in reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels,but dosage effect on MDA levels was not demonstrated.Conclusion Evidence-based analysis of animal experiment results shows that in various animal models including SD rats,C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice,Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients can effectively reduce expression or secretion levels of AP-specific indicators(AMY and LPS).The mechanisms may be related to some inflammatory mediators,including reducing TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β levels and increasing IL-10 levels;They may also intervene in oxidative/antioxidative equilibrium,such as increasing SOD and GSH-Px levels and reducing MDA levels.Except for MDA,dose-response relationships are shown for reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels with Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients.However,due to high heterogeneity,potential publication bias risk,and species differences between animal models and human diseases in existing studies,further high-quality clinical trials or animal experiments are still needed in the future.
4.Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments on Astragali Radix or Its Ingredients for Acute Pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Aiyi LI ; Jinghan HOU ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Fengmei YANG ; Suqin DUAN ; Zhanlong HE
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):561-573
Objective Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,to obtain precise and reliable comprehensive effect conclusions by quantitatively combining pharmacodynamic results from animal experiments investigating Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for treatment of acute pancreatitis(AP)in literature reports through meta-analysis.Methods Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals(VIP),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,China Biomedical Literature Database(CBMdisc),PubMed,and Web of Science(WOS)were searched from inception to March 2025 for animal studies related to Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for AP treatment.Risk of bias for included studies was assessed with SYRCLE tool.Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated according to Cochrane Handbook using Cochrane's Qtest and/2statistic.Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method,and publication bias risk was detected using Egger's test.Results A total of 297 articles were retrieved,and after screening and evaluation,19 animal studies were finally included for meta-analysis.These 19 publications cover SD rats,as well as three breeds of mice:C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice.SYRCLE scores ranged from 3 to 4.The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that no study significantly affected the heterogeneity index.The results of Egger's test showed a significant publication bias with P<0.05.Cochrane's Qtest and I2statistic indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies.Meta-analysis results of 19 animal studies showed that single-entity Astragali Radix preparation(Astragali Radix injection)could reduce serum amylase(AMY)levels,an AP-specific indicator.The Astragali Radix ingredients could decrease both AMY and lipase(LPS)levels.Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients could reduce serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1 β,while increasing IL-10 levels;could increase serum levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and decrease malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.High-dose groups of Astragali Radix injection or Astragali Radix ingredients were more effective than low-dose groups in reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels,but dosage effect on MDA levels was not demonstrated.Conclusion Evidence-based analysis of animal experiment results shows that in various animal models including SD rats,C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice,Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients can effectively reduce expression or secretion levels of AP-specific indicators(AMY and LPS).The mechanisms may be related to some inflammatory mediators,including reducing TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β levels and increasing IL-10 levels;They may also intervene in oxidative/antioxidative equilibrium,such as increasing SOD and GSH-Px levels and reducing MDA levels.Except for MDA,dose-response relationships are shown for reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels with Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients.However,due to high heterogeneity,potential publication bias risk,and species differences between animal models and human diseases in existing studies,further high-quality clinical trials or animal experiments are still needed in the future.
5.Coinfection with coxsackievirus A6 and B1 in a Syrian hamster animal model
Jinghan HOU ; Suqin DUAN ; Hongjie XU ; Wenting SUN ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Lixiong CHEN ; Quan LIU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Fengmei YANG ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):30-40
Objective To establish an animal model of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)in Syrian hamsters coinfected with coxsackievirus A6(CVA6)and coxsackievirus B1(CVB1).Methods 42 Syrian hamsters were divided into a CVA6 infection group,CVB1 infection group,CVA6 and CVB1 coinfection group and control group.A HFMD model was established by nasal instillation of virus solution and phosphate-buffered saline.Clinical and physiological indicators and detoxification status were monitored and recorded for 15 d,and animals were selected on day 7(D7)after infection for histopathology and viral antigen and nucleic acid testing.Results Hamsters in the single-infection and coinfection groups showed clinical symptoms similar to human HFMD.White blood cell,neutrophil,and lymphocyte result were characteristic of viral infection.Both viral nucleic acids were detected in throat swabs,feces,blood,and tissues and both viruses were isolated from fecal samples.Pathological damage and positive co-localization of CVA6 and CVB1 viral antigen proteins and nucleic acids were found in brain and other tissues.Conclusions Nasal instillation of a CVA6 and CVB1 mixture can successfully coinfect Syrian hamsters,replicate herpes infection similar to human HFMD,and cause pathological viral myocarditis and encephalitis damage.The result showed that the coinfection group was more seriously affected than the single-infection group,with worse clinical symptoms,increased viral replication,and obvious tissue pathological damage.This study provides a reference for further basic and clinical research into human enterovirus coinfection.
6.Network pharmacology analysis of efficacy and mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Suqin DUAN ; Jinghan HOU ; Junchi MA ; Aiyi LI ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(5):1-11
Objective To explore the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis using network pharmacology,with confirmation of its efficacy and mechanism in cell experiments.Methods Astragalus and viral pancreatitis targets obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP)and GeneCards databases were combined to obtain intersection targets.GO functional enrichment and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses of therapeutic targets were conducted using the Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)database.The interactions between therapeutic targets were analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.10.2,and the core therapeutic targets were screened.Molecular docking between the most effective therapeutic components and the core targets was performed using PyMOL 3.0 and AutoDock Tools 1.5.7.CVB3 was used to construct a viral pancreatitis cell model for verification of the core targets.Results Seventy-eight therapeutic targets were identified.Enrichment analyses revealed the possible involvement of pathways related to cancer,lipids and atherosclerosis,and PI3K-AKT signaling.AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 were identified as possible core targets.The result of cell experiments showed that the expression level of AMY was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).The Astragalus injection group exhibited significantly decreased expression levels of AMY,AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusions Astragalus injection effectively treated viral pancreatitis,and its therapeutic mechanism may involve reduced expression levels of AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9.
7.SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein is incompetent at inducing antibody-dependent enhancement though Fc receptor pathway
Penglan CHANG ; Qihan LI ; Dandan LI ; Suqin DUAN ; Xueqi LI ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Jingfu ZENG ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2022;42(3):161-170
Objective:To investigate the immune characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 membrane (M) protein, especially the possibility of inducing antibody-dependent enhancement effect (ADE).Methods:Full-length SARS-CoV-2 M protein was prepared by prokaryotic expression system and purified. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously three times (on day 1, day 14 and day 21) by purified M protein. Serum samples were collected before immunization and after each immunization. The specificity of immune sera against M protein was identified by Western blot, and the antibody titers were detected by ELISA and neutralization test. In the presence of anti-M protein serum, the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 in dendritic cells, nature killer cells, T and B cells was detected in vitro. Results:The immune sera from BALB/c mice immunized with purified full-length M protein of SARS-CoV-2 specifically recognized viral M protein. The titer of anti-whole virus antibody in immune sera was about 1∶400, but the antibody could not neutralize live virus. Moreover, the antibody could not help the virus to infect and proliferate in the various types of immune cells with Fc receptor (FcR).Conclusions:Non-neutralizing antibody induced by M protein could not cause ADE through FcR pathway.
8.Analysis of timing and prognostic factors of early tracheotomy in patients with multiple rib fractures
Bing ZHANG ; Gongke LI ; Yurong WANG ; Fei WU ; Suqin SHI ; Qinling FENG ; Xin HANG ; Runfeng MIAO ; Le XIA ; Cheng DUAN ; Juling LENG ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2021;37(7):646-652
Objective:To investigate the related factors that affect the timing and prognosis of early tracheostomy in patients with multiple rib fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on medical data of 222 patients with multiple rib fractures who underwent tracheostomy in Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from February 2013 to October 2019,including 160 males and 66 females,with the age of 18 to 85 years [(49.5 ± 16.3)years]. According to the practice management guidelines for tracheostomy timing and the use of propensity score matching technology,there were 118 patients with tracheostomy within 7 days of tracheal intubation (early group) and 104 patients with tracheostomy after 7 days of tracheal intubation (late group) before matching,and there were 87 patients in early group and 87 patients in late group after matching. Data were compared between groups including the gender,age,underlying disease,injury severity score (ISS),Glasgow coma score (GCS),number of fractured ribs,total number of rib fractures (NTRF),first rib fracture,flail chest,traumatic brain injury,combined injuries (spine,maxillofacial,sternum),acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),volume fraction of pulmonary contusion(VPC),blood lactic acid (within 24 hours of admission),hemothorax,pneumothorax,mechanical ventilation time,duration of tracheostomy,time from tracheal intubation to incision,length of hospital stay,length of stay in ICU,closed thoracic drainage,number of fiberoptic bronchoscopy,multi-drug resistant bacteria infection,ventilator-associated pneumonia,antibiotic use time,duration of sedative and analgesic drugs used and 28-day mortality. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to predict independent risk factors for early tracheostomy. The Pearson method was used to compare the relationship between multiple factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to predict indicators that affect the prognosis of patients with early tracheostomy,and calculate the best cut-off value. The Kaplan-Meier single factor and COX multivariate survival were used to analyze the relevant factors affecting the 28-day mortality of patients.Results:(1) In early group,the NTRF,ARDS and VPC were higher than those in late group,and the time from tracheal intubation to incision and 28-day mortality rate were lower than those in late group ( P < 0.05),while the two groups showed no significant differences in the gender,age,underlying diseases and ISS ( P > 0.05). (2) The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that there was statistical significance in NTRF ( OR = 1.775,95% CI 1.439-2.188),ARDS( OR = 3.740,95% CI 1.441-9.711),VPC ( OR = 1.087,95% CI 1.052-1.124) ( P < 0.05); the Pearson method analysis showed a significant correlation between VPC and NTRF ( r = 0.369, P < 0.05) and a low degree of correlation between ARDS and VPC ( r = 0.179, P < 0.05),but there was no significant correlation between ARDS and NTRF ( r = 0.132, P > 0.05). (3) The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the VPC and NTRF [AUC = 0.832 (95% CI 0.770-0.893),AUC = 0.804 (95% CI 0.740-0.868)] were significantly higher than those of the number of rib fractures [AUC = 0.437(95% CI 0.352-0.523),GCS [AUC = 0.519 (95% CI 0.432-0.605)] and ISS [AUC = 0.484 (95% CI 0.398-0.571)] ( P < 0.05). After calculating the Yorden index,the best cut-off value for VPC was 23.9,and the best cut-off value for NTRF was 8.5. (4) The Kaplan-Meier single factor and multivariate COX model survival analysis showed that the 28-day survival ratio of patients with early tracheostomy was significantly better than that of late tracheostomy ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The NTRF,ADRS and VPC are independent risk factors for the timing and prognosis of early tracheostomy. There is a significant correlation between VPC and NTRF. The VPC ≥ 23.9% and or NTRF ≥ 8.5 can be used to predict early tracheostomy in patients with multiple rib fractures. Early tracheostomy may benefit the 28-day survival of patients with multiple rib fractures.
9. Effects of bisphenol A on the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin and FSHR in rat Sertoli cells
Wei CHEN ; Peng DUAN ; Sha TANG ; Wenting HUANG ; Chao QUAN ; Suqin QI ; Kedi YANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2017;35(2):101-105
Objective:
To explore the effects of BPA on the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin and FSHR in rat Sertoli cells.
Methods:
Primary Sertoli cells collected from prepuberty rats (18-21 d) were cultured for 48 h, and then they were treated with 0, 30, 50, 70 μmol/L BPA respectively for 24 h. The methods of MTT, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were utilized to measure the cell ability of Sertoli cells, the mRNA and protein expression levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and FSHR respectively.
Results:
Compared with control, the cell abilities of Sertoli cells in 50 μmol/L BPA group and 70 μmol/L BPA group increased significantly (
10.Hemolytic Analysis of Two Kinds of Placement of Leukoreduced Suspension Red Blood Cells Storage Bag
Ruijun ZHANG ; Bingzheng DUAN ; Chunmei JU ; Yanhong SONG ; Yan BAI ; Rong HUO ; Suqin SUI
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2015;(4):120-122
Objective Discussion leukoreduction of red blood cells suspended in two different storage bag placement and he-molysis rate impact on the supernatant free hemoglobin (FHb),to ensure the clinical transfusion is safe and effective.Meth-ods Selected 20 donors to sample 400 ml whole blood per person to make leukodepleted red blood cells,which were evenly divided into 10 bags.The 10 bags were randomly divided into two groups,one to the upright position,one group of horizon-tal.The two groups were stored under the same conditions.Respectively,in the 7,14,21,28,35 day,randomly removed one storage bag from each group,FHb and red blood cell hemolysis rate were measured and analyzed statistically.Results FHb and hemolysis rate results stored in the first 21 days of testing,uprightgroup were (217.310±48.477)mg/L and (0.250± 0.056)%,respectively horizontal group (173.972±39.027)mg/L and (0.189±0.045)%,the results set upright than hori-zontal group,the results were statistically(t=3.114,P =0.003<0.05 and t=3.798,P =0.001<0.05),the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion In the blood storage period,storage bags can be placed horizontally to reduce the de-struction of red blood cells,blood storage is more favorable.

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