1.Construction of a renal rehabilitation, diagnosis and quality control information platform
Ying SHI ; Xiaomeng SUN ; Jun CHENG ; Di CHEN ; Yifan TIAN ; Yingchun MA ; Xinxin WANG ; Haiyan YE
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):488-496
ObjectiveTo develop a full-process data platform of renal rehabilitation, diagnosis and quality control information. MethodsA hierarchical architectural design was proposed, adhering to clinical pathway models and standardized data protocols. The platform comprehensively covered assessment, intervention, follow-up and quality control for maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. By integrating multidisciplinary resources and standardizing rehabilitation workflows, it delivered standardized and intelligent rehabilitation services. ResultsThe platform achieved standardized and intelligent management of rehabilitation services, effectively improved the physiological function, psychological state and quality of life convenience for MHD patients, while significantly reduced the economic and care burden on patients' families and society. ConclusionThe rehabilitation service model based on a full-process data platform may provide scientific and systematic support for MHD patients.
2.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
3.Causal Inference on Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Breast Cancer: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Yi DU ; Mengyao XUE ; Huiying CHEN ; Ying SUN ; Tianyu LUO ; Haidong SUN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):267-273
Objective To investigate the causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer by using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for metabolic syndrome and breast cancer were acquired from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit GWAS database and the GWAS Catalog, with populations encompassing the United States and East Asia. A bidirectional causal design was employed: a forward analysis with metabolic syndrome as the exposure and breast cancer as the outcome, followed by a reverse analysis wherein their roles were interchanged. The inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was primarily used for effect estimation, supplemented by MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, the simple mode method, and the weighted mode method. Instrument variable strength was screened using the F-statistic (F>10). Robustness of the results was assessed through heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, forest plots, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Results The IVW analysis indicated no significant causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.97-1.03), P>0.05). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results, suggesting the good robustness of the study findings. Conclusion This study found no evidence to support a causal relationship, either positive or negative, between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer.
4.Epidemiological characteristics of category C intestinal infectious diseases among children and adolescents in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2024 and the association with meteorological factors
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):553-557
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of category C intestinal infectious diseases among children and adolescents in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2024 and the association with meteorological factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for the targeted prevention and control of infectious diseases for children and adolescents.
Methods:
Using data from the "Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System" of the "China Disease Prevention and Control Information System" covering the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2024, the study analyzed clinical and confirmed cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, other infectious diarrhea, and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis among individuals aged 6-19 years old to describe demographic and temporal characteristics. It used Joinpoint regression to calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC) to analyze incidence trends, and Spearman s correlation was combined to generalize linear models so as to assess the association between category C intestinal infectious diseases and meteorological factors.
Results:
From 2012 to 2024, a cumulative total of 61 019 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease among children and adolescents, 58 498 cases of other infectious diarrhea, and 6 377 cases of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis were reported. The AAPC in the incidence rates of these three diseases was 19.19%, 31.03% and 31.48 %, respectively(all P <0.05). Notably, the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease increased significantly after 2022 (APC= 133.66 %, P <0.01). The temporal distribution showed that hand,foot,and mouth disease was most prevalent in May,June and July (seasonal index of 2.39,3.64,1.97), other infectious diarrhea was most prevalent in February,March and December (seasonal index of 1.22,1.25,1.47), and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis peaked in September and October (seasonal index of 4.22,2.16). Monthly average temperature could increase the risk of hand,foot,and mouth disease( β = 0.18 ,95% CI =0.11-0.25); as monthly average wind speed increased, the incidence of other infectious diarrhea ( β =-0.86, 95% CI = -1.50 to -0.22) and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis ( β =-1.32, 95% CI =-2.60 to -0.05) both decreased (all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Among children and adolescents in Shenzhen, category C intestinal infectious diseases remain prevalent throughout the year;the number of reported hand, foot, and mouth disease cases has shown an upward trend in recent years.Temperature and wind speed significantly affect the number of reported cases of three types with category C intestinal infectious diseases.
5.Potential drug targets for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:large sample analysis from European databases
Ying GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Chunfang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1549-1557
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors.Although observational studies have found some correlation between plasma proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,the susceptibility to confounding and reverse causation makes it difficult to clarify whether these proteins are pathogenic factors of rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential of plasma proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis through Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins in the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS:A large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the causal relationships between 1 553 circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis based on the Decode database(developed by Decode Genetics in Iceland,which contains genomic data from the Icelandic population),the MR-Base platform(developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom,specifically designed to provide genetic and phenotypic data for Mendelian randomization analyses),and the GWAS Catalog platform(developed by the European Institute of Bioinformatics,which provides data for genome wide association studies worldwide).The causal effects were estimated using the Wald ratio and inverse variance weighting methods,with Bonferroni correction applied to control for false positives caused by multiple testing.To ensure the robustness of the results,sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the positive causal relationship between circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,and Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning were used to exclude confounding effects and horizontal pleiotropy.Additionally,external validation was carried out using new plasma protein datasets to reduce the likelihood of false discoveries.Finally,small-molecule compounds associated with candidate proteins were identified using the Drug Signatures Database(DsigDB),and molecular docking was performed to predict the binding patterns and energies between proteins and compounds,identifying the most stable and likely binding molecules and mechanisms.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sensitivity analyses,including Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning,identified four plasma proteins with reliable causal relationships with rheumatoid arthritis:FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3.Their genetic effects were estimated as follows:FCRL3[odds ratio(OR)=1.12,95%confidence interval(CI):1.07-1.17],IL6R(OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.96),ICOSLG(OR=2.42,95%CI:1.67-3.52),and TNFAIP3(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.88-2.56).Furthermore,molecular docking analysis revealed that the small-molecule compound benzo[a]pyrene exhibited favorable binding with these candidate proteins,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.(2)This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the genetic causal relationships of FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3 in rheumatoid arthritis.These proteins not only serve as potential molecular biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis risk screening and disease prevention,but also offer key candidate targets for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and developing targeted therapies.Although the study is based on European populations,its findings offer important insights for biomedical research in China.By incorporating Mendelian randomization methods to analyze genetic causality,future research on rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese population could provide more accurate causal inferences,offering theoretical support for localized risk assessment and treatment strategies.
6.Potential drug targets for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:large sample analysis from European databases
Ying GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Chunfang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1549-1557
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors.Although observational studies have found some correlation between plasma proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,the susceptibility to confounding and reverse causation makes it difficult to clarify whether these proteins are pathogenic factors of rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential of plasma proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis through Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins in the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS:A large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the causal relationships between 1 553 circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis based on the Decode database(developed by Decode Genetics in Iceland,which contains genomic data from the Icelandic population),the MR-Base platform(developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom,specifically designed to provide genetic and phenotypic data for Mendelian randomization analyses),and the GWAS Catalog platform(developed by the European Institute of Bioinformatics,which provides data for genome wide association studies worldwide).The causal effects were estimated using the Wald ratio and inverse variance weighting methods,with Bonferroni correction applied to control for false positives caused by multiple testing.To ensure the robustness of the results,sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the positive causal relationship between circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,and Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning were used to exclude confounding effects and horizontal pleiotropy.Additionally,external validation was carried out using new plasma protein datasets to reduce the likelihood of false discoveries.Finally,small-molecule compounds associated with candidate proteins were identified using the Drug Signatures Database(DsigDB),and molecular docking was performed to predict the binding patterns and energies between proteins and compounds,identifying the most stable and likely binding molecules and mechanisms.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sensitivity analyses,including Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning,identified four plasma proteins with reliable causal relationships with rheumatoid arthritis:FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3.Their genetic effects were estimated as follows:FCRL3[odds ratio(OR)=1.12,95%confidence interval(CI):1.07-1.17],IL6R(OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.96),ICOSLG(OR=2.42,95%CI:1.67-3.52),and TNFAIP3(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.88-2.56).Furthermore,molecular docking analysis revealed that the small-molecule compound benzo[a]pyrene exhibited favorable binding with these candidate proteins,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.(2)This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the genetic causal relationships of FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3 in rheumatoid arthritis.These proteins not only serve as potential molecular biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis risk screening and disease prevention,but also offer key candidate targets for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and developing targeted therapies.Although the study is based on European populations,its findings offer important insights for biomedical research in China.By incorporating Mendelian randomization methods to analyze genetic causality,future research on rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese population could provide more accurate causal inferences,offering theoretical support for localized risk assessment and treatment strategies.
7.Impact of prenatal triclosan exposure on ADHD-like symptoms in school-aged children
Jingjing LI ; Xiaomeng CHENG ; Yan ZHANG ; Luanluan LI ; Xiaodan YU ; Ying TIAN ; Yu GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):645-651
Background Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorder in children, often diagnosed during school age. The etiology of ADHD remains unclear; however, existing studies suggest that environmental factors, such as exposure to triclosan (TCS), may be associated with the occurrence of ADHD-like symptoms in offspring. Nevertheless, relevant research in China remains limited. Objective To investigate the impact of early pregnancy TCS exposure on ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children. Methods This study was based on the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) and included 662 mother-child pairs. TCS concentrations in early pregnancy urine samples were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Demographic information was collected via questionnaires and medical record abstraction. ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children were first assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Further differentiation of ADHD-like symptom subtypes (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive) was conducted using the SNAP-IV, a clinically validated ADHD screening tool. Negative binomial regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between prenatal TCS exposure and hyperactive behavior (SDQ assessment) as well as ADHD-like symptom subtypes (SNAP-IV assessment) in 7-year-old children. Results The positive rate of TCS in early pregnancy urine samples was 91.39%, with median concentrations of 0.69 μg·L−1 and 0.63 μg·g−1 before and after the creatinine adjustment, respectively. The modeling results indicated that prenatal TCS exposure was associated with an increased risk of hyperactive symptoms (SDQ assessment) in 7-year-old children (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.06); the stratified analyses by children sex revealed similar effects for both boys (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.07) and girls (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.07). Further analysis of ADHD-like symptom subtypes showed that prenatal TCS exposure increased the risk of inattentive symptoms (RR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.05); the sex-stratified analyses indicated associations between TCS exposure and inattentive symptoms (RR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.07) as well as hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (RR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.08) in girls. Conclusion Prenatal TCS exposure is associated with an increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in 7-year-old children, primarily contributing to the risk of the inattention subtype. The impact is more pronounced in girls.
8.Impacts of pre-pregnancy exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on menstrual characteristics among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Huyi TAO ; Yujie CAO ; Yitao PAN ; Jiuru ZHAO ; Zhiwei LIU ; Yu GAO ; Ying TIAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):652-660
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants widely used in various products, leading to population exposure and long-term accumulation. At present, there is a lack of research on the relationships between pre-pregnancy PFAS and menstrual characteristics among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China. Objective To explore the relationships between pre-pregnancy PFAS exposure among women undergoing ART and menstrual characteristics prior to assisted reproductive treatment. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional research design, recruiting women undergoing ART treatment at the Reproductive Clinic of the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, from 2017 to 2020 as study participants. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect 42 types of PFAS in pre-pregnancy serum samples. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and menstrual characteristics (average menstrual cycle length, average menstrual period length, menstrual irregularities, and menstrual bleeding volume) of women undergoing ART. Multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between individual PFAS exposure before pregnancy and menstrual characteristics among ART women. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) model was applied to analyze the association between PFAS mixtures and menstrual characteristics. Results In the pre-pregnancy serum samples of the study population, 15 PFAS were detected in more than 60% of the samples, including perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), 8:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (8:2 Cl-PFESA), perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid (HFPO-DA), perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA), and perfluoro-(3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic) acid (PFO5DoDA). Among them, PFOA had the highest median concentration of 9.160 ng·mL−1. The single PFAS exposure analysis revealed a positive correlation between PFAS and irregular menstrual cycles. Specifically, for every natural-log unit (e) increase in PFOA, PFBS, or PFHxS level, the incidence of irregular menstrual cycles increased by 57%, 42%, or 39%, respectively. Most PFAS were positively correlated with the average number of menstrual cycle days, such as PFHpA (b=1.08, 95%CI: 0.11, 2.05), PFOA (b=1.69, 95%CI: 0.39, 3.00), PFBS (b=1.23, 95%CI: 0.25, 2.22), PFHxS (b=1.47, 95%CI: 0.61, 2.32), PFHpS (b=1.48, 95%CI: 0.35, 2.61), and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (b=0.90, 95%CI: 0.08, 1.72). Furthermore, levels of PFHpA (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.82), PFOA (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.09, 2.30), PFBS (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.80), PFHxS (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.71), PFHpS (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.14), and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (OR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.70) were positively correlated with low menstrual blood volume, while PFOA (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.71), PFHpS (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.71), and HFPO-DA (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.97) were negatively correlated with high menstrual blood volume. The mixed exposure model showed that PFAS mixtures were positively correlated with the average number of menstrual cycle days (b=1.60, 95%CI: 0.49, 2.71), irregular menstrual cycles (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.19, 2.63), and low menstrual blood volume (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.35), but negatively correlated with high menstrual blood volume (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.22, 0.73). Conclusion Women undergoing ART in Shanghai are widely exposed to PFAS prior to conception. Exposure to PFAS before pregnancy may be related to menstrual characteristics among women seeking ART before undergoing fertility treatments, but additional data from larger populations are required to validate the findings of this study.
9.Suanzaoren Tang Regulates SP1/SK1/S1PR1 Signaling Pathway to Reduce Hippocampal Neuroinflammation and Improve Synaptic Plasticity in Rat Model of Depression
Jianyu FENG ; Wenhua WANG ; Youwen WANG ; Ying TAN ; Xusheng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):1-10
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on the rat model of depression established by solitary culture combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment and mediating changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized by a random number table into six groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group (0.003 6 g·kg-1), and high-(10 g·kg-1), medium-(5 g·kg-1), low-dose (2.5 g·kg-1)Suanzaoren Tang groups, with 12 rats per group. The sucrose preference rate and open field test scores of rats in each group were observed. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of the key proteins in the specificity protein 1 (SP1)/sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) signaling pathway, as well as hippocampal proteins synaptophysin Ⅰ (SYNⅠ), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), and family with sequence similarity 19, member A5 (FAM19A5). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of SP1, PSD-95, SYNⅠ, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of SP1 and S1PR1. Finally, transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of hippocampal synapses. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in sucrose preference index (P<0.01) and reduced total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test (P<0.01), which indicated the successful modeling of depression. Moreover, the model group showed reduced synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated expression of SP1, SK1, S1PR1, and IL-6 (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of SYNⅠ, PSD-95, FAM19A5, and IL-10 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Suanzaoren Tang and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference index and the total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test (P<0.01). All Suanzaoren Tang groups and the fluoxetine group demonstrated reductions in SP1, SK1, S1PR1, and IL-6 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside restored synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSuanzaoren Tang modulates hippocampal expression of FAM19A5, SYNⅠ, PSD-95, IL-10, IL-6, and the SP1/SK1/S1PR1 pathway in the rat model of depression. The antidepressant effects may be related to the ability of reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity.
10.Suanzaoren Tang Regulates SP1/SK1/S1PR1 Signaling Pathway to Reduce Hippocampal Neuroinflammation and Improve Synaptic Plasticity in Rat Model of Depression
Jianyu FENG ; Wenhua WANG ; Youwen WANG ; Ying TAN ; Xusheng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):1-10
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Suanzaoren Tang on the rat model of depression established by solitary culture combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment and mediating changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized by a random number table into six groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group (0.003 6 g·kg-1), and high-(10 g·kg-1), medium-(5 g·kg-1), low-dose (2.5 g·kg-1)Suanzaoren Tang groups, with 12 rats per group. The sucrose preference rate and open field test scores of rats in each group were observed. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of the key proteins in the specificity protein 1 (SP1)/sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) signaling pathway, as well as hippocampal proteins synaptophysin Ⅰ (SYNⅠ), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), and family with sequence similarity 19, member A5 (FAM19A5). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of SP1, PSD-95, SYNⅠ, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of SP1 and S1PR1. Finally, transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of hippocampal synapses. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in sucrose preference index (P<0.01) and reduced total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test (P<0.01), which indicated the successful modeling of depression. Moreover, the model group showed reduced synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated expression of SP1, SK1, S1PR1, and IL-6 (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of SYNⅠ, PSD-95, FAM19A5, and IL-10 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Suanzaoren Tang and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference index and the total scores for horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test (P<0.01). All Suanzaoren Tang groups and the fluoxetine group demonstrated reductions in SP1, SK1, S1PR1, and IL-6 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside restored synaptic vesicles in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSuanzaoren Tang modulates hippocampal expression of FAM19A5, SYNⅠ, PSD-95, IL-10, IL-6, and the SP1/SK1/S1PR1 pathway in the rat model of depression. The antidepressant effects may be related to the ability of reducing neuroinflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail