1.Mechanism of Naoxintong Capsules Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats via Inhibiting Pericyte Contraction Based on RHOA/ROCK1 Pathway
Yinlian WEN ; Jinfeng SHANG ; Bohong WANG ; Wanting WEI ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Guijinfeng HUANG ; Xin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):159-167
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Naoxintong capsules on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats based on the changes of pericytes mediated by Ras homolog family member A (RHOA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) pathway. MethodsNinety rats (15 rats for each group) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a positive control group receiving Ginkgo biloba extract (21.6 mg·kg-1), and groups receiving Naoxintong capsules at low, medium, and high doses of 55, 110, and 220 mg·kg-1 (NXT-L, NXT-M, and NXT-H groups), respectively. Except for those in the sham operation group, all rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) to establish the experiment model. Nerve function was assessed using a neurological function score. Cerebral blood flow was detected using a laser speckle contrast imager, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated using 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining, while pericyte morphology was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Blood-brain barrier destruction was observed by Evans blue staining. Albumin and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured using assay kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tight junction protein (ZO-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited decreased neurological function scores, higher percentage reduction in blood flow, and increased cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01). Additionally, cortical neuronal nucleus shrinkage, edema, a decreased number of Nissl bodies, reduced pericyte area, elevated albumin content in the cortex (P<0.05), and increased ischemic modified albumin levels (P<0.01) were observed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were increased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were decreased. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed improved neurological function scores, lower percentage reduction in blood flow, reduced cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01), alleviated cortical histological changes, increased number of Nissl bodies, expanded pericyte area, decreased albumin content in the cortex, and reduced ischemia-modified albumin levels (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were decreased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were increased. Among the treatment groups, the NXT-M group showed the most pronounced improvement in cerebral I/R injury. ConclusionNaoxintong capsules can restore cerebral blood supply, reduce microcirculation disturbance, and protect blood-brain barrier in rats with I/R injury. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the RHOA/ROCK1 signaling pathway and reduced pericyte contraction.
2.Mechanism of Naoxintong Capsules Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats via Inhibiting Pericyte Contraction Based on RHOA/ROCK1 Pathway
Yinlian WEN ; Jinfeng SHANG ; Bohong WANG ; Wanting WEI ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Guijinfeng HUANG ; Xin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):159-167
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Naoxintong capsules on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats based on the changes of pericytes mediated by Ras homolog family member A (RHOA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) pathway. MethodsNinety rats (15 rats for each group) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a positive control group receiving Ginkgo biloba extract (21.6 mg·kg-1), and groups receiving Naoxintong capsules at low, medium, and high doses of 55, 110, and 220 mg·kg-1 (NXT-L, NXT-M, and NXT-H groups), respectively. Except for those in the sham operation group, all rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) to establish the experiment model. Nerve function was assessed using a neurological function score. Cerebral blood flow was detected using a laser speckle contrast imager, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated using 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining, while pericyte morphology was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Blood-brain barrier destruction was observed by Evans blue staining. Albumin and ischemia-modified albumin levels were measured using assay kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tight junction protein (ZO-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited decreased neurological function scores, higher percentage reduction in blood flow, and increased cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01). Additionally, cortical neuronal nucleus shrinkage, edema, a decreased number of Nissl bodies, reduced pericyte area, elevated albumin content in the cortex (P<0.05), and increased ischemic modified albumin levels (P<0.01) were observed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were increased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were decreased. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed improved neurological function scores, lower percentage reduction in blood flow, reduced cerebral infarction rates (P<0.01), alleviated cortical histological changes, increased number of Nissl bodies, expanded pericyte area, decreased albumin content in the cortex, and reduced ischemia-modified albumin levels (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of RHOA, ROCK1, PDGFRB, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were decreased (P<0.01), while those of ZO-1 were increased. Among the treatment groups, the NXT-M group showed the most pronounced improvement in cerebral I/R injury. ConclusionNaoxintong capsules can restore cerebral blood supply, reduce microcirculation disturbance, and protect blood-brain barrier in rats with I/R injury. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the RHOA/ROCK1 signaling pathway and reduced pericyte contraction.
3.Impact of dairy farming on gut microbiota structure and diversity of practitioners
Zhaojie WANG ; Xixiao MA ; Xianxia LIU ; Yanggui CHEN ; Xueying XIANG ; Wanting XU ; Jiguo JIN ; Fan WU ; Xiangnan WEI ; Jianyong WU ; Fuye LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):668-673
Background Animal farming may affect the structure and diversity of gut microbiota of farm workers, but it needs more studies to provide solid evidence. Objective To analyze the diversity characteristics of gut microbiota in dairy farm workers, dairy cows, and the control population (non-animal contact occupational group), and to assess the impact of dairy farming on the gut microbiota of workers. Methods The 16S rRNA full-length amplicon sequencing technology was used to sequence 60 fecal samples from dairy farm workers, 89 from dairy cows, and 50 from the general population. The gut microbiota structure characteristics, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), alpha diversity, beta diversity, and the composition of species at the phylum, family, and genus levels were analyzed. The differences in gut microbiota among the three groups of samples were compared to explore the impact of occupational exposure on the gut microbiota structure of dairy farm workers. Results A total of
4.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetic kidney disease
Xu YANG ; Yifan ZHAO ; Wanting LI ; Yongjun LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2285-2290
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetic kidney disease from the perspective of healthcare system in China. METHODS Based on the data from the two multicenter clinical trials, DECLARE-TIMI 58 and EMPA-REG OUTCOME, a Markov model was constructed according to the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of the patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease with a cycle of 1 year, simulating until 99% of patients died. The model outputs were total costs and quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The cost-effectiveness of the two treatment regimens was assessed by comparing their incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and the willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP,set at three times China’s 2023 per capita gross domestic product, i.e., 268 074 yuan/QALY). Additionally, oneway sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the base analysis results. RESULTS Compared with dapagliflozin, the ICER for empagliflozin regimen was 44 334.82 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP , indicating its cost-effectiveness. The results of the oneway sensitivity analysis indicated that the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction in both groups and the utility values associated with the microalbuminuria state had the most significant impact on the outcomes, but did not change the base-case conclusion. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of the base-case analysis were robust. CONCLUSIONS With a WTP of three times China’s per capita gross domestic product in 2023, empagliflozin is more cost-effective than dapagliflozin in treating type 2 diabetic kidney disease.
5.Group cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in the treatment of comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea: a case report
Min LIU ; Rui ZHAO ; Min CHEN ; Rina SU ; Wanting WEI ; Ping YAO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(6):572-575
This article reported a patient who initially presented with insomnia complaints and was subsequently diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on polysomnography (PSG). The patient tried continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)but gave up because wear the ventilator made it more difficult to fall asleep. Then the patient only received group cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which not only alleviated insomnia severity but also promoted severe OSA into mild status. Such case suggested that, firstly, due to the high comorbidity of insomnia and OSA, evaluation of OSA should be considered a part worth enough attention of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of insomnia patients. Secondly, by relieving insomnia, CBT-I can alleviate both nocturnal apnea and daytime somnolence in patients with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea (COMISA), so the application of CBT-I should be emphasized in the treatment of such patients. [Funded by the Central Government-guided Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project (number, 2022ZY0028)]
6.Mitochondria-associated organelle crosstalk in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Hui YAO ; Yuxin XIE ; Chaoquan LI ; Wanting LIU ; Yaqian LUO ; Guanghui YI
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2024;32(6):481-486
Damage to organelles plays a significant role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury,which results in the dysfunction of mitochondria and other related organelles.The communication between mitochondria and other organ-elles can also affect the development of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.For instance,the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane provides a"seamless connection"and regulates the exchange of organelles and metabolites(such as ions,lipids and proteins)between the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum,which subse-quently affects myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.However,there is a lack of studies regarding the interaction be-tween mitochondria and related organelles,which is a critical component in triggering myocardial ischemia/reperfusion inju-ry.Therefore,this article describes the role of mitochondrial crosstalk with endoplasmic reticulum,lysosomes and nuclei in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury,and aims to provide a theoretical basis for targeting mitochondrial crosstalk with other organelles in the treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
7.Relationship between basic motor skills and social interaction ability in school-age children with moderate autism and mediating role of executive function
Qiang WANG ; Jinlei ZHAO ; Shuqi JIA ; Zhidong CAI ; Wanting JIANG ; Weizhi LIU ; Xing WANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2024;45(10):1316-1322
Objective To explore the relationship between basic motor skills and social interaction ability in school-age children with moderate autism,and the mediating role of executive function and the realization path.Methods A cross-sectional design was used to investigate 117 school-age children with autism from Sep.to Dec.2020.The level of basic motor skills was assessed by the test of gross motor development(TGMD),the impairment of executive function was assessed by the behavior rating inventory of executive function(BRIEF),and the social disorder was assessed by the social responsive scale-second edition(SRS-2).Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the interrelationship,and structural equation modeling was applied to explore the path relationship.Results There was a significant negative correlation between the level of basic motor skills and SRS-2 scores(r=-0.312,P<0.001).There were significant negative correlations between the level of basic motor skills and the BRIEF scores of inhibition(r=-0.336,P<0.001),switching(r=-0.325,P<0.001),affective control(r=-0.338,P<0.001),task initiation(r=-0.240,P=0.009),working memory(r=-0.278,P=0.002),and planning(r=-0.224,P=0.015).The SRS-2 score was positively correlated with the BRIEF scores of inhibition(r=0.378,P<0.001),switching(r=0.299,P=0.001),affective control(r=0.417,P<0.001),task initiation(r=0.246,P=0.007),working memory(r=0.409,P<0.001),and monitoring(r=0.258,P=0.005).Executive function played a complete intermediary role between basic motor skills and social interaction ability(B=-1.912,95%confidence interval:-3.116 to-1.069).Conclusion In school-age children with moderate autism,executive function and social interaction ability change positively with the level of basic motor skills.Basic motor skills can affect social interaction ability through the mediating role of executive function,and inhibition and affective control are important pathways to achieve this.
8.Exploration on the Mechanism of Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction in Alleviating Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats Based on Transcriptome Sequencing
Huan WANG ; Haidong GUO ; Wanting MENG ; Baonian LIU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(9):87-93
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of modified Taohong Siwu Decoction on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats based on transcriptome sequencing.Methods Totally 15 SPF rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group and modified Taohong Siwu Decoction group,with 5 rats in each group.The modified Taohong Siwu Decoction group was pre-administered with modified Taohong Siwu Decoction by gavage for 5 days,while the sham-operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water by gavage,myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury rat model was established.The cardiac function of the rats was assessed using echocardiography,serum oxidative stress and inflammatory factor contents were detected using reagent kits,TUNEL staining was used to detect myocardial cell apoptosis,transcriptome sequencing was performed on myocardial tissue,and differential expression genes were analyzed using Venn diagram and heatmap.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on common differentially expressed genes.RT-qPCR was used to validate differentially expressed genes PTX3 and EGR2.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the EF and FS of the model group rats significantly decreased(P<0.01),the cells apoptosis rate of myocardial tissue and serum LDH,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 contents significantly increased(P<0.01),and SOD activity and IL-10 content significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the modified Taohong Siwu Decoction group showed a significant increase in EF and FS(P<0.05),while the cell apoptosis rate of myocardial tissue and serum CK-MB,LDH,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 contents significantly decreased(P<0.01),and SOD activity and IL-10 content significantly increased(P<0.01).Transcriptome sequencing revealed 4 227 differentially expressed genes(2 259 upregulated and 1 968 downregulated)between the sham-operation group and the model group,1 933 differentially expressed genes(1 301 upregulated and 632 downregulated)between the sham-operation group and the modified Taohong Siwu Decoction group,and 94 differentially expressed genes(46 upregulated and 48 downregulated)between the model group and the modified Taohong Siwu Decoction group.There were 35 common differential genes in the three groups,and the differential genes were mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis,ubiquitin mediated proteolysis,C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway,sphingolipid signaling pathway,cell cycle,chemokine signaling pathway,lipid and atherosclerosis.RT-qPCR showed that gene expressions of PTX3 and EGR2 in myocardial tissue of the model group were significantly increased than that of the sham-operation group,and the gene expressions of PTX2 and EGR2 of modified Taohong Siwu Decoction group were significantly decreased than that of the model group(P<0.01).Conclusion Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction exhibits a certain protective effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats,characterized by improvements in rat cardiac function,reduction in cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine release,as well as alleviation of oxidative stress levels.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PTX3 and EGR2 gene expression.
9.Research progress of ULK1 in inflammatory diseases
Wanting LIU ; Chang XU ; Chongyang WANG ; Yilan SONG ; Li LI ; Guanghai YAN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(6):1302-1306,1314
UNC-51-like kinase 1(ULK1)is an important factor involved in regulating the initiation of autophagy.ULK1 regu-lates inflammatory cytokines through autophagy and mitochondrial oxidative stress,and is involved in the pathological processes of var-ious diseases.ULK1 and its complexes are regulated by rapamycin(mTOR)and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)to initiate au-tophagy,thereby exerting differential effects on a variety of inflammatory diseases.In inflammatory diseases,mitochondrial oxidative stress can induce ULK1 into the nucleus to accelerate apoptosis.Therefore,ULK1 plays different important roles in inflammatory dis-eases.For example,ULK1 initiates airway epithelial mitochondrial autophagy in asthma,participates in mitochondrial oxidative stress in acute liver failure,affects related inflammatory factors in atherosclerosis,and modulates beneficial effects of autophagy in diabetes.This article reviews the biological function of ULK1,its impact on inflammatory diseases and the research progress of targeted drugs.
10.Analysis of risk monitoring results for schistosomiasis in Hubei Province from 2015 to 2022
SU Wanting ; CHEN Yanyan ; WANG Hui ; LIU Jianbing ; YANG Junjing
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(5):526-
Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemic situation and risk factors of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province from 2015 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for the goal of all schistosomiasis-endemic counties in the province reaching the elimination standard by 2030. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Plan (2014 edition) and National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Plan (2020 edition), the snail situation and the risk of wild fecal transmission, along with regional distribution in schistosomiasis endemic areas in Hubei Province from 2015 to 2022 were analyzed and the risk was rated. Results From 2015 to 2022, a total of 60 203 risk monitoring environments per time was carried out, with 10 223 460 frames of snails inspected, capturing 2 344 094 snails, among which 1 357 479 live snails, and an average density ranging from 0.07-0.29 snails/0.11 m2. In 2015 and 2017, 11 and 3 schistosomiasis-infected snails were detected respectively, corresponding to 3 and 2 positive snail environments. The proportion of wild feces distribution environment in the total monitoring environment showed a downward trend, with cow dung accounting for the highest proportion (69.27%). A total of 19 549 wild feces were collected, of which 78 were positive for schistosomiasis. Since 2018, only one positive cow dung was found in 2019, and none in other years. From 2015 to 2020, the density of live snails and the proportion of wild feces in the monitoring environment in each risk monitoring county (city, district) had significantly reduced, with areas of higher snail density such as Gongan County, Yangxin County with higher density of live snails decreasing to below 1 per 0.11 m2 from 2017. Among the 60 203 risk monitoring environments, 53 were identified as GradeⅠrisk (not detected since 2020), 1 999 as GradeⅡrisk, and 58 030 as GradeⅢrisk. Conclusions From 2015 to 2022, the overall schistosomiasis epidemic in Hubei Province showed a downward trend. However, the risk of schistosomiasis transmission still exists in some areas. In the future, we should continue to strengthen the epidemic monitoring in key areas, improve the sensitivity and level of monitoring, and prevent the rebound of the epidemic.

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