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.
4.Clinical application of dynamic visual acuity testing in patients with vestibular migraine.
Hongyan SHI ; Yujun LI ; Wanting ZHANG ; Jie YANG ; Jiaxin WU ; Yulin LI ; Liyuan ZHOU ; Ying LI ; Ganggang CHEN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(10):912-917
Objective:To investigate the potential characteristic manifestations and application value of the Dynamic Visual Acuity Test(DVAT) in vestibular migraine(VM). Methods:A total of 50 VM patients(case group) and 50 healthy subjects(control group) diagnosed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, were enrolled. The case group underwent DVAT, video head impulse test(vHIT), caloric test, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI) assessment, whereas the control group only received DVAT. Group-based analyses were conducted to examine the effect of age on Dynamic Visual Acuity Loss(DVALoss), as well as the correlations of DVALoss with vestibular function tests and DHI scores. Results:DVALoss in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.001). In both groups, age was significantly and positively correlated with DVALoss(P<0.001). Within the case group, DVALoss was strongly and positively correlated with DHI scores(r=0.807, P<0.001); it was negatively correlated with the vestibulo-ocular reflex(VOR) gain in vHIT, though without clinical significance, and showed no significant association with the caloric test. Age and DVALoss collectively accounted for 71.3% of the variance in DHI scores(R²=0.713), with age exerting a relatively minor actual impact. Conclusion:DVAT can sensitively identify the core functional impairments of VM. DVALoss, as a direct functional reflection of the pathological mechanism of VM, is strongly correlated with DHI scores. Incorporating DVALoss into standardized assessments may provide an objective basis for the diagnosis and management of VM.
Humans
;
Migraine Disorders/diagnosis*
;
Visual Acuity
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Head Impulse Test
;
Vestibular Function Tests
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Vestibular Diseases/physiopathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Caloric Tests
5.Pure drug nanomedicines - where we are?
Yaoyao LAI ; Bing XIE ; Wanting ZHANG ; Wei HE
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):385-409
Pure drug nanomedicines (PDNs) encompass active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including macromolecules, biological compounds, and functional components. They overcome research barriers and conversion thresholds associated with nanocarriers, offering advantages such as high drug loading capacity, synergistic treatment effects, and environmentally friendly production methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in PDNs, focusing on their essential components, design theories, and manufacturing techniques. The physicochemical properties and in vivo behaviors of PDNs are thoroughly analyzed to gain an in-depth understanding of their systematic characteristics. The review introduces currently approved PDN products and further explores the opportunities and challenges in expanding their depth and breadth of application. Drug nanocrystals, drug-drug cocrystals (DDCs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and nanobodies represent the successful commercialization and widespread utilization of PDNs across various disease domains. Self-assembled pure drug nanoparticles (SAPDNPs), a next-generation product, still require extensive translational research. Challenges persist in transitioning from laboratory-scale production to mass manufacturing and overcoming the conversion threshold from laboratory findings to clinical applications.
Nanomedicine
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Humans
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Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry*
;
Animals
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Drug Carriers/chemistry*
6.Clinical Efficacy of TCM Multi-channel Intervention Plus Antagonist Regimen on Ovarian Function,TCM Syndromes and Natural Conception in Poor Ovarian Responders Undergoing IVF-ET
Yunji XU ; Wanting XIA ; Xuan ZHANG ; Qianhong MA ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Qian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):93-100
ObjectiveTo objectively analyze the effects of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) multi-channel intervention on the ovarian function,TCM syndromes and natural conception of poor ovarian responders(kidney-Yin deficiency,liver depression and blood stasis pattern) who planned to receive another in vitro fertilization embryo transfer(IVF-ET)antagonist regimen. MethodThe 128 low-prognosis patients (kidney Yin deficiency,liver depression and blood stasis pattern) who attended the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University and the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2020 to February 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were selected,and then divided into the treatment group and the control group according to the random number table,with 64 patients in each group. The control group was treated with oral dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA),while the treatment group was treated with multi-channel TCM(oral TCM decoction + auricular point sticking + Bushen Huoxue prescription through retention enema). After 3 menstrual cycles,the relevant indicators for ovarian function evaluation,TCM syndrome scores and natural conception were collected from both groups. ResultCompared with the situation before treatment,the basal follicle stimulating hormone(bFSH),bFSH/basal luteinizing hormone(bLH),basal estradiol(bE2),antral follicle count(AFC),the number of oocytes obtained,the number of normal fertilization,the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were improved after treatment(P<0.05,P<0.01). For the control group, the bFSH/bLH and TCM syndrome scores were increased after treatment(P<0.05), while the bFSH,bFSH/bLH,bE2,AFC,the number of oocytes obtained,the number of normal fertilization,and the number of superior embryos showed no significant difference after treatment. Compared with the control group after treatment,bFSH,bFSH/bLH,bE2,AFC,the number of normal fertilization,the number of superior embryos and TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were better (P<0.05,P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in the number of oocytes obtained. After treatment,there were 3 cases of natural conception in the treatment group,while there were no natural conception in the control group. ConclusionFor patients with poor ovarian response and kidney Yin deficiency,liver depression and blood stasis pattern,multi-channel intervention of TCM plus the antagonist regimen can reduce bFSH,bFSH/bLH values,improve the levels of bE2,increase AFC,the number of oocytes obtained,the number of normal fertilization and the number of superior embryos,improve ovarian function,menstruation and TCM syndromes,improve their quality of life,and even enable some patients to get pregnant naturally before re-progression and improve their pregnancy outcome.
7.Combined Therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat Low-prognosis Patients Undergoing IVF-ET Again
Xuan ZHANG ; Wanting XIA ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Qianhong MA ; Yunji XU ; Qian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):160-169
ObjectiveTo objectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of multiple therapies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in low-prognosis patients who received antagonist protocol for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) again. MethodA total of 128 patients with kidney Yin deficiency, liver depression, and blood stasis who planned to receive antagonist protocol for IVF-ET in the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University were enrolled and assigned into two groups by random number table method. The observation group (64 casces) was treated by oral administration of Chinese medicine decoction + enema of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method + auricular point sticking + oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), while the control group (64 casces) was treated by only oral administration of DHEA. After treatment for three menstrual cycles, both groups received the antagonist protocol for IVF-ET. The TCM syndrome scores, basic sex hormone levels, antral follicle count (AFC), the usage of gonadotropin (Gn), endometrial receptivity indicators, embryo quality indicators, and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultAfter treatment, the observation group showed decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio, lowered level of estradiol (E2), increased AFC, decreased amount and days of Gn usage, improved endometrial receptivity indicators (endometrial thickness on trigger and ET days, proportion of endometrial type A in endometrial types and the level of E2 on trigger day) and embryo quality indicators (the rates of mature follicles, fertilization, normal fertilization, and premium embryos), and decreased TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group had lower FSH/LH ratio, E2 level, and amount of Gn usage, higher AFC, poorer endometrial receptivity and embryo quality indicators, and lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, except for 3 cases of natural pregnancy, the observation group outperformed the control group in terms of improving the clinical pregnancy rates during initiation cycle and transplantation cycle and clinical pregnancy rate and decreasing biochemical pregnancy rate and early abortion rate (P<0.05). ConclusionCombined therapies of TCM can alleviate the clinical symptoms, reduce TCM syndrome scores, reduce the Gn usage amount, improve the number and quality of embryos and endometrial receptivity, and coordinate the synchronous development of endometrium and embryo. In this way, they can increase the clinical pregnancy rate and reduce biochemical pregnancy rate and early abortion rate in the low prognosis patients with kidney yin deficiency, liver depression, and blood stasis who are undergoing IVF-ET again.
8.Professor XU Xian's Experience in Treating Flat Warts Based on the Theory of "Bai Qi (白气) Micro-discharge"
Hongyu ZHANG ; Wanting LUO ; Yiping LI ; Qian KONG ; Xue ZENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2294-2298
This paper summarized the experience in treating flat warts by Professor XU Xian based on the theory of Bai Qi (白气) micro-discharge. Flat warts is considered as a minor skin disease. Wind-damp attacking the exterior and contention between the muscles are the prerequisites for its occurrence, and failure to diffuse due to wei (卫) constraint, and qi discharge to striae and interstices are the core pathogenesis. For treatment, the core principle is to treat minor diseases with minor adjustment, and therefore, the method of dispelling wind and overcoming dampness is used to produce slight sweating and relieve the symptoms, and by taking advantage of the situation, the constraint is unblocked with diffusion and dispersion. Simultaneously, it is paid attention to not over-damaging blood vessels during treatment to avoid causing other symptoms. Self-made Modified Maxing Yigan Decoction (麻杏薏甘汤) is recommended as the basic formula for flat warts, together with self-made Xi You Formula (洗疣方) in external administration to restore defense qi, eliminate pathogenic qi and remove the warts.
9.Transcriptome Sequencing on Treatment of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis-thin Endometrium in Rats with Bushen Huoxue Prescription Through Enema
Xuan ZHANG ; Wanting XIA ; Zhixing YIN ; Nana HAN ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Yi WANG ; Juan LI ; Qian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):79-90
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Bushen Huoxue enema in treating the rat model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis-thin endometrium (KDBS-TE) by transcriptome sequencing. MethodThe rat model of KDBS-TE was established by administration of tripterygium polyglycosides tablets combined with subcutaneous injection of adrenaline. The pathological changes of rat endometrium in each group were then observed. Three uterine tissue specimens from each of the blank group, model group, and Bushen Huoxue enema group were randomly selected for transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were screened, and the disease-related specific competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore, the gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed for the mRNAs in the network. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed endometrial dysplasia, decreased endometrial thickness and endometrial/total uterine wall thickness ratio (P<0.01), and differential expression of 18 circRNAs, 410 lncRNAs, and 7 miRNAs. Compared with the model group, the enema and estradiol valerate groups showed improved endometrial morphology and increased endometrial thickness and ratio of endometrial to total uterine wall thickness (P<0.05). In addition, 21 circRNAs, 518 lncRNAs, and 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the enema group. The disease-related specific circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 629 nodes and 664 edges contained 2 circRNAs, 34 miRNAs, and 593 mRNAs. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 180 nodes and 212 edges contained 5 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 164 mRNAs. The mNRAs were mainly enriched in Hippo signaling pathway, autophagy-animal, axon guidance, etc. ConclusionBushen Huoxue enema can treat KDBS-TE in rats by regulating specific circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in the uterus and the ceRNA network.
10.Summary of the best evidence for prevention and management of feeding intolerance in ICU patients with enteral nutrition
Wanting ZHANG ; Yutong XU ; Jia WANG ; Weiguang MA
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(10):1292-1299
Objective:To summarize the evidence on preventing and managing feeding intolerance (FI) in ICU patients with enteral nutrition, providing a basis for clinical practice.Methods:Clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, evidence summaries, expert consensus, and randomized controlled trials related to the prevention and management of FI in ICU patients with enteral nutrition were systematically searched in Chinese and English databases, guideline websites, and professional association websites. The search period was from January 1, 2013, to March 29, 2023. Two researchers conducted quality evaluation, evidence extraction, and summarization of the included literature.Results:A total of 25 articles were included, including five clinical practice guidelines, three evidence summaries, 11 systematic reviews, one expert consensus, and five randomized controlled trials. Thirty-seven pieces of evidence were summarized from four aspects risk assessment, preventive measures, intervention measures, and evaluation.Conclusions:This study summarizes the best evidence for FI prevention and management in ICU patients with enteral nutrition. It is recommended that medical and nursing staff apply evidence based on clinical situations and patient preferences.

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