1.Action Mechanism of Resolving Dampness and Phlegm of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Based on Interconnection Between Lung and Large Intestine
Xingbao TAO ; Chentao ZHAO ; Xiaofu ZHU ; Hao WU ; Jun HE ; Weiguo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):122-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) on lung tissue, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, positive control group (Xiaoqinglong granules, 6.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups (3.0, 1.5 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and BALF levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis, and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value (RI) (P<0.05), elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF (P<0.05), increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), with reduced IFN-γ levels (P<0.05). It also showed thickened bronchial walls, widened alveolar septa, narrowed lumens, and mucus plugs in lung tissue, upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression (P<0.05), decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus), and increased abundance of harmful microbiota (Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, Muribaculaceae, and Muribaculum). In addition, the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) (P<0.05). After the intervention of PRP decoction, compared to the model group, all drug administration groups showed decreased RI (P<0.05), increased phenol red excretion, declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6, IL-8, IgE, and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), and improved IFN-γ levels (P<0.05) and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and the AQP5 protein expression increased (P<0.05). The disorder of gut microbiota was improved, and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored, with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota (P<0.05) and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota (P<0.05). The SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) increased (P<0.05). The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors (IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ), phlegm-resolving effect, airway resistance, total pathological score, and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis, promoting beneficial gut microbiota, enhancing SCFA production, restoring the balance of gut microbiota, and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.
2.Action Mechanism of Resolving Dampness and Phlegm of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Based on Interconnection Between Lung and Large Intestine
Xingbao TAO ; Chentao ZHAO ; Xiaofu ZHU ; Hao WU ; Jun HE ; Weiguo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):122-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) on lung tissue, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism in a model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung and explore its mechanism of action in resolving dampness and phlegm based on the interconnection between the lung and large intestine. MethodsFifty female ICR mice were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, positive control group (Xiaoqinglong granules, 6.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose and low-dose PRP decoction groups (3.0, 1.5 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A model of mice with cold fluid retention in the lung was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization combined with cold-water immersion. Drug interventions were conducted from day 18 to day 33 for 15 consecutive days. The airway resistance value of the mice was measured using a non-invasive pulmonary function analyzer. Phlegm-resolving effects were evaluated via a microplate reader. Eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and BALF levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) protein expression in lung tissue. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis, and fecal SCFA levels were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased airway resistance value (RI) (P<0.05), elevated eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BALF (P<0.05), increased serum IgE and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), with reduced IFN-γ levels (P<0.05). It also showed thickened bronchial walls, widened alveolar septa, narrowed lumens, and mucus plugs in lung tissue, upregulated MUC5AC protein expression and downregulated AQP5 protein expression (P<0.05), decreased relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus), and increased abundance of harmful microbiota (Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, Muribaculaceae, and Muribaculum). In addition, the model group presented reduced fecal SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) (P<0.05). After the intervention of PRP decoction, compared to the model group, all drug administration groups showed decreased RI (P<0.05), increased phenol red excretion, declined eosinophil and neutrophil counts and IL-6, IL-8, IgE, and IL-4 levels (P<0.05), and improved IFN-γ levels (P<0.05) and lung pathology improved. The MUC5AC protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and the AQP5 protein expression increased (P<0.05). The disorder of gut microbiota was improved, and the diversity of gut microbiota was restored, with a significantly increased relative abundance ratio of beneficial microbiota (P<0.05) and a significantly reduced relative abundance ratio of harmful microbiota (P<0.05). The SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) increased (P<0.05). The efficacy indicators of serum inflammatory factors (IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ), phlegm-resolving effect, airway resistance, total pathological score, and the protein expression of MUC5AC and AQP5 were correlated with gut microbiota and SCFAs. ConclusionPRP decoction alleviates cold-phlegm syndrome by modulating the gut-lung axis, promoting beneficial gut microbiota, enhancing SCFA production, restoring the balance of gut microbiota, and suppressing respiratory inflammation. This study provides novel insights into the TCM theory of interconnection between the lung and large intestine.
3.Cross lagged model analysis of the relationship between physical exercise, academic performance, and aggressive behavior in junior high school students
XU Jiuyang, ZHU Yao, ZHU Hao, CHEN Weiguo, LIU Yi, ZHU Fengshu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(8):1091-1095
Objective:
To investigate the causal relationship between junior high school students aggressive behavior, physical exercise and academic performance, so as to provide a reference basis for the development of scientific exercise programs.
Methods:
A longitudinal followup study was conducted on 502 junior high school students over a 12month period from June 2021 to June 2022 using the Buss-Perry Aggressive Questionnaire (BPAQ), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and test scores as the measurement tools (T1:June 2021, T2:December 2021, T3:June 2022), and a crosslagged model was constructed to measure the relationship between aggression, physical activity and academic performance.
Results:
At T1, physical exercise had a positive effect on academic performance at T2 (β=0.22) and a negative effect on aggressive behavior at T2 (β=-0.13), aggressive behavior negatively affected academic performance at T2 (β=-0.23), and academic performance had a negative effect on aggressive behavior at T2 (β=-0.09). Physical exercise at T2 had a negative effect on aggressive behavior at T3 (β=-0.05) and a positive effect on academic performance at T3 (β=0.19). Aggressive behavior at T2 negatively influenced academic performance at T3 (β=-0.08). Academic performance at T2 negatively influenced aggressive behavior at T3 (β=-0.06) (P<0.05). The results of crosslagged modeling of junior high school students aggressive behavior, physical exercise and academic performance showed that the model was well fitted (χ2/df=8.80, CFI=0.96, NFI=0.95, RFI=0.87, IFI=0.96, TLI=0.88, RMSEA=0.12). The results of multigroup structural equation modeling showed that the differences between the models and the baseline model (CFI=0.95, TLI=0.86, RMSEA=0.10, 90%CI=0.08-0.11, P<0.01) were not statistically significant in terms of gender (△CFI<0.05, P>0.05).
Conclusions
Physical exercise negatively predictes aggressive behavior and positively predictes academic performance, and academic performance and aggressive behavior negatively affect each other. A scientific exercise program should be developed to reduce aggression and effectively improve adolescents academic performance.
4.Near-infrared fluorescence imaging for intraoperative neuroimaging:current applications and future development
Wenping GAO ; Zhihua ZHANG ; Fei HAN ; Weiguo HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(32):5225-5230
BACKGROUND:Existing neuroimaging techniques,including magnetic resonance imaging,computed tomography,and high-resolution ultrasound,lack the capability to provide real-time intraoperative positioning images to surgeons.However,the clinical implementation of near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology has made it possible to directly visualize surgical target areas,offering a novel solution for real-time nerve identification during surgery. OBJECTIVE:To provide a summary and overview of the research progress in near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology for intraoperative neuroimaging. METHODS:The first author used the computer to search for the documents published from January 2010 to July 2023 in WanFang,CNKI,and PubMed with the key words of"near-infrared fluorescence imaging,optical imaging,nerve imaging"in Chinese and English.A few classic old documents were also included.Initial screening was performed by reading the titles and abstracts;duplicate,low-quality,and irrelevant content documents were excluded.A total of 69 articles were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Near-infrared fluorescence imaging guided by indocyanine green has been clinically used to identify and locate tubular organs such as blood vessels,ureters,and bile ducts,as well as various tumors during surgery.This technique is currently considered a well-established imaging method in precision surgery.In the field of intraoperative neurofluorescence imaging,indocyanine green is currently the only near-infrared fluorescent dye used in clinical research.The ideal neuroimaging agent should possess certain characteristics,including easy administration in the perioperative period,logD between 0.5 and 3 at pH=7.4,molecular mass below 500 Da,excitation and emission wavelengths within the near-infrared window,long-term retention in nerve tissue,high signal-to-background ratio,and high safety.In the future,the development of near-infrared neurofluorescence imaging agents should focus on synthesizing complexes of indocyanine green and neural-specific targets.This technology not only enables intraoperative neurofluorescence imaging,but also holds promising prospects for in-situ monitoring of nerve regeneration and diagnosis of neurological diseases.
5.Research progress on impact of key proteins associated with DNA damage response on radiosensitivity
Shaorong HUANG ; Lianying FANG ; Hao SUN ; Linping ZHENG ; Yingmin CHEN ; Weiguo LI ; Ya MA
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2024;33(6):716-721
At present, the incidence and mortality of tumors are increasing, and the treatment of tumors has attracted much attention. Radiotherapy is a key method for tumor treatment; however, its effectiveness is often constrained by radioresistance. During tumor radiotherapy, DNA damage response (DDR) is a key factor in the radioresistance of tumor cells. Research has shown that the radiosensitivity of tumor cells can be effectively improved by regulating the expression of key proteins in the DDR pathway. Targeting the DDR signaling pathway has become an effective strategy to reduce tumor radioresistance. This article focuses on the mechanisms, clinical research status, limitations, and current challenges associated with the key DDR proteins DNA-PKcs, ATM, ATR, and PARP as therapeutic targets for tumor radiotherapy sensitization, in order to provide a reference for the development of radiotherapy sensitization agents.
6.Reward effect of flubromazolam and its underlying neural circuit mechanism
Weiguo HUANG ; Weikai JIANG ; Yuwei SHAO ; Zhigang CHEN ; Susu TANG ; Hao HONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(3):390-396
Flubromazolam(Flub)is a novel psychoactive substance of benzodiazepines and the mechanism underlying its addiction still remains elusive.This study investigated the reward effect of Flub using conditioned place preference(CPP)mouse model.The neuronal activity was evaluated by c-Fos expression,and the neural circuit was tracked by virus tracing.This study also investigated the regulatory effect of neural circuits on Flub-induced reward effects through chemogenetic approach.The results showed that,at the dose of 3 mg/kg,Flub significantly increased CPP score and c-Fos expression in dopaminergic(DA)neurons of ventral tegmental area(VTA).Inhibition of VTA dopaminergic neuron activity dramatically decreased Flub-induced CPP score.Virus tracing verified GABAergic neuronal projection of medial rostrum tegmental nucleus(RMTg)to VTA dopaminergic neurons.Activation of RMTgGABA→VTADA circuit or blockade of benzodiazepine receptors(BZR)in RMTg significantly decreased Flub-induced CPP score.These results indicate that Flub produced reward effect via BZR-mediated RMTgGABA→VTADA circuit.
7.Surgical strategies and efficacy analysis for aortic dissection complicating intractable mesenteric artery ischemia
Lingwei ZOU ; Yifan LIU ; Hao LIU ; Bin CHEN ; Junhao JIANG ; Yun SHI ; Daqiao GUO ; Xin XU ; Zhihui DONG ; Weiguo FU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(3):235-241
Objective:To explore the surgical strategies and clinical efficacy for aortic dissection combined with refractory superior mesenteric artery (SMA) ischemia.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Clinical data of 24 patients with aortic dissection and refractory SMA ischemia admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from August 2010 to August 2020 were retrospectively collected. Of the 24 patients, 21 were males and 3 were females, with an age of (50.3±9.9) years (range: 44 to 72 years).Among them, 9 cases were Stanford type A aortic dissection, and 15 cases were type B. All patients underwent CT angiography upon admission, and based on imaging characteristics, they were classified into three types. Type Ⅰ: severe stenosis/occlusion of the SMA true lumen only; Type Ⅱ: stenosis of the true lumens in the descending aorta and SMA (isolated type); Type Ⅲ: stenosis of the true lumens in the thoracoabdominal aorta and SMA (continuation type). Surgical procedures, complications, mortality, and reintervention rates were recorded.Results:Among the 24 patients, 17 (70.8%) were classified as Type Ⅰ, 4 (16.7%) as Type Ⅱ, and 3 (12.5%) as Type Ⅲ. Fourteen cases of Type Ⅰ underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with SMA stent implantation. Additionally, 3 Type Ⅰ and 1 Type Ⅱ patients underwent only SMA reconstruction (with one case of chronic TAAD treated with iliac artery-SMA bypass surgery). Moreover, 3 Type Ⅱ and 3 Type Ⅲ patients underwent descending aorta combined with SMA stent implantation. There were 5 patients (20.8%) who underwent small bowel resection, either in the same sitting or in a staged procedure. During hospitalization, 4 patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 16.7%. Among these cases, two patients succumbed to severe intestinal ischemia resulting in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The follow-up duration was (46±9) months (range: 13 to 72 months). During the follow-up, 2 patients died, unrelated to intestinal ischemia. The 5-year freedom from reintervention survival rate was 86.1%, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 82.6%.Conclusions:Patients with aortic dissection and refractory SMA ischemia have a high perioperative mortality. However, implementing appropriate surgical strategies according to different clinical scenarios can reduce mortality and alleviate intestinal ischemia.
8.Endovascular treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection in Marfan syndrome patients: a series of 23 cases
Xiaolang JIANG ; Hao LIU ; Lingwei ZOU ; Bin CHEN ; Junhao JIANG ; Daqiao GUO ; Xin XU ; Zhihui DONG ; Weiguo FU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(5):438-442
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) in Marfan syndrome patients who had no history of aortic arch replacement.Methods:This is a retrospective case-series study. From January 2009 to December 2019,the clinical data of Marfan syndrome patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD at the Department of Vascular Surgery were collected. A total of 23 patients were enrolled,including 15 males and 8 females. The age was (38.0±11.0) years (range:24 to 56 years). Among them,12 patients had history of ascending aortic surgery. Details of TEVAR,perioperative complications and reintervention were recorded and survival rate was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve.Results:Technical success was 91.3% (21/23). Two patients with technical failure were as follows:one patient had type Ⅰa endoleak at the completion angiography,which healed spontaneously during the follow-up,and the other patient suffered aortic intimal intussusception after the deployment of the first stent-graft, and the second stent-graft was deployed. However, type Ⅲ endoleak was detected,which disappeared during the follow-up. One patient died during hospitalization. The median follow-up time ( M(IQR)) was 60 (48) months (range:12 to 132 months). Reintervention was performed on 7 patients,including 3 distal stent-graft-induced new entry,2 distal aortic dilation,1 Ⅰa endoleak and 1 retrograde type A aortic dissection,respectively. Five-year cumulative survival rate was 86.7% (95% CI:86.6% to 86.8%) and the 5-year freedom from reintervention rate was 81.8% (95% CI:61.8% to 92.8%). Conclusions:TEVAR is feasible in the treatment of TBAD in Marfan syndrome patients who has no history of aortic arch replacement. It has high technical success rate and low perioperative complication.
9.Analysis ofcharacteristics of cognitive domain damage and risk factors of prodromal Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment
Hangxing YIN ; Hao GU ; Weiguo LIU
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2024;37(4):278-282
Objective To investigate characteristics of cognitive domain damage and risk factors of prodromal Parkinson's disease(pPD)patients with mild cognitive impairment(MCI).Methods A total of 82 pPD patients and 41 normal controls(normal control group)were included.According to MCI,pPD patients were divided into pPD-MCI group and pPD control group(pPD-NC group).The difference of unified Parkinson's disease rating scale Ⅲ(UPDRS Ⅲ),30 items non-motor symptom questionnaire(NMSQ),Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-24),Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),MMSE,Montreal cognitive assessment scale(MoCA),Chinese university of Hong Kong rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder scale(RBDQ-HK),German Burghart sniff stick test and z-scores of each cognitive domain were compared among the groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of MCI.Results Compared with those in pPD-NC group,UPDRS Ⅲ score in pPD-MCI group was significantly increased,and MoCA score in pPD-MCI group was significantly decreased(P<0.05-0.01).There was no significant difference in NMSQ,HAMA,HAMD-24,MMSE,German Burghart sniff stick test and RBDQ-HK score between pPD-MCI group and pPD-NC group(all P>0.05).Compared with those in pPD-NC group,z-scores of attention,memory,visuospatial ability and language function subdomains in pPD-MCI group were significantly decreased(P<0.05-0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that high UPDRS Ⅲ score was an independent risk factor for Ppd-MCI(OR=0.799,95%CI:0.680-0.938,P=0.006).Conclusions The motor symptoms of Ppd-MCI patients are more severe than those of Ppd-NC patients.Memory,visuospatial ability and language function are the main cognitive impairment domains.High UPDRS Ⅲ score is an independent risk factor for Ppd cognitive impairment.
10.Surgical strategies and efficacy analysis for aortic dissection complicating intractable mesenteric artery ischemia
Lingwei ZOU ; Yifan LIU ; Hao LIU ; Bin CHEN ; Junhao JIANG ; Yun SHI ; Daqiao GUO ; Xin XU ; Zhihui DONG ; Weiguo FU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(3):235-241
Objective:To explore the surgical strategies and clinical efficacy for aortic dissection combined with refractory superior mesenteric artery (SMA) ischemia.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Clinical data of 24 patients with aortic dissection and refractory SMA ischemia admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from August 2010 to August 2020 were retrospectively collected. Of the 24 patients, 21 were males and 3 were females, with an age of (50.3±9.9) years (range: 44 to 72 years).Among them, 9 cases were Stanford type A aortic dissection, and 15 cases were type B. All patients underwent CT angiography upon admission, and based on imaging characteristics, they were classified into three types. Type Ⅰ: severe stenosis/occlusion of the SMA true lumen only; Type Ⅱ: stenosis of the true lumens in the descending aorta and SMA (isolated type); Type Ⅲ: stenosis of the true lumens in the thoracoabdominal aorta and SMA (continuation type). Surgical procedures, complications, mortality, and reintervention rates were recorded.Results:Among the 24 patients, 17 (70.8%) were classified as Type Ⅰ, 4 (16.7%) as Type Ⅱ, and 3 (12.5%) as Type Ⅲ. Fourteen cases of Type Ⅰ underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with SMA stent implantation. Additionally, 3 Type Ⅰ and 1 Type Ⅱ patients underwent only SMA reconstruction (with one case of chronic TAAD treated with iliac artery-SMA bypass surgery). Moreover, 3 Type Ⅱ and 3 Type Ⅲ patients underwent descending aorta combined with SMA stent implantation. There were 5 patients (20.8%) who underwent small bowel resection, either in the same sitting or in a staged procedure. During hospitalization, 4 patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 16.7%. Among these cases, two patients succumbed to severe intestinal ischemia resulting in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The follow-up duration was (46±9) months (range: 13 to 72 months). During the follow-up, 2 patients died, unrelated to intestinal ischemia. The 5-year freedom from reintervention survival rate was 86.1%, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 82.6%.Conclusions:Patients with aortic dissection and refractory SMA ischemia have a high perioperative mortality. However, implementing appropriate surgical strategies according to different clinical scenarios can reduce mortality and alleviate intestinal ischemia.


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