1.Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Solanum nigrum on Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats
Min WU ; Zhenxiang AN ; Yuanli HE ; Weinong WEN ; Qiang SU ; Song HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):117-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Solanum nigrum on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1, respectively) S. nigrum, and silibinin capsules (18.9 mg·kg-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 40% CCl4 solution for the modeling of hepatic fibrosis. After 4 weeks of gavage, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta following intraperitoneal anesthesia. The rats were sacrificed, and the liver was separated. The pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver fibrosis indexes [type Ⅲ procollagen (PCⅢ), type Ⅳ collagen (Col Ⅳ), laminin (LN), and hyaluronic acid (HA)] in the rat serum were determined. The mRNA and protein levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) pathway-related factors were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significant hepatocyte edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells, connective tissue proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition in the liver tissue. Compared with the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose S. nigrum and silymarin capsules significantly improved the structure of liver cells and alleviated the edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, connective tissue proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition. Compared with those in the blank group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, LN, and HA were elevated in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, LN, and HA were reduced in all the treatment groups (P<0.05). Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups showed down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), with the high-dose S. nigrum group showing the best therapeutic effect. ConclusionS. nigrum modulates the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating apoptosis through the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 pathway.
2.Regulatory Role of Huanglian Jiedutang in Microglial Metabolic Reprogramming to Suppress Neuroinflammatory Damage Based on Single-cell Transcriptomics
Zijin SUN ; Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Linjing SONG ; Chuanzun WANG ; Wen WANG ; Jing JI ; Zhaoyi WANG ; Wenxiu XU ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):64-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of metabolic reprogramming during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury using single-cell transcriptome sequencing, analyze the heterogeneity of microglial populations, and evaluate the interventional effects of Huanglian Jiedutang on metabolic abnormalities and neuroinflammation. MethodsA transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was used to establish ischemic stroke in mice. Local cerebral blood flow changes were monitored by laser speckle imaging. Neurological impairment was evaluated using the Zea-Longa score, and histopathological damage in brain tissue was observed by HE and Nissl staining. Animals were divided into a sham group, model group, Huanglian Jiedutang group, and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) group. After 1 week of acclimatization, intragastric administration was initiated. The sham and model groups received normal saline, the Huanglian Jiedutang group was administered 1.82 g·kg-1, and the GBE group was administered 0.432 g·kg-1 after preparation as a 2.16 mg/mL solution. All groups were treated for 5 consecutive days (0.2 mL/10 g/day), and the tMCAO model was established on day 6 after the final administration. At the molecular level, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on ischemic hemisphere tissue. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was used to cluster microglial subpopulations, combined with differential expression analysis, metabolic reprogramming assessment, and inflammatory factor correlation analysis to elucidate their functional characteristics in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Transcription factor enrichment analysis was further conducted to identify key regulatory nodes. Finally, PCR was used to detect mRNA expression changes of relevant genes to validate the single-cell sequencing results. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed increased neurological function scores (P<0.01), decreased blood flow levels (P<0.01), disordered cortical structure, increased cytoplasmic vacuolization, and increased Nissl bodies. Compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang and GBE groups showed decreased neurological function scores (P<0.01), increased blood flow levels (P<0.01), alleviated cortical structural disorder, reduced cytoplasmic vacuolization, and decreased Nissl bodies. Single-cell analysis showed that microglia could be divided into five subpopulations. Among them, clusters 3 and 5 exhibited significant pro-inflammatory phenotypes, with marked activation of hypoxia and NF-κB signaling pathways, and were identified as pro-inflammatory subpopulations. Clusters 1 and 2 were enriched in Wnt/β-catenin and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β signaling pathways and exhibited prominent anti-inflammatory and reparative characteristics. Meanwhile, glycolysis-related genes, such as HK2, PFKP, and LDHA, were significantly upregulated in the pro-inflammatory subpopulations. Correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of inflammatory molecules were positively correlated with glycolysis-related gene expression levels, whereas the expression levels of reparative and anti-inflammatory molecules were negatively correlated with glycolysis-related gene expression levels, indicating that microglia rely on the glycolytic pathway for energy acquisition under ischemic conditions. Further single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that Huanglian Jiedutang effectively downregulated key genes driving metabolic reprogramming (such as HK2, PFKP, and LDHA), significantly reduced the proportion of microglial subpopulations accompanied by glycolytic reprogramming, and inhibited their transformation toward a damage phenotype, thereby reducing inflammatory injury. Meanwhile, compared with the sham group, the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, CCL2, CXCL2, and CSF3 were significantly upregulated (P<0.01) in the model group, whereas the mRNA expression levels of endothelial- and pericyte-related functional genes, including RGS5, PECAM1, VEGFB, and NOS3, were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang and GBE groups showed significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL2, and CSF3 (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA expression levels of endothelial- and pericyte-related functional genes, including RGS5, PECAM1, VEGFB, and NOS3 (P<0.01). ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating the metabolic reprogramming state of microglia and modulating their inflammatory levels, thereby inhibiting neuroinflammatory injury.
3.Regulatory Role of Huanglian Jiedutang in Microglial Metabolic Reprogramming to Suppress Neuroinflammatory Damage Based on Single-cell Transcriptomics
Zijin SUN ; Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Linjing SONG ; Chuanzun WANG ; Wen WANG ; Jing JI ; Zhaoyi WANG ; Wenxiu XU ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):64-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of metabolic reprogramming during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury using single-cell transcriptome sequencing, analyze the heterogeneity of microglial populations, and evaluate the interventional effects of Huanglian Jiedutang on metabolic abnormalities and neuroinflammation. MethodsA transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was used to establish ischemic stroke in mice. Local cerebral blood flow changes were monitored by laser speckle imaging. Neurological impairment was evaluated using the Zea-Longa score, and histopathological damage in brain tissue was observed by HE and Nissl staining. Animals were divided into a sham group, model group, Huanglian Jiedutang group, and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) group. After 1 week of acclimatization, intragastric administration was initiated. The sham and model groups received normal saline, the Huanglian Jiedutang group was administered 1.82 g·kg-1, and the GBE group was administered 0.432 g·kg-1 after preparation as a 2.16 mg/mL solution. All groups were treated for 5 consecutive days (0.2 mL/10 g/day), and the tMCAO model was established on day 6 after the final administration. At the molecular level, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on ischemic hemisphere tissue. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was used to cluster microglial subpopulations, combined with differential expression analysis, metabolic reprogramming assessment, and inflammatory factor correlation analysis to elucidate their functional characteristics in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Transcription factor enrichment analysis was further conducted to identify key regulatory nodes. Finally, PCR was used to detect mRNA expression changes of relevant genes to validate the single-cell sequencing results. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group showed increased neurological function scores (P<0.01), decreased blood flow levels (P<0.01), disordered cortical structure, increased cytoplasmic vacuolization, and increased Nissl bodies. Compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang and GBE groups showed decreased neurological function scores (P<0.01), increased blood flow levels (P<0.01), alleviated cortical structural disorder, reduced cytoplasmic vacuolization, and decreased Nissl bodies. Single-cell analysis showed that microglia could be divided into five subpopulations. Among them, clusters 3 and 5 exhibited significant pro-inflammatory phenotypes, with marked activation of hypoxia and NF-κB signaling pathways, and were identified as pro-inflammatory subpopulations. Clusters 1 and 2 were enriched in Wnt/β-catenin and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β signaling pathways and exhibited prominent anti-inflammatory and reparative characteristics. Meanwhile, glycolysis-related genes, such as HK2, PFKP, and LDHA, were significantly upregulated in the pro-inflammatory subpopulations. Correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of inflammatory molecules were positively correlated with glycolysis-related gene expression levels, whereas the expression levels of reparative and anti-inflammatory molecules were negatively correlated with glycolysis-related gene expression levels, indicating that microglia rely on the glycolytic pathway for energy acquisition under ischemic conditions. Further single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that Huanglian Jiedutang effectively downregulated key genes driving metabolic reprogramming (such as HK2, PFKP, and LDHA), significantly reduced the proportion of microglial subpopulations accompanied by glycolytic reprogramming, and inhibited their transformation toward a damage phenotype, thereby reducing inflammatory injury. Meanwhile, compared with the sham group, the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, CCL2, CXCL2, and CSF3 were significantly upregulated (P<0.01) in the model group, whereas the mRNA expression levels of endothelial- and pericyte-related functional genes, including RGS5, PECAM1, VEGFB, and NOS3, were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang and GBE groups showed significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL2, and CSF3 (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA expression levels of endothelial- and pericyte-related functional genes, including RGS5, PECAM1, VEGFB, and NOS3 (P<0.01). ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating the metabolic reprogramming state of microglia and modulating their inflammatory levels, thereby inhibiting neuroinflammatory injury.
4.Staged Efficacy of Qijia Rougan Prescription Combined with Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B-related Hepatic Fibrosis with Qi Deficiency and Collateral Stasis Syndrome Based on "Zhu Ke Jiao" Theory
Baixue LI ; Xin WANG ; Jibin LIU ; Li WEN ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Dong WANG ; Shuwan LIU ; Huabao LIU ; Yongli ZHENG ; Liang HUANG ; Yue SU ; Song ZHANG ; Yanan SHANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):180-188
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory, Qijia Rougan prescription, combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis (CHB-HF) who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group (Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir) and a control group (entecavir). The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), portal vein diameter, hepatitis B serology, biochemical indicators, hepatic fibrosis markers in serum [hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP), and type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C)], and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis, with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment, the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 (P<0.01), as well as notable improvements in LN, Ⅳ-C, and various TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM, FIB-4, and various TCM syndrome score indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment, the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 (P<0.05). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone, the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3, which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.
5.Evaluation of the application effectiveness and optimization strategies of confidential unit exclusion in Zhengzhou
Dan LIU ; Hongwei MA ; Tao WEN ; Yonglei LYU ; Mengru JI ; Ge SONG ; Huanyu LIU ; Mengdi FAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):379-383
Objective: To evaluate the practical effectiveness of confidential unit exclusion (CUE) in ensuring blood safety in Zhengzhou, analyze its application characteristics and existing problems, and provide a basis for optimizing blood safety management strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on CUE data handled by Henan Red Cross Blood Center from January 2019 to December 2024. Parameters such as the number of cases, demographic characteristics, reasons for exclusion, and time of report were statistically analyzed and compared with those of non-CUE. Results: From 2019 to 2024, the CUE reporting rate in Zhengzhou was 0.002 6% (40/1 547 666). CUE donors were predominantly male (65.00%, 26/40), aged 18-34 years (47.50%, 19/40), had college degree orabove (50.00%, 20/40), and were employees of enterprises or public institutions (32.50%, 13/40). Among the 40 CUE blood units, only one was reactive for anti-TP, while all others were qualified. The main reasons for CUE were recent vaccination (32.50%, 13/40), medical conditions unsuitable for donation (27.50%, 11/40), and high-risk sexual behavior (17.50%, 7/40). A total of 70.00% of reports occurred within 24 hours after donation, during which none of the corresponding blood units had been released; all units reported after more than 7 days had already been issued for clinical use, with no adverse transfusion reactions reported upon follow-up. Conclusion: The confidential unit exclusion program has played an active role in establishing a supplementary information feedback channel for blood donors. The procedure can be optimized by strengthening interactive communication and confirmation before donation, improving the accuracy of donors' self-assessment, and expanding convenient and rapid information-based reporting channels.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of newly occurred occupational diseases in a city in 2014 - 2024
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):64-68
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of newly reported occupational diseases and provide a basis for the formulation of occupational disease prevention and control plans in Nanjing. Methods A descriptive analysis was conducted on newly reported occupational disease cases in Nanjing from 2014 to 2024. Results A total of 325 new cases of occupational diseases were reported in Nanjing, primarily concentrated in occupational otorhinolaryngological and oral diseases, as well as pneumoconiosis. Male cases outnumbered female cases across all types of occupational diseases. The median age at diagnosis was 53 (44, 65) years, and the median length of employment was 13 (6, 24) years. The distribution of occupational diseases varied significantly by gender and age at diagnosis (P<0.01). The distribution of occupational diseases also showed significant differences based on the length of exposure to hazards (χ2=120.63, P<0.01). Large enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and manufacturing industries accounted for the majority of cases (120 cases, 36.92%; 154 cases, 47.38%; 232 cases, 71.38%). The distribution of newly reported occupational diseases across different age groups at diagnosis was statistically significant (H=97.66, P<0.01; H=84.06, P<0.01; H=34.64, P<0.01; H=20.05, P<0.01; H=21.70, P<0.01). Except for occupational diseases caused by physical factors, the distribution of other newly reported occupational diseases across different employment length groups was also statistically significant (H=105.45, P<0.01; H=97.05, P<0.01; H=34.14, P<0.01; H=42.69, P<0.01). Conclusion The prevention and control of newly reported occupational diseases in Nanjing remain challenging. Attention should be paid to key occupational otorhinolaryngological and oral diseases, as well as pneumoconiosis. It is necessary to strengthen supervision and management of medium and large state-owned enterprises and manufacturing industries.
7.Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Abelmoschi Corolla Total Flavonoids in Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in IgA Nephropathy
Shuying SONG ; Changqing WEN ; Luwan XING ; Yan ZHANG ; Haitao GE ; Fujiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):153-161
ObjectiveTo elucidate the mechanism by which total flavonoids of Abelmoschi Corolla (TFA) treat immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) through serum metabolomics analysis. MethodsSPF-grade male SD rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=10): blank, model, low-dose TFA (TFA-L, 27 mg·kg-1), medium-dose TFA (TFA-M, 54 mg·kg-1), high-dose TFA (TFA-H, 108 mg·kg-1), and losartan potassium (LST, 4.5 mg·kg-1) groups. The remaining five groups, excluding the blank group, were modeled with bovine serum albumin (BSA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Specifically, from weeks 1 to 10, BSA was administered via gavage every other day, and a mixture of castor oil and CCl4 was injected subcutaneously once a week, with LPS injected into the tail vein at weeks 6 and 8. After successful modeling, each intervention group was administrated with the medication prepared with distilled water once daily by gavage for a continuous period of 4 weeks. The levels of 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h UP) and serum creatinine (SCr) were quantified by kits, and the serum IgA level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Renal pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Renal IgA deposition was assessed by immunofluorescence (IF). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to detect the expression of ER stress-related factors. Non-targeted metabolomics was used to screen differential metabolites for analysis, and key metabolites arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were validated. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed increased 24-hour urine protein (24 h UP) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels (P<0.01), obvious renal pathological damage, elevated serum IgA level (P<0.01), increased renal AA and PGE2 levels (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of COX-2, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (P-EIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), and spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s) in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the intervention groups showed reductions in 24 h UP and SCr levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated renal pathological injury, decreased serum IgA level (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced renal AA and PGE2 levels (P<0.01). Western blot and IHC results showed that TFA reduced the levels of COX-2, GRP78, P-EIF2α, ATF4, IRE1α, and XBP1s in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics results indicated that 51 commonly differential metabolites were found among the normal, model, and TFA-M groups. TFA ameliorated IgAN by affecting metabolic pathways related to the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid and arginine through L-aspartic acid, prostaglandin 2α, leukotriene B4, leukotriene D4, among others. ConclusionTFA can regulate the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, thereby modulating ER stress, reducing renal damage, and ameliorating IgA nephropathy.
8.Mediation and latent variable analysis of new curriculum standard based physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience among middle school students
YUAN Yuqing, HU Wenying, HU Chang, ZHANG Wen, SONG Chao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):941-945
Objective:
To examine the relationship among physical education core literacy, exercise self efficacy, physical self esteem and subjective exercise experience among middle school students, and to analyze the latent classes of exercise self efficacy, so as to provide evidence for enhancing adolescents subjective exercise experience.
Methods:
Using stratified cluster random sampling, 2 569 students from 12 provinces, autonomous regions or municipality directly under the central govement (Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Guizhou, Henan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shandong, Hubei, Hebei) were surveyed from September to November in 2024 with Core Competency Scale of Physical Education, Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale, Exercise Self Efficacy Scale, and Physical Self esteem Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among physical education core literacy, exercise self efficacy, physical self esteem, and subjective exercise experience. Mediation models with Bootstrap testing were employed to examine the mediating roles of exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem in the relationship between physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience. Latent profile analysis (LPA) of exercise self efficacy was performed using Mplus 8.3.
Results:
Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive associations between physical education core literacy and exercise self efficacy ( r =0.21), physical self esteem ( r =0.38), and subjective exercise experience ( r =0.40); exercise self efficacy was positively correlated with physical self esteem ( r =0.25) and subjective exercise experience ( r =0.45); and physical self esteem was positively correlated with subjective exercise experience ( r =0.34) (all P <0.01). Mediation analysis indicated that physical education core literacy positively predicted subjective exercise experience ( β =0.41, P <0.05), with exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem serving as partial mediators (effect size=0.14, P <0.01), accounting for 34% of the total effect. LPA identified three latent classes of exercise self efficacy:low (14.71%, n =378), moderate (65.51%, n =1 683), and high (19.78%, n =508) exercise self efficacy groups.
Conclusion
Adolescents exercise self efficacy demonstrates heterogeneity, and both exercise self efficacy and physical self esteem mediate the relationship between physical education core literacy and subjective exercise experience.
9.Feixin Decoction Treats Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension by Regulating Pyroptosis in PASMCs via PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Junlan TAN ; Xianya CAO ; Runxiu ZHENG ; Wen ZHANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jian YI ; Feiying WANG ; Xia LI ; Jianmin FAN ; Hui LIU ; Lan SONG ; Aiguo DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal, hypoxia, and low-, medium- and high-dose (5.85, 11.7, 23.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Feixin decoction groups, with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group, the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of (10.0±0.5)% for 8 h per day, 28 days, and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment, echocardiographic parameters [pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT), pulmonary artery ejection time (PET), right ventricular anterior wall thickness (RVAWd), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)] were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by the right heart catheterization method, and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) with NLRP3, N-terminal gasdermin D (N-GSDMD), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1) in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ, NF-κB, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), N-GSDMD, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.01), decreased right heart function (P<0.01), increased pulmonary vascular remodeling (P<0.01), increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01), and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group, Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI, improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and Caspase-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01), and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
10.Correlation between depressive symptom and traditional Chinese medicine constitution among school aged children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1222-1225
Objective:
To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents, so as to provide evidences for informing constitution based regulation and prevention of depressive symptom.
Methods:
From June to December 2024, a total of 4 729 students aged 6-14 were recruited by cluster random sampling from 10 primary schools in Baoding (Hebei Province), Heze and Liaocheng (Shandong Province). General information, TCM constitution and depressive symptom were collected. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to analyze related factors and threshold effects of depressive symptom. Binary Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between depressive symptom and TCM constitution, with subgroup analyses conducted.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptom among the included children and adolescents was 25.82%. RCS analyses indicated non linear associations between depressive symptom and age (inflection point at 10 years old), bedtime (inflection point at 22:00), and wake up time (inflection point at 6:30 ) (all P non linearity <0.01). Linear associations were observed with body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration (all P non linearity > 0.05 ). After adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI and sleep status, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that Yin deficient constitution ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.09-1.45) and Phlegm-dampness constitution ( OR =1.42, 95% CI =1.11-1.82) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents is primarily associated with Yin deficiency and Phlegm dampness constitutions in TCM constitution. Active attention should be paid to susceptible TCM constitution among children and adolescents. Targeted health guidance and interventions should be implemented to improve TCM constitution health status for preventing the occurrence of depressive symptom.


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