1.Effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方) on Reproductive Aging,Ovarian Mechanical Micro-environment,and Offspring Reproductive Potential in Aged Model Mice
Jiaqi XU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Nan JIANG ; Kaixi LI ; Yafei DING ; Zimu WEN ; Yingying JIA ; Mengjun JIANG ; Tian XIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):612-620
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方, WHF) in improving reproductive aging from the perspective of the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. MethodsThe experiment included five groups, 3-month group (20 female mice at 3 months of age), 6-month group (20 female mice at 6 months of age), 6-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 5 months of age treated with WHF), 9-month group (20 female mice at 9 months of age), and 9-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 8 months of age treated with WHF). The 6-month + WHF group and 9-month + WHF group were orally administered WHF 41.2 g/(kg·d) once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The other three groups received no intervention. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by ELISA. HE staining was used to count the numbers of various stages of follicles. Ovarian hyaluronic acid (HA) content and collagen fiber content were measured to evaluate the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. Superovulation was performed to observe the number of eggs obtained, as well as the number of offspring and birth weight to assess fertility. The in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture of oocytes from female offspring in each group were observed to evaluate the effect of WHF on offspring reproductive potential. ResultsCompared with the 3-month group, the 6-month group and 9-month group showed significantly decreased serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased ovarian collagen content, and reduced numbers of primordial and secondary follicles. In contrast, the numbers of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles increased. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian HA content, and the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the 6-month group, the 6-month + WHF group showed significantly reduced serum levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH, with a significant decrease in primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles as well as increase of AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, and offspring birth weight (P<0.05). Compared with the 9-month group, the 9-month + WHF group exhibited reduced GnRH, FSH, and collagen fiber content, as well as reduced number of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles. However, AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, offspring numbers, birth weight, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring all significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWHF can significantly improve the ovarian reserve, fertility, and reproductive potential in offspring during reproductive mid-life and late-life stages. Its effect may be related to the remodeling of the mechanical microenvironment of aging ovaries. Moreover, the effect on the mechanical microenvironment remodeling of late-stage ovaries and the improvement of the offspring reproductive potential is more significant.
2.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
3.Assessment and discussion of quality monitoring data for red blood cell preparations
Yun QING ; Huayou DAI ; Junhong YANG ; Qian XU ; Siqi WU ; Yunbo TIAN ; Xia HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):227-232
[Objective] To assess the data characteristics of quality monitoring indicators for red blood cell (RBC) preparations, so as to provide reference for continuous improvement of blood quality. [Methods] The quality inspection data of 6 types of RBC preparations from Chongqing blood center from 2019 to 2023 were summarized. For the same indicators, the numerical range of quality indicators was monitored by comparing different types of preparations with the national standard GB18469. The loss and/or damage to RBCs caused by different preparation process were compared, and the impact of different preparation processes on the quality of RBCs was discussed. [Results] The appearance and sterility test compliance rates of the six types of RBC preparations were both 100%, while the compliance rates of other items were all ≥75%. The compliance rate of hematocrit for suspended RBCs was the lowest at 75%, with a median of 0.52, which was close to the lower limit of GB18469, while the medians of hematocrit for the other types were all at the midline level of GB18469. The Hb content for different types of RBCs was significantly higher than the corresponding requirements of GB18469 (P<0.05). The hemolysis rate at the end of storage for different types of RBCs was significantly lower than the requirements of GB18469 (P<0.05). The 1 U leukoreduction process resulted in a hemoglobin content loss of about 5% and had a significant impact on the hemolysis rate at the end of storage (P<0.05). The washing process resulted in a hemoglobin content loss of <3% and had no significant impact on the hemolysis rate at the end of storage (P>0.05). The concentration process resulted in a hemoglobin content loss of <3% and had a significant impact on the hemolysis rate at the end of storage (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The impact of different processes on RBC preparations is within a controllable range and meets the requirements of GB18469. The quality monitoring data can provide a reference for clinical blood selection, effectiveness evaluation and revision of related standards.
4.Mechanisms by which microgravity causes osteoporosis
Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Shenghong WANG ; Changshun CHEN ; Cong TIAN ; Zhenxing YAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2132-2140
BACKGROUND:The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation in microgravity environments leads to significant bone loss in astronauts.Current research indicates that bone loss under microgravity conditions is the result of the combined effects of various cells,tissues,and systems. OBJECTIVE:To review different biological effects of microgravity on various cells,tissues,or systems,and summarize the mechanisms by which microgravity leads to the development of osteoporosis. METHODS:Databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Database were searched for relevant literature from 2000 to 2023.The inclusion criteria were all articles related to tissue engineering studies and basic research on osteoporosis caused by microgravity.Ultimately,85 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In microgravity environment,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells tend to differentiate more into adipocytes rather than osteoblasts,and hematopoietic stem cells in this environment are more inclined to differentiate into osteoclasts,reducing differentiation into the erythroid lineage.At the same time,microgravity inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,promotes apoptosis of osteoblasts,alters cell morphology,and reduces the mineralization capacity of osteoblasts.Microgravity significantly increases the number and activity of osteoclasts.Microgravity also hinders the differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes and promotes the apoptosis of osteocytes.(2)In a microgravity environment,the body experiences changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,microvascular remodeling,bone microcirculation disorders,and endocrine disruption.These changes lead to mechanical unloading in the bone microenvironment,insufficient blood perfusion,and calcium cycle disorders,which significantly impact the development of osteoporosis.(3)At present,the mechanism by which microgravity causes osteoporosis is relatively complex.A deeper study of these physiological mechanisms is crucial to ensuring the health of astronauts during long-term space missions,and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
5.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
9.Correlation Between Cardiovascular Events and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Cross-Sectional Study
Fuyuan ZHANG ; Quan JIANG ; Jun LI ; Yuchen YANG ; Xieli MA ; Tian CHANG ; Congmin XIA ; Jian WANG ; Xun GONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1572-1578
ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between the occurrence of cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome. MethodsThe cross-sectional study selected 6713 RA patients from 122 centres nationwide, in which general information such as name, gender, age, height, body weight, and course of disease were collected by completing a questionnaire; patients were classified into eight types of syndrome according to the information of their four examinations,i.e. wind-dampness obstruction syndrome, cold-dampness obstruction syndrome, dampness-heat obstruction syndrome, phlegm-stasis obstruction syndrome, stasis-blood obstructing collateral syndrome, qi-blood deficiency syndrome, liver-kidney insufficiency syndrome, and qi-yin deficiency syndrome. According to the occurrence of cardiovascular events, they were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group, and the condition assessment data and laboratory examination indexes were recorded. The test of difference between groups was used to analyse the possible risk factors for the occurrence of RA cardiovascular events, and binary logistic regression was used to analyse the correlation between TCM syndromes and RA cardiovascular events. ResultsA total of 6713 RA patients were included, including 256 cases in occurrence group and 6457 in non-occurrence group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of height, gender, insomnia, appetite, white blood cell(WBC), hemoglobin(HGB), platelets(PLT), rheumatoid factor(RF), anti-cyclic peptide containing citrulline(CCP), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT), urea creatinine(CREA), and glucose(GLU)(P>0.05). The TCM syndromes between groups showed significant statistic differences(P<0.05). Patients in occurrence group had longer disease duration, heavier body weight, and older age; more severe conditions such as disease activity(DAS-28), number of painful joints(TJC), number of swollen joints(SJC), health questionnaire scores(HAQ), visual analog scores(VAS), restlessness, and fatigue; higher blood sedimentation rate(ESR), low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C), triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), D-Dimer, and lower high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C)(P<0.05). The distribution of syndrome types showed that dampness-heat obstruction syndrome accounted for the largest proportion of patients in both groups and was higher in RA cardiovascular events. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of RA cardiovascular events was strongly associated with dampness-heat obstruction syndrome[OR=5.937, 95%CI (4.434, 7.949), P<0.001]. ConclusionThe occurrence of RA cardiovascular events were associated with TCM syndromes, and the probability of cardiovascular events in the RA patients with dampness-heat obstruction syndrome was 5.937 times higher than patients with other TCM syndromes.
10.Application of Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry Technology Combined with Chemometric Methods in Identification of Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan Region
Xiurong TIAN ; Hao WANG ; Kejing PANG ; Penglong YU ; Xia LIU ; Mengyue SHEN ; Xianglin JIANG ; Yonghua LI ; Zhihong LI ; Hongqiong DING ; Qin YANG ; Xingying LI ; Qian XIONG ; Guochao WAN ; Yuexiang MA ; Zhenping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):184-192
ObjectiveTo establish a geographical origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan, providing a new technical reference for the protection of Haiyuan's geo-authentic medicinal materials and its designation as a national geographical indication agricultural product. MethodsSamples of Foeniculi Fructus were collected from eight producing areas, including Minqin (Gansu), Bozhou (Anhui), Qingdao (Shandong), Dezhou (Shandong), Urumqi (Xinjiang), Nujiang (Yunnan), Gutuo (Inner Mongolia), and Haiyuan (Ningxia). Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in samples from these geographic origins. VOCs were qualitatively analyzed through dual matching with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectral database and the IMS drift time database. Using the Reporter module and Gallery Plot visualization tools within the LAV analytical platform, VOC fingerprint profiles characterizing geographic origins were constructed. A non-targeted analytical strategy was adopted, and 97 VOCs detected via GC-IMS were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on their differential distribution patterns to construct an origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan region. Key discriminative markers were screened using variable importance in projection (VIP) values greater than 1. ResultsA total of 97 VOCs were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, organic acids, terpenoids, ethers, alkenes, and benzenes. The PLS-DA model, based on VOCs data obtained by GC-IMS, effectively distinguished Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from those of other origins. During cross-validation, the model achieved a prediction parameter (Q2) of 0.976 and a goodness-of-fit parameter (R2) of 0.936, with no overfitting observed in permutation testing. Twelve key flavor markers with VIP > 1 were identified as characteristic indicators of Haiyuan origin. ConclusionA stable and highly predictive origin identification model for Foeniculi Fructus from Haiyuan was successfully established using GC-IMS technology, PLS-DA, and VIP-based marker screening. This model provides a novel technical strategy for accurately distinguishing Foeniculi Fructus in Haiyuan region from other regional varieties and offers new technical support for its protection as a geo-authentic medicinal material and a nationally designated geographical indication agricultural product in China.

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