1.Protective effects and mechanisms of luteolin on vascular injury induced by polystyrene microplastics
Deyu ZHU ; Qi HUANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Zhuangzhuang WEI ; Xinyu BAO ; Ping MA ; Yang WU ; Cuiyu BAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):432-438
ObjectiveTo explore the vascular endothelial injury in male mice caused by exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and the intervention effect of luteolin on vascular remodeling. Additionally, to investigate the mechanism through the oxidative system and metabolomics. MethodsThirty-two C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were randomly divided into the saline group (saline group), the 0.1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group (0.1PS-MPs group), the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group (1PS-MPs group), and the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs + luteolin treatment group (1PS-MPs + Lut group), with 8 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the body weight, blood pressure, aortic organ coefficient, and aortic histopathological changes of mice in each group were detected; the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) lipid metabolism-related indicators in the aorta of mice were detected; the reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) oxidative stress-related indicators were detected; the endothelin (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1/CD106), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1/CD54) endothelial function-related indicators and serum metabolomics were detected. ResultsCompared to the saline group, exposure to PS-MPs resulted in pathological thickening of the mouse aorta, increased aortic organ coefficient, and elevated blood pressure. Lipid metabolism-related indicators, including TC and TG, were elevated, while HDL-C was reduced, indicating lipid metabolism disorder in mice. Oxidative stress markers such as ROS and MDA increased, whereas GSH decreased, demonstrating oxidative damage. Vascular endothelial inflammation and injury markers, including ET-1, VEGF-A, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1, were upregulated, while the vasodilatory substance NO was downregulated, confirming endothelial injury. Furthermore, serum metabolomics results revealed that PS-MPs exposure induced endothelial damage by disrupting metabolic pathways such as the citrate cycle. Compared to the PS-MPs group, luteolin significantly reversed these effects, attenuating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders, and effectively repairing endothelial injury. ConclusionPS-MPs induce vascular toxicity through oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Luteolin effectively alleviates endothelial damage and vascular remodeling.
2.Optimization of cellulase-assisted ultrasound extraction process for total flavonoids from Plumbago zeylanica and evaluation of their anti-oxidant activity
Xiao-lu GAO ; Wen-de CHENG ; Yue-yuan WEN ; Shang-ping XING ; Cheng SHI ; Dan ZHU ; Ya-nan XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3580-3585
AIM To optimize the cellulase-assisted ultrasound extraction process for total flavonoids from Plumbago zeylanica L.,and to evaluate their anti-oxidant activity.METHODS With extraction time,liquid-solid ratio,cellulase addition amount,extraction temperature and ultrasonic power as influencing factors,extraction rate of total flavonoids as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by response surface method on the basis of single factor test.Subsequently,The scavenging rates of extract on DPPH,ABTS and OH free radicals were determined.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 34∶1 for liquid-solid ratio,3%for cellulase addition amount,51 ℃ for extraction temperature,38 min for extraction time,and 400 W for ultrasonic power,the extraction rate of total flavonoids was(33.411±0.97)%.The IC50 values of three free radicals were 0.13,0.042,3.29 mg/mL,respectively.CONCLUSION This reasonable and reliable method can be used for the cellulase-assisted ultrasound extraction of total flavonoids from P.zeylanica with strong anti-oxidant activity.
3.Application of cognitive interview in cultural adaptation of the prenatal physical activity dual screening questionnaire
Fang-ping XU ; Zhi-zhen LI ; Hua TAO ; Li-ping SUN ; Xiao-jiao WANG ; Xin-li ZHU ; Chun-yi GU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):297-300,304
To explore the understanding of the target population regarding the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy(GAQ-P)and the Companion Health Care Provider Consultation Form for Prenatal Physical Activity(cHCP-CF-PPA)in the Chinese context,and to verify the consistency of the Chinese version of the prenatal physical activity dual screening questionnaire with the original version in terms of language expression,27 pregnant women and 12 healthcare providers were selected from Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University during Aug and Oct 2023,and were interviewed using purposive sampling.Two rounds of cognitive interviews were conducted.The first round revealed that some respondents experienced ambiguities in understanding the meanings of 5 items in the questionnaire.Following modifications,the second round indicated that the revised items were consistent in meaning with the original questionnaire.Cognitive interviews can facilitate the adaptation of the prenatal physical activity dual screening questionnaire to the Chinese cultural context,improve the understanding of the questionnaire items among the target population,and promote the localization of the screening tool.
4.Mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification
Zi-ru LIU ; Zhu-yun SUN ; Ping-liang GE ; Ran SHI ; Xiao-yun LIU ; Dong-xue YE ; Guo-ying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1167-1176
Aim To explore the mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lym-phoblastic leukemia(ALL)based on network pharma-cology and in vitro experiments.Methods The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the suitable conditions for heat stimulation to interfere ALL cell lines Jurkat,CCRF-CEM,Hut-78 and a normal lymphocyte HMy2.CIR,and the effects of baicalin combined with heat stimulation on the proliferation of three ALL cell lines and a normal lymphocyte were tested.The key targets of baicalin combined with fever stimulation for the treatment of ALL were obtained based on network phar-macological analysis,and the potential mechanisms were predicted by gene ontology(GO)annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)en-richment.The expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,TYMS and CASP3 mRNA in ALL cell lines Jurkat and CCRF-CEM were examined by RT-qPCR with baicalin alone and baicalin combined with heat stimulation.Results The optimal conditions for heat stimulation to intervene ALL cells were 41 ℃ for 24 h,and heat stimulation combined with baicalin synergistically inhibited the growth of ALL cell lines and effectively reduced the cy-totoxicity of baicalin.Based on the network pharmaco-logical analysis,55 intersecting targets of baicalin with ALL diseases and 77 intersecting targets of baicalin with fever were obtained.The results of GO annotation and KEGG enrichment suggested that baicalin com-bined with fever stimulation to intervene ALL might be associated with influencing intracellular reactive oxygen species metabolism,DNA transcription and apoptotic processes involved in cysteine enzymes.Apoptosis,TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways were the key pathways for baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating ALL.Under heat stimulation at 41 ℃ using SDHA gene as housekeeping gene,in vitro experiments showed that baicalin significantly up-regulated the expression of TNF-α and CASP3,and down-regulated the expression of TYMS in ALL cells.Conclusions Based on net-work pharmacologic analyses and in vitro experiments,baicalin combined with heat stimulation can regulate TNF-α and CASP3 gene levels in ALL cells and de-stroy cellular structure to promote cell apoptosis,thus synergistically treating ALL.
5.Mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction reducing inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis based on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Min-chao FENG ; Kun-rong LIU ; Ying BAN ; Pan SU ; Chuan-feng XUAN ; Xiao-yi HUANG ; De-wen LI ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):978-984
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qingjie Huagong decoction in modulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis(AP)mice.Methods Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into Blank group,Model group,Ustekin group,and Qingjie Hua-gong decoction group,with six mice in each group.The AP model was prepared by using rain frogin.Serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α lev-els were detected by ELISA;the pancreatic pathology was detected by HE staining;the expressions of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNAs were de-tected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed obvious pathological damage to the pancreas,with significantly higher serum α-AMS,PN-LP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01),and significantly higher levels of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the Qingjie Huagong decoction group and the ustekin group improved the histopathological changes in the pancreas of AP mice,decreased the serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,and down-reg-ulated the expression levels of pancreatic PI3K,AKT,NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Qingjie Huagong decoction may inhibit the inflammatory response and protect pancreat-ic tissues by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Mechanism by which sanguis draconis flavones regulating ROS/TXNIP pathway-mediated pyroptosis to ameliorate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Chao-Xia ZHU ; Zhi-Ying LI ; Xiao-Fei LÜ ; Qian ZHAO ; Bao-Cang CHENG ; Hui-Jie YANG ; Li-Ping ZHOU ; Li-Min ZENG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(6):673-680
Objective To explore the mechanism by which the sanguis draconis flavones(SDF)regulates the reactive oxygen species(ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)pathway to mediate cell pyroptosis and improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)in rats.Methods The experimental rats were randomly divided into the control group(Ctrl),the CIRI group,the low-dose SDF group(SDF-L),the high-dose SDF group(SDF-H),and the SDF-H+ROS/TXNIP pathway activator,trimethylamine oxide(TMAO)group(SDF-H+TMAO).Among them,except for the control group,the remaining rats all needed to establish the CIRI rat model by the modified suture method.Zea Longa scoring was performed on rats from each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and oxidative stress-related factors superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px).Flow cytometry was used to measure the ROS levels.Cerebral edema was detected.Cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of brain tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of pyrolytic effector protein dermolin D(GSDMD).Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the ROS/TXNIP pathway.Results Compared with the control group,a large area of cerebral infarctions were observed in the brain tissue of the CIRI group,accompanied by mild hemorrhage and obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells.Neuronal cells underwent degeneration and necrosis,with sparse and disordered arrangement.The phenomena of nuclear condensation and nucleolus lysis were obvious.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-related punctate protein(ASC),and Caspase-1 increased,while the activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the CIRI group,the pathological damage of brain tissues in the SDF-L group and the SDF-H group was significantly improved.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 decreased.The activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased(P<0.05);TMAO treatment partially reversed the improvement effect of SDF on CIRI in rats.Conclusion SDF ameliorates cerebral CIRI in rats by inhibiting ROS/TXNIP pathway-mediated pyroptosis.
7.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
8.Mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction reducing inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis based on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Min-chao FENG ; Kun-rong LIU ; Ying BAN ; Pan SU ; Chuan-feng XUAN ; Xiao-yi HUANG ; De-wen LI ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):978-984
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qingjie Huagong decoction in modulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis(AP)mice.Methods Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into Blank group,Model group,Ustekin group,and Qingjie Hua-gong decoction group,with six mice in each group.The AP model was prepared by using rain frogin.Serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α lev-els were detected by ELISA;the pancreatic pathology was detected by HE staining;the expressions of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNAs were de-tected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed obvious pathological damage to the pancreas,with significantly higher serum α-AMS,PN-LP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01),and significantly higher levels of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the Qingjie Huagong decoction group and the ustekin group improved the histopathological changes in the pancreas of AP mice,decreased the serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,and down-reg-ulated the expression levels of pancreatic PI3K,AKT,NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Qingjie Huagong decoction may inhibit the inflammatory response and protect pancreat-ic tissues by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Isolation,identification,and biological characterization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from a South China tiger
Jing-ru XU ; Zhi-hao ZHU ; Yu-qi LI ; Si-si FAN ; Ya-li KANG ; Yu-bin ZHUO ; Ling-shan HUANG ; Shu-qi QIU ; XUE-YUXI ; Xiao-ping WU ; Yu-ting LIAO ; Wei-ye LIN ; Xiao-ziyi XIAO ; Xue-jin LI ; Teng-teng CHEN ; Xi-pan LIN ; Kai-xiong LIN ; Ke-wei FAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):567-573
This study was aimed at identifying the pathogenic bacteria responsible for the death of a young tiger at the Fujian Meihua Mountain South China Tiger Breeding Research Institute.Tissue samples from the lungs,liver,and intestines of the deceased tiger were collected,and the bacteria were cultured inasterile environment.The bacterial strains were characterized according to their morphological and molecular biological properties,including assessment of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes,mouse lethality tests,and antibiotic susceptibility evaluations.A predominant bacterial strain isolated from the liver of the deceased tiger was identified as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)strain Tiger22513F.Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the Tiger22513F strain exhibited close genetic similarity to the reference strain ETEC(MF919609.1),with 99.9%nucleotide similarity,and resided on the same evolutionary branch.The Tiger22513F strain contained 11 antibiotic resistance genes(tetA,sul1,sul3,cmlA,floR,blaTEM,blaSHV,blaCMY-2,qnrA,qnrS,and qnrD)along with five virulence genes(VT1,fyuA,tsh,iucD,and ST).Mouse lethality tests indicated significant pathogenicity toward mice,affecting primarily the lungs,liver,and intestines.Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that this strain exhibited resistance to various classes of beta-lactam antibiotics,as well as quinolones and aminoglycosides.This investigation successfully isolated a multi-drug resistant enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain with pronounced pathogenicity from the liver of a deceased tiger;thus providing valuable scientific insights for clinical diagnosis,as well as prevention and control measures,against ETEC infections in South China tigers.
10.Effect of endometrial thickness on obstetric and neonatal outcomes of monoparous pregnancy in fresh cleavage-embryo transfer
Li-juan SUN ; Jia-ping PAN ; Shan-shan LIANG ; Mei-yuan HUANG ; Kai-li ZHU ; Xiao-ming TENG ; Hai-xia WU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(1):63-70
Objective To investigate the association of endometrial thickness(EMT)with obstetric and neonatal outcomes of monoparous pregnancy in fresh cleavage embryos transfer.Methods A total of 1 845 patients of monoparous pregnancy after fresh cleavage embryos transfer cycles from Jan 2016 to Mar 2022 at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital,Tongji Universtiy were analyzed retrospectively.Patients were categorized into three groups by EMT on transferation day:≤8 mm(group A),8-14 mm(group B)and≥14 mm(group C).The primary outcomes were preterm birth(PTB),birth weight and birth weight z-score,small-for-gestation age,large-for-gestation age,very low birth weight,low birth weight and macrosomia.The second outcomes were pregnancy and perinatal complications.The relationship between EMT and adverse neonatal outcomes was estimated by Logistic regression analysis.Results The rate of ectopic pregnancy was increased significantly in group A.No significant differences were found among the three groups in gestation age,birth weight,birth weight z-score,PTB,small for gestation age,large for gestation age,low birth weight,very low birth weight and macrosomia.Compared with group B,the odds of adverse neonatal outcomes did not show significant differences before and after adjustment in both group A and group C by Logistic regression analysis.Conclusion Thinner EMT in fresh cleavage embryos transfer is associated with higher rate of ectopic pregnancy,while it is not independently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.

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