1.Animal Models of Functional Constipation: A Review
Youcheng HE ; Shijin LIN ; Fengru JIANG ; Sihan LI ; Xiao KE ; Wenrong WANG ; Jianye YUAN ; Minghan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):196-209
Functional constipation (FC) is a clinically common functional bowel disorder characterized by a protracted course and associations with various chronic disorders and psychological abnormalities. Although not life-threatening, FC significantly impairs patients' quality of life. FC subtypes include slow-transit constipation (STC), defecatory disorder (DD), and normal-transit constipation (NTC). The pathological mechanisms underlying FC have not been fully elucidated, and overall clinical efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Animal models of FC serve as essential tools for the study of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutics. This article systematically reviews the current state of research on the animal models of FC and identifies that rodents, particularly rats and mice, are the most commonly used species. Dogs and pigs are also employed in complex intervention studies due to their physiological similarities to humans, though their use is limited by housing challenges and ethical considerations. Induction methods vary across different FC subtypes. STC models are primarily established with chemical agents such as loperamide or compound diphenoxylate. DD modeling often involves low-fiber diets combined with methylene blue injection or rectal narrowing. NTC modeling mainly relies on low-fiber dietary interventions. In addition, disease-syndrome combination models based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory have been developed, encompassing excess patterns such as heat accumulation, cold accumulation, and Qi stagnation, as well as deficiency patterns including Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency. These are achieved through an approach of disease model + syndrome induction, enabling the integration of mechanisms from both Western and TCM perspectives. Models are evaluated from two aspects: disease and syndrome manifestations (e.g., colonic transit, secretory function, and TCM syndrome indicators such as mental state and body weight) and disease mechanisms (e.g., enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal, smooth muscle cells, gut microbiota, and metabolites). However, current research still faces challenges such as poor consistency in some models, non-specific interference in mechanism interpretation, insufficient studies on NTC, and lack of TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis in evaluation. Future efforts should focus on optimizing model stability and specificity to provide a more reliable experimental basis for investigating the pathological mechanisms of FC and developing therapeutic agents.
2.Astragaloside Ⅳ alleviates D-galactose-induced cardiomyocytes senescence and apoptosis by inhibiting the STING pathway
Wenyu GUO ; Jiajia GAO ; Weili DUAN ; Huanjun RUAN ; Yulang HUANG ; Kemei WANG ; Xiao KE
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(1):133-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cardiomyocytes senescence and its potential mechanisms. MethodsUsing H9C2 cardiomyocytes as a model, D-gal was used to induce cardiomyocyte senescence. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, senescenceextent was evaluated via β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured to assess intracellular oxidative stress, apoptosis extent was determined using the TUNEL assay, and qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to examine the expression levels of senescence-related genes and proteins (p21、p53) and key genes (STING, CXCL10, and MX-1) and proteins (STING, cGAS, p-IRF3/IRF3) of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. ResultsThe 50 g/L D-gal significantly reduced myocardial cell viability, increased SA-β-Gal positivity, apoptosis rate, and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and upregulated the expression of p16, p21, and STING, cGAS, p-IRF3/IRF3 pathway proteins (P< 0.05); After intervention with 200 μmol/L of AS-Ⅳ, cell viability was significantly enhanced, the SA-β-Gal-positive rate decreased, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels decreased, oxidative stress damage was alleviated, myocardial cell apoptosis was inhibited, and the mRNA and protein levels of aging-related p21 and p53 were downregulated (P<0.05). Further detection of STING pathway-related molecules showed that 200 μmol/L of AS-IV inhibited D-galactose-induced STING mRNA and protein expression and reduced p-IRF3/IRF3 protein expression levels, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR and Western blot results. However, the SA-β-Gal positivity rate, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA damage results, and Western blot findings suggested that the STING agonist (STING agonist-7) could reverse the ameliorative effects of AS-Ⅳ on D-galactose-induced cardiomyocytes senescence. ConclusionAS-Ⅳ may mitigate D-gal-induced cardiomyocytes senescence by inhibiting STING pathway activation, providinga new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular senescence-related diseases.
3.Multidisciplinary expert consensus on weight management for overweight and obese children and adolescents based on healthy lifestyle
HONG Ping, MA Yuguo, TAO Fangbiao, XU Yajun, ZHANG Qian, HU Liang, WEI Gaoxia, YANG Yuexin, QIAN Junwei, HOU Xiao, ZHANG Yimin, SUN Tingting, XI Bo, DONG Xiaosheng, MA Jun, SONG Yi, WANG Haijun, HE Gang, CHEN Runsen, LIU Jingmin, HUANG Zhijian, HU Guopeng, QIAN Jinghua, BAO Ke, LI Xuemei, ZHU Dan, FENG Junpeng, SHA Mo, Chinese Association for Student Nutrition & ; Health Promotion, Key Laboratory of Sports and Physical Fitness of the Ministry of Education,〖JZ〗 Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Key Core Technical Integration System and Equipment,〖JZ〗 Key Laboratory of Exercise Rehabilitation Science of the Ministry of Education
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1673-1680
Abstract
In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen rapidly, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health. To provide scientific, systematic, and standardized weight management guidance for overweight and obese children and adolescents, the study focuses on the core concept of healthy lifestyle intervention, integrates multidisciplinary expert opinions and research findings,and proposes a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention framework covering scientific exercise intervention, precise nutrition and diet, optimized sleep management, and standardized psychological support. It calls for the establishment of a multi agent collaborative management mechanism led by the government, implemented by families, fostered by schools, initiated by individuals, optimized by communities, reinforced by healthcare, and coordinated by multiple stakeholders. Emphasizing a child and adolescent centered approach, the consensus advocates for comprehensive, multi level, and personalized guidance strategies to promote the internalization and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It serves as a reference and provides recommendations for the effective prevention and control of overweight and obesity, and enhancing the health level of children and adolescents.
4.Investigation of fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease and establishment and validation of a nomogram prediction model based on LASSO regression
Haiqiong HU ; Lixia LI ; Yu SHAO ; Yuanyuan HUANG ; Fajun XIAO ; Ke XIA
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(10):1338-1344
Objective:To investigate the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease and establish and validate a prediction model.Methods:We selected 372 patients with Parkinson's disease at Sichuan Nanchong Mental Health Centre from January 2022 to Septem-ber 2023.The patients were divided in a 7:3 ratio into model group(260 cases)and validation group(112 cases).According to previ-ous literature and suspected factors found in clinical practice,we collected general information(sex,age,etc.)and disease-related factors(the duration of Parkinson's disease,the type of medications taken,etc.)that may be associated with falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.In the model group,between patients with and those without falls within 1 year as reported by the patients or their family members,potential predictors for falls were determined through comparison of general information and disease-related factors,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression,and multivariable logistic regression.Based on the significant factors,a nomogram model was established and validated.Results:In the model group,81(31.15%)of the 260 patients experienced falls.According to the LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression results,alcohol consumption,the type of medications,the score of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part Ⅲ(UPDRS-Ⅲ),the Berg Balance Scale score,the presence of arthritis,and the presence of osteoporosis were independent factors influenc-ing falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.The area under curve(AUC)of the receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC)for pre-dicting the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease was 0.896(95%CI=0.856-0.935)in the model group and 0.883(95%CI=0.840-0.926)in the validation group.The calibration curve analysis results showed that the prediction curves of the model and valida-tion groups closely fitted the standard curves.The decision curve analysis results indicated that when the probability threshold for pre-dicting the fall risk in Parkinson's disease using the nomogram was 0.10-0.90,the net benefit rate of the patients was greater than 0.Conclusion:The risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease are mainly influenced by factors such as alcohol consumption and the type of medications.The nomogram model established in this study can be used to predict the fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease.
5.Anti-inflammatory mechanism of Juhongtai formula granules in improving acute lung injury in rats based on component-target-pathway analysis
Fangyu LIANG ; Yulei CHEN ; Leilei CHEN ; Jingjing YU ; Fengping HUANG ; Ke HUANG ; Fengxia XIAO
Immunological Journal 2025;41(8):541-550
Objective To investigate the key targets and pathways of Juhongtai formula granules in improving acute lung injury(ALI).Methods Juhongtai formula granules and their drug-containing serum components were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS,and the active ingredients were screened based on the"Lipinski Rule of Five".The action targets of the above active ingredients were obtained through the TCMSP,Swiss Target Prediction and SuperPred databases,and the ALI-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards,OMIM,PharmGKB,CTD databases and GEO chip.The target protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database and Cytoscape to analyze the key targets.The DAVID database was used for GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,and the CB-dock2 platform was used for molecular docking verification.After one week of adaptive feeding,the experimental SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the positive control group,the negative control group and the Juhongtai formula granules group,with 6 rats in each group.The rat model of ALI was replicated by tracheal infusion of lipopolysaccharide.The pathological morphology of lung tissues in each group of rats was observed by HE staining,and the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1 β(IL-1β)and nitric oxide were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Results In total,44 components of the Juhongtai formula granules were identified,including 26 drug-containing serum components,and 21 key compounds were screened.A total of 22 intersection targets were obtained.The pathway enrichment results indicated the action of these targets on the advanced glycation end product receptor(AGE-RAGE)and TNF signaling pathways.The docking results showed that limonin,kaempferol and naringenin could be matched with prostaglandin peroxidase 2,nitric oxide synthase 2 and TNF.Animal experiments confirmed that the Juhongtai formula granules can alleviate inflammatory infiltration in lung tissue and reduce the expressions of TNF-α,IL6,IL-1β mRNA and nitric oxide.Conclusion Juhongtai formula granules can inhibit ALI-related inflammatory targets through the synergistic effects of multiple components such as limonin and kaempferol,regulate signaling pathways such as AGE-RAGE and TNF,reduce the production of inflammatory factors and nitric oxide,and improve ALI.
6.Gender Differences in Depression:Mechanistic Insights from Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine and Advances in Antidepressant Research
Hao-quan TIAN ; Jin PAN ; Lu-si XU ; Xiao-yan XUE ; Qian-cheng MAO ; Liu-xuan HUANG ; Ying-ying ZHU ; Ke MA
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2231-2240,2153
Depression is a highly heterogeneous psychiatric disorder with complex pathogenesis influenced by the interplay of biological,psychological,and social-environmental factors.Based on the 2021 edition of the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders,which explicitly identify gender as a significant risk factor for depression onset,this paper systematically reviews the gender-differentiated pathogenesis and therapeutic advances in depression from both traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medical perspectives.In Western medicine,a large number of studies have demonstrated the sex-specific mechanism of estrogen/testosterone fluctuations and monoamine transmitter system regulation.While in TCM,although the constitution theory proposes that there are significant gender differences in congenital constitution and that qi depression and qi deficiency are associated with susceptibility to depression,current evidence primarily relies on cross-sectional surveys and lacks validation through high-quality RCTs.Compared with Western medicine,the direct research on gender-differentiated antidepressant effects in TCM remains relatively underdeveloped.In future study,it may be possible to deepen and improve the research on anti-depression in TCM from the biological markers of particular constitutions in the gender dimension.This paper advocates establishing a bio-psycho-social integrated intervention model,advancing mechanistic exploration through prospective cohort studies and multi-omics technologies,and promoting precision diagnosis and treatment systems based on gender differences,and to form a three-dimensional diagnosis and treatment and research system that covers biomarkers,social role assessment,and TCM constitution identification,in order to provide a new theoretical framework and a practical pathway for the precise medical treatment of depression.
7.Functional mechanism of Qushi Huoxue decoction in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Wei-qiang TAN ; Xiao-ke RAN ; Zhao-quan PAN ; Xu-dong LIU ; Ye-huang WEI ; Xiao-qian GONG ; Rong-rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1761-1768
Aim To verify the therapeutic effect of the Qushi Huoxue decoction(QSHXF)on a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)using network pharmacology and experimental approaches,to examine the changes in the PI3K-AKT-lipid metabo-lism signaling pathway,and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms.Methods The potential active ingredi-ents and targets of the QSHXF were identified using the TCMSP platform.NAFLD-related genes were sourced from the GeneCards,PharmGkb,TTD,and OMIM data-bases.The intersection of drug targets and NAFLD treatment targets was analyzed to identify the key tar-gets of the QSHXF in treating NAFLD.The STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software were utilized to construct networks linking traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients to disease targets and PPI networks,allowing for the screening of key active ingredients and core targets.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the intersecting targets were conducted using R version 4.2.2.The NAFLD model was established by feeding mice a methionine-choline deficient diet for a duration of five weeks.Following successful modeling,low,me-dium,and high doses of the QSHXF were administered for intervention over a period of six weeks.The efficacy was verified and the underlying mechanisms were ex-plored using methods such as HE staining,Oil Red O staining,and Western blot analysis.Results The net-work pharmacology prediction indicated that QSHXF might effectively treat NAFLD through key components such as quercetin and kaempferol,as well as core tar-gets including STAT3,AKT1,and HIF1A.KEGG en-richment analysis further suggested that QSHXF might exert its therapeutic effects on NAFLD via signaling pathways such as AGE-RAGE and PI3K-AKT.Verifi-cation through animal experiments demonstrated that QSHXF could significantly reduce hepatic steatosis and lipid droplet accumulation in NAFLD mice.Specifical-ly,it markedly decreased serum levels of TC,TG,ALT,AST,and LDL,while increasing HDL levels.Addition-ally,the treatment significantly reduced the protein ex-pression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,SREBP-1c,FASN,and ACC1 in the liver.Conclusions QSHXF can sig-nificantly enhance liver function,improve blood lipid levels,and alleviate hepatic steatosis in NAFLD mice,with its mechanism potentially linked to the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-lipid metabolism signaling pathway.
8.Empagliflozin alleviates ox-LDL-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by inhibiting the EGFR signaling pathway
Jiangtao LI ; Debao ZHANG ; Junyu CHEN ; Xiao KE ; Yulang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(9):772-780
Aim To investigate the protective and reparative effect of empagliflozin on oxidized-low density lipo-protein(ox-LDL)-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)and its mechanism of action.Methods Primary HUVEC were cultured in vitro.ox-LDL was used to induce HUVEC injury model,and the cell sur-vival rate was measured by CCK-8 assay.EDU method was used to detect cell proliferation.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Ki-67,Bcl-2,cleaved Caspase-3,Bax,endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM-1)and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in HUVEC.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necro-sis factor-α(TNF-α)in HUVEC.Using Swiss targets,GeneCards databases,gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclope-dia of genes and genomes(KEGG),protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis,and ClickDocking(https://mcule.com/apps/1-click-docking/)to predict the target of empagliflozin.Results CCK-8 results showed that 0.025 μmol/L empagliflozin significantly alleviated ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury(P<0.01).EDU results showed that ox-LDL treatment for 24 h significantly inhibited the proliferation of HUVEC(P<0.01),while empagliflozin treatment sig-nificantly alleviated the inhibition of cell proliferation(P<0.01).The results of Western blot showed ox-LDL treatment significantly decreased the protein expression levels of Ki-67,Bcl-2,and eNOS,and increased the protein expression levels ofcleaved Caspase-3,Bax,ICAM-1,and VCAM-1 in HUVEC(all P<0.05).However,empagliflozin treatment reversed these changes(all P<0.05).RT-qPCR results showed that ox-LDL treatment increased the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in HUVEC(P<0.01),while empagliflozin treatment decreased their expression levels(P<0.05).However,after adding EGFR agonist NSC 228155,the protective effect of empagliflozin against ox-LDL-mediated HUVEC injury was significantly reversed(P<0.05).Conclusion Empagliflozin can significantly reduce ox-LDL-in-duced HUVEC injury,which may be related to EGFR signaling pathway.
9.Empagliflozin alleviates ox-LDL-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by inhibiting the EGFR signaling pathway
Jiangtao LI ; Debao ZHANG ; Junyu CHEN ; Xiao KE ; Yulang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(9):772-780
Aim To investigate the protective and reparative effect of empagliflozin on oxidized-low density lipo-protein(ox-LDL)-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)and its mechanism of action.Methods Primary HUVEC were cultured in vitro.ox-LDL was used to induce HUVEC injury model,and the cell sur-vival rate was measured by CCK-8 assay.EDU method was used to detect cell proliferation.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Ki-67,Bcl-2,cleaved Caspase-3,Bax,endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM-1)and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in HUVEC.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necro-sis factor-α(TNF-α)in HUVEC.Using Swiss targets,GeneCards databases,gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclope-dia of genes and genomes(KEGG),protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis,and ClickDocking(https://mcule.com/apps/1-click-docking/)to predict the target of empagliflozin.Results CCK-8 results showed that 0.025 μmol/L empagliflozin significantly alleviated ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury(P<0.01).EDU results showed that ox-LDL treatment for 24 h significantly inhibited the proliferation of HUVEC(P<0.01),while empagliflozin treatment sig-nificantly alleviated the inhibition of cell proliferation(P<0.01).The results of Western blot showed ox-LDL treatment significantly decreased the protein expression levels of Ki-67,Bcl-2,and eNOS,and increased the protein expression levels ofcleaved Caspase-3,Bax,ICAM-1,and VCAM-1 in HUVEC(all P<0.05).However,empagliflozin treatment reversed these changes(all P<0.05).RT-qPCR results showed that ox-LDL treatment increased the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in HUVEC(P<0.01),while empagliflozin treatment decreased their expression levels(P<0.05).However,after adding EGFR agonist NSC 228155,the protective effect of empagliflozin against ox-LDL-mediated HUVEC injury was significantly reversed(P<0.05).Conclusion Empagliflozin can significantly reduce ox-LDL-in-duced HUVEC injury,which may be related to EGFR signaling pathway.
10.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.


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