1.Effect of Quercetin on Improving Myelin Sheath Injury and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of VaD by Inhibiting Activation of Microglia in mPFC via RIPK1/NLRP3/Caspase-1 Pathway
Shiting LIANG ; Xinxian SHI ; Chen CHEN ; Xiaoxia FENG ; Jing QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):126-134
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects of quercetin on neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with vascular dementia (VaD) and to elucidate the molecular mechanism, specifically whether quercetin inhibits pro-inflammatory activation of microglia by modulation of the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, thereby promoting myelin repair in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). MethodsA C57BL/6J mouse model of VaD with neuropsychiatric symptoms was established by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) combined with chronic restraint stress (CRS). Mice were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose quercetin groups (30, 60, 120 mg·kg-1·d-1), and a fluoxetine group (10 mg·kg-1·d-1). After intervention, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT), and elevated plus maze (EPM). mPFC tissue was collected. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect myelin basic protein (MBP) expression and microglial morphology. Western blot was used to measure the protein level of MBP, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86, RIPK1, phosphorylated RIPK1 (Ser166), NLRP3, and Caspase-1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited significant depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors (P<0.01), significantly decreased protein expression of MBP, MOG, and MAG in the mPFC (P<0.01), activated microglia (characterized by enlarged cell bodies, reduced protrusions, and upregulated iNOS and CD86 expressions, P<0.01), and significantly elevated p-RIPK1/RIPK1 ratio, NLRP3, Caspase-1 protein expression, and level of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the quercetin treatment (especially at medium and high doses) significantly ameliorated these behavioral abnormalities (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the expression of MBP (protein and fluorescence intensity), MOG, and MAG in the mPFC (P<0.05, P<0.01), suppressed excessive microglial activation (characterized decreased cell bodies, increased protrusions, and downregulated iNOS and CD86 expressions, P<0.01), and significantly reduced the p-RIPK1/RIPK1 ratio, NLRP3, Caspase-1 protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine levels (P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin effectively alleviates neuropsychiatric symptoms in VaD mice. Its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of microglial inflammatory activation mediated by the RIPK1/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, thereby promoting myelin repair in the mPFC region.
2.Cytoplasmic and nuclear NFATc3 cooperatively contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction and drives aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Xiu LIU ; Li ZHAO ; Deshen LIU ; Lingna ZHAO ; Yonghua TUO ; Qinbao PENG ; Fangze HUANG ; Zhengkun SONG ; Chuanjie NIU ; Xiaoxia HE ; Yu XU ; Jun WAN ; Peng ZHU ; Zhengyang JIAN ; Jiawei GUO ; Yingying LIU ; Jun LU ; Sijia LIANG ; Shaoyi ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3663-3684
This study investigated the role of the nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 (NFATc3) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoplasmic and nuclear NFATc3 levels were elevated in human and mouse AAD. VSMC-NFATc3 deletion reduced thoracic AAD (TAAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression in mice, contrary to VSMC-NFATc3 overexpression. VSMC-NFATc3 deletion reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and maintained the VSMC contractile phenotype. Nuclear NFATc3 targeted and transcriptionally upregulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP2, promoting ECM degradation and AAD development. NFATc3 promoted VSMC phenotypic switching by binding to eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) and inhibiting its phosphorylation in the VSMC cytoplasm. Restoring eEF2 reversed the beneficial effects in VSMC-specific NFATc3-knockout mice. Cabamiquine-targets eEF2 and inhibits protein synthesis-inhibited AAD development and progression in VSMC-NFATc3-overexpressing mice. VSMC-NFATc3 promoted VSMC switch and ECM degradation while exacerbating AAD development, making it a novel potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating AAD.
3.Epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China, 2018-2021
Xiaoxia HUANG ; Shanshan DU ; Aqian LI ; Chuan LI ; Tingting TIAN ; Tiezhu LIU ; Qin WANG ; Mifang LIANG ; Shiwen WANG ; Jiandong LI ; Dexin LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(1):112-116
Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trend of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in China.Methods:The incidence data of SFTS in China from 2018 to 2021 were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System for a statistical and descriptive epidemiological analysis by using software such as Excel 2016, Joinpoint 5.0.2, SPSS 26.0, and GraphPad Prism 8.0, especially, the SFTS cases reported monthly by key provinces were analyzed.Results:From 2018 to 2021, a total of 8 835 SFTS cases were reported in 25 provinces and the annual incidence showed an upward trend. The distribution of SFTS cases showed clustering, but the cases were mainly sporadic ones. The cases began to increase in March, mainly occurred during April to October (96.79%,8 551/8 835), and peaked during May to July. The cases were mainly distributed in middle-aged and old farmers, and slight more cases were women. The average case fatality rate was 5.38%, which varied greatly with areas. The case fatality rate tended to increase with age.Conclusion:From 2018 to 2021, the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS in China remained stable, but the number of reported cases gradually increased and the distribution showed an expanding trend, to which close attention should be paid.
4.Study on quality evaluation of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats based on HPLC fingerprint and content determination
Cuijie WEI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Zhiwen DUAN ; Yongwei FENG ; Xiaozhou JIA ; Yueyi LIANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN ; Zhenyu LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(2):215-221
Objective:To establish UPLC fingerprint method and 2 contents determination methods of Buddleja officinalis; To provide a reference for improving the quality control standard and evaluation of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats.Methods:UPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 17 batches of Buddleja officinalis. The similarity evaluation, clustering analysis, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to compare the quality differences of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats. The contents of acteoside and linarin in Buddleja officinalis were determined.Results:There were 12 common peaks in UPLC fingerprints of Buddleja officinalis, six of which were identified as echinacoside, acteoside, cynaroside, isoacteoside, linarin, and apigenin. The fingerprint similarity of 17 batches of Buddleja officinalis was more than 0.9; Buddleja officinalis from different habitats were classified into 2 groups. Five differential markers were determined by OPLS-DA analysis. The order of significance was acteoside > peak 3 > echinacoside > isoacteoside > linarin. Edgeworthia chrysantha was identified by the method of fingerprint as counterfeit. The results of content determination showed that the content of Buddleja officinalis in Hubei and Sichuan was the high and stable.Conclusion:The method can effectively analyze the differences of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats, and provide reference for the quality control of Buddleja officinalis.
5.An analysis of breast cancer patients with ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions after minimally invasive excision in clinicopathological features and influencing factors of residual tumor
Liang LI ; Zequn FENG ; Lianfang ZHANG ; Ruiqing WANG ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Liyuan LIU ; Lixiang YU ; Zhigang YU ; Zhongcheng GAO
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(2):135-140
Objectives:To examine the clinicopathological characteristics and the influencing factors of the residual tumor of patients with Breast Image Report and Data System (BI-RADS) grade 3 lesions diagnosed with malignancy after minimally invasive excision.Methods:In this retrospective case-control study, clinicopathological data of 69 cases, which had been evaluated as BI-RADS 3 lesions by ultrasound (4 151 cases) diagnosed with breast cancer by minimally invasive excision pathology, were analyzed between May 2012 and June 2016 at the Department of Breast Surgery of the Second Hospital of Shandong University and Linyi People′s Hospital. All patients were female, aged (43.4±8.2) years (range: 22 to 70 years). Based on residual tumor after minimally invasive excision, patients were classified into two subgroups: tumor residual group ( n=39) and non-tumor residual group ( n=30). The clinicopathological features between the two groups were compared. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics were compared in different groups using the χ 2 test and the t test. Potential variables identified in the univariate analysis and other relevant variables will be analyzed multivarially using Logistic regression models. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis and survival curves. Results:The breast cancer detection rate of ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions was 1.66% (69/4 151), and their maximum diameter of the masses was (1.27±0.45) cm (range: 0.5 to 2.3 cm). Among them, the maximum diameter were ≤1 cm in 28 cases and >1 cm in 41 cases. Histopathological results showed carcinoma in situ in 24 cases and invasive carcinoma in 41 cases, positive expression of the estrogen receptor in 47 cases, positive expression of the progesterone receptor in 43 cases, Ki-67 proliferation index elevated in 26 cases. Axillary metastasis positive rate was 10.1% (7/69). Residual tumor after minimally invasive surgery was found in 39 cases (56.5%). Univariate analysis showed that the tumour residual group showed a significantly increased rate of positive expression of the estrogen receptor (91.9%(34/37) vs. 61.9%(13/21), χ2=7.838, P=0.012). In multivariate analysis, the only variable found to significantly affect the residual tumor was the positive expression of the estrogen receptor ( OR=16.852, 95% CI: 1.819 to 156.130, P=0.013). The 5-year disease-free survival rate of breast cancer patients with breast ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions was 97.1% and the overall survival rate was 98.6%. Conclusions:BI-RADS 3 lesions diagnosed by ultrasound undergoing ultrasound-guided minimally invasive excision have a certain risk of detected malignancy, approximately 1.66%. Patients with positive expression of the estrogen receptor are more likely to develop residual tumor. A secondary operation should be considered to ensure that no tumor residues remain in the cavity.
6.Research progress on the effects of sodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors on multiple metabolic disorders in metabolic syndrome
Chunxiang XU ; Xiaoxia CAI ; Xingyu QIU ; Liang ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2024;53(3):382-389
Metabolic syndrome is a complex group of metabolic disorders with an increasing global incidence rate,posing a serious threat to human health.Sodium-glucose linked transporter 2(SGLT2)inhibitors are a new type of oral hypoglycemic drug.SGLT2 inhibitors not only lower blood glucose level in a non-insulin-dependent manner by inhibiting glucose reabsorption by renal proximal convoluted tubular epithelial cell to promote urinary glucose excretion,but also by improving islet β cell function,reducing inflammatory responses,and inhibiting oxidative stress.In addition,SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce body weight through osmotic diuresis and increase fat metabolism;reduce blood pressure by inhibiting excessive activation of sympathetic nervous system and by improving vascular function.They can also improve blood lipids by increasing degradation of triacylglycerol;reduce blood uric acid by promoting uric acid excretion in kidney and intestine,and by reducing uric acid synthesis.This article reviews the effects and mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors on multiple metabolic disorders in metabolic syndrome and explores their potential application in metabolic syndrome treatment.
7.Role of hippocampal PTGS2 in baicalin-induced reduction of cognitive dysfunction after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Qiuran ZHENG ; Xuelian LI ; Yifan LIANG ; Hongyan CHEN ; Xiaoxia DUAN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(11):1339-1344
Objective:To evaluate the role of hippocampal prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in baicalin-induced reduction of cognitive dysfunction after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in mice.Methods:Thirty healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 16 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group), CIRI group, baicalin+ CIRI group (B+ CIRI group), overexpression of PTGS2+ CIRI group (PTGS2+ CIRI group), and overexpression of PTGS2+ baicalin+ CIRI group (PTGS2+ B+ CIRI). In B+ CIRI group and PTGS2+ B+ CIRI group, baicalin-liposome 0.2 ml was injected through the tail vein, and the CIRI model was established 1 week later. In PTGS2+ CIRI group and PTGS2+ B+ CIRI group, PTGS2-overexpressed adeno-associated virus 1.2 μl was injected into the hippocampus, and the CIRI model was established 4 weeks later. CIRI model was established by using the transient (50 min) bilateral common carotid artery occlusion/reperfusion. On the 12th day after developing the model, the spatial learning and memory ability was evaluated using Morris water maze test. The expression of PTGS2 in the hippocampus was detected by Western blot, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, Iba-1 and CD68 mRNA in the hippocampus was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results:Compared with C group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, and the expression of PTGS2 and expression of Iba-1, CD68, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the hippocampus was up-regulated in CIRI group ( P<0.05). Compared with CIRI group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the time spent in the target quadrant was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, and the expression of PTGS2 and expression of Iba-1, CD68, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the hippocampus was down-regulated in B+ CIRI group, and the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, and the expression of PTGS2 and expression of Iba-1, CD68, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the hippocampus was up-regulated in PTGS2+ CIRI group ( P<0.05). Compared with B+ CIRI group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, and the expression of PTGS2 and expression of Iba-1, CD68, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in the hippocampus was up-regulated in PTGS2+ B+ CIRI group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which baicalin attenuates cognitive dysfunction after CIRI is related to down-regulation of hippocampal PTGS2 expression and inhibition of neuroinflammation in mice.
8.An analysis of breast cancer patients with ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions after minimally invasive excision in clinicopathological features and influencing factors of residual tumor
Liang LI ; Zequn FENG ; Lianfang ZHANG ; Ruiqing WANG ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Liyuan LIU ; Lixiang YU ; Zhigang YU ; Zhongcheng GAO
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(2):135-140
Objectives:To examine the clinicopathological characteristics and the influencing factors of the residual tumor of patients with Breast Image Report and Data System (BI-RADS) grade 3 lesions diagnosed with malignancy after minimally invasive excision.Methods:In this retrospective case-control study, clinicopathological data of 69 cases, which had been evaluated as BI-RADS 3 lesions by ultrasound (4 151 cases) diagnosed with breast cancer by minimally invasive excision pathology, were analyzed between May 2012 and June 2016 at the Department of Breast Surgery of the Second Hospital of Shandong University and Linyi People′s Hospital. All patients were female, aged (43.4±8.2) years (range: 22 to 70 years). Based on residual tumor after minimally invasive excision, patients were classified into two subgroups: tumor residual group ( n=39) and non-tumor residual group ( n=30). The clinicopathological features between the two groups were compared. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics were compared in different groups using the χ 2 test and the t test. Potential variables identified in the univariate analysis and other relevant variables will be analyzed multivarially using Logistic regression models. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis and survival curves. Results:The breast cancer detection rate of ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions was 1.66% (69/4 151), and their maximum diameter of the masses was (1.27±0.45) cm (range: 0.5 to 2.3 cm). Among them, the maximum diameter were ≤1 cm in 28 cases and >1 cm in 41 cases. Histopathological results showed carcinoma in situ in 24 cases and invasive carcinoma in 41 cases, positive expression of the estrogen receptor in 47 cases, positive expression of the progesterone receptor in 43 cases, Ki-67 proliferation index elevated in 26 cases. Axillary metastasis positive rate was 10.1% (7/69). Residual tumor after minimally invasive surgery was found in 39 cases (56.5%). Univariate analysis showed that the tumour residual group showed a significantly increased rate of positive expression of the estrogen receptor (91.9%(34/37) vs. 61.9%(13/21), χ2=7.838, P=0.012). In multivariate analysis, the only variable found to significantly affect the residual tumor was the positive expression of the estrogen receptor ( OR=16.852, 95% CI: 1.819 to 156.130, P=0.013). The 5-year disease-free survival rate of breast cancer patients with breast ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions was 97.1% and the overall survival rate was 98.6%. Conclusions:BI-RADS 3 lesions diagnosed by ultrasound undergoing ultrasound-guided minimally invasive excision have a certain risk of detected malignancy, approximately 1.66%. Patients with positive expression of the estrogen receptor are more likely to develop residual tumor. A secondary operation should be considered to ensure that no tumor residues remain in the cavity.
9.Correlation between peak viral load and liver function damage in children with infectious mononucleosis induced by Epstein-Barr virus
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2023;30(6):810-813
Objective:To investigate the relationship between the peak load of Epstein-Barr virus (EPV) and live function damage in children with infectious mononucleosis caused by EPV.Methods:Eighty children with infectious mononucleosis caused by EPV who received treatment in Pingxiang People's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were included in this study. Five mL of venous blood was taken from each child for detecting the peak load of EBV-DNA and liver function indicators. These children were divided into a low-load group ( n = 25, EBV-DNA load < 10 4 copies/mL), a medium-load group ( n = 34, EBV-DNA load of 10 4-10 5 copies/mL), and a high-load group ( n = 21, EBV-DNA load > 10 5 copies/mL) according to the peak EBV-DNA load. The relationships between different peak loads of EBV-DNA and live function, age, and sex were analyzed. Results:The rate of liver dysfunction in the high-load group [85.71% (18/21)] was significantly higher than [38.24% (13/34)] in the medium-load group and [20.00% (5/25)] in the low-load group ( χ2 = 11.90, 19.71, P = 0.001, P < 0.001). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the high-load group were (156.24 ± 13.21) U/L and (171.69 ± 13.49) U/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (125.89 ± 10.54) U/L and (143.26 ± 10.29) U/L in the medium-load group and (89.64 ± 6.75) U/L and (64.89 ± 5.74) U/L] in the low-load group (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the peak load of EBV-DNA between children of different ages and between children of different sexes (both P > 0.05). Conclusion:Children with infectious mononucleosis caused by EPV have a high EBV-DNA peak load. A higher peak load of EVB-DNA indicates a higher risk of liver function damage. More attention should be paid in clinical practice. Effective diagnosis and treatment should be performed in time to control the patient's condition as early as possible.
10.Expert consensus on implementation strategy of awake prone positioning for non-intubated patients in China (2023).
Yuanyuan MI ; Zheyi CAI ; Jing LIU ; Fei TIAN ; Liping YANG ; Lei BAO ; Shanbing HOU ; Su GU ; Li LI ; Xueli ZHOU ; Yun XU ; Shumei ZHANG ; Xiaoxia FU ; Xiaodi LI ; Chuansheng LI ; Liang SUN ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Hong QI ; Shiying YUAN ; Liqun ZHU ; Haiyan HUANG ; You SHANG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2023;35(4):337-351
The awake prone position plays an important role in the treatment of hypoxemia and the improvement of respiratory distress symptoms in non-intubated patients. It is widely used in clinical practice because of its simple operation, safety, and economy. To enable clinical medical staff to scientifically and normatively implement prone position for awake patients without intubation, the committees of consensus formulation, guided by evidence-based methodology and Delphi method, conducted literature search, literature quality evaluation and evidence synthesis around seven topics, including indications and contraindications, evaluation, implementation, monitoring and safety management, termination time, complication prevention and health education of awake prone position. After two rounds of expert letter consultation, Expert consensus on implementation strategy of awake prone positioning for non-intubated patients in China (2023) was formulated, and provide guidance for clinical medical staff.
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Prone Position
;
Wakefulness
;
China
;
Dyspnea

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail