1.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
2.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
3.Microchannel-based Electrochemiluminescence Sensor for Tetracycline Detection Using Luminol/Hydrogen Peroxide as Reporter System
Shao-Kun HUANG ; Xiu-Lin XIE ; Hua-Bin CAI ; Yan-Ling HUANG ; Yue LIN ; Zhen-Yu LIN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):356-363
A microchannel-based electrochemiluminescence(ECL)sensor was developed for detection of tetracycline(TC)utilizing luminol/H2O2 as ECL reporting system.The low excitation potential of luminol/H2O2 effectively mitigated the impact of clamping voltage,thereby enhancing the detection performance of the microchannel-based ECL sensor.The microchannel modified with TC aptamer selectively recognized and captured target TC.The positively charged TC reduced the surface charge density within the microchannel,thereby increasing the ionic current in the microchannel,leading to change of ECL signal of system.The experimental conditions such as electrolyte concentration,TC-aptamer concentration,and reaction time between TC and TC-aptamer were optimized.Under optimal conditions,the difference of ECL signal in the absence and presence of TC(?ECL)exhibited a good linear relationship with TC concentration in the range from 1.00 ng/mL to 200 ng/mL,with a detection limit as low as 0.69 ng/mL.The sensor had good selectivity and was successfully used in detection of TC in milk samples.
4.Experimental and Computational Investigation of pH-Dependent Urease Conformational Dynamics and Its Impact on MICP Efficiency
Qiu-Cai ZHANG ; Yi-Fei ZHENG ; Mei-Zhong HUANG ; Xiu-Kang SHEN ; Ling-Ling WU ; Zhi-Jun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):879-894
The engineering application of microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)is limited by pH-dependent conformational dynamics of urease.Focusing on the α-subunit urease from Sporosarcina pasteurii,this study integrated conductivity experiments and constant-pH molecular dynamics simulations to analyze active site conformational dynamics and catalytic function across pH 3-11.Results showed that under neutral conditions(pH 7-8),key histidine residues(HIS139/HIS249)exhibited minimal dis-placement(<0.5 ?),the longest hydrogen bond lifetime(>8 ps),highest conformational stability(root mean square deviation,RMSD:0.15-0.18 nm),and optimal catalytic activity(conductivity change rate:0.03 mS/cm·min-1,CaCO3 precipitation:3.84 g).Extreme pH(pH 3/11)induced structural collapse(displacement up to 1.8 ?)and complete activity loss.Simulations revealed that neutral pH sta-bilizes a protonation-dependent cooperative allosteric network by maintaining active site cavity volume(~120 ?3)and moderate conformational coherence(correlation coefficient~0.8).This work deciphers the molecular mechanism of pH-regulated urease dynamics through protonation states,providing theoreti-cal support for MICP applications in acidic mine tailing remediation and alkaline soil stabilization.
5.Trajectory and related factors of perinatal depression symptoms in rural women in Yunnan
Rui HUANG ; Xiu XIA ; Xingmei DU ; Rui DENG ; Yuan HUANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(10):837-842
Objective:To explore the trajectory of depressive symptoms and its related factors in rural women in Yunnan from first trimester of pregnancy to 42 days after childbirth.Methods:The longitudinal study design was used,and 213 pregnant women from a rural county of Yunnan were selected.The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(EPDS),Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD-7),and Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS)were used to surveyed in their first trimester of pregnancy,and followed up in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and 42 days after childbirth.The analysis was conducted using latent growth curve models,latent class growth models,and multivariate logistic regression models.Results:The results of the latent growth curve models showed a gradual decrease in perinatal depressive symptom scores over time.The latent class growth models revealed three distinct la-tent classes:persistent high depression score group(1.41%),stable low depression score group(91.08%),and fluctuating depression symptoms group(7.51%).Multivariate logistic regression indicated that women with lower education levels(OR=4.04),anxiety symptoms(OR=4.12),and lower social support(OR=3.12)were more likely to be classified into the persistent high depression score group and fluctuating depression symptoms group.Conclusions:The trajectories of perinatal depression symptoms among rural women in Yunnan could be di-vided into three heterogeneous subgroups.Women with low education levels,anxiety symptoms,and lack of social support are more likely to be detected with perinatal depression symptoms.
6.Establishment of animal models of rat abdominal wall with implantation of polypropylene mesh and mersi-lene tape and comparative study on their biomechanical properties and histocompatibility
Junlin GAO ; Guangjie YIN ; Chao MENG ; Chunlei XIU ; Liying HUANG ; Tian TIAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1496-1501
Objective To establish animal models by implanting Gynemesh polypropylene mesh and Mersilene tape into the abdominal walls of rats,followed by conducting mechanical experiments and performing HE staining on abdominal wall tissues at 30 and 90 days post-implantation,respectively,in order to evaluate the biomechanical properties and histocompatibility of the two types of meshes.Methods The Gynemesh mesh and Mersilene tape were implanted into the abdominal wall of adult female rats(n=10)using W6977M polyester non-absorbable sutures and V-Loc absorbable sutures.The rats were randomly assigned to either a 30-day group or a 90-day group(n=5 per group)based on different experimental time points.Mechanical tests were conducted at these time points to evaluate the ultimate load required for avulsion of the meshes from the abdominal wall.Following the mechanical experiments,the tissues surrounding the meshes were harvested for hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The inflammatory response,neovascularization,and fibroblast proliferation in the tissues were scored to compare the histocompatibility of the two types of meshes.Results(1)In the 30-day group,the ultimate load values were as follows:Gynemesh+6977(14.96±2.22)N,Gynemesh+V-Loc(12.73±1.11)N,Mersilene+6977(10.65±0.91)N,and Mersilene+V-Loc(8.70±1.18)N.No statistically significant difference was observed in the ultimate load between the Gynemesh+6977 and Gynemesh+V-Loc groups(P=0.12),whereas statistically significant differences were noted among the other groups(P<0.05).(2)In the 90-day group,the ultimate load values were as follows:Gynemesh+6977(18.97±0.59)N,Gynemesh+V-Loc(18.18±0.54)N,Mersilene+6977(13.87±0.67)N,and Mersilene+V-Loc(10.41±0.73)N.No statistically significant difference was observed in the ultimate load between the Gynemesh+6977 and Gynemesh+V-Loc groups(P=0.06),while statistically significant differences were noted among the other groups(P<0.05).(3)The ultimate load at 90 days for each group was significantly greater than that at 30 days,with statistically significant differences observed across all groups(P<0.05).(4)In the 30-day group,Gynemesh exhibited a lower inflammatory response compared to Mersilene tape(2.0±0.69 vs.3.10±0.71,P<0.05),with no statistically significant differences in neovascular-ization or fibroblast proliferation(2.37±0.61 vs.2.40±0.62,P=0.84;2.43±0.73 vs.2.63±0.67,P=0.27).In the 90-day group,Gynemesh demonstrated a lower inflammatory response score(1.10±0.66 vs.2.00±0.74,P<0.05),reduced fibroblast proliferation(2.87±0.68 vs.3.27±0.67,P<0.05),and no significant difference in neovascular proliferation(2.20±0.55 vs.2.13±0.68,P=0.68)compared to Mersilene tape.(5)The inflam-matory response for both mesh types was higher in the 30-day group compared to the 90-day group(Gynemesh group:2.0±0.69 vs.1.10±0.66,P<0.05;Mersilene group:3.13±0.73 vs.2.0±0.74,P<0.05).Additionally,the degree of fibroblast proliferation was lower in the 30-day group than in the 90-day group(Gynemesh group:2.43±0.73 vs.2.87±0.68,P<0.05;Mersilene group:2.63±0.67 vs.3.27±0.69,P<0.05).However,there was no statistically significant difference in neovascularization proliferation between the two groups(Gynemesh group:2.53±0.74 vs.2.47±0.74,P=0.81;Mersilene group:2.40±0.62 vs.2.13±0.68,P=0.12).Conclusion Compared with Mersilene tape,Gynemesh polypropylene mesh exhibits superior tensile strength and enhanced biocompatibility.
7.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.
8.Mini Health Technology Assessment report standardizes:The optimization and selection of key items
Zi-yi WANG ; Ya-fang LI ; Wen-di LIU ; Jia-yi HUANG ; Fa-qiang ZHANG ; Jun-liang TAO ; Ye ZHU ; Ke-hu YANG ; Xiu-xia LI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(10):75-82
Objective:To construct a key item checklist for the Mini-HTA report specification,providing scientific guidance for drafting each section of Mini-HTA research reports,enhancing their standardization,scientific rigor,and completeness,thereby improving the efficiency and quality of health decision-making.Methods:Based on preliminary literature review and qualitative systematic review,a pool of problem items for the Mini-HTA report specification was formed.Delphi questionnaires were distributed,and the Delphi technique was employed through two rounds of expert consultation to optimize and select key items.Results:Through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation,the initial Mini-HTA report specification item checklist was screened,integrated,and supplemented.A finalized key item checklist was constructed,comprising 8 first-level items(Title,Abstract,Introduction,Methods,Results,Discussion,Conclusion,and Other Relevant Information)and 48 second-level items.Conclusion:The constructed key item checklist for the Mini-HTA report specification provides scientific guidance for drafting Mini-HTA research reports.It helps enhance the standardization and transparency of the assessment process and the reliability of results,thereby optimizing the efficiency and quality of health decision-making.
9.Impact of the interaction between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and overweight/obesity on the risk of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly
Wanying CAI ; Lang XU ; Yiqing LI ; Chunli LI ; Jing HUANG ; Xiu QU
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(8):611-616
Objective:To investigate the interaction between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and overweight/obesity on the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly individuals.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study (HMACS). Cluster random sampling was used to select 5 661 elderly individuals aged≥65 years in Wuhan from 2018 to 2023. Standardized neuropsychological assessments and clinical examinations results were collected. The NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of NAFLD and overweight/obesity with MCI. The impacts of interaction between NAFLD and overweight/obesity on the risk of MCI were analyzed using both multiplicative and additive models.Results:Among the 5 661 elderly individuals included in the analysis, 2 563 were male and 3 098 were female, with a mean age of (72.24±5.51) years. A total of 2 239 participants (39.6%) resided in rural areas, 2 841 (50.2%) were overweight/obesity, 2 390 (42.2%) had NAFLD, and 1 694 (29.9%) were diagnosed with MCI. The risk of MCI in elderly individuals with NAFLD and overweight/obesity was 2.975 times ( OR=2.975, 95% CI: 2.489-3.557, P<0.001) of that in non-overweight/obese individuals without NAFLD. There was a multiplicative interaction between NAFLD and overweight/obesity on MCI ( OR=1.508, 95% CI: 1.169-1.944, P=0.002). NAFLD and overweight/obesity had an additive interaction effect on the risk of MCI, and the relative excess risk of interaction, attributable proportion of interaction and the synergy index was 1.099 (95% CI: 0.630-1.593), 0.369 (95% CI: 0.222-0.487), 2.256 (95% CI: 1.457-3.492), respectively. Conclusion:There is an interaction between NAFLD and overweight/obesity in elderly individuals, and the co-existence of NAFLD and overweight/obesity increases the risk of MCI in this population.
10.Frailty status and its influencing factors among middle-aged and elderly individuals of Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan province
Xiaoju LI ; Rong LI ; Xiu XIA ; Yuan HUANG ; Chaofang YAN ; Rui DENG ; Ying SONG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(9):721-727
Objective:To analyze the frailty status and its influencing factors among middle-aged and elderly individuals of Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method in the settlements of the Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province from July to December in 2022. The study enrolled a total of 1 036 middle-aged and elderly individuals aged 45 years and above. Data on general characteristics (including chronic disease prevalence, sleep quality, smoking and alcohol consumption) and frailty status were collected in the subjects. A total of 1 050 questionnaires were distributed, 1 040 questionnaires returned with 1 036 valid responses (98.7%). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing frailty status among different Zhiguo ethnic groups.Results:Among the 1 036 middle-aged and elderly individuals of Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province, there were 482 males and 554 females, with a frailty rate of 26.25% (272/1 036), the Bulang ethnic group had the highest frailty rate (35.56%) and the Jinuo ethnic group showed the lowest (18.49%). Being aged≥60 years ( OR=1.647, 95% CI: 1.177-2.303), having≥2 chronic diseases ( OR=2.183, 95% CI: 1.470-3.245), and suffering from sleep disorders ( OR=2.468, 95% CI: 1.786-3.411) were positively associated with frailty occurrence, whereas having high social support ( OR=0.614, 95% CI: 0.434-0.867) was inversely associated with the risk of frailty (all P<0.05). Ethnic subgroup analyses revealed that suffering from sleep disorders were a common influencing factor for frailty across all Zhiguo ethnic groups (all P<0.05). In the Jinuo ethnic group, having≥2 chronic diseases showed a positive association with frailty ( OR=3.387, 95% CI: 1.054-10.879) ( P<0.05). In the Bulang subgroup, having≥2 chronic diseases ( OR=3.951, 95% CI: 1.201-12.995) and aged ≥60 years ( OR=3.415, 95% CI: 1.347-8.657) were both positively associated with frailty, while having high social support ( OR=0.185, 95% CI: 0.065-0.527) was inversely associated with the risk of frailty (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The frailty rate in middle-aged and elderly individuals among Zhiguo ethnic groups in Yunnan Province is notably high, and sleep quality, social support, and chronic conditions are its main influencing factors.

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