1.Association between snack consumption and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students with different left behind experiences in Yunnan Province
LIU Na, WU Huijuan, WANG Liangui, LUO Chengyong, CAO Yanrong, FU Yun, ZHANG Tai,〖JZ〗 KONG Jing, HU Mengdie, XIONG Yuan, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):18-22
Objective:
To explore the relationship between snack consumption and depressive symptoms in first year junior high school students with different left behind experiences in Yunnan Province, so as to provide a basis for improving depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students with different left behind experiences.
Methods:
From October to December 2022,a cluster random sampling method was used to select 8 500 first year junior high school students from 11 ethnic minority areas (Fugong County, Longling County, Longyang District, Luchun County, Mojiang County, Nanjian County, Qiaojia County, Shuangjiang County, Tengchong City, Yuanmou County, Zhenyuan County) in Yunnan Province for a questionnaire survey. The Chinese version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was applied to assess depressive symptoms in first year junior high school students, and snack consumption was collected by employing food frequency questionnaire. The generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between first year junior high school students snack consumption and depressive symptoms, and the analysis was stratified according to left behind experience.
Results:
The detection rates of depressive symptoms among firstyear junior high school students with and without left behind experience were 36.25% and 26.91%, respectively. After controlling for confounding variables, the generalized linear model analysis showed that sweet snacks ( β=0.16, 95%CI =0.07-0.25), fast food ( β=0.14, 95%CI =0.04-0.23) and carbonated drinks ( β=0.09, 95%CI =0.01-0.17) of first year junior high school students with left behind experience (all P <0.05). Compared with those without such behavior, the risk of depressive symptoms was higher in consumption of fast food ( β=0.13, 95%CI =0.07-0.18) and carbonated drinks ( β=0.10, 95%CI =0.06-0.15)among first year junior high school students without left behind experience (both P <0.05).
Conclusion
Snack consumption among first year junior high school students in Yunnan may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms, while first year junior high school students with left behind experience may have a greater risk of developing depressive symptoms.
2.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Gandou Fumu Decoction in Treating Hepatolenticular Degeneration with Liver Fibrosis of Liver-kidney Deficiency and Phlegm-blood Stasis Syndrome
Pingping YANG ; Meixia WANG ; Changchang CAO ; Zhuang TAO ; Jiang DU ; Yun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):182-191
ObjectiveThis paper aims to evaluate the intervention effect of Gandou Fumu Decoction (GDFMD) in treating hepatolenticular degeneration with liver fibrosis of liver-kidney deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, thereby providing evidence-based medical evidence for the treatment of Wilson's disease (WD)-related liver fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine through clinical efficacy analysis. MethodsA total of 70 patients with WD-related liver fibrosis of liver-kidney deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled from Anhui Provincial Hospital of TCM from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2024. Participants were divided into a control group and an observation group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group received conventional copper chelation therapy with sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate (DMPS). On this basis, the observation group was additionally administered GDFMD orally. Each treatment course lasted eight days, for a total of four treatment courses. Efficacy evaluations were performed before treatment and after the second and fourth treatment courses, respectively. The clinical efficacy and safety of GDFMD in the treatment of WD-related liver fibrosis were assessed by comparing the changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM), liver serological markers [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), type Ⅳ collagen (C-Ⅳ), laminin (LN), N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ procollagen (PⅢNP), and hyaluronic acid (HA)], fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), unified Wilson's disease rating scale part Ⅱ (UWDRS-Ⅱ), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, 24-hour urinary copper, and safety indicators between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsCompared with those before treatment, LSM levels decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of LSM levels in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of LSM levels in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the levels of HA, LN, PⅢNP, and C-Ⅳ decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the C-Ⅳ levels in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the levels of HA, LN, and PⅢNP were more obvious (P<0.05). After four treatment courses in the observation group, the levels of HA, LN, PⅢNP, and C-Ⅳ were improved more significantly (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, ALT and AST levels decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of ALT and AST levels in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of ALT and AST levels in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, APRI score and FIB-4 index level decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those in control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of APRI score and FIB-4 index level in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the APRI score in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05), with no statistically significant improvement in the FIB-4 index difference. Compared with those before treatment, the levels of TCM syndrome scores decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with that of the control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the level of TCM syndrome scores in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of the level of TCM syndrome scores in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in both groups after two treatment courses were not improved obviously, and the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in both groups decreased after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those of the control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in the observation group after four treatment courses was more obvious (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the 24-h urine copper levels were significantly higher in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the 24-h urine copper levels in the observation group were significantly higher after two and four treatment courses (P<0.01). After two treatment courses, the 24-h urine copper level in the observation group showed a gradual decreasing trend, although it was higher than that before treatment. After four treatment courses, the control group had an improvement rate of 91.43%, an effective rate of 34.29%, and an apparent rate of 2.86%. The observation group had an improvement rate of 94.29%, an effective rate of 71.43%, and an apparent rate of 8.57%. The efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion① The efficacy of GDFMD combined with DMPS therapy in patients with WD-related liver fibrosis of liver-kidney deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome is significantly better than that of single DMPS therapy, and the advantages of the combined therapy are more obvious with the prolongation of the treatment cycle. ② GDFMD combined with the DMPS therapy program in the long-term application exhibits no obvious adverse reactions with good safety, which is worthy of clinical popularization and application.
4.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Gandou Fumu Decoction in Treating Hepatolenticular Degeneration with Liver Fibrosis of Liver-kidney Deficiency and Phlegm-blood Stasis Syndrome
Pingping YANG ; Meixia WANG ; Changchang CAO ; Zhuang TAO ; Jiang DU ; Yun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):182-191
ObjectiveThis paper aims to evaluate the intervention effect of Gandou Fumu Decoction (GDFMD) in treating hepatolenticular degeneration with liver fibrosis of liver-kidney deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, thereby providing evidence-based medical evidence for the treatment of Wilson's disease (WD)-related liver fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine through clinical efficacy analysis. MethodsA total of 70 patients with WD-related liver fibrosis of liver-kidney deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled from Anhui Provincial Hospital of TCM from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2024. Participants were divided into a control group and an observation group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group received conventional copper chelation therapy with sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate (DMPS). On this basis, the observation group was additionally administered GDFMD orally. Each treatment course lasted eight days, for a total of four treatment courses. Efficacy evaluations were performed before treatment and after the second and fourth treatment courses, respectively. The clinical efficacy and safety of GDFMD in the treatment of WD-related liver fibrosis were assessed by comparing the changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM), liver serological markers [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), type Ⅳ collagen (C-Ⅳ), laminin (LN), N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ procollagen (PⅢNP), and hyaluronic acid (HA)], fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), unified Wilson's disease rating scale part Ⅱ (UWDRS-Ⅱ), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, 24-hour urinary copper, and safety indicators between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsCompared with those before treatment, LSM levels decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of LSM levels in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of LSM levels in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the levels of HA, LN, PⅢNP, and C-Ⅳ decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the C-Ⅳ levels in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the levels of HA, LN, and PⅢNP were more obvious (P<0.05). After four treatment courses in the observation group, the levels of HA, LN, PⅢNP, and C-Ⅳ were improved more significantly (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, ALT and AST levels decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of ALT and AST levels in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of ALT and AST levels in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, APRI score and FIB-4 index level decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those in control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of APRI score and FIB-4 index level in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the APRI score in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05), with no statistically significant improvement in the FIB-4 index difference. Compared with those before treatment, the levels of TCM syndrome scores decreased in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with that of the control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the level of TCM syndrome scores in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of the level of TCM syndrome scores in the observation group was more obvious after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in both groups after two treatment courses were not improved obviously, and the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in both groups decreased after four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those of the control group after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in the observation group after two treatment courses, and the improvement of the UWDRS-Ⅱ scores in the observation group after four treatment courses was more obvious (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the 24-h urine copper levels were significantly higher in both groups after two and four treatment courses (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the 24-h urine copper levels in the observation group were significantly higher after two and four treatment courses (P<0.01). After two treatment courses, the 24-h urine copper level in the observation group showed a gradual decreasing trend, although it was higher than that before treatment. After four treatment courses, the control group had an improvement rate of 91.43%, an effective rate of 34.29%, and an apparent rate of 2.86%. The observation group had an improvement rate of 94.29%, an effective rate of 71.43%, and an apparent rate of 8.57%. The efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion① The efficacy of GDFMD combined with DMPS therapy in patients with WD-related liver fibrosis of liver-kidney deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome is significantly better than that of single DMPS therapy, and the advantages of the combined therapy are more obvious with the prolongation of the treatment cycle. ② GDFMD combined with the DMPS therapy program in the long-term application exhibits no obvious adverse reactions with good safety, which is worthy of clinical popularization and application.
6.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
7.Mdivi-1 improves cognitive dysfunction in immature SD rats induced by hypoxia combined with propofol by inhibiting excessive mitophagy
Yao XU ; Shun YANG ; Fei YANG ; Ying YANG ; Huanjie YUN ; Ahmad TAUSEEF ; Shengfen TU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(21):2621-2629
Objective To investigate the protective effect of mitochondrial division inhibitor 1(Mdivi-1),a mitophagy inhibitor,on cognitive dysfunction in immature SD rats induced by hypoxia combined with propofol.Methods A total of 72 neonatal SD rats(half male and half female,aged 7 d,weighing 16.14±3.08 g)were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=18):blank control group(CON),Mdivi-1+blank control group(MCON),propofol+hypoxia group(PH),and Mdivi-1+propofol+hypoxia group(MPH).The MCON group and MPH group were pretreated with 2.4 mg/kg Mdivi-1 in 30 min in advance,and subsequently,50 mg/kg propofol was respectively given to the PH group and the MPH group.Immediately after the intraperitoneal injections were completed,the corresponding rats were transferred into a constant temperature chamber containing 18%O2.Then the rats were continuously monitored until resuming the reversing reflex and then transferred to a normoxic environment.The hypoxic treatment was carried out once per day for 7 consecutive days.Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen for differential expressed genes(DEGs),and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis was employed to conduct functional analysis.Morris water maze test was applied to exam spatial learning and memory abilities.HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region.Morphological changes of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression of Parkin Rbr E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(Parkin)and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)in the hippocampal tissues.Results KEGG analysis results indicated that the mitophagy pathway was more significantly enriched in the PH group when compared with the CON group.Morris water maze test revealed that the PH group exhibited obviously prolonged escape latency(P<0.05),reduced frequency of crossing the platform(P<0.05),and shortened residence time in the target quadrant(P<0.01)when compared with the CON group and the MPH group.HE staining demonstrated that the cells in the PH group were in disordered arrangement,with great loss in cell count in some areas,and widened intercellular spaces.Although the cell arrangement in the MPH group also showed a sparse state,but the condition was milder than that in the PH group,with slightly widened intercellular space.In the CON group and the MCON group,the cells exhibited round in shape,good morphological structure,relatively clear contours,and uniform cell nuclei.TEM revealed that in the hippocampal neurons of the PH group,the mitochondria were swollen and deformed,and mitochondrial cristae were disordered,dissolved and disappeared.In the MPH group,only some mitochondria were swollen and the cristae were reduced.However,the mitochondrial morphology of the CON and MCON groups was relatively complete,and the matrix was uniform.Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of Parkin and PINK1 in the hippocampus were up-regulated in the PH group than the CON group(P<0.05),and reduced in the MPH group than the PH group(P<0.05).Conclusion Mdivi-1 may reduce hippocampal neuron damage by inhibiting excessive mitophagy and then improve cognitive dysfunction in immature SD rats induced by hypoxia combined with propofol.
8.Label-free Fluorescence Probe Based on Primer Exchange Reaction for High Sensitivity Detection of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1
Yun-Hua WANG ; Le-Ru WANG ; Li-Gai YANG ; Jia-Zheng CHEN ; Yu-Run DU ; Jia-Hui HOU ; Xiang ZHAI ; Xu-Hua ZHAO ; Bao-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):464-471
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1(APE 1)is a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in DNA repair and regulation of gene expression.Because APE 1 is overexpressed in various cancers,it can serve as a cancer biomarker for aiding clinical diagnosis,guiding therapy,and monitoring prognosis.On this basis,a label-free fluorescent probe was designed based on the primer exchange reaction(PER)strategy for highly sensitive detection of APE 1 activity.In the absence of APE 1,the structure of catalytic hairpin(HP)was stable and could not form G-quadruplex.Therefore,the background fluorescence of this sensing system was very low due to the dissociation of thioflavin T(ThT).In the presence of APE 1,the apurinic/apyrimidinic(AP)site of HP was cleaved by APE 1 and a short nucleic acid fragment that acted as a primer to initiate PER was generated.After PER reaction,a large number of G-quadruplex were produced,which could specifically bind with ThT and resulted in significant increase of fluorescence signal.The combination of low background design of HP and PER amplification made this biosensor had high sensitivity with a detection limit(3σ)of 0.0008 U/mL.Furthermore,the primer sequence was directly generated by the cleavage of APE 1 without additional addition,which not only increased the specificity of the reaction,but also simplified the experiment procedure.Moreover,the use of label-free fluorescence signal reduced the cost of the experiment,and realized rapid detection of APE 1.Finally,this sensor was used to detect APE 1 in human serum samples with spiked recoveries of 91%-104%,proving great potential in study of biological enzyme.
9.Guided by National Strategic Needs,Striving to Build a First-Class Forensic Medicine Discipline—The Construction Plan for Forensic Medicine at Southern Medical University
Dong-Fang QIAO ; Ping-Ming QIU ; Qi WANG ; Yun-Chun TAI ; Dong-Ri LI ; Jing-Tao XU ; Qi-Zhi LUO ; En-Ping HUANG ; Bo-Feng ZHU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):15-19
The 2024 National Education Work Conference pointed out that at the current juncture of the critical period for achieving the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan,the implementation of the Education Powerhouse Construction Plan Outline should be taken as the main line of work,and building first-class disciplines is an crucial task for a higher education powerhouse.In 2022,forensic medicine was officially listed as a first-level discipline under the medical category,presenting an un-precedented historical opportunity for the development of forensic medicine.The forensic medicine dis-cipline of Southern Medical University comprehensively improves the quality of talent cultivation and facilitates the construction of first-class disciplines as its main direction.It aims to initiate and imple-ment a high-level faculty team building plan featuring"combining recruitment and cultivation,inter-disciplinary integration";make vigorous efforts to establish a first-level doctoral program,refine advan-tageous second-level disciplines and research directions;and establish an innovative research platform from a high starting point with deep integration.The discipline adheres to moral cultivation and the Five Domains of Education simultaneous development,to build a high-quality talent joint training model.Guided by the construction of the national legal system and industry needs,the discipline will enhance social service capabilities.The forensic medicine construction in our university will continue to contribute to the rule of law in China and educational power.
10.Comparison of Three Drowning-related Plankton Testing Methods in Drowning Diagnosis
Xiao-Feng ZHANG ; Qin SU ; Xiao-Hui CHEN ; Wei-Bin WU ; Dong-Yun ZHENG ; Jian ZHAO ; Ling CHEN ; Qu-Yi XU ; Chao LIU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(3):244-251
Objective To compare the application effects of plankton multiplex polymerase chain reac-tion-capillary electrophoresis(PCR-CE),SYBR Green Ⅰ real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)and microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy(MD-VF-Auto SEM)in the diagnosis of drowning.Methods Lung,liver and kidney tissues from 212 drowned corpses and 30 non-drowned corpses were examined respectively by the three drowning-related plankton testing methods,and the detection rates of plankton in each tissue by three methods were compared.Results In drowned corpses,the total detection rates of PCR-CE,qPCR,and MD-VF-Auto SEM were 93.9%,96.2%,and 95.3%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The detection rate of lung tissue by MD-VF-Auto SEM(100%)was higher than those of PCR-CE and qPCR(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in the detection rates of the three methods in liver or kidney tissues(P>0.05).In non-drowning corpses,a small number of diatoms(less than 10 cells/10 g)were detected by MD-VF-Auto SEM method,only in liver and kidney tissues,while the other two methods yielded negative results for all tissues.Conclusion All three methods have good efficacy in the examination of drowned corpses.The MD-VF-Auto SEM method directly observes diatom morpho-logical characteristics through scanning electron microscopy,and the qualitative and quantitative analy-ses are intuitive and accurate.It has great advantages in the examination of difficult degradation samples.The PCR-CE method and qPCR method have a low sample demand(0.5 g),are easy to operate and have short detection time(4-7 h).They are easy to be applied in the grassroots depart-ments and are suitable for the rapid determination of drowned corpses in routin cases.The combina-tion of the two DNA methods with the MD-VF-Auto SEM method can increase the detection rate of plankton,ensuring the reliability of examination results.This combined use is of significant importance in the application of drowning diagnosis.


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