1.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
2.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
3.Mechanistic study on alleviation of Schistosoma japonicum infection-induced hepatic damages by macrophage efferocytosis
Yuxin ZHANG ; Junyao SHEN ; Weijie XUE ; Chenxu MAO ; Ziling WANG ; Zhigang LEI ; Sha ZHOU ; Chuan SU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):274-286
Objective To investigate the development, role, and regulatory mechanism of macrophage efferocytosis in the liver of hosts infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods The expression of efferocytosis-related gene like efferocytosis receptors, efferocytosis-related bridging molecules,“eat me” signal and “don’t eat me” signal was detected in the livers of patients and mice infected with S. japonicum in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Ten wild-type (WT) male mice (6 ~ 8 weeks old, weighing 20 ~ 25 g) were randomly divided into a Schistosoma japonicum infection (SJ) group and a normal control (NC) group, with 5 mice in each group. The efferocytosis of neutrophils and T cells by liver macrophages was detected in mice from SJ group and NC group using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. The expression of efferocytosis-related Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) and Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl) proteins was determined in mouse liver tissues using Western blotting assay, and the proportion of MerTK+ macrophages and the average fluorescence intensity of macrophage MerTK were detected in mouse livers using flow cytometry. Changes in liver granulomas and fibrosis were observed in mice infected with S. japonicum following injection of efferocytosis inhibitors, and S. japonicum-infected mice without injection of efferocytosis inhibitors served as controls. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from macrophage scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) conditional knockout (CKO) and wild-type (WT) mice, and changes in apoptotic neutrophils were detected in SR-A CKO mouse macrophages in vitro using flow cytometry. Then, BMDMs was divided into the WT mono-culture group, the WT and apoptotic neutrophils co-culture group, the SR-A CKO mono-culture group, and the SR-A CKO and neutrophils co-culture group, and the expression of MerTK and Axl was quantified in vitro using Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays during neutrophil efferocytosis. The efferocytosis of neutrophils and T cells by mouse liver macrophages was detected in the SR-A CKO SJ group and the WT SJ group using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay, and the expression of MerTK and Axl proteins was determined in mouse liver tissues in both groups using Western blotting. In addition, the proportion of MerTK+ macrophages and the average fluorescence intensity of macrophage MerTK were detected in mouse livers in both groups using flow cytometry. Results Data from the GEO database showed that the expression of some efferocytosis receptors and efferocytosis-related bridging molecules, and “eat me” and “don’t eat me” signals all appeared a tendency towards a rise in livers of patients and mice in the SJ group relative to the NC group, suggesting that S. japonicum infection-induced liver diseases may be associated with efferocytosis. Flow cytometry detected higher proportions of Ly6G+ cells [(13.13 ± 0.45)% vs. (6.48 ± 0.25)%; t = 22.30, P < 0.05] and CD3+ cells [(7.60 ± 0.33)% vs. (3.30 ± 0.42)%; t = 13.98, P < 0.05] in mouse liver macrophages in the SJ group than in the NJ group, and the expression of MerTK protein [(2.30 ± 0.14) vs. (1.14 ± 0.46); t = 4.19, P < 0.05], the mean fluorescence intensity of macrophages [(160.67 ± 15.28) vs. (94.50 ± 19.61); t = 4.81, P < 0.05], and the proportion of MerTK+ macrophages [(20.78 ± 4.17)% vs. (6.85 ± 0.39)%; t = 6.57, P < 0.05] were significantly higher in mouse liver tissues in the SJ group than in the NC group. The Axl expression was lower in mouse liver tissues in the SJ group than in the NC group [(1.25 ± 0.08) vs. (1.93 ± 0.37); t = 2.79, P < 0.05], and the area of granulomas around single eggs [(9.18 ± 1.81) × 104μm2 vs. (5.24 ± 1.35) × 104 μm2; t = 3.03, P < 0.05] and proportion of collagen fibers [(25.27 ± 3.99)% vs. (15.14 ± 4.02)%; t = 3.10, P < 0.05] were significantly greater in livers of S. japonicum-infected mice with injection of efferocytosis inhibitors than in mice without injection of efferocytosis inhibitors. The in vitro efferocytosis efficiency of BMDMs [(32.83 ± 3.17)% vs. (45.43 ± 2.34)%; t = 5.54, P < 0.05], and the proportions of Ly6G+ [(9.37 ± 0.48)% vs. (13.13 ± 0.72)%; t = 7.50, P < 0.05] and CD3+ cells [(4.95 ± 0.17)% vs. (7.64 ± 0.50)%; t = 8.87, P < 0.05] in liver macrophages post-infection with S. japonicum were significantly lower in SR-A CKO mice than in WT mice, and the expression of MerTK protein [(0.65 ± 0.25) vs. (1.96 ± 0.69); t = 3.10, P < 0.05], the average fluorescence intensity of macrophages [(138.33 ± 8.39) vs. (160.67 ± 15.28); t = 3.03, P < 0.05] and the proportion of MerTK+ macrophages [(13.17 ± 5.01)% vs. (22.63 ± 2.06)%; t = 3.56, P < 0.05] were significantly lower in mouse liver tissues in the SR-A CKO SJ group than in the WT group. Western blotting detected no significant difference in the Axl protein expression in mouse liver tissues between the SR-A CKO SJ group and the WT SJ group [(0.48 ± 0.07) vs. (0.68 ± 0.30); t = 1.09, P > 0.05]. There were significant differences in the relative MerTK mRNA and protein expression during efferocytosis of BMDMs among the WT monoculture group, the WT and apoptotic neutrophils co-culture group, the SR-A CKO mono-culture group, and the SR-A CKO and neutrophils co-culture group (F = 9.41 and 40.68, both P values < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the relative Axl mRNA expression during efferocytosis of BMDMs among the four groups (F = 13.62, P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was seen in the relative Axl protein expression (F = 1.27, P > 0.05). Conclusions Efferocytosis of liver macrophages is seen in mice infected with S. japonicum and inhibits liver fibrosis. SR-A may up-regulate the efficiency of macrophage efferocytosis through regulating the expression of efferocytosis receptors.
4.Clinical research and characteristic analysis of patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with Yinyang Gongji Pills and capecitabine.
Lei WANG ; Chao-Yue YAO ; Jie-Ru ZHAN ; Xiao-Xia SUN ; Zhong-Xin YU ; Xiao-Ya LIANG ; Jian WANG ; Xue GONG ; Da-Rong WEI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1404-1411
Yinyang Gongji Pills have the effects of strengthening the body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors, removing stasis, and reducing swelling, which is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) formula for treating intestinal accumulation. A real-world, registered, and single-arm clinical trial was conducted to observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yinyang Gongji Pills combined with capecitabine in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer and analyze the clinical characteristics of the patients. A total of 60 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who refused or could not tolerate standard treatment of western medicine were included in the study. They were treated with Yinyang Gongji Pills combined with capecitabine until disease progression or intolerable adverse events occurred. The main observation indicators were progression-free survival(PFS) and safety. The treatment effects of the patients under different baseline characteristics were analyzed. The clinical trial has found that the median PFS of all enrolled patients was 7.3 months, with 30.1% of patients having a PFS exceeding 12.0 months. Layered analysis showed that the median PFS of patients with the onset site being the colon and rectum were respectively 8.4 and 4.7 months. The median PFS of patients with high, medium, and low tumor burden were respectively 7.0, 4.7, and 10.8 months. The median PFS of patients with wild-type and mutant-type RAS/BRAF were respectively 7.9 and 6.9 months. The median PFS of patients with KPS scores ≥80 and ≤70 were respectively 7.9 and 6.5 months. The median PFS of patients treated with Yinyang Gongji Pills for ≥6, 3-6, and ≤3 months were respectively 8.0, 5.2, and 4.2 months. The median PFS of patients with spleen, kidney, liver, and lung syndrome differentiation in TCM were respectively 8.3, 6.7, 7.3, and 5.6 months. The median PFS of patients with TCM pathological factors including phlegm, dampness, and blood stasis were respectively 7.0, 7.3, and 6.5 months. Common adverse reactions include anemia, decreased white blood cells, decreased appetite, fatigue, and hand foot syndrome, with incidence rates being respectively 44.2%, 34.6%, 42.3%, 32.7%, and 17.3%. The results showed that the combination of Yinyang Gongji Pills and capecitabine demonstrated potential clinical efficacy and good safety in this study. The patients have clinical characteristics such as low tumor burden, onset site at the colon, KPS scores ≥ 80, long duration of oral TCM, and TCM syndrome differentiation including spleen or liver.
Humans
;
Capecitabine/adverse effects*
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
5.Exploration of pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Jinbei Oral Liquid against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology.
Jin-Chun LEI ; Si-Tong ZHANG ; Xian-Run HU ; Wen-Kang LIU ; Xue-Mei CHENG ; Xiao-Jun WU ; Wan-Sheng CHEN ; Man-Lin LI ; Chang-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2825-2840
This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of Jinbei Oral Liquid(JBOL) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was employed to analyze and identify the components absorbed into rat blood after oral administration of JBOL. Combined with network pharmacology, the study explored the pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of JBOL against IPF through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, "component-target-pathway" analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. First, a total of 114 compounds were rapidly identified in JBOL extract according to the exact relative molecular mass, fragment ions, and other information of the compounds with the use of reference substances and a self-built compound database. Second, on this basis, 70 prototype components in blood were recognized by comparing blank serum with drug-containing serum samples, including 28 flavonoids, 25 organic acids, 4 saponins, 4 alkaloids, and 9 others. Finally, using these components absorbed into blood as candidates, the study obtained 212 potential targets of JBOL against IPF. The anti-IPF mechanism might involve the action of active ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and forsythoside A on core targets like AKT1, TNF, and ALB and thereby the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, and TNF. In conclusion, JBOL exerts the anti-IPF effect through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The results would provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of JBOL.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics*
;
Animals
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Rats
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Administration, Oral
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
6.Mechanism of isorhamnetin in alleviating acute lung injury by regulating pyroptosis medicated by NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis.
Ya-Lei SUN ; Yu GUO ; Xin-Yu WANG ; Ya-Su ZHANG ; Xue CHENG ; Ke ZHU ; Li-Dian CHEN ; Xiao-Dong FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4120-4128
This study aims to explore the intervention effects of isorhamnetin(Isor) on acute lung injury(ALI) and its regulatory effects on pyroptosis mediated by the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1(caspase-1) axis. In the in vivo experiments, 60 BALB/c mice were divided into five groups. Except for the control group, the other groups were administered Isor by gavage 1 hour before intratracheal instillation of LPS to induce ALI, and tissues were collected after 12 hours. In the in vitro experiments, RAW264.7 cells were divided into five groups. Except for the control group, the other groups were pretreated with Isor for 2 hours before LPS stimulation and subsequent assessments. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue, while lung swelling, protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and myeloperoxidase(MPO) levels in lung tissue were measured. Cell proliferation toxicity and viability were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and the N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D(GSDMD-N) were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. The results showed that in the in vivo experiments, Isor significantly improved pathological damage in lung tissue, reduced lung swelling, protein levels in BALF, MPO levels in lung tissue, and levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, and inhibited the high expression of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis and the pyroptosis core gene GSDMD-N. In the in vitro experiments, the safe dose of Isor was determined through cell proliferation toxicity assays. Isor reduced cell death and inhibited the expression levels of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis, GSDMD-N, and inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, Isor may alleviate ALI by modulating pyroptosis mediated by the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis.
Animals
;
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Quercetin/pharmacology*
;
Caspase 1/genetics*
;
CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins/genetics*
;
Male
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Humans
;
Lung/metabolism*
7.Ethical considerations for artificial intelligence-enhanced brain-computer interface.
Yuyu CAO ; Yuhang XUE ; Hengyuan YANG ; Fan WANG ; Tianwen LI ; Lei ZHAO ; Yunfa FU
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;42(5):1085-1091
Artificial intelligence-enhanced brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are expected to significantly improve the performance of traditional BCIs in multiple aspects, including usability, user experience, and user satisfaction, particularly in terms of intelligence. However, such AI-integrated or AI-based BCI systems may introduce new ethical issues. This paper first evaluated the potential of AI technology, especially deep learning, in enhancing the performance of BCI systems, including improving decoding accuracy, information transfer rate, real-time performance, and adaptability. Building on this, it was considered that AI-enhanced BCI systems might introduce new or more severe ethical issues compared to traditional BCI systems. These include the possibility of making users' intentions and behaviors more predictable and manipulable, as well as the increased likelihood of technological abuse. The discussion also addressed measures to mitigate the ethical risks associated with these issues. It is hoped that this paper will promote a deeper understanding and reflection on the ethical risks and corresponding regulations of AI-enhanced BCIs.
Brain-Computer Interfaces/ethics*
;
Artificial Intelligence/ethics*
;
Humans
;
Deep Learning
;
User-Computer Interface
;
Electroencephalography
8.Gentiopicroside Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Suppressing Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Vascular Endothelial Cells via SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway.
Zhu-Qing LI ; Feng ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Li WANG ; Xiao-Qiang SUN ; Chao LI ; Xue-Mei YIN ; Chun-Lei LIU ; Yan-Xin WANG ; Xiao-Yu DU ; Cheng-Zhi LU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(2):118-130
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the protective effects of gentiopicroside (GPS) against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in endothelial cells, aiming to reduce atherosclerosis.
METHODS:
Eight-week-old male ApoE-deficient mice were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=10 per group): the vehicle group and the GPS treatment group. Both groups were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. GPS (40 mg/kg per day) was administered by oral gavage to the GPS group, while the vehicle group received an equivalent volume of the vehicle solution. At the end of the treatment, blood and aortic tissues were collected for assessments of atherosclerosis, lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and molecular expressions related to NLRP3 inflammasome activation, ROS production, and apoptosis. Additionally, in vitro experiments on human aortic endothelial cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were conducted to evaluate the effects of GPS on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and ROS production, specifically examining the role of the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. SIRT1 and Nrf2 inhibitors were used to confirm the pathway's role.
RESULTS:
GPS treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions in the en face aorta (P<0.01), as well as in the thoracic and abdominal aortic regions, and markedly decreased sinus lesions within the aortic root (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, GPS reduced oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-18, in lesion areas (P<0.05, P<0.01). In vitro, GPS inhibited ox-LDL-induced NLRP3 activation, as evidenced by reduced NLRP3 (P<0.01), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, cleaved-caspase-1, and cleaved-gasdermin D expressions (all P<0.01). GPS also decreased ROS production, apoptosis, and pyroptosis, with the beneficial effects being significantly reversed by SIRT1 or Nrf2 inhibitors.
CONCLUSION
GPS exerts an antiatherogenic effect by inhibiting ROS-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Iridoid Glucosides/therapeutic use*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Atherosclerosis/metabolism*
;
Inflammasomes/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Sirtuin 1/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Endothelial Cells/pathology*
;
Mice
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Lipoproteins, LDL
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
9.Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults (version 2025)
Bobin MI ; Faqi CAO ; Weixian HU ; Wu ZHOU ; Chenchen YAN ; Hui LI ; Yun SUN ; Yuan XIONG ; Jinmi ZHAO ; Qikai HUA ; Xinbao WU ; Xieyuan JIANG ; Dianying ZHANG ; Zhongguo FU ; Dankai WU ; Guangyao LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Tengbo YU ; Jinhai TAN ; Xi CHEN ; Fengfei LIN ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Dongfa LIAO ; Aiguo WANG ; Shiwu DONG ; Gaoxing LUO ; Zhao XIE ; Dong SUN ; Dehao FU ; Yunfeng CHEN ; Changqing ZHANG ; Kun LIU ; Deye SONG ; Yongjun RUI ; Fei WU ; Ximing LIU ; Junwen WANG ; Meng ZHAO ; Biao CHE ; Bing HU ; Chengjian HE ; Guanglin WANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Guandong DAI ; Shiyuan FANG ; Wenchao SONG ; Ming CHEN ; Guanghua GUO ; Yongqing XU ; Lei YANG ; Wenqian ZHANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Xin TANG ; Hua CHEN ; Weiguo XU ; Shuquan GUO ; Yong LIU ; Xiaodong GUO ; Zhewei YE ; Liming XIONG ; Tian XIA ; Hongbin WU ; Qisheng ZHOU ; Mengfei LIU ; Yiqiang HU ; Yanjiu HAN ; Hang XUE ; Kangkang ZHA ; Wei CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Bin YU ; Jiacan SU ; Peifu TANG ; Baoguo JIANG ; Guohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):421-432
Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.
10.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of 46, XY disorders of sex development with female phenotype: A single-center study
Dongxia FU ; Lei LIU ; Xue WU ; Huizhen WANG ; Jing GAO ; Yongxing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1078-1088
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and genetic profile of patients with 46, XY Disorders of sex development (DSD) and a female phenotype in order to provide insights for the diagnosis and management of similar cases.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 children with 46, XY DSD and a female phenotype who were treated at the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism of Henan Children′s Hospital between March 1, 2016, and June 30, 2024. The evaluations included external genitalia scoring using the Prader scale and External Masculinization Score (EMS), imaging studies to assess gonadal development, and assessments of adrenal and gonadal function via adrenal hormone levels, sex hormone levels, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation testing. Gender role behavior was assessed using gender role scales and sandplay therapy. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify and validate genetic variants. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprehensively determined gender rearing based on molecular genetic diagnosis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Henan Children′s Hospital (Ethics No.: 2024-K-105).Results:The median age at initial consultation was 3 years and 1 month (range: 7 days to 16 years). Common symptoms included primary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and inguinal hernia. Fully feminized external genitalia were observed in 52.7% of the cases, and 80.5% had absence of the uterus. Internal gonads included absent gonads (5.6%), ovotestes (8.3%), streak gonads (5.6%), cryptorchidism (75.0%), and normally positioned testes (5.6%). At initial diagnosis, median luteinizing hormone (LH) was 1.305 IU/L, with elevated LH in 14 cases. Median follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 4.87 IU/L, with elevated FSH in 17 cases. Median testosterone was 0.025 ng/mL. Median dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was 36.90 pg/mL. After hCG stimulation, median testosterone was 0.984 ng/mL and median DHT was 71.69 pg/mL. The testosterone/DHT ratio was elevated in one case (35.7). Testosterone levels remained below 1 ng/mL after hCG stimulation in 18 cases. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was decreased in 15 cases and increased in 3 cases. Inhibin B (InhB) was increased in 7 cases and decreased in 4 cases. Pathogenic variants were detected in 88.9% of the patients, involving AR (11 cases), CYP17A1 (4 cases), GATA4 (1 case), NR0B1 (1 case), NR5A1 (7 cases), SRD5A2 (1 case), WT1 (2 cases), STAR (4 cases), and LHCGR (1 case), totaling 34 variant sites. Among these, 9 variants were de novo, and 23 were inherited from parents. Sixteen variant sites were previously unreported. Gender assignment was male in 11 cases (30.6%) and female in 25 cases (69.4%). Conclusion:Common symptoms in 46, XY DSD patients with a female phenotype include primary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and inguinal hernia. Elevated FSH, androgen deficiency, and decreased AMH and InhB may indicate testicular dysgenesis or impaired androgen synthesis. Adrenal insufficiency should raise suspicion for defects in steroid hormone synthesis pathway enzymes.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail