1.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Electroacupuncture at Zusanli improves blood lipid disorders in hyperlipidemic mice by improving gut microbiota structure.
Chuyu DENG ; Xueying WANG ; Lixiang GAN ; Dayu WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Chunzhi TANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1633-1642
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint on hyperlipidemia in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
Thirty C57BL/6J mice were equally randomized into normal diet group, high-fat diet (HFD) group, and EA group. The changes in blood lipids and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the mice were evaluated, and histopathological changes and lipid accumulation in the liver were observed using Oil red O staining (ORO). The expressions of NLRP3, TLR4, and IL-1β proteins in the colon tissues were detected with Western blotting, and gut microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing.
RESULTS:
In mice with HFD feeding, 16 weeks of EA treatment significantly lowered body weight and serum TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA levels, obviously reduced lipid accumulation in the liver, and ameliorated HFD-induced elevations of protein expressions of NLRP3, TLR4, and IL-1β. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that EA significantly altered gut microbiota composition, and increased the diversity and relative abundance of beneficial bacterial groups such as Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136_group.
CONCLUSIONS
Electroacupuncture at ST36 alleviates blood lipid disorders in hyperlipidemic mice possibly by improving intestinal microbiota structure, promoting degradation of high-caloric carbohydrates, cholesterol lipid metabolism and intestinal mucosa repair, and reducing toxin leakage, lipid peroxides, and liver fat deposition.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Hyperlipidemias/blood*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Diet, High-Fat
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Male
;
Lipids/blood*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Liver/metabolism*
4.Downregulation of LINC00638 contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease via inhibiting the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway
Zhuojun LIAO ; Naiwang TANG ; Jiahui CHEN ; Xueying SUN ; Jiamin LU ; Qin WU ; Ronghuan YU ; Ying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):421-431
Objective To identify long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and investigate their mechanisms. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from RA-ILD patients (n=3), RA patients without lung involvement (n=3), and healthy controls (n=3). Next-generation sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNA. A human fibrotic lung cell model was established by inducing the MRC-5 cell line with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Following siRNA-mediated knockdown of target genes, changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress-related genes were analyzed via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays were used to validate protein expression, ubiquitination levels, and nuclear translocation of oxidative stress regulators, and antioxidant response element (ARE) transcriptional activity. Rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of target lncRNA in oxidative stress and inflammation in fibrotic lung cells. Results High-throughput sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LINC00638 in RA-ILD patients. Knockdown of LINC00638 markedly reduced transcriptional levels of interleukin (IL)-4, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), while increasing IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, LINC00638 knockdown decreased Nrf2 protein expression, increased its ubiquitination, reduced nuclear translocation, and suppressed ARE transcriptional activity. In MRC-5 cells, LINC00638 knockdown combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment restored Nrf2 and HO-1 levels while reducing IL-6 expression. Conclusions LINC00638 suppresses inflammatory responses in RA-ILD by activating the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.
5.Analysis on the Acupoint Selection Law and Acupuncture and Moxibustion Methods for Treating Lactational Mastitis Based on Data Mining
Zekai LIANG ; Linna WU ; Junbao ZHANG ; Haoran HE ; Shen XIANG ; Yingjing LUO ; Shiyi TANG ; Luhang QIU ; Rong ZHANG ; Xueying WANG ; Rong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):58-65
Objective To analyze the law of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion and the application law of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of lactational mastitis using complex network technology.Methods The clinical research literature about acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis was retrieved from CNKI,CBM,Wanfang Data,VIP and PubMed from the establishment of the databases to March 15,2025.The literature was screened according to the standards to build a prescription database of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis.SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze association rules,and Gephi 0.9 software was used for complex network analysis.Results A total of 108 articles were included.141 acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions were extracted,involving 74 acupoints,with a total use frequency of 677 times.The high-frequency acupoints were Jianjing,Danzhong,Rugen,Zusanli,Neiguan,etc.Specific acupoints were mainly composed of Wushu acupoints(169 times,21.10%);the acupoints were mainly distributed in the limbs(36);the most frequently used meridian was stomach meridian(168 times,24.82%).The combination of acupoints with the highest correlation was Jianjing-Neiguan-Rugen.Complex network analysis identified 22 core acupoints,with the most commonly used acupuncture method being filiform needle acupuncture(79 times).Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis pays special attention to the selection of stomach meridian.The compatibility mode is mainly from top to bottom,and the corresponding acupoints are selected according to syndrome differentiation.
6.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
7.Analysis on the Acupoint Selection Law and Acupuncture and Moxibustion Methods for Treating Lactational Mastitis Based on Data Mining
Zekai LIANG ; Linna WU ; Junbao ZHANG ; Haoran HE ; Shen XIANG ; Yingjing LUO ; Shiyi TANG ; Luhang QIU ; Rong ZHANG ; Xueying WANG ; Rong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):58-65
Objective To analyze the law of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion and the application law of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of lactational mastitis using complex network technology.Methods The clinical research literature about acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis was retrieved from CNKI,CBM,Wanfang Data,VIP and PubMed from the establishment of the databases to March 15,2025.The literature was screened according to the standards to build a prescription database of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis.SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze association rules,and Gephi 0.9 software was used for complex network analysis.Results A total of 108 articles were included.141 acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions were extracted,involving 74 acupoints,with a total use frequency of 677 times.The high-frequency acupoints were Jianjing,Danzhong,Rugen,Zusanli,Neiguan,etc.Specific acupoints were mainly composed of Wushu acupoints(169 times,21.10%);the acupoints were mainly distributed in the limbs(36);the most frequently used meridian was stomach meridian(168 times,24.82%).The combination of acupoints with the highest correlation was Jianjing-Neiguan-Rugen.Complex network analysis identified 22 core acupoints,with the most commonly used acupuncture method being filiform needle acupuncture(79 times).Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis pays special attention to the selection of stomach meridian.The compatibility mode is mainly from top to bottom,and the corresponding acupoints are selected according to syndrome differentiation.
8.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
9.Associations of short-term ambient particulate matter exposure and MTNR1B gene with triglyceride-glucose index:A family-based study
Huangda GUO ; Hexiang PENG ; Siyue WANG ; Tianjiao HOU ; Yixin LI ; Hanyu ZHANG ; Mengying WANG ; Yiqun WU ; Xueying QIN ; Xun TANG ; Jing LI ; Dafang CHEN ; Yonghua HU ; Tao WU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(3):375-383
Objective:To explore the effects of short-term particulate matter(PM)exposure and the melatonin receptor 1B(MTNR1B)gene on triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index utilizing data from Fang-shan Family-based Ischemic Stroke Study in China(FISSIC).Methods:Probands and their relatives from 9 rural areas in Fangshan District,Beijing,were included in the study.PM data were obtained from fixed monitoring stations of the National Air Pollution Monitoring System.TyG index was calculated by fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations.The associations of short-term PM exposure and rs10830963 polymorphism of the MTNR1B gene with the TyG index were assessed using mixed linear models,in which covariates such as age,sex,and lifestyles were adjusted for.Gene-environment inter-action analysis was furtherly performed using the maximum likelihood methods to explore the potential effect modifier role of rs10830963 polymorphism in the association of PM with TyG index.Results:A total of 4 395 participants from 2 084 families were included in the study,and the mean age of the study participants was(58.98±8.68)years,with 53.90%females.The results of association analyses showed that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration,TyG index increased by 0.017(95%CI:0.007-0.027),while for per 10 μg/m3 increment in PM1o,TyG index increased by 0.010(95%CI:0.003-0.017).And the associations all had lagged effects.In addition,there was a positive association between the rs10830963 polymorphism and the TyG index.For per increase in risk allele G,TyG index was elevated by 0.040(95%CI:0.004-0.076).The TyG index was 0.079(95%CI:0.005-0.152)higher in carriers of the GG genotype compared with carriers of the CC genotype.The inter-action of rs10830963 polymorphism with PM exposure had not been found to be statistically significant in the present study.Conclusion:Short-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with higher TyG index.The G allele of rs10830963 polymorphism in the MTNR1B gene was associated with the elevated TyG index.
10.18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of gray matter heterotopia related to epilepsy
Yingxin LI ; Xueying LING ; Yongjin TANG ; Yong CHENG ; Hao XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(2):203-207
Objective To observe18F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of gray matter heterotopia(GMH)related epilepsy.Methods Data of 27 patients with GMH and epilepsy diagnosed with MRI were retrospectively analyzed.Brain 18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations and complicated brain malformations were observed,and the classification of GMH were performed.Results Among 27 cases,periventricular GMH,focal subcortical GMH,subcortical lamellar(band)GMH and mixed GMH were detected each in 15,2,2 and 8 cases,respectively.Compared with cerebral white matter around the lesion or in the contralateral mirror area of the lesion,glucose hypermetabolism and glucose hypometabolism were found in 22 and 3 cases,respectively,while glucose metabolism was normal in 2 cases.Compared with gray matter in precentral gyrus,glucose hypermetabolism and glucose hypometabolism were observed in 8 and 16 cases,respectively,while glucose metabolism was normal in 3 cases.Six cases complicated with cerebral fissure deformity,6 cases with bilateral cerebellar hemispheric volume reduction,1 case with absence of pellucid septum and lower fornix,1 case with dysplasia of corpus callosum and 1 case with polymicrogyria.Conclusion 18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of GMH related epilepsy had certain characteristics,which were helpful for clinical diagnosis.

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