1.Qiangjing Tablets Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Varicocele by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Liang DONG ; Fang YANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Yulin LI ; Xujun YU ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):347-359
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress. MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
2.Targeting Programmed Cell Death in Acquired Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Ferroptosis, Necroptosis, and Pyroptosis.
Shasha ZHANG ; Hairong XIAO ; Yanqin LIN ; Xujun TANG ; Wei TONG ; Buwei SHAO ; He LI ; Lei XU ; Xiaoqiong DING ; Renjie CHAI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(6):1085-1102
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the most commonly-occurring form of hearing loss, is caused mainly by injury to or the loss of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. Numerous environmental and physiological factors have been shown to cause acquired SNHL, such as ototoxic drugs, noise exposure, aging, infections, and diseases. Several programmed cell death (PCD) pathways have been reported to be involved in SNHL, especially some novel PCD pathways that have only recently been reported, such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. Here we summarize these PCD pathways and their roles and mechanisms in SNHL, aiming to provide new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for SNHL by targeting these PCD pathways.
Humans
;
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/metabolism*
;
Necroptosis/drug effects*
;
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Animals
3.Comparative Study of Community-Based Management Models of Schizophrenia at Home and Abroad
Zhaohua CHEN ; Xujun FENG ; Yuan SHI ; Lu TAN ; Xiangdong TANG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(4):1152-1159
Schizophrenia,a severe mental illness characterized by high disability and chronicity,imposes a heavy disease burden on society and patients in China.Community-based management plays a crucial role in the long-term and comprehensive management of patients with schizophrenia.Through years of exploration,community-based management models—primarily focused on case management,assertive community treatment(ACT),and crisis intervention—have proven beneficial to the overall recovery of patients.However,notable differences exist in the implementation of these models between domestic and international practices.Given this context,we systematically analyze domestic and international research to examine the characteristics of different management models and the causes of the differences.Based on this analysis,we propose targeted recommendations for improving community-based management of schizophrenia in China.Regarding case management,a tiered approach should be adopted according to regional economic conditions and resource availability to optimize the efficiency of resource allocation.For ACT,we suggest developing a family-centered integrated intervention framework adapted to China's specific context.Finally,regarding crisis intervention,a collaborative family-community-police response mechanism should be established,complemented by enhanced professional training and streamlined referral procedures.We advocate enhancing resource allocation and theoretical research,along with broader involvement of all sectors of society,to jointly optimize the community-based management model for schizophrenia in China.
4.Application of "micro-teaching assistant" interaction platform in the residents' standardized training of geriatrics department
Dan SHEN ; Ping CAO ; Xujun YE ; Mengxin CHENG ; Jing CHEN ; Xiaoyan TANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2020;19(2):208-211
The geriatrics department of Zhongnan Hospital covers all subspecialties of internal medicine with six separated wards, so it is difficult to manage and teach the students who participate in standardized training for resident physicians. In the residents' standardized training of geriatrics department, the interactive support platform named micro-teaching assistant was applied to carry out teaching activities such as classroom check-in, classroom testing and classroom discussion of teaching rounds and small lectures. It not only effectively manages the teaching order, but also improves students' enthusiasm and autonomy by encouraging them to participate in classroom interaction actively. The case analysis quiz and interactive discussion have a good effect on consolidating and deepening the students' professional knowledge, and improving the ability of clinical analysis and problem solving. The attendance rates, class discussion and test scores were recorded in a real and objective way, so that teachers can observe the whole process of students' learning and then make a formative assessment. At the same time, teachers are urged to adjust the teaching contents and progress in time, so as to achieve the goal of promoting "teaching" and "learning" mutually.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail