1.Screening of Antidepressant Active Components from Curcumae Rhizoma and Its Mechanism in Regulating Nrf2/GPX4/GSH Pathway
Yonggui SONG ; Delin DUAN ; Meixizi LAI ; Yali LIU ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Ming YANG ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):211-221
ObjectiveTo screen and evaluate the antidepressant compounds of Curcumae Rhizoma, and explore its mechanism of regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glutathione(GSH) peroxidase 4(GPX4)/GSH pathway from an antioxidant perspective. MethodsThe antioxidant activities in vitro of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, including curcumol, curgerenone, curdione, curzerene, curcumenol, curcumenone, dehydrocurdione, isocurcumenol, furanodienone, furanodiene and zederone, were detected using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The depression in Drosophila melanogaster was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and W1118 wild-type male D. melanogaster were randomly divided into blank group, model group, curcumol group, curgerenone group, curdione group, curzerene group, curcumenol group,curcumenone group, dehydrocurdione group, isocurcumenol group, furanodienone group, furanodiene group, zederone group and fluoxetine group(10 μmol·L-1). The treatment groups received a dose of 0.1 g·L-1 of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, while the blank and model groups were administered equivalent volumes of solvent. The sucrose preference test, climbing test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the behavioral indicators of depression in D. melanogaster. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) was used to detect the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and dopamine(DA) in the brain of D. melanogaster, and the entropy weight method was used to comprehensively evaluate neurobehavioral and neurotransmitter indicators, resulting in the identification of the antidepressant active components of Curcumae Rhizoma. In addition, a mouse depression model was established by CUMS, and C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low and high dose groups of curzerene(0.5, 1 mg·kg-1), and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1) to confirm the antidepressant effect of the optimal active ingredient by behavioral analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in the hippocampus of mice from each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and GSH. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) was used to observe the effect of curzerene on the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal tissue. Western blot was performed to determine the level of Nrf2 protein, and Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) was used to verify the relationship between the antidepressant effect of curzerene and regulation of Nrf2. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the effect of curzerene on the mRNA expression level of GPX. ResultsIn vitro antioxidant experiments showed that curzerene and curgerenone exhibited the most significant ability to scavenge free radicals, and comprehensive evaluation results of entropy weight method indicated that curzerene stood out as the most promising active component. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.01), and the ROS content in hippocampus significantly elevated(P<0.01), while the ATP content significantly reduced(P<0.01). In the hippocampal neurons of the model group, mitochondrial cristae were disordered, with vacuolation of the inner membrane and severe damage. Nrf2 protein expression level in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH contents were also significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the gene expression levels of GPX1, GPX4 and GPX7 were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose group of curzerene showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.05), as well as a significant decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.05, P<0.01). The ROS content in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly reduced(P<0.01), while the ATP content was significantly increased(P<0.05). The neuronal mitochondrial damage in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was alleviated, and the expression level of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the improvement of curzerene on depressive behaviors in CUMS mice. The GSH content in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in SOD and CAT contents. The expression level of GPX4 gene in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in other GPX genes. ConclusionCurzerene is the best component with antidepressant activity in Curcumae Rhizoma. It may improve mitochondrial dysfunction to exert its antidepressant effect by regulating Nrf2 and its downstream GPX4/GSH pathway rather than CAT or SOD pathways.
2.Expert consensus on clinical protocol for treating herpes zoster with fire needling.
Xiaodong WU ; Bin LI ; Baoyan LIU ; Lin HE ; Zhishun LIU ; Shixi HUANG ; Keyi HUI ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuxia CAO ; Shuxin WANG ; Zhe XU ; Cang ZHANG ; Jingsheng ZHAO ; Yali LIU ; Nanqi ZHAO ; Nan DING ; Jing HU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1825-1832
The expert consensus on the clinical treatment of herpes zoster with fire needling was developed, and the commonly used fire needling treatment scheme verified by clinical research was selected to form a standardized diagnosis and treatment scheme for acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), so as to answer the core problems in clinical application. The consensus focuses on patients with herpes zoster, and forms recommendations for 9 key clinical issues, covering simple fire needling and TCM comprehensive therapy based on fire needling, including fire needling combined with cupping, fire needling combined with Chinese herb, fire needling combined with cupping and Chinese herb, fire needling combined with filiform needling, fire needling combined with moxibustion, and provides specific recommendations and operational guidelines for various therapies.
Humans
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Herpes Zoster/therapy*
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Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
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Consensus
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Clinical Protocols
3.Mechanism of action of energy metabolism in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and related targeted therapies
Tiantian YANG ; Lu HUANG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Yali REN ; Weitian XU ; Song ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1956-1960
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is an inevitable major complication during surgical procedures such as liver transplantation and partial hepatectomy, and its prevention and treatment are hotspots and difficulties in clinical practice. This article reviews the mechanism of injury caused by energy metabolism disorders during liver ischemia-reperfusion and related treatment strategies and summarizes the current advances in metabolism-related therapies, in order to provide new ideas for further clarifying the onset mechanism of HIRI and exploring effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies for HIRI.
4.Hyssopus cuspidatus extract inhibited OVA-sensitized allergic asthma through PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.
Yali ZHANG ; Huiming PENG ; Jingjing LI ; Pan LV ; Mengru ZHANG ; Xu WANG ; Siyu WANG ; Siying ZHU ; Jiankang LU ; Xuepeng FAN ; Jinbo FANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):539-547
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect and mechanism of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. extract (HCE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.
METHODS:
Components identification of HCE was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Mice were sensitized with OVA to establish asthmatic model, and dexamethasone was used as positive control. Respiratory reactivity, white cells counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood, cytokine level measurement in serum and lung tissue, and histologic examination were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HCE on asthma. Network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Western blotting and untargeted lipidomics method were applied for mechanism validation.
RESULTS:
Fifty-two compounds were identified in HCE, predominantly terpenoids and flavonoids. HCE markedly reduced airway resistance, the eosinophil infiltration in lung tissues, and the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. Network pharmacology analysis suggested phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) may be key proteins of HCE in the treatment of allergic asthma. Western blot results indicated that the levels of phosphorylated PI3K, JNK, and P38 were downregulated in HCE-treated group. Moreover, HCE significantly upregulated the levels of ceramide and sphingomyelin and downregulated the level of phosphatidylcholine.
CONCLUSION
HCE inhibited allergic asthma via PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.
5.Risk factors and predictive models for liver cancer after sustained virologic response in hepatitis C
Shanshan XU ; Lixia QIU ; Yali LIU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(6):1259-1263
Hepatitis C is one of the main causes of liver cancer.With the application of direct-acting antiviral agents,more than 95%of patients can achieve the eradication of hepatitis C virus and obtain sustained virologic response(SVR).Effective antiviral therapy can change the natural course of hepatitis C and reduce the risk of liver cancer;however,some patients are still affected by age,sex,liver fibrosis,diabetes,hepatic steatosis,alcohol consumption,and genetic factors and become the high-risk population of liver cancer.Therefore,it is needed to further clarify and improve the identification and prediction of high-risk populations of liver cancer after SVR of hepatitis C.This article reviews the risk factors and predictive models for liver cancer after SVR in patients with hepatitis C,in order to provide a basis for identifying the high-risk population of liver cancer after SVR of hepatitis C in clinical practice.
6.Original Article Association between Exposure of Rare Earth Elements and Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Beijing
Wang YUTONG ; Li JING ; Xu SHIRONG ; Lin SHENGLI ; Hou ZHENCHEN ; Wang LINLIN ; Huang YALI ; Sun YUE ; Guo WEI ; Yan LAILAI ; Wang YING ; Tian CHAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(8):876-886
Objective The study aimed to investigate the impact of rare earth elements(REEs)exposure on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)by analyzing samples from spouses. Methods A total of 141 couples were included.Blood and follicular fluid from the wives and semen plasma from the husbands,were analyzed for REEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).Spearman's correlation coefficients and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to assess correlations and compare REE concentrations among three types of samples,respectively.Logistic models were utilized to estimate the individual REE effect on IVF-ET outcomes,while BKMR and WQS models explored the mixture of REE interaction effects on IVF-ET outcomes. Results Higher La concentration in semen(median 0.089 ng/mL,P=0.03)was associated with a lower fertilization rate.However,this effect was not observed after artificial selection intervention through intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)(P=0.27).In semen,the REEs mixture did not exhibit any significant association with clinical pregnancy. Conclusion Our study revealed a potential association between high La exposure in semen and a decline in fertilization rate,but not clinical pregnancy rate.This is the first to report REEs concentrations in follicular fluid with La,Ce,Pr,and Nd found at significantly lower concentrations than in serum,suggesting that these four REEs may not accumulate in the female reproductive system.However,at the current exposure levels,mixed REEs exposure did not exhibit reproductive toxicity.
7.Clinical and genetic analysis of a child with co-morbid progressive IgA nephropathy and COQ8B-associated glomerulopathy
Liuyu SUN ; Huijie XIAO ; Yali REN ; Ke XU ; Xuhui ZHONG ; Hongwen ZHANG ; Yuegui ZENG ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(10):1231-1237
Objective:To explore the genetic etiology and clinical outcome of a child with co-morbid progressive IgA nephropathy and COQ8B-associated glomerulopathy. Methods:A child who was admitted to Peking University First Hospital on March 2, 2021 was selected as the study subject. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the child and his parents and sister. Whole exome sequencing was carried out, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of the Peking University First Hospital (Ethics No. 2016[1029]).Results:The child, a 7-year-old boy who had developed proteinuria 8 months before, was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (M1E1S1T1C1). With steroid, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy, partial remission of proteinuria was achieved. However, his serum creatinine level had increased from 53.8 mol/L at the onset of disease to 86.7 mol/L after 3.9 years, along with massive proteinuria. Kidney biopsy still indicated IgA nephropathy (M0E0S1T0C0). The child was found to harbor a homozygous c. 737G>A (p.Ser246Asn) missense variant of the COQ8B gene, for which his parents and sister were heterozygous carriers. The variant was predicted to be pathogenic (PS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3+ PP3+ PP4) based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The child was treated with high-dose coenzyme Q10 in combination with steroid and/or mycophenolate mofetil, though his serum creatinine level still increased to 286 mol/L after 7.3 years, which conformed to a chronic kidney disorder with glomerular filtration rate category of G3b. Conclusion:The homozygous c.737G>A missense variants of the COQ8B gene probably underlay the progressive kidney dysfunction in this child. For children with IgA nephropathy presenting with atypical clinical manifestations, unsatisfactory therapeutic effect, and/or early onset of kidney function decline, coexistence of other diseases should be suspected.
8.Application effect of theory of inventive problem solving in the management of loaner instruments in central sterile supply department
Qian LU ; Fang YAO ; Lin JIA ; Yali WANG ; Zhezhe HE ; Meimei YU ; Lili WANG ; Xiaomei XU ; Na YANG ; Rui LIU
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(9):150-154
Objective:To explore the application effect of theory of inventive problem solving(TRIZ)in the management of loaner instruments in central sterile supply department(CSSD).Methods:TRIZ management team was set up to analyze problems in cleaning,disinfection and sterilization of loaner instruments.The invention principles of TRIZ were compared to determine targeted solutions to the corresponding problems.A total of 1,000 pieces of loaner instruments received by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were selected from January and December 2023 were selected,the 500 pieces received from January to June were managed by routine standard management mode,and the 500 pieces received from July to December were managed by the TRIZ management mode.The qualification rates of instruments cleaning,disinfection,packaging and sterilization,the incidence of adverse events,the satisfaction scores of clinical departments and assessment results of newly hired nurses of CSSD were compared between the two management modes.Results:The qualification rates of instruments cleaning,disinfection,packaging and sterilization of TRIZ management mode were 98.00%(490/500),97.20%(486/500),96.40%(482/500)and 96.00%(480/500),respectively,which were higher than those of routine standard management mode,the difference was statistically significant(x2=12.029,11.685,8.859,8.322,P<0.05).The incidence of adverse events of TRIZ management mode was 0%,the routine standard management mode was 1.20%,the difference was statistically significant(x2=6.036,P<0.05).The average scores of CSSD newly hired nurses in of theoretical knowledge,treatment process,cleaning,disinfection and sterilization and packaging of TRIZ management mode were(89.20±6.69)points,(88.47±3.48)points,(92.47±5.37)points and(92.00±5.83)points,respectively,which were higher than those of routine standard management mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=3.993,4.402,3.926,3.332,P<0.05).The satisfaction scores of clinical department personnel with instruments quality,distribution,handover,information traceability,service attitude and overall satisfaction of TRIZ management mode were(18.65±0.81)points,(18.85±1.04)points,(18.95±1.05)points,(18.40±0.75)points,(18.35±0.93)points and(93.20±1.91)points,respectively,which were higher than those of the routine standard management mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=3.599,5.889,4.851,4.865,2.075,8.723,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of TRIZ in the management of loaner instruments in CSSD can significantly improve theoretical knowledge and practical skills of newly hired nurses in CSSD,thereby improving the qualification rates of instruments cleaning,disinfection,packaging and sterilization of loaner instruments,reducing the occurrence of instrument-related adverse events and improving satisfaction of department personnel with instruments use.
9.Transabdominal-transvaginal ultrasound cervical length sequential screening to predict the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancy women with low risk of preterm birth
Lan YANG ; Yuan WANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Huirong TANG ; Ya WANG ; Lianlian WANG ; Taishun LI ; Mingming ZHENG ; Yali HU ; Chenyan DAI ; Yan XU
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;59(9):667-674
Objective:To investigate the feasibility of predicting the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancy women with low risk of preterm birth by transabdominal-transvaginal ultrasound cervical length sequential screening in the second trimester.Methods:This prospective longitudinal cohort study included singleton pregnant women at 11-13 +6 gestational weeks who were admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2023 to September 2023. Transabdominal and transvaginal cervical lengths were measured during the mid-trimester fetal ultrasound scan at 18-24 weeks, and pregnancy outcomes were obtained after delivery. A short cervix was defined as a transvaginal cervical length of ≤25 mm, and the outcomes were defined as spontaneous preterm birth occurs between 20 and 36 +6 weeks and extremely preterm birth before 32 weeks. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the effectiveness of predicting spontaneous preterm birth by transabdominal and transvaginal cervix length, as well as the effectiveness of predicting short cervix by transabdominal cervical length. The relationship between transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length was evaluated using a scatter plot. Results:A total of 562 cases were included in this study, comprising 33 cases of spontaneous preterm birth (7 cases occurring before 32 weeks) and 529 cases of term birth. (1) Compared to the term birth group, transabdominal cervical length (median: 37.6 vs 33.2 mm; Z=-3.838, P<0.001) and transvaginal cervical length (median: 34.0 vs 29.9 mm, Z=-3.030, P=0.002) in the spontaneous preterm birth group were significantly shorter. (2) The areas under the ROC curve for predicting spontaneous preterm birth by transabdominal and transvaginal cervical length were 0.699 (95% CI: 0.588-0.809) and 0.657 (95% CI: 0.540-0.774), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of transvaginal cervical length Conclusions:In singleton pregnancy women with low risk of preterm birth, transabdominal-transvaginal cervical length sequential screening can reduce unnecessary transvaginal ultrasounds by approximately 41% without missing the diagnosis of pregnant women with a short cervix. This method also enhances the effectiveness of transvaginal cervical length to spontaneous preterm birth.
10.Research on patient motion monitoring with domestic innovative integrated radiotherapy CybeRay ? real-time imaging for frameless stereotactic radiosurgery
Lihong CAI ; Wenbo GUO ; Jing NIE ; Yali WU ; Minjie ZHANG ; Huina SUN ; Xinsheng XU ; Gaoqing FENG ; Rui ZHANG ; Qingfang JIANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Yubing XIA
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(12):1138-1143
Objective:To determine the motion detection uncertainty of the real-time CybeRay ? imaging system and patient intrafractional motion with thermoplastic mask-based immobilization. Methods:Real-time CybeRay ? imaging system was used for irradiation and treatment for head phantom and patients with brain tumors. All patients were immobilized with thermoplastic masks. Real-time imaging was delivered using kilovoltage projection images during radiotherapy. The detected patient motion data was collected from 5 head phantom measurements and 27 treatment fractions of 9 brain tumor patients admitted to Kaifeng Cancer Hospital. The accuracy and uncertainty of the motion monitoring system were determined. Results:The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the detected motion in the X, Y, and Z directions for phantom were (-0.02±0.41) mm, (-0.05±0.22) mm and (0.01±0.35) mm, respectively. The detected motion in the X, Y and Z directions for patents were (-0.13±0.48) mm, (-0.05±0.48) mm and (0.11±0.36) mm, respectively. After removing the motion detection uncertainty, the actual intrafractional motion of patients were (-0.11±0.25) mm, (0±0.43) mm and (0.10±0.08) mm in three directions, respectively. Conclusions:The uncertainty of real-time imaging-based motion monitoring system of CybeRay ? is less than 0.5 mm. It is feasible to apply thermoplastic masks for brain tumor patients in clinical practice, which can provide steady immobilization and limit the SD of patient intrafractional motion within 0.5 mm. Real-time imaging-based motion monitoring system of CybeRay ? is accurate for patient motion monitoring during frameless stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy.

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