1.Comparison of Efficacy and Mechanism in Warming Yang and Dispersing Cold of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata Processed by ZHANG Zhongjing's Method and Pharmacopoeia Method
Mingjie JIAO ; Qian CHEN ; Shuyu YAN ; Yiyan SONG ; Jia ZHANG ; Fei LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):207-217
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of decoctions from four kinds of processed products of Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata(ARLP) in deficiency-cold syndrome. MethodsA total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Shengfupian(SFP) group, Paofuzi(PFZ) group, Heishunpian(HSP) group and Paofupian(PFP) group with 6 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats in other groups were administered hydrocortisone sodium succinate via intramuscular injection to induce a cold deficiency syndrome model. After 14 consecutive days, each ARLP decoction pieces was administered via continuous gastric lavage at a dose of 12 g·kg-1·d-1 for 7 d, while the control and model groups received an equivalent volume of physiological saline. After the end of administration, body weight, spleen weight and thymus weight were measured for calculating the spleen and thymus indexes. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of adrenal tissue. The fully automatic biochemistry analyzer was used to measure the total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) and lactate(LAC) levels in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the contents of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid(17-OHCS), cortisol(CORT), triiodothyronine(T3), thyroxine(T4), thyrotropin(TSH), immunoglobulin(Ig) M, IgG, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of protein kinase A(PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB), silent information regulator 1(Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α). And high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of major alkaloids, followed by Pearson correlation analysis with pharmacodynamic indicators. ResultsAfter modeling, compare with the control group, the model rats exhibited symptoms such as lethargy and loose stools, mild abnormalities were observed in adrenal tissue structure, and both spleen and thymus indices were significantly reduced(P<0.01). Thyroid, adrenal and immune system functions were suppressed, with decreased serum cAMP level and significantly elevated cGMP level(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the adrenal injury by hydrocortisone sodium succinate were repaired and the spleen index were increased significantly in all four ARLP groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). The thymus index in SFP and PFZ groups were increased significantly(P<0.05). The contents of T3, TSH, 17-OHCS and CORT were increased significantly in SFP and PFZ groups(P<0.05). In addition, the content of IgG in SFP, PFZ and PFP groups were increased significantly(P<0.01), while the content of IgM in PFZ and HSP groups were also increased significantly(P<0.05). Regarding the cyclic nucleotide system, PFZ significantly elevated cAMP level while reducing cGMP level(P<0.05), exhibiting the most pronounced effect among the four decoction pieces. For energy metabolism indicators, PFZ significantly improved abnormal markers including TC, TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). HSP showed marked improvement effects on TG, LDH, and LAC(P<0.05). Both PFZ and SFP significantly elevated the expression levels of PKA, CREB, Sirt1, and PGC-1α proteins(P<0.01). Additionally, the diester alkaloids in ARLP showed a strong positive correlation with TG, IgG, and CORT, a strong negative correlation with LAC, a moderate positive correlation with T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. Monomeric alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TG and IgG, strong negative correlations with LAC, moderate positive correlations with CORT and T4, and moderate negative correlations with cAMP and spleen index. However, the content of water-soluble alkaloids showed strong positive correlations with TC, LDH, 17-OHCS, T3, TSH, and thymus index, moderate positive correlations with cAMP, CORT, T4, and spleen index, and moderate negative correlation with cGMP. ConclusionAmong different processed ARLP decoction pieces, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method exhibits the most potent warming and cold-dispelling effects. Its pharmacological actions are mediated through regulating the thyroid, adrenal, immune, cyclic nucleotide systems, and material-energy metabolism pathways. Among these, water-soluble alkaloids show strong or moderate correlations with more indicators of deficiency-cold syndrome and exhibit the highest content in PFZ. Therefore, PFZ processed according to ZHANG Zhongjing's method may exert its warming and cold-dispelling effects through water-soluble alkaloids.
2.Level and related factors of latent tuberculosis infection in junior and senior high school freshmen in Lanzhou from 2023 to 2024
FANG Qian, ZHANG Li, QIAO Xiaowei, WANG Yuhong, JIA Juanli, HOU Yan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):287-290
Objective:
To investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among freshmen in junior and senior high schools in Lanzhou, so as to provide scientific basis for improving the tuberculosis prevention and control strategy in schools.
Methods:
The screening results of 74 516 freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou during 2023 and 2024 were collected. The Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression model were applied to analyze LTBI level, strongly positive risk for tuberculin skin test (TST) and related factors of the freshmen.
Results:
During 2023 and 2024, the screening rate of tuberculosis among freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou was 93.45%, of which the positive rate for TST was 5.71%, the infection rate for LTBI was 3.80%, and the strongly positive rate for TST was 1.24%. There were statistically significant differences in the screening rate of tuberculosis among freshmen in different years, grades, regions, school types and districts ( χ 2=5.34, 2 463.88, 3 516.13, 132.34, 4 436.56, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that senior high schools ( OR =1.62, 2.18) and urban areas ( OR =2.08, 3.07 ) were all related factors for LTBI and strong positivity for TST among freshmen; schools located in Xigu District, Honggu District, Yongdeng County, Yuzhong County, and Lanzhou New Area ( OR =3.57, 5.67, 9.12, 3.70, 3.64) were related factors of strong positivity for TST among freshmen (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The LTBI level among freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou is relatively low. Grades and regions are related factors for LTBI and strong positivity for TST.
3.Evaluation of Pulmonary Air-Blood Barrier Damage in Ulcerative Colitis Inflammatory Cancer Transformation Model Mice:Based on the "Lung-Intestine Correlation" Theory
Huiyan XU ; Haimei ZHANG ; Xinyu ZHAN ; Fanwu WU ; Yongsen JIA ; Chenxi WU ; Lingyu KONG ; Xin YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):776-783
ObjectiveTo dynamically observe and evaluate the damage to the pulmonary air-blood barrier in mice during the inflammatory cancer transformation process of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on the "lung-intestine correlation" theory. MethodsSixty-five C57BL/6 mice were divided into a normal group (n=25) and a model group (n=40) using a random number table. Azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) method was used to establish a mouse model of UC inflammation cancer transformation in the modeling group. According to the tissue collection time points at 5, 8, 11, 13, and 15 weeks, the normal group mice were randomly divided into the normal 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. The model group mice, 10 mice of which died after the first cycle of DSS administration, were randomly divided into model 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. During the experiment, the general condition of the mice was observed daily, and their body weight was measured weekly. At the corresponding tissue collection time points, the colon length of each group was measured. Histopathology of mouse lung and colon tissues was examined using HE staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect changes in the positive expression of tight junction protein (ZO-1), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and cytoskeletal protein (F-actin) in lung and colon tissues. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), and Cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3) in lung tissues. Western Blot was employed to measure protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin in lung tissues. ResultsCompared to the normal group at the same time point, the mice in the model group at each time point generally had poorer conditions, with weight loss and shortened colon length (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the model 5w group, there was significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon tissue; in the model 8w group, there was mild atypical hyperplasia; in the model 11w group, the crypt structure was disordered, and moderate to severe atypical hyperplasia occurred; in the model 13w and 15w groups, tumors appeared. Pulmonary interstitial lesions, inflammation, vasculitis, and fibrosis were observed at all stages of UC inflammation cancer transformation. The protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin, as well as Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA increased; the expressions of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in colon tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared to the model 5w group, the ZO-1 and F-actin protein levels and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue in the other model groups increased in the atypical hyperplasia period and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA decreased; the expression of ZO-1 protein in colon tissue increased in the canceration period, and the expression of VE-cadherin protein decreased in the atypical hyperplasia period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). ConclusionIn the process of "inflammatory response-atypical hyperplasia-carcinogenesis" in UC inflammatory cancer transformation mice, there were damage to air-blood barrier.
4.Mechanism of action of gut microbiota in chronic pancreatitis fibrosis and related treatment strategies
Yunjun YAN ; Liang SHENG ; Qi WANG ; Shun PENG ; Jia LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):484-489
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a common disease in clinical practice characterized by progressive inflammatory fibrosis of the pancreas. Gut microbiota, known as the “second genome” of humans, bidirectionally modulates the progression of fibrosis in CP via the gut-pancreas axis. This article systematically elaborates on the characteristics of gut microbiota during the progression of CP and its molecular mechanism in mediating pancreatic fibrosis through bacterial translocation, metabolites, immune regulatory networks, and microbe-pancreatic stellate cell interactions, with a focus on the pivotal role of short-chain fatty acids and inflammatory cytokine networks in pancreatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition. In addition, this article explores the potential value of gut microbiota-targeted interventions in the prevention and treatment of CP fibrosis, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discusses the translational potential of using multi-omics technologies to identify diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for CP, in order to provide new ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of CP.
5.Clinical efficacy of Huangkui capsules in the treatment of targeted drug-related proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Miao LI ; Jia YUAN ; Chu LIU ; Maopei CHEN ; Xin XU ; Ningling GE ; Yi CHEN ; Lan ZHANG ; Rongxin CHEN ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):88-94
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huangkui capsules on targeted drug-related proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of HCC patients with targeted drug-related proteinuria from June 2023 to December 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. According to the treatment plan, patients were divided into the conventional treatment group and the Huangkui combination treatment group (Huangkui capsules combined with conventional treatment), and the clinical efficacy between the two groups was compared. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify the main factors affecting treatment efficacy. Results The Huangkui combination treatment group (n=29) showed a significantly higher overall effective rate (79.3% vs 42.3%, P=0.005), and an earlier proteinuria improvement (median time: 3 months vs 6 months, P=0.008) than the conventional treatment group (n=26) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker (ARB) using (OR=0.190, 95%CI 0.045-0.808, P=0.025), targeted drug adjustment (OR=0.132, 95%CI 0.030-0.581, P=0.007), and Huangkui capsules using (OR=0.168, 95%CI 0.039-0.730, P=0.017) were protective factors for treatment efficacy of targeted drug-related proteinuria. Conclusions On the basis of conventional treatment, additive treatment with Huangkui capsules can alleviate targeted drug-related proteinuria faster and more effectively in HCC patients.
6.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
7.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
8.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
9.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
10.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.


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