1.Mechanisms of Antidepressant Effect of Zhizi Houpotang and Its Herbal Pairs Based on NLRP3/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Ziwen GUO ; Tingyu SONG ; Yan WANG ; Baomei XIA ; Weiwei TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):72-80
ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point, this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Zhizi Houpotang, and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism, with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model group, a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group (6 g·kg-1·d-1), a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC)-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a Gardeniae Fructus (GF)-MOC herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a GF-AFI herbal pair group (3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and a positive drug group (fluoxetine, 12 mg·kg-1·d-1). Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal) and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2RX7, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, GSDMD, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition, the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased (P<0.01), the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of Panx1, P2RX7, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators (P<0.01). The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and PSD95 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair, GF-MOC, can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling, thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously, it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density, promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula, and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.
2.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
3.Clinical application of transparent cap-assisted peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy for large common bile duct stones
Liying TAO ; Hongguang WANG ; Qingmei GUO ; Chong PANG ; Yundong SHI ; Sijie GUO ; Tianjiao JIA ; Yan CHEN ; Jiani ZHOU ; Shu CHE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1902-1907
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of transparent cap-assisted peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 60 patients with large common bile duct stones who were admitted to Department of Gastroenterology, Jilin People’s Hospital, from May 1, 2023 to January 31, 2026, and according to the treatment method, the patients were divided into transparent cap-assisted peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy group and peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy group, with 30 patients in each group. The two groups were compared in terms of the rate of successful single-session stone fragmentation and removal, procedural time, duration of electrohydraulic lithotripsy, clinical success rate, and complications. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsCompared with the peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy group, the transparent cap-assisted peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy group had a significantly higher technical success rate (83.33% vs 60.00%, χ2=4.022, P=0.045) and significantly shorter procedural time [46.00 (42.25 — 49.00) min vs 54.50 (42.00 — 65.00) min, Z=2.012, P=0.044] and duration of electrohydraulic lithotripsy [8.00 (6.25 — 11.75) min vs 13.50 (9.25 — 17.75) min, Z=2.749, P=0.006]. Both groups achieved a clinical success rate of 100%, with no significant difference in the incidence rate of complications (P>0.05). ConclusionTransparent cap-assisted peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy has a high rate of successful single-session stone fragmentation and removal and a short procedural time, with good safety and efficacy, and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.
4.The strategy and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in isolated atrial fibrillation
Tao YAN ; Fan WENG ; Shijie ZHU ; Dajun ZHAO ; Changfa GUO ; Chunsheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(7):416-420
Objective:To determine the safety and efficacy of the modified off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure to treat isolated atrial fibrillation.Methods:This study retrospectively included isolated atrial fibrillation patients who underwent the modified off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to December 2023. These patients underwent a mini-maze procedure using the Dallas lesion set protocol. A purse-string suture was then performed on the right atrium, and 4 ablation lesions were made to the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, the appendix of the right atrium and the tricuspid valve annulus from the purse-string suture point using the bipolar radiofrequency clamp. After the operation, the patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12months and every year thereafter.Results:A total of 301 patients were followed up. There were no deaths or strokes. A follow-up at intervals of 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months showed that the cumulative success rate free from isolated atrial fibrillation was 96.0%、91.0%、85.9%、79.5% and 72.7%.Conclusion:The modified off-pump biatrial mini-maze procedure is safe and effective and can be considered as an off-pump ablation option for patients and cardiac surgeons.
5.Antagonistic effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on testicular reproductive toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides in mice
Zhen-han XU ; Pei-gen CHEN ; Jin-tao GUO ; Lin-yan LÜ ; Hai-cheng CHEN ; Gui-hua LIU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):131-137
Objective:To explore the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on testicular injury in mice exposed to neonicotinoid insec-ticides(NNI).Methods:Fifteen C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control group(CTRI.group),exposure group(NNI group)and Lactobacillus intervention group(NNI-L group).The mice in CTRL group were given 0.02ml/g of 0.5%carboxym-ethyl cellulose sodium solution by gavage for 14 days.The mice in NNI group were given 0.02 ml/g of NNI mixture by gavage for 14 days.The mice in NNI-L group were given 0.02 ml/g of NNI mixture by gavage and 5 × 108cfu/ml of Lactobacillus reuteri powder so-lution for 14 days.Then,the histomorphology and function of testicle were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunofluores-cence staining and RNA sequencing.Results:Compared with CTRL group,the thickness of testicular seminiferous epithelium in the NNI group was significantly thinner.And the decline in the number of spermatogenic cells and sperm was observed.And the expression of spermatogonial stem cell marker UCHL1 was down-regulated which was significantly improved in NNI-L group compared with the NNI group.The abnormal expressions of hormone and sperm methylation related genes in testis of NNI group were detected by RNA sequen-cing,with significant down-regulation being found in NPFF and IGF2.While the expression of HSD3B8 was significantly up-regulated.The abnormal expression of these genes could be significantly improved after oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri.Conclusion:Testicular spermatogenesis and endocrine function can be damaged by NNI exposure.And oral administration of Lactoba-cillus reuteri protects testis from the adverse effects of NNI toxicity.
6.Validation and Reproducibility of an Iodine-specific Food Frequency Questionnaire for Evaluating Dietary Iodine Intake in the Elderly Population of Gansu Province, China.
Qi JIN ; Tao WANG ; Mei Na JI ; Ji Zun WANG ; Xing MA ; Xin Yi WANG ; Jia Qi WANG ; He Xi ZHANG ; Yan Ling WANG ; Wen Xing GUO ; Wan Qi ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1168-1172
7.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Aged
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Adult
;
Mortality
;
Cause of Death
;
Obesity/mortality*
;
Overweight/mortality*
8.Multimodal MRI features of cerebral small vessel disease combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jing WANG ; Hang PAN ; Yan-ling ZHENG ; Zi-wen LIANG ; Yu-lin WANG ; Qiu-guo OU ; Fan-ying GUAN ; Hai-yan TAO ; Lei SONG ; Rui TANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(8):689-692
Objective To analyze the imaging features of cerebral small vessel disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by multimodal MRI.Methods The clinical data of 160 patients with cerebral small vessel disease admitted to our hospital from January to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether they were complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus,they were divided into the diabetic group and the non-diabetic group,with 80 cases in each group.Both groups underwent multimodal MRI scans.And the severity of lacunar infarction,the severity of subcortical and periventricular white matter lesions,white matter integral and cerebral microbleeds of patients in the two groups were compared.Results The severity of lacunar infarction(χ2=34.076,P=0.001),subcortical white matter lesions(χ2=25.000,P=0.001),periventricular white matter lesions(χ2=22.895,P=0.001)and white matter integral(t=12.370,P=0.001)of patients in the diabetic group were significantly higher than those in the non-diabetic group.No cerebral microbleeds were detected in either group of patients.Conclusion Patients with cerebral small vessel disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus show characteristic multimodal MRI changes.The increase in the number of lacunar infarction lesions and the aggravation of white matter lesions can be used as the characteristic imaging basis for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus related cerebral small vessel disease.
9.Evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures (version 2025)
Yongjun RUI ; Yongqing XU ; Qingtang ZHU ; Xin WANG ; Zhao XIE ; Shanlin CHEN ; Jingyi MI ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Juyu TANG ; Xiaoheng DING ; Aixi YU ; Tao SONG ; Jianxi HOU ; Jian QI ; Xinyu FAN ; Jun FEI ; Lin GUO ; Xingwen HAN ; Weixu LI ; Aiguo WANG ; Yun XIE ; Tao XING ; Meng LI ; Baoqing YU ; Yan ZHUANG ; Xiaoqing HE ; Tao SUN ; Pengcheng LI ; Jihui JU ; Hongxiang ZHOU ; Haidong REN ; Guangyue ZHAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Yongwei WU ; Jun LIU ; Yunhong MA ; Yapeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1021-1034
Severe open tibiofibular fractures account for approximately 28.1% of all open fractures. Among them, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB/C fractures present significant clinical challenges due to associated bone and soft tissue defects, high infection rates, and risk of amputation. Inadequate preoperative assessment may lead to suboptimal emergency surgical planning or intraoperative complications. Historically, external fixation was often preferred, but this approach has been associated with limitations such as restricted joint mobility, delayed bone union, joint stiffness, and disuse osteoporosis, resulting in poor functional recovery. With advancements of debridement techniques, standardization of antibiotic use, and popularization of early soft tissue coverage, early internal fixation has gained broader acceptance. Nevertheless, controversies persist regarding the choice of fixation method, timing of definitive fixation, use of reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing, and necessity of fibular fixation. To standardize the diagnosis and early management of severe open tibiofibular fractures, reduce complication rates, and improve functional recovery, the Society of Microsurgery of the Chinese Medical Association organized a panel of domestic experts to develop the Evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures ( version 2025), using evidence-based methodology. The guidelines provided 12 recommendations covering diagnostic and early fixation strategies of severe open tibiofibular fractures, aiming to provide clinicians with scientifically grounded and standardized guidance.
10.Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries (version 2025)
Fulin TAO ; Jinlei DONG ; Gang WANG ; Xianzhong MA ; Guanglin WANG ; Jiandong WANG ; Zhanying SHI ; Wei FENG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Gang LYU ; Guangyao LIU ; Dahui SUN ; Yuqiang SUN ; Ming LI ; Weixu LI ; Yan ZHUANG ; Kaifang CHEN ; Dapeng ZHOU ; Qishi ZHOU ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Chengla YI ; Longpo ZHENG ; Jianzhong GUAN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Shuquan GUO ; Xiaodong GUO ; Xiaoshan GUO ; Xiaodong QIN ; Hua CHEN ; Shicai FAN ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Lianxin LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(8):709-720
Sacroiliac complex injuries are commonly seen in high-energy pelvic fractures. The injuries make a big difference in treatment patterns due to the diverse injury types, posing considerable challenges in formulating optimal treatment strategies, and hence are persistent clinical difficulties in orthopedic trauma. The clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries presents several key challenges such as a non-negligible rate of missed diagnoses in associated vascular and visceral injuries, absence of standardized protocols for surgical approaches and reduction-fixation strategies across different injury patterns, and ongoing controversies regarding surgical indications and optimal timing for patients combined with concomitant lumbosacral plexus injuries. Currently, no systematic clinical guidelines are available for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries both domestically and internationally. To this end, the Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery Group, Orthopedic Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care and Orthopedic Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a panel of domestic experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medicine and adhering to the principles of scientific rigor, clinical applicability, and innovation. These guidelines provided 11 recommendations covering diagnosis, therapeutic principles and techniques, management protocols for lumbosacral plexus injuries, outcome evaluation, and postoperative rehabilitation pathways, etc., aiming to standardize the clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail