1.Mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription in Alleviating Renal Fibrosis in 5/6 Nephrectomy Rats Based on AMPK/mTOR Pathway
Wanqing WANG ; Yashi WANG ; Hui GAO ; Linlin ZHENG ; Dong BIAN ; Cun FENG ; Xiaona WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):90-97
ObjectiveBased on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, this study aimed to observe the effect of the Huazhuo Jiedu prescription on renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy rats and explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsA total of 67 SPF-grade male SD rats were used, of which 11 were randomly selected as the normal group. A chronic renal failure (CRF) model was established using 5/6 nephrectomy. The successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the model group, losartan potassium group (4.5 mg·kg-1), and low- (1.175 g·kg-1), medium- (2.35 g·kg-1) and high-dose (4.7 g·kg-1) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups, with 9 rats per group. Each group received an equivalent volume of saline or the corresponding concentration of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription by gavage once daily for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe renal tissue pathological changes. Transmission electron microscopy examined renal ultrastructure. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Western blot analyzed expression levels of microtubule-associated protein Ⅰ light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), Beclin1, p62, AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), mTOR, and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited glomerular shrinkage, mesangial and interstitial thickening, and tubular vacuolar degeneration, with no evident autophagosomes or autophagolysosome structures. Expression levels of α-SMA and TGF-β1 were significantly increased (P0.01), while p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ were significantly decreased (P0.01), and p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 were significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups and the losartan potassium group showed varying degrees of pathological improvement. Autophagosomes with double- or multiple-layer membranes and autophagolysosomes with monolayer membranes containing undegraded organelles were observed. Renal α-SMA and TGF-β1 protein expression levels were markedly reduced (P0.05, P0.01), p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 were significantly decreased (P0.05, P0.01), and p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ expression levels were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription may improve renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy rats by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing autophagy.
2.Transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promotes spinal cord injury repair through inhibiting ferroptosis
Zuoyu HUA ; Yashi WANG ; Shi SUN ; Lixin ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(7):577-582
Objective To investigate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)combined with human umbilical cord mesen-chymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)on ferroptosis following spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.Methods Allen percussion was used to estab-lish the SCI model.A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into sham,SCI,TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups,with 12 rats in each group.Motor function was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)score.Spinal cord tissues were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)as well as Nissl to observe tissue damage as well as the changes in neurons and Nissl bodies,respectively.The colorimetric method was used to detect the contents of ferrous ions(Fe2+)and reduced glutathione(GSH).Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the ultrastructure of the mitochondria.Western blotting was performed to detect the expres-sion levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,and ACSL4.Results The SCI group had lower BBB scores,higher Fe2+and ACSL4 protein expression levels,and lower GSH,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expression levels than the sham group(P<0.05).The mitochondrial cristae reduced with membrane shrinkage,neuronal damage was severe,and Nissl bodies were absent in the SCI group.The TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups had higher BBB scores,lower Fe2+and ACSL4 protein expression levels,and higher GSH,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expression levels than the SCI group(P<0.05).The mitochondrial cristae increased with an intact membrane structure,the pathological damage was attenuated,neuronal morphology was restored,and Nissl bodies were clearly visible in TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups.Conclusion TMS combined with hUC-MSC inhibits ferroptosis through activating the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway,alleviates secondary injury after SCI,and promotes functional recovery and neural remodeling in rats.
3.Transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promotes spinal cord injury repair through inhibiting ferroptosis
Zuoyu HUA ; Yashi WANG ; Shi SUN ; Lixin ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(7):577-582
Objective To investigate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)combined with human umbilical cord mesen-chymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)on ferroptosis following spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.Methods Allen percussion was used to estab-lish the SCI model.A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into sham,SCI,TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups,with 12 rats in each group.Motor function was evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)score.Spinal cord tissues were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)as well as Nissl to observe tissue damage as well as the changes in neurons and Nissl bodies,respectively.The colorimetric method was used to detect the contents of ferrous ions(Fe2+)and reduced glutathione(GSH).Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the ultrastructure of the mitochondria.Western blotting was performed to detect the expres-sion levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,and ACSL4.Results The SCI group had lower BBB scores,higher Fe2+and ACSL4 protein expression levels,and lower GSH,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expression levels than the sham group(P<0.05).The mitochondrial cristae reduced with membrane shrinkage,neuronal damage was severe,and Nissl bodies were absent in the SCI group.The TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups had higher BBB scores,lower Fe2+and ACSL4 protein expression levels,and higher GSH,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expression levels than the SCI group(P<0.05).The mitochondrial cristae increased with an intact membrane structure,the pathological damage was attenuated,neuronal morphology was restored,and Nissl bodies were clearly visible in TMS,hUC-MSC,and TMS+hUC-MSC groups.Conclusion TMS combined with hUC-MSC inhibits ferroptosis through activating the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway,alleviates secondary injury after SCI,and promotes functional recovery and neural remodeling in rats.
4.Progress in ferroptosis and its inhibitors in central nervous system diseases
Yashi WANG ; Zuoyu HUA ; Lixin ZHANG
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(3):276-281
The etiology of central nervous system(CNS)diseases is complex and mostly unknown,and patients are often left with sequelae and poor prognosis.Recently,ferroptosis has emerged as a unique oxidative stress-induced cell death pathway and is important in various CNS diseases.It is an important mode of neuronal cell death.This article summarizes the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis,research progress of ferroptosis in CNS diseases,and application of ferroptosis inhibitors in CNS diseases to provide new targets and clini-cal references for CNS disease treatment.
5.Establishment of evaluation system on food safety management capacity for food production enterprises by Delphi method.
Yashi WANG ; Zhen HOU ; Guofeng REN
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2019;44(4):437-443
To construct an evaluation indicator system on food safety management capacity for food production enterprises by Delphi method, and to provide a scientific theoretical framework for food safety management capacity for food enterprises.
Methods: A framework for the evaluation system on food safety management capabilities was established and experts in relevant fields were invited to conduct 2 rounds of expert consultation. Indicators were selected and determined based on expert opinions and statistical analysis results. The hierarchical model was constructed by the analytic hierarchy process to determine the weight coefficients of each indicator.
Results: The positive coefficients of the two rounds of expert consultation were 84% and 100%, and the coefficient of experts' authority was 0.826. The coordination coefficients of the indicators in the first round of consultation were 0.439, 0.323 and 0.324, and they were 0.607, 0.351, and 0.368 in the second round, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The evaluation index system of food safety management capacity for food production enterprises was established after the two rounds of expert consultation, and the system consisted of 5 indicators for the first level, 18 indicators for the second level and 32 indicators for the third level, with corresponding weights.
Conclusion: The enthusiasm, authority and concordance of experts during this consultation are good, and the selected indicators are reasonable and comprehensive, which can provide a basis for the evaluation of food safety management capabilities for food enterprises.
Delphi Technique
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Emotions
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Safety Management

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