1.Mechanism of Huayu Jiedu Prescription in Preventing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia Injury by Regulating NETosis After Acute Cerebral Infarction with Blood Stasis and Toxin Syndrome
Wuchaonan LIU ; Dingxiang LI ; Le YANG ; Jing LIU ; Shengping LUO ; Fang LEI ; Hanlin LEI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):50-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury with blood stasis and toxin syndrome and to explore the protective effects of Huayu Jiedu prescription (HYJDP) on neutrophil extracellular trap-related cell death (NETosis) in cerebral ischemic injury following acute cerebral infarction. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group): sham operation (Sham) group, blood stasis and toxin model (Model) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HYJDP groups (HYJDP-L, HYJDP-M, and HYJDP-H; 9, 18, and 36 g·kg-1, respectively), and butylphthalide (NBP) group (0.06 g·kg-1). Except for the Sham group, rats in all other groups were subjected to carrageenan/dry yeast combined with a modified intraluminal filament method to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model of the middle cerebral artery with blood stasis and toxin syndrome. Neurological function was evaluated at 24 h after modeling using the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. Cerebral infarction rate was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3). Protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), sequestosome 1 (p62), and CitH3 in brain tissue was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of neutrophil-specific marker Ly6G, CitH3, and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction rates in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01 for both). HE staining showed varying degrees of neuronal degeneration and necrosis, characterized by blurred neuronal structures, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, cytoplasmic dissolution into a vacuolated reticular pattern, and mild glial cell proliferation. ELISA results showed that serum levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62, while CitH3 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). IF results showed an increased number of NETs+ cells and a significant decrease in NeuN+ cells (P<0.01). Compared with the Model group, neurological deficit scores in the HYJDP-H group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and cerebral infarction rates in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). HE staining showed that brain tissue damage was markedly alleviated in the HYJDP-H group. ELISA results showed that levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly decreased in the HYJDP-M, HYJDP-H, and NBP groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups, while CitH3 expression was significantly reduced in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). IF results showed that the number of NETs+ cells was significantly decreased and the number of NeuN⁺ cells was significantly increased in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). ConclusionNETs may be the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury characterized by blood stasis and toxin. HYJDP can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and NETosis-related products, alleviate cerebral ischemic injury caused by autophagy-dependent NETosis, and thereby exert a neuroprotective effect.
2.Role of alkaloid compounds in regulating chronic liver diseases
Yihui ZHENG ; Jiahui WANG ; Tiejian ZHAO ; Xuelin DUAN ; Lei WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Shiquan YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):375-382
Chronic liver diseases with common causes including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Alkaloids, as a class of plant-derived compounds, have shown significant potential in regulating chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids are able to exert a therapeutic effect on chronic liver diseases through multiple pathways. These compounds have a regulatory effect on key pathological processes such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and they also regulate the metabolic homeostasis of hepatocytes by modulating multiple signaling pathways, thereby playing a role in regulating chronic liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of alkaloids in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
3.Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction Regulating Perimenopausal Syndrome via SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH Signaling Pathway
Ruiyu HUANG ; Fang LEI ; Wuchaonan LIU ; Jingjing YANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Shengping LUO ; Yanling CHEN ; Mengge ZHANG ; Fanshun SHEN ; Yihui DENG ; Dingxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):51-62
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kisspeptin)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus, so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method, with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling, including a sham operation group, a model group, an estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg∙kg-1∙d-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups (7.614, 3.807,1.903 5 g∙kg-1∙d-1), with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days, and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1, Kisspeptin, kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight (P0.01), reduced wet weight and index of uterus (P0.01), endometrial thinning or atrophy, glandular atrophy, and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally, serum levels of E2 and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased (P0.01). Serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, the expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight, serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, and expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary (P0.05, P0.01) and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus, serum level of E2, and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus (P0.05, P0.01). In addition, they showed thickened endometrium, increased number of endometrial glands, and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway, the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary, the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins, and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.
4.Analysis of food poisoning event by type F Clostridium perfringens in a school
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(10):1493-1497
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of food poisoning event occurred in a school in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, so as to provide reference for the scientific management of related emergencies.
Methods:
By determining the nature of the event through epidemiological investigation, a case control study was carried out to spot suspicious food in May 2024. The hygienic investigation was conducted to find out possible pollution links and factors, patients and canteen practitioners anal swab, canteen retention samples, catering link daub and other specimens were collected ,for rapid pathogen screening. And the suspected pathogen Clostridium perfringens (CP) were isolated and identified according to the screening results, and toxin gene detection and whole genome sequencing and cluster analysis of CP isolated strains were carried out.
Results:
The incident resulted in 45 people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. The suspicious food was tomato scrambled eggs and corn ribs provided by the student canteen for lunch on May 29. A hygiene investigation found that there was a risk of contamination in the food processing, preparation and storage. A total of 46 anal swabs and 10 canteen retention samples were positive for CP 16 S, 59 strains of CP were isolated from 27 samples, 10 cases and 1 practitioner isolate were positive for CPE ( cpe ) (F mode), and their whole genome evolution analysis was conducted based on the same source.
Conclusions
The food poisoning event is caused by CP infection carrying CPE ( cpe ) (F mode), and the possible sources of outbreak are the carriers of the CP by employees. It is recommended that cafeteria staff strengthen training on common foodborne diseases and conduct regular monitoring of pathogens.
5.Discovery of a potential hematologic malignancies therapy: Selective and potent HDAC7 PROTAC degrader targeting non-enzymatic function.
Yuheng JIN ; Xuxin QI ; Xiaoli YU ; Xirui CHENG ; Boya CHEN ; Mingfei WU ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Hao YIN ; Yang LU ; Yihui ZHOU ; Ao PANG ; Yushen LIN ; Li JIANG ; Qiuqiu SHI ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Yubo ZHOU ; Xiaojun YAO ; Linjie LI ; Haiting DUAN ; Jinxin CHE ; Ji CAO ; Qiaojun HE ; Xiaowu DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1659-1679
HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.
6.Alamandine inhibits pathological retinal neovascularization by targeting the MrgD-mediated HIF-1α/VEGF pathway.
Kun ZHAO ; Yaping JIANG ; Wen HUANG ; Yukang MAO ; Yihui CHEN ; Peng LI ; Chuanxi YANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(10):1015-1036
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vision-threatening disorder that leads to pathological growth of the retinal vasculature due to hypoxia. Here, we investigated the potential effects of alamandine, a novel heptapeptide in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), on hypoxia-induced retinal neovascularization and its underlying mechanisms. In vivo, the C57BL/6J mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) were injected intravitreally with alamandine (1.0 μmol/kg per eye). In vitro, human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were utilized to investigate the effects of alamandine (10 μg/mL) on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and tubular formation under vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) matrix data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and RAS-related genes from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) were sourced for subsequent analyses. By integrating scRNA-seq data across multiple species, we identified that RAS-associated endothelial cell populations were highly related to retinal neovascularization. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed a significant decrease in alamandine levels in both the serum and retina of OIR mice compared to those in the control group. Next, alamandine ameliorated hypoxia-induced retinal pathological neovascularization and physiologic revascularization in OIR mice. In vitro, alamandine effectively mitigated VEGF-induced proliferation, scratch wound healing, and tube formation of HRMECs primarily by inhibiting the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/VEGF pathway. Further, coincubation with D-Pro7 (Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D (MrgD) antagonist) hindered the beneficial impacts of alamandine on hypoxia-induced pathological angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggested that alamandine could mitigate retinal neovascularization by targeting the MrgD-mediated HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, providing a potential therapeutic agent for OIR prevention and treatment.
Animals
;
Retinal Neovascularization/prevention & control*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Oligopeptides/therapeutic use*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
;
Retinopathy of Prematurity/drug therapy*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects*
;
Cells, Cultured
7.Meta-integration of qualitative studies on body image experience in breast cancer patients
Shu YANG ; Yihui LIN ; Zhihao HAN ; Linxia TANG ; Yunxia QIU ; Xiaoqin MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1786-1792
Objective To systematically integrate the qualitative studies on body image experience in breast cancer patients,in order to provide references for the clinical formulation of corresponding intervention programs.Methods Systematical search was conducted for qualitative studies on the body image experiences of breast cancer patients in databases including PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,PsycINFO,CNKI,WanFang Database,VIP and CBM.The search period was from the establishment of the database to July 2024.The quality of the literature was evaluated using the 2016 edition of the qualitative research appraisal tool from the Evidence-Based Health Care Center of the Joanna Briggs Research Institute in Australia,and the results were integrated using the pooled integration method.Results A total of 14 pieces of the literature were included,and 36 research results were extracted and summarized into 7 new categories.Totally 3 integrated results were obtained,namely the negative impact of changes in body image,patients' self-adjustment and growth,and patients' need for external support.Conclusion Breast cancer patients are plagued by multiple body images.Medical staff should pay attention to the psychological state of patients,do a good job in health education,improve the understanding and support of the society,provide targeted professional guidance,promote the psychological adaptation of patients,meet the emotional needs of patients,establish multiple support systems,and improve the body image and quality of life of patients.
8.RADICAL: a rationally designed ion channel activated by ligand for chemogenetics.
Heng ZHANG ; Zhiwei ZHENG ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Lizhen XU ; Chen GUO ; Jiawei WANG ; Yihui CUI ; Fan YANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(2):136-142
9.A new strategy for pharmacodynamic substance screening and research on gut microbiota pathway mechanisms based on UPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS and 16S rRNA
Zhiying Yu ; Tong Li ; Jie Yang ; Jianghua He ; Weijiang Zhang ; Siyuan Li ; Yunpeng Qi ; Yihui Yin ; Ling Dong ; Wenjuan Xu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):56-70
Objective:
To establish a progressive research strategy for “colonic components analysis - efficacy verification and mechanism exploration - gut microbiota”, screen pharmacodynamic substances, and investigate their mechanism via gut microbiota.
Methods:
The pharmacodynamics of Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) were assessed using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer was used to identify the prototype and metabolic components of GQD in the colon during UC. To analyze the structure and function of characteristic genera of GQD and its active components, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed.
Results:
We identified 67 prototypic and 14 metabolic components of GQD in the UC colon. The primary prototype components are flavonoids and alkaloids, including puerarin (PUE), baicalin (BAI), and berberine (BER). The metabolism was predominantly sulfonation. Efficacy verification showed that the main active components, puerarin, baicalin, and berberine, had good therapeutic effects on UC. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that GQD improved UC by regulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The abundance of gut microbiota involved in the metabolism of the prototype components was influenced by the corresponding components. The function prediction results showed that PUE was the most comparable to GQD, with 24 consistent pathways. BAI and BER showed comparable gut microbiota regulation pathways. Characteristic pathways of BER include glucometabolic processes.
Conclusion
This study focused on the key issues in the gut microbiota pathway and developed a progressive research strategy to understand the transformation mechanisms of colonic components. This research systematically analyzed the active components and metabolic transformation of GQD in the colon during the pathological state of UC, as well as changes in the structure and function of the gut microbiota, clarified the mechanism of GQD and its active components in improving UC via the gut microbiota pathway.
10.Analysis of clinical characteristics in 116 hospitalized dengue fever patients in Guangzhou area, 2024
Xunxi LAI ; Xujing LIANG ; Li LIU ; Taoyuan LI ; Lu YANG ; Ying TENG ; Yihui HUANG ; Wenxin HONG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(5):257-264
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of dengue fever inpatients in Guangzhou area, so that to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:The demographic data, laboratory findings, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of 116 dengue fever cases admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University and the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University from August 1st to December 21st, 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 116 patients, 99 cases (85.34%) were classified as non-severe dengue, while 17(14.66%) progressed to severe dengue (SD). The cohort was comprised of 62(53.45%) males and 54(46.55%) females, with an age of 63.5(22.0) years, and the hospitalization duration was 6(4) days, with the fever duration of 6(2) days. Sixty-two patients (53.45%) were complicated with comorbidities, among which hypertension (66.13%(41/62)), diabetes mellitus (25.81%(16/62)) and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (22.58%(14/62)) accounted for the highest proportion. Primary clinical manifestations included fever (113 cases, 97.41%), with 86.21%(100/116) experiencing fever ≥five days, followed by fatigue (92 cases, 79.31%), myalgia (65 cases, 56.03%), anorexia (56 cases, 48.28%), cough/sputum (55 cases, 47.41%), and headache (54 cases, 46.55%). Early laboratory findings revealed leukopenia (2.22(1.75)×10 9/L], lymphopenia (0.63(0.50)×10 9/L), and thrombocytopenia (77.00(57.00)×10 9/L). Among 17 SD cases, 17 cases experienced severe organ damage, two cases had severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and two cases had septic shock. Among the patients with severe organ damage, there were eight cases of severe cardiac injury, followed by six cases of severe respiratory system injury, four cases of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, three cases of acute kidney injury, three cases of neurological injury, and three cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Severe cardiac injury was manifested with acute heart failure in five cases, malignant arrhythmia in three cases, stress cardiomyopathy in one case, and acute myocardial infarction in one case. Severe respiratory system injuries were manifested with acute respiratory distress syndrome in five cases, severe pneumonia in three cases, and acute pulmonary embolism in one case. Neurological damage was manifested with viral meningitis in one case, acute cerebral infarction in one case, and sensorineural hearing loss in one case. All patients were cured or discharged after symptomatic supportive treatment and active prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusions:In 2024, dengue fever inpatients in Guangzhou area predominantly consist of elderly patients, who are complicated with comorbidities and present a high proportion of severe cases. Severe patients are primarily characterized by organ damage, with cardiovascular system injury being the most common severe manifestation. Dengue patients have a good prognosis.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail