1.Effect of Shixiaosan on Neurological Function and Ferroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Ying WEI ; Lixia WANG ; Junjun YIN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):22-31
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly, cervical blood vessels were separated, branches of the external carotid artery were ligated, and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia, the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow, and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group, a Shixiaosan low-dose (-L) group (intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a Shixiaosan high-dose (-H) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a donepezil hydrochloride tablet (DON) group (intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg-1 DON), and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 ML385). An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY (581/591) C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC) in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group, the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, characterized by reduced neuron numbers, nucleolar shrinkage, and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture, with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ content, MDA content, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels were increased, whereas the modified Garcia JH score, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC were decreased, and TFRC protein expression was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the Shixiaosan -L group, Shixiaosan -H group, and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, reduced iron accumulation, alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ and MDA contents, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC, while TFRC protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group (P<0.05). Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group, all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends (P<0.05). ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
2.Expert consensus on clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in perioperative period
Mingyu JIANG ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Fengjiao KANG ; Anhua WEI ; Danjie ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Ying SHAO ; Li TANG ; Yi WANG ; Shuhong LIANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Guirong XIAO ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):689-699
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in patients during the perioperative period. METHODS Led by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was established. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions related to the rational perioperative use of parenteral DTIs were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” framework; systematic searches were conducted in CNKI, Medline, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through multiple rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven recommendations (each with an expert consensus rate exceeding 90%) on the use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative patients were developed. These recommendations specify drug selection, dosing ranges, key monitoring points, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in various scenarios, including the perioperative period of ventricular assist device implantation, the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, perioperative patients with lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, the perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome, the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid stenosis, the perioperative period of patients with right heart thrombosis, and patients who develop related thrombosis and dysfunction after a central venous catheter insertion. In addition, warning and management pathways for perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events were proposed. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative period.
3.Correlation of plasma insulin-like factor 6 level with risk of acute aortic syndrome and adverse prognosis
Wang DONG ; Ying WANG ; Mingle ZHANG ; Zhichun GAO ; Chun YIN ; Jun JIN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(5):462-471
Objective To analyze the clinical value of plasma insulin-like factor 6(INSL6)in predicting the risk of acute aortic syndromes(AAS)and adverse outcomes.Methods A retrospective case-control trial was conducted on 194 AAS patients admitted to Department of Cardiovascular Diseases of Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between April 2021 and June 2023.Another 194 sex-,age-and BMI-matched individuals without aortic diseases were recruited from the health examination center between December 2021 and January 2024.Their plasma INSL6 level was measured with ELISA,and the general clinical data and results of some laboratory tests were collected and compared between the 2 groups.Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between plasma INSL6 and other variables,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of INSL6 for AAS occurrence,multivariate conditional logistic regression model was utilized to analyze the association between plasma INSL6 and AAS onset,and Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to analyze the relationship between acute-phase plasma INSL6 level and adverse prognosis in AAS patients.Results The plasma INSL6 level was significantly higher in AAS patients at acute phase than the control individuals[704.40(481.32~1 152.62)vs 141.24(107.60~163.72)pg/mL,P<0.001],but no statistical difference was observed in the level among the patients with different AAS subtypes(aortic dissection,intramural hematoma,and penetrating aortic ulcer).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the plasma INSL6 level was positively correlated with platelet count(r=0.325,P<0.001)and hemoglobin concentration(r=0.186,P=0.009),and negatively with IL-6(r=-0.182,P=0.011),INF-γ(r=-0.283,P<0.001),and D-dimer levels(r=-0.195,P=0.006).Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that plasma INSL6 level was independently associated with the occurrence of AAS(OR=28.634,95%CI:7.267~112.820,P<0.001).ROC curve analysis further confirmed that the optimal cutoff value of plasma INSL6 in predicting AAS was 259.425 pg/mL,with a sensitivity of 95.9%and a specificity of 98.5%at this threshold.Kaplan-Meier curve analysis demonstrated that AAS patients with low INSL6 level had significantly lower cumulative survival rates(P=0.020)and event-free survival rates(P=0.004)than those with high INSL6 level(P<0.05).Multivariate COX regression analysis revealed that,after adjusting for sex,age,systolic blood pressure,ST classification,and surgical treatment,acute-phase INSL6 level was independently associated with all-cause mortality(HR:0.999,95%CI:0.999~1.000,P=0.023),AAS-related mortality(HR:0.999,95%CI:0.998~1.000,P=0.012),and composite endpoint events(HR:0.999,95%CI:0.999~1.000,P=0.026)in AAS patients during follow-up.Conclusion Plasma INSL6 level is closely associated with the occurrence and adverse prognosis of AAS,and the indicator is expected to be an effective biomarker for diagnosing AAS and predicting its prognosis.
4.Piezo2 mediates mechanical allodynia in rats with low back pain induced by simulated helicopter low-frequency vibration
Yu TIAN ; Hongzhen LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Botao TAN ; Ying YIN ; Ce YANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(16):1894-1903
Objective To explore the role and mechanism of mechanically sensitive ion channel Piezo2 in mechanical allodynia of rats with low back pain induced by simulating the low-frequency vibration of a helicopter.Methods Low-frequency vibration(LFV)model with 3-dimensional 6 degrees of freedom was used to induce low back pain in awake rats in a sitting position.Twenty-four male SD rats(8 weeks old)were randomly divided into control(Ctrl)group and LFV group.HE staining was used to evaluate the injury of the multifidus muscle.Von Frey test was carried out to detect pain sensitivity.Open field test was employed to assess the spontaneous activity and anxiety.ELISA,Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of NGF,TrkA and downstream molecule Piezo2.Dorsal root ganglia(DRG)neurons was isolated from SD rats and primarily cultured.After identified with immunofluorescence staining,the neurons were divided into the Ctrl group,the LFV group,and the LFV+D-GsMTx4(D-G4,an Piezo2 channel antagonist)group.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of Piezo2,and a calcium ion fluorescent probe was utilized to detect the intracellular Ca2+.The DRG neurons were pretreated with 50 ng/mL NGF for 1 h.Calcium ion fluorescent probe was used to observe the changes in intracellular Ca2+in the LFV group,the LFV+NGF group,and the LFV+NGF+D-G4 group.Results The rats of the LFV group showed abnormal morphology in multifidus muscles,accompanied with inflammatory cell infiltration,decreased paw withdrawal reflex threshold(P<0.05),and shortened total active time and active time in the centre,and decreased distance traveled in the centre(P<0.05),while prolonged total stationary time,stationary time in the periphery,and increased distance traveled in the periphery(P<0.05),and moreover,enhanced expression of Piezo2,NGF and TrkA in the DRG tissues(P<0.05).Cell experiments showed that compared with the Ctrl group,the expression of Piezo2 in the neurons was increased(P<0.05),and the intracellular Ca2+level was significantly elevated in the LFV group(P<0.05).Compared with the LFV group,the Ca2+level was higher in the LFV+NGF group(P<0.05),and the sensitization effect of NGF on Piezo2 was reversed after D-G4 treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Sustained low-frequency vibration induces low back pain and mechanical allodynia in rats through the NGF-TrkA/Piezo2 pathway.
5.Study of Reference Materials for Quantitative Analysis of Gene Copy Numbers of Lentiviral Vectors
Yin-Bo HUO ; Jia-Qi YANG ; Qing TAO ; Wen LIANG ; Li XU ; Lan-Ying LI ; Xiao-Lei ZUO ; Juan YAN ; Min DING ; Ai-Wen MA ; Gang LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1555-1565
Lentiviral vectors(LVs)are key gene delivery tools for integrating target genes into the host genome,but they may also pose risks of insertional mutagenesis.The vector copy number(VCN)in cells is critical for determining the safety of gene modification.However,the reliability and accuracy of its quantification process are influenced by multiple factors.Developing cell reference materials with specific vector copy numbers represents a viable approach to enhance the reliability and consistency of measurement results,enabling quality control of the quantification process and traceability of outcomes.However,the preparation of such reference materials faces challenges in cell sample design,preparation protocols,and advanced quantification techniques.In this study,T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat-based reference materials with LV gene copy numbers of 1 and 2 copy/cell were developed.A high-precision duplex digital polymerase chain reaction(dPCR)method was established to quantify the LV gene and endogenous genes simultaneously.Additionally,the results of dPCR were cross-validated through next-generation sequencing and flow cytometric analysis.Ultimately,confocal microscopy characterization results showed that the developed cell reference materials had intact morphology.The quantification result of VCN-1 was(1.07±0.11)copy/cell,and that of VCN-2 was(2.09±0.21)copy/cell.These cell reference materials demonstrated compliance with stability and homogeneity requirements,and could be applied for quality control throughout the VCN measurement workflow and metrological traceability,improving the accuracy,comparability,and validity of copy number measurements.
6.Construction and research of type Ⅱ endoleak model after endovascular aneurysm repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Shaohong YIN ; Boru HUANG ; Ying LAN ; Zhanfeng GAO
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(7):474-479
Objective:To establish a novel in vivo and in vitro model of type 2 endoleaks (T2EL) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Methods:In vitro model: Using 3Dmax (2022) software, models of AAA and T2EL were created. These models were fabricated using 3D printing technology, with quartz as the material. Fresh pig blood was injected into the models, and a circulation system was established using a peristaltic pump. The direction of blood flow was observed to confirm the establishment of the in vitro T2EL model. In vivo model: Six Bama miniature pigs were selected, each 10 months old and weighing 40-50 kg. After determining whether unilateral iliac artery occlusion could be permanent through experiments, an AAA animal model from the end of the abdominal aorta to the left common iliac artery was created using the patch formation method. EVAR was performed through the right femoral artery, completely occluding the left iliac artery. The T2EL model was established by using the retrograde blood flow from the left iliac artery. The formation of AAA and T2EL models in vivo was confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and other methods. The measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s), and comparisons between groups were performed using the independent-samples t-test. The comparison between groups of count data was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:The successful establishment of the T2EL model was confirmed by observing the blood flow in the circulating drip flask. The weight of the Bama miniature pigs in the in vivo model was (41.33±2.21) kg, the diameter of the abdominal aorta was (7.45±0.15) mm, and the maximum diameter of the aneurysm was (16.67±0.61) mm. Through experiments, it was determined that the left iliac artery and umbilical artery of the experimental pigs could be isolated. Therefore, after the aneurysm from the end of the abdominal aorta to the left common iliac artery was established, a covered stent was implanted from the abdominal aorta to the right common iliac artery for EVAR treatment. The successful establishment of the AAA model and the T2EL model with the left iliac artery as the main "culprit vessel" was confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound and DSA.Conclusion:The in vitro models established through 3D printing technology and the T2EL animal model with the left iliac artery as the main "culprit vessel" have a high success rate and can serve as a model basis for the mechanism and treatment research of T2EL after EVAR for AAA.
7.Analysis of Bone Health Status in Adult Hemophilia Patients
Ying LIU ; Ying GE ; Mingnan SHI ; Li ZHANG ; Chengjie YIN ; Lixia CHEN ; Weibo XIA
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(4):446-452
To investigate the bone health status and potential influencing factors of bone mineral density in adult patients with hemophilia, providing a reference for improving their bone health and for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation intervention of osteoporosis. This study is a retrospective analysis. Adult male patients with hemophilia A who visited the department of rehabilitation medicine at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2022 to February 2024 were selected. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) were used to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of the patients. Anterolateral X-rays and Pettersson radiology scores were performed on the left ankle joint. Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) version 2.1 was used to calculate the HJHS score of the left ankle and evaluate the joint health status of the included patients. Serum bone metabolism indexes including total procollagen Ⅰ N-terminal propeptide (TP1NP) and C-terminal crosslinking β-isomerized carboxy-telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen (β-CTX), and serum 25-(OH)D3 were detected. The patients' body composition parameters were measured, including the body mass index(BMI)and the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). The correlation analysis of BMD detection values and its possible influencing factors was carried out. A total of 33 adult male patients with hemophilia A were selected, including 22 severe patients and 11 moderate patients, with an average age of 31.1±8.4 years. The hip BMD of the included patients was lower than the predicted value of age to varying degrees, and the minimum The hip BMD of adult hemophilia patients decreased.Joint dysfunction may be one of the factors associated with reduced bone density in patients with hemophilia. The increase in osteoclast activity may be accompanied by an increase in compensatory osteoblast activity.
8.Predictive value of methylation of RUNX3 promoter region in 28-day prognosis of patients with sepsis
Liunian Ying ; Lei Liu ; Ying Zhang ; Yongqiang Yin ; Yi Zhong
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(10):1924-1931
Objective:
To investigate the methylation status of the RUNX family transcription factor 3 ( RUNX3)promoter and its mRNA expression in sepsis patients , and to analyze their relationship with the prognosis of sepsis.
Methods:
Differentially expressed genes related to sepsis , including RUNX3 , were identified from multiple datasets obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The gene expression and methylation sites were validated. A total of 120 patients with sepsis were included. Clinical data were recorded , and blood samples were collected at enrollment. Relative expression levels of RUNX3 in blood samples and promoter methylation status were detected using qPCR and methylation⁃specific PCR ( MSP) , respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the correlation between RUNX3 levels in patient blood and clinical indicators. Kaplan⁃Meier analysis was performed to plot survival curves , and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to identify factors affecting the prognosis of sepsis patients.
Results:
Data set analysis revealed that RUNX3 was a differentially methylated gene associated with the prognosis of sepsis. The mRNA expression level of RUNX3 was lower in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group (P < 0. 05) , and the methylation ratio of RUNX3 was higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (P < 0. 05) . In sepsis patients , RUNX3 mRNA expression levels were negatively correlated with interleukin-6 ( IL-6) , procalcitonin ( PCT) , C-reactive protein ( CRP) , acute physiology and chronic health evaluation ( APACHE Ⅱ ) score , and sequential organ failure assessment ( SOFA) score. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 28-day survival rate in the methylated group was lower than that in the unmethylated group ( P < 0. 05) . Cox regression analysis results indicated that RUNX3 promoter methylation was an independent risk factor for predicting the 28-day prognosis of sepsis patients.
Conclusion
In sepsis patients , the mRNA levels of RUNX3 were reduced , and the degree of promoter methylation was higher. RUNX3 promoter methylation was an independent risk factor for the 28-day prognosis of sepsis patients and could serve as a prognostic biomarker for sepsis.
9.Treatment of Parkinson's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Lulu JIA ; Ying LI ; Jiale YIN ; Nan JIA ; Xiaoxi LIU ; Li LING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):315-322
Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, which seriously affects the lives of patients. With the acceleration of aging process, the number of patients continues to rise. Its main pathological features are aggregation of α-synuclein and degenerative death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, the pathogenesis of PD is still unclear. According to reports, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB) signaling pathway is highly expressed and activated in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which is closely related to neurophysiological processes such as neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. It plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PD. At present, the treatment methods of Western medicine for PD are mainly based on drugs such as levodopa and dopamine agonists to alleviate motor symptoms, but with the increase of dose, the adverse reactions are significantly enhanced. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has attracted people to explore its therapeutic effects on PD due to its characteristics of homology of medicine and food, economy, minor adverse reactions and multi-target action. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the role of BNDF/TrkB pathway in the pathogenesis of PD and the mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts and monomers in the treatment of PD by regulating the BNDF/TrkB pathway according to retrieving the latest research reports at home and abroad, so as to provide a reference for the clinical application of related TCM and the development of new drugs for PD.
10.Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla and prediction of its quality markers.
Shi-Han GUAN ; Chang LIU ; Xiao-Tong YAN ; Jin-Wei HAN ; Feng-Ting YIN ; Hui SUN ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):908-921
Abelmoschi Corolla, the dried corolla of Abelmoschus manihot, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrosis activities. Its chemical constituents mainly include flavonoids, organic acids, steroids, and polysaccharides. This study reviewed the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla in recent 20 years. According to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), the Q-markers of Abelmoschi Corolla were predicted from plant phylogeny, chemical constituent specificity, traditional efficacy, chemical constituent measurability, and absorbed constituents. The primary Q-markers for Abelmoschi Corolla were anticipated to include quercetin-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin-8-O-β-D-glucuronide, isoquercetin, myricetin,quercetin, and hyperoside, with the aim of providing reference data for improving the quality evaluation system of Abelmoschi Corolla.
Abelmoschus/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Flowers/chemistry*
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Humans
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Animals
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Quality Control
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Flavonoids/chemistry*


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