1.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
2.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
3.The Clinical and Genetics Characteristics of Oculopharyngodistal Myopathy
Jiaxi YU ; Zhihao QUAN ; Yilei ZHENG ; Jing AN ; Jing LIU ; Qingqing WANG ; Lingchao MENG ; Meng YU ; Zhiying XIE ; Jianwen DENG ; He LYU ; Wei ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Zhaoxia WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):164-174
To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes. A total of 65 genetically confirmed OPDM patients from 43 unrelated families, who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2025, were retrospectively included.The general demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory/auxiliary examinations, muscle pathology, and genetic test results were systematically collected and analyzed. The clinical and pathological characteristics among different OPDM subtypes were compared. Among the 65 patients(39 male and 26 female), the mean age of onset was (31.20±10.43) years (range: 14 to 63 years). The initial symptom was predominantly distal limb weakness (67.44%), which gradually progressed to involve the extraocular muscles, pharyngeal muscles, facial muscles and proximal limb muscles. Serum creatine kinase levels were mildly to moderately elevated. Muscle pathological examinations revealed rimmed vacuoles and intranuclear inclusions (within muscle fibers). The mean duration from onset to diagnosis was (12.33±7.88) years (range: 1 to 32 years). All probands had negative results on conventional next-generation whole-exome sequencing; pathogenic variants were identified through third-generation long-read sequencing or OPDM-targeted repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction(RP-PCR). Among the 43 families, OPDM2 subtype was the most common genetic subtype ( OPDM2 was the predominant subtype in this study. All subtypes share similar age of onset and muscular pathological changes, yet exhibit distinct disease progression patterns. Future multicenter prospective cohort studies are warranted to further elucidate the clinical characteristics, pathogenetic mechanisms, and prognostic differences among OPDM subtypes.
4.Research progress on effects of orexin and its receptor antagonists on epilepsy
Chen-shuo JIA ; Yuan-yuan LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Ai-ping ZHENG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Qiao WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1823-1830
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system.Recently,the role of the orexin system in the pathogenesis of epilepsy has garnered significant attention.Orex-in primarily regulates arousal states and enhances neuronal excit-ability through activation of OX1-R/OX2-R receptors.Studies have shown that elevated orexin levels lower the seizure thresh-old,while orexin receptor antagonists(ORAs)exhibit potential antiepileptic effects.ORAs suppress epileptiform discharges by reducing glutamate release,enhancing GABAergic inhibitory effects,and modulating the thalamocortical circuit.Animal ex-periments and preliminary clinical studies demonstrate that OX1R antagonists decrease excitatory synaptic transmission,whereas OX2 R antagonists primarily strengthen GABA-mediated inhibition.With the widespread application of ORAs in sleep disorders,exploring their clinical value as antiepileptic drugs will become a key focus for future research.This review summa-rizes the role of the orexin system in epileptogenesis and discus-ses the research progress and future directions of ORAs as poten-tial antiepileptic agents.
5.Analysis of the collaborative network between medical and public health institutions in Xiangtan City,Hunan Province
Jing-bin ZHANG ; Zheng WANG ; Sha-sha YUAN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(9):15-22
Objective:To analyze and evaluate the current state of the collaborative network among representative medical and public health institutions in Xiangtan city,Hunan Province.Methods:A comprehensive analysis was conducted using social network analysis and focus group interviews to examine the structure and status of five types of collaborative networks among key institutions—hospitals,specialized public health agencies,and primary healthcare facilities—in the case study area.Results:Significant urban-rural differences were observed in the collaborative networks.The further education network was loosely structured,with limited participation from public health institutions.The training network exhibited higher density,with district-level public health institutions and county-level hospitals serving as the core actors in urban and rural areas,respectively.In the supervision and assessment network,rural areas demonstrated multi-stakeholder involvement,whereas urban areas were predominantly led by public health institutions,with district-level medical institutions largely absent.Both infectious and chronic disease information reporting networks were more tightly integrated in rural areas,while urban areas showed insufficient participation from medical institutions.Conclusions:It is essential to strengthen cross-level collaboration among medical and public health institutions,improve a two-way evaluation and incentive mechanism tailored to urban and rural settings,and promote data-sharing initiatives to facilitate the circulation and integration of medical and public health information.
6.Centrifuge overload simulation method for post stall super maneuvering flights
Yi WANG ; Cong WANG ; Ming-hao YANG ; Zhao JIN ; Li-hui ZHANG ; Yuan-jing ZHENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(7):21-26
Objective To propose a centrifuge overload simulation method for post stall super manueuvering flights to conduct the pilot centrifuge training during post stall super maneuvering flights.Methods Firstly,the independent active disturbance rejection control was designed in the longitudinal,transverse and heading channels to achieve closed-loop control of the aircraft at high angles of attack with thrust vector control technology.Secondly,a method for establishing control command for the three-axis centrifuge with the main arm rotation,cabin roll and cabin pitch was put forward based on the relationship between the pilot overload and the centrifuge control information.Finally,a simulation model was constructed based on the cobra maneuver to carry out digital simulation experiments.Results The method proposed effectively extracted overload information under super maneuvering flight conditions,then the centrifuge control commands could be determined accordingly to enable corresponding overload trainings with the centrifuge.Conclusion The proposed method facilitates the improvement of pilots'flight maneuvering performance in post stall super maneuvering flights under sustained high overload conditions.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(7):21-26]
7.Research progress on effects of orexin and its receptor antagonists on epilepsy
Chen-shuo JIA ; Yuan-yuan LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Ai-ping ZHENG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Qiao WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1823-1830
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the central nervous system.Recently,the role of the orexin system in the pathogenesis of epilepsy has garnered significant attention.Orex-in primarily regulates arousal states and enhances neuronal excit-ability through activation of OX1-R/OX2-R receptors.Studies have shown that elevated orexin levels lower the seizure thresh-old,while orexin receptor antagonists(ORAs)exhibit potential antiepileptic effects.ORAs suppress epileptiform discharges by reducing glutamate release,enhancing GABAergic inhibitory effects,and modulating the thalamocortical circuit.Animal ex-periments and preliminary clinical studies demonstrate that OX1R antagonists decrease excitatory synaptic transmission,whereas OX2 R antagonists primarily strengthen GABA-mediated inhibition.With the widespread application of ORAs in sleep disorders,exploring their clinical value as antiepileptic drugs will become a key focus for future research.This review summa-rizes the role of the orexin system in epileptogenesis and discus-ses the research progress and future directions of ORAs as poten-tial antiepileptic agents.
8.Correlation between different low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target levels and prognosis on the application of Evolocumab in patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention
Ze ZHENG ; Peng YUAN ; Han-wei DAN ; Huan-yu JING ; Shi-ying LI ; Yu-chen SHI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):553-560
Objective This study explores the clinical correlation between different low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels and prognosis,providing evidence-based guidance for the development of personalized lipid-lowering goals.Methods Patients who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)treatment at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2020 to June 2023 and received lipid-lowering therapy with the addition of Evolocumab were selected.Based on the results of blood lipid rechecks 3 to 6 months after surgery,the patients were divided into five groups:low-density lipoprotein<0.5 mmol/L,0.5 to<1.0 mmol/L,1.0 to<1.4 mmol/L,1.4 to<1.8 mmol/L,and above 1.8 mmol/L.All patients were followed up for more than one year,and clinical conditions and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)were recorded.Results A total of 1 106 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled;after propensity score matching and exclusion of patients lost to follow up,550 remained(110 per group).During 12 months of follow-up,58 patients(10.5%)experienced a MACE,with incidence rising step-wise across LDL-C categories.In multivariable Cox models adjusted for age,sex,diabetes,hypertension,baseline LDL-C,follow-up LDL-C,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and left ventricular ejection fraction,the hazard ratios[HR(95%CI)]for MACE,relative to the<0.5 mmol/L group,were 1.810(0.507-6.454,P=0.361),3.036(0.945-9.749,P=0.062),5.228(1.737-15.735,P=0.003),7.708(2.633-22.565,P<0.001)for LDL-C levels of 0.5 to<1.0,1.0 to<1.4,1.4 to<1.8 and≥ 1.8 mmol/L,respectively.A restricted cubic spline model demonstrated a significant non-linear positive association between LDL-C and MACE(P-overall≤0.001;P-non-linear=0.008).Stratified analyses by age,sex,hypertension and diabetes showed consistent HR with no significant interactions(all P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in the incidence of bleeding events,elevated creatinine levels,or abnormal liver function(all P>0.05).Conclusions In patients using PCSK9 after PCI,there is a significant positive correlation between LDL-C levels and the risk of MACE,and no correlation was observed between different LDL-C levels and the risk of adverse events such as bleeding.
9.Clinical efficacy of Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules combined with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Zheng SUN ; Xiaoye WANG ; Jing YUAN ; Binhong WEN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(10):1477-1481
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules combined with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Methods:This study was a prospective research. A total of 90 patients with diabetic retinopathy treated at The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province from September 2021 to March 2024 were included in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group, with 45 patients in each group, using the random number table method. The control group received treatment with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase, while the observation group underwent treatment with Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules in addition to injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The clinical efficacy, changes in visual acuity after treatment compared with before treatment, ocular hemodynamic indicators (peak systolic velocity and resistance index), and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:The response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [90.91% (40/45) vs. 73.33% (33/45), χ2 = 8.61, P<0.05]. Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding visual acuity values, retinal thickness, and ocular hemodynamic parameters ( t = 0.11, 0.05, 0.47, 1.08, all P>0.05). After 14 days of treatment, the visual acuity in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.06 ± 0.11) vs. (0.81 ± 0.06), t = 12.62, P<0.001]. The peak systolic velocity in the observation group was significantly greater than that in the control group [(31.85 ± 1.92) cm/s vs. (27.01 ± 1.33) cm/s, t = 8.01, P<0.001]. The retinal thickness in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(311.5 ± 45.2) μm vs. (350.3 ± 59.3) μm, t = -3.49, P<0.001]. The resistance index in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(0.59 ± 0.02) vs. (0.68 ± 0.04), t = -12.57, P<0.001]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation and control groups [8.89% (4/45) vs. 6.67% (3/45), χ2 = 0.16, P>0.05]. Conclusions:Di'ao Xinxuekang Capsules combined with injectable pancreatic kallidinogenase for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy can effectively enhance clinical efficacy, improve patients' visual acuity and ocular hemodynamic indicators, and is considered safe.
10.Clinical study on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease using Zhibitai capsules combined with liraglutide
Zheng SUN ; Jing YUAN ; Xiaoye WANG ; Binhong WEN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(11):1667-1672
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Zhibitai capsules combined with liraglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) complicated by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods:This study used a prospective design. A total of 92 patients with T2DM complicated by MAFLD who were admitted to The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province from September 2023 to September 2024 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 46 patients in each group. Both groups received lifestyle intervention and standard antidiabetic treatment. The control group received subcutaneous injections of liraglutide, while the observation group was treated with liraglutide combined with Zhibitai capsules. All patients were treated for 3 months. Blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin, blood lipid levels, liver function, and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups both before and after treatment. The controlled attenuation parameter of liver fat was measured using Fibro Touch. Results:After treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.31 ± 0.40) mmol/L vs. (0.90 ± 0.30) mmol/L, t = -5.56, P < 0.001]. The levels of total cholesterol [(3.70 ± 0.80) mmol/L vs. (4.40 ± 0.90) mmol/L], triglycerides [(1.50 ± 0.40) mmol/L vs. (2.60 ± 0.50) mmol/L], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [(1.80 ± 0.50) mmol/L vs. (2.60 ± 0.60) mmol/L] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 3.94, 11.65, 6.39, all P < 0.001). The controlled attenuation parameter of liver fat in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(249.20 ± 7.60) dB/m vs. (264.70 ± 8.70) dB/m, t = 9.10, P < 0.001]. The level of total bilirubin in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(16.40 ± 1.50) μmol/L vs. (15.00 ± 1.40) μmol/L, t = -4.63, P < 0.05], while the levels of other liver function indicators in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 4.83, 9.57, 3.66, all P < 0.001). After treatment, whole blood viscosity at high shear rates, whole blood viscosity at lower shear rates, plasma viscosity, and platelet aggregation levels were all significantly lower in the observation group compared with the control group ( t = 2.13, 2.62, 2.97, 6.15, 4.00, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Zhibitai capsules combined with liraglutide can improve blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and liver function, while also decreasing blood viscosity in patients with T2MD complicated by MAFLD.

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