1.Analysis of visual field manifestations of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Yue LI ; Ying WANG ; Wenxin JIAO ; Jilu LIN ; Jianing WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):671-675
AIM: To observe the manifestations and distribution patterns of visual field in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION).METHODS: Retrospective observational study. The investigation encompassed 183 patients(246 eyes)diagnosed with NAION who were evaluated at the Neuro-Ophthalmology/Acupuncture Department within the Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2018 to December 2023. Recorded clinical data covered demographic details, incidence, disease duration, presence of systemic diseases, and histories of tobacco and alcohol use, along with best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), visual field index(VFI), type of visual field defect, and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL).RESULTS: A total of 183 patients(246 eyes)were enrolled. The cohort consisted of 101 males and 82 females; 120 exhibited unilateral symptoms, while 63 showed bilateral symptoms, with a mean age of 56.20±9.78 years(range 29-81 years). The types of visual field defects observed were varied: 90 eyes(36.6%)had diffuse loss, 63 eyes(25.6%)experienced inferior hemifield loss, 32 eyes(13.0%)displayed ring scotomas, 22 eyes(8.9%)had arcuate scotomas, 11 eyes(4.5%)presented with quadrant defects, 15 eyes(6.1%)had sectorial or wedge defects, and 13 eyes(5.3%)showed superior hemifield loss. The BCVA(LogMAR)and VFI of patients with diffuse visual field loss were poorer than patients with other types of visual defects(all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in visual field defects among patients of different genders and ages(all P<0.05). However, history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea and other systemic diseases, history of smoking and alcohol, and course of disease did not show specificity in the NAION visual field(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:NAION manifests with a broad spectrum of visual field impairments across different genders, age, and levels of visual functionality. Extensive future research is necessary to identify additional reasons influencing the types of visual field damage in NAION.
2.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
3.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Ischemic Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Proteomics
Qiuyan ZHANG ; Ying LI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Longxiao HU ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):52-61
ObjectiveTo explore the optimal construction method and the biological basis for establishing a mouse model of ischemic heart disease(IHD) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol(ISO). MethodsA total of 144 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into three normal groups and nine model groups according to body mass, with 12 mice in each group. The model groups 1, 4, and 7 were administered ISO via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg·kg-1·d-1 for four consecutive days, the model groups 2, 5, and 8 received ISO at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 for seven consecutive days, while the model groups 3, 6, and 9 were given ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. The normal groups were administered an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. After the modeling process, body mass, 24-hour food and water intake, grip strength, and spontaneous activity of the mice were measured. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, the serum levels of norepinephrine(NE), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in myocardial tissue was measured by biochemical analysis, while histopathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. An orthogonal experimental design was applied for intuitive analysis and variance analysis to screen the optimal modeling conditions of the mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. A data-dependent acquisition(DDA) proteomic technique was employed to quantitatively detect differentially expressed proteins in myocardial tissue between the optimal model group and the normal group. And bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the potential biological mechanisms underlying the Qi and Yin deficiency model of IHD. ResultsOrthogonal results showed that the injection cycle had a great influence on model establishment, and the optimal modeling condition was identified as intraperitoneal injection of ISO at 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. Under this condition, compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated significant reductions in body mass, food intake, water intake, grip strength, total distance and average speed of exercise, ejection fraction(EF), fractional shortening(FS), serum levels of NE and cGMP, and myocardial ATP content(P<0.01), while immobility time, cAMP level, and the cAMP/cGMP value were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining results revealed that myocardial tissue in the model group had disordered cell arrangement, inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial fiber rupture, and fibrous tissue proliferation. Proteomic analysis identified 141 differentially expressed proteins in the model group compared with the normal group, with 52 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the cellular components(CC) were mainly related to mitochondria and the inner mitochondrial membrane, the biological processes(BP) were associated with complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, suggesting that the potential functional pathways involved the complement and coagulation cascade, as well as porphyrin metabolism. ConclusionContinuous intraperitoneal injection of ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1 for 14 days successfully establishes a mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to the regulation of iron ions by complement C3, C5 and Cp, and plays a role in the regulation through the BP of complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, and the signaling pathways of the complement and coagulation cascade and porphyrin metabolism.
4.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Ischemic Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Proteomics
Qiuyan ZHANG ; Ying LI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Longxiao HU ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):52-61
ObjectiveTo explore the optimal construction method and the biological basis for establishing a mouse model of ischemic heart disease(IHD) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol(ISO). MethodsA total of 144 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into three normal groups and nine model groups according to body mass, with 12 mice in each group. The model groups 1, 4, and 7 were administered ISO via intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg·kg-1·d-1 for four consecutive days, the model groups 2, 5, and 8 received ISO at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 for seven consecutive days, while the model groups 3, 6, and 9 were given ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. The normal groups were administered an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. After the modeling process, body mass, 24-hour food and water intake, grip strength, and spontaneous activity of the mice were measured. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, the serum levels of norepinephrine(NE), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in myocardial tissue was measured by biochemical analysis, while histopathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. An orthogonal experimental design was applied for intuitive analysis and variance analysis to screen the optimal modeling conditions of the mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. A data-dependent acquisition(DDA) proteomic technique was employed to quantitatively detect differentially expressed proteins in myocardial tissue between the optimal model group and the normal group. And bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the potential biological mechanisms underlying the Qi and Yin deficiency model of IHD. ResultsOrthogonal results showed that the injection cycle had a great influence on model establishment, and the optimal modeling condition was identified as intraperitoneal injection of ISO at 15 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days. Under this condition, compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated significant reductions in body mass, food intake, water intake, grip strength, total distance and average speed of exercise, ejection fraction(EF), fractional shortening(FS), serum levels of NE and cGMP, and myocardial ATP content(P<0.01), while immobility time, cAMP level, and the cAMP/cGMP value were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining results revealed that myocardial tissue in the model group had disordered cell arrangement, inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial fiber rupture, and fibrous tissue proliferation. Proteomic analysis identified 141 differentially expressed proteins in the model group compared with the normal group, with 52 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the cellular components(CC) were mainly related to mitochondria and the inner mitochondrial membrane, the biological processes(BP) were associated with complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, suggesting that the potential functional pathways involved the complement and coagulation cascade, as well as porphyrin metabolism. ConclusionContinuous intraperitoneal injection of ISO at a dose of 15 mg·kg-1 for 14 days successfully establishes a mouse model of IHD with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to the regulation of iron ions by complement C3, C5 and Cp, and plays a role in the regulation through the BP of complement activation, platelet activation, and responses to metal ions, and the signaling pathways of the complement and coagulation cascade and porphyrin metabolism.
5.Non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents: the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and related factors
Honghui WEI ; Ying ZHANG ; Ningning SUN ; Yue WANG ; Yang LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):211-216
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, significantly affecting their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the risk factors associated with adolescent NSSI is crucial for prevention. Previous studies have identified mobile phone dependence as a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. However, as a key form of mobile phone dependence, the evidence regarding the impact of mobile phone social media dependence on adolescent NSSI behavior remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and its associated factors on adolescent NSSI behavior, so as to provide references for intervention strategies targeting NSSI in adolescents. MethodsA total of 100 adolescents diagnosed with NSSI according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and receiving treatment at Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study group. Concurrently, 100 age- and sex-matched students from Hangzhou were recruited as the control group. Assessments were conducted using Ottawa Self-injury Inventory(OSI) Function Subscale and Addiction Features Subscale, Adolescents Self-Harm Scale(ASHS), and Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing NSSI behaviors. ResultsThe research group had a total of 99 patients (99.00%) who completed the study, while the control group consisted of 97 (97.00%) adolescents who finished this research.The study group had statistically significantly higher total scores on the Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire, as well as higher scores on the conflict and withdrawal dimensions, compared with control group(t=-3.061, -2.874, -2.368, P<0.05 or 0.01). The study group also scored significantly higher on the OSI Function Subscale for internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation-seeking factors, as well as on the OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores, compared to the control group(t=-22.249, -8.854, -17.968, -10.591, -20.157, P<0.01). OSI Function Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.321, P<0.01), and OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.282, P<0.01). ASHS scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.145, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that compulsivity (β=0.416, P<0.01) and conflict (β=0.256, P<0.05) were significant predictors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. ConclusionAdolescent NSSI behaviors are associated with mobile phone social media dependence. The compulsivity and conflict dimension of mobile phone social media dependence are influencing factors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. The higher level of the compulsivity and conflict are associated with an increased risk of the NSSI behaviors in adolescents. [Funde by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project in 2022 (number, 2022KY704]
6.Pharmacokinetic interactions between empagliflozin and donafenib/lenvatinib in rats
Ying LI ; Zihan LIU ; Wenyu DU ; Jing AN ; Congyang DING ; Yue ZHAO ; Bingnan REN ; Zefang YU ; Yajing LI ; Zhanjun DONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1853-1860
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of empagliflozin combined with donafenib or lenvatinib on the pharmacokinetic parameters of each drug, and to provide a reference for combined medication in clinical practice. MethodsA total of 48 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 8 groups: empagliflozin group 1 and 2, donafenib group, lenvatinib group, donafenib pretreatment+empagliflozin group, lenvatinib pretreatment + empagliflozin group, empagliflozin pretreatment+donafenib group, and empagliflozin pretreatment+lenvatinib group, with 6 rats in each group. The doses of empagliflozin, donafenib, and lenvatinib were 2.5 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 1.2 mg/kg, respectively. The rats in the empagliflozin group, donafenib group, and lenvatinib group were given a blank solvent by gavage for 7 consecutive days, followed by a single dose of empagliflozin, donafenib, or lenvatinib on day 7 after the administration of the blank solvent; the rats in the pretreatment groups were given the pretreatment drug by gavage for 7 consecutive days, followed by a single dose of drug combination on day 7 after administration of the pretreatment drug. Blood samples were collected at different time points, and plasma was separated to measure the concentration of each drug. A validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to measure the plasma concentrations of donafenib, lenvatinib, and empagliflozin, and a non-compartmental model was used to calculate the main pharmacokinetic parameters of each drug (area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC], time to peak [Tmax], peak concentration [Cmax], and half-life time [t1/2]). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. ResultsCompared with the empagliflozin group, the donafenib pretreatment+empagliflozin group had significant increases in the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of empagliflozin (P=0.011 and 0.008), while the lenvatinib pretreatment+empagliflozin group had no significant change in the AUC of empagliflozin, with a slightly shorter Tmax (P=0.019). Compared with the donafenib group, the empagliflozin pretreatment+donafenib group had significant increases in the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of donafenib (P=0.027 and 0.025), as well as a significant increase in Cmax (P=0.015) and significant reductions in CLz/F and Vz/F (P=0.005 and 0.004); compared with the lenvatinib group, the empagliflozin pretreatment+lenvatinib group had a reduction in the t1/2 of lenvatinib by approximately 5 hours (P=0.002), with a trend of reduction in AUC0-t (P0.05). ConclusionEmpagliflozin combined with donafenib may alter the pharmacokinetic parameters of both drugs, leading to a significant increase in the exposure levels of both drugs, and efficacy and adverse reactions should be monitored during co-administration. There are no significant changes in the exposure levels of empagliflozin and lenvatinib during co-administration.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020
ZHANG Ying ; CHEN Yixuan ; GAO Yue ; WANG Ye ; LI Jiansen ; HAN Yutong ; WEI Wenqiang ; LIAO Yu
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):997-1001
Objective:
To investigate characteristics of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020, so as to provide a basis for optimizing regional prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data on incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020 were collected from the Cancer Follow-up Registration System and the All-Cause Mortality Registration Reporting System of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude incidence, crude mortality, truncated rate for 35 to 64 years, and cumulative rate for 0 to 64 years were calculated, and standardized using the Segi's world standard population. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze the characteristics of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by different genders, urban/rural areas and ages.
Results:
A total of 14 771 cases of colorectal cancer were reported in Guangdong Province in 2020. The crude incidence, world population-standardized incidence, truncated incidence for 35 to 64 years and cumulative incidence for 0 to 64 years were 35.18/100 000, 24.84/100 000, 38.87/100 000 and 1.37%, respectively. A total of 5 384 deaths of colorectal cancer were reported, with crude incidence, world population-standardized incidence, truncated incidence for 35 to 64 years and cumulative incidence for 0 to 64 years were 14.55/100 000, 8.83/100 000, 10.39/100 000 and 0.37%, respectively. The crude incidence and mortality were higher in males than in females (40.35/100 000 vs. 29.88/100 000, 16.51/100 000 vs. 12.54/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality were higher in urban areas than in rural areas (38.94/100 000 vs. 26.10/100 000, 16.60/100 000 vs. 10.42/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence of colorectal cancer initially increased with advancing age (P<0.05), reaching a peak of 239.36/105 in the 80-<85 age group, followed by a marked decline after 85 years. The crude mortality of colorectal cancer increased with advancing age (P<0.05), reaching a peak of 174.25/100 000 in the ≥85 years age group.
Conclusions
In 2020, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in registration areas of Guangdong Province were higher than the national averages. There were differences in the characteristics of incidence and mortality among genders, urban/areas and age. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control efforts for colorectal cancer in males, urban areas, and the elderly population.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020
CHEN Yixuan ; LIAO Yu ; ZHANG Ying ; GAO Yue ; WANG Ye ; LI Jiansen ; HAN Yutong ; WEI Wenqiang ; ZENG Zhuanping
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):1009-1013
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020, so as to provide the evidence for improving prevention and control strategies of lung cancer.
Methods:
Data of incidence and mortality in 2020 from 30 cancer registries in Guangdong Province were collected from the Cancer Follow-up Registration System and the All-Cause Mortality Registration Reporting System of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude incidence, crude mortality, and cumulative rate for 0 to 74 years were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate and world population-standardized rate were calculated using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000 and Segi's world standard population. The incidence and mortality characteristics of lung cancer in different genders, urban/rural areas and ages were described.
Results:
In 2020, there were 25 357 new cases of lung cancer in Guangdong Province. The crude incidence, Chinese population-standardized incidence, world population-standardized incidence, and cumulative incidence for 0 to 74 years were 60.40/100 000, 43.75/100 000, 43.26/100 000, and 5.30%, respectively. There were 14 366 lung cancer deaths. The crude mortality, Chinese population-standardized mortality, world population-standardized mortality, and cumulative mortality for 0 to 74 years were 38.82/100 000, 24.49/100 000, 24.36/100 000, and 2.88%, respectively. The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer in males were higher than those in females (71.19/100 000 vs. 49.42/100 000, 52.94/100 000 vs. 24.36/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer in urban areas were higher than those in rural areas (66.37/100 000 vs. 45.95/100 000, 40.68/100 000 vs. 35.07/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer exhibited upward trends with increasing age (both P<0.05), peaking in the age of 80-<85 years (347.97/100 000 and 342.14/100 000).
Conclusions
Comparing to the national data, the incidence of lung cancer in registration areas of Guangdong Province remained relatively high, while mortality remained relatively low. Males, urban residents and the elderly constitute the key populations for lung cancer prevention and control. It is recommend to optimize the allocation of medical resources between urban and rural areas and strengthen lung cancer screening among high-risk groups.
9.Effects of acupuncture on podocyte autophagy and the LncRNA SOX2OT/mTORC1/ULK1 pathway in rats with diabetic kidney disease.
Xu WANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Hongwei LI ; Handong LIU ; Jie LI ; Ying FAN ; Zhilong ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1450-1458
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of acupuncture on podocyte autophagy and long non-coding RNA SOX2 overlapping transcript (LncRNA SOX2OT)/mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1)/Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) pathway in rats with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture reduces urinary protein.
METHODS:
A total of 40 SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=30). The DKD model was established by feeding a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in the modeling group. Twenty rats with successful DKD model were randomly divided into a model group (n=10) and an acupuncture group (n=10). The acupuncture group received "spleen and stomach-regulating" acupuncture at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36), "Fenglong" (ST40), "Yinlingquan" (SP9), and "Zhongwan" (CV12), 30 min per session, once daily, five times per week, for four weeks. The general condition, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urinary protein quantification, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were compared before and after the intervention. After intervention, urinary podocyte injury marker SPON2 was measured by ELISA. Podocyte autophagosomes and glomerular basement membrane ultrastructure in renal tissue were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Podocyte apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. The protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3-Ⅱ), mTORC1, ULK1, Beclin-1, and p62 in renal tissue was detected by Western blot. LncRNA SOX2OT expression in renal tissue was measured by real-time PCR.
RESULTS:
After the intervention, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased food and water intake, increased urine output, weight loss, and loose stools; compared with the model group, the food and water intake, urine volume, and loose stools were improved in the acupuncture group. Compared with the control group, FBG, 2hPG, SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, UACR, and urinary SPON2 were all higher in the model group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the FBG, 2hPG, SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, UACR, and urinary SPON2 were all lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the model group showed reduced podocyte autophagosomes and thickened glomerular basement membrane; compared with the model group, the acupuncture group had increased podocyte autophagosomes and less thickened basement membrane. Compared with the control group, the podocyte apoptosis index (AI) was higher in the model group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the AI was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-Ⅱ proteins was lower, and the expression of mTORC1 and p62 proteins was higher in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-Ⅱ proteins was higher, and the expression of mTORC1 and p62 proteins was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the LncRNA SOX2OT expression was lower in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, LncRNA SOX2OT expression was higher in the acupuncture group (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
The "spleen and stomach-regulating" acupuncture method could improve renal function in DKD rats, reduce blood glucose and urinary protein excretion, alleviate podocyte injury, and enhance podocyte autophagy. The mechanism may be related to modulation of the renal LncRNA SOX2OT/mTORC1/ULK1 pathway.
Animals
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Podocytes/cytology*
;
Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Male
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Rats
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Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/genetics*
;
Autophagy
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog/genetics*
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction


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