1.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
2.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
3.Gene Mutation Analysis of an Individual with a RHD Variant RHD*DV.5 and RHD Negative Gene Heterozygote
Shi-Shi WU ; Juan PENG ; Li-Bo WU ; Hong-Xiao CHEN ; Dong-Mei ZHAN ; Yue-Mei DONG ; Wan-Qin WANG ; Liang WU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1758-1764
Objective:To perform RHD gene detection on a blood sample with serological weak D phenotype.Methods:A specimen received by the People's Hospital of Zhijin County was serologically identified by the microcolumn gel method and saline method.RHD gene detection was conducted by the PCR-SSP method,and the full sequence determination of the 10 exons amplified was performed.The sequencing results were compared with the ISBT database to determine the genotype.Bioinformatics tool was used to predict the functional damage of mutant proteins,and Alphafold-3 was used for tertiary structural modeling of wild-type and mutant RhD proteins,and the structures of the two proteins were compared and analyzed to explore the reasons why mutations lead to weak serological manifestations.Results:The patient's genotype was identified as RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01 heterozygote,with the complete deletion of RHD genes on one chromosome,unable to express the D antigen.On the other chromosome,a G>A mutation occurred at the 697th base of the 5th exon,resulting in a partial D phenotype.This mutation causes internal hydrogen bond changes at the 233 position of RhD protein,resulting in a change in the conformation of the protein,affecting binding to the corresponding antibody.Conclusion:The patient is a heterozygous mutant individual with RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01,exhibiting a partial D phenotype serologically.This variation is extremely rare and has been scarcely reported globally.
4.Association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels among middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years in selected areas of China
Changzi WU ; Xiaochen WANG ; Yue CHEN ; Zheng LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuan WEI ; Bing WU ; Wenli ZHANG ; Zhengxiong YANG ; Xiaojie DONG ; Ruiting HAO ; Xiu YE ; Luxi WEI ; Yingli QU ; Haiyan CHU ; Yuebin LYU ; Ying ZHU ; Dongqun XU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):209-215
Objective:To explore the relationship between urinary cadmium levels and thyroid hormone levels in people aged 40-89 years old in selected areas of China.Methods:Based on the "Investigation of the Impact of Soil Quality of Agricultural Land on Human Health in Typical Areas" project from October 2019 to August 2020, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to include 6 588 middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89. Demographic characteristics, dietary frequency and disease status were collected through the questionnaire and physical examination. Urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine were detected by random midstream urine. Fasting venous blood was collected for the detection of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). The linear mixed effects model was used to explore the association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels. Its dose-response relationship was explored by using the restricted cubic spline.Results:The age of the subjects was (63.48±12.18) years, with males accounting for 51.28%. The M ( Q 1,Q 3) of urinary cadmium level, T3 and T4 was 2.48 (1.36, 4.42) μg/g·creatinine, (1.96±0.51) nmol/L and (113.75±29.11) nmol/L, respectively. The linear mixed effects model showed that the changes of T3 and T4 were 0.027 (0.009, 0.044) nmol/L and 2.019 (1.084, 2.953) nmol/L for each one-unit increase (natural logarithm transformed) of urinary cadmium. The restricted cubic spline showed that there was a positive nonlinear association between urinary cadmium and T3 as well as T4 (all Pnonlinear<0.05). Conclusion:In selected areas of China, the urinary cadmium level of middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years is positively associated with T3 and T4.
5.Association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels among middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years in selected areas of China
Changzi WU ; Xiaochen WANG ; Yue CHEN ; Zheng LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuan WEI ; Bing WU ; Wenli ZHANG ; Zhengxiong YANG ; Xiaojie DONG ; Ruiting HAO ; Xiu YE ; Luxi WEI ; Yingli QU ; Haiyan CHU ; Yuebin LYU ; Ying ZHU ; Dongqun XU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):209-215
Objective:To explore the relationship between urinary cadmium levels and thyroid hormone levels in people aged 40-89 years old in selected areas of China.Methods:Based on the "Investigation of the Impact of Soil Quality of Agricultural Land on Human Health in Typical Areas" project from October 2019 to August 2020, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to include 6 588 middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89. Demographic characteristics, dietary frequency and disease status were collected through the questionnaire and physical examination. Urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine were detected by random midstream urine. Fasting venous blood was collected for the detection of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). The linear mixed effects model was used to explore the association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels. Its dose-response relationship was explored by using the restricted cubic spline.Results:The age of the subjects was (63.48±12.18) years, with males accounting for 51.28%. The M ( Q 1,Q 3) of urinary cadmium level, T3 and T4 was 2.48 (1.36, 4.42) μg/g·creatinine, (1.96±0.51) nmol/L and (113.75±29.11) nmol/L, respectively. The linear mixed effects model showed that the changes of T3 and T4 were 0.027 (0.009, 0.044) nmol/L and 2.019 (1.084, 2.953) nmol/L for each one-unit increase (natural logarithm transformed) of urinary cadmium. The restricted cubic spline showed that there was a positive nonlinear association between urinary cadmium and T3 as well as T4 (all Pnonlinear<0.05). Conclusion:In selected areas of China, the urinary cadmium level of middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years is positively associated with T3 and T4.
6.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.
7.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
8.Gene Mutation Analysis of an Individual with a RHD Variant RHD*DV.5 and RHD Negative Gene Heterozygote
Shi-Shi WU ; Juan PENG ; Li-Bo WU ; Hong-Xiao CHEN ; Dong-Mei ZHAN ; Yue-Mei DONG ; Wan-Qin WANG ; Liang WU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1758-1764
Objective:To perform RHD gene detection on a blood sample with serological weak D phenotype.Methods:A specimen received by the People's Hospital of Zhijin County was serologically identified by the microcolumn gel method and saline method.RHD gene detection was conducted by the PCR-SSP method,and the full sequence determination of the 10 exons amplified was performed.The sequencing results were compared with the ISBT database to determine the genotype.Bioinformatics tool was used to predict the functional damage of mutant proteins,and Alphafold-3 was used for tertiary structural modeling of wild-type and mutant RhD proteins,and the structures of the two proteins were compared and analyzed to explore the reasons why mutations lead to weak serological manifestations.Results:The patient's genotype was identified as RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01 heterozygote,with the complete deletion of RHD genes on one chromosome,unable to express the D antigen.On the other chromosome,a G>A mutation occurred at the 697th base of the 5th exon,resulting in a partial D phenotype.This mutation causes internal hydrogen bond changes at the 233 position of RhD protein,resulting in a change in the conformation of the protein,affecting binding to the corresponding antibody.Conclusion:The patient is a heterozygous mutant individual with RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01,exhibiting a partial D phenotype serologically.This variation is extremely rare and has been scarcely reported globally.
9.Development and application of single person teaching system for breast surgery
Yue WANG ; Bo TANG ; Shi-bo PANG ; Hong-bo YANG ; Zhe ZHANG ; Bo-wen CHEN ; Na-na ZHANG ; Feng MA ; Yi LYU ; Ding-hui DONG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(7):34-38
Objective To develop a single-person breast surgery teaching system to improve the teaching efficiency of breast surgery.Methods The single-person breast surgery teaching system consisted of a magnetic suspension and retraction device and a breast model.The magnetic suspension and retraction device was composed of a magnetic suspension component and a magnetic retraction component,of which,the magnetic suspension component included a bracket,an outer magnet and an inner magnet and the magnetic retraction component comprised a magnetic base and an elastic grasping forceps.The breast model was established with porcine abdominal tissue obtained from slaughterhouses.Twelve surgical trainees were randomized into an experimental group(n=6)and a control group(n=6),and the 2 groups performed flap release operations on the breast model with skin-preserving mastectomy as the target procedure.The operation was carried out with the developed system in the experimental group and with the traditional procedure in the control group.Results The two groups had the flap-free operation on the breast model finished successufully,which had no significant differences in the length of incision(P>0.05);the experimental group gained advantages over the control group in the number of assistants required,operation time,times of skin flap injuries,times of glandular injuries and effect of exposure,with the differences being statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion The single-person breast surgery teaching system enhances the effect of exposure efficiently,meets the reequirements for single-person training and improves the teaching efficiency.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(7):34-38]
10.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

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