1.Mechanism of joint injection of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Shaowa LYU ; Yunyu WU ; Quanli LIU ; Yuhan REN ; Yuyan GUO ; Haixue KUANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):926-931
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of joint injection of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS The targets of main saponins in C. robustum Maxim were obtained from Swiss Target Prediction, and the RA treatment targets collected from the GeneCards and OMIM database were intercrossed to establish an interaction network based on network pharmacology. Gene ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed. RA model was established by injecting complete Freund’s adjuvant into the back of rabbits for verification. The arthritis index score, knee diameter and pain threshold of rabbits were compared. Pathological examination of rabbit synovial tissue was carried out. The levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in rabbit serum and synovial fluid were detected. The phosphorylation levels of tyrosine protein Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) proteins in rabbit synovium were detected. RESULTS Network pharmacology identified 143 intersection targets between the drug and RA. After the construction of the “drug-component-target” network, the core components of the network were echinocystic acid, oleanolic acid, hederagenin, cauloside A and cauloside C, etc. Additionally, the top 10 core targets of PPI network were SRC, STAT3, MAPK1, EGFR, PIK3CA, MAPK3, GRB2, JUN, PTPN11 and JAK2. The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway was mainly involved in the treatment of RA by joint injection of C. robustum Maxim. Results of validation test showed that compared with model group, joint injection of C. robustum Maxim could reduce the swelling of rabbit knee joint, relieve the hyperplasia of synovial layer, reduce the hyperplasia of lower connective tissue, and reduce the number of inflammatory cells and capillaries. The arthritis index score (excluding low-dose group of C. robustum Maxim), knee diameter, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum and synovial fluid, and the protein phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 of P<0.01), while the pain threshold were reduced significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The core components that may alleviate the inflammatory response of RA in joint injection of C. robustum Maxim could include echinocystic acid, oleanolic acid, hederagenin, cauloside A, and cauloside C. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling pathway and the reduction of inflammatory responses.
2.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
3.Research progress on assessment tools and theoretical models for post-dialysis fatigue in hemodialysis patients
Jue GUO ; Peng SHEN ; Yuhan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(31):4308-4312
Post-dialysis fatigue is a common complication in hemodialysis patients, which can lead to increased all-cause mortality and readmission rates, limiting their participation in daily life. This article mainly summarizes the application of assessment tools and theoretical models on post-dialysis fatigue in the management of post-dialysis fatigue in hemodialysis patients, providing a reference for medical and nursing staff to manage post-dialysis fatigue in patients.
4.Relationship between level of resilience and attentional bias in professional technicians in hospital
Yuhan GUO ; Hongyu ZHENG ; Daming MO ; Hui ZHONG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(11):1016-1020
Objective:To investigate the difference of the attention bias of the resilience level of professional technicians in hospital to negative information.Methods:A total of 383 professional technicians of logistics admin-istrative posts in a third-level military hospital were selected and divided into high and low groups according to their scores on the resilience scale(the top 27%of the participants were in the high resilience group,and the bottom 27%were in the low resilience group).There were 22 participants in each of the high and low resilience groups that met the requirements.The attention bias test was conducted on the professional technicians in the high and low resil-ience groups using the Dot-probe Paradigm.A mixed experimental design of 2(group:low resilience group,high re-silience group)x 2(stimulus clues:negative stimulus,neutral stimulus)was adopted.The dependent variables were correct rate and reaction time.Results:The interaction between the response group and the stimulus cue was statisti-cally significant(P<0.05),the response time of negative stimulus in low resilience group was lower than that of neutral stimulus.The main effect of the cue condition was statistically significant in both groups(P<0.05),the correct rate of negative stimulus was lower than that of neutral stimulus.Conclusion:This study shows that the pro-fessional technicians in the high resilience group do not have obvious attention bias to negative information,while the professional technicians in the low resilience group have obvious attention bias to negative emotional informa-tion.
5.Kufor-Rakeb syndrome caused by ATP13A2 gene mutation: a case report and literature review
Xiaojin WEI ; Fangyuan QIAN ; Yuchen WU ; Hui XU ; Caiyan WANG ; Yuhan XU ; Ziyue DONG ; Jiale JI ; Yijing GUO
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(5):467-472
Objective:To report a case of Kufor-Rakeb syndrome caused by novel ATP13A2 mutation, collect the cases related to ATP13A2 gene mutation published in recent years, summarize the clinical manifestations of the disease, and broaden the clinical diagnostic thinking. Methods:The clinical manifestations of a newly diagnosed patient with Kufor-Rakeb syndrome caused by ATP13A2 gene mutation admitted to Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University on November 26, 2021, were summarized. The related cases of ATP13A2 mutation published from January 2000 to December 2021 were searched through the PubMed and CNKI databases using the keywords "ATP13A2" and "Parkinson′s disease". The onset age, clinical symptoms, family history, genetic testing, and levodopa responsiveness results of the patients were collected. Results:The patient is a 52-year-old female with the main clinical symptoms of static tremor and bradykinesia. Physical examination showed a gear like increase in muscle tension in the right upper limb, involuntary shaking of the right hand and slow movement. She had good responsiveness to levodopa, and the magnetic resonance imaging and susceptibility weighted imaging of the head showed a lack of clear observation of bilateral black matter swallowtail sign. Whole exome sequencing showed that mutations c.3010A>G (p.S1004G) and c.1195+5G>A (splice) were found in the ATP13A2 gene, both of which were not reported. The c.3010A>G (p.S1004G) mutation originated from the mother, and the c.1195+5G>A (splice) mutation originated from the father. In the retrospective literature review, a total of 10 cases were collected, with onset ages ranging from 18 months to 24 years. Among them, 4/10 patients′ parents married close relatives, and the clinical manifestations were mainly motor symptoms of Parkinson′s disease. In addition, 5/10 patients had cognitive dysfunction, and 3/10 patients had mental symptoms. And demonstrations of most patients′ magnetic resonance imaging were normal in the early stage of the disease, and as the disease progressed, some patients′ imaging results showed specific changes, such as whole brain atrophy and changes in the corpus callosum. Meanwhile, 8/10 patients showed good responsiveness to levodopa. Conclusions:Kufor-Rakeb syndrome is a special type of adolescent levodopa responsive Parkinson′s disease caused by ATP13A2 mutation, which is an autosomal recessive disorder. In addition to motor symptoms such as static tremor and bradykinesia, its clinical manifestations may also be accompanied by non motor symptoms such as cognitive and psychiatric disorders. The disease responds well to treatment with levodopa.
6.Establishment of TaqMan One-step Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay to Detect Coxsackievirus B5
Yuhan LIU ; Ming ZHANG ; Wei GUO
Journal of Medical Research 2024;53(7):84-88
Objective To establish a TaqMan one-step real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)assay spe-cific for coxsackievirus B5(CV-B5).Methods Specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed based on the VP1 sequence of CV-B5.The target gene was inserted into the pMD18TM vector,amplified in DH5α receptor cells,and RNA standards were obtained from escherichia coli transcribed in vitro and a standard curve was established,and finally the reproducibility,sensitivity and specificity of the assay were evaluated.Results The method had good linearity(r2>0.99)in the template range of 103-1011 copies/μl,amplifica-tion efficiency E=100.9%,sensitivity up to 1 × 103 copies/μl,and specific amplification curve for CV-B5 only,and good reproduc-ibility.Conclusion The TaqMan one-step RT-qPCR assay established in this experiment has high sensitivity,specificity,reproducibili-ty,good anti-interference performance,which can be used for clinical sample detection and absolute quantitative analysis of CV-B5.
7.Feasibility of low-dose CT brain perfusion scanning based on deep learning reconstruction algorithm: a preliminary study
Limin LEI ; Yuhan ZHOU ; Xiaoxu GUO ; Hui WANG ; Jinping MA ; Zhihao WANG ; Weimeng CAO ; Yuan GAO ; Yuming XU ; Songwei YUE
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(7):613-621
Objective:To compare image quality and diagnostic parameters of whole-brain CT perfusion scans under different scanning conditions and assess the utility of deep learning image reconstruction algorithm (DLIR) in reducing tube current during low-dose scans.Methods:Method A total of 105 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were prospectively enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March, 2022 to March, 203 and their baseline information was recorded. All patients underwent head non-contrast CT and CT perfusion (CTP) examinations. CTP scanning was performed at 80 kV in two groups with the tube current of 150 mA (regular dose) and 100 mA (low dose), respectively. The CTP images of 150 mA group were reconstructed using filtered back-projection algorithm as well as adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) at 40% and 80% strength levels, which were denoted as groups A-C. The CTP images of 100 mA group were reconstructed using ASIR-V80%, DLIR-M, and DLIR-H, which were denoted as groups D-F. Clinical baseline characteristics and radiation doses were compared between the two groups under different scanning conditions. Furthermore, we assessed the subjective and objective image quality, conventional perfusion parameters, and abnormal perfusion parameters of AIS patients across the six groups of reconstructed CTP images.Results:Under the scanning conditions of 150 mA and 100 mA, 47 and 48 patients were diagnosed with AIS, respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in the mean effective radiation dose (5.71 mSv vs. 3.80 mSv, t = 2 768.30, P < 0.001). The standard deviation (SD) of noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were significantly different among the six groups of reconstructed images ( F = 40.58-212.13, P < 0.001). In GM, the SD values in groups C, D, and F were lower than those in other groups ( P < 0.05), and the SNR values in groups C and F were higher than those in other groups ( P < 0.05). In WM, the SD and SNR values in groups C and F were significantly different from those in other groups ( P < 0.05). Additionally, CNR values in groups C and F were higher than those in other groups ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective scores among groups B, C, and F ( P > 0.05). Regarding perfusion parameters in the brain GM, groups D and E had lower cerebral blood volume (CBV) values compared to groups A to C ( P < 0.05), and group F had lower CBV values than group B ( P < 0.05). In the brain WM, group D had consistently lower mean transit time (MTT) values compared to the other groups ( P < 0.05). Notably, there were no significant differences in AIS lesion detection rates and relevant diagnostic parameters across the six image groups. Conclusions:Low-tube current CTP scan combined with the DLIR-H algorithm can enhance image quality without affecting perfusion parameters such as CBV and MTT, while reducing radiation dose by 30%. This algorithm can be routinely applied in brain CTP examinations.
8.Improvement effects of Runchang granules on the constipation in mice and its mechanism
Mengqin HUANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Yuhan GAN ; Shiqin LU ; Qiqi DENG ; Qing ZHU ; Jiao GUO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(2):160-165
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of Runchang granules on the constipation in mice and its potential mechanism. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Runchang granules low-dose and high-dose groups (5, 10 g/kg), mosapride group (0.003 g/kg, positive control), with 6 mice in each group. The latter 4 groups were given loperamide intragastrically (0.004 g/kg), twice a day, for 3 consecutive days. Normal control group and model group were given purified water intragastrically, and administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically for 7 consecutive days. After the last medication, fecal moisture content and intestinal motility of mice were determined, while the structures of colon and ileum, and the secretion of colonic mucus were observed. Protein expressions of tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit), mucin 2 (MUC2) and stem cell factor (SCF) were determined in colon; meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)] as well as factors related to promoting intestinal motility [neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK), 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor (5-HT4R), MUC2, SCF, c-kit] were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the fecal water content, intestinal propulsion rate, protein expression of c-kit in colon, relative expressions of MUC2 and SCF protein, and mRNA expressions of factors related to promoting intestinal motility (except for nNOS and SCF in Runchang granules low-dose group) were all increased significantly in Runchang granules low-dose and high-dose groups, and mosapride group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Both colon and ileum injuries improved, and the secretion of colon mucus was increased significantly in Runchang granules high-dose group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Runchang granules have laxative effect and can improve constipation in mice, and its mechanism may be related to the promotion of the secretion of colon mucus and MUC2 expression, and the activation of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway.
9.Culture of glioblastoma U87 stem-like cells and identification of its metabolic phenotype and tumorigenic ability
Jiaxing QIU ; Yuhan LIU ; Hongjiang GUO ; Diya ZHANG ; Yucheng WANG ; Rui JU ; Lei GUO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(1):16-22
Objective To cultivate glioblastoma U87 stem-like cells(SLCs)and to detect the level of stemness bio-markers,mitochondrial respiratory capacity and the capacity of in vivo tumorigenesis.Methods B-27,growth factors EGF and bFGF was added into DMEM/F-12 culture in serum-free stem cell culture medium for U87 SLCs.Suspended culture of U87 SLCs was suspended using the neuro-sphere formation assay,while adherent culture of U87 SLCs was achieved by coating Matrigel matrix on the culture surface.The mRNA and protein level of stemness biomarkers in culture were detected using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.The proportion of CD133+cells in culture was detected by flow cytometry.The changes of cell oxygen consumption rate were detected by Seahorse cell metabo-lism analysis.Cell tumorigenesis ability was verified by subcutaneous tumor transplantation in animals.Results U87 SLCs in stem cell culture medium would grow into typical sphere morphology within one week,and the spheres would continue to grow as the culture process prolongs.At the appropriate concentration of adhesive,U87 SLCs adhered to and grow well in stem cell culture medium.The mRNA transcription of stemness biomarkers such as CD133,nes-tin,OLIG2,CD44,CD15,and integrin α6(ITGA6)was significantly increased as found in both culture methods,and the protein levels of CD133 and nestin were also increased under both methods(P<0.05).U87 SLCs showed higher mitochondrial reserve respiratory capacity(P<0.05).U87 SLCs could form larger subcutaneous tumors with fewer inoculated cells(P<0.05),and grew faster in vivo with stronger tumorigenic ability.Conclusions U87 SLCs have typical stemness characteristics and may function as tumor cell model with higher stemness properties.
10.Association between the consumption of milk tea beverage and insomnia symptoms among college students
GU Zhengyun, ZHANG Yuhan, ZHU Juncheng, GUO Zhifang, SONG Jiancai, HUANG Bo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(12):1752-1756
Objective:
To investigate the association between consumption of milk tea beverages and other sugary beverages with insomnia symptoms among college students, so as to the provide reference for promoting sleep quality among college students.
Methods:
From September to November 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 15 440 college students from seven universities in Shanghai, Jiangxi Province, Hubei Province, and Shanxi Province. A self developed questionnaire and the Insomnia Severity Index were used to assess milk tea beverage consumption, other sugary beverages and insomnia symptoms. Univariate analysis of insomnia symptoms among college students was performed using Chi square tests and Cochran-Armitage trend χ 2 tests. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted for the association between milk tea and other sugary beverage consumption with insomnia symptoms.
Results:
The detection rates of insomnia symptoms among college students was 40.83%. The frequency of consumption of different milk tea and various sugary drinks (juice, tea, milk, sodas,yogurt, functional drinks, coffee) per week was related to the detection trend rate of insomnia symptoms of college students ( χ 2 trend =38.38, 47.66, 74.16, 32.44, 65.78 , 38.71, 35.94, 91.59, P < 0.01 ). Multivariate analysis indicated that compared to individuals with no milk tea consumption, college students engaging in milk tea consumption had a significantly increased risk of insomnia symptoms ( OR =1.24, P <0.05). Students consuming milk tea at low to moderate frequencies (1-3, 4-5 times per week) showed a higher risk of insomnia symptoms compared to those with no consumption ( OR =1.20, 1.54, P <0.05). Furthermore, higher levels of milk tea consumption were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms (1 501-2 999 mL, OR =1.22; ≥3 000 mL, OR =1.36), and the consumption of other sugary beverages were also associated with insomnia symptoms of college students ( OR =1.10-1.55) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is a relationship between consumption of milk tea beverage other sugary beverages with insomnia symptoms among college students. Colleges should regularly conduct dietary health education seminars to improve sleep quality among college students.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail