1.Mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Prescription Against Damage to Hippocampal Synaptic Microenvironment via Suppressing GluR2/Parkin Signal-mediated Mitophagy in Rats with Diabetes-related Depression
Jian LIU ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyuan LIN ; Wei LI ; Yuhong WANG ; Hui YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):104-112
ObjectiveTo reveal the mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription against damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment via suppressing glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2)/Parkin signal-mediated mitophagy in rats with diabetes-related depression (DD). MethodsEighty male SD rats underwent adaptive feeding for 5 days before the study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal group. The model of DD rats was established with the rest by 2-week high-fat diet + streptozotocin (STZ) tail intravenous injection + 28 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with isolation. The rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a GluR2 blocker group (5 μg·kg-1), a GluR2 agonist group (10 μg·kg-1), a metformin + fluoxetine group (0.18 g·kg-1 metformin + 1.8 mg·kg-1 fluoxetine), and high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups (20.52 and 10.26 g·kg-1, respectively). The rats in the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group were continuously injected with CNQX and Cl-HIBO in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus once a week starting from stress modeling, respectively, while the metformin + fluoxetine group and the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups were continuously given intragastric administration for 28 d at the same time of stress modeling. Depression-like behavior was evaluated by open field and forced swimming experiments. The levels of serum insulin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hippocampus were detected by biochemical analysis. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons were evaluated by Golgi staining. Western blot detected the expression levels of GluR2 and Parkin proteins in hippocampus. The expression levels of GluR2, Parkin, regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis protein 3 (RIMS3), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited reduced total activity distance in the open field and increased immobility time in forced swimming (P<0.01), lowered levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.01), increased autophagosomes of hippocampal neurons, significantly damaged morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, decreased expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95 in hippocampus, and an increased Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the GluR2 blocker group and the GluR2 agonist group showed aggravation and alleviation of the above abnormal changes, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). The above depression-like behavior was significantly improved in the high- and low-dose Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription groups to different degrees. Specifically, the two groups saw elevated levels of serum insulin and ATP, 5-HT, and DA in hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), restrained increase in autophagosomes and damage to morphology and structure of dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons, up-regulated protein expression levels of GluR2, RIMS3, and PSD95, and down-regulated Parkin expression level (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuogui Jiangtong Jieyu prescription can ameliorate the mitophagy-mediated damage to hippocampal synaptic microenvironment in DD rats, the mechanism of which might be related to the regulation of GluR2/Parkin signaling pathway.
2.Effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula on hippocampal H3K18la modification in a rat model of diabetes mellitus complicated with depression and prediction of related regulatory genes
Hui YANG ; Wei LI ; Shihui LEI ; Jinxi WANG ; Zhuo LIU ; Pan MENG ; Lin LIU ; Fan JIANG ; Yuhong WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(6):791-801
Objective:
To investigate the effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula (ZGJTJYF) on histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) in the hippocampus of rats with diabetes mellitus complicated with depression (DD) and predict the regulatory genes of H3K18la.
Methods:
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, model, and positive drug (metformin [0.18 g/kg] and fluoxetine [1.8 mg/kg]) groups, and the three groups were treated with high, medium, and low ZGJTJYF doses (20.52, 10.26, and 5.13 g/kg, respectively), with 10 rats per group. After treatment, the forced swimming and water maze tests were performed to assess depressive-like behaviors and cognitive function. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure blood insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, lactate levels, and lactate content in the hippocampus. Western blotting was used to detect H3K18la expression in the hippocampus. Cleavage Under Targets and lagmentation(CUT&Tag) experiments targeted hippocampal H3K18la epigenetic modification regions to analyze the transcription factors bound by H3K18la. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Protein-Protein Interaction networks were constructed to identify key pathways and target genes regulated by H3K18la.
Results:
Compared with the normal group, the model group rats showed prolonged immobility time in the forced swim test, increased escape latency in the water maze experiment, decreased target quadrant distance ratio (P<0.01), increased serum lactate content, and decreased lactate content in hippocampal homogenate (P<0.01), as well as decreased H3K18la protein expression in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGJTJYF reduced the immobility time in the forced swim test and the escape latency in the water maze test (P<0.01), while the distance ratio in the target quadrant increased (P<0.01) in model rats. Lowered fasting blood glucose, insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) were also observed. ZGJTJYF also increased the lactate content and H3K18la protein expression in hippocampal homogenate (P<0.05, P<0.01). The DNA sequences bound by H3K18la were predominantly enriched at the transcription start sites. ZGJTJYF modulated H3K18la-associated pathways, including cell adhesion junctions, tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, stem cell pluripotency regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, and insulin resistance, leading to the identification of 12 target genes.
Conclusion
ZGJTJYF enhances hippocampal lactate levels and H3K18la modification in DD rats, which may regulate neural cell interactions, neurogenic stem cell function, TGF-β signaling, MAPK signaling, and insulin resistance pathways.
3.Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 targeted delivery of extracellular PD-L1-mFc fragment for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
Yuhong WANG ; Lin HU ; Lei WANG ; Chonghai ZHANG ; Wenhao SHEN ; Hongli YANG ; Min LI ; Xin ZHANG ; Mengmeng XU ; Muxing ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Xiaopeng TIAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):6019-6033
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disorder involving complex immune regulation, where balancing localized and systemic immunosuppression is a key challenge. This study aimed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy by engineering the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). We removed endogenous plasmids pMUT1 and pMUT2 from wild-type EcN and expressed the mPD-L1 (19‒238 aa)-mFc fusion protein on the bacterial surface using a cytolysin A (ClyA) fragment. This modification stabilized mPD-L1 (19‒238 aa) protein expression and promoted its recruitment to outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The engineered strain, EcNΔpMUT1/2-ClyA-mPD-L1-mFc (EcN-ePD-L1-mFc), features conditional ePD-L1-mFc expression under the araBAD promoter, enhancing gut-targeted release and reducing systemic side effects. This strain improved treatment targeting and efficiency by enabling direct ePD-L1-mFc interaction with immune cells at inflammation sites. OMVs from this strain induced Treg proliferation, inhibited effector T cell proliferation in vitro, and significantly improved intestinal inflammation and colonic epithelial barrier repair in vivo. Additionally, the bacterium restored intestinal microbiota balance, increasing Lactobacillaceae and reducing Bacteroides. This study highlights the engineered bacterium's potential for targeted intestinal immune modulation and offers a novel local IBD treatment approach with promising clinical prospects.
4.The integration of machine learning into traditional Chinese medicine.
Yanfeng HONG ; Sisi ZHU ; Yuhong LIU ; Chao TIAN ; Hongquan XU ; Gongxing CHEN ; Lin TAO ; Tian XIE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101157-101157
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system distinctive and effective in treating cancer, depression, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and other diseases. However, the relatively abstract diagnostic methods of TCM lack objective measurement, and the complex mechanisms of action are difficult to comprehend, which hinders the application and internationalization of TCM. Recently, while breakthroughs have been made in utilizing methods such as network pharmacology and virtual screening for TCM research, the rise of machine learning (ML) has significantly enhanced their integration with TCM. This article introduces representative methodological cases in quality control, mechanism research, diagnosis, and treatment processes of TCM, revealing the potential applications of ML technology in TCM. Furthermore, the challenges faced by ML in TCM applications are summarized, and future directions are discussed.
5.Clinical study on the TCM acupoint application combined with Fuyang cupping for the treatment of chronic bronchitis with lung kidney yin deficiency syndrome
Shaona XU ; Lin LI ; Yuhong YAO ; Min ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(7):913-918
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of TCM acupoint application combined with Fuyang cupping in the treatment of chronic bronchitis with lung and kidney yin deficiency syndrome.Methods:A randomized controlled trial study was conducted. From July 2022 to July 2024, 96 patients with chronic bronchitis in our hospital were selected as the observation subjects and divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 48 cases in each group. The control group received treatment with Fuyang cupping, while the study group received treatment with Fuyang cupping and acupoint application. Both groups were treated continuously for 14 days. TCM syndrome scores were performed before and after treatment, and serum TNF-α, CRP, and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were detected using ELISA. Arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO 2) and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO 2) were measured using a blood gas analyzer. FVC, FEV1, and FEV1 percentage of predicted values (FEV1% predicted value) and maximum expiratory flow (PEF) were measured using a pulmonary function analyzer. The relief time of clinical symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and wheezing during the treatment period were observed and recorded, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:The total effective rate of the research group was 95.83% (46/48), while that of the control group was 79.16% (38/48), with statistical significance ( χ2=6.10, P=0.013). After treatment, the scores of cough, sputum, wheezing, wheezing, and dry throat and mouth in the study group were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 4.86, 5.89, 5.23, 4.10, 5.49, respectively, P<0.01); PaO 2 level [(95.63 ± 6.45) mmHg vs. (88.44 ± 5.76) mmHg, t=5.76] was higher than of the control group ( P<0.01), and the PaCO 2 level [(40.12 ± 4.28) mmHg vs. (45.63 ± 4.36) mmHg, t=6.25] was lower than of the control group ( P<0.01); the levels of FEV1 [(2.64 ± 0.69) L vs. (1.97 ± 0.74) L, t=4.59], FEV1% predicted value (79.25 ± 11.27 vs. 62.55 ± 10.56, t=7.49), FVC [(3.05 ± 1.04) L vs. (2.06 ± 0.96) L, t=4.85], and PEF [(241.54 ± 19.85) L/min vs. (221.36 ± 19.65) L/min, t=5.01] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01); the levels of TNF-α, CRP and PCT in the serum were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 4.39, 6.51 and 18.59, respectively, P<0.001). Conclusion:TCM acupoint application combined with Fuyang cupping can effectively improve the TCM syndrome score and lung function, inhibit inflammatory factor levels, and improve clinical efficacy in chronic bronchitis patients with lung and kidney yin deficiency syndrome.
6.Development of a stratified training program for operating room nurses in tertiary hospitals based on the Delphi method
Huizhen WANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Linjuan ZHANG ; Jingjing AN ; Li MU ; Lin ZHAO ; Yuhong SUN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(8):1116-1120
Objective To develop a tiered training framework for operating room nurses in tertiary hospitals,provi-ding guidance for corresponding training curriculum development and clinical competency evaluation.Methods Delphi method was used to conduct two rounds of expert consultation on the preliminary training indicators,estab-lishing a comprehensive tiered training framework for operating room nurses.Results After two rounds of expert consultation,a tiered training framework for operating room nurses was constructed,which includes 6 primary indi-cators,19 secondary indicators and 62 tertiary indicators.The response rate of the two rounds of expert consultation for valid questionnaires were all over 99%and the expert authority coefficients were all over 0.87.Conclusions The consulted experts have good enthusiasm and authority;the developed framework comprehensively covers training content,laying a foundation for designing and implementing tiered training programs for operating room nurses.
7.The integration of machine learning into traditional Chinese medicine
Yanfeng HONG ; Sisi ZHU ; Yuhong LIU ; Chao TIAN ; Hongquan XU ; Gongxing CHEN ; Lin TAO ; Tian XIE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1724-1737
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is an ancient medical system distinctive and effective in treating cancer,depression,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and other diseases.However,the relatively abstract diagnostic methods of TCM lack objective measurement,and the complex mechanisms of action are difficult to comprehend,which hinders the application and internationalization of TCM.Recently,while breakthroughs have been made in utilizing methods such as network pharmacology and virtual screening for TCM research,the rise of machine learning(ML)has significantly enhanced their inte-gration with TCM.This article introduces representative methodological cases in quality control,mechanism research,diagnosis,and treatment processes of TCM,revealing the potential applications of ML technology in TCM.Furthermore,the challenges faced by ML in TCM applications are summarized,and future directions are discussed.
8.Analysis of risk factors of pleural effusion after spinal separation
Keyi WANG ; Hao QU ; Wen WANG ; Zhaonong YAO ; Xiaowei ZHOU ; Yuhong YAO ; Hengyuan LI ; Peng LIN ; Xiumao LI ; Xiaobo YAN ; Meng LIU ; Xin HUANG ; Nong LIN ; Zhaoming YE
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(3):169-176
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of pleural effusion after spinal separation surgery for patients with spinal metastatic tumors.Methods:A total of 427 patients with spinal metastatic tumors from January 2014 to January 2022 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. There were 252 males and 175 females, with an average age of 59±12 years (range, 15-87 years). All patients underwent separation surgery. Based on the chest CT within 1 month after surgery, the volume of pleural effusion was measured individually by reconstruction software. Pleural effusion was defined as small volume (0-500 ml), moderate volume (500-1 000 ml), and large volume (above 1 000 ml). Baseline data and perioperative clinical outcomes were compared between the groups, and indicators with statistically significant differences were included in a binary logistic regression analysis to determine the independent risk factors for the development of pleural effusion after isolation of spinal metastatic cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) for each independent risk factor.Results:All patients successfully completed the operation. Among the 427 patients, there were 35 cases of large pleural effusion, 42 cases of moderate pleural effusion, and 350 cases of small pleural effusion. There were significant differences in tumor size (χ 2=9.485, P=0.013), intraoperative blood loss ( Z=-2.503, P=0.011), blood transfusion ( Z=-2.983, P=0.003), preoperative total protein ( Z=2.681, P=0.007), preoperative albumin ( Z=1.720, P= 0.085), postoperative hemoglobin ( t=2.950, P=0.008), postoperative total protein ( Z=4.192, P<0.001), and postoperative albumin ( t=2.268, P=0.032) in the large pleural effusion group versus the small and moderate pleural effusion group. Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased preoperative albumin ( OR=0.89, P=0.045) and metastases located in the thoracic spine ( OR=4.01, P=0.039) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of large pleural effusion after separation surgery. The ROC curve showed that the AUC and 95% CI for preoperative albumin, lesion location, and the combined model were 0.637 (0.54, 0.74), 0.421 (0.36, 0.48), and 0.883 (0.81, 0.92). The combined predictive model showed good predictive value. Conclusion:The volume of pleural effusion can be measured individually and quantitatively based on chest CT. Decreased preoperative albumin and metastases located in the thoracic spine are independent risk factors for the occurrence of large pleural effusion after separation surgery. The combined prediction of the two factors has better predictive efficacy.
9.Correlation between serum HbA 1c, γ-GT, ICAM-1 levels and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with hyperlipidemia complicated with cardiovascular diseases
Lin YUAN ; Yuhong MI ; Lili SUN ; Xi WANG ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2024;18(4):284-288
Objective:To analyze the correlation between serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GT) and intercellular adhesion factor-1 (ICAM-1) levels and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with hyperlipidemia complicated with cardiovascular disease. Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, 158 elderly patients who underwent examination and were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia complicated with cardiovascular disease at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University from January to December 2022 were selected as study subjects. The simple mental state scale (MMSE) was assessed in the subjects in combination with the subject′s level of education. Illiteracy≤17 points, primary school≤20 points, middle school and above≤24 points were classified as cognitive impairment group (67 cases), the rest were were classified into the non-cognitive impairment group (91 cases); and another 50 healthy elderly people who received physical examination in the same period were selected as the control group. The blood samples in the three groups were extracted to measure serum HbA 1c, γ-GT and ICAM-1. The correlation between HbA 1c, γ-GT and ICAM-1 levels with cognitive impairment were analyzed. Results:The serum levels of HbA 1c, γ-GT and ICAM-1 in the cognitive impairment group were all significantly higher than those in the non-cognitive impairment group and the control group [5.41%±1.04% vs 4.82%±0.95%, 4.39%±0.86%; (52.01±10.96) vs (41.28±9.23), (25.03±7.17) U/L; (336.61±85.36) vs (286.93±72.53), (143.52±64.20) g/ml], and the MMSE score was significantly lower [(20.19±2.85) vs (25.30±1.24), (27.14±1.56) points] (all P<0.05). Serum levels of HbA 1c, γ-GT and ICAM-1 were all significantly negatively correlated with MMSE score ( r=-0.512, -0.498, -0.563) (all P<0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for serum HbA 1c, γ-GT, and ICAM-1 levels in the assessment of cognitive dysfunction were 0.657, 0.816, and 0.691, respectively (all P<0.05). The optimal cut-off values were 5.115%, 47.65 U/L, and 304.58 g/ml, respectively. Conclusion:Serum HbA 1c, γ-GT and ICAM-1 levels in elderly patients with hyperlipidemia complicated with cardiovascular disease are negatively correlated with cognitive impairment, and have certain value for the evaluation and early diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
10.Safety and efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors versus chemotherapy or ipilimumab in advanced melanoma:Meta-analysis
Zhibing LIN ; Yazhen MAO ; Xiaoyan ZHOU ; Xiaodan LIN ; Guiqiu XU ; Wei LIN ; Yuhong LIN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(1):138-143,中插1-中插7
Objective:To analyze the safety and efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors versus chemotherapy or ipilimumab in advanced melanoma.Methods:PubMed,CNKI,VIP and Wanfang databases were searched to collect randomised controlled trials of PD-1 inhibi-tors in treatment of advanced melanoma.The search time was from the establishment of the database to May 1,2022.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed risk of bias of included studies.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 and STATA16 software.Results:A total of 7 studies were included.Meta-analysis results show that:①Safety:Compared with chemotherapy,PD-1 inhibitor treatment had fewer adverse events,especially in the blood system;compared with ipilimumab alone,PD-1 inhibitor combined with ipilimumab had more adverse events,especially liver function indicators;there was no signifi-cant difference in the incidence of total adverse events between PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy and ipilimumab monotherapy.②Efficacy:The PFS,OS and ORR of PD-1 inhibitor versus chemotherapy or ipilimumab were HR=0.54,95%CI(0.45,0.62),P<0.05,HR= 0.69,95%CI(0.58,0.80),P=0.03 and OR=3.16,95%CI(2.59,3.86),P<0.05,respectively.Conclusion:PD-1 inhibitors have good efficacy in treatment of advanced melanoma,while different combination methods and different control treatments may have different efficacy.Limited by the quantity and quality of included studies,more research evidence is needed to support this.


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