1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Exploration on the Role of Autophagy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Based on the Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Factors and Chinese Materia Medica Intervention
Yao ZHANG ; Meng YANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):14-18
The struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic factors runs through the whole process of the formation and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),and autophagy is the main regulator of cardiac homeostasis and function.Based on the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors,the autophagy state of DCM was understood.In the early stage of DCM,it is mainly characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and supplemented by pathogenic excess.In the middle stage,it is characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and pathogenic excess.In the late stage,it is mainly characterized by pathogenic excess and supplemented by deficiency of healthy qi.TCM clinical practice adheres to the principle of"strengthening the healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors",which aims to restore the dynamic balance of autophagy in the body by adjusting the balance between healthy qi and pathogenic factors,and ultimately improve the prognosis of DCM.This article took the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors as the starting point,and elaborated on the role of autophagy in the development of DCM from macro and micro perspectives.It explored Chinese materia medica intervention plans for different stages of DCM,providing theoretical reference for the regulation of autophagy in DCM by TCM.
3.Anti-fatigue effect and mechanism of action of aqueous extracts of imitation wild Astragalus and cultivated Astragalus under high-altitude low oxygen environments
Yunfeng ZHU ; Xiangyu BIAN ; Yanyun CHANG ; Zhanxin YAO ; Aiping LI ; Weina GAO
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(4):241-251
OBJECTIVE To study the anti-fatigue effects of differently-cultivated Astragalus extract in a hypoxic environment of the plateau and explore the related mechanisms.METHODS Fifty-six male KM mice were randomly divided into the hypoxic swimming control(HSC)group,imitation wild Astragalus extract(IWA)430,860 and 1 720 mg·kg-1 groups,and cultivated Astragalus extract(CA)463,925 and 1 850 mg·kg-1 groups.The drug was administered by gavage once daily for 15 days,while body mass was monitored every three days.After 15 days of gavage,the mice were subjected to load swimming(5%body weight)in a hypobaric chamber(simulating a 4 000 m altitude),with exhaus-tive swimming time measured to identify the optimal dosage.Following randomization,fifty male KM mice were assigned to five groups:normoxic control(NC),hypoxic control(HC),HSC,IWA 860 and CA 925 mg·kg-1.All groups underwent daily gavage for 15 d before 90 min non-weight-bearing swimming was conducted in the HSC,IWA 860 and CA 925 mg·kg-1 groups within a hypobaric chamber,followed by immediate measurement of muscle strength.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in liver and gastrocnemius muscle tissues.Blood urea nitrogen(BUN),blood glucose(BG)and serum lactic acid(LA),glutathione(GSH),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),liver glycogen(LG)and muscle glycogen(MG)in livers and muscles,and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in muscles were measured by commercial kits.Taurine and hypotaurine were measured by HPLC.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used for cysteine sulfenic acid decarboxylase(CSAD)measure-ment.Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in skeletal muscles.RESULTS Compared with the HSC group,the swimming time was prolonged in IWA 463,IWA 860,CA 925 and CA 1 850 mg·kg-1 groups.Compared with the HSC group,the muscle strength of mice in the IWA 860 mg·kg-1 group and the CA 925 mg·kg-1 group was significantly increased,histo-pathological damage in the liver and gastrocnemius muscle was reduced,serum levels of LA and BUN were significantly decreased,levels of BG,LG and MG were significantly increased,levels of GSH,GSH-Px and SOD were significantly increased,contents of MDA were significantly decreased,expressions of CSAD were significantly increased in liver tissue,contents of GSH,T-AOC,taurine and hypotaurine were significantly increased,levels of ROS were significantly decreased,and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,Nrf2,HO-1 were significantly upregulated in muscle tissues.CONCLUSION Under simulated high-altitude hypoxic conditions,extracts of Astragalus membranaceus cultivated by two methods consis-tently exhibit anti-fatigue effects.Its mechanisms may be mitigating oxidative stress,augmenting taurine and hypotaurine metabolic regulation,and activating PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.IWA has a better anti-fatigue effect than CA.
4.Analysis of the incidence and risk factors of low anterior resection syndrome after radical sphincter-preserving surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy: a single-center retrospective study
Yonglin HUANG ; Xingyu XIE ; Minghe ZHAO ; Tingting SUN ; Yunfeng YAO ; Tiancheng ZHAN ; Lin WANG ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(6):653-661
Objective:To explore the impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent restorative anterior resection, and to analyze associated risk factors.Methods:This study was an observational study. Patients with adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, or signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum located 0-10 cm from the anal verge who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy followed by curative restorative anterior resection at Peking University Cancer Hospital between November 2019 and February 2024 were retrospectively examined. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) metastasis detected preoperatively;(2) follow-up <1 year or stoma closure <6 months; (3) local recurrence or metastasis during follow-up; and (4) stoma without closure or stoma re-creation. The Chinese version of the LARS questionnaire was used to assess bowel function by telephone interview, and patients were classified based on score into no LARS (0-20 points), minor LARS (21-29 points), and major LARS (30–42 points). The incidence of LARS, major LARS, and associated risk factors were analyzed.Results:A total of 52 patients (34 men) were included for analysis. Mean age was 58.0 ± 9.8 years and mean body mass index was 25.1 ± 2.6 kg/m 2. Median follow-up was 27.5 months (range, 12.0-63.7). Median LARS score was 21 (range, 1-41). Twenty-six patients (50.0%) developed LARS after surgery, and half of these (13 cases) were classified as major LARS. Stool clustering (repeated defecation within 1 hour) was observed in 80.8% (42/52) of patients. Distance between the tumor edge and the dentate line [odds ratio (OR), 3.597; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.140-11.360; P=0.026], management of the left colic artery (OR, 0.133; 95% CI, 0.026-0.691; P=0.008), and interval of stoma closure (OR, 5.250; 95%CI, 1.381-19.960; P=0.011) were significantly associated with LARS. Interval of stoma closure was significantly associated with major LARS (OR, 4.200; 95%CI, 1.064–16.584; P=0.040). In multivariate logistic regression, ≤3.5 cm between the tumor edge and the dentate line (OR, 7.407; 95%CI, 1.377-40.000; P=0.020), non-preservation of the left colic artery (OR, 8.403; 95%CI, 1.183-58.823; P=0.033) and interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 10.865; 95% CI, 2.039-57.896; P=0.005) were independent risk factors for LARS. Interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 4.356; 95% CI, 1.105-17.167; P=0.035) were independent risk factors for major LARS. Conclusion:Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy experienced a high incidence of LARS after curative surgery, with stool clustering as the predominant symptom. Tumor edge–dentate line distance ≤3.5 cm, non-preservation of the left colic artery, and interval of stoma closure >6 months were risk factors for LARS.
5.Exploration on the Role of Autophagy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Based on the Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Factors and Chinese Materia Medica Intervention
Yao ZHANG ; Meng YANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):14-18
The struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic factors runs through the whole process of the formation and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),and autophagy is the main regulator of cardiac homeostasis and function.Based on the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors,the autophagy state of DCM was understood.In the early stage of DCM,it is mainly characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and supplemented by pathogenic excess.In the middle stage,it is characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and pathogenic excess.In the late stage,it is mainly characterized by pathogenic excess and supplemented by deficiency of healthy qi.TCM clinical practice adheres to the principle of"strengthening the healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors",which aims to restore the dynamic balance of autophagy in the body by adjusting the balance between healthy qi and pathogenic factors,and ultimately improve the prognosis of DCM.This article took the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors as the starting point,and elaborated on the role of autophagy in the development of DCM from macro and micro perspectives.It explored Chinese materia medica intervention plans for different stages of DCM,providing theoretical reference for the regulation of autophagy in DCM by TCM.
6.Building a "six-in-one" community cough and asthma center under a "dual-contract physician" model: a preliminary evaluation
Jianling SONG ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Shuping ZHENG ; Zheng YE ; Xiaopan LI ; Ben FENG ; Leiming GE ; Yao LIU ; Qihao YAN ; Jiani WANG ; Fulai SHEN ; Sunfang JIANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(11):1429-1433
This report evaluates the preliminary outcomes of a "six-in-one" integrated cough and asthma center developed under a dual-contract physician model at the Changfeng Community Health Service Center in Putuo District, Shanghai. By combining the efforts of family doctors and medical specialists, the center integrated six core functions-clinical treatment, prevention, nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, and nutrition-into a seamless management system covering screening, diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up. Supported by specialist guidance and teaching clinics, the model significantly enhanced comprehensive respiratory disease management capabilities within the community setting. The initiative not only improved patient health outcomes but also strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration and resource efficiency, offering a replicable example for improving chronic disease management in primary care through integrated and coordinated service delivery.
7.The mechanism of the effects of bisphenol A and high-fat diet on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Yunfeng LIN ; Jiaoxiang ZHANG ; Zhilin ZHANG ; Zeqi LU ; Ruijuan YAO ; Lanlan XU ; Congzheng QI ; Lili LIU ; Qiansheng HU ; Wei ZHU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(4):376-385
Objective To explore the effects of combined exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and high-fat diet on liver lipid metabolism and hepatocyte senescence in mice, and to elucidate the potential mechanisms of the onset and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Specific pathogen free C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups, with 10 mice with equal numbers of each sex in each group. The mice in the control group and the simple BPA group were fed with regular diet, while others four groups of mice were fed with high-fat diet. At the same time, the mice in the simple BPA group were intragastric administered with BPA at a dose of 50 μg/kg body weight, while the mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose BPA+high-fat groups were intragastric administered with BPA at doses of 5, 50 and 500 μg/kg body weight respectively. The mice in the control group and the high-fat group were intragastric administered with the same volume of corn oil once per day for 90 consecutive days. Liver tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Oil Red O staining. Liver coefficients and lipid-stained area ratios were calculated. Serum level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative expression of cholesterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), CCAAT enhancer binding protein α, P16, and phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) in liver tissues was detected using Western blotting. The interaction effect of the combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet was observed based on the result of mice in the control group, the simple high-fat group, the simple BPA group, and the medium-dose BPA group+high-fat group (the combined exposure group) using a 2×2 factorial design. The results of mice in the simple high-fat group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose BPA+high-fat groups were used to observe the effect of BPA exposure dose under high-fat diet conditions. Results i) The interactive effect of combined exposure to BPA and high fat. The HE and Oil Red O staining results indicated that the combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet successfully established NAFLD in mice. The interactive effect of combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet on serum ALT activity and the relative expression of P16 in the liver tissue of female mice, as well as the serum ALT and AST activities and the relative expression of SREBP1 in the liver tissue of male mice was significant (all P<0.05). Specifically, the serum ALT activity of male mice in the combined exposure group was higher than that in the simple high-fat group (P<0.05), while the ALT activity in the serum of female mice in the combined exposure group was lower than that in the simple BPA group (P<0.05). The relative expression of SREBP1 protein in the liver tissue of male mice in the combined exposure group was higher than that in the control group, the simple high-fat group, and the simple BPA group (all P<0.05). For the other indicators, there were no significant differences in the interactive effect of combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet (all P>0.05). ii) Dose effects of BPA exposure. The HE and Oil Red O staining result showed that the degree of vacuolar steatosis in the liver of female and male mice of medium- and high-dose BPA + high-fat groups was aggravated, and the range of inflammatory cell infiltration was expanded when compared with same-sex mice in the simple high-fat group. The serum ALT activity and the fat stained area ratio, as well as the relative expression of P16 in liver tissue of female mice in high-dose BPA + high-fat group increased (all P<0.05), while the level of IL-10 in liver tissue decreased (P<0.05), compared with the female mice in simple high-fat group. The serum ALT activity, the TNF-α level in liver tissue, and the relative expression of SREBP1, P16 and γ-H2AX proteins in liver tissue of male mice in high-dose BPA + high-fat group increased (all P<0.05), while the IL-6 level in liver tissue decreased (P<0.05), compared with the male mice in simple high-fat group. For the female or male mice in the low- and medium-dose BPA + high-fat groups, only some of the above indicators showed significant changes (all P<0.05). Conclusion The combined exposure to BPA and high-fat diet has a synergistic effect on the onset and development of NAFLD. The mechanism may be related to inducing cellular senescence and modulation of lipid synthesis pathways, thereby affecting liver steatosis. The exposure dose of BPA may affect the synergistic effect.
8.Experience of the use of cerebral embolic protection device during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Lan ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Ziwei XI ; Fei YUAN ; Jing YAO ; Zhengming JIANG ; Yunfeng YAN ; Guangyuan SONG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(4):541-548
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEPD) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study is a subgroup analysis of the China Moderate to Severe Valvular Heart Disease Registry, which has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075006).
METHODS:
Patients undergoing TAVR with the Sentinel CEPD from October 2023 to September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 80 patients were included, with a median age of 72 (68, 76) years, including 52 males (65.0%) and 28 females (35.0%); 62 patients (77.5%) with tricuspid valves, and 18 patients (22.5%) with bicuspid valves; 34 patients (42.5%) with type Ⅰ aortic arch, 24 patients (30.0%) with type Ⅱ aortic arch, 12 patients (15.0%) with type Ⅲ aortic arch, and 10 patients (12.5%) with bovine-type aortic arch. Clinical data of the patients were summarized and analyzed. The primary endpoints were success rate of Sentinel CEPD implantation, as well as all-cause death, symptomatic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and Sentinel CEPD access vessel complications during hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively.
RESULTS:
In the 80 patients, self-expanding valves were used in 68 cases (85.0%) and balloon-expandable valves in 12 cases (15.0%). Seventy-nine patients (98.8%) successfully underwent TAVR with Sentinel CEPD deployment. Macroscopically visible debris was captured in 92.5% (74/80) by filters of Sentinel CEPD. Although the procedure time for Sentinel CEPD placement was slightly longer in patients with bovine-type aortic arch, there was no statistically significant difference in deployment time among different aortic arch types (P>0.05). During hospitalization and within 30 days postoperatively, only one case of transient ischemic attack occurred, and there was no all-cause mortality, symptomatic stroke, or access-site vascular complications related to the Sentinel CEPD observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The Sentinel CEPD demonstrates high feasibility across aortic arch types, potential efficacy in embolic capture, and excellent safety in TAVR.
Humans
;
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Embolic Protection Devices
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Intracranial Embolism/prevention & control*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery*
;
Aortic Valve/surgery*
9.Analysis of the incidence and risk factors of low anterior resection syndrome after radical sphincter-preserving surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy: a single-center retrospective study
Yonglin HUANG ; Xingyu XIE ; Minghe ZHAO ; Tingting SUN ; Yunfeng YAO ; Tiancheng ZHAN ; Lin WANG ; Aiwen WU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(6):653-661
Objective:To explore the impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy on the occurrence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent restorative anterior resection, and to analyze associated risk factors.Methods:This study was an observational study. Patients with adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, or signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum located 0-10 cm from the anal verge who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy followed by curative restorative anterior resection at Peking University Cancer Hospital between November 2019 and February 2024 were retrospectively examined. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) metastasis detected preoperatively;(2) follow-up <1 year or stoma closure <6 months; (3) local recurrence or metastasis during follow-up; and (4) stoma without closure or stoma re-creation. The Chinese version of the LARS questionnaire was used to assess bowel function by telephone interview, and patients were classified based on score into no LARS (0-20 points), minor LARS (21-29 points), and major LARS (30–42 points). The incidence of LARS, major LARS, and associated risk factors were analyzed.Results:A total of 52 patients (34 men) were included for analysis. Mean age was 58.0 ± 9.8 years and mean body mass index was 25.1 ± 2.6 kg/m 2. Median follow-up was 27.5 months (range, 12.0-63.7). Median LARS score was 21 (range, 1-41). Twenty-six patients (50.0%) developed LARS after surgery, and half of these (13 cases) were classified as major LARS. Stool clustering (repeated defecation within 1 hour) was observed in 80.8% (42/52) of patients. Distance between the tumor edge and the dentate line [odds ratio (OR), 3.597; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.140-11.360; P=0.026], management of the left colic artery (OR, 0.133; 95% CI, 0.026-0.691; P=0.008), and interval of stoma closure (OR, 5.250; 95%CI, 1.381-19.960; P=0.011) were significantly associated with LARS. Interval of stoma closure was significantly associated with major LARS (OR, 4.200; 95%CI, 1.064–16.584; P=0.040). In multivariate logistic regression, ≤3.5 cm between the tumor edge and the dentate line (OR, 7.407; 95%CI, 1.377-40.000; P=0.020), non-preservation of the left colic artery (OR, 8.403; 95%CI, 1.183-58.823; P=0.033) and interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 10.865; 95% CI, 2.039-57.896; P=0.005) were independent risk factors for LARS. Interval of stoma closure >6 months (OR, 4.356; 95% CI, 1.105-17.167; P=0.035) were independent risk factors for major LARS. Conclusion:Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy experienced a high incidence of LARS after curative surgery, with stool clustering as the predominant symptom. Tumor edge–dentate line distance ≤3.5 cm, non-preservation of the left colic artery, and interval of stoma closure >6 months were risk factors for LARS.
10.Anti-fatigue effect and mechanism of action of aqueous extracts of imitation wild Astragalus and cultivated Astragalus under high-altitude low oxygen environments
Yunfeng ZHU ; Xiangyu BIAN ; Yanyun CHANG ; Zhanxin YAO ; Aiping LI ; Weina GAO
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(4):241-251
OBJECTIVE To study the anti-fatigue effects of differently-cultivated Astragalus extract in a hypoxic environment of the plateau and explore the related mechanisms.METHODS Fifty-six male KM mice were randomly divided into the hypoxic swimming control(HSC)group,imitation wild Astragalus extract(IWA)430,860 and 1 720 mg·kg-1 groups,and cultivated Astragalus extract(CA)463,925 and 1 850 mg·kg-1 groups.The drug was administered by gavage once daily for 15 days,while body mass was monitored every three days.After 15 days of gavage,the mice were subjected to load swimming(5%body weight)in a hypobaric chamber(simulating a 4 000 m altitude),with exhaus-tive swimming time measured to identify the optimal dosage.Following randomization,fifty male KM mice were assigned to five groups:normoxic control(NC),hypoxic control(HC),HSC,IWA 860 and CA 925 mg·kg-1.All groups underwent daily gavage for 15 d before 90 min non-weight-bearing swimming was conducted in the HSC,IWA 860 and CA 925 mg·kg-1 groups within a hypobaric chamber,followed by immediate measurement of muscle strength.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in liver and gastrocnemius muscle tissues.Blood urea nitrogen(BUN),blood glucose(BG)and serum lactic acid(LA),glutathione(GSH),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),liver glycogen(LG)and muscle glycogen(MG)in livers and muscles,and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in muscles were measured by commercial kits.Taurine and hypotaurine were measured by HPLC.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used for cysteine sulfenic acid decarboxylase(CSAD)measure-ment.Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in skeletal muscles.RESULTS Compared with the HSC group,the swimming time was prolonged in IWA 463,IWA 860,CA 925 and CA 1 850 mg·kg-1 groups.Compared with the HSC group,the muscle strength of mice in the IWA 860 mg·kg-1 group and the CA 925 mg·kg-1 group was significantly increased,histo-pathological damage in the liver and gastrocnemius muscle was reduced,serum levels of LA and BUN were significantly decreased,levels of BG,LG and MG were significantly increased,levels of GSH,GSH-Px and SOD were significantly increased,contents of MDA were significantly decreased,expressions of CSAD were significantly increased in liver tissue,contents of GSH,T-AOC,taurine and hypotaurine were significantly increased,levels of ROS were significantly decreased,and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,Nrf2,HO-1 were significantly upregulated in muscle tissues.CONCLUSION Under simulated high-altitude hypoxic conditions,extracts of Astragalus membranaceus cultivated by two methods consis-tently exhibit anti-fatigue effects.Its mechanisms may be mitigating oxidative stress,augmenting taurine and hypotaurine metabolic regulation,and activating PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.IWA has a better anti-fatigue effect than CA.

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