1.Individual fit test of hearing protectors for noise workers in typical automobile manufacturing industry
Xuan LIU ; Xue ZHAO ; Jing LIU ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Qiang ZENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):79-83
Objective To explore the wearing status and actual noise reduction effect of hearing protectors among noise workers in a typical automobile manufacturing enterprise. Methods In April 2024, an occupational hazard factor testing was carried out in an automobile manufacturing industry, and at the same time, the hearing protection fit test was conducted for noise workers. Intervention and guidance were provided to those who did not pass the minimum standard of baseline PAR. The difference in PAR between baseline and post-intervention was compared, and the effectiveness of hearing protector wearing method training was evaluated. Results The exceeding rate of the company's noise operation post was 50.77% (66/130). The baseline PAR of the subjects with working experience of less than 15 years and wearing hearing protectors throughout noisy work was higher, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with those with 80dB≤LEX, 8h<85dB, more research subjects with LEX, 8h≥85dB failed baseline PAR (39.13%). After intervention, the PAR of the subjects who did not pass the minimum standard of baseline PRA increased from 2.0 (0.0, 5.3) to 17.0 (14.8, 20.0), and the protection level was significantly improved, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion The individual fit test of hearing protector is an important means to evaluate the actual noise reduction level of hearing protector and guide the selection of hearing protection models. Corporate training can help improve the PAR of hearing protectors.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Patriniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Zhen ZENG ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):248-257
By consulting ancient and modern literature, this article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of the herbal medicine known as Baijiang across various dimensions, including name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal parts, production area, quality, harvesting and processing, as well as its nature, taste, and therapeutic effects, in order to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba. Patriniae Herba has a long history of use. It derives its name from the distinctive musty odor of its roots, which resembles spoiled soy sauce. However, due to its alias Kucai, there has been much confusion with other plants. Since the Ming dynasty, various plants have been used interchangeably as Baijiang. Herbal textual research showed that Patriniae Herba was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, and throughout history, Baijiang has been recognized as its standard name, though it has also been known by alternative names such as Luchang, Lujiang, and Suanyi. The main sources used throughout the ages were Patrinia scabiosaefolia or P. villosa, which is consistent with the 1977 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, while the roots were traditionally used medicinally, the whole plant is now more commonly used in modern practice. In addition, the whole plants of Thlaspi arvense from the Cruciferae family and Sonchus brachyotus from the Compositae family are commonly used as regional substitutes for Baijiang. According to ancient records, Patriniae Herba was primarily found in Jiangxia(present-day eastern Hubei province) and Jiangdong(the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), but modern literature shows that it is distributed throughout the country without a distinct geographical origin. In ancient times, the roots were harvested in August and sun-dried, today, the whole plant is typically dug up in summer or autumn and sun-dried. In recent times, the quality has been summarized as being best when the roots are long, the leaves are abundant and green, and the aroma is strong. Regarding the processing, ancient methods often involved baking(drying over fire), while modern methods typically involve removing impurities, washing, and then cutting and drying the segments. The effects of Patriniae Herba are to clear heat and detoxify, eliminate blood stasis and drain pus. During the Han and Northern and Southern dynasties, it was used to treat skin diseases caused by heat, abscesses, postpartum diseases, and rheumatism, during the Five dynasties period, its therapeutic applications expanded to include diseases of the five senses, and by the modern era, conditions such as neurasthenia and insomnia were added. Regarding its properties and taste, it was recorded as bitter and neutral during the Han dynasty. By the Tang dynasty, it was slightly cold, with a taste of acrid and bitter. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was mostly slightly cold and neutral, with a bitter and salty taste. In the Qing dynasty and modern times, it was mostly bitter and neutral, and in contemporary times, it has evolved to a taste of acrid, bitter, and cool. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba, one should select the entire herb of the historically mainstream sources, P. scabiosaefolia or P. villosa from the Valerianaceae family, and choose the processing method according to the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specific requirements.
3.Influencing factors of cerebral visual field defect after ischemic stroke and its impact on long-term prognosis
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):918-922
AIM:To explore the related factors of cerebral visual field defect after ischemic stroke and its impact on its long-term prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to July 2023. Visual field examination was performed 7 d after onset, and patients were divided into cerebral visual field defect group and non-cerebral visual field defect group according to whether cerebral visual field defect occurred. Demographic information and clinical indicators were collected from both groups, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with cerebral visual field defect after ischemic stroke. After discharge, a 2-year follow-up was conducted to calculate the number of poor prognosis, recurrence, and death cases to evaluate long-term prognosis.RESULTS:Among 218 patients with ischemic stroke, according to the visual field examination, 54 patients were in cerebral visual field defect group(incidence rate was 24.8%, 32 males and 22 females, mean age was 63.81±5.78 y)and 164 patients were in non-cerebral visual field defect group(95 males and 59 females, mean age was 62.78±6.01 y). There were no significant differences in gender, BMI, education level, smoking history, drinking history, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, time from onset to admission, and type of infarction between the two groups(all P>0.05). There were significant differences in age, atrial fibrillation, degree of neurological deficit, infarct location and infarct volume between the two groups(all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factor of cerebral visual field defect after ischemic stroke was the degree of neurological deficit at admission(OR: 5.106; 95%CI: 1.034-25.205), infarct location [parietal lobe(OR: 5.760; 95%CI: 1.643-20.194); temporal lobe(OR: 6.437; 95%CI: 1.591-26.036); occipital lobe(OR: 8.998; 95%CI:1.748-46.319)],infarct volume(OR: 5.123; 95%CI: 1.318-19.906). The poor prognosis and recurrence rate in the cerebral visual field defect group were higher than those in the non-cerebral visual field defect group(both P<0.05), and there was no difference in mortality rate between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:The occurrence of cerebral visual field defects after ischemic stroke is closely related to the severity of the condition, infarct location and infarct volume infarction, and can lead to poor long-term prognosis. Therefore, prevention and treatment should be strengthened.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Patriniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Zhen ZENG ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):248-257
By consulting ancient and modern literature, this article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of the herbal medicine known as Baijiang across various dimensions, including name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal parts, production area, quality, harvesting and processing, as well as its nature, taste, and therapeutic effects, in order to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba. Patriniae Herba has a long history of use. It derives its name from the distinctive musty odor of its roots, which resembles spoiled soy sauce. However, due to its alias Kucai, there has been much confusion with other plants. Since the Ming dynasty, various plants have been used interchangeably as Baijiang. Herbal textual research showed that Patriniae Herba was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, and throughout history, Baijiang has been recognized as its standard name, though it has also been known by alternative names such as Luchang, Lujiang, and Suanyi. The main sources used throughout the ages were Patrinia scabiosaefolia or P. villosa, which is consistent with the 1977 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, while the roots were traditionally used medicinally, the whole plant is now more commonly used in modern practice. In addition, the whole plants of Thlaspi arvense from the Cruciferae family and Sonchus brachyotus from the Compositae family are commonly used as regional substitutes for Baijiang. According to ancient records, Patriniae Herba was primarily found in Jiangxia(present-day eastern Hubei province) and Jiangdong(the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), but modern literature shows that it is distributed throughout the country without a distinct geographical origin. In ancient times, the roots were harvested in August and sun-dried, today, the whole plant is typically dug up in summer or autumn and sun-dried. In recent times, the quality has been summarized as being best when the roots are long, the leaves are abundant and green, and the aroma is strong. Regarding the processing, ancient methods often involved baking(drying over fire), while modern methods typically involve removing impurities, washing, and then cutting and drying the segments. The effects of Patriniae Herba are to clear heat and detoxify, eliminate blood stasis and drain pus. During the Han and Northern and Southern dynasties, it was used to treat skin diseases caused by heat, abscesses, postpartum diseases, and rheumatism, during the Five dynasties period, its therapeutic applications expanded to include diseases of the five senses, and by the modern era, conditions such as neurasthenia and insomnia were added. Regarding its properties and taste, it was recorded as bitter and neutral during the Han dynasty. By the Tang dynasty, it was slightly cold, with a taste of acrid and bitter. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was mostly slightly cold and neutral, with a bitter and salty taste. In the Qing dynasty and modern times, it was mostly bitter and neutral, and in contemporary times, it has evolved to a taste of acrid, bitter, and cool. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba, one should select the entire herb of the historically mainstream sources, P. scabiosaefolia or P. villosa from the Valerianaceae family, and choose the processing method according to the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specific requirements.
5.Risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and effectiveness of risk assessment models
Liu YANG ; Gang ZHU ; Longfei ZENG ; Benjian GAO ; Bo LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):647-654
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors and independent risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), to analyze the effectiveness of three commonly used risk assessment models for thrombosis (Caprini score, Padua score, and Wells score), and to provide a reference for clinical identification of high-risk individuals and optimization of prevention and treatment strategies. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 320 patients with ANP who were admitted to Luzhou People’s Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from April 2013 to April 2024, and according to the presence or absence of DVT during hospitalization, the patients were divided into thrombosis group with 25 patients and control group with 295 patients. After propensity score matching, the two groups were compared in terms of past history and various examination results during hospitalization. The risk factors for lower extremity DVT in ANP patients during hospitalization were analyzed through univariate and multivariate Logistic regression, and a DVT risk prediction model was established based on independent influencing factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of models, and the DeLong test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter matching, the patients were divided into thrombosis group with 24 patients and control group with 112 patients. The clinical characteristics analysis showed that compared with the control group, the thrombosis group had significantly higher degree of pancreatic necrosis, D-dimer level, Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score, and proportion of patients undergoing dialysis (all P<0.05). The multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that BISAP score, degree of pancreatic necrosis, and D-dimer level were independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT in ANP patients during hospitalization (all P<0.05). The BISAP-Caprini score model had an AUC of 0.832 (95% confidence interval: 0.722 — 0.942, P<0.001) in predicting the risk of lower extremity DVT, with a Youden index of 1.661, an optimal cut-off value of 0.26, a sensitivity of 75.0%, and a specificity of 91.1%. ConclusionD-dimer, BISAP score, and the degree of pancreatic necrosis are independent risk factors for lower extremity DVT in patients with ANP during hospitalization, and the BISAP-Caprini score model can effectively predict the risk of DVT in ANP patients.
6.Regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in hepatic fibrosis
Weichu ZENG ; Xing LYU ; Fengfan LI ; Zhenni LIU ; Jungang LI ; Weilin ZHANG ; Peiting LIU ; Bingchu LI ; Ruohong CHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Min HU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):704-710
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible pathological process in various chronic liver diseases and is closely associated with the development and progression of severe liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has emerged as a significant global health challenge. In recent years, studies have shown that histone lactylation, a newly discovered epigenetic modification, actively participates in regulating the progression of hepatic fibrosis. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in the interaction between inflammatory microenvironment and hepatic fibrosis, in order to clarify the cascade regulatory mechanism of “inflammation-hepatic fibrosis” and provide new insights for early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and prevention of malignant transformation in hepatic fibrosis.
7.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
8.Preventive and therapeutic effect of low-dose corticosteroids on early acute lung injury after thoracoscopic lobectomy
Liqiang XU ; Shaoqiu LI ; Qiang LIU ; Min ZENG ; Weimin LUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):390-396
Objective To investigate the efficacy of early, short-term, low-dose corticosteroid administration for the prevention and treatment of early acute lung injury (EALI) in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, from January 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into an early steroid therapy group and an observation group based on whether they received corticosteroids in the early postoperative period. In the early steroid therapy group, in addition to standard postoperative care, patients received a low-dose intravenous push of methylprednisolone (80-120 mg/d) for 3 consecutive days. In the observation group, patients received standard postoperative care without intravenous corticosteroids for the first 3 days. Chest plain CT scans were performed on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 3 or 4 to evaluate lung injury. CT scores and the incidence of postoperative EALI were recorded. Results A total of 521 patients were included (268 males, 253 females; age range: 11-80 years). There were 318 patients in the observation group and 203 in the early steroid therapy group. On POD 1, the incidence of EALI was 16.0% in the observation group and 13.8% in the early steroid therapy group, with no statistical difference (P=0.486). Correspondingly, there was no statistical difference in chest CT scores among EALI-positive patients between the two groups (P=0.927). On POD 3-4, the incidence of EALI was significantly lower in the early steroid therapy group (22.7%) compared to the observation group (33.6%) (P=0.007). Although chest CT scores among EALI-positive patients were lower in the early steroid therapy group, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.377). The overall incidence of EALI within the first 4 postoperative days was significantly lower in the early steroid therapy group (26.1%) than in the observation group (37.4%) (P=0.007). Radiological progression (defined as new-onset EALI or progression of existing EALI) occurred in 14.8% of the early steroid therapy group, significantly lower than the 28.9% in the observation group (P<0.001). The early steroid therapy group had a shorter postoperative length of stay (P<0.001), while there was no statistical difference in the incidence of poor wound healing between the groups (P=0.762). Conclusion Early postoperative corticosteroid use effectively reduces the incidence of EALI on POD 3-4, lowers the risk of radiological progression, and decreases the overall incidence of postoperative EALI. This is achieved without prolonging the length of stay or increasing the risk of poor wound healing. Therefore, early administration of low-dose corticosteroids is beneficial in suppressing the occurrence and progression of EALI. Its early use is recommended for patients at high risk for postoperative EALI.
9.Astragali Radix Polysaccharides Promote M2 Polarization of OGD/R-induced BV2 Microglia by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yanxi LIU ; Lijun ZHANG ; Qiule LI ; Yayu ZENG ; Yanjie HUO ; Xiaodan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):133-143
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Astragali Radix polysaccharides (APS) on the polarization of BV2 microglial cells in an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model through regulation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe OGD/R injury model of BV2 microglia was established and divided into blank group, OGD/R group and APS group (0.4 g·L-1 APS). Neuroinflammatory injury was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with APS. The cells were divided into blank group, LPS group (1 mg·L-1 LPS) and APS group (0.4 g·L-1 APS+1 mg·L-1 LPS). Cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope. Nitric oxide (NO) content in the cell supernatant was determined by the Griess assay. The secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the double-positive rates of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1/inducible nitric oxide synthase (Iba-1+/iNOS+) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1/arginase 1 (Iba-1+/Arg1+), as well as the nuclear translocation rate of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65). Protein expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, Arg1, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot. ResultsIn the OGD/R injury model, compared with the blank control group, BV2 microglial cells in the OGD/R group were activated and exhibited amoeboid morphological changes. The secretion levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/iNOS+ and the protein expression of Iba-1 and iNOS were significantly increased (P<0.01). The nuclear translocation rate of NF-κB p65 and the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of IL-10 and IL-4 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/Arg1+ and Arg1 protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the OGD/R group, the APS group (0.4 g·L-1) showed reduced cell activation, significantly decreased secretion levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.01), significantly decreased double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/iNOS+ and relative protein expression of Iba-1 and iNOS (P<0.01), significantly decreased nuclear translocation rate of NF-κB p65 and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), significantly increased levels of IL-10 and IL-4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased double-positive expression rate of Iba-1+/Arg1+ and Arg1 protein expression (P<0.01). In the LPS-induced neuroinflammation model, compared with the blank control group, the LPS group showed increased cell activation, significantly increased levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, significantly increased Iba-1+/iNOS+ double-positive expression rate, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation rate, and protein expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), while IL-10 and IL-4 levels, Iba-1+/Arg1+ double-positive expression rate, and Arg1 protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the APS group showed reduced cell activation, significantly decreased levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, Iba-1+/iNOS+ double-positive expression rate, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation rate, and protein expression levels of Iba-1, iNOS, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), while IL-10 and IL-4 levels, Iba-1+/Arg1+ double-positive expression rate, and Arg1 protein expression were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionAPS may reduce microglial activation and promote their polarization toward the M2 phenotype by inhibiting activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating the neuroinflammatory response induced by OGD/R.
10.Effect of Yangjing Tongluo Prescription on Oxidative Damage of Endometrium in Rats with Intrauterine Adhesion Based on Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Jiaying CHEN ; Jing ZENG ; Zhaoling YOU ; Yonglian WANG ; Muya LIU ; Fang ZHOU ; Li TANG ; Sainan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):100-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Yangjing Tongluo prescription (YJTL) in the treatment of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) from the perspective of oxidative stress mediated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 48 rats with normal estrous cycles were selected and randomly divided into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=40). An IUA rat model was established using a dual-injury method combining surgical curettage and infection. Eight rats were randomly selected from the modeling group for a pilot experiment to confirm successful model establishment. After successful modeling, the remaining 32 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose YJTL group (YJTL-L), a high-dose YJTL group (YJTL-H), and a Progynova group. Rats in the normal and model groups were administered purified water (15 mL·kg-1) by gavage daily, while rats in the YJTL-L, YJTL-H, and Progynova groups received YJTL at doses of 6.43 and 12.86 g·kg-1 and Progynova at 2.06 × 10-4 g·kg-1, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. The general condition, uterine morphology, and uterine index of the rats were monitored. Histopathological changes in uterine tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in endometrial tissue were detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to assess the distribution of Nrf2 and HO-1, as well as the expression of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and nucleus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group exhibited poor mental status and reduced mobility, markedly edematous and tortuous uterine morphology, decreased gland number, and inflammatory reactions in the endometrium, along with an increased uterine organ index (P<0.05). Serum ROS levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while serum GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In endometrial tissue, Keap1 protein expression was increased (P<0.05), whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was decreased. Mild nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, accompanied by increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and decreased relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in the above symptoms and pathological changes. Serum ROS levels were reduced (P<0.05), serum GSH-Px levels were increased (P<0.05), Keap1 protein expression in endometrial tissue was decreased, and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Notably, significant nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, with correspondingly increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. ConclusionYJTL may enhance antioxidant capacity and repair oxidative damage to the endometrial basal layer by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.


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