1.Quercetin Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis in Rats via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Baowei FENG ; Yan WANG ; Chang LI ; Yujing ZHANG ; Dingxing FAN ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):145-153
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis (GA) in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1, respectively) quercetin groups (n=10). The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1) by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5, an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA, XOD, and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6), necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β in the rat serum, as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (pro-Caspase-1), cleaved Caspase-1 (Caspase-1 p20), and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity, mental fatigue, increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores (P<0.01), aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01), elevated levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), a declined level of T-SOD (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions, decreased gait scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced joint swelling (P<0.01), alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), increased levels of T-SOD (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
2.The effects of IgD on the proliferation and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells Molm-13
Danyan Liu ; Xin Zhang ; Mengqin Chen ; Xi Ling ; Manling Dong ; Tiantian Wu ; Yueye Wang ; Tao Li ; Wei Wei ; Yujing Wu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1513-1519,1534
Objective :
To investigate the role and related mechanisms of IgD on the viability , proliferation , apoptosis , and other functions of Molm_13 cells.
Methods:
Peripheral blood serum was collected from AML patients and healthy controls. The sIgD levels were quantified by ELISA. For in vitro studies , Molm_13 cells were treated with varying concentrations of IgD. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed via CCK_8 assays , CFSE staining , and colony formation assays. Apoptosis rates were determined using an Annexin V/PI apoptosis detection kit. Preliminary exploration of the mechanisms related to IgD_induced proliferation of Molm_13 were analyzed through differential gene analysis.
Results:
Compared with healthy controls , the levels of sIgD in AML patients were significantly el_ evated (P < 0. 001 ) . IgD treatment dose_dependently increased Molm_13 cell viability and proliferation ( P < 0. 05) , inhibited apoptosis rates (P < 0. 001) .
Conclusion
IgD promotes the viability and proliferation of Molm_ 13 cells , and reduces apoptosis.
3.Diversity of the Duffy blood group gene among ethnic Hui population in Henan Province.
Wenyan CUI ; Hecai YANG ; Cunquan KONG ; Yongkui KONG ; Yunfei YOU ; Yujing LIU ; Jinhua LIU ; Maocai CHEN ; Yulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):274-281
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the diversity of Duffy blood group gene among ethnic Hui population from Henan Province using PacBio long-read sequencing technique.
METHODS:
Randomly select 30 individuals with three generations of Hui ancestry from Henan as the study subjects. Full-length sequences of the Duffy blood group gene were obtained through PacBio long-read sequencing. Distribution of the predicted phenotype and genotype frequency were determined, and the linkage between Duffy haplotypes and variation sites was analyzed. Genetic diversity, natural selection pressure, and population genetic characteristics were evaluated. This study was approved by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No. 2022223).
RESULTS:
The predicted Duffy blood group phenotype in the Henan Hui population was predominantly Fy(a+b-). Three novel SNPs in the FY*01 allele were identified, with a total frequency of 13.33%, among which FY*01.NEW1 (c.199C>T) was the most common. A total of 32 variant sites were identified, with 28 located in intronic regions, indicating that genetic diversity was primarily concentrated in introns. The Duffy blood group gene was under negative selection pressure (dN/dS < 1, Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D* and F* significantly deviated from 0), suggesting overall conservation. The allele frequencies of Duffy blood group in the Henan Hui population was similar to that of the Xinjiang Hui, Xinjiang Kazakh, Inner Mongolia Mongolian, and Yuncheng Han populations, but significantly different from those of most Han and other ethnic groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study revealed the characteristics of the Duffy blood group gene among the Henan Hui population and demonstrated the significant advantages of PacBio long-read sequencing technique in haplotype analysis, genetic diversity study, and novel mutation identification.
Female
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Humans
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Male
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Asian People/ethnology*
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China/ethnology*
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Duffy Blood-Group System/genetics*
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Ethnicity/genetics*
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Gene Frequency
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Genetic Variation
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Haplotypes
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
4.Exploration on Mechanism of Yanghe Decoction in the Treatment of Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Haoyu LI ; Minmin YU ; Mengdi ZHANG ; Yingnan REN ; Shuang LIANG ; Yujing QIN ; Jingwei LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):34-41
Objective To explore the potential targets and pathways of Yanghe Decoction for the treatment of granulomatous lobular mastitis(GLM)using network pharmacology and molecular docking;To experimentally validate its mechanism.Methods Active components and targets of Yanghe Decoction were screened through TCMSP and TCM-ID.GLM targets were retrieved from GeneCards and OMIM databases,the intersection of drug targets and disease targets was taken,and a protein interaction network was constructed.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed.Molecular docking of main components and key targets was conducted.Totally 60 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,prednisolone group(0.005 g/kg),and Yanghe Decoction low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(2.5,5.0,10.0 g/kg).Except for the blank group,GLM models were constructed for all other groups,and corresponding drug interventions were given to each treatment group for 14 consecutive days.The body mass and breast mass size of rats were recorded,breast ultrasound images were collected,and the inflammatory index score was scored.The pathological morphology of rat breast tissue was observed through HE staining.ELISA was used to detect the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in serum.Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,IκBα,TLR4 and p65 in breast tissue.Results Yanghe Decoction was screened for 140 active components,363 targets,and 32 intersecting targets with GLM,mainly involving NF-κB,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,etc.Molecular docking showed that the main components had good binding activities with key targets.Compared with the blank group,rats in the model group showed obvious redness and swelling of the breasts with a large range of lumps and a significant increase in mammary inflammation index score(P<0.01),and ultrasound could detect a large range of patchy hypoechoic areas,and pathological changes showed a variety of inflammatory cell infiltration in the mammary lobules and the formation of tiny abscesses,and the serum contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),the protein expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,TLR4 and p65 in breast tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of IκBα significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the erythema of the breasts of the rats in each treatment group was improved,and the extent of the lumps was reduced,and the reduction in the size of the lumps in the prednisolone group and the Yanghe Decoction high-dosage group was obvious(P<0.05).The inflammatory index score of prednisolone group and Yanghe Decoction groups decreased to different degrees(P<0.01),ultrasound showed a smaller range of hypoechoic area,pathology showed a reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells,and a reduction in the formation of granulomas and abscesses,and the prednisolone group and Yanghe Decoction groups significantly down-regulated the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum(P<0.01),and the prednisolone group and Yanghe Decoction middle-and high-dosage groups significantly down-regulated the content of IL-6 in serum(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TLR4 protein in breast tissue was significantly decreased in Yanghe Decoction high-dosage group(P<0.05),the expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and p65 proteins in prednisolone group and Yanghe Decoction groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of the protein of IκBα significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Yanghe Decoction can reduce the inflammatory response in GLM rats,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway.
5.Nano-ITO induce pulmonary alveolar proteinosis through oxidative stress and activation of NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Yinqiao LIN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiaoyang CHEN ; Weikang LI ; Yujing NIU ; Xuefei WANG ; Nan LIU ; Gai LI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(2):81-90
Objective:To investigate the role of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) /nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the occurrence of lung tissue in the pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) model of rats induced by indium tin oxide nanoprticles (Nano-ITO) .Methods:In October 2019, 120 SD rats were divided into 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84 day Nano ITO exposure groups and corresponding time point control groups, with 10 rats in each group; the exposure group was treated with 6 mg/kg·bw Nano-ITO via non exposed tracheal injection, twice a week. Time-course studies were performed to examine the pulmonary toxicity induced by Nano-ITO. At the end of the experiment, cytokines levels and oxidative stress were analyzed in the bronchoalveolar lavaged fluid (BALF). Rat lung tissues were also harvested for staining with HE, PAS, Masson, and Oil Red O. Ultrastructure of lung tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscope. The localization and expression of NF-κB p65, IκB-α, IKK-β, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The comparison between the two groups was analyzed by independent sample T test, and the comparison between the multiple groups was analyzed by one-way ANOVA.Results:Nano-ITO intratracheal instillation caused pulmonary toxicity by inducing acute inflammation, granuloma (nodule) formation, and alveolar proteinosis. ELISA analysis showed that, compared with the corresponding time points control groups, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, total protein (TP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF of rats exposed to Nano ITO were all increased ( P<0.05) ; The protein expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB p65 was upregulated in rat lung tissue, while the protein expression of KK-β was increased ( P<0.01). Nrf2 and its downstream proteins NQO1 and HO-1 were highly expressed in Nano-ITO-induced PAP rat. Conclusion:NF-κB/Nrf2 signal pathway is involved in the process of Nano-ITO induced pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in rats.
6.Association of cerebrospinal fluid colony stimulating factor 1 receptor with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and cognition in Alzheimer disease
Yujing WANG ; Yixin XU ; Dandan ZHANG ; Ji WANG ; Yi WANG ; Xin WANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):95-102
Objective To investigate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)colony stimulating factor 1 receptor(CSF1R)and CSF biomarkers of Alzheimer disease(AD),and to analyze whether CSF1R is associated with mild cognitive impairment patients'cognition.Methods Data from non-demented adults were collected from the Alzheimer Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database,and participants were divided into four groups(A-/TN-,A+/TN-,A+/TN+and A-/TN+),according to the NIA-AA criteria,and the dynamic changes of CSF1R in CSF at different pathological stages of AD were tracked.Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between CSF1R and AD biomarkers and cognition,and mediation models were used to investigate the potential association between CSF1R and AD pathology.Results A total of 451 non-demented adults were enrolled in this study,and we found that CSF CSF1R levels were increased in the A-/TN+group(P<0.05)and the A+/TN+group(P<0.05)compared with the A+/TN-group.CSF CSF1R levels were significantly and positively correlated with CSF tau protein(P<0.001)and phosphorylated tau protein(P<0.001)levels but not with amyloid β-protein(P=0.123),and similar results were obtained in the cognitively normal and mild cognitive impairment groups.In the mild cognitive impairment group,higher CSF CSF1R levels were associated with lower cognitive(P<0.05)levels.Furthermore,the relationship between CSF1R and AD pathology was mediated in part by soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2(sTREM2)(percentage:19.3%to 31.4%).Conclusions This study is the first study to discover the association of CSFIR with AD biomarkers and cognition,and CSF1R may influence AD pathology through soluble TREM2(sTREM2).
7.Risk Identification Model of Coronary Artery Stenosis Constructed Based on Random Forest
Yongfeng LV ; Yujing WANG ; Leyi ZHANG ; Yixin LI ; Na YUAN ; Jing TIAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):138-146
[Objective]To establish a risk recognition model for coronary artery stenosis by using a machine learning method and to identify the key causative factors.[Methods]Patients aged≥18 years,diagnosed with coronary heart disease through coronary angiography from January 2013 to May 2020 in two prominent hospitals in Shanxi Province,were continuously enrolled.Logistic regression,back propagation neural network(BPNN),and random forest(RF)algorithms were used to construct models for detecting the causative factors of coronary artery stenosis.Sensitivity(TPR),specificity(TNR),accuracy(ACC),positive predictive value(PV+),negative predictive value(PV-),area under subject operating characteristic curve(AUC),and calibration curve were used to compare the discrimination and calibration performance of the models.The best model was then employed to predict the main risk variables associated with coronary stenosis.[Results]The RF model exhibited superior comprehensive performance compared to logistic regression and BPNN models.The TPR values for logistic regression,BPNN,and RF models were 75.76%,74.30%,and 93.70%,while ACC values were 74.05%,72.30%,and 79.49%,respectively.The AUC values were:logistic regression 0.739 9;BPNN 0.723 1;RF 0.752 2.Manifestations such as chest pains,abnormal ST segments on ECG,ventricular premature beats with hypertension,atrial fibrillation,regional wall motion abnormalities(RWMA)by color echocardiography,aortic regurgitation(AR),pulmonary insufficiency(PI),family history of cardiovascular diseases,and body mass index(BMI)were identified as top ten important variables affecting coronary stenosis according to the RF model.[Conclusions]Random forest model shows the best comprehensive performance in identification and accurate assessment of coronary artery stenosis.The prediction of risk factors affecting coronary artery stenosis can provide a scientific basis for clinical intervention and help to formulate further diagnosis and treatment strategies so as to delay the disease progression.
8.Effect of disulfiram on sepsis-associated encephalopathy and relationship with NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway in rats
Yihao LI ; Yujing LI ; Shuai CHEN ; Sisen ZHANG ; Yinsen SONG ; Hongyu WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(2):226-232
Objective:To evaluate the effect of disulfiram on sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) and the relationship with NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 signaling pathway in rats.Methods:Forty-five SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-12 weeks, weighing 200-220 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group, SAE group, and SAE+ disulfiram group (SAE+ DSF group). The SAE model was established by by using cecal ligation and puncture in anesthetized rats. SAE+ DSF group received an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg disulfiram 4 h before the cecal ligation and puncture. The survival status of rats was recorded within 72 h after surgery. Their neurobehavioral scores were assessed and recorded on days 1-3 after surgery. On the 3rd day after surgery, novel object recognition test (cognitive index) and open field test (activity distance and time in the central area) were conducted sequentially. Following the behavioral testing, the rats were anesthetized, and their hippocampi were dissected and isolated to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampal region (using HE staining) and to determine the expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 (by Western blot) and the expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA (by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction). Results:Compared with Sham group, the 72-h survival rate and postoperative neurobehavioral scores were significantly decreased, the activity distance and time in the central area of the open field were shortened, and the cognitive index was decreased, the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α mRNA was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage was marked in the hippocampus in SAE group ( P<0.05). Compared with SAE group, postoperative neurobehavioral scores were significantly increased, the activity distance and time in the central area of the open field were prolonged, the cognitive index was increased, and the expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 and IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α mRNA was down-regulated ( P<0.05), no significant change was found in the 72-h survival rate ( P>0.05), and the pathological damage to the hippocampus was significantly alleviated in SAE+ DSF group. Conclusions:Disulfiram can alleviate SAE in rats, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the NLRP3/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
9.Analysis of Service Efficiency of County-level Public Hospitals in Shandong Province Based on Deta Envelopment Analysis Method
Jibing QIAO ; Qi ZHANG ; Lin CHENG ; Yujing BAI ; Ligang XU ; Weifeng LI
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(10):88-91
Objective To analyze the service efficiency and changes of county-level public hospitals in Shandong Province from 2017 to 2023,and to provide references for improving the service efficiency of county-level public hospitals.Methods Based on the deta envelopment analysis method,BCC model was used to evaluate the static service efficiency of county-level public hospitals in 16 cities in Shandong Province in 2023,and to dynamically track the change trend of efficiency from 2017 to 2023 based on Malmquist index model.Results In 2023,the average comprehensive efficiency of county-level public hospitals in Shandong Province is 0.971,and the efficiency value of county-level public hospitals in 8 of the 16 cities is 1,which is in DEA effective state;From 2017 to 2023,the average total factor productivity of county-level public hospitals in Shandong Province was 0.906,with an overall decline of 9.4%in service efficiency.Conclusion The overall service efficiency of county-level public hospitals in Shandong Province is high,but regional differences are obvious,and the technical progress index is the key to further indicate the service efficiency.Local governments need to reasonably control the scale of county-level public hospitals,continuously improve their technical level,and strengthen their internal management,so as to improve their service efficiency.
10.A mixed-method study on facilitators and barriers to community colorectal cancer screening
Bingzi SHI ; Yujing SUN ; Yasi ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(7):856-863
Objective To identify facilitators and barriers to colorectal cancer screening in community healthcare and propose effective implementation strategies.Methods From February to July 2024,a survey based on the consolidated framework for implementation research(CFIR)was conducted in 8 community health centers in Harbin,using purposive and convenience sampling to select 108 nurses and 550 residents.Binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors affecting nurses'screening knowledge and residents'behaviors.Semi-structured interviews with 21 nurses and 23 residents were analyzed using inductive-deductive methods.Results In the innovation domain,clear goals and free screening facilitated the implementation,while complex processes and resource shortages were barriers.Externally,policy support,funding,and collaboration promoted the screening,but funding gaps and poor communication hindered it.Internally,organizational culture and leadership were positive,while nurse training and teamwork were insufficient.Mixed-method results showed that motivation,ability,opportunity,and needs of nurses and residents significantly impacted screening.Regular feedback and teamwork aided the implementation,but complexity and communication gaps remained obstacles.Conclusion This study analyzed the facilitators and barriers to the screening implementation from the perspectives of community nurses and participants.Recommendations include simplifying processes,optimizing tools and policies,strengthening nurse training and health education,improving communication feedback,and improve outcomes,thereby increasing the participation rate of residents in colorectal cancer screening.


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