1.Effect of Simiaowan on Promoting Ileal Uric Acid Excretion by Modulating Gut Microbiota to Improve Intestinal Barrier Function and Upregulate ABCG2 Expression in Rats
Yuan ZHANG ; Zhongyou ZHANG ; Huilin FENG ; Lian DUAN ; Lingchun WANG ; Hao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):101-112
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Simiaowan on intestinal barrier function and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) expression in hyperuricemic (HUA) rats, and elucidate its therapeutic mechanisms. MethodsForty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into a normal group, a model group, low-dose (282.6 mg·kg-1) and high-dose (565.2 mg·kg-1) Simiaowan groups, and a Benzbromarone (4.7 mg·kg-1) group. The HUA model was established via intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (ip) combined with oral gavage of hypoxanthine (ig) for 14 days. Following modeling, treatments were administered for 14 days. Samples were collected and weighed 4 h after final dosing. Blood uric acid and hepatic function were analyzed. Histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Chiu's scoring was conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantified tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase (DAO), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assessed the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, occludens-1 (ZO-1), and ABCG2 mRNAs and proteins. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing characterized ileal microbiota. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited epithelial shedding in the ileal villus, structural disruption, infiltration of extensive inflammatory cells, and significantly elevated Chiu's scores (P<0.01). The DAO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, LPS, and D-LA levels in the ileum were markedly increased (P<0.01), while mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, ZO-1, and ABCG2, as well as positive staining area and proportion, were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Simiaowan groups at all doses showed improved epithelial damage in the ileal villus, significantly lowered Chiu's scores (P<0.01), significantly reduced DAO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, LPS, and D-LA levels in the ileum (P<0.01), and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, ZO-1, and ABCG2, as well as positive staining area and proportion (P<0.01). The 16S rDNA results showed that in the model group, the α-diversity index of the ileal microbiota was increased, and species diversity and richness were enhanced, with microbiota dysfunction observed. The community structure of the gut microbiota was significantly different from that of the normal microbiota. The abundance of probiotics was decreased, and the abundance of pathogenic bacteria was increased, with butyrate-producing bacteria showing a low abundance. In contrast, Simiaowan at all doses reduced species diversity and richness, regulated microbiota dysfunction, and promoted the shift of the structure of the gut microbiota community towards a normal one. This increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria, and restored the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. ConclusionSimiaowan enhances ileal uric acid excretion and further alleviates HUA by modulating the gut microbiota composition to improve the intestinal barrier and upregulate the expression of the urate transporter ABCG2 in HUA rats.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway
Kun LIAN ; Lichong MENG ; Xueqin WANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Xuhui TANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):139-148
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a group of complex clinical syndromes caused by abnormal changes in the structure and/or function of the heart due to various reasons, resulting in disorders of ventricular contraction and/or diastole. CHF is a condition where primary diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and pulmonary heart disease recur frequently and persist for a long time, presenting blood stasis in meridians and collaterals, stagnation of water and dampness, and accumulation of Qi in collaterals. Its pathogenesis is complex and may involve myocardial energy metabolism disorders, oxidative stress responses, myocardial cell apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, etc. According to the theory of restraining hyperactivity to acquire harmony, we believe that under normal circumstances, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway functions normally, maintaining human physiological activities and energy metabolism. Under pathological conditions, the AMPK signaling pathway is abnormal, causing energy metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and myocardial fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the AMPK signaling pathway through multiple mechanisms, targets, and effects, effectively curbing the occurrence and development of CHF. It has gradually become a research hotspot in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Guided by the theory of TCM, our research group, through literature review, summarized the relationship between the AMPK pathway and CHF and reviewed the research progress in the prevention and control of CHF with TCM active ingredients, TCM compound prescriptions, and Chinese patent medicines via regulating the AMPK pathway. The review aims to clarify the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of CHF by regulating the AMPK pathway and guide the clinical treatment and drug development for CHF.
3.Construction, operational mechanism, and practical dilemmas of a community-integrated medical-nursing-rehabilitation-care service model for the elderly with chronic diseases
Siyu WANG ; Lian CHENG ; Keju WANG ; Wenna WANG ; Zhong ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):678-687
With the deepening of population aging and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly in China, the traditional elderly care models are facing challenges. This paper proposed a community-integrated medical-nursing-rehabilitation-care service model, characterized by “integration, flexibility, community orientation, and demand orientation.” This model optimizes and combines various service resources such as healthcare, elderly care, rehabilitation, and nursing at the community level, providing more comprehensive and targeted services for the elderly with chronic diseases in the community. However, a series of challenges existed in dimensions such as the service integration, benefit distribution, resources and funds, as well as policies and systems, hindering the sustainable development of the community-integrated medical-nursing-rehabilitation-care service model. Future efforts should focus on constructing a more standardized collaborative system, clarifying standards for resource investment and benefit distribution, as well as strengthening policy guidance, financial support, and talent team development.
4.Dynamic Interactions Between Hemispheres Reveal a Compensatory Pathway for Motor Recovery in Moderate-to-Severe Subcortical Stroke
Huaxin FAN ; Hewei WANG ; Zhengxu LIAN ; Qiurong YU ; Xinran WU ; Nanyu KUANG ; Benjamin BECKER ; Jianfeng FENG ; Mingxia FAN ; Lili SONG ; Limin SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Craig S. ANDERSON
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):97-114
Background:
and Purpose Therapeutic target selection in noninvasive brain stimulation for poststroke motor recovery typically relies on the interhemispheric inhibition model, which is effective for mildly affected patients but offers limited benefits for severely affected individuals. The mechanisms governing recovery from moderate-to-severe stroke remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of targeted interventions.
Methods:
We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with unilateral subcortical stroke and moderate-to-severe upper limb deficits, both pre- and postintervention, along with data from healthy controls. We developed a novel dynamic lag analysis method for identifying recovery-related homotopic sensorimotor regions with altered interhemispheric interactions. To further uncover the global reorganization pathway, we developed dynamic lateralization approaches to detect large-scale functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with the identified regions in transient lateralization states.
Results:
Dynamic time-lag analysis revealed significantly reduced synchronized states in the homotopic dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, which correlated with motor recovery. Further dynamic lateralization analysis revealed a prolonged segregation state in patients, characterized by weakened interhemispheric and strengthened intrahemispheric interactions. In this state, patients showed decreased FC in the ipsilesional PMd and increased FC in the contralesional PMd with bilateral subcortical networks. These recoveryrelated alterations were absent in the traditional static analysis.
Conclusions
Dynamic analyses targeting interhemispheric interactions are valuable for understanding neural reorganization after stroke. The diminished interactions between the homotopic PMd indicate a compensatory mechanism. Importantly, a state-dependent compensatory pathway was identified, wherein the contralesional PMd assumes the functions of the ipsilesional PMd through enhanced interactions with subcortical structures, potentially guiding more effective interventions.
5.Investigation of Mechanism of Simiaowan in Promoting Intestinal Uric Acid Excretion in Hyperuricemic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhongyou ZHANG ; Huilin FENG ; Lian DUAN ; Xuping FAN ; Shaoang DONG ; Lingchun WANG ; Bowen YE ; Hao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):151-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Simiao Wan improve intestinal uric acid excretion in hyperuricemic (HUA) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SLC7A11/GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, a low-dose Simiao Wan group (282.6 mg·kg-1), a high-dose Simiao Wan group (565.2 mg·kg-1), an etoricoxib group (5.4 mg·kg-1), and a ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) group (2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate (100 mg·kg-1) combined with intragastric administration of hypoxanthine (500 mg·kg-1) to establish the HUA rat model. After 21 days, rats in each administration group received the corresponding dose of drug by gavage, rats in the Fer-1 group received intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, and rats in the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After sampling, serum levels of uric acid (SUA), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using biochemical assays. The content of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ileal tissues were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial alterations in the ileal tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of GPX4, ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), SLC7A11, and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) in ileal tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 in the ileal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels (P<0.01), significantly increased content of MDA and Fe2+ in ileal tissue, and significantly decreased GSH content and SOD activity (P<0.01). HE staining showed extensive shedding of the ileal villous epithelium, disrupted and disorganized villous structure, and incomplete local tissue architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial volume, decreased or even vanished cristae, indicating ultrastructural features characteristic of ferroptosis. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 were significantly downregulated, whereas those of ACSL4 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with Simiao Wan, the serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels significantly decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05,P<0.01), the MDA and Fe2+ content in ileal tissues were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the GSH content and SOD activity significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that the shedding of ileal villous epithelium was markedly alleviated, the villous structure became relatively intact and regularly arranged, and local tissue damage was obviously improved. Transmission electron microscopy showed attenuated mitochondrial damage, improvement in mitochondrial shrinkage, and partial restoration of mitochondrial cristae. Molecular and immunohistochemical results showed that Simiao Wan upregulated GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2, and downregulated ACSL4 in a dose-dependent manner. In the high‑dose group, all indices improved significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01), whereas in the low‑dose group, only improving trends were observed for FTH1, SLC7A11 mRNA, and ABCG2 protein. ConclusionSimiao Wan may inhibit ferroptosis of ileal epithelial cells by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, and upregulate the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2, thereby promoting intestinal uric acid excretion and improving HUA.
6.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
7.Screening of key genes related to angiogenesis in rosacea based on bioinformatics analysis
Lu SUN ; Xiang LI ; Jinqiu WANG ; Lian ZHANG ; Hongzhi GU ; Qin CHEN ; Lan GE ; Zhifang ZHAI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):701-707
Objective To investigate the differential expression genes(DEGs)related to angiogenesis in rosacea(RA)by utilizing bioinformatics analysis in order to screen the key genes and verify their mRNA expression levels.Methods The gene microarray dataset GSE65914 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)repository.Analyzed by R programming,the dataset was refined to identify DEGs related to RA,and then cross-referenced with angiogenesis-related genes from the GeneCards database to get a subset specific to RA angiogenesis.The process of identifying key genes was augmented by employing protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis and Cytoscape-based computational algorithms.The mRNA expression levels of the aforementioned pivotal genes were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR).Results A total of 947 RA-associated DEGs were identified from GEO dataset,and then 202 genes related to RA angiogenesis were further delineated.PPI network analysis and Cytoscape algorithm finally identified 3 key genes,that is,CXCL8,IL-1B,and STAT1.The results of RT-qPCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of MIP-2,GCP-2,IL-1B and STAT1 in RA lesions were significantly higher than those in normal controls(P<0.05).Conclusion With aid of bioinformatics analysis,our study has screened and validated key genes associated with angiogenesis in RA,namely CXCL8,IL-1B,and STAT1,which providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying RA-induced angiogenesis and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
8.Predictive model for intra-abdominal pressure in critically ill patients based on multiple regression and variational auto-encoders
Yi ZHANG ; Zhi-qin ZHU ; Wen-lin LI ; Dong-chu ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Zhi-wei FAN ; Zhen WANG ; Lian-yang ZHANG ; Hao TANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):10-17
Objective To propose a multiple regression-variational auto-encoders(MR-VAE)model to realize precise and non-invasive prediction of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)in critically ill patients.Methods At first,a dataset was constructed by retrospectively analysing baseline characteristics and clinical indicators of 100 critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Daping Hospital of Army Medical University between 30 August 2019 and 30 March 2021.Then,a MR-VAE prediction model was developed by integrating a feedforward neural network for supervised regression onto a variational autoencoder(VAE)framework and incorporating multiple regression strategies to mitigate feature interference.Finally,the MR-VAE model had its performance evaluated by its comparison with five classical models including support vector machines(SVM),convolutional neural networks(CNN),Scikit-learn integrated model(SIM),multi-layer perceptron(MLP)and K-nearest neighbors(KNN),and its prediction accuracy verified by testing the data of 10 randomly selected patients.Results The MR-VAE model behaved the best when compared with the five classical models,with a mean squared error(MSE)of 0.207,a root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.454,a mean absolute error(MAE)of 0.361,a median absolute deviation(MAD)of 0.243,an explained variance score(EVS)of 0.814 and a R2of 0.823,which also outperformed the five models in fitting performance,convergence and final loss.In random sample testing,the MR-VAE model exhibited high consistency between predicted and actual values.Conclusion The MR-VAE model proposed can accurately predict IAP,which has great potential in reducing the repeated measurements of IAP in critically ill patients and providing new ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of IAH.
9.Research progress sildenafil in treatment of high altitude heart disease
Yin-lian TONG ; Xiao-jing ZHANG ; Shou-hua MU ; Jing-yan JIN ; Jie-long SUN ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2008-2013
High altitude heart disease(HAHD)is a chronic mountain sickness in which the body is exposed to high altitude(>2 500 m)hypobaric hypoxia environment for a long time.HAHD has high morbidity and poor prognosis,and pulmonary hypertension is the main causative mechanism for its develop-ment.The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil has become a hot drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.This paper reviews the progress of HAHD and discusses the mechanism of action and effectiveness of sildenafil in the treatment of HAHD,with a view to providing a basis for the treatment of HAHD with sildenafil.
10.Chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity
Zhang-xian CHEN ; Hai-ming WANG ; Yun-tao ZHANG ; Mao-xin DENG ; Kui-lin ZHU ; Jin-lian ZOU ; Jian WANG ; Shan-shan WEI ; Hong-ping HE ; Fa-wu DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3290-3297
AIM To study the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii Hook.f.and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The monophenolase inhibitory activity was determined by the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of L-tyrosine.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as sesamin(1),methyl caffeate(2),quercetin(3),5,7-dihydroxychromanone(4),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(5),esculetin(6),kaempferol(7),naringenin(8),pyrogallic acid(9),pinosylvin(10),methyl propionate(11),caffeic acid(12),saccharinol(13),ferulic acid(14),trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid(15),cinnamic acid(16),vanillic acid(17),vanillin(18),4-hydroxyacetophenone(19),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(20),apigenin(21),(-)-isolariciresinol(22),(-)-secoisolariciresinol(23)and meso-2,3-di(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol(24).The IC50 values of compounds 3,5,7,8,19,and 20 ranged from(0.246 5±0.028 3)to(1.278 2±0.021 3)mmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-9、11、15、17-21、24 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and 1,6,9,17-19,24 are first isolated from genus Balanophora.Compounds 3、5、7、8、19 and 20 have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

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