1.Effect of Dingchuan Granule (定喘颗粒) on Lung Tissue Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/NQO1 Pathway in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia Model Rats
Lai ZHANG ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Chenhao WEI ; Shiyao ZHANG ; Zhaoyang LI ; Rui WANG ; Hangyu ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1588-1596
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Dingchuan Granule (定喘颗粒, DG) in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia. MethodsA total of 60 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, ribavirin group, DG low-dose group, DG middle-dose group, and DG high-dose group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administrated with RSV via intranasal drip. After model establishment, the DG low-, middle-, and high-dose groups were administrated via oral gavage with DG at 3.47, 6.93, and 13.86 g/(kg·d) respectively, while the ribavirin group was administrated via oral gavage with ribavirin at 15.75 mg/(kg·d). The drug was given once daily for one week. The rats in the control group and the model group were not given any drug, only subjected to the grasping action. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the pathological changes of lung tissues were observed and scored using HE staining. The levels of serum inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were detected by colorimetry. The protein levels of nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in lung tissues were measured by Western Blot. The RSV load as well as the gene expression levels of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 in lung tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat lung tissues was detected using chemiluminescence. The levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat lung tissues were measured by a microassay. ResultsCompared with the control group, other groups had significant increases in pathological score of lung tissue, RSV load, levels of ROS, MDA, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6; decrease in GSH level, increases in expression level of Keap1 protein and its mRNA in lung tissue, and significant decrease in levels of Nrf2, HO-1, expression level of NQO1 protein and its mRNA (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all the above-mentioned indicators in the DG low-, middle-, and high-dose groups and the ribavirin group were improved to varying degree (P<0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rats of DG dose groups showed a dose-dependent pattern, the DG high-dose group exhibiting the best effect (P<0.05). The DG high-dose group was superior to the DG low- and middle-dose groups in reducing the levels of ROS and MDA, and increasing the level of GSH in lung tissues (P<0.05). The DG high-dose group and the ribavirin group had better effect than the DG middle-dose group in reducing the RSV load (P<0.05). The DG high-dose group was superior to the ribavirin group in improving the protein levels of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 (P<0.05). ConclusionDG could inhibit oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway to improve pulmonary inflammation and treat RSV pneumonia, with the DG high-dose group showing the best effect.
2.Effect of Modified of Bazhentang Combined with Guishentang on Th1/Th2 Immune Balance in Mouse Model of Embryo Implantation Dysfunction
Qiang DENG ; Fengying WU ; Lu YIN ; Jun WANG ; Zhaoyang YE ; Jiamei HUANG ; Zhichun JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang in improving pregnancy outcomes in mouse models of embryo implantation dysfunction by regulating T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) immune balance. MethodsEighty ICR female mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=20 per group) on gestational day 1 (GD1): control, model, western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) groups. Except for the control group, all mice received mifepristone solution (0.2 mg/mouse) via oral gavage on GD4 to induce embryo implantation dysfunction. The TCM group received a water decoction of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang (20.8 g·kg-1), with the western medicine group administered dydrogesterone (3.9 mg·kg-1), and the control/model groups given equal volumes of saline. All treatments were administered once daily from GD1 until one day before sample collection. Outcomes included implantation site counts (macroscopic observation), pregnancy rates, body weight, endometrial histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), uterine expression of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) at protein (Western blot) and mRNA (real-time polymerase chain reaction, Real-time PCR) levels, serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), and Th1/Th2 immune balance evaluated by calculating T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed no significant change in pregnancy rate but exhibited a marked reduction in average implantation sites and body weight (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed endometrial abnormalities, including decreased glandular density, stromal compaction, and absence of nucleolar vacuoles. At the molecular level, uterine tissue in the model group demonstrated significantly upregulated expression of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside markedly downregulated GATA3 and IL-4 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum analysis confirmed markedly elevated IFN-γ (P<0.01) and reduced IL-4 levels (P<0.01), resulting in significantly increased T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, pregnancy rates in all treatment groups showed no significant change. Implantation sites and body weight increased substantially (P<0.01), with restored endometrial morphology characterized by enhanced glandular density, stromal edema, and reappearance of nucleolar vacuoles. Significant downregulation of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.01) and upregulation of GATA3 and IL-4 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in uterine tissue were observed. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-4 levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang significantly enhances the number of embryo implantation sites in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction, potentially through modulating T-bet/GATA3 expression, restoring Th1/Th2 immune balance, and improving endometrial receptivity.
3.Advances in ketamine therapy for multiple psychiatric disorders
Kai ZHANG ; Zhaoyang CHENG ; Yuting WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):289-294
Ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has gained increasing attention for its rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and suicidal ideation. Its mechanisms include NMDA receptor blockade, AMPA receptor activation, and upregulation of BDNF/mTOR signaling. Its enantiomers, esketamine and R-ketamine, as well as its metabolites, exhibit differences in efficacy and mechanisms. Intranasal esketamine has been approved in the Europe, United States, and China for TRD, demonstrating rapid efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms and acute suicidal ideation. In contrast, R-ketamine demonstrates potential for longer-lasting effects and a improved safety profile. This review summarizes recent advances in the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications of ketamine and its enantiomers in depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite ketamine's multifaceted therapeutic potential, safety concerns such as dissociation, cognitive impairment, and abuse liability warrant continued attention.[Funded by Key Project of Natural Science Research for Universities of Anhui Provincial Education Department (number, 2023AH050647); Anhui Provincial Department of Education Outstanding Young Talent Support Program Project 2022 (number, gxyqZD2022022)]
4.Mechanisms of tumor immune microenvironment remodeling in current cancer therapies and the research progress.
Yuanzhen YANG ; Zhaoyang ZHANG ; Shiyu MIAO ; Jiaqi WANG ; Shanshan LU ; Yu LUO ; Feifei GAO ; Jiayue ZHAO ; Yiru WANG ; Zhifang XU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):372-377
The cellular and molecular components of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and their information exchange processes significantly influence the trends of anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, numerous studies have begun to evaluate TIME in the context of previous cancer treatment strategies. This review will systematically summarize the compositional characteristics of TIME and, based on this foundation, explore the impact of current cancer therapies on the remodeling of TIME, aiming to provide new insights for the development of innovative immune combination therapies that can convert TIME into an anti-tumor profile.
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Immunotherapy/methods*
;
Animals
5.Identification of a JAK-STAT-miR155HG positive feedback loop in regulating natural killer (NK) cells proliferation and effector functions.
Songyang LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Xiaofeng YIN ; Yao YANG ; Xinjia LIU ; Jiaxing QIU ; Qinglan YANG ; Yana LI ; Zhiguo TAN ; Hongyan PENG ; Peiwen XIONG ; Shuting WU ; Lanlan HUANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Sulai LIU ; Yuxing GONG ; Yuan GAO ; Lingling ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Yafei DENG ; Zhaoyang ZHONG ; Youcai DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1922-1937
The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.
6.Construction of recognition models for subthreshold depression based on multiple machine learning algorithms and vocal emotional characteristics.
Meimei CHEN ; Yang WANG ; Huangwei LEI ; Fei ZHANG ; Ruina HUANG ; Zhaoyang YANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):711-717
OBJECTIVES:
To construct vocal recognition classification models using 6 machine learning algorithms and vocal emotional characteristics of individuals with subthreshold depression to facilitate early identification of subthreshold depression.
METHODS:
We collected voice data from both normal individuals and participants with subthreshold depression by asking them to read specifically chosen words and texts. From each voice sample, 384-dimensional vocal emotional feature variables were extracted, including energy feature, Meir frequency cepstrum coefficient, zero cross rate feature, sound probability feature, fundamental frequency feature, difference feature. The Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) method was employed to select voice feature variables. Classification models were then built using the machine learning algorithms Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Random Forest (RF), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Logistic Regression (LR), Lasso Regression (LRLasso), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), and the performance of these models was evaluated. To assess generalization capability of the models, we used real-world speech data to evaluate the best speech recognition classification model.
RESULTS:
The AdaBoost, RF, and LDA models achieved high prediction accuracies of 100%, 100%, and 93.3% on word-reading speech test set, respectively. In the text-reading speech test set, the accuracies of the AdaBoost, RF, and LDA models were 90%, 80%, and 90%, respectively, while the accuracies of the other 3 models were all below 80%. On real-world word-reading and text-reading speech data, the classification models using AdaBoost and Random Forest still achieved high predictive accuracies (91.7% and 80.6% for AdaBoost and 86.1% and 77.8% for Random, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Analyzing vocal emotional characteristics allows effective identification of individuals with subthreshold depression. The AdaBoost and RF models show excellent performance for classifying subthreshold depression individuals, and may thus potentially offer valuable assistance in the clinical and research settings.
Humans
;
Machine Learning
;
Emotions
;
Depression/diagnosis*
;
Algorithms
;
Voice
;
Support Vector Machine
;
Male
;
Female
7.Platelet methyltransferase-like protein 4-mediated mitochondrial DNA metabolic disorder exacerbates oral mucosal immunopathology in hypoxia.
Yina ZHU ; Meichen WAN ; Yutong FU ; Junting GU ; Zhaoyang REN ; Yun WANG ; Kehui XU ; Jing LI ; Manjiang XIE ; Kai JIAO ; Franklin TAY ; Lina NIU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):49-49
Hypoxemia is a common pathological state characterized by low oxygen saturation in the blood. This condition compromises mucosal barrier integrity particularly in the gut and oral cavity. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. This study used periodontitis as a model to investigate the role of platelet activation in oral mucosal immunopathology under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia upregulated methyltransferase-like protein 4 (METTL4) expression in platelets, resulting in N6-methyladenine modification of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This modification impaired mitochondrial transcriptional factor A-dependent cytosolic mtDNA degradation, leading to cytosolic mtDNA accumulation. Excess cytosolic mt-DNA aberrantly activated the cGAS-STING pathway in platelets. This resulted in excessive platelet activation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation that ultimately exacerbated periodontitis. Targeting platelet METTL4 and its downstream pathways offers a potential strategy for managing oral mucosa immunopathology. Further research is needed to examine its broader implications for mucosal inflammation under hypoxic conditions.
DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism*
;
Mouth Mucosa/pathology*
;
Hypoxia/immunology*
;
Methyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Blood Platelets/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Periodontitis/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Platelet Activation
;
Mice
8.Identification and expression pattern analysis of α-glucosidase and β-glucosidase gene family members in melon.
Yushan LIANG ; Zhaoyang ZHANG ; Tingru YUE ; Lichao ZHANG ; Qingjie DU ; Jiqing WANG ; Huaijuan XIAO ; Meng LI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):791-808
Glucosidases are an indispensable class of enzymes in the sugar metabolism of organisms. To investigate the biological functions and expression patterns of α-glucosidases (AGLUs) and β-glucosidases (BGLUs), we identified the two family members in the genome of melon (Cucumis melo). The number, location on chromosomes, gene structure, subcellular localization, conserved motifs, and phylogenetic relationship of the two family members were analyzed. Based on the cis-acting elements in the promoter region and protein interaction models, their functions were preliminarily predicted. Furthermore, the gene expression of the two family members was determined by qRT-PCR. The results showed that the melon genome contained five AGLU family members on five chromosomes, and all of the five members were located in the extracellular matrix, with the amino acid sequence lengths ranging from 899 aa to 1 060 aa. The melon genome carried 18 BGLU family members on 8 chromosomes, and all the members were located in the cell membrane or cytoplasm, with the amino acid lengths ranging from 151 aa to 576 aa. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of about 50% of the genes was down-regulated upon cold stress. CmAGLU5 and CmBGLU7 may be key members of the two families, respectively, in response to cold stress. The expression of all members of the two families was up-regulated under abscisic acid (ABA), high salt, and drought stress. In the AGLU family, CmAGLU3 was the key gene in response to ABA and high salt stress, while CmAGLU4 was the key gene in response to drought stress. In the BGLU family, CmBGLU18 was the key gene in response to ABA, while CmBGLU6 was the key gene in response to high salt and drought stress.
beta-Glucosidase/metabolism*
;
Phylogeny
;
alpha-Glucosidases/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
;
Cucurbitaceae/enzymology*
;
Multigene Family
;
Cucumis melo/enzymology*
;
Stress, Physiological
9.Effect of mulberry anthocyanin suppressing autophagy on morphology and function of vascular endothelial cells through activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Kun WANG ; Chuancai DAN ; Xiang HU ; Zhaoyang PI ; Huanlu WANG ; Dandan ZHU ; Yumeng ZHOU ; Shaofeng XIONG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(2):289-296
Objective To investigate the effect of mulberry anthocyanin on the morphology and func-tion of vascular endothelial cells(VEC)and its possible mechanism at the level of autophagy.Methods VEC were cultured in vitro and divided into 5.5/0 mmol/L control group,11/0.125,22/0.250,33/0.500,44/1.000,55/2.000 mmol/L high glucose/high fat groups.The cell functional levels and autophage levels in each group were detected.The optimal high glucose/high lipid concentration was selected as the VEC function inju-ry model group.10,25,50 μmol/L mulberry anthocyanins were added into the model group for processing and divided into the low,middle and high concentrations of mulberry anthocyanin groups.The effects of mulberry anthocyanin on the morphology,function and autophagy of VEC in high sugar and high fat stress were ob-served.Then the autophagy regulator(rapamycin)was added to study its action mechanism.HE staining was used to observe the number and morphology of cells,the CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of VEC,the flow cytometry was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in VEC,the Western blot was used to detect the expression level of Beclin-1 and p62 proteins in VEC,and the kit method was used to detect the level of nitric oxide(NO)and endothelin-1(ET-1)in VEC.Results Compared with the control group,the number and morphology of cells in the middle and high concentrations of high glucose/high fat groups were changed,the cell viability,p62,NO levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the ROS,ET-1,and Beclin-1 expression levels were increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the number of cells in the mulberry anthocyanin groups was increased,morphology was improved,the cellular viability,p62 and No levels were significantly increased,and ROS,Beclin-1 and ET-1 levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the high concentration mulberry anthocyanin group,the cells number was decreased af-ter adding rapamycin,the morphology changed to be irregular,the NO level was decreased,and the ET level was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)and p-protein kinase B(Akt)relative expression levels in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the p-PI3K and p-Akt relative expression levels in the high concentration mulberry anthocyanin group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Mulberry anthocyanin could in-hibit autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway and improve the morphology and function of VEC under high glucose and lipid stress.
10.Common diseases and nursing proposal in Chinese Antarctic researchers
Wanying WEI ; Zhaoyang WANG ; Judian YU ; Gang HUANG ; Qin ZHENG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(6):555-559
Objective To investigate the common diseases and the causes of diseases in Chinese Antarctic researchers,so as to provide reference for the medical support.Methods Medical records of 1 127 people with injuries and diseases who participated in four Antarctic scientific expeditions(the 31st,35th,36th,and 39th time)were retrospectively analyzed.The causes of the injuries and diseases as well as the implications for nursing were investigated.Results The top 10 diseases in the four Antarctic expeditions were acute soft tissue injury,dermatomycosis,pharyngitis,insomnia,periodontitis,gastroenteritis,motion sickness,acute upper respiratory infection,primary hypertension,and frostbite.The causes of the diseases in the four Antarctic expeditions were analyzed,and the nursing of different diseases was proposed.Conclusion It is necessary to take preventive measures based on the characteristics of injuries and diseases during Antarctic expeditions,so as to effectively prevent and treat these diseases and provide more comprehensive medical support for Antarctic scientific expeditions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail