1.Correlation between Periostin, IL-33, and chronic cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting combined with lung cancer: A prospective cohort study
Yujuan QI ; Yaobang BAI ; Yan JIAO ; Xiaolong ZHU ; Bo FU ; Zhenhua WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):363-368
Objective To study the correlation between Periostin, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and chronic cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) combined with lung cancer. Methods A total of 102 lung cancer and coronary heart disease patients at Tianjin Chest Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were prospectively enrolled, and they were divided into a chronic cough group (n=42) and a non-chronic cough group (n=60) based on whether chronic cough occurred after surgery. Serum levels of Periostin and IL-33 were measured on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days post-lobectomy. The Pearson method was employed to analyze the correlation between Periostin and IL-33 levels and the severity of cough. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing the occurrence of chronic cough. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to assess the potential value of serum Periostin and IL-33 levels in predicting postoperative chronic cough. Results In patients with chronic cough, the peripheral blood Periostin and IL-33 levels measured on days 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those in patients with non-chronic cough, and the interactions between the two groups and at different time points were significant (P<0.001). The degree of cough was positively correlated with the levels of Periostin and IL-33 on days 7 and 14 (P<0.05), but had no significant correlation with the levels on day 1 (P>0.05). In patients with lung cancer, after thoracoscopic lobectomy, Periostin [OR=1.619, 95%CI (1.295, 2.025)] and IL-33 [OR=1.831, 95%CI (1.216, 2.758)] on day 7 and Periostin [OR=1.952, 95%CI (1.306, 2.918)] and IL-33 [OR=1.742, 95%CI (1.166, 2.603)] on day 14 were identified as risk factors for chronic cough. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of Periostin on day 7 was 69.05%, the specificity was 71.67%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.756 [95%CI (0.616, 0.893)]. The sensitivity of Periostin on day 14 increased to 71.43% and the specificity was 76.67%, AUC was 0.762 [95%CI (0.633, 0.898)]. At the same time, the critical value of IL-33 on day 7 was 45.03 pg/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were both 83.33%, the AUC was 0.884 [95%CI (0.789, 0.980)], and the critical value of IL-33 on day 14 was 56.01 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 85.71%, the specificity was 80.00%, and the AUC was 0.899 [95%CI (0.799, 0.999)]. Joint logistic regression analysis of Periostin and IL-33 levels on days 7 and 14 showed showed that the sensitivity was 95.24%, the specificity was 95.00%, and the AUC reached 0.993 [95%CI (0.979, 1.000)]. Conclusion Periostin and IL-33 levels, measured at various time points, are abnormally elevated following thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with combined CABG and lung cancer. These levels significantly correlate with cough severity. Given their predictive potential for chronic cough, these markers are deemed valuable biomarkers.
2.Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Pediatric IgA Vasculitis Based on the Correlation Between Blood Turbidity Theory and Oxidative Stress
Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Mingyang CAI ; Rongxin ZHU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):567-570
This paper explores the differentiation and treatment strategies for pediatric IgA vasculitis based on the correlation between blood trubidity theory and oxidative stress. It is proposed that pediatric IgA vasculitis follows an evolution of pathogenesis characterized by "deficiency of healthy qi leading to turbidity generation, accumulation of turbid toxin, and toxin damage to the collateral vessels", which corresponds to the pathological process of oxidative stress, namely decreased antioxidant capacity with accumulation of reactive oxygen species, metabolite deposition, and endothelial cell injury. A staged treatment strategy is proposed. In the acute stage, wind-toxin invading the colla-terals and reckless movement of heat in the blood are the main manifestations, for which the treatment should focus on dispelling wind and venting pathogens, resolving toxins and unblocking the collaterals, with a modified Yinqiao Powder (银翘散) and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to regulate oxidative stress burst. In the prolonged stage, intermingling of turbidity and stasis with collateral obstruction is emphasized; treatment should focus on resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, harmonizing the blood and stabilizing the collaterals, and a modified Simiao Powder (四妙散) and Taohong Siwu Decoction (桃红四物汤) can be used to improve microcirculatory dysfunction. In the remission stage, when healthy qi remains insufficient and residual pathogens persist, treatment should focus on strengthening the root and clearing the source, reinforcing healthy qi and nourishing the collaterals, for which modified Zhibai Dihuang Pill (知柏地黄丸) and Yupingfeng Powder (玉屏风散) is suggested to rebuild the antioxidant defense system.
3.Exploring the Collateral Damage Mechanism and Sequential Treatment Strategy of Children IgA Vasculitis from the Perspective of "Wind Agitating Blood Turbidity"
Zhenhua YUAN ; Shuang XU ; Yingying JIANG ; Rongxin ZHU ; Yatong ZHANG ; Mingyang CAI ; Jingjing WU ; Hang SU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1953-1956
As one of the common systemic vasculitides in children, IgA vasculitis is closely associated with the interaction of "Wind pathogen" and "turbid stasis" in its pathogenesis. Based on the blood turbidity theory, this paper proposes "wind agitating blood turbidity and collateral damage" as the core pathogenesis. Regarding treatment, the sequential therapeutic principle of "stanch bleeding, activating blood circulation, and nourishing blood" is adopted, and combined with the dynamic application of wind-dispelling medicinals to "expel, search, and guard against wind", turbidity-removing method is applied throughout all stages. In the acute stage,it is recommended to clear heat and purify turbidity, stanch bleeding and secure the collaterals. In the prolonged stage, the method of dissipating stasis and clearing up turbidity should be used, as well as activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals. In the recovery stage, it is advised to nourish blood to flourish the collaterals, reinforce healthy qi and resolve turbidity. This therapeutic system integrates the elimination of pathogens and the reinforcement of healthy qi to clear and resolve blood turbidity, ultimately achieving holistic collateral repair through securing, unblocking, and nourishing the collaterals, which provides new insights into the treatment of this disease in traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Chicken-Derived Medicinals for Pediatric Enuresis:An Analysis Based on Ancient Classical Literature
Min TONG ; Xianqing REN ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yatong ZHANG ; Diya MA ; Zichao DING ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyang CAI ; Shuzi ZHANG ; Jialei CAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1966-1972
ObjectiveTo systematically investigate the medication rules of chicken-derived medicinals for treating children enuresis in ancient Chinese medical classicals. MethodsThe China Medical Classics V5.0 database was searched to identify formulas and passages containing chicken-derived medicinals for pediatric enuresis. A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2021 to extract information including formulas, therapeutic categories, natures, flavors, channel entry, processing methods, dosage forms, and administration methods. Frequency analysis was performed, while association rule analysis and cluster analysis were conducted using R software. Gephi 0.10.1 software was used for complex network analysis. ResultsA total of 171 records were included, comprising 36 single-herb formulas and 135 compound formulas, sourced from 64 classical medical monographs. The identified chicken-derived medicinals included jichang (Intestinum Galli), jineijin (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli), jigan (Gallina Hepar), jishibai (Faeces Galli Albi), jisu (Ingluvies Galli), jiheling (Pluma Alae Galli), and jiweimao (Chicken tail feathers). The top three frequently used single herbs were jichang (17 times), jineijin (8 times), and jiheling (5 times). Among compound prescriptions, the three most frequently recorded formulas were Jineijin Powder (鸡内金散, 43 times), Jichang Powder (鸡肠散, 25 times), and Guigan Pills (桂肝丸, 24 times), with jineijin, jichang, and jigan being the predominant chicken-derived medicinals. When converting the daily dosage of chicken-derived medicines into modern dosage units, the dose ranged from 0.53 g to 33.57 g for jineijin, with 4.48 g being the most frequently used dose, and from 0.25 g to 30.00 g for jichang, with 17.90 g being the most frequently used dose. Chicken-derived medicinals were mostly used after processing, commonly employing burning (68 times), roasting/ stir-baking (37 times), and calcining (24 times) to preserve properties. Powders (117 times), pills (45 times), and decoctions (9 times) were the principal dosage forms, and administration with wine (70 times) was the most common method. The most frequently used herbal pair was jineijin and roucongrong (Herba Cistanches), while the core prescription combinations were Tusizi Powder (菟丝子散), Yangshi Jichang Powder (杨氏鸡肠散), and Rongxiang Pill (茸香丸). ConclusionChicken-derived medicinals , such as jichang and jineijin, are commonly processed by burning or roasting before use in the treatment of enuresis. They are often combined with longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), muli (Concha Ostreae), sangpiaoxiao (Oötheca Mantidis), roucongrong and rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) to warm and tonify the kidney qi, arrest enuresis and emission with astringents. Pills and powders are the predominant dosage forms and are commonly administered before meals with wine or salted water.
5.Effect of Modified Chunzetang on Bladder Fibrosis and Detrusor Function in Rats with Neurogenic Bladder Urinary Retention Induced by Spinal Cord Injury via Regulating NF-κB/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Zhenhua XU ; Yanjie LI ; Yafeng REN ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bochao ZHU ; Juan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):95-103
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified Chunzetang on bladder fibrosis and detrusor function in rats with neurogenic bladder urinary retention induced by spinal cord injury. MethodsIn this study, an improved Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to establish a model of neurogenic bladder urinary retention induced by spinal cord injury, and rats with a spinal cord injury behavior score of 0 were selected for follow-up experiments. The selected rats were randomly divided into a model group (normal saline gavage), low-dose traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group (gavage of 14.4 g·kg-1 modified Chunzetang), high-dose TCM group (gavage of 28.8 g·kg-1 modified Chunzetang), positive drug group [intraperitoneal injection of 0.05 g·kg-1 nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC)], and combination group (intraperitoneal injection of 0.05 g·kg-1 PDTC + gavage of 28.8 g·kg-1 modified Chunzetang). The rats in these groups were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for four weeks. The BL-420s biofunction acquisition system was used in the experiment to calculate the urodynamic indexes, and the isolated bladder was quickly weighed. The detrusor traction experiment was used to record the minimum bladder contraction tension and frequency in each group. The pathological morphology and tissue fibrosis of detrusor in each group observed by Hematoxycin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were compared. The expression level of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κB p65, nuclear transcription factor-κB suppressor protein α (IκBα), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), and type Ⅲ collagen (ColⅢ) in bladder tissue of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the changes in serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. ResultsCompared with that in the sham operation group, the pressure at the urinary leakage point in the model group decreased (P<0.01), and the bladder mass, bladder contractile tension, maximum bladder capacity, and bladder compliance increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). HE staining showed that the arrangement of bladder epithelial cells was disordered, and the pathological manifestations such as mucosa and myometria neutrophil infiltration were obvious. The lamina propria structure was destroyed, and the muscle fiber arrangement was disordered. The interstitial widening and tissue edema were obvious. Masson staining showed that the bladder wall of the model group had more collagen fiber deposition, and the degree of detrusor fibrosis was more severe. The content of detrusor in the visual field was reduced. At the same time, the protein expressions of NF-κB p65, TGF-β1, IκBα, ColⅠ, and ColⅢ in bladder tissue of rats in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with that in the model group, the pressure at the urinary leakage point in the modified Chunzetang and positive drug groups was increased (P<0.05), and the wet bladder weight, minimum bladder contractile tension, maximum bladder capacity, and bladder compliance were restored (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE and Masson showed that the bladder epithelial cells were relatively neatly arranged, and the structure of the bladder lamina propria was relatively stable. The detrusor bundles were arranged in an orderly manner, and the interstitium was narrow. The degree of tissue edema was relatively low, and the degree of bladder detrusor fibrosis in the modified Chunzetang and positive drug groups was reduced, while the degree of bladder detrusor fibrosis in the positive drug group and combination groups was not obvious. The results of Western blot showed that the expression of NF-κB p65, IκBα, TGF-β1, ColⅠ, and ColⅢ in bladder tissue, as well as the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in modified Chunzetang and positive drug groups were significantly lower, and the expression of bladder tissue-related proteins and the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the TCM groups decreased significantly with the increase in dose (P<0.05). The results of immunohistochemistry suggested that modified Chunzetang could fully affect the expression of α-SMA in bladder tissue. ConclusionModified Chunzetang can inhibit collagen deposition in bladder tissue of rats with urinary retention induced by spinal cord injury, delay the occurrence and development of bladder fibrosis, and protect the normal contractile function of bladder detrusor, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling pathway, reducing the production of NF-κB p65, IκBα, TGF-β1, ColⅠ, ColⅢ, and other related proteins, and protecting the muscle strength of detrusor.
6.Jiawei Chunze Decoction treats urinary retention after spinal cord injury in rats based on the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis
Bochao ZHU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Nannan ZHAO ; Haoyuan LIU ; Zhenhua XU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):371-378
BACKGROUND:Preliminary clinical observations found that Jiawei Chunze Decoction is an effective formula for clinical treatment of urinary retention after spinal cord injury.Animal experiments have found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway is closely related to the degree of bladder dysfunction. OBJECTIVE:To further investigate the effects of Jiawei Chunze Decoction on bladder function and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with urinary retention. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group and agonist group.In the sham operation group,the spinal cord was exposed but not transected.In the other groups,the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to prepare the model of sacral medullary injury.At 24 hours after modeling,the sham operation group and model group were intragastrically given equal volume of normal saline,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose and high-dose groups were given Jiawei Chunze Decoction granules containing 14.4 and 28.8 g/kg,respectively,via intragastric administration for 4 weeks,and the agonist group was treated with an intraperitoneal injection of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg.After 4 weeks of treatment,the maximum bladder capacity,leakage point pressure and bladder compliance of rats in each group were detected by urine flow dynamics.The minimum bladder contraction tension and frequency of rats in each group were detected by detrusor pull test.The pathological changes of the rat bladder in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The concentrations of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in serum were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in bladder tissues were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats in the model group were increased(P<0.05),and the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were decreased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,and Caspase-12 levels were also increased(P<0.05).The arrangement of bladder epithelial cells in the model group was disordered,and there was monocyte infiltration between cells,tissue edema,and detrusor tract atrophy.The mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt in bladder tissues were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the sham operation group,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats were decreased in the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose,high-dose and agonist groups after 4 weeks of intervention(P<0.05),while the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were increased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,Caspase-12 levels were decreased(P<0.05).The bladder epithelial cells in the three intervention groups were distributed evenly,arranged neatly,with less inflammatory cell infiltration and fuller detrusor muscle bundle.Compared with the model group,the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt were increased in the three intervention groups,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were decreased(P<0.05).The Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group was better than the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group and shared the similar results with the agonist group.To conclude,Jiawei Chunze Decoction can improve the bladder function of rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury,and the mechanism may be related to reducing the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress in bladder tissue through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and then alleviating apoptosis.
7.Traditional Chinese medicine monomer in treatment of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury:effects of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway
Zhenhua XU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bochao ZHU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):590-598
BACKGROUND:Targeted therapy based on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway to explore neuroinflammation is increasingly worth exploring,and the advantages of Chinese medicine such as many targets,wide range,rich mechanisms,and few side effects have great potential in the treatment of various diseases. OBJECTIVE:Based on the nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,this paper systematically expounded and summarized the research progress of kaempferol,safflower yellow,baicalin,and triptolide in the treatment of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury. METHODS:Search terms"spinal cord injury,inflammation,anti-inflammatory,traditional Chinese medicine monomer,monomeric compound,NF-κB signaling pathway,flavonoids,glycosides,phenols,esters,alkaloids"were searched in CNKI and PubMed databases.Totally 67 articles were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The role of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway in the nervous system is complex and diverse,which can regulate neutrophils,microglia,astrocytes,and macrophages,and mediate the occurrence and development of inflammation after injury.(2)The effects of traditional Chinese medicine monomers such as baicalin on the degradation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B inhibitory protein,the inhibition of phosphorylation process by safflowerin on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,and the inhibition of kaempferol on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway p65 nuclear translocation can reduce the impact of inflammatory response on the body,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function.(3)The nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can promote inflammation and immune cell migration and activation in the early stage of injury,and can promote the repair of injury site and the occurrence of fibrosis in the middle and late stages of injury.Appropriate activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can promote the release of inflammatory factors,improve the antioxidant capacity of cells,and promote the activation of immune cells,but the over-activated nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can easily lead to the occurrence and continuation of chronic inflammation and the inhibition of apoptosis.(4)Future research can further explore how to accurately regulate the activation level of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,how to achieve precise intervention for nervous system inflammation and injury,and can also focus on the preparation of traditional Chinese medicine monomers and the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine monomers on signaling pathways,in order to provide more effective treatment strategies for the rehabilitation and functional recovery of neurological diseases.
8.Changes in ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons of vascular dementia model rats treated with Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill
Nannan ZHAO ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Bochao ZHU ; Huimin DING ; Zhenhua XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1401-1407
BACKGROUND:Research has demonstrated a close association between ferroptosis and vascular dementia.Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill has a certain effect on improving the cognitive function of vascular dementia patients,but its mechanism is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the interventional effects and molecular mechanisms of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill for vascular dementia based on the regulation of ferroptosis by the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)signaling pathway. METHODS:Among eighty-four SD male rats,12 rats were used as the sham-operated group,and the rest of them were prepared as a model of vascular dementia by the modified 2-VO method,and then randomly divided into the model group,the Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills high-,moderate-,and low-dosage(27.6,13.8,and 6.9 g/kg)groups,the combined group(Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill high-dosage+ML385,20 mg/kg),and the donepezil hydrochloride group(0.45 mg/kg).The drug was given once a day by intragastric administration.The combined group was also intraperitoneally injected Nrf2 inhibitor ML385,once a day,for 4 weeks.Morris water maze was used to detect the learning memory ability of rats.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the hippocampus of rats in each group.Colorimetric assay was used to detect the content of reduced glutathione,ferrous ion(Fe2+),and malondialdehyde in the serum of rats.Prussian blue staining was used to detect the iron deposition in the hippocampal tissue of rats.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of mitochondria in rat hippocampal tissues.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,GPX4,XCT,and ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)in rat hippocampal tissues. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In comparison to the sham operation,rats in the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged latency period(P<0.05)and a reduced number of platform crossings(P<0.05).Additionally,the hippocampal tissues of these rats displayed loosely organized structure,deeply stained cell nuclei,and solidified or lysed chromatin.Ferri ions aggregated in CA1 region.There were atrophied mitochondria with dissolved cristae and thickened mitochondrial membranes.Fe2+,malondialdehyde,and reduced glutathione levels in rat serum were found to be elevated(P<0.05).A significant reduction in the expression of GPX4,HO-1,XCT,Nrf2,and FTH1 proteins was detected in the hippocampus(P<0.05).(2)Compared to the model group,the average escape latency of the rats was significantly reduced following intervention with Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills and donepezil hydrochloride(P<0.05),with an increased number of platform crossings(P<0.05).Hippocampal neurons showed significant recovery.Notably,iron aggregation in the CA1 region was significantly reduced,and mitochondrial structure and function were improved.There were significant reductions in Fe2+and malondialdehyde levels,while the levels of GPX4,HO-1,XCT,Nrf2,and FTH1 in rat hippocampal tissues,and reduced glutathione in serum were significantly increased(P<0.05).(3)The high-dose Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills exhibited a treatment effect comparable to that of donepezil hydrochloride(P>0.05),with a significant prolongation of water maze escape latency(P<0.05),a reduced number of platform crossings(P<0.05),and insignificant neuronal pathological changes in the CA1 area.However,the combined group showed increased iron deposition,elevated malondialdehyde and Fe2+levels in blood serum(P<0.05),reduced glutathione content(P<0.05),hippocampal tissue mitochondrial atrophy,and reduced expression of Nrf2,XCT,HO-1,GPX4,and FTH1 proteins(P<0.05).Within a certain range,higher doses of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills demonstrated a more pronounced effect,comparable to the efficacy of high-dose donepezil hydrochloride.(4)It is concluded that Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills have been shown to mitigate histopathological changes in the rat hippocampus and enhance cognitive function in rats with vascular dementia.The mechanism of action is likely associated with the suppression of ferroptosis through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
9.Mechanism of astaxanthin improving renal damage in diabetic mice by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Zhenhua WU ; Lihua WU ; Jia TIAN ; Hongling LIU ; Yikun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):357-362
Objective:To explore the mechanism of astaxanthin improving renal damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:C57BL/6J adult male mice (8 weeks, 22-24 g) were provided by Nanjing Junke Biological Co.,Ltd. The mice were divided into control group (mice raised under normal conditions and given phosphate buffered saline injection, n=15), model group (DN mouse model established as mentioned above, n=15), and astaxanthin group (on the basis of model mice,10 mg/kg body weight dose of astaxanthin was given, n=15). The serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24 h urine protein levels of mice were detected by biochemical kits. The levels of serum inflammatory factors in mice were detected by ELISA. Mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis in mice were observed by renal histological analysis. Glomerular podocytes were analyzed by TUNEL detection and immunohistochemical staining. Nephrin and CD2AP expression were analyzed by Western blot.The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. Results:The levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), but the levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), while the levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group mainly showed different degrees of pancreatic islet lesions and vacuolar degeneration under light microscope ( P<0.05). HE staining showed glomerular sclerosis and dilatation, capillary lumen shrinkage, diffuse mesangial matrix dilatation, and peripheral capillary thickening and hardening ( P<0.05). PAS staining showed an increase in PAS-positive substances (purple plaques) in the model group of mice ( P<0.05), indicating glycogen accumulation in diabetic glomeruli. Masson staining showed accumulation of type Ⅳ collagen and increased fibrosis (blue stained area) in the kidney of the model group ( P<0.05). Astaxanthin treatment can significantly improve these diabetic induced histopathological changes ( P<0.05). Compared with control group,mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis were increased in model group ( P<0.05), and decreased in astaxanthin group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of podocyte in model group was increased ( P<0.05) ,while that in astaxanthin group was decreased ( P<0.05). The number of WT-1 positive podocytes in model group was lower than that in model group ( P<0.05), and the number of WT-1 positive podocytes in astaxanthin group was higher than that in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in the model group were decreased ( P<0.05), and the expressions of Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in astaxanthin group were increased ( P<0.05). The protein expressions of p85, p-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in model group were increased compared with those in control group ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of p85, P-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in astaxanthin group were decreased compared with those in model group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Astaxanthin significantly improves kidney damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which manifests as inhibiting renal cell lesions and reducing inflammation.
10.Current status and future prospects of in vitro diagnosis of allergen testing: challenges and opportunities
Xiaobing XIE ; Jing LI ; Zhenhua ZHU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(6):679-685
Since the introduction of the radioallergosorbent test in 1967, the in vitro diagnosis (IVD) of allergen testing has undergone 58 years of development. This paper systematically reviews the historical progression of allergen detection IVD in China, providing a detailed list of classification in terms of the major allergen detection methods currently used domestically. It also discusses the future trends in the field. Furthermore, the paper highlights the existing challenges and aims to offer clinical guidance for medical professionals working in the field of allergy medicine.

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