1.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Effect of Scutellariae Radix Combined with EGFR-TKIs on Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Yaya YU ; Chenjing LEI ; Zhenzhen XIAO ; Qi MO ; Changju MA ; Lina DING ; Yadong CHEN ; Yanjuan ZHU ; Haibo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):106-115
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Scutellariae Radix combined with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cell (CSC) marker expression, and metabolism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. MethodsThe anti-tumor effects of Scutellariae Radix and EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib or osimertinib) in NSCLC cells were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) double staining apoptosis assay. The activity of Scutellariae Radix and EGFR-TKIs in three-dimensional (3D) cultures of NSCLC cells was assessed using the CellTiter-Glo® 3D cell viability assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CSC markers, sex determining region y box protein 2 (SOX2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1), were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by ROS staining, and the redox ratio was detected by femtosecond laser labeling free imaging (FLI). ResultsUnder both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D culture conditions, compared with the blank group and EGFR-TKI group, the combination group showed significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05). Compared with the EGFR-TKI group, the mRNA and protein levels of CSC markers were significantly downregulated in the combination group (P<0.05). Additionally, the redox ratio was significantly elevated (P<0.05), and ROS levels were also increased in the combination group compared with the EGFR-TKI group. ConclusionIn NSCLC cells, Scutellariae Radix enhances the redox ratio and increases ROS levels, thereby inhibiting the expression of CSC markers and strengthening the anti-tumor effects of EGFR-TKIs. This provides a novel molecular mechanism by which Scutellariae Radix may enhance the sensitivity of targeted therapies.
4.An analysis of epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness in Hongkou District, Shanghai from 2015 to 2024
Zhenzhen QI ; Tong LI ; Xiaofan REN ; Haiyan WANG ; Jixing YANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):649-653
ObjectiveTo explore the epidemic levels and epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Hongkou District of Shanghai, to track the trends in virus mutations, so as to offer a scientific foundation for precisely predicting influenza epidemic trends, providing early alerts, and implementing prompt prevention and control measures. MethodsData on ILI and etiological surveillance from Hongkou District between 2015 and 2024 were collected and statistically analyzed. ResultsThe consultation percentage of ILI (ILI%) in Hongkou District from 2015 to 2024 was 0.58%, and the differences were statistically significant between different years (χ²=19 280.500, P<0.001), with winter and summer being the prevalence peaks. The highest proportion of ILI cases was observed in the 25‒<60 years age group, and the proportion of cases aged ≥60 years showed an increasing trend. The positive rate for influenza viruses was 17.60%, with seasonal influenzaA (H3N2) subtype (49.78%) and influenza A(H1N1) (30.03%) being the predominant strains,and the positive rate was different by years. There was a correlation between ILI% and the positive rate of influenza viruses (r=0.260, P<0.001). The median intensity of influenza activity in 2023‒2024 was 23.09, which was significantly higher than that in 2015‒2019 (H=37.052, P<0.001) and that in 2020‒2022 (H=40.436, P<0.001). ConclusionFrom 2015 to 2022, the ILI% in Hongkou District, Shanghai remained at a relatively low level, but it significantly increased in 2023‒2024, with peaks observed in winter and summer. The predominant influenza virus strains varied and alternated by years. The 2023‒2024 period witnessed an intensified influenza activity. It is necessary to continuously monitor the impact of other respiratory pathogens on influenza epidemic, so as to provide a scientific basis for early warning and prevention and control of influenza.
5.Construction of risk nomogram model of oral mucosal pressure injury in patients with tracheal intubation in ICU
Zhiwei WANG ; Xiaoyan HE ; Zhenzhen TAO ; Yangyang JIANG ; Jinfang QI ; Zhengang LI ; Zhenghui DONG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(13):1764-1770
Objective:To explore the risk factors of oral-mucosal pressure injury (OMPI) in patients with tracheal intubation in ICU and to establish a nomogram model.Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 640 patients with oral tracheal intubation admitted to ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January to May 2023 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into the occurrence group ( n=286) and the non-occurrence group ( n=354) according to whether OMPI occurred or not. Binomial Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors for OMPI in patients with tracheal intubation in ICU. A risk nomogram model was created based on independent risk factors, and internal verification was conducted by Bootstrap repeated sampling method. Results:OMPI occurred in 286 of 640 ICU patients with tracheal intubation. Binomial Logistic regression analysis showed that high APACHEⅡ score, modified Beck oral score greater than or equal to 11 points, use of sedative drugs, prone ventilation, long retention time of tracheal catheter, low oxygenation index less than 200 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and tracheal catheter fixation frequency of 1 time /24 h were the risk factors for OMPI in patients with tracheal intubation in ICU ( P<0.05). A risk nomogram model for OMPI in patients with tracheal intubation in ICU was established based on independent risk factors. The results showed that the predictive performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of subjects was 0.918, 95% confidence interval was 0.897 to 0.938) and calibration (χ 2 value of 4.647, P=0.795) of the risk nomogram model for OMPI in patients with tracheal intubation in ICU were good. When the threshold probability was 0 to 1, the decision curve showed that the model had good clinical effectiveness. Conclusions:The OMPI risk nomogram model of tracheal intubation patients in ICU established in this study has good calibration and differentiation, which can be used as an effective tool for screening high-risk patients.
6.Advances in the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection
Qi JIANG ; Zhenzhen JIA ; Lingling WANG ; Xiangjun LIU ; Hongying LIU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(4):581-587
With the continuous development of medical science and the widespread use of antibiotics,the problem of bacterial resistance is increasing,especially the increasing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE)infection,and the high mortality rate,which brings great challenges to clinical treatment.In this paper,the mechanism of drug resistance,existing antibac-terial drugs,and exploratory treatment options for CRE are reviewed,and the research progress in treating CRE infection is dis-cussed to provide more reliable evidence and a theoretical basis for clinical practice.
7.Clinical efficacy of restrictive fluid management in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
Shibing ZHAO ; Decai XU ; Rui LI ; Qi ZOU ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Huaxue WANG ; Xiandi HE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2021;41(1):111-115
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of restrictive fluid management in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).
METHODS:
Between January, 2019 and June, 2020, we randomly assigned 51 postoperative patients (stay in the ICU of no less than 7 days) with sTBI into treatment group (
RESULTS:
The cumulative fluid balance of the two groups were positive on day 1 and negative on days 3 and 7 after ICU admission; at the same time points, the patients in the treatment group had significantly greater negative fluid balance than those in the control group (
CONCLUSIONS
Restrictive fluid management can reduce cerebral edema and improve the prognosis but does not affect the 28-day mortality of patients with sTBI.
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/therapy*
;
Fluid Therapy
;
Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Respiration, Artificial
;
Treatment Outcome
8.Joint associations of smoking and insufficient physical activity with hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in male adults
Jie WU ; Huafeng YANG ; Shengxiang QI ; Chenchen WANG ; Hairong ZHOU ; Zhenzhen QIN ; Chao LI ; Qing YE ; Weiwei WANG ; Xin HONG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2021;15(2):138-143
Objective:To investigate the joint associations of smoking and insufficient physical activity with hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in male adults.Methods:Based on the data from the 2017 Nanjing Chronic Diseases Risk Factors Surveillance Program, 61 098 Nanjing residents aged 18 and older was randomly recruited from 12 districts, using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Information about smoking behaviors, physical activity and chronic disease-related indicators within the first 12 months before the survey was obtained through questionnaires.Results:Among the 29 848 valid male samples, the proportions of non-smokers, current smokers and ex-smokers were 59.6%, 37.2% and 3.2%, and the proportions of those who had physically active<600 MET-min/w (insufficient physically active) and ≥600 MET-min/w (adequate physically active) were 18.8% and 82.2%, respectively. In non-smokers, current smokers and ex-smokers, the prevalence of hypertension was 24.7%, 34.0% and 43.8%, and the prevalence of diabetes was 8.8%, 12.3% and 16.5%, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia was 26.8%, 36.1% and 41.9%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that current smokers had a higher risk of hypertension ( OR=1.164, 95% CI: 1.086-1.248), diabetes ( OR=1.324, 95% CI: 1.207-1.452), and dyslipidemia ( OR=1.291, 95% CI: 1.216-1.371) than non-smokers in male adults. Compared with people who had adequate physical activity, someone with insufficient physical activity had higher hypertension ( OR=1.452, 95% CI: 1.331-1.583), diabetes ( OR=1.170, 95% CI: 1.041-1.315) and dyslipidemia ( OR=1.245, 95% CI: 1.158-1.338). And current smokers with insufficient physical activity had the highest risk of hypertension ( OR=1.749, 95% CI: 1.550-1.974), diabetes ( OR=1.363, 95% CI: 1.165-1.595), and dyslipidemia ( OR=1.614, 95% CI: 1.461-1.782) in male adults. Conclusions:Smoking and insufficient physical activity are risk factors for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. People who is characterized by smoking together with insufficient physical activity presents with increased risk on developing hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
9.Association between different paths of diabetic progression and dyslipidemia among adults aged 18 years and above in Nanjing
Xin HONG ; Nan ZHOU ; Jian SU ; Weiwei WANG ; Huafeng YANG ; Shengxiang QI ; Chenchen WANG ; Hairong ZHOU ; Chao LI ; Qing YE ; Zhenzhen QIN ; Jie WU ; Jinyi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2021;15(6):551-556
Objective:To explore the association between different paths of diabetic progression and dyslipidemia in a Nanjing adult population.Methods:From January 2017 to June 2018, 61, 098 local residents aged ≥18 years were selected from the Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance database in Nanjing using a five-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through interview surveys, physical measurements, and laboratory examinations. The relationship between different rates of diabetic progression and dyslipidemia was analyzed using complex weighting and multilevel models.Results:In all, 60, 283 participants were finally enrolled in the study. The weighted proportions of normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes, and diabetes were 71.2%, 17.9%, and 10.9%, respectively. The overall weighted prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia were 29.8%, 41.6%, 28.9%, and 22.9%, respectively. The weighted proportion of patients with dyslipidemia combined with diabetes was 52.9%. The weighted prevalence of dyslipidemia in adults with normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes, and diabetes was 24.0%, 38.8%, and 52.9%, respectively (all P<0.001). Compared to the normal glucose regulation group, subjects with pre-diabetes ( OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.95-2.13) or diabetes ( OR= 3.87, 95% CI: 3.66-4.10) had possibly gradually increased risks of dyslipidemia (all P<0.001). In addition, there was an increasing trend toward awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia with increasing levels of glucose (all P<0.001). The weighted awareness of dyslipidemia in adults with normal glucose regulation, pre-diabetes, and diabetes was 36.3%, 42.8%, and 56.2%, respectively; the corresponding rates of treatment and control were 23.7%, 29.2%, and 43.7%, and 20.4%, 22.6%, and 30.1%, respectively. Conclusion:Diabetes and dyslipidemia have become the main chronic diseases in the Nanjing population.
10.The Role and Specific Mechanism of OCT4 in Cancer Stem Cells: A Review
Qi ZHANG ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Yanbo ZHU ; Jingcheng CHEN ; Wei LI
International Journal of Stem Cells 2020;13(3):312-325
Recently, evidences show that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a type of cancer cell group with self-renewal and play a huge role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Finding new treatment directions and targets for cancer prognosis and reducing mortality has become a top priority. OCT4, as a transcription factor, participates in maintaining the stem characteristics of CSCs, but the mechanism of OCT4 is often overlooked. In this review, we try to illustrate the mechanism by which OCT4 plays a role in CSCs from the perspective of genetic modification of OCT4, non-coding RNA, complexes and signaling pathways associated with OCT4. Our ultimate goal is to provide new targets for cancer treatment to prolong the survival of cancer patients.

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