1.Syndromes and Mechanisms of Depression Induced by Second Hit in Mice
Zihan GONG ; Ying WANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):29-38
ObjectiveTo explore the syndromes and mechanisms of depression induced by maternal separation (MS) combined with chronic restraint stress (RS) in mice. MethodOn postnatal day 0 (PD0), the offspring mice were randomized into a blank group (NC) and a modeling group. The mouse model of depression was established by MS+RS for 21 days. After removal of female mice on PD21, the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups, with 15 mice in each group. The sucrose preference, tail suspension, and open field tests were carried out to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels in mouse plasma. High performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector was used to determine the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of genes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the 5-HT system and HPA axis in the hippocampus. The Simple Western system was used to determine the protein levels of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the NC group, the model group exhibited depression-like behavior, which was significantly relieved by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine. Compared with the NC group, the model group showed elevated levels of CORT and ACTH in the plasma (P<0.01), which, however, were lowered by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the NC group, the model group showed inhibited expression of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine restored the expression of neurotransmitters (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the model group showed inhibition of the 5-HTergic nerve and abnormal activation of the HPA axis, and Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine regulated the abnormal state of the 5-HTergic nerve and HPA axis. Compared with NC group, the modeling down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), which, however, were recovered in Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mouse model of depression induced by MS+RS may present the syndrome of Yang deficiency and liver depression. Wenyang Jieyu prescription may increase the content of hippocampal neurotransmitters by regulating the 5-HT system and the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the HPA axis, thereby alleviating depression-like behavior in mice.
2.Wenyang Jieyu Prescription Regulates Hippocampal Neuron Apoptosis and Improves Synaptic Plasticity in Depressed Mice via BDNF/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Xiaoying MENG ; Zihan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Ying WANG ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):48-57
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Wenyang Jieyu prescription in regulating hippocampal neuron apoptosis and improving synaptic plasticity in the mouse model of depression induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress. MethodThe mice on postnatal day 0 (PD0) were randomly assigned into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). Maternal separation combined with restraint stress was adopted to establish the mouse model of depression, and the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang prescription, Jieyu prescription, Wenyang Jieyu prescription, and fluoxetine groups (n=10) on the weaning day (PD21). From PD21 to PD111, the mice were fed with the diets mixed with corresponding medicines. The sucrose preference test, open field test, O-maze test, and novel object recognition test were then conducted to evaluate the depression, memory, and learning abilities of mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to measure the atomic absorbance (AA) of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to detect the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated tyrosine kinase receptor B/tyrosine kinase receptor B (p-TrkB/TrkB), phosphorylated protein kinase B/protein kinase B (p-Akt/Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin/mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR/mTOR), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), synaptophysin (Syn), and PSD95. ResultCompared with the control group, the modeling decreased the sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.01). Furthermore, it decreased the expression of PSD95, increased the neuron apoptosis in the hippocampus (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, Bcl-2, PSD95, and Syn (P<0.01), and up-regulated the protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.05) in the hippocampus. Compared with the model group, Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the drugs increased the expression of PSD95, reduced the neuron apoptosis (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, Bcl-2, PSD95, and Syn (P<0.01), and down-regulated the protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.01). ConclusionWenyang Jieyu prescription outperformed Wenyang prescription and Jieyu prescription in the treatment of the depressive behavior induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress in mice. It exerted the therapeutic effect by reducing the hippocampal neuron apoptosis and improving the synaptic plasticity via the BDNF/Akt/mTOR pathway.
3.Investigation the association between γδT cells with endometrial polyps
Zihan MENG ; Yulu YANG ; Huijuan ZOU ; Xueke ZHANG ; Wenjuan YANG ; Dongying SUN ; Xiaofeng XU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(6):971-976
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical value of γδT cells and related inflammatory factors in endometrial polyps(EP).Methods Subjects were patients with infertility due to EP(EP group,n=57)and infertility due to non-uterine factors(Control group,n=44).EP tissues and normal endometrial tissues were taken,respectively.The general characteristics of the two groups were evaluated by independent samples T-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test.The expressions of CD3 and TCRγδ in proliferative endometrium and endometrial polyps were observed by immunofluorescence,and the expressions of IL-17 and IFN-γ in tissue homogenate were detected by ELISA.Uni-variable linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between the number of γδT cells and the expression level of IL-17 and IFN-γ.Results Both the number of γδT cells and he levels of IL-17 and IFN-γsignificantly increased in endometrial polyp tissues,and the relationship between is linear(all P<0.05).Conclu-sion γδT cells are associated with EP among infertile women,which may lead to embryo implantation failure by affecting the expression of inflammatory factors and regulating the imbalance of cell subsets.
4.Molecular Mechanism of Erxian Decoction in Treatment of Anxiety Disorder Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Kaijie SHE ; Jingwen YANG ; Danhua MENG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Zihan GONG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(19):185-193
ObjectiveTo predict the potential molecular mechanism of Erxian decoction in the treatment of anxiety disorder based on network pharmacology, and to verify the efficacy and mechanism using the animal model of maternal separation combined with restraint stress. MethodActive components and related targets of Erxian decoction were obtained by traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction. The targets related to anxiety disorder were screened out through GeneCards, therapeutic target database (TTD), online mendelian inheritance in man database (OMIM), and DrugBank, and the drug-disease intersection targets were obtained by taking intersections with the drug targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING database, and the core targets were screened out based on topological parameter analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the intersection targets through the Metascape platform. Maternal separation combined with restraint stress was used to induce the mouse model of anxiety disorder. From the end of lactation on the 21st postnatal day (PD21) to the completion of restraint stress on the 97th postnatal day (PD97), the mice were fed with Erxian decoction mixed with diet. The anxiety state of mice was evaluated by open field test and elevated O-maze test. The content of plasma corticosterone (CORT) in mice was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of protein kinase B (Akt1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of mice were detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultNinty-seven active components and 227 action targets of Erxian decoction were obtained. There were 3 863 targets related to anxiety disorder, with 161 drug-disease intersection targets. Among these intersection targets, core targets such as Akt1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and mTOR were presumedly closely related to anxiety disorder. The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed that Erxian decoction mainly treated anxiety disorder through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathways. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the Erxian decoction group significantly increased the time of mice spent in the central zone and central crossing times and time spent in the opened arm and opened arm crossing times, with significantly increased expression levels of p-Akt1, p-mTOR, BDNF, PSD95, and synaptophysin (Syp). ConclusionErxian decoction has the multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics in the treatment of anxiety disorder, and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation by affecting Akt1, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, mTOR, and other core targets and modulating PI3K/Akt, MAPK, as well as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signal pathways.
5.Feasibility of Erxian Decoction and Wenshen Prescription in Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Kaijie SHE ; Zihan GONG ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Danhua MENG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(16):211-220
ObjectiveTo predict the molecular mechanism of Erxian decoction and Wenshen prescription (modified Erxian decoction) in the treatment of depression based on network pharmacology and explore the feasibility of Wenshen prescription in the treatment of depression by comparing the efficacy and mechanism of the two decoctions based on a depression model induced by maternal separation combined with chronic restraint stress. MethodActive components and targets of Erxian decoction and Wenshen prescription were collected through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Targets related to depression were screened out from databases such as GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database (OMIM), and DrugBank. Common targets of drugs and disease were obtained and imported to Cytoscape 3.8.2 to plot the drug-active component-target-disease network. STRING platform was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core targets and related core components were screened out. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis were performed on common targets through Metascape platform. The depression model was induced in mice by maternal separation combined with chronic restraint stress. From the 21st day of maternal separation (PD21) to the 111th day of restraint stress completion (PD111), mice were fed with the diet mixed with Erxian decoction or Wenshen prescription for intervention. The depressive state of mice was evaluated according to the sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, open field test, and elevated O-maze test. The expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) in the microglia was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect the expression levels of protein kinase B1(Akt1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), and synaptophysin (Syn). ResultA total of 126 and 118 targets of Erxian decoction and Wenshen prescription in the treatment of depression were screened out, with only eight more targets of Erxian decoction than Wenshen prescription. The two decoctions shared the same core targets, mainly including Akt1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis predicted that Erxian decoction and Wenshen prescription mainly treated depression through the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. Animal experiments showed that compared with the results in the model group, Erxian decoction and Wenshen prescription could up-regulate the sucrose preference index, prolong the time spent in the central zone, increase the number of crossings, prolong the time spent in opened arm, increase the number of crossings in the opened arm, elevate the expression levels of p-Akt1, BDNF, PSD95, and Syn (P<0.05, P<0.01), shorten the immobility time of tail suspension, and reduce the expression level of Iba-1 in the hippocampal microglia (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant difference between the two decoctions was found. ConclusionUnder the pathogenesis and syndrome law of depression dominated by kidney yang deficiency, Wenshen prescription modified from Erxian decoction is feasible in the treatment of depression. The mechanism may be attributed to the fact that both decoctions can improve neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus by affecting Akt1, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and other core targets and regulating the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathways.
6.Regulatory Effect of Wenyang Prescription, Jieyu Prescription, and Wenyang Jieyu Prescription on Pain Sensitivity and Depression-like Behaviors in Mice Induced by Maternal Separation and Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Yang ZUO ; Yonglie ZHAO ; Zihan GONG ; Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Yijia ZHANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Tianyun CHU ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(14):44-53
ObjectiveTo observe the behavioral and pain threshold alterations, as well as the changes in indexes related to depression and pain in the serum and central system in mice stressed by maternal separation and chronic neuropathic pain, and explore the underlying mechanism of Wenyang prescription (WY), Jieyu prescription (JY), and Wenyang Jieyu prescription (WYJY) in improving depression and pain sensitivity. MethodThe birth date of mice was recorded as PD0. After birth, the mice were divided into a blank group and an experimental group. The neonatal mice in the experimental group underwent maternal separation in PD5-14 at 8 h·d-1. After ablactation, the mice were divided into a maternal separation group, a WY group (Erxian decoction, 5.84 g·kg-1), a JY group (Xiaoyaosan, 12.00 g·kg-1), a WYJY group (16.68 g·kg-1), and a fluoxetine group (2.60 mg·kg-1), with 15 mice in each group. Meanwhile, 15 male mice of the same age without maternal separation were assigned to the normal control group. Mice in the blank group and the maternal separation group were fed on a regular chow diet in PD21-PD90, while the remaining groups were fed on the corresponding drugs. In PD91, sciatic nerve ligation was performed to induce a model of maternal separation and chronic neuropathic pain. The open field test was used to observe the depression-like behaviors of mice in each group, and the mechanical and temperature pain thresholds were measured to detect the pain sensitivity of mice in each group. The serum levels of corticosterone (CORT), substance P, and β-endorphin (β-EP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the amygdala and β-EP protein in the hypothalamus was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression levels of amygdala GR gene (Nr3c1), FK506 binding protein 5 gene (FKBP5), metabolic glutamate receptor 5 gene (GRM5), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the blank group, the maternal separation group showed reduced stay time and total distance traveled in the 5-min open field test (P<0.01), reduced mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), increased serum CORT and β-EP (P<0.01), declining FKBP5 mRNA expression (P<0.01), and increased hypothalamic β-EP expression (P<0.05). Compared with the maternal separation group, the groups with drug intervention showed prolonged stay time (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated pain thresholds to different degrees. The total distance traveled in the 5-min open field test increased in the WY group, the WYJY group, and the fluoxetine group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The JY group showed decreased serum CORT (P<0.01), reduced β-EP , and increased BDNF mRNA (P<0.01). Nr3c1 and GRM5 mRNA decreased in the WY group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The WYJY group showed decreased serum CORT (P<0.05)and decreased Nr3c1, GRM5, and BDNF mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of β-EP expression were elevated to different degrees in the groups with drug intervention, but the differences were not significant. The levels of GR expression in the WY group, the JY group, and the WYJY group increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWYJY can inhibit central pain sensitization and regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis function by enhancing the expression of GR in the amygdala and inhibiting neuroplasticity and excitability in the amygdala to relieve depression-like behaviors and improve somatic hyperalgesia.
7.Application of Internet diversified rehabilitation medicine education in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients
Yan YANG ; Meng SUN ; Yanjing LI ; Geng LIU ; Xuedan ZHU ; Zihan WANG ; Xiang QU
International Journal of Surgery 2022;49(3):181-187
Objective:To explore the influence of Internet diversified rehabilitation medicine education on self-efficacy and quality of life in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.Methods:A prospective study was performed in 130 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2020 to February 2021. According to the method of randomly number table, these patients were divided into control group and intervention group, 65 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine treatment scheme, and the intervention group added the intervention of Internet diversified education of rehabilitation medicine on the basis of routine treatment scheme. Compared the general data of the two groups, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the cancer patients′ Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) were used to compare the self-efficacy levels of the two groups before operation, 4 months and 8 months after operation, evaluate the quality of life. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used for comparison between groups; Chi-square test was used for comparison of enumeration data between groups. Results:Before operation, there was no significant difference in general data, GSES score and QLQ-C30 score between the two groups ( P> 0.05). Four months after operation, GSES scores [(27.39±4.68) score vs (25.91±3.18)score], somatic function [(65.50±4.34) score vs (63.07±5.42) score], cognitive function [(67.63±10.32) score vs (63.29 ± 11.36) score], role function [(50.82±10.80) score vs (45.59±13.94) score], and total quality of life [(63.47 ± 6.98) score vs (59.26±7.98)score] were compared between the intervention group and the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of emotional function [(57.60±11.72) score vs (55.53±10.61) score] and social function [(49.86±12.11) score vs (46.13±10.25) score] ( P> 0.05). Eight months after operation, the GSES score [(28.82±3.31) score vs (26.73 ± 3.06) score] of patients in the intervention group and the control group, and the scores of functional areas and overall quality of life in QLQ-C30 score were significantly different ( P< 0.01). Conclusion:the Internet diversified rehabilitation medicine education has a significant effect on improving the self-efficacy of new breast cancer patients, and can improve the quality of life of patients.
8.The value of microvascular flow imaging method for the evaluation of placenta perfusion and prediction of fetal growth restriction: a pilot study
Zihan NIU ; Peipei ZHANG ; Xining WU ; Yuxin JIANG ; Yunshu OUYANG ; Hua MENG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2021;30(8):691-696
Objective:To evaluate the placental micro-vascular circulation by microvascular flowing imaging (MVFI) method, and to explore the clinical value of microvascular index (MVI) for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR).Methods:A total of 21 fetuses at 24-34 weeks of gestation at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October to November 2019 were enrolled in this study, including 7 fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses, and 14 normal fetuses as control group. The fetuses of the two groups were matched according to the gestational weeks at the ratio of 1∶2. Fetal biometry parameters were measured and the placenta was observed by two-dimensional ultrasound.Uterine artery pulse index (UtA-PI), middle cerebral artery pulse index (MCA-PI), and umbilical artery S/D ratio were evaluated by color and pulse-wave Doppler. The placenta mico-circulation was displayed by the MVFI method and MVI was measured.Results:The study included 14 normal fetuses and 7 FGR fetuses. Compared with the control group, more placenta in the FGR group manifested as thickened and heterogeneous with decreased MVI and increased UtA-PI. There was statistically significant difference in placental mean MVI between two groups ( P=0.044). Besides, a trend towards significant negative correlation was observed between MVI and placenta thickness, although this was not statistically significant ( rs=-0.35, P=0.065). MVI had a higher specificity (100%) in the prediction of FGR. Conclusions:MVFI can display the micro-circulation of the placenta, and provide a direct and quantitative assessment method for placental perfusion.
9.Early sonographic diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome at 11-14 weeks′gestation
Zihan NIU ; Hua MENG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Yunshu OUYANG ; He LIU ; Yuxin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2019;28(6):521-524
To investigate the prenatal sonographic feature in the early diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome at 11 -14 weeks′ gestation . Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analysis and summarize the ultrasonographic features of 4 fetuses without band‐like echoes in amniotic cavity at 11-14 weeks′gestation ,but verified as amniotic band syndrome in Peking Union M edical College Hospital . Results T wo cases ( cases 1 ,2) showed the fixed head position with skull defect and intracranial structure disorders . Cases 3 and 4 showed one upper limb in a fixed position ,and the hand seemed to adhere to the umbilical cord isolatedly . In addition ,case 1 showed complete chorioamniotic membrane separation . T here were multiple band‐like echoes adhered to body of 3 fetals during the follow‐up scan at 14 -18 weeks . T he parents of cases 1 and 2 chose to terminate the pregnancy after counseling ,the other 2 cases also induced labor due to intrauterine fetal death at 15+2 weeks and 19+2 weeks respectively . All 4 cases were confirmed as amniotic band syndrome by pathology . Conclusions When the fetal sonographic images showed fixed head position ,disordered intracranial structure ,or adhesion between umbilical cord and hand with limited movement at 11 -14 weeks′ gestation ,it should be paid attention to observing the band‐like echoes and followed up closely to prevent missed diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome .


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail