1.Effect of Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Mechanism in Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Congyi LIU ; Ning WANG ; Jingjing XU ; Tingting WANG ; Na ZHENG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):20-28
ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (HMG) on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses (1.56, 3.12 g∙kg-1, respectively) or metformin (0.26 g∙kg-1) by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)], liver function indicators [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycosylated serum protein (GSP), serum glucose (GLU), fasting insulin (FINS), and renal function indicators [creatinine (Crea) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma (PPARγ), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented increased body weight, elevated levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, GSP, and HDL-C, up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1, and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group, the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight, declined levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, and GSP, and elevate level of HDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ, SREBP-1, and ACC.
2.Effect of Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Mechanism in Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Congyi LIU ; Ning WANG ; Jingjing XU ; Tingting WANG ; Na ZHENG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):20-28
ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (HMG) on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses (1.56, 3.12 g∙kg-1, respectively) or metformin (0.26 g∙kg-1) by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)], liver function indicators [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycosylated serum protein (GSP), serum glucose (GLU), fasting insulin (FINS), and renal function indicators [creatinine (Crea) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma (PPARγ), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented increased body weight, elevated levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, GSP, and HDL-C, up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1, and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group, the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight, declined levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, and GSP, and elevate level of HDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ, SREBP-1, and ACC.
3.Self-degradable "gemini-like" ionizable lipid-mediated delivery of siRNA for subcellular-specific gene therapy of hepatic diseases.
Qiu WANG ; Bin WAN ; Yao FENG ; Zimeng YANG ; Dan LI ; Fan LIU ; Ya GAO ; Chang LI ; Yanhua LIU ; Yongbing SUN ; Zhonggui HE ; Cong LUO ; Jin SUN ; Qikun JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):2867-2883
Tailored lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)-mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) nanomedicines show promise in treating liver disease, such as acute liver injury (ALI) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, constructing LNPs that address biosafety concerns, ensure efficient delivery, and target specific hepatic subcellular fractions has been challenging. To evade above obstacles, we develop three novel self-degradable "gemini-like" ionizable lipids (SS-MA, SS-DC, SS-MH) by incorporating disulfide bonds and modifying the length of ester bond and tertiary amino head. Our findings reveal that the disulfide-bond-bridged LNPs exhibit reduction-responsive drug release, improving both biosafety and siRNA delivery efficiency. Furthermore, the distance of ester bond and tertiary amino head significantly influences the LNPs' pK a, thereby affecting endosomal escape, hemolytic efficiency, absorption capacity of ApoE, uptake efficiency of hepatocytes and liver accumulation. We also develop the modified-mannose LNPs (M-LNP) to target liver macrophages specifically. The optimized M-MH_LNP@TNFα exhibits potential in preventing ALI by decreasing tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) levels in the macrophages, while MH_LNP@DGAT2 could treat NASH by selectively degrading diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) in the hepatocytes. Our findings provide new insights into developing novel highly effective and low-toxic "gemini-like" ionizable lipids for constructing LNPs, potentially achieving more effective treatment for hepatic diseases.
4.Pseudogene Lamr1-ps1 Aggravates Early Spatial Learning Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice.
Zhuoze WU ; Xiaojie LIU ; Yuntai WANG ; Zimeng ZENG ; Wei CHEN ; Hao LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):600-614
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder with complex etiologies, manifests through a cascade of pathological changes before clinical symptoms become apparent. Among these early changes, alterations in the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal events. In this study, we focused on the aberrant expression of ncRNAs and revealed that Lamr1-ps1, a pseudogene of the laminin receptor, significantly exacerbates early spatial learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Through a combination of bioinformatics prediction and experimental validation, we identified the miR-29c/Bace1 pathway as a potential regulatory mechanism by which Lamr1-ps1 influences AD pathology. Importantly, augmenting the miR-29c-3p levels in mice ameliorated memory deficits, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-29c-3p in early AD intervention. This study not only provides new insights into the role of pseudogenes in AD but also consolidates a foundational basis for considering miR-29c as a viable therapeutic target, offering a novel avenue for AD research and treatment strategies.
Animals
;
Alzheimer Disease/pathology*
;
Pseudogenes/genetics*
;
Mice
;
Memory Disorders/metabolism*
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Spatial Learning/physiology*
;
Mice, Transgenic
;
Presenilin-1/genetics*
;
Male
;
Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases/metabolism*
5.Comprehensive Brain-wide Mapping of Afferent and Efferent Nuclei Associated with the Heart in the Mouse.
Haiying LIU ; Xin HUANG ; Ruixin XIA ; Xin ZHAO ; Zimeng LI ; Qian LIU ; Congye LI ; Honghui MAO ; Wenting WANG ; Shengxi WU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(10):1743-1760
Normal heart function depends on complex regulation by the brain, and abnormalities in the brain‒heart axis affect various diseases, such as myocardial infarction and anxiety disorders. However, systematic tracking of the brain regions associated with the input and output of the heart is lacking. In this study, we injected retrograde transsynaptic pseudorabies virus (PRV) and anterograde transsynaptic herpes simplex virus (HSV) into the left ventricular wall of mice to identify the whole-brain regions associated with the input to and output from the heart. We successfully detected PRV and HSV expression in at least 170 brain subregions in both male and female mice. Sex differences were discovered mainly in the hypothalamus and medulla, with male mice exhibiting greater correlation and hierarchical clustering than female mice, indicating reduced similarity and increased modularity of virus expression patterns in male mice. Further graph theory and multiple linear regression analysis of different injection timelines revealed that hub regions of PRV had highly similar clusters, with different brain levels, suggesting a top-down, hierarchically transmitted neural control pattern of the heart. Hub regions of HSV had scattered clusters, with brain regions gathered in the cortex and brainstem, suggesting a bottom-up, leapfrog, multipoint neural sensing pattern of the heart. Both patterns contain many hub brain regions that have been previously overlooked in brain‒heart axis studies. These results provide brain targets for future research and will lead to deeper insight into the brain mechanisms involved in specific heart conditions.
Animals
;
Male
;
Female
;
Heart/physiology*
;
Mice
;
Herpesvirus 1, Suid
;
Brain/physiology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Brain Mapping
;
Efferent Pathways/physiology*
;
Afferent Pathways/physiology*
;
Simplexvirus
;
Sex Characteristics
6.Diagnostic value of blood lipids combined with blood routine parameters for pneumoconiosis and the construction of nomogram prediction model
Qu ZHOU ; Wei WANG ; Zimeng WANG ; Longchun MAO ; Juan HU ; Yuanyuan LI ; Junli YU ; Shangcheng XU ; Wenbing LIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(8):965-970,975
Objective To analyze the situation of blood lipid and blood routine parameters in patients with pneumoconiosis,and construct a column chart diagnostic model to explore their diagnostic value for pneumo-coniosis.Methods A total of 456 patients with pneumoconiosis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College from January 2022 to January 2024 were selected as the pneu-moconiosis group,while 462 healthy subjects exposed to dust during the same period were chosen as the con-trol group.Serum lipids and blood routine parameters related to pneumoconiosis were measured and compared between two groups.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyzes were conducted to examine ser-um lipids and blood routine parameters associated with pneumoconiosis.A risk prediction model was construc-ted using logistic regression in machine learning,and the diagnostic efficacy of the column chart diagnostic model was evaluated by calculating the C-index through receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and plotting the model calibration curve based on Hosmer Lemeshow goodness of fit.Decision curve analysis(DCA)was used to assess the clinical practicality of the column chart diagnostic model.Results The levels of serum high-density ester protein cholesterol(HDL-C),cholesterol(TC),red blood cell(RBC),hematocrit(HCT),hemoglobin concentration(HGB),lymphocyte number(LYM),and lymphocyte percentage(LYM%)in the pneumoconiosis group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),and systemic immune inflammation index(SII)were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that HDL-C,LYM%,PLR,and SII were independent influencing factors for pneumoconiosis(P<0.05).A column chart diagnostic model for the occurrence of pneumoconiosis was constructed using HDL-C,TC,LYM%,PLR,and SII as diagnostic factors.The ROC curve C-index of the diagnostic model was 0.84(95%CI:0.81-0.86),with sensitivity for diagnosing pneumoconiosis of 75.29%,specificity of 77.51%,posi-tive predictive value of 83.25%,and negative predictive value of 67.88%.Internal validation was conducted on the constructed column chart diagnostic model,with a validation set ROC curve C-index of 0.84(95%CI:0.80-0.87),sensitivity of 80.91%,specificity of 72.62%,positive diagnostic value of 79.46%,and negative diagnostic value of 74.39%.The calibration positive curve slope of the diagnostic model was close to 1,and in the fit test P>0.05.DCA analysis showed that the diagnostic model had clinical practical value for risk diag-nosis of pneumoconiosis.Conclusion HDL-C,TC,LYM%,PLR and SII are independent influencing factors for pneumoconiosis.A column chart diagnostic model for the occurrence of pneumoconiosis is successfully constructed based on machine learning principles,and it has been verified to have high diagnostic efficiency.
7.Construction and verification of humanized mouse model of IL - 9R CDS gene
Chong Liu ; Yuanyuan Zhou ; Hui Xue ; Zimeng Xue ; Weile Chen ; Jiajie Tu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1015-1021
Objective :
To construct a humanized mouse model of the interleukin-9 receptor(IL-9R) coding DNA sequence(CDS) gene and to verify the genotype and IL-9R expression in mice.
Methods :
The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology was used to replace the exon 2-7 fragment of the il-9r gene in mouse embryonic stem cells with the corresponding human IL-9R sequence. After verifying the completion of the gene fragment replacement, tetraploid embryos were constructed and microinjected back into the oviducts of surrogate mice. Through surrogacy by female mice, homozygous humanized mice were obtained. DNA was extracted from the homozygous humanized mice IL-9R CDS gene, and their genotypes were identified by agarose gel electrophoresis after PCR amplification. Western blot was used to detect the expression of IL-9R in the spleen and thymus of homozygous humanized mice with either wild-type(WT) or IL-9R gene humanization.
Results :
Gel electrophoresis after PCR amplification showed that mice with only a 1 805 bp band amplified using WT primers were wild-type, while mice with 2 553 bp and 2 340 bp bands amplified using 5KI and 3KI primers, respectively, were homozygous humanized mice with IL-9R CDS gene. Western blot results indicated that the tissues of homozygous humanized mice model with IL-9R CDS gene expressed IL-9R significantly.
Conclusion
The humanized mouse model with IL-9R CDS gene has been successfully constructed and characterized.
8.Safety and efficacy of stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy with distal selective vagotomy for treating benign gastric outlet obstruction
Haiqiao ZHANG ; Zimeng WANG ; Yasheng XUE ; Xi WANG ; Zhi ZHENG ; Xiaoye LIU ; Jie YIN ; Jun ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(9):616-622
Objective:To explore the perioperative safety and postoperative short-and long-term efficacy of stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy (SPGJ) with distal selective vagotomy (DSV) for treating benign gastric outlet obstruction (GOO).Methods:The clinical data of 26 benign GOO patients treated by Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2019 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males (76.9%) and 6 females (23.1%), aged from 25 to 75 years, with an average age of (55.8±13.6) years, and an average body mass index (BMI) of (20.1±3.4) kg/m 2. There were 12 cases in SPGJ-DSV group and 14 cases in SPGJ group. The main outcome was the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) 1 year after surgery in both groups. Independent sample t-test was used to test the difference between the continuous variables with normal distribution. The comparison between groups of non-normal distribution continuous variables was tested by Mann-Whitney U test. Counting data were compared using Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operative time ( P=0.071), intraoperative blood loss ( P=0.422), time to pass gas ( P=0.538), time to liquid intake ( P=0.386), postoperative hospitalization ( P=0.431), complications within 30 days after surgery ( P=0.999), and postoperative GOOSS grade ( P=0.483). Among them, postoperative DGE occurred in one patient in each of the two groups, both of which were grade A. In the follow-up results, compared with the SPGJ group, SPGJ-DSV group had a significant advantage in GIQLI score, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.028). The incidence of gastric ulcer, reflux esophagitis, bile reflux and gastritis in SPGJ-DSV group was 8.3%, 8.3%, 8.3% and 58.3%, while that in SPGJ group was 35.7%, 21.4%, 21.4% and 57.1%, respectively, but there was no statistical significance between groups. Conclusion:In the treatment of benign GOO patients, SPGJ with DSV did not significantly increase the difficulty of laparoscopic procedures, operative time and intraoperative blood loss. Moreover, it showed a significant advantage in gastrointestinal quality of life 1 year after surgery. In addition, the incidence rates of gastric ulcers and reflux esophagitis were lower in the SPGJ-DSV group 1 year after surgery, but further confirmation is needed in large sample studies.
9.Landscape of respiratory syncytial virus.
Yuping DUAN ; Zimeng LIU ; Na ZANG ; Bingbing CONG ; Yuqing SHI ; Lili XU ; Mingyue JIANG ; Peixin WANG ; Jing ZOU ; Han ZHANG ; Ziheng FENG ; Luzhao FENG ; Lili REN ; Enmei LIU ; You LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Zhengde XIE
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(24):2953-2978
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the Orthopneumovirus genus of the Pneumoviridae family in the order Mononegavirales. RSV can cause acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections, sometimes with extrapulmonary complications. The disease burden of RSV infection is enormous, mainly affecting infants and older adults aged 75 years or above. Currently, treatment options for RSV are largely supportive. Prevention strategies remain a critical focus, with efforts centered on vaccine development and the use of prophylactic monoclonal antibodies. To date, three RSV vaccines have been approved for active immunization among individuals aged 60 years and above. For children who are not eligible for these vaccines, passive immunization is recommended. A newly approved prophylactic monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab, which offers enhanced neutralizing activity and an extended half-life, provides exceptional protection for high-risk infants and young children. This review provides a comprehensive and detailed exploration of RSV's virology, immunology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Humans
;
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control*
;
Respiratory Syncytial Viruses/pathogenicity*
;
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/pathogenicity*
;
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*
10.Association of serum NLR and SII with postmenopausal osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and their predictive value for short-term prognosis
Zimeng LI ; Haochuan LIU ; Lingli MA ; Yulong LIU
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2023;17(6):744-747
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum NLR and SII levels and postmenopausal osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and to analyze the short-term prognostic value.Methods:A total of 132 patients with postmenopausal OVCF admitted to our hospital from Dec. 2018 to Dec. 2021 were selected as the study group, and 98 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis but did not suffer from OVCF were selected as the control group. According to the recurrence of postmenopausal OVCF fractures, the ROC curves of NLR and SII were plotted, and their prognostic value for postmenopausal osteoporosis OVCF was analyzed.Results:NLR level was 2.96±0.41 and STI level was 39.41±23.45 in the control group. The level of NLR was 3.42±0.32 and SII was 431.77±31.14 in the research group ( P<0.05) . Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that lumbar bone density ( OR=0.030, 95%CI: 0.001-0.832, P=0.042) , NLR level ( OR=29.43, 95%CI: 9.840-103.6, P=0.001) and SII level ( OR=1.048, 95%CI: 1.034-1.066, P=0.001) were all risk factors affecting postmenopausal OVCF. NLR (3.77±0.22) and SII (441.32±29.68) in the recurrent fracture group were higher than NLR (3.27±0.22) and SII (426.87±30.57) in the non-recurrent fracture group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05) , multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed lumbar spine bone density ( OR=8.56×10 4, 95% CI: 3.884-2.992×10 10, P=0.045) , NLR level ( OR=1.243×10 -8, 95% CI: 2.911×10 -13-1.072×10 -5, P=0.001) and SII level ( OR=0.938, 95% CI: 0.885-0.976, P=0.008) were all influencing factors affecting the postoperative treatment effect of postmenopausal OVCF, and ROC results showed that both NLR (AUC=0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.94, P<0.001) and SII (AUC=0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.85, P<0.001) had good prognostic value for postmenopausal OVCF. Conclusion:NLR and SII are risk factors for OVCF in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients, and have good short-term prognostic value.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail