1.Mechanism of Dangui Shaoyaosan in Alleviating Inflammatory Responses in Diabetic Kidney Disease by Modulating Macrophage Polarization in Kidneys of db/db Mice
Luyu HOU ; Linlin ZHENG ; Wenjing SHI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Zhe LYU ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):1-10
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Danggui Shaoyaosan on macrophage polarization and renal inflammation in db/db mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore its renal protective effects and underlying mechanisms. MethodsEight db/m mice were assigned to the normal group, and forty db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Danggui Shaoyaosan groups (8.39, 16.77, 33.54 g·kg-1), and an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1). All mice were administered treatment by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. General conditions of the mice were observed during the intervention. At the end of the 12-week intervention, 24-h urine samples were collected using metabolic cages, after which the mice were anesthetized for sample collection. Blood was collected by enucleation and centrifuged to obtain serum for the determination of glycated serum protein (GSP), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was measured. Renal pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to detect F4/80 expression in renal tissue, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess CD206 expression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and arginase-1 (Arg-1). Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, CD86, and CD206 in renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, elevated levels of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the chemokine MCP-1, and decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Pathological examination revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial cell proliferation with marked mesangial expansion, inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, prominent glycogen deposition, and increased collagen fiber deposition. In addition, relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was enhanced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was reduced, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was increased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was decreased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was increased, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Danggui Shaoyaosan groups and the irbesartan group showed decreased levels of GSP, UACR, SCr, BUN, TC, and TG, reduced serum TNF-α and MCP-1 levels, and increased IL-10 levels. Renal pathological damage was improved to varying degrees. Relative F4/80 fluorescence intensity was reduced, CD206 expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitium was increased, and TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expression was decreased. IL-10 and Arg-1 mRNA expression was increased, iNOS and CD86 protein expression was reduced, and Arg-1 and CD206 protein expression was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan can improve renal function and alleviate renal pathological damage in db/db mice. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting M1 pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization, promoting M2 anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization, reducing inflammatory responses, delaying the progression of renal fibrosis, improving renal pathological injury, and thereby exerting renal protective effects.
2.Alpha-ketoglutarate engineered small extracellular vesicles delay skin aging
Zhijing WU ; Jiali LI ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Tangrong WANG ; Yuzhou ZHENG ; Zixuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):120-129
BACKGROUND:Cell-free therapy is a research hotspot in the field of medical cosmetic anti-aging.It is still unknown for paracellular secretion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles loaded with the antiaging drug α-ketoglutaric acid to delay skin aging.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the anti-aging agent α-ketoglutarate engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in a D-galactose-induced model of dermal fibroblast senescence.METHODS:(1)Biological characteristics of primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were identified by osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation staining and flow cytometry.(2)The small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell were obtained by using differential-ultracentrifugation.α-Ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were constructed by electroporation,and biologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyzer,while the encapsulation rate was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.(3)The effect of α-ketoglutarate on the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts was assessed by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assay kits.(4)The effect of α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles on delaying the senescence of dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by reactive oxygen species detection kit,western blot assay,and cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obtained human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were biologically compatible.(2)There was no toxic effect on dermal fibroblasts when α-ketoglutarate was used in the concentration range of 0.5-8 mmol/L.(3)D-gal induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts,while α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles treatment reduced the level of oxidative stress,DNA damage,and collagen loss,which was further verified that α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles could effectively slow down the skin aging process.
3.Alpha-ketoglutarate engineered small extracellular vesicles delay skin aging
Zhijing WU ; Jiali LI ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Tangrong WANG ; Yuzhou ZHENG ; Zixuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):120-129
BACKGROUND:Cell-free therapy is a research hotspot in the field of medical cosmetic anti-aging.It is still unknown for paracellular secretion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles loaded with the antiaging drug α-ketoglutaric acid to delay skin aging.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the anti-aging agent α-ketoglutarate engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in a D-galactose-induced model of dermal fibroblast senescence.METHODS:(1)Biological characteristics of primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were identified by osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation staining and flow cytometry.(2)The small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell were obtained by using differential-ultracentrifugation.α-Ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were constructed by electroporation,and biologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyzer,while the encapsulation rate was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.(3)The effect of α-ketoglutarate on the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts was assessed by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assay kits.(4)The effect of α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles on delaying the senescence of dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by reactive oxygen species detection kit,western blot assay,and cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obtained human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were biologically compatible.(2)There was no toxic effect on dermal fibroblasts when α-ketoglutarate was used in the concentration range of 0.5-8 mmol/L.(3)D-gal induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts,while α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles treatment reduced the level of oxidative stress,DNA damage,and collagen loss,which was further verified that α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles could effectively slow down the skin aging process.
4.Application of progressive exercise training based on mMRC grading in respiratory rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a primary healthcare setting
Tingting GE ; Chengyue ZHU ; Yanan ZHANG ; Zixuan ZHENG ; Jiannan LI ; Junqing LI ; Zhijun JIE ; Jindong SHI ; Hanwei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):578-584
Objective To explore the efficacy of progressive exercise training based on the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC) grading in respiratory rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at a primary healthcare setting. Methods A total of 106 patients with COPD admitted to Zhuanqiao Community Health Service Center in Shanghai from Aug.1, 2022 to Jul. 30, 2024 were selected as research subjects. They were randomly divided into a study group and a control group in a 1∶1 ratio, with 53 patients in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the study group received conventional treatment combined with progressive exercise training. After 4 weeks of continuous treatment, the changes in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), COPD assessment test (CAT) score, mMRC grading, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grading and pulmonary function were compared between the two groups. Results Patients in both groups showed improvements in 6MWT distance, CAT score, mMRC grading, GOLD grading, and pulmonary function compared to baseline (P<0.05). Moreover, the study group had better improvements in 6MWT distance, CAT score, mMRC grading, GOLD grading, and pulmonary function than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions Conventional treatment combined with progressive exercise training based on mMRC grading can enhance the effect of respiratory rehabilitation in patients with COPD, particularly in improving pulmonary function and exercise tolerance.
5.Renal Protective Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in db/db Mice Based on RhoA/ROCK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Luyu HOU ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Wenjing SHI ; Shilong GUO ; Zixuan WANG ; Linlin ZHENG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):30-38
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) inhibits oxidative stress and alleviates inflammation via the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, thereby delaying the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and exerting a nephroprotective effect. MethodsEight db/m mice were assigned to the normal group, and forty 8-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group, DSS low-dose group (8.39 g·kg-1), DSS medium-dose group (16.77 g·kg-1), DSS high-dose group (33.54 g·kg-1), and irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1), with eight mice in each group. All groups were administered the corresponding treatment by gavage once daily for 12 weeks. The normal and model groups received an equal volume of saline. During administration, changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and 24 hour urinary protein (24 h UTP) were observed. After 12 consecutive weeks of administration, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to observe renal histopathological changes in each group. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in renal tissue were detected using the dihydroethidium (DHE) method. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal tissue were determined. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of RhoA, ROCK1, and NF-κB p65 in renal tissues were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Protein expression levels of fibronectin (FN), Collagen Ⅳ(Col Ⅳ), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), RhoA, ROCK, and NF-κB p65 in renal tissues were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased body weight, FBG, and 24 h UTP levels (P<0.01), elevated serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels, enlarged glomerular volume, diffuse mesangial expansion, increased mesangial matrix, and marked collagen fiber proliferation in renal tissues. SOD activity was decreased, while MDA, ROS, RhoA, ROCK1, and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression levels were increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of FN, Col Ⅳ, TGF-β1, RhoA, ROCK, and NF-κB p65 were also elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the DSS low-, medium-, and high-dose groups and the irbesartan group showed reductions in body weight, FBG, and 24 h UTP, decreased serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels, varying degrees of improvement in renal histopathology, increased SOD activity, decreased MDA levels, reduced ROS expression, and significantly downregulated RhoA, ROCK1, and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as reduced protein expression levels of FN, Col Ⅳ, TGF-β1, RhoA, ROCK, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDSS can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, reduce extracellular matrix deposition, and delay renal fibrosis progression in db/db mice. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on DKD.
6.Feature of Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic Syndrome Among Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan,China
Nuerguli TUERDI ; Xue CAO ; Yujie ZHANG ; Zixuan DONG ; Weiping LI ; Fan LI ; Xin WANG ; Congyi ZHENG ; Yixin TIAN ; Chenye CHANG ; Xuyan PEI ; Qinglan JIA ; Jialu YANG ; Zengwu WANG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(10):1022-1029
Objectives:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and ethnic differences of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM)among the Hani,Dai,Bai,and Lisu populations in Yunnan Province,and to provide evidence for developing effective prevention and control strategies for CKM.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among four ethnic minority groups.A total of 3 906 permanent residents aged 18 years and older were enrolled using a multistage cluster random sampling method.CKM stages(0-4)were defined based on the 2023 American Heart Association criteria,stages 3-4 were classified as advanced CKM.Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to compare the prevalence of CKM stages across ethnic groups.Modified Poisson regression was applied to estimate relative risk(RR)and 95%confidence intervals(CI)for factors associated with advanced CKM.Results:The prevalence rates of CKM stage 1 and above among the Hani,Dai,Bai and Lisu ethnic groups were 80.1%,87.3%,84.8%and 67.8%,respectively.The prevalence of CKM was generally higher in males than in females,and the prevalence of CKM increased significantly with age.The Dai ethnic group had the highest prevalence of advanced CKM(24.7%,95%CI:22.1%-27.4%),while the Lisu ethnic group had the lowest prevalence of advanced CKM(13.7%,95%CI:11.5%-15.9%).Modified Poisson regression analysis showed that older age and higher body mass index were common risk factors for advanced CKM across all four ethnic groups.Additionally,except for the Lisu ethnic group,the other three ethnic groups had specific individual risk factors:among the Hani ethnic group,low educational attainment(RR=2.18,95%CI:1.12-4.25)and low income(RR=1.47,95%CI:1.00-2.18)were the primary risk factors of CKM.Among the Dai ethnic group,smoking(RR=1.60,95%CI:1.07-2.37)and a family history of cardiovascular disease(RR=1.61,95%CI:1.14-2.27)are the primary risk factors of CKM.Among the Bai ethnic group,male gender(RR=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.79)was the primary risk factor of CKM.Conclusions:The prevalence of CKM stage 1 or higher is relatively high among the four minority ethnic groups in Yunnan province.There are significant differences in staging characteristics and primary risk factors across ethnic groups,necessitating the development of stratified,differentiated intervention strategies to achieve precise prevention and control and ethnic health equity in terms of CKM.
7.Feature of Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic Syndrome Among Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan,China
Nuerguli TUERDI ; Xue CAO ; Yujie ZHANG ; Zixuan DONG ; Weiping LI ; Fan LI ; Xin WANG ; Congyi ZHENG ; Yixin TIAN ; Chenye CHANG ; Xuyan PEI ; Qinglan JIA ; Jialu YANG ; Zengwu WANG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(10):1022-1029
Objectives:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and ethnic differences of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome(CKM)among the Hani,Dai,Bai,and Lisu populations in Yunnan Province,and to provide evidence for developing effective prevention and control strategies for CKM.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among four ethnic minority groups.A total of 3 906 permanent residents aged 18 years and older were enrolled using a multistage cluster random sampling method.CKM stages(0-4)were defined based on the 2023 American Heart Association criteria,stages 3-4 were classified as advanced CKM.Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to compare the prevalence of CKM stages across ethnic groups.Modified Poisson regression was applied to estimate relative risk(RR)and 95%confidence intervals(CI)for factors associated with advanced CKM.Results:The prevalence rates of CKM stage 1 and above among the Hani,Dai,Bai and Lisu ethnic groups were 80.1%,87.3%,84.8%and 67.8%,respectively.The prevalence of CKM was generally higher in males than in females,and the prevalence of CKM increased significantly with age.The Dai ethnic group had the highest prevalence of advanced CKM(24.7%,95%CI:22.1%-27.4%),while the Lisu ethnic group had the lowest prevalence of advanced CKM(13.7%,95%CI:11.5%-15.9%).Modified Poisson regression analysis showed that older age and higher body mass index were common risk factors for advanced CKM across all four ethnic groups.Additionally,except for the Lisu ethnic group,the other three ethnic groups had specific individual risk factors:among the Hani ethnic group,low educational attainment(RR=2.18,95%CI:1.12-4.25)and low income(RR=1.47,95%CI:1.00-2.18)were the primary risk factors of CKM.Among the Dai ethnic group,smoking(RR=1.60,95%CI:1.07-2.37)and a family history of cardiovascular disease(RR=1.61,95%CI:1.14-2.27)are the primary risk factors of CKM.Among the Bai ethnic group,male gender(RR=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.79)was the primary risk factor of CKM.Conclusions:The prevalence of CKM stage 1 or higher is relatively high among the four minority ethnic groups in Yunnan province.There are significant differences in staging characteristics and primary risk factors across ethnic groups,necessitating the development of stratified,differentiated intervention strategies to achieve precise prevention and control and ethnic health equity in terms of CKM.
8.Longitudinal relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among Tibetan college students:the mediating role of disordered eating and moderating role of mindfulness
Ruipeng WU ; Zixuan GUANG ; Qiong NIU ; Chunyu ZHENG ; Yuxin XIE ; Bingheng QU ; Xiaopeng TONG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):872-879
Objective To explore the mediating role of eating disorders in the relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among college students,and further examine the moderating effect of mindfulness on this mediating pathway.Methods By using convenience sampling,we conducted baseline and follow-up surveys among freshmen and sophomores at two universities in Xizang Autonomous Region from September to December 2021.Measurements included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale,the body image satisfaction subscale of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire,the Eating Attitudes Test,and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.Data analyses performed using SPSS 23.0 included Pearson correlation analysis,mediation(model 4),and moderation(model 58)effect analysis.Results A total of 2 993 students participated in both the baseline and follow-up surveys,including 1 007 males(34.3%)and 1,666 Tibetan and other ethnic minorities(56.8%),with an average age of 19.8(SD=1.3)years.Body image satisfaction significantly predicted anxiety symptoms,and this relationship was partially mediated by disordered eating.The presence of mindfulness moderated the impact of body image satisfaction on disordered eating and the influence of disordered eating on anxiety symptoms,indicating varying strengths of these relationships at different levels of mindfulness.Conclusion This study demonstrates that body image satisfaction can significantly predict anxiety symptoms,with disordered eating playing a mediating role in this relationship.The moderating effect of mindfulness further reveals that students with high levels of mindfulness are less likely to experience eating disorders influenced by body image dissatisfaction.Interventions for college students'mental health should consider including management of body image and eating behaviors,as well as mindfulness training.
9.Analysis on Children's Health Equity in Countries along the"Belt and Road"Based on Concentration Index and Thiel Index
Linhong LI ; Zeyu TAN ; Xinyi ZHANG ; Zixuan WEN ; Tongtong GUO ; Zewen XU ; Qi JING ; Wengui ZHENG
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(2):49-52
Objective:To analyze and evaluate the equity of children's health in countries along the"the Belt and Road",promote further attention to children's health in countries along the route,and promote cooperation and exchanges on children's health between China and countries along the"the Belt and Road".Methods:Using concentration index and concentration curve to measure overall equity,and using the Thiel index for intraregional and interregional euqity measurement.Results:The under-five mortality concentration index is 0.349 7,the concentration curve is below the absolute fair line.The Thiel index shows that inequality in low-income countries,lower-middle-income countries,upper-middle-income countries and high-income countries is the leading cause of child health inequities in the"the Belt and Road"countries.Conclusion:There is inequity in the health of children in countries along"the Belt and Road Initiative",countries along the"the Belt and Road"should take comprehensive measures to reduce the under-five mortality rate,at the same time strengthen international cooperation to further promote equity in children's health in"Belt and Road"countries.
10.Understanding the Neural Mechanisms of Phonagnosia
Pingting LI ; Jing ZHENG ; Zixuan XUE ; Libo GENG
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2024;32(3):274-278
Voice recognition is a key skill for successful human communication,but patients with voice recog-nition defects often suffer from the inability to accurately identify the speaker's identity.Phonagnosia refers to the difficulty in identifying a speaker by voice alone when hearing ability is not impaired.From the perspective of brain injury,the symptoms can be divided into congenital phonagnosia and developmental phonagnosia,and congenital phonagnosia is related to the dysfunction of the functional connection between the temporal lobe and the amygdala.The damaged brain areas in patients with acquired speech recognition defect mainly include the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe.In the future,more attention should be paid to the screening methods,neural mechanisms and differ-ences between patients with speech recognition deficiency and other patients with hearing and cognitive impairment.

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