1.Guizhi Fulingwan Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis by Modulating mtDNA/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Yu TANG ; Xuli YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yongxiang GAO ; Xueping LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) against hepatic fibrosis, focusing on elucidating the regulatory effect of GFW on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=7): control, model, low/medium/high-dose (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 g·kg-1·d-1) GFW (GFW-L, GFW-M, GFW-H), and Dahuang Zhechong pills (DZW, 1.8 g·kg-1·d-1). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. General conditions of the rats were observed. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured. Liver histopathology and collagen deposition were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe structural alterations and damage of cellular ultrastructures including mitochondria. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ΔΨm) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 in the liver tissue were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein levels of key molecules in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a decrease in body weight (P<0.01), an increase in liver index (P<0.01), elevations in serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.01), and typical fibrotic features such as disorganized hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in the liver tissue. TEM revealed significant karyotheca degeneration, mitochondrial swelling, endoplasmic reticulum expansion, and organelle efflux in the model group. In addition, the model group showed decreased ΔΨm (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of mtDNA and NLRP3 (P<0.01) and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.01) in the liver tissue, and increased serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the body weight increased in GFW-L, GFW-M, and DZW groups (P<0.05) and markedly increased in the GFW-H group (P<0.01). The liver index decreased in the GFW groups and DZW group (P<0.01). The serum ALT level declined in the GFW-L group (P<0.05), and the serum ALT and AST levels decreased in the GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Histopathological damage and fibrosis were alleviated to varying degrees, and TEM revealed mitigated ultrastructural injuries including mitophagy, mitochondrial swelling, and endoplasmic reticulum expansion in the drug intervention groups. The ΔΨm increased in GFW groups without statistical significance. The mRNA level of mtDNA in the liver tissue was down-regulated in the GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. The mRNA level of NLRP3 was down-regulated in GFW-M, GFW-H, and DZW groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly down-regulated protein level of NLRP3 in all the GFW groups and the DZW group (P<0.01). The protein level of GSDMD-N was down-regulated in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). The protein level of cleaved Caspase-1 was down-regulated in GFW-M (P<0.05), GFW-H (P<0.01), and DZW (P<0.01) groups. In addition, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 declined in GFW-H and DZW groups (P<0.01). ConclusionGFW can suppress pyroptosis to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through mitigating mitochondrial damage, inhibiting inflammasome assembly and activation, and blocking pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
2.Association of school bullying and psychological resilience with suicide attempts in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder
Kewen YAN ; Caiying ZHANG ; Ziyang HUANG ; Li XU ; Rushuang ZENG ; Die ZHANG ; Chengxia TANG ; Tong LI ; Yiling XIE ; Yaru CAO ; Linling JIANG ; Runxu YANG ; Yusan CHE ; Jin LU ; Yuanyuan XIAO
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(5):416-422
Objective:To explore the relationship between suicide attempts,school bullying,and psychological resilience in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder(MDD)and school bullying and psychological resilience.Methods:A total of 784 patients with MDD aged 10 to 18 years were included.The Chinese version of the Olweus Bullying Victimization Questionnaire,Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale,and a suicide attempt assessment were utilized to evaluate school bullying,psychological resilience,and suicide attempt.Stepwise logistic regression was applied to identify the associated factors of suicide attempts.Results:The occurrence of suicide at-tempts in children and adolescents with MDD was positively associated with physical bullying(OR=1.85,95%CI:1.14-3.02)and indirect bullying(OR=1.48,95%CI:1.06-2.04),and negatively associated with higher levels of goal focus(OR=0.62,95%CI:0.45-0.85)and positive cognition(OR=0.62,95%CI:0.45-0.85)at higher levels.Conclusion:Bullying significantly increases the risk of suicide attempts in children and adolescents with MDD,while higher psychological resilience could mitigate this risk.
3.Research progress on the mechanism of macrophages in erectile dysfunction
Tang TANG ; Yipeng ZHAO ; Tao ZHANG ; Ziyang MA ; Jintao WEI ; Zhiyu WU ; Peihai ZHANG
Immunological Journal 2025;41(7):519-528
Erectile Dysfunction(ED)is a relatively common clinical condition characterized by male sexual dysfunction.Macrophages,as key components of the immune and inflammatory response systems,play crucial roles in immune surveillance,tissue repair,and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in processes related to erectile function.Immune inflammation is recognized as one of the pathological factors contributing to ED,and inflammatory markers—including macrophages—are widely believed to be closely associated with the onset of the disorder.This review summarizes the multifaceted roles of macrophages in vascular injury,neural repair,hormonal balance,and immune microenvironment remodeling in the context of erection.It aims to provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation into the involvement of macrophages in ED and discusses the potential of macrophage-targeted therapies for treating ED.
4.Risk factors of platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its influence on prognosis
Muhan WANG ; Wenlong LI ; Ziyang FENG ; Heshan TANG ; Zhanshan ZHA
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(8):839-843
Objective To investigate the risk factors of platelet transfusion refractoriness(PTR)in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT)and its influence on the prognosis of the patients.Methods A total of 104 patients who underwent HSCT in The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from February 2018 to February 2021 were enrolled and assigned to PTR group(n=36)or non-PTR group(n=68).The clinical data of the two groups were collected to investigate PTR-related factors in HSCT patients.The patients were followed up for 3 years after transplantation,and the survival and the influence of PTR on the prognosis were analyzed.Results The proportions of no platelet antibody matching,blood transfusion≥6 times,high fever,splenomegaly,infection,and skin and mucous membrane bleeding in the PTR group were significantly higher than those in the non-PTR group(P<0.05).The platelet count on admission in the PTR group was significantly lower than that in the non-PTR group(P<0.05).No platelet antibody matching(β=-0.837),blood transfusion≥6 times(β=0.905),high fever(β=0.516),splenomegaly(β=0.773),and infection(β=0.695)were independent risk factors of PTR in HSCT patients(P<0.05).The rates of overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS)in the PTR group were significantly lower than those in the non-PTR group(P<0.05).After multivariate adjustment,PTR was associated with poorer OS(HR=2.764,95%CI:1.267-6.643)and RFS(HR=2.139,95%CI:1.046-5.114).Conclusion The occurrence of PTR in HSCT patients is related to platelet antibody matching,blood transfusion frequency,high fever,splenomegaly,and infection.PTR can affect the prognosis of HSCT patients,and shorten the OS and RFS.
5.Association of school bullying and psychological resilience with suicide attempts in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder
Kewen YAN ; Caiying ZHANG ; Ziyang HUANG ; Li XU ; Rushuang ZENG ; Die ZHANG ; Chengxia TANG ; Tong LI ; Yiling XIE ; Yaru CAO ; Linling JIANG ; Runxu YANG ; Yusan CHE ; Jin LU ; Yuanyuan XIAO
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(5):416-422
Objective:To explore the relationship between suicide attempts,school bullying,and psychological resilience in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder(MDD)and school bullying and psychological resilience.Methods:A total of 784 patients with MDD aged 10 to 18 years were included.The Chinese version of the Olweus Bullying Victimization Questionnaire,Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale,and a suicide attempt assessment were utilized to evaluate school bullying,psychological resilience,and suicide attempt.Stepwise logistic regression was applied to identify the associated factors of suicide attempts.Results:The occurrence of suicide at-tempts in children and adolescents with MDD was positively associated with physical bullying(OR=1.85,95%CI:1.14-3.02)and indirect bullying(OR=1.48,95%CI:1.06-2.04),and negatively associated with higher levels of goal focus(OR=0.62,95%CI:0.45-0.85)and positive cognition(OR=0.62,95%CI:0.45-0.85)at higher levels.Conclusion:Bullying significantly increases the risk of suicide attempts in children and adolescents with MDD,while higher psychological resilience could mitigate this risk.
6.Research progress on the mechanism of macrophages in erectile dysfunction
Tang TANG ; Yipeng ZHAO ; Tao ZHANG ; Ziyang MA ; Jintao WEI ; Zhiyu WU ; Peihai ZHANG
Immunological Journal 2025;41(7):519-528
Erectile Dysfunction(ED)is a relatively common clinical condition characterized by male sexual dysfunction.Macrophages,as key components of the immune and inflammatory response systems,play crucial roles in immune surveillance,tissue repair,and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in processes related to erectile function.Immune inflammation is recognized as one of the pathological factors contributing to ED,and inflammatory markers—including macrophages—are widely believed to be closely associated with the onset of the disorder.This review summarizes the multifaceted roles of macrophages in vascular injury,neural repair,hormonal balance,and immune microenvironment remodeling in the context of erection.It aims to provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation into the involvement of macrophages in ED and discusses the potential of macrophage-targeted therapies for treating ED.
7.Research progress of platelet function in immune regulation: from basic to clinical
Weihua HUANG ; Qiu SHEN ; Heshan TANG ; Ziyang FENG ; Min YE ; He ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Baohua QIAN ; Zhanshan CHA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(11):1592-1601
Traditionally, platelets, which are anucleate cell fragments derived from blood cells, have been primarily associated with their pivotal functions in hemostasis and thrombosis. However, recent research has elucidated their significant role in immune regulation, highlighting their expression of various immune receptors, involvement in numerous immune-related signaling pathways, and activation of diverse effector functions. This paper elaborates on the fundamental biological characteristics and immune functions of platelets, the involvement of activated platelets in immune regulation, and their prospective applications in clinical therapy. Furthermore, the paper discusses future directions in platelet immune research, as well as the prospects and developmental trends in immunotherapy, aiming to furnish a thorough reference for the investigation and clinical utilization of platelets within the domain of immune regulation.
8.Comparative analysis of characteristics and functions of exosomes from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelets and apheresis platelets
Weihua HUANG ; Yan ZANG ; Aihua QIN ; Ziyang FENG ; Heshan TANG ; Fei GUO ; Chuyan WU ; Qiu SHEN ; Baohua QIAN ; Haihui GU ; Zhanshan CHA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1154-1161
Objective: To compare the biological characteristics of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelet exosomes (hiPSC-Plt-Exos) with those of conventional apheresis platelet exosomes (Plt-Exos), specifically focusing on their differential abilities to enhance the proliferation and migration of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). Methods: Exosomes were isolated from hiPSC-derived Plt and apheresis Plt concentrate using size exclusion chromatography. These exosomes were then characterized through nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. Co-culture experiments into hUC-MSCs were conducted with hiPSC-Plt-Exos and apheresis Plt-Exos, respectively. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of hUC-MSCs were assessed via cell proliferation assays and scratch tests. Results: hiPSC-Plt-Exos and apheresis Plt-Exos exhibited comparable particle sizes, morphological features (such as the characteristic cup-shaped structure), and surface markers (including CD9 and HSP70). Notably, hiPSC-Plt-Exos demonstrated a significantly greater ability to enhance the proliferation and migration of hUC-MSCs compared to apheresis Plt-Exos (P<0.05). These differences provide critical comparative data for their application in various clinical contexts. Conclusion: This study establishes a theoretical foundation for developing precise therapeutic strategies based on hiPSC-Plt-Exos. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of selecting the appropriate type of exosomes according to the specific disease microenvironment to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
9.Morphological characteristics of the corpus callosum in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis
Bo TAO ; Zhijun LE ; Fei ZHU ; Yingying TANG ; Ziyang GAO ; Menglian WU ; Dong ZHOU ; Su LYU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(2):177-183
Objective:To explore the morphological characteristics of the corpus callosum (CC) in patients with unilateral medial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) with hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and their correlation with hippocampal volume and clinical indicators.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Clinical (age of onset, disease duration, seizure frequency, seizure duration, etc.) and imaging data of 44 patients mTLE with unilateral HS confirmed by postoperative pathology and 42 healthy controls (HCs) recruited at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2017 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 44 patients, 19 had left-sided HS and 25 had right-sided HS. All subjects underwent high-resolution 3D T 1WI. Hippocampal volumes were obtained using FreeSurfer. ART was used to measure the morphological parameters of the CC for each participant, including total CC area, volume, perimeter, length, thickness, circularity, and the area of seven CC subregions defined by Witelson: rostrum, genu, body, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus and splenium. Differences in these metrics between two or three groups were compared using independent samples t-test or one-way ANOVA. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between morphological features of the CC and hippocampal volume and other clinical indicators in patients with mTLE with unilateral HS. Results:Compared with HCs, patients with mTLE with unilateral HS had significantly reduced total CC area, CC circularity, as well as the area and thickness of the genu, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus, splenium, and the area of the rostrum ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the total area, circularity, and subregional areas (genu, rostrum, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, splenium), as well as thickness (genu, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus) of the CC among mTLE with left-sided HS, mTLE with right-sided HS, and HCs ( P<0.05). When compared to HCs, the total area of the CC, circularity and the areas of the genu, rostrum, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, and splenium, and the thicknesses of the genu, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, and isthmus of the CC were significantly reduced in patients with mTLE with right-sided HS ( P<0.05), and the thicknesses of the midbody and isthmus of the CC were significantly reduced in patients with mTLE with left-sided HS compared to HCs ( P<0.05), and the two-by-two comparison of the rest of the indicators did not show statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that some morphological abnormalities in the CC in mTLE with unilateral HS patients were significantly correlated with age of onset, disease duration, seizure frequency, seizure duration, and hippocampal volume. Conclusions:mTLE with unilateral HS patients can exhibit morphological abnormalities in the CC, particularly in those with right-sided lesions. These abnormalities are significantly associated with seizure-related factors and hippocampal atrophy.
10.Morphological characteristics of the corpus callosum in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis
Bo TAO ; Zhijun LE ; Fei ZHU ; Yingying TANG ; Ziyang GAO ; Menglian WU ; Dong ZHOU ; Su LYU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(2):177-183
Objective:To explore the morphological characteristics of the corpus callosum (CC) in patients with unilateral medial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) with hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and their correlation with hippocampal volume and clinical indicators.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Clinical (age of onset, disease duration, seizure frequency, seizure duration, etc.) and imaging data of 44 patients mTLE with unilateral HS confirmed by postoperative pathology and 42 healthy controls (HCs) recruited at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2017 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 44 patients, 19 had left-sided HS and 25 had right-sided HS. All subjects underwent high-resolution 3D T 1WI. Hippocampal volumes were obtained using FreeSurfer. ART was used to measure the morphological parameters of the CC for each participant, including total CC area, volume, perimeter, length, thickness, circularity, and the area of seven CC subregions defined by Witelson: rostrum, genu, body, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus and splenium. Differences in these metrics between two or three groups were compared using independent samples t-test or one-way ANOVA. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between morphological features of the CC and hippocampal volume and other clinical indicators in patients with mTLE with unilateral HS. Results:Compared with HCs, patients with mTLE with unilateral HS had significantly reduced total CC area, CC circularity, as well as the area and thickness of the genu, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus, splenium, and the area of the rostrum ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the total area, circularity, and subregional areas (genu, rostrum, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, splenium), as well as thickness (genu, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus) of the CC among mTLE with left-sided HS, mTLE with right-sided HS, and HCs ( P<0.05). When compared to HCs, the total area of the CC, circularity and the areas of the genu, rostrum, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, and splenium, and the thicknesses of the genu, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, and isthmus of the CC were significantly reduced in patients with mTLE with right-sided HS ( P<0.05), and the thicknesses of the midbody and isthmus of the CC were significantly reduced in patients with mTLE with left-sided HS compared to HCs ( P<0.05), and the two-by-two comparison of the rest of the indicators did not show statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that some morphological abnormalities in the CC in mTLE with unilateral HS patients were significantly correlated with age of onset, disease duration, seizure frequency, seizure duration, and hippocampal volume. Conclusions:mTLE with unilateral HS patients can exhibit morphological abnormalities in the CC, particularly in those with right-sided lesions. These abnormalities are significantly associated with seizure-related factors and hippocampal atrophy.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail