1.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
2.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
3.Mechanism of in Vitro and in vivo Models of Osteoporosis Regulation by Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Ming YANG ; Jinji WANG ; Xuefeng ZHUANG ; Xiaolei FANG ; Zhijie ZHU ; Huiwei BAO ; Lijing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):281-289
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, whose incidence is still on the rise, posing great challenges to patients and society. This review mainly studies the pathogenesis of osteoporosis from the aspects of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and glucolipotoxicity-induced injury and clarifies the efficacy and mechanism of some active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine against osteoporosis through the integration of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The experimental results suggest that some active ingredients can improve bone resorption markers and maintain bone homeostasis by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, etc. These active ingredients regulate osteoporosis through the receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) pathway, osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, NF-κB pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and oxidative stress pathway. This review provides ideas for the progress of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis with the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to provide new potential lead compounds and reference for the development of innovative drugs and clinical therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
4.Establishment of a method for acquisition, perfusion, preservation and transportation of the genetically modified donor pig kidneys
Feiyan ZHU ; Yaobo ZHAO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Taiyun WEI ; Wenjie CHENG ; Kai LIU ; Yuexiao BAO ; Yaling LOU ; Hongjiang WEI ; Kaixiang XU
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):272-279
Objective To establish a method for acquisition, perfusion, preservation and transportation of the genetically modified pig kidneys. Methods An eight genetically modified pig was utilized as experimental subject. Prior to kidneys procurement, the health status of the pig was assessed through hematology examination, and the vascular structure of the kidneys was examined using imaging techniques. Following kidneys acquisition, the pig kidneys were perfused and subsequently packaged into the cryogenic storage container labeled "For Organ Transportation Only" for interprovincial transport after communicating the transportation process with transportation department. To evaluate pathological damage to the pig kidneys, a serious of methods were employed such as hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay (ELISA). Results The preoperative examination of the eight genetically modified pig showed that the serum creatinine was 73.2 μmol/L, blood urea nitrogen was 2.8 mmol/L and hemoglobin was 116 g/L, all within the normal range, indicating normal renal function. CT angiography revealed no lesions in the pig kidneys, and no dilation, stenosis or premature branching of the blood vessels. The total time of obtaining the left and right kidneys from the eight genetically modified pig was (125 ± 10) min, with a blood loss of (20 ± 2) mL. The warm ischemia times were 3 min and 7 min, respectively. The perfusion and trimming times of the left and right kidneys were 36 min and 41 min, respectively. After perfusion, both kidneys were white and moist. The cold preservation and transportation time was 8 h. HE staining showed that some glomeruli were shrunk, and the lumens of the surrounding renal tubules were slightly depressed and swollen with partial inner membrane shedding and microvacuoles formed when the kidneys were preserved for 8 h. The level of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 messenger RNA in the kidneys tissue gradually increased with the extension of cold preservation time after 2 h (P<0.05). TUNEL fluorescence staining showed that only a small number of cells underwent apoptosis after 8 h of cold preservation, which was not significantly different from that at 0 h (P>0.05). ELISA results showed that the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine in the preservation solution remained relatively stable, but the content of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) gradually increased with the extension of preservation time, suggesting that the pig kidneys had mild injury. Conclusions By establishing methods for acquisition, perfusion, preservation and transportation of the kidneys from genetically modified donor pig, it is possible to effectively and reliably use genetically modified pig kidneys for xenotransplantation.
5.Acupuncture Treatment Strategies for Crohn's Disease Based on the Principle of "Shaoyang as the Pivot"
Chunhui BAO ; Jin HUANG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhou HAO ; Luyi WU ; Huirong LIU ; Huangan WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1017-1022
The shaoyang meridian is an important pivot between the internal organs and meridians system, with the functions of regulating qi and blood, balancing yin and yang, and coordinating the ascending and descending movement of qi. Dysfunction of the shaoyang pivot can lead to spleen and kidney deficiency, impaired liver and gallbladder qi regulation, and stagnation of qi and blood. It is believed that the onset and progression of Crohn's disease are closely related to shaoyang pivot dysfunction, with the core pathogenesis characterized by shaoyang disharmony, spleen deficiency, dampness retention, and blood stasis. Based on this understanding, the treatment principle centers on harmonizing the shaoyang pivot, supplemented by methods such as warming and nourishing the spleen and stomach, tonifying shaoyang, and soothing the liver and benefiting the gallbladder. Acupuncture is employed to target key acupoints along the shaoyang meridian to restore its regulatory functions, improve spleen and stomach transformation and transportation, facilitate liver and gallbladder qi flow, and promote the circulation of qi and blood. This provides a practical therapeutic approach for acupuncture-based treatment of Crohn's disease.
6.Diagnostic value of serum COX-2 and RAGE for retinopathy of diabetes mellitus
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):1009-1013
AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)and receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)for diabetic retinopathy(DR)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients.METHODS:From January 2022 to August 2024, 118 T2DM patients(118 eyes)with DR who visited our department were taken as DR group, while 75 T2DM patients(75 eyes)without DR were included as T2DM group. Another 50 healthy adults(50 eyes)who underwent physical checkups were included as the control group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect and compare serum levels of COX-2 and RAGE. Logistic regression was applied to explore the factors that affected the occurrence of DR in T2DM patients. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to evaluate the value of serum COX-2 and RAGE in diagnosing DR in T2DM patients.RESULTS:For the control group and T2DM group, the serum COX-2 and RAGE in the DR group were obviously higher, and with the T2DM group being higher than the control group(all P<0.05). Compared with the T2DM group, the DR group had a longer duration of T2DM, higher glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose, and a higher proportion of hypertension history(all P<0.05). Long duration of T2DM, hypertension history, and elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, COX-2, and RAGE were risk factors for DR in T2DM patients(all P<0.05). The AUC of serum COX-2, RAGE, and their combined diagnosis for DR in T2DM patients was 0.828, 0.819, and 0.907, respectively. The combined diagnosis was superior to the individual detection(Zcombination-COX-2=3.220, P=0.001; Zcombination-RAGE=2.734, P=0.006).CONCLUSION:Serum COX-2 and RAGE are obviously elevated in T2DM with DR, and they have high clinical application value for diagnosing T2DM patients with DR.
7.Application of ARIMA model in predicting the incidence of hepatitis E in Yunnan Province
Bilian ZHU ; Yingmei TANG ; Zhengrong DING ; Jibo HE ; Weimin BAO ; Qinnian LI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):37-41
Objective To explore the application of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model in predicting the number of reported hepatitis E cases in Yunnan Province,to use this model to predict the incidence trend of hepatitis E, and to provide reference for the scientific prevention and control of hepatitis E. Methods Monthly reported cases of hepatitis E in Yunnan Province from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The ARIMA model was established using SPSS 27.0, and the model was validated and parameters were optimized with data from January 2022 to December 2022. The optimal fitting model was used to predict the incidence of hepatitis E in 2023. Results Hepatitis E incidence in Yunnan Province showed a certain seasonal distribution, with most cases concentrated from March to August. All parameters of ARIMA(3,1,4)(1,1,1)12 passed statistical tests. The Ljung-Box test showed statistic Q =10.050, P = 0.346, residual sequence was a white noise sequence, and goodness-of-fit index stationary R² was 0.591. The model extrapolation effect was verified with 2022 data, and MAPE was 14.747, indicating that the model extrapolation effect was effective. The number of hepatitis E cases in Yunnan Province in 2023 was expected to be 1,086. Conclusion The ARIMA (3,1,4)(1,1,1)12 model shows good fitting performance for hepatitis E cases in Yunnan Province and can effectively predict short-term disease trends, providing a theoretical basis for formulating prevention and control measures for hepatitis E.
8.Effect of Shufeng Jiedu Capsules on Relieving Influenza Virus Pneumonia by Suppressing TLR/NF-κB Pathway in Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Shan CAO ; Qiang ZHU ; Jun PAN ; Shuran LI ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Jing SUN ; Yanyan BAO ; Shaoqiu MU ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):61-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Shufeng Jiedu capsules (SFJD) in alleviating influenza A (H1N1) virus pneumonia and focus on its effect on Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in respiratory epithelial cells. MethodsA mouse model of viral pneumonia was established via the A/PR/8/34 (PR8) strain of influenza A virus. Mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a PR8 infection (PR8) group, and an SFJD group (8.4 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The day of infection was designated as day 1. The SFJD group was administered intragastrically at a volume of 20 mL·kg-1 daily, while the normal and PR8 groups were given an equal volume of deionized water. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was performed on day 5, and the mice were dissected to collect their lungs, after which the lung index was calculated to verify the therapeutic effect of SFJD. Single-cell sequencing was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in respiratory epithelial cells. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of TLR, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) proteins in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive cells, and the proportion of respiratory epithelial cells expressing TLR pathway proteins was calculated. Respiratory epithelial cells were then sorted by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR, MyD88, TRAF6, Toll-interleukin receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β (TRIF), inhibitor of κB kinase α (IKKα), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the sorted epithelial cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissue. ResultsAt the transcriptional level, SFJD reversed the expression of TLR signaling pathway genes in respiratory epithelial cells, downregulating multiple TLR signaling pathway-related genes (P<0.01). At the protein level, SFJD significantly reduced the proportion of respiratory epithelial cells expressing TLR3 (P<0.05), the expression levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TRIF, TRAF6, IKKα, and NF-κB in epithelial cells(P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in lung tissue (P<0.01). ConclusionSFJD may alleviate viral pneumonia by suppressing the expression of TLR in respiratory epithelial cells and their subsequent signaling cascades.
9.Genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA transcription analysis revealed aberrant gene regulation pathways in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis.
Hui LUO ; Honglin ZHU ; Ding BAO ; Yizhi XIAO ; Bin ZHOU ; Gong XIAO ; Lihua ZHANG ; Siming GAO ; Liya LI ; Yangtengyu LIU ; Di LIU ; Junjiao WU ; Qiming MENG ; Meng MENG ; Tao CHEN ; Xiaoxia ZUO ; Quanzhen LI ; Huali ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):120-122
10.Five-year outcomes of metabolic surgery in Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Yuqian BAO ; Hui LIANG ; Pin ZHANG ; Cunchuan WANG ; Tao JIANG ; Nengwei ZHANG ; Jiangfan ZHU ; Haoyong YU ; Junfeng HAN ; Yinfang TU ; Shibo LIN ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Wah YANG ; Jingge YANG ; Shu CHEN ; Qing FAN ; Yingzhang MA ; Chiye MA ; Jason R WAGGONER ; Allison L TOKARSKI ; Linda LIN ; Natalie C EDWARDS ; Tengfei YANG ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Weiping JIA
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):493-495


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