1.An animal model of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome for translational research
Kuo‑An CHU ; Chia‑Yu LAI ; Yu‑Hui CHEN ; Fu‑Hsien KUO ; I.‑Yuan CHEN ; You‑Cheng JIANG ; Ya‑Ling LIU ; Tsui‑Ling KO ; Yu‑Show FU
Laboratory Animal Research 2025;41(1):81-92
Background:
Despite the fact that an increasing number of studies have focused on developing therapies for acute lung injury, managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a challenge in intensive care medicine.Whether the pathology of animal models with acute lung injury in prior studies differed from clinical symptoms of ARDS, resulting in questionable management for human ARDS. To evaluate precisely the therapeutic effect of trans‑ planted stem cells or medications on acute lung injury, we developed an animal model of severe ARDS with lower lung function, capable of keeping the experimental animals survive with consistent reproducibility. Establishing this animal model could help develop the treatment of ARDS with higher efficiency.
Results:
In this approach, we intratracheally delivered bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/rat) into rats’ left trachea via a needle connected with polyethylene tube, and simultaneously rotated the rats to the left side by 60 degrees. Within sevendays after the injury, we found that arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) significantly decreased to 83.7%, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2 ) markedly reduced to 65.3 mmHg, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2 )amplified to 49.2 mmHg, and the respiratory rate increased over time. Morphologically, the surface of the left lung appeared uneven on Day 1, the alveoli of the left lung disappeared on Day 2, and the left lung shrank on Day 7. A his‑ tological examination revealed that considerable cell infiltration began on Day 1 and lasted until Day 7, with a larger area of cell infiltration. Serum levels of IL-5, IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-2, G-CSF, and TNF-α substantially rose on Day 7.
Conclusions
This modified approach for BLM-induced lung injury provided a severe, stable, and one-sided (left-lobe) ARDS animal model with consistent reproducibility. The physiological symptoms observed in this severe ARDS animal model are entirely consistent with the characteristics of clinical ARDS. The establishment of this ARDS animal model could help develop treatment for ARDS.
2.Danggui Shaoyaosan Regulates Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Xinqiao CHU ; Yaning BIAO ; Ying GU ; Meng LI ; Tiantong JIANG ; Yuan DING ; Xiaping TAO ; Shaoli WANG ; Ziheng WEI ; Zhen LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows: control, model, Yishanfu (0.144 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.44, 4.88, and 9.76 g·kg-1, respectively) Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling, rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then, the body weight and liver weight were measured, and the liver index was calculated. At the same time, serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Fe2+ in the serum and TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Fe2+ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increases in the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), and decreases in the activities of SOD, GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis, iron deposition, mitochondrial shrinkage, and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group, all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.01). Furthermore, Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis, iron deposition, and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.
3.Toosendanin inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma KYSE150 cells by downregulating HIF1A expression via the AKT/mTOR pathway
CHU Yueming1,2 ; ZHU Maofei1,2 ; JIANG Hangyu3 ; YUAN Qiang1 ; LI Xing1,2 ; LIU Kang4 ; LI Lin1,5
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(7):723-730
[摘 要] 目的:探讨川楝素(TSN)对食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)KYSE150细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭的影响及其分子机制。方法:通过CCK-8法、克隆形成和EdU实验检测不同浓度TSN(0.062 5、0.125、0.25 μmol/L)对KYSE150细胞增殖的影响,流式细胞术、划痕实验和Transwell实验检测TSN对KYSE150细胞凋亡、迁移和侵袭的影响。通过GEPIA数据库数据分析食管癌组织中低氧诱导因子1α(HIF1A)的表达,qPCR法检测人食管上皮细胞Het-1A和KYSE150细胞,以及TSN处理的各组KYSE150细胞中HIF1A mRNA的表达水平。WB法检测TSN对HIF1A的上游信号通路AKT/mTOR和下游与细胞迁移、侵袭和凋亡相关蛋白表达的影响。结果:经不同浓度TSN处理后,KYSE150细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力均显著降低(P < 0.05或P < 0.01),细胞凋亡率均显著升高(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。HIF1A mRNA在KYSE150细胞中呈高表达(P < 0.05),TSN处理后KYSE150细胞中HIF1A mRNA表达显著降低(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。TSN能够显著抑制KYSE150细胞中HIF1A及其上游通路关键蛋白p-AKT、p-mTOR及下游迁移、侵袭和凋亡相关蛋白N-cadherin、vimentin、Bcl-2、caspase-3的表达均显著下调,E-cadherin表达上调(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论:TSN通过AKT/mTOR信号通路下调HIF1A表达,从而抑制KYSE150细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭并诱导细胞凋亡。
4.Effects of Netupitant and palonosetron hydrochloride capsules on the pharmacokinetics of albumin-bound paclitaxel in rats under different intestinal microenvironments
Yuanman QIN ; Wenhao CHU ; Jiaqi XU ; Yutong LI ; Bo LIANG ; Xueliang ZHANG ; Jian LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):1993-1999
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of Netupitant and palonosetron hydrochloride capsules (NEPA) on the pharmacokinetics of Paclitaxel for injection (albumin bound) (i. e. albumin-bound paclitaxel) under different intestinal microenvironment conditions. METHODS Male SD rats were divided into a normal group and a model group (n=16). Rats in the model group were intragastrically administered vancomycin solution to establish an intestinal disorder model. The next day after modeling, intestinal microbiota diversity was analyzed, and the mRNA expressions of cytochrome P450 3A1 (CYP3A1) and CYP2C11 in small intestine and liver tissues as well as those protein expressions in liver tissue were measured. Male SD rats were grouped as described above (n=16). The normal group was subdivided into the TP chemotherapy group (TP-1 group) and the TP chemotherapy+NEPA group (TP+NEPA-1 group); the model group was subdivided into the TP chemotherapy group (TP-2 group) and the TP chemotherapy+NEPA group (TP+NEPA-2 group) (n=8). Rats in the TP+NEPA-1 and TP+NEPA-2 groups received a single intragastric dose of NEPA suspension (25.8 mg/kg, calculated by netupitant). One hour later, all four groups received a single tail vein injection of albumin-bound paclitaxel and cisplatin. Blood samples were collected at different time points after the last administration. Using azithromycin as the internal standard, plasma paclitaxel concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS 2.0 software and compared between groups. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased Chao1 and Shannon indexes (P<0.05), significant alterations in microbiota composition and relative abundance, and significantly downregulated expressions of CYP3A1 mRNA in liver tissue and CYP2C11 mRNA in both small intestine and liver tissues (P<0.05). Compared with the TP-1 group, the AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, MRT0-t of paclitaxel in the TP-2 group, the cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ of paclitaxel in the TP+NEPA-1 group and TP+NEPA-2 group were significantly increased or prolonged; CL of paclitaxel in the TP-2 group, Vd and CL of paclitaxel in the TP+NEPA-1 group and the TP+NEPA-2 group were significantly decreased or shortened (P<0.05). Compared with the TP-2 group, cmax of paclitaxel in the TP+NEPA-2 group was significantly increased, and Vd and MRT0-t were significantly decreased or shortened (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Intestinal microbiota disorder affects the mRNA expressions of CYP3A1 and CYP2C11, leading to decreased clearance and increased systemic exposure of paclitaxel. Concomitant administration of NEPA under normal intestinal microbiota condition increases paclitaxel exposure. However, under conditions of intestinal microbiota disorder, concomitant administration of NEPA has a limited impact on paclitaxel systemic exposure.
5.The mechanism of Medicoscab tincture in the treatment of second-degree burns based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Qiang ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Yue LIU ; Xiaoqin CHU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(8):377-382
Objective To explore the mechanism of Medicoscab tincture in the treatment of second-degree burns based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods The effective components of the tincture were screened by the TCMSP; the effective components of the tincture and burn related targets were screened by GeneCards and OMIM database; Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to draw “Chinese medicine-disease-effective components-targets” network diagram; the related gene ontology (GO) functions and pathways of the tincture were obtained through GO enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclo-pedia of genes and geomes (KEGG) pathway analysis on the targets through Metascape platform; the pathway bubble diagram was constructed by the pathways enriched in the KEGG database, and finally verified by AutoDockTools for molecular alignment. Results 19 effective components and 179 target intersections of Medicoscab tincture were selected. GO analysis showed the intervention burns process mainly involved the reaction of inorganic substances, the reaction of cells to nitrogen compounds, and the response to xenobiotic stimuli, as well as biological processes such as membrane rafts, vesicular cavities, transcriptional regulatory factor complexes, receptor complexes, and endoplasmic reticulum cavities. KEGG analysis showed the function mainly includes AGE-RAGE signal pathway, PI3K-Akt signal pathway, IL-17 signal pathway, TNF signal pathway, etc. Analysis of cytoscape software showed the core targets were AKT1, TNF, IL-6, GAPDH, TP53, etc. Molecular docking showed that the active components of Medicoscab tincture were docking with multiple targets, among which β- sitosterol had strong binding activity with AKT1, GAPDH and TP53. Conclusion Quercetin, kaempferol, baicalein, β-sitosterol and other core active ingredients in the tincture of making scabs, which could assist in the relief of burns, regulate the signalling pathways such as AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, IL-17, TNF and so on by acting on the targets of AKT1, GAPDH, TP53, IL-6 and so on. This study laid a theoretical foundation for clarifying the mechanism of action of tincture of scab making for the treatment of burn-like diseases.
6.Different exercise modalities promote functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury
Xiaoxuan ZHAO ; Shuaiyi LIU ; Qi LI ; Zheng XING ; Qingwen LI ; Xiaolei CHU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1248-1256
BACKGROUND:Exercise as a form of active rehabilitation can improve the dysfunction caused by peripheral nerve injury,and different exercise modalities target different lesion sites and recovery mechanisms. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the application and mechanisms of different exercise modalities in functional recovery from peripheral nerve injury. METHODS:A computerized search was conducted in PubMed and CNKI databases for relevant literature published before January 2024.The search terms used were"peripheral nerve injury,spinal cord,exercise,cerebral cortex,muscle atrophy,mirror therapy,blood flow restriction training"in both English and Chinese.Finally,77 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Peripheral nerve injury can cause systemic pathological changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,corresponding spinal cord segmental lesions,and sensorimotor cortex remodeling.Aerobic exercise can improve dysfunction by enhancing the immune response,promoting glial cell polarization,and promoting the release of nerve growth factor.Blood flow restriction exercise can regulate the secretion of muscle growth factor,promote muscle growth and enhance muscle strength.Mirror movement has a good effect in activating the cerebral cortex and reducing cortical remodeling.Different exercise modalities have potential benefits in functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury;however,there are still some problems and challenges,such as the choice of exercise modalities,the control of exercise intensity and frequency,and the detailed analysis of mechanisms.
7.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
8.Advances in the application of photoacoustic microscopy imaging in ophthalmology
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):606-610
Photoacoustic microscopy(PAM)is an emerging, non-invasive, in vivo imaging modality that merges optical and acoustic principles. It offers high-resolution and high-contrast visualization of various ocular tissue structures and functional information, making it suitable for studying a wide range of ophthalmic diseases such as corneal neovascularization, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. The multi-wavelength illumination capability of PAM makes it particularly valuable for early disease screening and dynamic physiological monitoring. In stem cell tracking, PAM enables the dynamic monitoring of transplanted cells through contrast agent labeling. Moreover, when combined with multimodal imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography(OCT), PAM can enhance the detection accuracy and diagnostic capacity for ocular diseases. However, PAM still requires optimization in terms of imaging speed and contrast agent safety. This review summarizes the fundamental principles and development of PAM, explores its applications in specific ophthalmic diseases, and analyzes the challenges and optimization directions from animal experiments to clinical applications. PAM holds great promise for playing a more significant role in ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment.
9.Simulation analysis of work posture and muscle fatigue in breaking and connecting contact terminal
Ruijian PAN ; Xin LU ; Conghan LIU ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Min LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):260-269
Background When live working line operators engage in upper limb operations, working for a long time with raising arms and the exposure to adverse ergonomic factors tend to increase muscle load, cause fatigue accumulation, and increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective To analyze work posture and associated muscle fatigue during executing breaking/connecting contact terminal, and identify adverse ergonomic factors of the work process. Methods This study recruited 10 volunteers to perform breaking/connecting contact terminal simulation. At a distance of 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 m from the body to the wire, each performed the task 5 times. Visual 3D was used to analyze the kinematic data from motion capture. The surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the deltoid, biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis were recorded during the simulation and analyzed for muscle fatigue using root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF), and jointed EMG amplitude and spectrum analysis (JASA). After completion of each task, Borg scale was used to query the volunteers of their subjective fatigue. A 2-min rest was required between each distance. Results The kinematic data from motion capture showed that in the entire process of the task, the right upper limb was higher when lifting, with the right shoulder joint maintaining flexion and fluctuating periodically between abduction and adduction, external and internal rotation, the right elbow joint maintaining flexion and supination. The frequency of task cycle showed a significant effect on the Borg scale scores (P<0.001, partial
10.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in neck and shoulder among power distribution workers
Conghan LIU ; Min LI ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Xin LU ; Ruijian PAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):310-318
Background Power grid is an important component of the national infrastructure. The occupational health issues among the workers in this industry are attracting great concern nationwide. Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in neck and shoulder among the power distribution workers of power supply enterprises, and analyze the related influencing factors. Method In April 2023, a total of

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