1.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
2. Mechanism of action of formononetin in alleviating allergic asthma through DRP1-NLRP3 signaling pathway
Mu CHEN ; Qiao-Yun BAI ; Yi-Lan SONG ; Jiao CHEN ; Yong-De JIN ; Guang-Hai YAN ; Jiao CHEN ; Yong-De JIN ; Qiao-Yun BAI ; Yi-Lan SONG ; Guang-Hai YAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):529-536
Aim To investigate the mechanism by which formononetin (FN) inhibits mitochondrial dynamic-related protein 1 (DRP1) -NLRP3 axis via intervening the generation of ROS to reduce allergic airway inflammation. Methods In order to establish allergic asthma mouse model, 50 BALB/c mice aged 8 weeks were divided into the control group, model group, FN treatment group and dexamethasone group after ovalbumin (OVA) induction. Airway inflammation and collagen deposition were detected by HampE and Masson staining. Th2 cytokines and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and IgE levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by ELISA, ROS in BEAS-2B cells was assessed by DCFH-DA staining, DRP1 expression in lung tissue and BEAS-2B cells was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and the DRP1-NLRP3 pathway was analyzed by immunoblotting. Results FN treatment could effectively ameliorate the symptoms of asthmatic mouse model, including reducing eosinophil accumulation, airway collagen deposition, decreasing Th2 cytokine and IgE levels, reducing ROS and MDA production, increasing SOD and CAT activities, and regulating DRP1-NLRP3 pathway-related protein expression, thereby relieving inflammation. Conclusion FN ameliorates airway inflammation in asthma by regulating DRP1-NLRP3 pathway.
3.Toxicokinetics of MDMA and Its Metabolite MDA in Rats
Wei-Guang YU ; Qiang HE ; Zheng-Di WANG ; Cheng-Jun TIAN ; Jin-Kai WANG ; Qian ZHENG ; Fei REN ; Chao ZHANG ; You-Mei WANG ; Peng XU ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Ke-Ming YUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;40(1):37-42
Objective To investigate the toxicokinetic differences of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine(MDMA)and its metabolite 4,5-methylene dioxy amphetamine(MDA)in rats af-ter single and continuous administration of MDMA,providing reference data for the forensic identifica-tion of MDMA.Methods A total of 24 rats in the single administration group were randomly divided into 5,10 and 20 mg/kg experimental groups and the control group,with 6 rats in each group.The ex-perimental group was given intraperitoneal injection of MDMA,and the control group was given intraperi-toneal injection of the same volume of normal saline as the experimental group.The amount of 0.5 mL blood was collected from the medial canthus 5 min,30 min,1 h,1.5 h,2 h,4 h,6 h,8 h,10 h,12 h after administration.In the continuous administration group,24 rats were randomly divided into the experi-mental group(18 rats)and the control group(6 rats).The experimental group was given MDMA 7 d by continuous intraperitoneal injection in increments of 5,7,9,11,13,15,17 mg/kg per day,respectively,while the control group was given the same volume of normal saline as the experimental group by in-traperitoneal injection.On the eighth day,the experimental rats were randomly divided into 5,10 and 20 mg/kg dose groups,with 6 rats in each group.MDMA was injected intraperitoneally,and the con-trol group was injected intraperitoneally with the same volume of normal saline as the experimental group.On the eighth day,0.5 mL of blood was taken from the medial canthus 5 min,30 min,1 h,1.5 h,2 h,4 h,6 h,8 h,10 h,12 h after administration.Liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect MDMA and MDA levels,and statistical software was employed for data analysis.Results In the single-administration group,peak concentrations of MDMA and MDA were reached at 5 min and 1 h after administration,respectively,with the largest detection time limit of 12 h.In the continuous administration group,peak concentrations were reached at 30 min and 1.5 h af-ter administration,respectively,with the largest detection time limit of 10 h.Nonlinear fitting equations for the concentration ratio of MDMA and MDA in plasma and administration time in the single-administration group and continuous administration group were as follows:T=10.362C-1.183,R2=0.974 6;T=7.397 3C-0.694,R2=0.961 5(T:injection time;C:concentration ratio of MDMA to MDA in plasma).Conclusions The toxicokinetic data of MDMA and its metabolite MDA in rats,obtained through single and continuous administration,including peak concentration,peak time,detection time limit,and the relationship between concentration ratio and administration time,provide a theoretical and data foundation for relevant forensic identification.
4.Analysis of recognition sites and application for commercial and homemade antibodies to aquaporin 9
Quan-Cheng CHENG ; Hui-Ru DING ; Zi-Yuan WANG ; Jin-Yu FANG ; Xiao-Li ZHANG ; Wei-Guang ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(2):237-240
Objective To analyze the antigen recognition sites of commercial and homemade antibodies against aquaporin(AQP)9,and to identify the application effect.Methods Western blotting was used to compare the efficacy of three commercial antibodies and self-made antibody in identifying AQP9 genotypes.The antigen recognition sites of four antibodies and their specificities in practical applications were analyzed.Results Western blotting showed that protein bands of three commercial antibodies were detected in both WT and Aqp9-/-mice.The keyhole limpet hemocyanin(KLH)conjugated synthetic peptides corresponding to the three commercial antibodies were derived from rat,human and human,respectively.And The sequences of these three synthetic peptides were different from those of mice.AQP3/7 and AQP9 have similar molecular weight and were expressed in the liver with high homology.An obvious band of self-made antibody was observed at the 27 kD position in WT mice,but no band was observed at the corresponding position in Aqp9-/-mice.Conclusion Commercial antibodies 1 and 3 can be used to assist in the identification of genotypes in Aqp9-/-mice.Homemade antibodies can accurately identify genotypes at the protein level.
5.Mechanism of R-spondin2 Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway and Its Influence on Skeletal System
Jun-Jie JIN ; Jing LI ; Guang-Xuan HU ; Ruo-Meng WU ; Xue-Jie YI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(3):544-554
R-spondin2 (Rspo2) is a member of protein family RSPOs, which can be coupled to receptor 4/5 (leucine-rich repeat-containing g protein-coupled receptor 4/5, LGR4/5), cell surface transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase ZNRF3/RNF43 (zinc and ring finger 3/ring finger protein 43), heparan sulfate proteoglycan (heparan sulfate proteoglycans, HSPGs) and the IQ motif (IQ gap 1) containing GTP enzyme activating protein 1, regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is the most widely studied signaling pathway and directly related to basic bone biology. Any problem in this pathway may have an impact on bone regulation. In recent years, it has been found that Rspo2 can act on osteoblast, osteoclast and chondrocytes through Wnt/β-catenin, and take part in occureace and development of some bone diseases such as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), so the study of Rspo2 may become a new therapeutic direction for bone-related diseases. Based on the latest research progress, this paper reviews the structure and main functions of Rspo2, the mechanism of Rspo2 regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and its influence on skeletal system, in order to provide new ideas and ways for the prevention and treatment of bone-related diseases.
6.Application of Intestinal Organoids in The Study of Intestinal Disease Mechanism
Long-Zheng QIANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(2):394-403
Intestinal organoids are constructed by crypts or stem cells from the intestine under the 3D support of the culture matrix. They contain all mature cells of the intestine, and have become a new and efficient platform for studying the mechanism of intestinal diseases. Compared with 2D cell culture, organoids can not only more effectively simulate the physiological structure and function of the intestine, but also better restore the true ecology of the intestine in different external environments. Therefore, it is more widely used in the study of pathogenesis of different intestinal diseases. This article reviewed the new progress of intestinal organoids culture, and the application and progress of intestinal organoids in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer and celiac disease in recent years, and also discussed the application of intestinal organoids in drug research and development and screening.
7.Research progress on fall risk and prevention in elderly population
Yang CHEN ; Yuanyuan JIN ; Xiaoling BAI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(4):125-128
Fall is an important cause of serious injury and even death in the elderly. With the increasing proportion of the elderly in China, fall in the elderly has become a major public problem in society. There are many causes of fall in the elderly, and age, gender, chronic diseases, physical function and living environment are closely related to the fall risk in the elderly. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand and analyze the risk factors of fall in the elderly in detail, formulate targeted and rational preventive interventions and reduce the incidence rate of fall in the elderly, so as to relieve the personal and family burdens, save the social resources and enhance the quality of life of the elderly.
8.Relationship between PPARG rs2290449 and the efficacy of combination therapy in sepsis with MODS in Yanbian area
Shuyao SUN ; Wanxuan CAI ; Xia LIU ; Guang JIN ; Qingsong CUI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(7):1257-1262
Objective To investigate the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism of PPARG rs2290449 and the efficacy of combination therapy in sepsis patients with MODS.Methods 382 cases of sepsis with MODS were selected and divided into the effective group and the ineffective group,and a case-control study was conducted.PCR-RFLP and Sequenom MassARRAY were used to detect the genotype and allele frequencies of the loci.Unconditional Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI)to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy for sepsis with MODS in patients with different genotypes.Re-sults There were G and A alleles in PPARG rs2290449 locus,GG、GA and AA genotype.Non-conditional Logis-tic regression analysis showed that compared with the GG genotype group,the GA genotype group had a significant correlation with the efficacy of combination therapy for sepsis with MODS(OR=0.449,95%CI=0.280-0.722,P=0.001).In the dominant model,there was a significant correlation between the GA+AA genotype and the effi-cacy of combination therapy compared with the GG genotype(OR=2.104,95%CI=1.332-3.321,P=0.001).After adjusting for confounding factors,unconditional Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the GG genotype,the GA+AA genotype was significantly correlated with the efficacy of combination therapy in sepsis pa-tients with MODS(OR=2.307,95%CI=1.438-3.701,P=0.001).Stratified analysis showed that compared with the population carrying GG genotype,the population carrying GA+AA genotype was significantly correlated with the efficacy of combination therapy in sepsis with MODS in the stratified analysis of age,gender and ethnicity.Conclusion PPARG rs2290449 single nucleotide polymorphism is significantly correlated with the efficacy of com-bination therapy in sepsis patients with MODS in Yanbian area.
9.Mechanism of Shikonin on spinal cord injury in rats based on TNFR/RIPK1 pathway
Ji-Sheng SHI ; Ji-Ze QINA ; Jin-Guang WANG ; Bin LIN ; Tong-Tao PANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(1):61-68
Objective To explore the effect of shikonin on the recovery of nerve function after acute spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.Methods 96 male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were divided into 4 groups randomly:sham operation group(Group A),sham operation+shikonin group(Group B),SCI+DMSO(Group C),SCI+shikonin group(Group D).The acute SCI model of rats was made by clamp method in groups C and D.After subdural catheterization,no drug was given in group A.rats in groups B and D were injected with 100 mg·kg-1 of shikonin through catheter 30 min after modeling,and rats in group C were given with the same amount of DMSO,once a day until the time point of collection tissue.Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)scores were performed on 8 rats in each group at 6,12,and 3 d after moneling,and oblique plate tests were performed on 1,3,7 and 14 d after modeling,and then spinal cord tissues were collected.Eight rats were intraperitoneally injected with propidine iodide(PI)1 h before sacrificed to detection PI positive cells at 24 h in each group.Eight rats were sacrificed in each group at 24 h after modeling,the spinal cord injury was observed by HE staining.The Nissl staining was used to observe survivor number of nerve cells.Western-blot technique was used to detect the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and apoptosis related protein RIPK1.Results After modeling,BBB scores were normal in group A and B,but in group C and D were significantly higher than those in group A and B.And the scores in group D were higher than those in group C in each time point(P<0.05).At 12 h after modeling,the PI red stained cells in group D were significantly reduced compared with that in group C,and the disintegration of neurons was alleviated(P<0.05).HE and Nissl staining showed nerve cells with normal morphology in group A and B at 24h after operation.The degree of SCI and the number of neuronal survival in group D were better than those in group C,the differ-ence was statistically significant at 24h(P<0.05).The expression of Bcl-2 and RIPK1 proteins was very low in group A and B;The expression of RIPK1 was significantly increased in Group C and decreased in Group D,with a statistically significant dif-ference(P<0.05);The expression of Bcl-2 protein in group D was significantly higher than that in group C(P<0.05).Conclu-sion Shikonin can alleviate the pathological changes after acute SCI in rats,improve the behavioral score,and promote the re-covery of spinal nerve function.The specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TNFR/RIPK1 signaling pathway mediated necrotic apoptosis.
10.The role of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(7):917-923
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the most commonly used herb in ZHANG Zhongjing′s Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases and Synopsis of Golden Chamber. It serves as a crucial entry point for understanding ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system. The role of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system differs from its current recognized efficacy. By analyzing the typhoid prescriptions and referring to ancient materia medica texts from various dynasties, this study categorizes the formulas containing Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and identifies four fundamental efficacies associated with it: fluid retention, preservation of gastric qi, support of yang qi, and protection of the triple energizer. These basic efficacy principles align with the core treatment principles implied in ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system, suggesting that Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is one of the key herbs in constructing ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system. To elucidate the logical expansion of prescriptions, formulas containing Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are deconstructed and classified into first-order, second-order, tertiary-order, quaternary-order, and other formulas based on the affinity of the paired herbs. Similarly, the corresponding herbs are classified accordingly. Using Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and Ephedrae Herba as examples, the study analyzes the principles behind formulas containing Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system strategically added or subtracted other herbs to fully utilize or extend the four fundamental effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, resulting in the majority of existing formulas through continuous expansion. This provides new insights and approaches for further in-depth study of ZHANG Zhongjing′s prescription system.


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