1.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
2.Mechanism of 1,25(OH)2D3 improving liver inflammation in a rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet
Haiyang ZHU ; Jingshu CUI ; Liu YANG ; Mengting ZHOU ; Jian TONG ; Hongmei HAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in the liver, the phenotype of hepatic macrophages, and liver inflammation in a rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as the mechanism of 1,25(OH)2D3 improving liver inflammation. MethodsAfter 1 week of adaptive feeding, 24 specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group [choline-supplemented L-amino acid-defined (CSAA) diet], normal+1,25(OH)2D3 group [CSAA diet+1,25(OH)2D3], model group [choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet (CDAA) diet], and model+1,25(OH)2D3 group [CDAA diet+1,25(OH)2D3], with 6 rats in each group. The dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 was 5 μg/kg for intraperitoneal injection twice a week for 12 weeks. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured, liver histopathology was observed, and SAF score was assessed. M1 hepatic macrophages and M2 hepatic macrophages were measured to analyze in the change in the phenotype of hepatic macrophages, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in liver tissue, and qPCR was used to measure the mRNA level of PPAR-γ. The two-factor analysis of variance was use for comparison between groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison; the Pearson method was used for correlation analysis. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model rats with CDAA diet-induced NASH had significant increases in the serum levels of AST and ALT (P=0.019 and P<0.001), the SAF score of liver histopathology (P<0.001), the level of M1 hepatic macrophages (P<0.001), and the ratio of M1 and M2 hepatic macrophages (P<0.001), as well as a significant increase in the level of TNF-α (P<0.001) and a significant reduction in the level of IL-4 in liver tissue (P=0.025). The 1,25(OH)2D3 group had significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT (P<0.001), the SAF score of liver histopathology (P<0.001), the level of M1 hepatic macrophages (P<0.001), and the ratio of M1 and M2 hepatic macrophages (P=0.001), the level of IL-1β (P<0.001) and a significant increase in the level of M2 hepatic macrophages (P=0.017), the level of IL-10 (P=0.039), the level of IL-4 (P<0.001), the level of PPAR-γ (P=0.016). There were significant interactions between CDAA diet-induced NASH model and 1,25(OH)2D3 in serum the levels of AST and ALT (P=0.007 and P=0.008), the SAF scores of liver histopathology (P<0.001), the level of M1 hepatic macrophages (P<0.001), the level of M2 hepatic macrophages (P=0.008), the ratio of M1 and M2 of hepatic macrophages (P=0.005), the level of TNF-α (P<0.001), the level of IL-10 (P=0.038), the level of IL-4 (P<0.001) and the level of PPAR-γ (P=0.009). The correlation analysis showed that PPAR-γ was negatively correlated with the ratio of M1 and M2 hepatic macrophages (r=-0.415, P=0.044) and was positively correlated with M2 hepatic macrophages (r=0.435, P=0.033), IL-10 (r=0.433, P=0.035), and IL-4 (r=0.532, P=0.007). ConclusionThis study shows that 1,25(OH)2D3 improves liver inflammation in NASH by activating PPAR-γ to regulate the phenotypic transformation of hepatic macrophages.
3.Construction of a technical indicator framework for the prevention of re-establishment of imported malaria in China during the malaria post-elimination stage
LIU Bowen ; ZHANG Tao ; LIU Jingshu
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(1):1-
Objective The objective of this research is to construct a technical indicator framework for preventing the of re-establishment of imported malaria at the county level in China, excluding border areas, with the aim of guiding specialist agencies to prevent the re-establishment of imported malaria in a scientific, feasible and comprehensive way. Methods The preliminary framework was built based on literature review and on-site research. Two rounds of Delphi consultation were carried out. The positive coefficient, degree of concentration, degree of coordination, and authority of the experts were calculated. The weights and the combined weights for the indicators were determined using the analytic hierarchy process and probability method, respectively. Results Twenty experts were invited in the 1st round of consultation, and twenty-six in the 2nd round. The authority coefficients of the experts for two rounds were 0.955 and 0.968, respectively. The P value of the degree of coordination of two rounds were less than 0.05. The final framework included 5 primary indicators, 19 secondary indicators and 42 tertiary indicators. Primary indicators included government-led, joint control and prevention, surveillance and response, capacity building and organization guarantee, whose weights were 20.2%, 2.4%, 20.1%, 44.7% and 12.5%, respectively. Among the secondary indicators, the highest combined weight was medical institutions (25.0%) of capacity building, and the lowest was cross-sectoral cooperation (0.3%) of joint control and prevention. The three tertiary indicators with higher combined weights were: "1.2.1 There is a comprehensive plan for preventing the re-establishment of imported malaria, and the responsibilities of relevant departments are clearly defined" accounting for 14.9%; "4.1.4 Laboratory personnel in medical institutions possess the ability to conduct microscopic examinations for malaria detection" accounting for 10.6%; and "4.2.1 Specialized malaria surveillance laboratories have been established and are fully equipped with the necessary capabilities to conduct effective surveillance" accounting for 7.6%. Conclusions A framework has been created for the prevention of re⁃establishment of imported malaria at the county level in China, excluding border areas. The framework provides an operational, scientific and comprehensive technical guidance for county-level areas from the perspective of the effectiveness of government-led, joint prevention and control, surveillance and response, capacity building and organizational support. The importance of maintaining the capacity to prevent re-establishment of imported malaria and whole-process case management under medical and preventive cooperation in the post-elimination stage was highlighted.
4.Association between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia among lower grade students in 6 provinces and cities in China
LIU Zhihao, ZHANG Jingshu, SUN Bingjie, XIA Zhiwei, QIN Ran, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(9):1345-1348
Objective:
To explore the association between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia among lower grade students, so as to provide evidence for myopia prevention on low grade students.
Methods:
From November 2020 to June 2022, a total of 8 368 students of grade 1-3 were selected from Beijing, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Henan, Chongqing, Shaanxi Province by the stratified cluster random sampling and probability sampling methods, and were administered with a questionnaire survey and eye examinations. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia among lower grade students.
Results:
The prevalence of myopia in grade 1-3 was 23.7% in 6 provinces in China. Students who in central area, grade 3, boarding at school, doing homework/reading/writing time ≥1 h/d after school, extracurricular activities ≥1 h in the past week, extracurricular activities before school age, parental myopia, poor reading and writing posture, sleeping time <10 h/d, less exercise time because of homework or extracurricular activities, having annual vision examination had a higher myopia detection rate, with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=36.41, 487.72, 15.97, 21.35, 43.95, 15.33, 54.04, 6.67, 3.88, 20.02, 20.06, P <0.05). After adjusted for the confounding factors, there was a significant interaction between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age with myopia ( P interaction <0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, Logistic regression analysis showed that those having extracurricular activities before school age had a higher risk of myopia ( OR=1.33, 95%CI =1.19-1.56), compared with those who did not. Compared with children without nearsighted parents, children with nearsighted parents had higher prevalence of myopia ( OR=1.64, 95%CI = 1.45- 1.84) ( P <0.05); and the values of indicators ( RERI, API, Index S ) for interaction between parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age were 0.35, 0.27, 1.37, respectively.
Conclusion
Both parental myopia and extracurricular activities before school age are associated with myopia among lower grade students, with interactive effects.
5.Effect of Fuzheng Huayu prescription on hepatocyte extinction and regeneration in a mouse model of liver cirrhosis
Tingting ZHU ; Jingshu QI ; Yanan GUO ; Hongliang LIU ; Yanyan TAO ; Zhimin ZHAO ; Zhengxin LI ; Chenghai LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(4):745-752
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Fuzheng Huayu prescription on hepatocyte extinction and regeneration in fibrotic liver and its mechanism of action in promoting hepatocyte regeneration. MethodsMice were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis, and there were 10 mice in the model group, 10 in the sorafenib group, 10 in the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group, and 9 in the normal control group. Since week 4 of modeling, the mice in the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group and the sorafenib group were given the corresponding drug by gavage at a dose of 4.8 g/kg and 4 mg/kg, respectively, for three consecutive weeks, and those in the normal group and the model group were given an equal volume of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Serum liver function parameters were measured; the METAVIR scoring system was used to evaluate liver inflammation and fibrosis stage; Sirius Red staining and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver tissue were used to evaluate collagen deposition; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of type IV collagen, CD31, CD32b, Ki67, CyclinD1, glutamine synthetase, Wnt2, and HGF, and Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of Wnt2, LRP6, β-catenin, p-β-catenin, and CyclinD1 in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group and the sorafenib group showed the following changes: significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and the content of Hyp in liver tissue (all P<0.01); a significant reduction in METAVIR score; significant reductions in the expression levels of type Ⅳ collagen and CD31 (all P<0.05) and a significant increase in the expression level of CD32b (P<0.01); significant reductions in the number of parenchymal extinction lesions and significant increases in the expression levels of Ki67 and CyclinD1 in liver tissue (all P<0.01); significant increases in the protein expression levels of Wnt2, LRP6, β-catenin, and CyclinD1 and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of p-β-catenin (all P<0.05); significant increases in the number of cells stained positive for both CD32b and Wnt2. ConclusionFuzheng Huayu prescription can inhibit hepatic sinusoidal capillarization, improve the Wnt2 exocrine function of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway associated with hepatocyte regeneration, and finally reverse liver cirrhosis.
6.Protective effect of all-trans retinoic acid on natural killer cells damaged by oxidative stress in liver fibrosis
Dabing PING ; Jingshu QI ; Xin SUN ; Kai HUANG ; Yuan PENG ; Chenghai LIU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(7):1359-1363
Objective:To investigate the protective effect of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)on the function of NK cells dam-aged by oxidative stress in liver fibrosis.Methods:Mouse model with liver injury was established by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4),biochemical and pathological assays were used to evaluate the degree of liver injury and fibrosis in mice,and changes of NK cells and oxidative stress injury in liver tissue of mice were observed.In vitro,NK92 cell lines damaged by H2O2 oxidative stress were evaluated the protective effect of ATRA.Results:Liver inflammation and fibrosis were suppressed and liver function was improved in CCl4 model mice by ATRA treatment.ATRA could increase SOD activity and GSH content in liver tissue,which promoted the proportion and num-ber of hepatic NK cells.ATRA could protect NK cells from oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by H2O2 in vitro.Conclusion:ATRA can ameliorate liver injury and fibrosis induced by CCl4,which may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress on NK cells.
7.Guidance on traditional Chinese medicine intervention for symptoms related to palliative care
Jingshu CHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Qian SONG ; Lei LIN ; Danyang HAN ; Yuning LIU ; Ye LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(7):785-796
Palliative care not only embodies modern life perspectives, but also encompasses significant traditional Chinese cultural elements.The primary objective of palliative care is to alleviate patient suffering, preserve their dignity, and facilitate a peaceful passing.Traditional Chinese medicine, known for its simplicity, accessibility, affordability, and efficacy in disease prevention and treatment, adopts a holistic approach to address systemic pain through personalized treatment based on symptom differentiation.This approach aims to enhance the quality of life for terminally ill patients.To equip palliative care providers with essential clinical skills in traditional Chinese medicine, the National Center of Gerontology and Beijing Palliative Care Guidance Center collaborated with experts and scholars to develop guidelines focusing on common end-of-life symptoms.Through extensive deliberation, expert evaluation, and revisions, this guidance document was crafted as a valuable resource for palliative care practitioners, traditional Chinese medicine clinicians, and researchers in the field.
8.Exploration and practice of one-stop patient service hotline in a certain hospital
Yisi ZHOU ; Wenpeng WEI ; Lingyan ZENG ; Lei YANG ; Jingshu ZHANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Qi YAO
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(9):727-730
With the progress of society and the continuous improvement of people′s living standards in China, the public′s demand for medical services is becoming increasingly diversified. How to move hospital services forward and improve medical services centered on patients has become a key consideration for hospitals to enhance patients′ sense of medical satisfaction. A certain hospital has established a one-stop patient service hotline, integrating functions such as number inquiry, medical consultation, appointment registration, appointment examination, praise and suggestions, complaint follow-up, etc., injecting a complaint handling management mode, and responding to and solving patient feedback problems in a timely manner. Since the launch of the patient service hotline, it has effectively solved the problems that patients encountered during their visits, effectively reduced the hospital′s complaint rate, and initially formed a service closed-loop management. From March to October 2023, the demand ratio of the 12345 hotline in the hospital has continuously decreased, and was significantly lower than the average level of 22 municipal hospitals in Beijing. In the future, we should further improve the communication skills between doctors and patients, focus on managing appeals and services, and continue to strengthen proactive governance.
9.Study on the mechanism of modified Xianfang huoming decoction relieving sepsis-induced liver injury in rats
Zihui LI ; Jingshu LIU ; Dongxia LI ; Yi DONG ; Baowen ZHANG ; Ming GAO
China Pharmacy 2023;34(11):1343-1348
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of modified Xianfang huoming decoction in the treatment of sepsis- induced liver injury from the perspective of gut microbiota and metabolites. METHODS Sixty SD rats were divided into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), positive control drug group (Dexamethasone tablet, 5.0 mg/kg), modified Xianfang huoming decoction high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose groups (6.0, 3.0, 1.5 g/kg, calculated by crude drug) according to equilibrium-partitioning approach of body mass, with 10 rats in each group. They were given relevant drug/normal saline 10 mL/ kg, once a day, for consecutive 14 days. After the last medication, except for blank group, other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide 10 mg/kg to induce sepsis model. Twelve hours after modeling, serum levels of inflammatory indexes in rats [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and liver function indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT)] were detected. The changes of gut microbiota and liver metabolites in rats were analyzed by 16S rRNA technology and liver metabolomics. RESULTS Modified Xianfang huoming decoction could significantly improve the indexes of serum inflammatory indexes and liver function in rats with sepsis-induced liver injury (P<0.05 or P<0.01); there was a significant callback effect on the relative abundance of 11 genera of bacteria (such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus and Bilophila) among the 5 dominant phyla(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Twelve metabolites related to liver injury caused by sepsis were identified, such as glycine cholic acid, phosphatidylcholine, taurine (P<0.05 or P<0.01), mainly involving glycerol phospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism and primary bile acid metabolism. CONC LUSIONS Modified Xianfang huoming decoction can improve liver injury induced by sepsis by regulating gut microbiota and liver metabolites.
10.Structural diversification of bioactive bibenzyls through modular co-culture leading to the discovery of a novel neuroprotective agent.
Yuyu LIU ; Xinnan LI ; Songyang SUI ; Jingshu TANG ; Dawei CHEN ; Yuying KANG ; Kebo XIE ; Jimei LIU ; Jiaqi LAN ; Lei WU ; Ridao CHEN ; Ying PENG ; Jungui DAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(4):1771-1785
Bibenzyls, a kind of important plant polyphenols, have attracted growing attention for their broad and remarkable pharmacological activities. However, due to the low abundance in nature, uncontrollable and environmentally unfriendly chemical synthesis processes, these compounds are not readily accessible. Herein, one high-yield bibenzyl backbone-producing Escherichia coli strain was constructed by using a highly active and substrate-promiscuous bibenzyl synthase identified from Dendrobium officinale in combination with starter and extender biosynthetic enzymes. Three types of efficiently post-modifying modular strains were engineered by employing methyltransferases, prenyltransferase, and glycosyltransferase with high activity and substrate tolerance together with their corresponding donor biosynthetic modules. Structurally different bibenzyl derivatives were tandemly and/or divergently synthesized by co-culture engineering in various combination modes. Especially, a prenylated bibenzyl derivative ( 12) was found to be an antioxidant that exhibited potent neuroprotective activity in the cellular and rat models of ischemia stroke. RNA-seq, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western-blot analysis demonstrated that 12 could up-regulate the expression level of an apoptosis-inducing factor, mitochondria associated 3 (Aifm3), suggesting that Aifm3 might be a new target in ischemic stroke therapy. This study provides a flexible plug-and-play strategy for the easy-to-implement synthesis of structurally diverse bibenzyls through a modular co-culture engineering pipeline for drug discovery.


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