1.Mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription in Alleviating Renal Fibrosis in 5/6 Nephrectomy Rats Based on AMPK/mTOR Pathway
Wanqing WANG ; Yashi WANG ; Hui GAO ; Linlin ZHENG ; Dong BIAN ; Cun FENG ; Xiaona WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):90-97
ObjectiveBased on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, this study aimed to observe the effect of the Huazhuo Jiedu prescription on renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy rats and explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsA total of 67 SPF-grade male SD rats were used, of which 11 were randomly selected as the normal group. A chronic renal failure (CRF) model was established using 5/6 nephrectomy. The successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the model group, losartan potassium group (4.5 mg·kg-1), and low- (1.175 g·kg-1), medium- (2.35 g·kg-1) and high-dose (4.7 g·kg-1) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups, with 9 rats per group. Each group received an equivalent volume of saline or the corresponding concentration of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription by gavage once daily for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe renal tissue pathological changes. Transmission electron microscopy examined renal ultrastructure. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Western blot analyzed expression levels of microtubule-associated protein Ⅰ light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), Beclin1, p62, AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), mTOR, and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited glomerular shrinkage, mesangial and interstitial thickening, and tubular vacuolar degeneration, with no evident autophagosomes or autophagolysosome structures. Expression levels of α-SMA and TGF-β1 were significantly increased (P0.01), while p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ were significantly decreased (P0.01), and p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 were significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups and the losartan potassium group showed varying degrees of pathological improvement. Autophagosomes with double- or multiple-layer membranes and autophagolysosomes with monolayer membranes containing undegraded organelles were observed. Renal α-SMA and TGF-β1 protein expression levels were markedly reduced (P0.05, P0.01), p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 were significantly decreased (P0.05, P0.01), and p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ expression levels were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription may improve renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy rats by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing autophagy.
2.A cisplatin prodrug-based self-assembling ozone delivery nanosystem sensitizes radiotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer.
Tianyue XU ; Dan ZHENG ; Meixu CHEN ; Linlin SONG ; Zhihui LIU ; Yan CHENG ; Yujie ZHAO ; Liwen HUANG ; Yixuan LI ; Zhankun YANG ; Cong LI ; Biao DONG ; Jing JING ; Hubing SHI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2703-2722
Lacking therapeutic targets highlights the crucial roles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To relieve the side effects of the chemoradiotherapy combination regimen, we design and develop a self-assembled micelle nanosystem consisting of perfluorocarbon chain-modified cisplatin prodrug. By incorporating perfluorodecalin, this nanosystem can effectively carry ozone and promote irradiation-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By leveraging the perfluorocarbon sidechain, the nanosystem exhibits efficient internalization by TNBC cells and effectively escapes from lysosomal entrapment. Under X-ray irradiation, ozone-generated ROS disrupts the intracellular redox balance, thereby facilitating the release of cisplatin in a reduction-responsive manner mediated by reduced glutathione. Moreover, oxygen derived from ozone decomposition enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by alleviating tumor hypoxia. Notably, the combination of irradiation with ozone-loaded cisplatin prodrug nano system synergistically prompts antitumor efficacy and reduces cellular/systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the combo regimen remodels the tumor microenvironment into an immune-favored state by triggering immunogenic cell death and relieving hypoxia, which provides a promising foundation for a combination regimen of immunotherapy. In conclusion, our nanosystem presents a novel strategy for integrating chemotherapy and radiotherapy to optimize the efficacy and safety of TNBC clinical treatment.
3.Assembly and network of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma surface microbiome shaped by processing methods and sampling locations.
Guangfei WEI ; Xiao CHEN ; Guozhuang ZHANG ; Conglian LIANG ; Zhaoyu ZHANG ; Bo ZHANG ; Shilin CHEN ; Linlin DONG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):189-199
OBJECTIVE:
Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has five types of products, namely, raw rhubarb (RR), wine rhubarb (WR), vinegar rhubarb (VR), cooked rhubarb (CR), and rhubarb charcoal (RC). However, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is easily contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins if not harvested or processed properly. Here, we intend to analyze how microbiome assemblies and co-occurrence patterns are influenced by sampling locations and processing methods.
METHODS:
High-throughput sequencing and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were carried out to study the diversities (α- and β-diversity), composition (dominant taxa and potential biomarkers), and network complexitity of surface fungi on RR, WR, VR, CR, and RC collected from Gansu and Sichuan provinces, China.
RESULTS:
The phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; the genera Kazachstania, Malassezia, and Asterotremella; and the species Kazachstania exigua, Asterotremella pseudolonga, and Malassezia restricta were the dominant fungi and exhibited differences in the two provinces and the five processed products. The α-diversity and network complexity were strongly dependent on processing methods. Chao 1, the Shannon index, and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the CR group. The α-diversity and network complexity were influenced by sampling locations. Chao 1 and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the Gansu Province.
CONCLUSION
The assembly and network of the surface microbiome on Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were shaped by processing methods and sampling locations. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms, which can provide early warning for potential mycotoxins and ensure the safety of drugs and consumers.
4.Ecological factors impacting genetic characteristics and metabolite accumulations of Gastrodia elata.
Zhaoyu ZHANG ; Xiaodong LI ; Yuchi ZHANG ; Niegui YIN ; Guoying WU ; Guangfei WEI ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Shilin CHEN ; Linlin DONG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):562-574
OBJECTIVE:
The investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, Gastrodia elata, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations.
METHODS:
A total of 23 G. elata populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of G. elata, Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted.
RESULTS:
Genetic variation among G. elata populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34%-189.67% higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57%, 136.47% and 12.50%-91.14%, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on G. elata genetic characteristics (r > 0.256 and P < 0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in G. elata were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|r| > 0.528 and P < 0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|r| > 0.503 and P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The genetic characteristics of G. elata manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological factors on the shaping of G. elata, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.
5.Effect of Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Incompatible Pair with Haizao Yuhutang on Oxidative Stress in Liver of Goiter Rats
Xiao DONG ; Yi TIAN ; Xiaoqing LIU ; Can CAO ; Wenyong LIAO ; Xiangnan XU ; Meijing WU ; Haiyan LIU ; Shaohong CHEN ; Xue YU ; Angran FAN ; Linlin XIU ; Gansheng ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):37-45
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma incompatible pair with the Haizao Yuhutang (HYT) on oxidative stress in the liver of goiter rats under the condition of 2 times the dose limit of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020. MethodA total of 128 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a euthyrox group (20 μg·kg-1), a HYT group (12.06 g·kg-1), a HYT without Sargassum (HYT-H) group (9.90 g·kg-1), a HYT without Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (HYT-G) group (10.26 g·kg-1), a HYT without Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (HYT-HG) group (8.10 g·kg-1), and a Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (HG) group (3.96 g·kg-1). The blank group was given deionized water by gavage, and the others were given propylthiouracil (PTU) to replicate the goiter pathological model. Euthyrox was taken as a positive control drug, and the rest of the Chinese medicine groups were given the corresponding decoction by gavage, the material was collected 12 hours after the last dose. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liver tissue were detected in each group. The pathological changes in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to detect the mRNA expressions of Kelch-like Ech-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), p53 and Caspase-3 in liver tissues. Western blot was adopted to detect the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in liver tissues in oxidative stress-related signaling pathways. ResultCompared with control group, the model group showed significantly increased serum ALT level and contents of MDA and ROS in liver tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the liver (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA expression of Keap1 (P<0.01), and significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the HYT group manifested significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced contents of MDA and ROS in liver tissue (P<0.01), significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expressions of Keap1, p53, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionUnder the condition of 2 times the dose limit of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020, Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma incompatible pair with the HYT on oxidative stress in the liver of goiter rats had different effects. The HYT that contains Sargassum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has a protective effect on the liver of goiter rats, and the effect is better than that of the HG group, the euthyrox group, and the incomplete groups. Its mechanism may be related to activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to alleviate liver oxidative stress and inhibiting the p53/Caspase-3 signaling pathway to reduce hepatocyte apoptosis.
6.Association between parental education level and time spent outdoors among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(12):1704-1707
Objective:
To explore the association between parental education level and time spent outdoors among children, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating policies of myopia prevention and control among children.
Methods:
The study was based on secondary analysis of data from outdoor intervention studies in Shanghai. The follow up period was from March to December 2018. It included control group children ( n =1 117) with complete questionnaire surveys, ocular examinations, and time spent outdoors. Generalized linear regression models and trend tests were used to analyze the effect of parental education level on time spent outdoors among children.
Results:
The median time spent outdoors was 76.4(59.7, 94.6) minutes. After adjusting for covariates including children s sex and age, generalized linear regression model suggested that there was no statistical significance between father s education level and outdoor activity time ( P >0.05). Compared with children whose mothers had a junior high school education or below, children whose mothers had high school/vocational high school education, college or above had shorter time spent outdoors ( β=-6.64, -8.84 , P <0.05). Trend tests revealed that time spent outdoors among children decreased with the increase of parental education level ( P trend <0.01).
Conclusions
The higher the education level of fathers or mothers, the shorter time spent outdoors of children. In addition to highlight outdoor activities at school, myopia prevention and control efforts should be focused on the role of parents in increasing children s outdoor activities.
7.The application and reflection of emerging molecular detection technologies in Salmonella detection
Linlin XIAO ; Yulin LONG ; Xiaojie QIN ; Xiang WANG ; Qingli DONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(9):1450-1457
Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen and one of the main causes of diarrhea. Every year, about 550 million people suffer from diarrhea due to Salmonella infection, of which about 230 000 die. It has become a major global public safety issue. The application fields of Salmonella detection involve food safety, water quality monitoring, animal husbandry, public health monitoring, and medical diagnosis. The detection requirements mainly come from three aspects: pathogen identification, serotype identification, drug resistance and virulence identification. In recent years, the detection technology for Salmonella has made rapid progress, especially the emergence and development of emerging molecular detection technologies, providing new perspectives for Salmonella detection in different scenarios. However, due to the diversity of Salmonella serotypes and the complexity of detection scenarios, existing detection technologies still have some pain points (such as long detection time, cumbersome operation steps, low scene adaptability, etc.). This article will elaborate on the application of several emerging molecular detection technologies with distinct characteristics, such as CRISPR Cas technology, digital PCR technology, sequencing technology, and microfluidic technology, in Salmonella detection. It aims to provide a reference for the development and improvement of Salmonella detection technology and the establishment of infection warning and control systems.
8.Evaluation of efficacy of intranasal branches neurotomy of vidian nerve in persistent moderate-severe allergic rhinitis
Xuefeng LIU ; Mengsheng YANG ; Linlin CHAI ; Xudong WEI ; Jian HE ; Xiaorong DONG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(8):510-514
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of intranasal branches neurotomy of vidian nerve in the treatment of persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. METHODS Cases diagnosed as persistent moderate-severe allergic rhinitis in our department were collected. those treated with branches neurotomy of vidian nerve were selected as the treatment group,and those treated with conservative medicine were selected as the control group. The visual analogue scale(VAS),rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire(RQLQ),Nitric oxide in nose(nNO) and medication score evaluation of two groups of cases were evaluated respectively short-term(<1 year),medium-term(1 to 3 years) and long-term prognosis of outcome(3 to 5 years). RESULTS The short-term,mid-term and long-term postoperative VAS(2.26±0.75,2.30±0.63,2.49±0.57),RQLQ(0.55±0.11,0.55±0.11,1.00±0.12),nNO[(464.62±75.84)ppb,(378.63±110.21)ppb,(368.23±104.25)ppb]and medication scores (2.50±1.03,2.54±0.99,2.95±0.93) were significantly lower than those before operation[6.76±0.58,3.35±0.40,(696.64±132.69)ppb,5.17±1.50)]. The VAS,RQLQ,nNO and medication scores of the control group were lower than those of the control group at the corresponding time points(all P<0.05). One patient developed blindness in the right eye after interventional treatment due to epistaxis 21 days after operation,but no serious complications directly related to intranasal branches neurotomy of vidian nerve occurred. CONCLUSION The branches neurotomy of vidian nerve have a positive outcome in short,medium and long-term for persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis,the operation is safe and effective.
9.The application and reflection of emerging molecular detection technologies in Salmonella detection
Linlin XIAO ; Yulin LONG ; Xiaojie QIN ; Xiang WANG ; Qingli DONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(9):1450-1457
Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen and one of the main causes of diarrhea. Every year, about 550 million people suffer from diarrhea due to Salmonella infection, of which about 230 000 die. It has become a major global public safety issue. The application fields of Salmonella detection involve food safety, water quality monitoring, animal husbandry, public health monitoring, and medical diagnosis. The detection requirements mainly come from three aspects: pathogen identification, serotype identification, drug resistance and virulence identification. In recent years, the detection technology for Salmonella has made rapid progress, especially the emergence and development of emerging molecular detection technologies, providing new perspectives for Salmonella detection in different scenarios. However, due to the diversity of Salmonella serotypes and the complexity of detection scenarios, existing detection technologies still have some pain points (such as long detection time, cumbersome operation steps, low scene adaptability, etc.). This article will elaborate on the application of several emerging molecular detection technologies with distinct characteristics, such as CRISPR Cas technology, digital PCR technology, sequencing technology, and microfluidic technology, in Salmonella detection. It aims to provide a reference for the development and improvement of Salmonella detection technology and the establishment of infection warning and control systems.
10.Research progress on the role of immune cells in IgA nephropathy
Weiran ZHOU ; Xuemei LIU ; Linlin DONG ; Hongxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(6):477-480
IgA nephropathy is a common primary glomerular disease.Its pathogenesis is currently unclear.As an autoimmune disease, immune response is a key link in the onset of IgA nephropathy.Multiple immune cells are involved in the occurrence and development of IgA nephropathy.The impacts of different cell subpopulations of innate and adaptive immunity can lead to sustained immune damage directly or indirectly.This article elaborates on the role of immune cells in IgA nephropathy from two aspects, namely innate immunity and adaptive immunity, aiming to provide references for further research on IgA nephropathy.


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