1.Role and research progress of gut microbiota in uveitis
Yingcheng LIN ; Qiuming HU ; Min ZHOU ; Jinqing LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):64-69
Uveitis is a blinding inflammatory disease that affects multiple structures within the eye, posing significant risks to patients' vision and mental health. Current treatments mainly involve glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, which are associated with significant side effects, high relapse rates, and substantial costs. Recent research suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of uveitis through the gut-eye axis, with related metabolites also influencing disease progression. Modulating the gut microbiota or its metabolites could offer new therapeutic avenues for uveitis. This review explores the relationship between gut microbiota and various uveitis-associated diseases, such as systemic sarcoidosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, Behcet's disease, multiple sclerosis, and birdshot chorioretinopathy. It also discusses advancements in microbiota-related therapies, including probiotics and prebiotics, antibiotics, immunomodulators, phage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of new therapies targeting specific microbial communities and genetic markers associated with uveitis, thereby promoting the realization of precision medicine.
2.Yishen Huashi Granules Protect Kidneys of db/db Mice via p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Kaidong ZHOU ; Sitong WANG ; Ge JIN ; Yanmo CAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):58-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell injury and relieving diabetic kidney disease by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsThe db/db mice of 12 weeks old were randomly assigned into model , dapagliflozin (1.6 mg·kg-1), and Yishen Huashi granules (4.7 g·kg-1), and db/m mice were used as the control group. The general conditions of mice were observed, and fasting blood glucose and 24-h urinary protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 of administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea (UREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Mallory staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) in the renal tissue of mice. The immunohistochemical assay was employed to examine the expression of p38, phospho-p38 (p-p38), MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of p-p38, p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice.HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were grouped as follows: negative control, high glucose(30 mmol·L-1), Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum, and SB203580. After 48 h of cell culture in each group, RNA were extracted and the levels of MCP-1, and CCR2 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR,proteins were extracted and the levels of p38, p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 were determined by Western blot. ResultsThe in vivo experiments showed that before treatment, other groups had higher body weight, blood glucose level, 24 h urinary protein, and ACR than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed improved general conditions, a decreasing trend in body weight, lowered levels of blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, and ACR (P<0.01), reduced SCr and UREA (P<0.01), and declined levels of TC, TG, and LDL (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed alleviated damage and interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue as well as reductions in glomerular foot process fusion and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. The cell experiment showed that compared with the high glucose group, the Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum group showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce 24 h urinary protein and ACR, improve the renal function, alleviate the renal tubule injury caused by high glucose, and protect renal tubule epithelial cells in db/db mice by reducing MCP-1/CCR2 activation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
3.Effects and mechanism of persimmon leaf extract on IEC-6 cell ferroptosis induced by H2O2
Xuexia ZHANG ; Min ZHOU ; Hongyan ZHOU ; Lifei WANG ; Huani LI ; Changhe LIU ; Hongde XU ; Mingli ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):64-70
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of persimmon leaf (PL) extract against ferroptosis induced by H2O2 in IEC-6 cells. METHODS Using IEC-6 cells as object, the effects of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 on IEC-6 cell viability induced by H2O2 were investigated; IEC-6 cells were divided into control group, H2O2 group, H2O2+PL 25 μg/mL group and H2O2+PL 50 μg/mL group. The levels of oxidant stress indexes [content of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)], mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NADPH/quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), cystine/glutamate anti-porter (xCT), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) were detected. RESULTS Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 could significantly increase the survival rate of H2O2-induced cells (P< 0.01). Compared with the control group, MDA content, ROS level, mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and NQO-1 as well as protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased or up-regulated significantly, while SOD activity, MMP, mRNA expressions of xCT, GPX4 and FTH as well as protein expressions of GPX4 and FTH were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with the H2O2 group, oxidative stress Δ indexes of H2O2+PL 25, 50 μg/mL groups were reversed to different extents, MMP level was increased significantly, as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1,xCT, GPX4 and FTH were up-regulated to different extents;there were statistical significances in some indexes between groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PL extract can alleviate mitochondrial membrane damage and abnormal accumulation of ROS caused by H2O2, which may be related to the inhibition of ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
4.Efficacy comparison of small-incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond assisted laser in situ keratomileusis in the treatment of myopia with astigmatism
Min ZHOU ; Suying YU ; Wanjiang DONG ; Long CHEN ; Miao HE
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):292-296
AIM: To compare the efficacy of small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)in the treatment of patients with myopia and astigmatism.METHODS: Retrospective analysis. A total of 100 cases(200 eyes)of patients with myopia and astigmatism treated in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were collected. Among them, 50 cases(100 eyes)were divided into SMILE group and 50 cases(100 eyes)were divided into FS-LASIK group according to the treatment plans. The visual acuity and astigmatism, corneal morphology parameters, subjective visual quality scores, ocular surface indicators, postoperative complications, and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and after surgery.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), astigmatism, corneal asphericity Q value, corneal surface regularity index(SRI), corneal thickness, and corneal curvature between the two groups before surgery and at 1 d, 1, and 6 mo after surgery(all P>0.05). At 1 and 6 mo after surgery, the subjective visual quality score, the quality of life score, Schirmer I test(SⅠt)and tear film break-up time(BUT)in the SMILE group were better than that in the FS-LASIK group(all P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the SMILE group was lower than that in the FS-LASIK group at 6 mo after surgery(P=0.005).CONCLUSION: Both SMILE and FS-LASIK have good clinical effects in the treatment of myopia with astigmatism, but the SMILE could alleviate ocular surface injury, reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of lifes for patients.
5.Effect of Berberine-Baicalin Combination on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Due to Internal Accumulation of Dampness-heat in Mice from Perspectives of Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics
Mengjie CHEN ; Yimin LIU ; Yun ZHOU ; Keming YU ; Min XIA ; Hongning LIU ; Yanhua JI ; Zhijun ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):52-64
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which the combination of berberine (BBR) and baicalin (BAI) ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat from the perspectives of gut microbiota and metabolomics. MethodsAntibiotics were used to induce pseudo-sterile mice. Thirty pseudo-sterile mice were randomized into a normal fecal microbiota transplantation group (n=10) and a T2DM (syndrome of internal accumulation of dampness-heat) fecal microbiota transplantation group (n=20). The mice were then administrated with suspensions of fecal microbiota from healthy volunteers and a patient with T2DM due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat by gavage, respectively. Each mouse received 200 µL suspension every other day for a total of 15 times to reshape the gut microbiota. The T2DM model mice were then assigned into a model group (n=8) and a BBR-BAI group (n=11). BBR was administrated at a dose of 200 mg·kg-1, and BAI was administrated in a ratio of BBR-BAI 10∶1 based on preliminary research findings. The administration lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin (INS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured to evaluate the effects of the BBR-BAI combination on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver function in T2DM mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the colon tissue. The expression of claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and occludin in the colon tissue was determined by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to assess the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the colon tissue. The fecal microbiota composition and differential metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), respectively. ResultsThe BBR-BAI combination lowered the FBG, HbA1c, and INS levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated insulin resistance (P<0.01) in T2DM mice. Additionally, BBR-BAI elevated the levels of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BBR-BAI increased the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Phascolarctobacterium, and Akkermansia (P<0.05), while significantly decreasing the relative abundance of Alistipes, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter (P<0.05). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 28 differential metabolites, which were primarily involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism. ConclusionBBR-BAI can ameliorate T2DM due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat by modulating the relative abundance of various bacterial genera in the gut microbiota and the expression of fecal metabolites.
6.Modified Dingjingtang Regulates TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Inflammatory Skin Lesions in Rat Model of Acne
Ying LIU ; Min XIAO ; Misi ZHOU ; Baiyi QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of modified Dingjingtang in regulating the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory skin lesions in the rat model of acne. MethodsForty-eight rats were randomized into the normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.1, 16.2, and 32.4 g·kg-1) modified Dingjingtang, and doxycycline hydrochloride (0.27 g·kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in other groups except the normal group were modeled by intradermal injection and intraperitoneal injection of Propionibacterium acnes. After successful modeling, rats in the intervention groups were treated with corresponding agents by gavage, and those in the normal and model groups with an equal volume of normal saline, once a day for 14 consecutive days. Then, the samples were collected. The general conditions, ear thickness, and body weight changes of rats were observed. Biochemical methods were used to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the ear tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's staining were used to observe the pathological changes and collagen deposition, respectively, in the ear tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the interleukin (IL)-1β level in the ear tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to measure the levels of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 in the serum. The total antioxidant capacity method was adopted to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the ear tissue. Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of TLR2, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF-κB, NLRP3, and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1) in the ear tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had increased ear skin thickness (P<0.01), elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), reduced SOD content (P<0.05), and increased collagen deposition (P<0.01) in the ear tissue. In addition, the model group showed raised IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the serum (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TLR2, MyD88, NF-κB, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high- and medium-dose modified Dingjingtang groups showed significant improving effects regarding the above indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Dingjingtang can ameliorate the inflammatory skin lesions in the rat model of acne by regulating the TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.DUSP26 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by suppressing the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway
LUO Fengheng ; WU Min ; ZHOU Shan ; XIAO Yanan ; ZHAN Zhiqiang
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(7):738-745
[摘 要] 目的:探究双特异性磷酸酶26(DUSP26)在肺腺癌(LUAD)A549细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭中的作用及其分子机制。方法:检索肿瘤数据库GEPIA2网站DUSP26表达数据,分析DUSP26在LUAD患者和正常人肺组织中的表达差异。收集2022年10月至2023年10月期间萍乡市人民医院手术切除的12例LUAD组织和癌旁组织标本,通过免疫组织化学(IHC)和WB法检测DUSP26在LUAD组织和癌旁组织之间的表达差异;通过WB法检测DUSP26在4种LUAD细胞(A549、SK-LU-1、Calu-3、H1299)和2种正常支气管上皮细胞(BEAS-2B、HBEC)中的表达差异。利用慢病毒转染细胞的方法构建稳定过表达DUSP26(DUSP26-OE)及阴性对照(DUSP26-OENC)的A549细胞,通过克隆形成、划痕愈合实验、Transwell实验分别检测DUSP26过表达对细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力的影响,WB法检测各组细胞中TGF-β1/SMAD2/3通路、EMT相关蛋白的表达水平,细胞免疫荧光法检测细胞中Ki-67、cyclin D1表达水平。加入TGF-β1重组蛋白进行回复实验。构建A549细胞裸鼠荷瘤模型,观察DUSP26过表达对移植瘤体内生长的影响,WB法检测移植瘤组织中TGF-β1/SMAD2/3通路、EMT相关蛋白表达水平,免疫荧光染色法检测移植瘤组织中Ki-67、cyclin D1表达水平。结果:DUSP26在LUAD组织和细胞中均呈低表达(P < 0.05或P < 0.01或P < 0.001或P < 0.000 1)。与DUSP26-OENC组相比,DUSP26-OE组A549细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力均显著降低(P < 0.01或P < 0.001),TGF-β1、p-SMAD2/3、vimentin、N-cadherin、snail、Ki-67、cyclin D1表达均降低(P < 0.01或P < 0.001或P < 0.000 1),E-cadherin表达升高(P < 0.000 1)。加入5 ng/mL TGF-β1重组蛋白后,可部分逆转在体外实验中由DUSP26过表达导致的结果。成功构建裸鼠A549细胞荷瘤模型,DUSP26-OE组裸鼠移植瘤生长速度缓慢,体积和质量均减小(均P < 0.001),移植瘤组织中TGF-β1、p-SMAD2/3、vimentin、N-cadherin、snail、Ki-67、cyclin D1表达均降低(P < 0.01或P < 0.001),E-cadherin表达升高(P < 0.000 1)。结论:DUSP26在LUAD组织和细胞中均呈低表达状态,上调DUSP26的表达水平能够通过抑制TGF-β1/SMAD2/3信号通路抑制A549细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭。
8.Comparing the effectiveness of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays and full crowns in the restoration of cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
ZHANG Hao ; TIAN Yuan ; LI Zhuangzhuang ; ZHANG Min ; ZHOU Haolin ; LIU Jianguo
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(8):639-649
Objective:
This study compares the effects of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays and full crowns in restoring cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, providing a reference for the restoration method of cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.
Methods:
This study was approved by the hospital’s medical ethics committee, and all patients signed the informed consent form. Patients with cracked teeth who underwent root canal treatment in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 patients were screened and enrolled, with a total of 60 affected teeth. The patients were divided into the onlay group and full crown group at a ratio of 2:3 using the random number table method. Lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays were used to restore the affected teeth in the onlay group (24 cases), and lithium disilicate glass ceramic full crowns were used to restore the affected teeth in the full crown group (36 cases). At 3, 6, and 12 months after the repair, the restoration effect was evaluated and compared with the modified USPH Standard (the aesthetic, functional, and biological aspects of restorations). According to the biological definition of survival, survival analysis was conducted on the affected teeth in both groups.
Results:
At 3, 6, and 12 months after the repair, 85% of cases in the onlay group achieved grade A, while 80% of cases in the full crown group achieved grade A. There was no statistically significant difference in the restoration effects between the onlay group and the full crown group (P > 0.05). The 12-month survival rate of cracked teeth in the onlay group reached 95.65%, and the 12-month survival rate of cracked teeth in the full crown group reached 94.12%. There was no statistically significant difference in the retention of the affected teeth (P > 0.05). There was no significant effect of age, gender, tooth position, dentition, direction of cracks, the number of marginal ridges associated with cracks, or the type of restoration on the survival status of cracked teeth. (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
For cracked teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, the short-term effect of lithium disilicate glass ceramic onlays is comparable to that of full crowns, and both have good short-term effects. Onlays are less invasive and are expected to become an alternative restoration method to full crowns.
9.Interpretation of the CONSORT 2025 statement: Updated guideline for reporting randomized trials
Geliang YANG ; Xiaoqin ZHOU ; Fang LEI ; Min DONG ; Tianxing FENG ; Li ZHENG ; Lunxu LIU ; Yunpeng ZHU ; Xuemei LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(06):752-759
The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement aims to enhance the quality of reporting for randomized controlled trial (RCT) by providing a minimum item checklist. It was first published in 1996, and updated in 2001 and 2010, respectively. The latest version was released in April 2025, continuously reflecting new evidence, methodological advancements, and user feedback. CONSORT 2025 includes 30 essential checklist items and a template for a participant flow diagram. The main changes to the checklist include the addition of 7 items, revision of 3 items, and deletion of 1 item, as well as the integration of multiple key extensions. This article provides a comprehensive interpretation of the statement, aiming to help clinical trial staff, journal editors, and reviewers fully understand the essence of CONSORT 2025, correctly apply it in writing RCT reports and evaluating RCT quality, and provide guidance for conducting high-level RCT research in China.
10.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.


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