1.Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma Polysaccharides Ameliorate Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota
Jingchen XIE ; Qianqian LIU ; Suhui XIONG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuexin LIU ; Ping WU ; Duanfang LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):84-92
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides on hyperlipidemia in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. MethodsNinety male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the following groups (n=15): control, model, simvastatin, low- (100 mg·kg-1), medium- (200 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (400 mg·kg-1) Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides groups. Other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat diet for the modeling of hyperlipidemia, and drug interventions lasted for 12 weeks. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes in the liver and epididymal fat were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and lipid accumulation in the liver was assessed by oil red O staining. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited an increase in body weight (P<0.01), along with marked elevations in serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05,P<0.01). Furthermore, the model group showcased increase in the liver index and epididymal fat coefficient (P<0.05), increased liver fat accumulation, enlargement of adipocytes in the epididymal fat, decreases in both alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota, and an increase in the relative abundance of Allobaculum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides suppressed the increase in body weight (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05,P<0.01), reduced the liver index and epididymal fat coefficient (P<0.05), alleviated liver fat accumulation, and decreased the size of adipocytes in the epididymal fat. Furthermore, it enhanced the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota in mice, reduced the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Clostridium (P<0.01), and increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Blautia (P<0.01). ConclusionPolygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides can ameliorate hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet in mice by regulating the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota.
2.Dimethyl fumarate alleviates DEHP-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in maternal rats during pregnancy through NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Yue Jiang ; Yun Yu ; Lun Zhang ; Qianqian Huang ; Wenkang Tao ; Mengzhen Hou ; Fang Xie ; Xutao Ling ; Jianqing Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):117-123
Objective :
To investigate the protective effect of dimethyl fumarate(DMF) on maternal intrahepatic cholestasis(ICP) during pregnancy induced by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) exposure and its mechanism.
Methods :
Thirty-two 8-week-old female institute of cancer research(ICR) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Ctrl group, DEHP group, DMF group and DEHP+DMF group. DEHP and DEHP+DMF groups were treated with DEHP(200 mg/kg) by gavage every morning at 9:00 a.m. DMF and DEHP+DMF groups were treated with DMF(150 mg/kg) from day 13 to day 16 of gestation by gavage. After completion of gavage on day 16 of pregnancy, maternal blood, maternal liver, placenta, and amniotic fluid were collected from pregnant mice after a six-hour abrosia. The body weight of the mother rats and the body weight of the fetus rats were sorted and analyzed; the levels of total bile acid(TBA), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase(AST/ALT) in serum and TBA in liver, amniotic fluid and placenta were detected by biochemical analyzer; HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue; Quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6, IL-1, IL-18 and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) in the liver; Western blot was used to detect the expression of the nuclear factor KappaB(NF-κB) and NLRP3.
Results :
Compared with the control group, the body weight of the DEHP-treated dams and pups decreased(P<0.05); the levels of TBA, ALP, AST/ALT in the serum of dams and the levels of TBA in the liver, amniotic fluid, and placenta of dams increased(P<0.05); the histopathological results showed that liver tissue was damaged, bile ducts were deformed, and there was inflammatory cell infiltration around them; the levels of inflammation-related factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, IL-18 and NLRP3 transcription in maternal liver increased(P<0.05); the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 protein in maternal liver significantly increased( P<0. 05). Compared with the DEHP group,the body weight of both dams and fetuses significantly increased in DEHP + DMF group( P<0. 05); the levels of TBA,ALP,AST/ALT in the serum of dams and amniotic fluid of fetuses decreased( P<0. 05); the degree of liver lesions was improved; the transcription levels of inflammation-related factors TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1,IL-18 and NLRP3 in maternal liver decreased( P<0. 05); the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 protein in maternal liver significantly decreased( P<0. 05).
Conclusion
DMF can effectively protect the DEHP exposure to lead to female ICP,and its mechanism may be through inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and reducing liver inflammation.
3.Association between screen time and anxiety-depression symptoms and their comorbidity among middle school students in Taiyuan City
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):980-984
Objective:
To investigate the association between screen time (ST) during leisure time and anxiety-depression symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for formulating relevant intervention measures.
Methods:
From November to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 542 students from junior and senior high school in Taiyuan City. A self designed questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate ST and anxiety/depression symptoms among middle school students. The Logistic regression model was used to explore the association of ST with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as with anxiety and depression comorbiditles (CAD).
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD were 13.69%, 15.77%, and 10.11%, respectively. The median ST was 2.00 h/d [interquartile range ( IQR =2.38) for weekly averages], with 0.33 h/d ( IQR =1.67) on work days and 5.00 h/d ( IQR=5.50) on rest days. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the total ST of mobile phones during rest days ( OR =1.07, 1.10, 1.11) and the averages ST of mobile phones over a week ( OR = 1.20 , 1.22, 1.29), as well as the total ST of all screen types during rest days ( OR =1.04, 1.04, 1.05) and the averages ST of all screen types over a week ( OR =1.08, 1.09, 1.21) were positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Among middle school students in Taiyuan City, screen time is positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, especially smartphone screen time and weekend screen use. Therefore, measures should be implemented to reduce unnecessary screen time among middle school students, especially the use of mobile phones, in order to mitigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression.
4.Mitochondrial Quality Control Affects Diabetic Cardiomyopathy:Based on Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation
Aolin LI ; Lu LIAN ; Xinnong CHEN ; Yingyu XIE ; Zhipeng YAN ; Wenhui CAI ; QianQian ZHANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Junping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):197-205
With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in recent years, cardiomyopathy caused by diabetes mellitus has aroused wide concern and this disease is characterized by high insidiousness and high mortality. The early pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) are mitochondrial structural disorders and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility. The turbulence of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is a key mechanism leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility, which, together with elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, trigger changes in myocardial structure and function. Qi deficiency and stagnation is caused by the loss of healthy Qi, and the dysfunction of Qi transformation results in the accumulation of pathogenic Qi, which further triggers injuries. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), DCM is rooted in Qi deficiency of the heart, spleen, and kidney. The dysfunction of Qi transformation leads to the generation and lingering of turbidity, stasis, and toxin in the nutrient-blood and vessels, ultimately damaging the heart. Therefore, Qi deficiency and stagnation is the basic pathologic mechanism of DCM. Mitochondria, similar to Qi in substance and function, are one of the microscopic manifestations of Qi. The role of MQC is consistent with the defense function of Qi. In the case of MQC turbulence, mitochondrial structure and function are impaired. As a result, Qi deficiency gradually emerges and triggers pathological changes, which make it difficult to remove the stagnant pathogenic factor and aggravates the MQC turbulence. Ultimately, DCM occurs. Targeting MQC to treat DCM has become the focus of current research, and TCM has the advantages of acting on multiple targets and pathways. According to the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and stagnation in DCM and the modern medical understanding of MQC, the treatment should follow the principles of invigorating healthy Qi, tonifying deficiency, and regulating Qi movement. This paper aims to provide ideas for formulating prescriptions and clinical references for the TCM treatment of DCM by targeting MQC.
5.Quality Evaluation and Analysis of Different Forms of Reference Substances in Classic Prescription Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction
Simei XIE ; Shengjun CHEN ; Qianqian ZHU ; Xiehe WANG ; Mei LI ; Yuqing HE ; Hongmei WEN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(7):710-721
OBJECTIVE To ascertain the substance benchmarks of the classic prescription Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction(HGWD),examine the quantitative value transfer throughout the entire process of HGWD,from herb pieces to decoction,concentrated solution and finally freeze-dried powder,and provide a valuable reference for the preparation method and scientific evaluation of bench-mark samples of classic prescriptions containing volatile substances.METHODS According to the Key information table of Ancient Classic Prescriptions(25 prescriptions)released by China,15 batches of HGWD were prepared.The multi-index content determination and characteristic chromatogram analysis methods were established,and the characteristic peak attribution and similarity evaluation were carried out.The multi-index contents of HGWD and its freeze-dried powder were investigated and compared,and the quantitative value transfer in the preparation process of decoction-concentrated solution-freeze-dried powder was analyzed.The physical form of the benchmark samples were scientifically and reasonably determined,and the content and transfer rate range of each component in the HGWD benchmark samples were determined,and the HGWD substance benchmarks were established.RESULTS The contents of cinnamaldehyde and cinnamyl alcohol in HGWD decreased significantly during the concentration and drying process,and the other in-dex components could be transferred more completely between the decoction,concentrated solution and freeze-dried powder.The simi-larity of the characteristic chromatograms of 15 batches of HGWD benchmark samples were all over 0.9,and 8 characteristic peaks were identified,which were from Paeoniae γadix Alba,Cinnamomi γamulus and Ginger.The paste-forming rate ranged from 8.0%to 11.0%.The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ was 0.04%-0.07%and the transfer rate was 9.0%-18.0%.The content of paeoniflorin was 1.5%-3.0%and the transfer rate was 33.0%-62.0%.The content of cinnamyl alcohol was 0.02%-0.04%,and the transfer rate was 25.0%-47.0%.The content of cinnamic aldehyde was 0.02%-0.05%and the transfer rate was 0.7%-1.5%.The content of cinnamic acid was 0.03%-0.06%and the transfer rate was 17.5%-34.0%.The content of 6-gingerol was 0.04%-0.08%and the transfer rate was 7.0%-14.0%.CONCLUSION The physical form of the decoction as the HGWD benchmark sample is deter-mined,which provides reference for the scientific selection of the physical form of the benchmark sample of classic prescriptions contai-ning volatile substances.The quality indexes of HGWD substance benchmarks are established,and the quantitative value transfer is an-alyzed,which provides the basis for the development of the classic prescription compound preparation.
6.Analysis of peripheral immune cell typing in breast cancer lung metastasis model of miR-155 knockout mice
Xiaodong SUN ; Lixia XIE ; Kaili DU ; Qianqian XU ; Ming SANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(3):484-490
Objective:To establish a mouse model of breast cancer lung metastasis with miR-155 knockout(miR155-/-)mice,and to compare the difference of peripheral blood immune cell typing between miR155-/-mice and C57BL/6J wide-type(WT)mice.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the expression level of miR-155 in breast cancer tissues and peripheral serum,and its relationship with prognosis.Mouse model of lung metastasis of breast cancer was established by tail vein injection;peripheral blood was collected for flow cytometry,and the immune cell typing was analyzed;the lung tissues were collected for immunohisto-chemical detection to observe the tumor metastasis.Results:Percentage of T lymphocytes and monocytes in peripheral blood of miR155-/-mice was significantly decreased compared with WT mice(P<0.05),percentage of myeloid inhibitory cells(MDSCs)was increased significantly(P<0.05),in which the proportion of monocyte subsets(M-MDSC)was significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the proportion of granulocyte subsets(G-MDSC)was significantly increased(P<0.05).In lung metastasis model of breast can-cer,percentage of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of miR155-/-mice was significantly higher compared with WT mice,while per-centage of NK cells was decreased significantly(P<0.05),percentage of neutrophil was significantly decreased(P<0.001),propor-tion of Th cells in T lymphocytes was significantly decreased(P<0.05),proportion of M-MDSCs was significantly decreased(P<0.01),while proportion of G-MDSCs was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion:Deletion of miR-155 gene leads to significant differences in peripheral immune cell typing,making mice more susceptible to lung metastasis of breast cancer.
7.Design and innovation of a utility model patent for tracheal cannula fixation belt
Hao LIU ; Changle FENG ; Mengli YANG ; Haiyan XIE ; Qianqian LIANG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(1):90-92
Tracheostomy is a very common airway procedure in the treatment of critically ill neurological patients. At present, the traditional tracheal cannula fixation belt is easy to be contaminated, difficult to disinfect, and needs to be replaced regularly. It is prone to infection, skin injury, unplanned extubation and other adverse events, which cannot meet the clinical treatment effect and patient safety management. In order to overcome the above problems, the medical staff of the neurology intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital designed a new type of tracheal cannula fixation belt to increase patient comfort and reduce complications, and obtained a National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2022 2 0855188.8). The main structure of the device includes a following shaped bending plate, a fastening belt, a locking pin, and a distance adjustment hole. The left and right sides of the shaped bending plate are equipped with fastening belts with breathable and anti-wear pads. The inner side of the left fastening belt is equipped with two sets of locking pins, and the outer surface of the right fastening belt and breathable and anti-wear pad is equipped with multiple sets of distance adjustment holes. Additionally, the back of the shaped bending plate is equipped with breathable buffer pads. The fastening belt can drive the following bending plate to stick tightly to the patient's neck. The operator installs the locking pin card into the distance adjustment hole according to the "one back" principle, and the fastening belts on both sides fix the device with the cooperation of the locking pin, greatly reducing the probability of excessive displacement of the tracheal tube during use, effectively improving the fixation effect of the device, strengthening the adaptability of the device to different personnel, and thus enhancing the practicality of the device. The new type of tracheal cannula fixation band is convenient, safe and efficient, which can increase patient comfort, reduce complications. It has certain clinical value and is suitable for clinical promotion.
8.Study on the association between different obesity metabolic phenotypes and carotid plaque
Shuang LIU ; Xinlei MIAO ; Qianqian WANG ; Guimin TANG ; Xiaoling XIE ; Manling HU ; Ziping SONG ; Song LENG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(12):1390-1396
Objective:To investigate the relationship between different obesity metabolic phenotypes and the incidence of new carotid artery plaque.Methods:The present study is a retrospective cohort study, collecting individuals from the Health Management Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University who had two or more cervical vascular color ultrasound examinations and met the inclusion criteria from 2014 to 2022, and collected their baseline clinical data. According to whether the subjects were obese and had metabolic syndrome, they were divided into metabolically healthy non-obese group, metabolically unhealthy non-obese group, metabolically healthy obese group, and metabolically unhealthy obese group. The first physical examination time of the subjects was taken as the starting point of follow-up, and cervical vascular color ultrasound was performed during the follow-up physical examination, with the outcome event being carotid artery plaque. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the cumulative incidence of carotid artery plaques in the four groups and log-rank test was performed, and a multifactorial Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the relationship between different obesity metabolic phenotypes and the risk of carotid artery plaque incidence.Results:A total of 4 890 subjects were enrolled, aged (45.4±9.6) years, and 2 754 (56.3%) males. The follow-up time was 1.14(0.93, 2.20) years. Compared with the other 3 obesity metabolic phenotypes, the incidence of carotid plaques in the metabolically unhealthy obesity group was the highest (15.4% (286/1 861)). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the cumulative incidence of carotid plaques in metabolically unhealthy obese subjects was about 2.962 times that of metabolically healthy non-obese subjects (log-rank P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression results showed that the risk of carotid plaque in metabolically unhealthy obese subjects was 1.650 times that of metabolically healthy non-obese subjects (95% CI: 1.203-2.264, P=0.002). Conclusion:Metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque.
9.Ocular biometric parameters among primary and secondary school students of Naxi,Bai and Han ethnicity in Yunnan Province
Qiang ZHANG ; Litao CHANG ; Peiqian LI ; Jie XIAO ; Dafeng HUANG ; Xueni XIE ; Jin-Jiao ZHANG ; Zixue MA ; Qianqian LI ; Xiao LUO ; Maosen CHEN ; Ying HUANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(5):365-369
Objective To assess ocular biometric parameters among primary and secondary school students from Naxi,Bai and Han ethnic groups in Yunnan Province.Methods The school-based study was conducted in October 2020.A total of 724 second-,third-and seventh-graders were selected from Dali and Lijiang,where Bai and Naxi ethnic groups inhabit,using a stratified cluster sampling method to receive questionnaire surveys and eye examinations.Non-cycloplegic spherical equivalent(SE),axial length(AL),anterior chamber depth(ACD),corneal radius of curvature(CR),central corneal thickness(CCT),white-to-white(WTW)distance,and the AL/CR ratio were measured.Covariance analysis was used to examine the differences in SE and ocular biometric parameters in terms of ethnicity,sex and grade,while Pearson correlation was used to test the associations among the said indicators.Results There were no significant differences in daily outdoor time,screen time and sleep time among the three ethnic groups regardless of grades(all P>0.05).The mean CCT of Naxi students was lower than that of Han and Bai students[grade 2 and grade 3:(542.48±39.76)μm vs.(553.81±31.83)μm and(559.27±32.79)μm;grade7:(538.86±34.91)μm vs.(547.41±33.55)μm and(548.26± 32.98)μm,all P<0.05],while no significant differences were found in the other ocular biometric parameters among the three ethnic groups(all P>0.05).Among the seventh-graders,the SE,AL and AL/CR ratio of Naxi students were signifi-cantly different from those of Han and Bai students(all P<0.05).The AL,CR,ACD,CCT,WTW distance,and mean SE were lower in girls than in boys(all P<0.05).Compared with grade 2 and grade 3,students of grade 7 had longer AL,deeper ACD and thinner CCT(all P<0.05),while no significant differences were found in CR and WTW distance(all P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the AL/CR ratio was highly correlated with SE(r=-0.78,P<0.05).Conclu-sion Multiethnic primary and secondary school students may face similar environmental risks.Yet,disparities in ocular biometric parameters caused by ethnicity,sex and age should be noted.
10.Pharmacological Care in Patient with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Treated with Rituximab
Caipeng XIE ; Min TAN ; Qianqian XU ; Shaozhen HUANG ; Jiudong MA ; Kun TANG
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(8):1326-1331
Objective This article reported the treatment process and pharmaceutical monitoring points of a 73 year old patient with latent tuberculosis and positive hepatitis B core antibody,whose focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS)was trea-ted with cyclosporine and rituximab instead of glucocorticoids because of gastrointestinal ulcer.Methods Clinical pharmacist participated in the treatment process of immunosuppressive therapy,infection prevention,and complications management of ne-phrotic syndrome,and then conducted pharmaceutical monitoring.Results The patient's nephrotic syndrome was relieved,and the urine protein decreased from around 8 g to below 1 g,indicating good disease control.Conclusion The combination of rituximab and cyclosporine could achieve in partial or nearly complete relief of nephrotic syndrome.For patients with latent tuber-culosis and hepatitis B core antibody positive,attention should be paid to the prevention of infection when using immunosuppres-sants such as monoclonal antibody.As patients with nephrotic syndrome were treated with multiple medications,drug interactions and concentrations monitoring should be focused on when using cyclosporine,as well as regular follow-up of patients and guarding against adverse reactions including renal dysfunction and infection.The participation of clinical pharmacists in the clinical therapy was of great significance,which ensured the effectiveness of disease treatment and medication safety.


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