1.Jujuboside A Improves Cognitive Function in Rat Model of VCI via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Zixuan HUANG ; Shuo YANG ; Jiaqi ZHOU ; Gengchao ZHANG ; Qiuyun YOU ; Aihua TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):107-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jujuboside A (JuA) on the learning and memory abilities and histopathological changes in the rat model of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and explore the potential mechanisms by which JuA treats VCI. MethodsA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group (n=10), a blank control group (n=10), and a modeling group (n=30). The rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation (2-VO) for the modeling of VCI. After stabilization, the VCI rats were randomized into model, JuA (20 mg·kg-¹), and donepezil (0.45 mg·kg-¹) groups. After 4 weeks of gavage, the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats. Nissl staining was employed to evaluate the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, p-CREB, Bcl-2, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited declines in the learning and memory abilities (P<0.01), neuronal damage and decreased neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), up-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β (P<0.01), and down-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, CREB, and Bcl-2, as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, p-CREB, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, both the JuA and donepezil groups demonstrated improvements in the learning and memory abilities (P<0.05, P<0.01), with reduced neuronal damage and increased neurons (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the two groups showed down-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β (P<0.01) and up-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, CREB, and Bcl-2 and the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, p-CREB, and Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the blank control and sham operation groups in terms of the learning and memory abilities, neuron count, and mRNA and protein levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related factors. ConclusionJuA can ameliorate the cognitive impairment in the rat model of VCI by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, and alleviating the hippocampal neuronal damage.
2.Calcitriol reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression via VDR/Ca2+/pyroptosis signaling pathway
Shenglan SHANG ; Shuo ZOU ; Yuqi WEI ; Mengchen YU ; Fan ZHOU ; Yan ZHAO ; Airong YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2232-2237
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of calcitriol on sepsis-induced immunosuppression and its potential mechanism. METHODS A sepsis-induced immunosuppression mice model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The 7-day survival rate, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were determined in sham operation group, CLP group and calcitriol group (1 μg/kg); the morphological changes of lung tissue in mice were observed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance macrophage models (representing sepsis-induced immunosuppression) were established using mice macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants as well as mRNA expressions of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), IL-18 and caspase-1 were assessed in culture medium group, LPS group, LPS tolerance group, and calcitriol (5 μmol/L) group. The following parameters were measured: propidium iodide (PI)-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and Ca2+ levels. RESULTS Compared with CLP group, 7-day survival rate and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). Additionally, pulmonary tissue damage was markedly attenuated in calcitriol group. Compared with LPS tolerance group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants, mRNA expressions of IL- 1β, NLRP3, IL-18 and caspase-1, PI-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, LDH release, and Ca2+ levels were all increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Calcitriol can reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression, and the mechanism of action may be E-mail:yarfwy@163.com achieved by the binding of calcitriol to vitamin D receptor,which promotes the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby driving the NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis pathway.
3.Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii Multiglycoside in Mouse Models of Psoriasis Keratinocytes.
Shuo ZHANG ; Hong-Jin LI ; Chun-Mei YANG ; Liu LIU ; Xiao-Ying SUN ; Jiao WANG ; Si-Ting CHEN ; Yi LU ; Man-Qi HU ; Ge YAN ; Ya-Qiong ZHOU ; Xiao MIAO ; Xin LI ; Bin LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):222-229
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective.
METHODS:
Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ+TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS:
TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45+ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male
;
Animals
;
Mice
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Tripterygium
;
Psoriasis/drug therapy*
;
Keratinocytes
;
Skin Diseases/metabolism*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
;
Imiquimod/metabolism*
;
Dermatitis/pathology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Skin/metabolism*
4.Development and influential factor analysis of pharmacy outpatient departments in 714 Chinese tertiary healthcare institutions
Long MEI ; Sa LI ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Shuo ZHOU ; Zengwei ZHAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Qunhong SHEN ; Jiancun ZHEN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):385-389
OBJECTIVE To investigate the basic situation of developing pharmacy outpatient departments in Chinese tertiary medical institutions and analyze the influencing factors. METHODS The research targeted the pharmacy outpatient department managers of hospitals and conducted a survey through Sojump in March 2023. Various independent variables were selected from the hospital’s own characteristics, the management of the pharmacy outpatient departments, and the construction of the pharmacist team for Logistic and linear regression analysis, with the aim of separately analyzing the factors influencing the establishment of pharmacy outpatient departments and the factors affecting the total number of patients served by these departments throughout the year 2022. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 1 304 medical institutions of different levels nationwide participated in this survey, with 714 tertiary hospitals. Among the tertiary hospitals, 377 (52.80%) had established pharmacy outpatient departments, including 321 grade-A tertiary hospitals, 48 grade-B tertiary hospitals and 8 other tertiary hospitals. The 377 tertiary hospitals collectively operated 1 739 pharmacy outpatient departments, covering 19 specialized fields, with the highest proportion found in the cardiovascular field (including anticoagulation) at 16.45%. Tertiary hospitals in North China, Central China, East China and South China regions had more pharmacy outpatient departments. The establishment of pharmacy outpatient departments was found to be influenced by tertiary grade-B status (P=0.010) and the annual outpatient volume of the hospital (P=0.008), although the impact was relatively small. The factors influencing the number of patients served by pharmacy outpatient departments were the annual outpatient volume of the hospital (P=0.042) and the number of pharmacists engaged in clinical pharmacy work (P=0.004). The proportion of tertiary hospitals in China that have established pharmacy outpatient departments is insufficient. It is necessary to further accelerate the construction of pharmacy outpatient departments and appropriately expand the talent pool of hospital pharmacy teams based on the needs of pharmacy outpatient departments and patients, in order to meet the requirements of medical practice and patient care.
5.Advantages,discomfort and challenges of clinical application of orthopedic hemostatic materials
Chuang LIU ; Shuo SHAN ; Tengbo YU ; Huan ZHOU ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(5):795-803
BACKGROUND:Bone wax is a filler that can be used for bone hemostasis.Although modification of bone wax formulations is attempted worldwide,its inertness is still the main challenge today.There is an urgent clinical need to develop novel orthopedic hemostatic materials with hemostasis,osteogenesis and antibacterial properties. OBJECTIVE:To review the development of orthopedic hemostatic materials including bone wax and its substitutes. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science,WanFang,CNKI and VIP databases were searched for literature related to bone wax,hemostatic materials,and research progress of orthopedic hemostatic materials,and 136 articles were selected for inclusion in the review by reading the abstracts of the articles in the initial screening. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:To replace traditional bone wax,researchers have developed various orthopedic hemostatic materials based on the needs of practical scenarios such as hemostasis and osteogenesis.However,relevant studies mostly focus on basic physical and chemical and performance tests,lack a systematic evaluation system,and lack sufficient reports of large animal experiments and clinical trials.Therefore,bone wax is still a recognized orthopedic hemostatic material at present.The fundamental reason is that the design of existing materials cannot timely meet the new needs of intraoperative hemostasis,postoperative osteogenesis and clinical practice.In the future,the structure,composition and function of existing hemostatic and osteogenic materials need to be integrated and redesigned to meet the increasing demand for hemostatic and osteogenic materials.
6.Role and mechanism of reactive oxygen species in tendinopathy
Ke LIU ; Weidong XU ; Hengyu ZHOU ; Shuo BAI ; Zhen ZHANG ; Ruidong GE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(11):1780-1788
BACKGROUND:Reactive oxygen species may be closely related to the occurrence and development of tendinopathy,but its exact role and related signal transduction mechanism have not been fully summarized. OBJECTIVE:To review current clinical or preclinical original studies,summarize the role of reactive oxygen species in tendinopathy and related signal transduction pathways and to explore its characteristics and whether there is a unified downstream pathway. METHODS:Relevant original studies in PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,as well as CNKI,WanFang,and VIP databases were searched by computer and the search results were screened and excluded according to the inclusion criteria.Ninety articles were finally included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Reactive oxygen species affects the direction of tendon healing by simultaneously acting on tendon cells and the extracellular matrix,and it exhibits a bifacial effect in the treatment of tendinopathy.Concentration of reactive oxygen species may be the key to determining its direction of action.The possibility that low-dose reactive oxygen species can participate in the normal physiological healing of tendons or that tendon tissues are adaptive to stimulations may be the underlying mechanism that produces this characteristic effect.Reactive oxygen species affect the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix and normal tendon repair as well as maintain viability in response to external stimulations through matrix metalloproteinases,mitogen-activated protein kinases,mitochondrial apoptosis,the forkhead transcription factor O family,autophagy,inflammation,and antioxidant signaling pathways.Different reactive oxygen species stimulation intensities,durations,and external environments may cause different alterations in downstream molecular pathways and thus have different effects on the tendon.Due to the large gap in the number of literature included in the evaluation of the positive and negative effects of reactive oxygen species,it may cause some analytical error in the search for factors behind the characteristics of the action of reactive oxygen species in tendon.In addition,most experimental intervention conditions and results of interest are relatively homogeneous;therefore,the temporal and quantitative mechanisms of reactive oxygen species and the synergistic effects with other intervention factors have not been clarified,and the overall system of molecular actions of reactive oxygen species in tendinopathy has not been constructed.To conclude,reactive oxygen species might be involved in the treatment and prevention of tendinopathies as a beneficial factor in the future,and facilitate the exploration of oxidative stress signaling pathways and overall molecular action systems in tendinopathies thereafter,as well as lay the foundation for research on the therapeutic strategies of different antioxidants in tendinopathies to better prevent and treat tendon injury and degeneration.
7.Efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage:a randomized controlled exploratory clinical study
Ding-Hua CHEN ; Chao-Fan LI ; Yue NIU ; Li ZHANG ; Yong WANG ; Zhe FENG ; Han-Yu ZHU ; Jian-Hui ZHOU ; Zhe-Yi DONG ; Shu-Wei DUAN ; Hong WANG ; Meng-Jie HUANG ; Yuan-Da WANG ; Shuo-Yuan CONG ; Sai PAN ; Jing ZHOU ; Xue-Feng SUN ; Guang-Yan CAI ; Ping LI ; Xiang-Mei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(3):257-264
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(anti-SARS-CoV-2)monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)combined with renal damage.Methods Patients with COVID-19 and renal damage who visited the PLA General Hospital from January to February 2023 were selected.Subjects were randomly divided into two groups.Control group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy,while trial group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy combined with F61 injection.A 15-day follow-up was conducted after drug administration.Clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,electrocardiogram,and chest CT of pa-tients were performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of F61 injection.Results Twelve subjects(7 in trial group and 5 in control group)were included in study.Neither group had any clinical progression or death cases.The ave-rage time for negative conversion of nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in control group and trial group were 3.2 days and 1.57 days(P=0.046),respectively.The scores of COVID-19 related target symptom in the trial group on the 3rd and 5th day after medication were both lower than those of the control group(both P<0.05).According to the clinical staging and World Health Organization 10-point graded disease progression scale,both groups of subjects improved but didn't show statistical differences(P>0.05).For safety,trial group didn't present any infusion-re-lated adverse event.Subjects in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of elevated blood glucose,elevated urine glucose,elevated urobilinogen,positive urine casts,and cardiac arrhythmia,but the differences were not statistica-lly significant(all P>0.05).Conclusion F61 injection has initially demonstrated safety and clinical benefit in trea-ting patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage.As the domestically produced drug,it has good clinical accessibility and may provide more options for clinical practice.
8.Clinical significance of detecting group B Streptococcus from midstream urine culture
Xing-Long CAI ; Xiao-Li CAO ; Jing-Jing LIU ; Shuo GAO ; Han SHEN ; Wan-Qing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(3):277-283
Objective To explore the clinical significance and antimicrobial resistance of group B Streptococcus(GBS)isolated from midstream urine culture,aiming to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical urinary tract infection(UTI).Methods Information about GBS strains isolated from midstream urine culture of in-patients and outpatient in a hospital in Nanjing from February 2020 to December 2022 were retrieved through labora-tory information system,strains with complete data were screened out.Case data,urine routine,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results were reviewed.Results A total of 9 081 non-repetitive bacterial strains were detected from midstream urine culture,including 425 GBS strains,accounting for 4.7%,ranking sixth.Strains with incom-plete data were excluded,a total of 365 patients were included in the study.169(46.3%)were males and 196(53.7%)were females,with an average age of(55.4±15.2)years.365 patients who were detected GBS were from 17 de-partments,with the highest proportion being department of urology(n=237,64.9%).The underlying diseases of patients mainly included hypertension(n=136),diabetes(n=95),urolithiasis(n=120)and urinary tumors(n=98).211 patients underwent urological surgery,all were treated with antimicrobial agents before surgery,and 205 patients underwent indwelling urinary catheters after surgery;9 patients were detected GBS from urine during the middle and advanced stage of pregnancy.36.4%(n=133),38.9%(n=142)and 24.7%(n=90)patients had GBS colony count ≤104 CFU/mL,104-105 CFU/mL,and ≥105 CFU/mL,respectively.Patients with symptoms of UTI accounted for 24.9%(n=91),and asymptomatic bacteriuria accounted for 75.1%(n=274).The incidence of UTI symptoms in males was lower than that in females(19.5%vs 29.6%,P<0.05).As the GBS colony count in urine culture increased,the proportion of patients with symptoms of UTI showed an upward trend(P<0.05).On the day of urine culture,the positive rates of urine routine white blood cells,leukocyte esterase,and nitrite were 53.2%,50.1%,and 3.8%,respectively.The positive rates of urine occult blood,leukocyte esterase,white blood cells,and urine protein in patients with symptomatic UTI were all higher than those with asymptomatic bacteriuria patients(all P<0.05).No GBS were found to be resistant to penicillin,ampicillin,vancomycin,linezolid,and tigecycline.The resistance rate to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin was about 40%,and resistance rate to tetracycline and clindamycin was over 60%.Conclusion GBS isolated from urine is more common in non-pregnant adults,and only a small percentage have symptoms of UTI.The results of urine culture and urine routine should be comprehen-sively judged based on patient's clinical symptoms and signs.GBS in urine is susceptible to multiple antimicrobial agents,and clinical medication should be adopted rationally based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing result.
9.Effects of glenosphere offsets on impingement-free range of motion in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a standardized computer simulation study
Xiaopei XU ; Qingnan SUN ; Maoqi GONG ; Xieyuan JIANG ; Yang LIU ; Dong WANG ; Hanzhou WANG ; Shuo DIAO ; Junlin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(2):156-162
Objective:To compare the effects of glenosphere offset positions on the impingement-free range of motion (ROM) in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).Methods:Shoulder joint models were reconstructed using shoulder CT scans of 6 patients with primary osteoarthritis. RTSA was performed virtually according to standard surgical procedures, and shoulder movements were simulated. Reverse shoulder models were constructed with 2 lateral offsets (0 and 4 mm) and 6 positional offsets (center, inferior, posterior, anterior, anterior-inferior, and posterior-inferior). The impingement-free ROM and impingement sites for abduction-adduction, flexion-extension, total rotation (sum of internal and external rotation), and total ROM (sum of ROM in all movement modes) were evaluated.Results:All the 12 combinations of different glenosphere offsets achieved 50% of the original shoulder ROM in all movements. In the abduction-adduction motion with 0 and 4 mm lateral offsets, the anterior-inferior offset provided the largest ROM (94.4°±8.7° and 105.3°±6.9°, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the positions ( P>0.05). In the flexion-extension motion with 0 and 4 mm lateral offsets, the posterior-inferior offset showed the largest ROM (194.1°±6.9° and 196.9°±9.7°, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the positions ( P>0.05). In the total rotation motion with 0 and 4 mm lateral offsets, the anterior-inferior offset had the largest ROM (141.5°±5.9° and 160.6°±8.5°, respectively), showing significant advantages over the center, anterior, and posterior offsets ( P<0.05), but insignificant advantages over the inferior and posterior-inferior offsets ( P>0.05). In total ROM, the anterior-inferior offset provided the largest ROM. When the lateral offset was 0 mm, the anterior-inferior offset provided a ROM of 421.8°±16.4°, showing significant advantages over the center and posterior offsets ( P<0.05). Compared with the lateral glenosphere offset of 0 mm, the lateral glenosphere offset of 4 mm significantly improved total shoulder ROM (122.8°±10.6° versus 145.8°±4.8°) and total ROM (390.9°±11.6° versus 428.4°±19.8°) ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The anterior-inferior, inferior, and posterior-inferior glenosphere offsets can improve ROM in all movement patterns. The position and lateral offset of the glenosphere significantly affect the total rotation and total ROM of the shoulder joint. Specifically, the anterior-inferior and inferior offsets show significant advantages over the center position in total rotation and total ROM of the shoulder joint.
10.MEI Guoqiang's Experience in Treating Lung Cancer with Modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction (小陷胸汤)
Shuo HUANG ; Songlin LIU ; Xian ZHOU ; Lesi XU ; Kaizheng ZHAO ; Youlan KE ; Huiyi LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(17):1753-1756
This article summarized the clinical experience of MEI Guoqiang in treating lung cancer of phlegm-heat obstructed in the lung syndrome with modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction (小陷胸汤). It is believed that the key pathogenesis of lung cancer with phlegm-heat obstructed in the lung syndrome is the phlegm-heat toxin accumulation. According to the different pathogenic effects of qi stagnation, blood stasis, pathogenic toxin, phlegm-damp, qi deficiency, yin deficiency in the occurrence and development of the disease, it is advocated to clear heat and resolve phlegm, and additionally the methods of diffusing the lung and relieving cough, resolving toxins and dissipating masses, rectifying qi and activating blood, dispelling dampness, supplementing and boosting qi and yin are used if necessary. Multiple methods are used together and flexibly matched. In clinical practice, Xiaoxian-xiong Decoction with the function of clearing heat and relieving phlegm is recommended as the basic formula for further modification. For patients with mild lung symptoms, modified Xiaoxianxiong Decoction is commonly used, while for those with obvious symptoms, self-made Maxing Xianxiong Decoction(麻杏陷胸汤) in modifications is suggested. For patients with Shaoyang (少阳) diseases, modified Chaihu Xianxiong Decoction (柴胡陷胸汤) is often used.

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