1.Pharmacological Effect of Berberine on Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Xuejing WANG ; Guangcheng ZHONG ; Shuting LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Bojie LUO ; Qi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):286-294
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, is characterized by progressive degradation of learning, memory, and cognitive functions. Currently, few drugs are available for treating AD, and their effects are limited. Berberine (BBR) is a natural isoquinoline (quaternary ammonium-like) with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Studies have proven that BBR has good potential in the treatment of AD. Specifically, BBR can inhibit the generation, aggregation, and neurotoxicity of amyloid-β and the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, promote the clearance of phosphorylated Tau protein, reduce the cholinesterase activity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, regulate neuronal apoptosis, improve the mitochondrial function and glucose and lipid metabolism, suppress the monoamine oxidase activity, and modulate gut microbiota. In addition, researchers have ameliorated the low bioavailability of BBR. Probing into the potential targets is hoped to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of AD by BBR.
2.Treatment of Insomnia Using the Method of Resolving Depression and Regulating the Middle and Tranquillising Mind
Chengyun HU ; Jun ZHANG ; Qian GUO ; Shuting DU ; Zhihao LIN ; Bing GAO ; Hui HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1277-1280
To summarise the clinical experience of treating insomnia with the method of resolving depression, regulating the middle, and tranquilising mind. It is believed that the key to the pathogenesis of insomnia lies in qi depression, disharmony of qi pivot, and disharmony of qi and blood, and the core treatment is to resolve depression, regulating the middle, and tranquilising mind. The self-prescribed Jieyu Anmian Formula (解郁安眠方) could be used as the basic treatment, then modified according to the performance of the patient and syndromes. For syndrome of liver depression restricting spleen, the treatment should soothe liver and invigorate spleen, resolve depression and regulate the middle; for syndrome of liver depression and phlegm coagulation, the treatment should resolve depression and phlegm, support the earth and free the wood; for syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire, the treatment should soothe liver and clear fire, resolve depression and dysphoria; for syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis, the treatment should activate blood and regulate the middle, resolve depression and tranquilise mind.
3.FOS expression in oxytocin and vasopressin positive neurons in paraventricular nucleus of mice induced by diabetes
Shumin WANG ; Peng JIA ; Shuting REN ; Siting LYU ; Ting ZHANG ; Yanling YANG ; Juan SHI
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2024;40(1):35-42
Objective:To explore the feature of FOS expression in oxytocin-and vasopressin-positive neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus(PVN)under different status of diabetes mellitus(DM).Methods:Intraperito-neal injection of vehicle or STZ in mice was conducted to establish control or diabetes model.Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated by von Frey filament tests to distinguish diabetic neuropathic pain(DNP)from without-pain group(DWP).The expression of FOS,oxytocin(OXT)-and vasopressin(VP)-positive neurons,as well as their double labeling was detected by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining.Cell counting and comparison were made in groups.Results:FOS expression was easily detected in the PVN in the three groups(Control group,DNP group and DWP group)at 7 days,while that in DWP and DNP groups at 28 days was hardly detectable,with the number being signifi-cantly different from the 7 days group(P<0.05 or 0.001).Likewise,compared with the control group,immunofluo-rescent signals for VP and OXT staining in the DNP and DWP groups also showed a trend of weakening as the modeling time increased(P<0.05).The cell counting after double staining for VP or OXT with FOS showed that,in the DWP group at 7 days,the number of VP and FOS double-labeled neurons was 74.33±22.10,accounting for(56.64± 7.52)%of VP-positive cells,whereas the double labeling rate for OXT and FOS was only(10.44±3.14)%.In the DNP group at 7 days,the number of OXT and FOS double-labeled neurons was 51.00±31.80,accounting for(18.50 ±9.51)%of OXT-positive neurons,whereas the double labeling rate for VP and FOS was only(9.34±3.27)%.In contrast to these changes in 7 days group,the expression of FOS decreased sharply in the group of 28 days,thereby al-most no double-labeled neurons.Conclusion:The plasticity changes of oxytocin-and vasopressin-positive neurons in the PVN are different depending on the status of pain and non-pain,and the stage of disease progression.Understanding the changes is of great significance for unravelling the neural mechanism of diabetes and its complications.
4.Association between physical activity and mortality among the elderly
ZHANG Chuandi ; SI Shuting ; YU Yunxian
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(11):945-949
Objective:
To investigate the association between physical activity and the risk of mortality, so as to provide the basis for guiding the elderly to maintain appropriate levels of physical activity.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was adopted. Basic information, weekly physical activity items and duration of the elderly aged 50-71 years old was collected from the National Institutes of Health-American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study database. With all-cause mortality risk as the main outcome indicator, controlling for demographic, dietary and disease factors, the association between the duration, metabolic equivalent and intensity of physical activity and all-cause mortality risk was analyzed using restricted cubic spline and multivariable Cox proportional risk regression model.
Results:
A total of 266 072 participants were included, with an mean age of (70.11±5.36) years old. There were 155 244 males (58.35%) and 110 828 females (41.65%), with a total of 36 006 deaths by December 31, 2011. The median duration of physical activity was 14.00 (interquartile range, 14.00) h/week and the median metabolic equivalents was 53.00 (interquartile range, 54.71) MET-h/week. Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that the risk of all-cause mortality declined rapidly within the physical activity range of 0 to 15.0 h/week or 50.0 MET-h/week, but with the continuing increase in physical activity, the decline in the risk of all-cause mortality slowed down (all P<0.05). Multivariable Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that compared with participants with no physical activity, participants with the duration of 0.1-<15.0 h/week, 15.0-<29.5 h/week, ≥29.5 h/week (HR=0.502, 0.386 and 0.368), or the metabolic equivalent of 0.1-<50.0 MET-h/week, 50.0-<110.8 MET-h/week and ≥110.8 MET-h/week (HR=0.511, 0.379 and 0.354) were associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. The combination of mild (0.1-<5.0 h/week), moderate (≥5.0 h/week) and vigorous (≥1.3 h/week) activities had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR=0.320).
Conclusions
Moderate physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of mortality, and it is recommended to do 15.0 h or 50.0 MET-h of physical activity per week in combination with different intensities.
5.Exploring Mechanism of Neferine in Promoting Vascular Regeneration Against Cerebral Ischemia Based on Mitochondrial MCU Channel
Qiman ZHANG ; Yanhua GAO ; Wenjie WU ; Wei YANG ; Chen LIU ; Shuting LI ; Bingjie CAI ; Jialin YANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jing MA ; Shaojing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):103-113
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of neferine(Nef) in promoting vascular regeneration against cerebral ischemia through modulation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter(MCU) ion channel. MethodTaking the area of subintestinal vessels in microvascular deficiency zebrafish as an index, the vascular regenerative efficacy of Nef was evaluated, and the median effective concentration(EC50) was calculated. Rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a positive drug group(butylphthalide, 6 mg·kg-1), and Nef low, medium, and high dose groups(0.125, 0.625, 3.125 μg·kg-1). Except for the sham operation group, the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model was established in other groups. After modeling, the groups were administered the corresponding dose of drugs by gavage, while the sham operation and model groups received equal volumes of saline, once a day for 7 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral scores were assessed for each group of rats, and the infarct rate of ischemic brain tissue was calculated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. The regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) of each group was measured using a speckle contrast imaging. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were conducted to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) proteins in each group. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were divided into the normal group, model group, positive drug group(astragaloside Ⅳ, 10 μmol·L-1), and Nef group (32 nmol·L-1). In the verification of mitochondrial protection of Nef and its mechanism in promoting vascular regeneration, the spermine(MCU agonist) and Nef+spermine group were added. HUVECs model of oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD) was established in all groups except the normal group, the cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay, and cell migration ability was evaluated through scratch and tube formation assays. Fluorescent probes(Rhod-2 AM, Fluo-3 AM, JC-1, Calcein AM) and a cellular energy metabolism analyzer were used to analyze the mitochondrial protective effects of Nef. Molecular docking was performed to predict the binding ability of Nef with MCU and HIF-1α, and Western blot was used to detect the effects of Nef on the protein expressions of MCU, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein(Bax), Caspase-3 and HIF-1α in the OGD model HUVECs. ResultThe results of vascular regeneration in microvascular deficiency zebrafish showed that compared to the normal group, the area of subintestinal vessels in the model group significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared to the model group, different concentrations of Nef could significantly increase the area of subintestinal vessels(P<0.01), with the maximum tolerated concentration of 10.24 μmol·L-1 and the EC50 of 0.23 μmol·L-1. Anti-cerebral ischemia results on MCAO rats showed that compared to the sham operation group, the model group had a significant decrease in rCBF and a significant increase in infarct rate, while CD31 expression significantly decreased(P<0.01), and VEGF and HIF-1α protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the treated groups showed significant increases in rCBF, significant reductions in infarct volume, and significant increases in CD31, VEGF, and HIF-1α protein expression(P<0.01). Cell experiment results showed that compared to the normal group, the model group had decreased cell viability and migration ability, increased intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, reduced mitochondrial permeability transition pore(MPTP) opening, and decreased mitochondrial energy metabolism capability, with increased expressions of MCU, Bax, Caspase-3 and HIF-1α proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the Nef group showed increased cell viability and migration ability, decreased intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, increased MPTP opening, enhanced mitochondrial energy metabolism capability, decreased expressions of MCU, Bax and Caspase-3 proteins, and increased HIF-1α protein expression(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionNef can stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis. By down-regulating the expression of MCU, it suppresses the activation of intracellular Bax and Caspase-3 while activating the HIF-1α signaling pathway, enhancing the expression of VEGF and CD31, thereby promoting vascular regeneration to treat ischemic brain injury.
6.Construction of anticipatory grief intervention for family caregivers of advanced cancer patients based on narrative theory
Yuzhe JIA ; Xiaolin YANG ; Shuting HUANG ; Zibo FAN ; Lu ZHU ; Di YANG ; Huihui CHEN ; Guangqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(11):823-830
Objective:To construct an anticipatory grief intervention scheme for family caregivers of advanced cancer patients based on narrative theory, and to provide reference for anticipatory grief nursing intervention.Methods:From October 2022 to May 2023, through literature research, semi-structured interview and brainstorming method, the first draft of nursing intervention plan was constructed, the Delphi method was used to conduct 2 rounds of correspondence consultation with 15 experts, and the indicators at all levels were modified according to the opinions of experts, and the final draft of intervention plan was formed.Results:The experts were all female, aged (49.67 ± 5.83) years old. The authority coefficient of the two rounds of experts was 0.87. The Kendall coordination coefficients of the first, second, and third level indicators after the first round of expert inquiry were 0.195, 0.113, and 0.093, respectively. The Kendall coordination coefficients of the first, second, and third level indicators after the second round of expert inquiry were 0.200, 0.119, and 0.101, respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 8.76-107.21, all P<0.05).Finally, a nursing intervention plan based on narrative theory was formed, which included 4 primary indicators, 19 secondary indicators and 72 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The anticipatory grief intervention scheme for family caregivers of advanced cancer patients is scientific, practical and feasible, and can be used for psychological nursing of family caregivers.
7.Smart hospital construction in admission management of large-scale comprehensive hospitals
Modern Hospital 2024;24(2):283-285
The National Health Commission's initiative of"Enhancing Medical Services and Patient Experience"neces-sitates a comprehensive enhancement of the precision,scientific rigor,and standardization of medical quality and safety manage-ment.It also calls for an optimized allocation of medical resources and service balance,and the promotion of new service models for admission management.This paper discusses the multiple aspects of hospital admission management.Through digital transfor-mation,we aimed to establish a centralized operation model encompassing multiple tasks,responsibilities,and uniform services across all sectors of a hospital,maintaining simplicity without compromising quality.Innovative service methods were employed to facilitate both online and offline admission procedures.Leveraging digital tools,we implemented the"beds for patients"model to directly address patient medical experience challenges.This enabled the application of information intelligence in the operation and management of large,multi-campus tertiary hospitals.The paper provided insights into the methods,specific tasks,and fu-ture value of implementing admission management and operation in large-scale comprehensive hospitals based on smart hospital models.These insights can serve as valuable references for admission management and operation in hospitals.
8.Transcriptomic analysis of SR8278 improving lacrimal gland dysfunction in-duced by jet lag in mice
Shenzhen HUANG ; Di QI ; Xiaoting PEI ; Dingli LU ; Hongli SI ; Duliurui HUANG ; Wenxiao ZHANG ; Mengru BA ; Shuting XUAN ; Zhijie LI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(4):264-269
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of SR8278,a synthetic antagonist of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1(NR1D1),in alleviating the structural and functional impairment of the extraorbital lacrimal glands induced by jet lag in mice.Methods Totally 36 healthy wild C57BL/6J mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divid-ed into 3 groups(normal group,jet-lag group,and jet-lag+SR8278 group)after adapting to a circadian rhythm chamber under the 12 h light/12 h dark(12 h/12 h LD)cycle for 2 weeks,with 12 mice in each group.Mice in the normal group were fed in a circadian rhythm chamber in a 12 h LD cycle,mice in the jet-lag group were fed in a 12 h/12 h LD cycle with an 8-hour advanced LD schedule,and mice in the jet lag+SR8278 group were fed in a 12 h/12 h LD cycle with an 8-hour advanced LD schedule and received 25 mg·kg-1 SR8278.At the end of 5 days of intervention,locomotor activity,core body temperature and tear secretion of mice in each group were collected,and the weight of lacrimal gland tissues and size of lacrimal gland cells were measured.Immunohistochemical methods were used for histological evaluation of the extraor-bital lacrimal glands in mice.Lacrimal ribonucleic acid(RNA)was extracted for high-throughput RNA-sequencing analysis containing NR1D1,and the obtained transcriptomic data were used for KEGG and GO functional enrichment analysis.Re-sults Compared with the normal group,the jet-lag group had higher daytime activity,lower nighttime activity,higher daytime core body temperature,and lower nighttime core body temperature,with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05).Compared with the jet-lag group,the jet-lag+SR8278 group had lower daytime activity,higher nighttime activi-ty,lower daytime core body temperature,and higher nighttime core body temperature,with statistically significant differ-ences(all P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the jet-lag group showed a decrease in lacrimal gland weight and tear secretion and an increase in size of lacrimal gland cells,with statistical significance(all P<0.05);compared with the jet-lag group,the jet-lag+SR8278 group had an increase in lacrimal gland weight and tear secretion and a decrease in size of lacrimal gland cells,with statistical significance(all P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the jet-lag group showed a higher expression of NR1D1 in the lacrimal gland at night;compared with the jet-lag group,the jet-lag+SR8278 group showed a lower expression of NR1 D1 in the lacrimal gland at night(both P<0.05).Bioinformatics analysis showed 947 significantly different genes in the jet-lag group and the jet-lag+SR8278 group,of which 43 are significantly upregulated genes,and 904 are significantly downregulated genes.The Notch signaling pathway has the most significant difference.Conclusion SR8278 effectively enhances the tear secretion function of jet-lagged mice by targeting NR1D1 inhibition.This process may be completed through the Notch signaling pathway.
9.Strategies on biosynthesis and production of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants.
Miaoxian GUO ; Haizhou LV ; Hongyu CHEN ; Shuting DONG ; Jianhong ZHANG ; Wanjing LIU ; Liu HE ; Yimian MA ; Hua YU ; Shilin CHEN ; Hongmei LUO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2024;16(1):13-26
Medicinal plants are a valuable source of essential medicines and herbal products for healthcare and disease therapy. Compared with chemical synthesis and extraction, the biosynthesis of natural products is a very promising alternative for the successful conservation of medicinal plants, and its rapid development will greatly facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants. Here, we summarize the advances in strategies and methods concerning the biosynthesis and production of natural products of medicinal plants. The strategies and methods mainly include genetic engineering, plant cell culture engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology based on multiple "OMICS" technologies, with paradigms for the biosynthesis of terpenoids and alkaloids. We also highlight the biosynthetic approaches and discuss progress in the production of some valuable natural products, exemplifying compounds such as vindoline (alkaloid), artemisinin and paclitaxel (terpenoids), to illustrate the power of biotechnology in medicinal plants.
10.Dendrobii Caulis Mixture-containing Serum Protects Mice from Podocyte Injury Induced by High Glucose
Yong CHEN ; Xiaohui LIN ; Jieping ZHANG ; Yanfang ZHENG ; Shuting ZHUANG ; Wenzhen YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Dendrobium mixture (DMix)-containing serum on high glucose-induced podocyte injury in mice. MethodThe MPC5 mouse glomerular podocytes were cultured in vitro, and the optimal glucose concentration for modeling, modeling time, and concentration of DMix-containing serum for administration were determined. The cells were classified into normal (5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% blank serum), model (30 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% blank serum), DMix-containing serum (30 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% DMix-containing serum), ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1, 30 mmol·L-1 glucose+10% blank serum+1 μmol·L-1 Fer-1) groups. The corresponding kits were used to measure the levels of Fe2+ and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the content of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxide (LPO) in cells. Fluorescence probe was used to measure the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of Wilms' tumor-1 (WT-1), desmin, long chain acyl-CoA synthase 4 (ACSL4), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in podocytes. ResultCompared with the blank group, the intervention with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose for 48 h reduced podocyte viability (P<0.01), and the 10% DMix-containing serum showed the most significant improvement in podocyte viability (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group presented elevated levels of Fe2+, LDH, LPO, and ROS, lowered GSH level, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of desmin and ACSL4, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of WT-1 and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the DMix-containing serum lowered the Fe2+, LDH, LPO, and ROS levels, elevated the GSH level, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of desmin and ACSL4, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of WT-1 and GPX4 in podocytes (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDMix-containing serum exerts a protective effect on high glucose-induced podocyte injury by inhibiting ferroptosis.


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