1.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.
2.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
3.Qingre Sanzhuo Decoction Treats Gouty Arthritis Combined with Hyperuricaemia in Rats via NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Pathway
Haolin LI ; Qian BAI ; Weigang CHENG ; Weiqing LI ; Juanjuan YANG ; Peixin HE ; Huijun YANG ; Haidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):49-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Qingre Sanzhuo decoction in treating gouty arthritis (GA) combined with hyperuricaemia (HUA). MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (17, 34, 68 g·kg-1, respectively) Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups (n=10). The rats in other groups except the normal group were treated with the modified method for the modeling of GA combined with HUA. The drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage in the afternoon every day and the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of sterile normal saline by gavage. The level of uric acid (SUA) in the serum was measured 2 h after the last administration. The degree of ankle joint swelling was calculated 0.5, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling, and joint inflammation was scored. The pathological changes of ankle joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in ankle joints. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of GSDMD and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed increased SUA in the serum (P<0.05), ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), increased number of blood vessels in the synovium, inflammatory cell foci in the synovial bursa, elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction groups showed reduced SUA in the serum (P<0.05), alleviated ankle joint swelling and joint inflammation (P<0.05), lowered serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18 (P<0.05), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and NF-κB in the synovial tissue of ankle joints (P<0.05). However, in terms of ameliorating the pathological changes of ankle joints, only the high-dose Qingre Sanzhuo decoction group showed normal morphology of the synovial membrane of ankle joints and no obvious lesion in the articular cartilage. ConclusionQingre Sanzhuo decoction may play a role in preventing and controlling GA combined with HUA by down-regulating the activity of NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and IL-18.
4.National Multicenter Analysis of Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella in China, 2021—2022
Qianqing LI ; Yanan NIU ; Pu QIN ; Honglian WEI ; Jie WANG ; Cuixin QIANG ; Jing YANG ; Zhirong LI ; Weigang WANG ; Min ZHAO ; Qiuyue HUO ; Kaixuan DUAN ; Jianhong ZHAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1120-1130
To analyze the distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of clinical Non-duplicate A total of 605 Clinically isolated
5.Influencing factors for colonoscopic compliance to colorectal cancer screening in outpatients
Xuejiao TAN ; Xin PENG ; Jian QIN ; Jiaxue LI ; Lina YE ; Ronghui PU ; Li LAI ; Jiajing MA ; Weigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(2):131-136
Objective:To explore the influencing factors for compliance to colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer in outpatients.Methods:Patients aged 40-74 years who visited the outpatient gastroenterology department of 7 tertiary hospitals in 7 regions of Xinjiang from January 2022 to June 2022 were enrolled. Recommendations for colonoscopy screening were made according to the patient's medical conditions, and the questionnaire was used to collect information. The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences of compliant and non-compliant patients. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of compliance to colonoscopy screening.Results:A total of 463 valid questionnaires were obtained from 7 centers, in which, 427 outpatients (92.2%) followed the recommendation for colonoscopy screening, and 36 (7.8%) did not. Chi-square test results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender, age, education, subjective cognition of intestinal polyps, personal history of colorectal polyps, family history of colorectal cancer, family history of colorectal polyps, abdominal pain or distension, and defecation habit or stool changes ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that the screening compliance of patients aged 40-49 years ( P=0.005, OR=0.141, 95% CI: 0.036-0.549) and 50-59 years ( P=0.039, OR=0.257, 95% CI: 0.071-0.932) was lower than that of patients aged 60-74 years. The screening compliance of patients with high school education ( P=0.011, OR=3.121, 95% CI: 1.304-7.473) and college education or above ( P=0.016, OR=3.544, 95% CI: 1.270-9.890) was higher than those with primary school education and below. Patients with personal history of colorectal polyps ( P=0.015, OR=12.288, 95% CI: 1.629-92.719), family history of colorectal cancer ( P=0.038, OR=8.506, 95% CI: 1.124-64.351) and changes in defecation habit or stool trait ( P=0.039, OR=4.794, 95% CI: 1.085-21.192) also had higher compliance. Conclusion:Age, educational level, personal history of colorectal polyps, and family history of colorectal cancer are related to colonoscopy screening compliance in outpatients of 7 tertiary hospitals in 7 regions of Xinjiang. The independent risk factors affecting compliance to colorectal cancer screening in outpatients are age of 40-59 years, lower educational level, no previous history of polyps or family history of colorectal cancer, and no defecation habit or stool changes.
6.Research Progress on Pathogenesis of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Zhendong WANG ; Juanjuan YANG ; Haolin LI ; Dongsheng LU ; Qian BAI ; Weigang CHENG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):289-298
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with chronic low back pain as the main clinical manifestation, which mainly affects the axial joints, peripheral joints and various organs. In severe cases, the spine is stiff or deformed, which affects the quality of life and health of patients. The pathogenic factors of AS are complex, which are related to heredity, immunity and intestinal flora. The pathogenesis of AS is not clear yet. Among them, inflammatory reaction, bone destruction and heterotopic ossification are the main pathological features of AS, which play an important role in the disease process of AS. Traditional Chinese medicine has multi-target, multi-channel and multi-component pharmacological effects, which can prevent and treat AS by anti-inflammation, inhibiting bone destruction and preventing heterotopic ossification, and the clinical effect is remarkable, but there is no relevant literature report. Therefore, this review expounds the relationship between inflammatory reaction, bone destruction and heterotopic ossification and the occurrence and development of AS, and summarizes the latest research reports of traditional Chinese medicine in treating AS from anti-inflammatory, inhibiting bone destruction and preventing heterotopic ossification, aiming at providing reference and new ideas and directions for further research on the prevention and treatment of AS by traditional Chinese medicine.
7.Chronic effects of long-term diving on human health
Bingwen ZHOU ; Tongtong JIN ; Yunwang ZHOU ; Jianshe LI ; Baoliang ZHU ; Weigang XU ; Kun ZHANG
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(3):350-355
With the widespread application of diving technology, the safety of long-term diving has become a research focus. Research on the chronic health effects of long-term diving on divers mainly focuses on the respiratory system, circulatory system, nervous system, skeletal system, urinary system, as well as psychological health and sleep. Long-term diving can lead to increased lung capacity, thickening of nasal mucosa, myocardial hypertrophy, changes in heart rhythm, and hearing loss in divers. The impact of long-term diving on health is influenced by diving exposure index such as diving mode, maximum diving depth, underwater stay time, diving frequency, and number of dives, as well as individual factors such as years of diving experience, age, and medical history of divers. However, research on the effects of diving on health are inconsistent, and the potential mechanisms of health damage are unclear. Future large-scale research should be conducted under strict experimental conditions and with standardized inclusion criteria for subjects. Establishing a scientific and systematic assessment method for decompression is crucial for studying the chronic health effects of divers and enhancing understanding of relevant mechanisms to promote the development of diving industry and sport.
8.Inhibition of inflammation and bone destruction in mice with colla-gen-induced arthritis by Zushima Plaster
Juanjuan YANG ; Haolin LI ; Tianning YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Zhendong WANG ; Fangmei JIN ; Fanghong NIAN ; Xiaojun SU ; Jiaqiang WANG ; Haiping WANG ; Haidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(9):979-987
AIM:To investigate the inhibitory ef-fect of Zushima ointment on inflammation and bone destruction in CIA mice.METHODS:SPF grade male DBA/1 mice were used,6 were random-ly selected as the normal group,and 18 CIA mice that were successfully modelled were randomly di-vided into the model group,the plaster group(1.0 g/kg),and the fuselage group(0.12 g per time)ac-cording to the random number table method,6 mice in each group,and each administered group was given medication according to the body mass,and saline was given to both the normal and model groups.The normal group and the model group were given saline,and breathable adhesive paper was applied once a day for 4 h/session for 4 consec-utive weeks.The arthritis scoring index was used to observe the changes of arthritis symptoms and ar-thritis index scores of mice in each group.Micro-CT was used to observe the damage of hind paw of mice,real-time fluorescence PCR was used to de-tect the mRNA expression of IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-αin ankle joint tissues,and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of OPG and RANKL proteins in ankle joint tissues,and hematox-ylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological changes of synovial tissues after the treatment.The pathological changes of synovial tis-sue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and the changes of osteoclasts in ankle joint tissue were observed by anti-tartaric acid phosphatase(TRAP)method.RESULTS:Compared with the normal group,the arthritis index score of the model mice was significantly higher(P<0.05).Micro-CT showed severe bone erosion in the hind paws of the mice,destruction of the bone surface and reduction of bone volume.The expression of IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA(PCR)in the ankle joint tissues was significantly higher(P<0.05).Im-munohistochemistry showed that the relative ex-pression of OPG protein in the ankle joint tissues was reduced(P<0.05).Immunohistochemistry showed a decrease in the relative expression of OPG protein(P<0.01)and an increase in the rela-tive expression of RANKL protein(P<0.01).HE re-sults showed moderate inflammatory cell infiltra-tion,swelling of synovial cells,massive formation of vascular opacities and synovial hyperplasia;an increase in the number of osteoclasts,roughness of the surface of articular cartilage tissue,severe bone destruction and thinning of the cartilage lay-er.Compared with the model group,the arthritic symptoms of mice in the cream group and the futa-lin group were relieved and the arthritis index score was reduced;the bone density of the mice's hind paws improved,effectively relieving osteopo-rosis;the expression of IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-αmRNA(PCR)in the ankle joint tissue was signifi-cantly reduced(P<0.05);the immunohistochemical results showed that the relative expression of OPG protein was increased(P<0.05),the relative expres-sion of RANKL protein decreased(P<0.01).HE re-sults showed that synovial cell enlargement was significantly improved,mild inflammatory cell infil-tration,synovial hyperplasia was not obvious;the number of broken bone was reduced,articular car-tilage destruction was significantly improved and relieved,and the thickness of cartilage layer was significantly increased.CONCLUSION:Ancestral hemp poultice relieves local symptoms of RA,re-duces the expression of inflammatory factors and attenuates the inflammatory response,possibly by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activation through modulation of the OPG/RANKL signalling axis,which further ameliorates the biological ef-fects of articular bone and cartilage destruction.
9.Construction of experimental animal models and evaluation of spleen deficiency syndrome:a review
Yonglong ZHANG ; Weigang MA ; Xingyu QIAN ; Suhong ZHAO ; Shanshan LI ; Yongming GUO ; Zhifang XU ; Xingfang PAN ; Jiwen QIU ; Yi GUO ; Zhongzheng LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(3):385-396
The construction of experimental animal models plays an important supporting role in research into the mechanisms of action of Chinese medicines.There have been increasing reports of the construction and evaluation of animal models of spleen deficiency;however,the construction method have involved different standards and there has been insufficient objectification of the evaluation indexes.In this review,we summarize the construction and evaluation method of animal models of spleen deficiency from the aspects of animal selection,model establishment,macroscopic characterization,behavioral experiments,and objective indexes of spleen deficiency,with a view to providing theoretical guidance for the construction of experimental animal models of spleen deficiency and references for the selection of animal model platforms for spleen deficiency.
10.Establishment of an experimental animal platform for evaluating the feasibility and safety of intelligent acupuncture robotic acupuncture
Weigang MA ; Xingfang PAN ; Jiwen QIU ; Weifang GAO ; Yonglong ZHANG ; Yuge DONG ; Yuzi TANG ; Haiyan REN ; Zhongzheng LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(5):600-609
Objective This study aimed to develop an experimental animal platform for evaluating the feasibility and safety of intelligent acupuncture robots and to lay the foundation for further research.Methods Six 2-month-old Guangxi Bama miniature pigs were used as experimental subjects for acupuncture verification after anesthesia.First,manual acupuncture verification was carried out.Six acupoints were selected for each experimental animal and the needles were left for 20 min after the lifting,inserting,and twisting manipulation.Before and after controls were included.The experiment was carried out for 28 days,and each experiment was conducted once every 2 days for a total of 10 times.After verification of manual acupuncture,a point 10 mm from each of the six selected acupoints was selected,with a total of 12 points,and acupuncture operations were carried out on the experimental animals using the intelligent acupuncture module of the acupuncture robot at different frequencies and angles,to further verify the stability and feasibility of the animal platform.Results Routine safety-related blood indicators and blood biochemistry indicators after the procedure were normal and stable compared with those before the procedure.The average heart rate of the animals was 124 beats/min,the average blood pressure was 87/36 mmHg,and the average body temperature of was 36℃at a room temperature of 25℃,with no significant change in body temperature during and after the experiment.On the basis of this experimental platform,acupuncture manipulation using the intelligent acupuncture module of the acupuncture robot was completed successfully,with no abnormalities related to acupuncture such as bending,breaking,or stagnation of needles during the experimental process,and the experimental animals showed no obvious abnormalities.Conclusions This study established a stable experimental animal platform for evaluating the feasibility and safety of acupuncture carried out by intelligent acupuncture robots,based on the existing experimental method of miniature pigs.These result lay a foundation for further research related to the use of intelligent acupuncture robots.

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