1.Study on the effects of carvacrol on stomach-heat and stomach-cold rats and its mechanism of cooling and clearing based on energy metabolism and gastrointestinal function
Qi ZHANG ; Yi LI ; Hongye LI ; Fengwei ZHANG ; Minghui JIANG ; Xingyu ZHAO ; Linze LI ; Xiaofang WU ; Yinming ZHAO ; Songrui DI ; Jianjun ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Linyuan WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):471-482
Objective:
To investigate the biological effects of carvacrol on rats with stomach-heat and stomach-cold and its regulation on transient receptor potential(TRP) channels in rats with stomach-heat, and to study the cold and heat properties of carvacrol and its possible mechanism.
Methods:
According to the random number method, 100 SD rats were divided into stomach-heat blank group, stomach-heat model group, Coptidis Rhizoma group, stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol group, stomach-cold blank group, stomach-cold model group, Baked ginger group, stomach-cold low-dose group and high-dose carvacrol group, 10 rats in each group. The rat model of stomach-heat was established by intragastric administration of pepper aqueous solution (0.80 g/kg) and anhydrous ethanol, and the rat model of stomach-cold was established by intragastric administration of water extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and sodium hydroxide (10.40 g/kg). On the day of modeling, the rats in the Baked ginger group were given Baked ginger decoction (0.78 g/kg), and the rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group were given Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (0.43 g/kg).The stomach-cold and stomach-heat low-dose group of carvacrol was given carvacrol emulsion (40 mg/kg), high-dose group was given carvacrol emulsion (80 mg/kg).All rats of the blank and model groups were given the equal volume of emulsion prepared by 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 1% Tween 80, 1% polyethylene glycol 400, and 93% normal saline, once a day, for 7 days. The general condition of rats was observed and the body mass was recorded. The pathological morphology of gastric tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The changes of material and energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide (cAMP), thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal hormone in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential channel M8 (TRPM8) and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in rats with gastric fever were detected by Western blotting.
Results:
Compared with the stomach-heat blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-heat model group decreased at the fifth and seventh day (P<0.05). The contents (or ratio) of hepatic glycogen (HGlyc), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were decreased (P<0.05), and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, cytochrome C oxidase (COX), NADH dehydrogenase (ND), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), cAMP/cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and α-amylase (α-AMS) all increased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-heat model group, the body mass of rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, VIP and α-AMS were increased, and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and GAS all decreased (P<0.05). The body mass of rats in the stomach-heat low-dose carvacrol group decreased at the seventh day. The contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, and VIP were increased, Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and MTL all decreased, the expression of TRPV1 and UCP1 in gastric tissue decreased, while TRPM8 increased (P<0.05) in rats of the stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol groups. Compared with the stomach-cold blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-cold model group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, α-AMS, and VIP all increased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-cold model group, the body mass of rats in the Baked ginger group was increased at the seventh day, and the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, VIP, and α-AMS all decreased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all increased (P<0.05). The contents of HGlyc, cAMP, α-AMS, and VIP of rats in the stomach-cold low and high-dose carvacrol group all decreased (P<0.05). TG in the stomach-cold low-dose carvacrol group was increased. TC, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, and cGMP all increased, while cAMP/cGMP decreased (P<0.05) in the high-dose carvacrol group.
Conclusion
In this study, the rat model of stomach-cold and stomach-heat were successfully established by using cold and heat factors. The result showed that carvacrol had a certain inhibitory effect on body mass, material energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide level, thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal function in rats with stomach-heat, indicating that the drug was cold. Carvacrol′s cold medicinal property could be biologically explained by TRPV1 activation, UCP1 induction, and TRPM8 suppression.
2.C-TIRADS combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluation of category 4 nodules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Sifan CHEN ; Feng CHEN ; Xiaofang TANG ; Zhou CHEN ; Keke YANG ; Fangqiang JIANG
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(3):21-25
Objective Evaluation of Chinese-thyroid imaging reporting and data system(C-TIRADS)combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)for the assessment of category 4 nodules in the setting of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.Methods Retrospective analysis of 120 C-TIRADS category 4 thyroid nodules from 79 patients with confirmed Hashimoto's thyroiditis who attended the Yiyang Central Hospital from June to December 2022.Thyroid nodules exhibiting one or more benign or malignant features that were suspicious on CEUS were treated as downgraded or upgraded one level.Using the final surgical pathology results as the gold standard,working characteristic(ROC)curves of subjects based on C-TIRADS grading before and after CEUS adjustment were plotted to compare diagnostic efficacy.Results The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the CEUS-adjusted C-TIRADS were 93.0%,87.8%and 90.8%,respectively(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve was 0.811 and 0.904,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusion C-TIRADS combined with CEUS has better diagnostic efficacy in evaluating category 4 nodules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
3.Multimorbidity status and risk factors among adults aged 45-64 years in 15 provinces of China in 2018: Based on association rule analysis
Zhiru WANG ; Xiaofang JIA ; Mengran LIU ; Hongru JIANG ; Huijun WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Weiyi LI ; Zhihong WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(7):768-773
Background Multimorbidity imposes a heavy burden on individuals, families, and society. There are relatively few studies exploring patterns of multimorbidity among middle-aged adults in China. Objective To explore the current status of multimorbidity, associated risk factors, and multimorbidity patterns among adults aged 45-64 years in China, so as to provide a scientific basis to prevent and control multimorbidity in China. Methods A total of
4.Effects of Buzhong Yulin Decoction (补中愈淋汤) for Mice with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infectionon on Bladder Mucosal Barrier and Bacterial Load of Bladder Epithelial Cells
Hao YIN ; Yi XUE ; Biao ZHANG ; Zhuohui JIN ; Jiaoli ZHU ; Yi JIANG ; Xiaofang WANG ; Chen FENG ; Yunyun JIN ; Qingjiang JIN ; Qinglei JIN ; Xin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2338-2346
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Buzhong Yulin Decoction (补中愈淋汤) in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection. MethodsThe mouse models of recurrent urinary tract infection were established by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain UTI89 by bladder perfusion, and the successful mouse models were randomly divided into a model group, an antibiotic group, and a low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction group, with six mice in each group. In addition, 5 C57BL/6 mice without modelling were taken as blank group. The low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of decoction by gavage, with concentrations of 1.3 g/ml and 5.2 g/ml, respectively; the antibiotic group received 0.1 ml/10 g of levofloxacin hydrochloride solution with 5 mg/ml by gavage; the blank and model groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage. Each group was gavaged once a day for 7 consecutive days. The total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, and the total urine volume of the urine marks were observed by the urine marking test; HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the bladder of mice; serum levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA; the morphology of the epithelial cells of bladder was observed by scanning electron microscopy; immunofluorescence assay to detect bladder tissue anti-UroPlakin 3A protein level and UPEC bacterial load; the spread plate method to detect urinary bacterial load and bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells; RT-PCR method to detect Ras-related protein Rab-11A (RAB11A) and Ras-related protein Rab-27B (RAB27B) mRNA level in bladder tissue; immunoblotting to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain3 (LC3) and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the bladder epithelial cell layers were lost and showed abnormal morphology in mice of the model group; bladder tissue UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA levels reduced, the total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load, urinary bacterial load, bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and LC3 and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the bladder epithelial cell layers were intact and the morphology of epithelial cells were regular in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups; the average surface area of bladder epithelial cells reduced, the levels of UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA in bladder tissues elevated, and total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load, urinary bacterial load, bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but LC3 protein levels showed no statistically significant (P>0.05). In the antibiotic group, the bladder epithelial cells were partially missing and the morphology of epithelial cells was abnormal. Compared with the antibiotic group, the average surface area of the bladder epithelial cells in the mice increased in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups, the bacterial load of the bladder epithelial cells decreased, and the P62 protein level of the bladder tissue decreased (P<0.05). When comparing between the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups, the differences in each index were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yulin Decoction may prevent and treat recurrent urinary tract infection by repairing the bladder mucosal barrier, increasing RAB11A and RAB27B level and enhancing autophagy in bladder tissues, thereby facilitating bacterial clearance from bladder epithelial cells and reducing the bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells.
5.Diagnostic value of cell-free DNA detection in tuberculous pleurisy
CHENG Liang ; HUA Shaopeng ; JIANG Yanping ; JIA Xiujie ; HU Xiaofang ; ZHAO Xinguo
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(2):162-
Objective To assess the diagnostic efficacy of the cell-free Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA testing (CF-TB) in tuberculous pleurisy. Methods A total of 71 patients diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy and 35 patients with non-tuberculous pleurisy were selected from the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi between January to December 2022. The standard pleural puncture was conducted to collect pleural effusion, which was then utilized for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, GeneXpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin resistance (GeneXpert MTB/RIF), CF-TB, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) testing. Blood samples were subjected to tuberculosis infection T-cell spotting test (T-SPOT.TB) assay. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to obtain the optimal cut-off value for pleural fluid CF-TB and to compare the diagnostic performance of CF-TB with other methods. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0 software, with statistical significance defined as P<0.05. Results The ROC curve analysis determined that the optimal cycle threshold (Ct) value for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy using CF-TB in pleural fluid was 38.489, with a sensitivity of 91.5% and specificity of 97.1%. In comparison, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of T-SPOT.TB and pleural fluid ADA in diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy were 86.0%, 71.4%, 86.0%, 71.4%, 81.1%, and 55.0%, 91.4%, 92.9%, 50.8%, 67.0%, respectively, all of which were lower than the diagnostic efficiency of CF-TB. Furthermore, the specificity of pleural fluid CF-TB in diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy (97.1%) was not significantly different from GeneXpert MTB/RIF (100%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture (100%), but its sensitivity (91.5%) was significantly higher than both GeneXpert MTB/RIF (19.7%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture (28.2%), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusions Compared to the conventional gold standard for diagnosing tuberculous pleurisy, CF-TB exhibits a higher sensitivity and its specificity is superior to that of tuberculosis immunological test. Consequently, CF-TB can serve as a valuable complement to other traditional detection methods in aiding the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy.
6.Diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy in children
Wenqian YE ; Yanyan XIAO ; Xiaokun JIANG ; Mei JIN ; Xiaofang WANG ; Wenhong DING
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(4):363-367
Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations, experiences in diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, radiological features, treatment and follow-up results was conducted in 11 children diagnosed with ACM at the center of congenital heart disease, Beijing anzhen hospital from May 2010 to March 2022.Results:A total of 11 patients aged 2 to 16 years, including 5 males and 6 females were diagnosed with ACM. The clinical manifestations included decreased activity tolerance (7 patients), heart failure (4 patients), syncope or sudden death (3 patients), palpitation (3 patients), and chest tightness and pain (3 patients). Electrocardiogram showed right bundle branch block in 9 cases, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia in 4 cases, frequent premature ventricular contraction in 4 cases, ventricular pre-excitation in 1 case, left bundle branch block in 1 case, and first degree atrioventricular block in 2 cases. Echocardiography showed enlargement of the right heart, widening of the right ventricular outflow tract, and thinning and bulging of the local wall of the right ventricle with reduced pulsation. Ventricular thrombosis was found in 2 cases. Six children underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, which mainly showed severe enlargement of the right heart, thin free wall of the right ventricle, decreased right heart function, enhanced right ventricular myocardium, and formation of right ventricular aneurysm. Two children underwent myocardial biopsy examination and presented with typical pathological changes of ACM. Genetic tests in five patients revealed DSG2 gene mutation in 2 cases, PKP2 gene mutation in 2 cases, and MYH6 gene mutation in 1 case. All patients received anti heart failure treatment and antiarrhythmic drugs. Two children received anticoagulant treatment due to ventricular thrombosis. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in 2 patients. Glenn procedure was performed in 4 patients, and heart transplantation was performed in 1 patient due to progressive heart failure. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 12 years. Two cases died of right heart failure, 6 cases had different degrees of heart failure, 1 case had intermittent chest tightness and pain, and 2 cases were stable.Conclusions:ACM is a progressive genetic cardiomyopathy characterized by decreased activity tolerance, cardiac failure and arrhythmia in pediatric patients. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical manifestations, electrocardiogram, cardiac imaging changes, and genetic testing. Early detection, diagnosis, and personalized treatment can improve the prognosis.
7.Research on the current situation and countermeasures of science and technology ethics governance of innovation subjects in Anhui province:based on the perspective of whole provincial investigation and analysis
Zichan CHEN ; Xiaofang WANG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Peng YAN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(8):908-914
The rapid development of scientific and technological innovation has gradually brought science and technology ethics into the public view.The innovation subjects are the main force of scientific and technological innovation,and building a sound science and technology ethics governance system must enhance their science and technology ethics governance abilities.The current situation of science and technology ethics governance of 182 innovation subjects in Anhui province was investigated from six aspects.The results showed that Anhui Province had achieved preliminary results in promoting the construction of a science and technology ethics governance system,but there were still many problems and shortcomings.Based on the results of the investigation and analysis,this paper proposed six countermeasures and suggestions,including establishing a sound technology ethics(review)committee for innovation subjects,valuing the registration of science and technology ethics information for innovation subjects,accelerating the science and technology ethics governance in the field of artificial intelligence,regularly conducting the science and technology ethics learning and training,cultivating compound the science and technology ethics management talents,and strengthening research on the science and technology ethics governance issues,with a view to enhancing the ability of science and technology ethics governance for innovation subjects,improving the construction of science and technology ethics governance system,and assisting the healthy development of science and technology innovation in the whole province.
8.Relationship between physical activity and the risk of morbidity of cerebrovascular disease in Sichuan Province: a prospective study
Jing ZHOU ; Xiaofang CHEN ; Xiaoyu CHANG ; Ningmei ZHANG ; Xiaofang CHEN ; Xia WU ; Jiaqiu LIU ; Wei JIANG ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Pei PEI ; Xianping WU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(6):787-793
Objective:To investigate the morbidity of cerebrovascular disease among residents ≥30 years in Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, and analyze the effect of physical activity level on the risk of morbidity of cerebrovascular disease.Methods:From 2004 to 2008, people from Pengzhou, Sichuan Province were randomly selected. All the local people aged 30-79 were asked to receive a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and long-term follow-up to determine the morbidity of cerebrovascular disease. The physical activity level and the morbidity of cerebrovascular disease were described, and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the association of domain-specific physical activity with the risk of morbidity of cerebrovascular disease.Results:In 55 126 participants, there were 5 290 new cases of cerebrovascular disease, with a cumulative incidence of 9.60%. After the adjustment for multiple confounding factors, multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that increased levels of occupational, transportation, and total physical activity reduced the risk of cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction). The highest group of occupational physical activity level had the lowest risk of cerebrovascular disease, with a hazard ratio ( HR) value of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75-0.88), the highest group of transportation physical activity level had the lowest risk of cerebrovascular disease, with an HR value of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91), the highest group of total physical activity level had the lowest risk of cerebrovascular disease, with an HR value of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.94), compared with the lowest group of corresponding physical activity. No association was found between the household/leisure-time physical activity level and the risk of cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction). Conclusions:In project areas of Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, increased physical activity has been associated with reduced morbidity of cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction). Increased levels of physical activity in adults are encouraged for health benefits.
9.Optimization of DNA purification nano beads specifically for FFPE samples
Lin XIAO ; Xiaofang LÜ ; Shiyu CAO ; Dan JIANG ; Linyong SUN ; Kun LI ; Feng YE
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2024;40(7):725-730
Purpose Focusing on the characteristics of for-malin fixed paraffin embedded(FFPE)samples,explored nano-magnetic bead nucleic acid extraction solutions with higher qual-ity/yield and continued to improve molecular pathology technolo-gy.Methods Alternative magnetic beads were synthesised in four major categories and 15 sub-categories and we screened to obtain high-quality/yield magnetic beads centred on FFPE samples.Simulated conventional tissues,simulated coarse needle punctures(liver),and simulated fiberoptic bronchoscopy sam-ples(lungs)were sectioned with the same number of serial slices in tubes.The nucleic acids of slices were extracted using the best magnetic beads screened in this study and common com-mercially available kits,and then perform comparison and purifi-cation quality parameters such as total amount and fragment size.The downstream applications of nucleic acids were validated by PCR and Sanger sequencing.Results Screening all homemade nanomagnetic beads centered on the DNA of FFPE samples,the total recoveries of the best performance nanomagnetic beads were obtained to be 58.5%±1.58%,and the total recoveries of five commercially available commercial magnetic beads and three do-mestic kit magnetic beads ranged from 18.68%to 40.71%.The total amount of DNA(ng)extracted from the same amount of tis-sue(serial slices),the nucleic acid yield of this study in simu-lated conventional tissues,simulated coarse needle punctures,and simulated fiberoptic bronchoscopy samples were increased by 39.49%-181.72%compared with those of the commercially a-vailable kits(P<0.05).The total amount of extracted nucleic acid from simulated fiberoptic bronchoscopy tissue sections can be more than 100 ng for 1 slice(4 μm)and more than 400 ng for 5 slices.Conclusion The DNA purification nanomagnetic beads screened with DNA from FFPE samples have a significant enhancement comparing to the existing commercial bead proto-cols,and provide space for quality assurance,automated testing,and program expansion for clinical molecular pathology testing.
10.Safety and Risk Control Study of Inhalation Preparation Based on CiteSpace
Zhengran WEI ; Yanqiong JIANG ; Tianzi SHI ; Yuanxuan CAI ; Yuhang ZHAO ; Xiaofang SHANGGUAN ; Rui HUANG ; Ke LI
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(6):993-999
Objective To analyze the hot spots,rules and distribution on safety research of inhalation preparations at home and abroad in the past 20 years,and to summarize the current status of safety and risk control research on inhalation preparations.Methods This reaserch is based on the literature related to the safety and risk control of inhalation preparations in the core collection database of the Web of Science.With the help of Excel 2021 and CiteSpace6.1.R3,visualized processing and analysis were carried out on the annual number of publications,countries,institutions,authors,co-occurrence of keywords,clustering and prominence.Results A total of 365 articles were included,the annual publication number in the field of the safety and risk control of inhalation preparations was less than 30 per year from 2002 to 2018.But since 2019,the number of articles published this year has exceeded 30.Through the analysis of the cooperation network of countries and institutions,the top four countries in terms of publication volume are the United States,the United Kingdom,Germany,and China,and the top three institutions are AstraZeneca,GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer.Through the analysis of the author cooperation network,the cooperation network between European and American authors was formed earlier,and a certain research group has appeared in 2002.In contrast,a more concentrated cooperation network has been formed in China in 2020.Conclusions In the past 20 years,the research on inhalation preparations has mainly focused on their safety and efficacy,while there are few studies on their risk control.There is a disconnect between safety assessment and risk assessment,and the future focus maybe focused on the adverse reaction assessment and risk management research of inhalation preparations.


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