1.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
2.Reshaping Intercellular Interactions: Empowering the Exploration of Disease Mechanisms and Therapies Using Organoid Co-Culture Models
Dengxu TAN ; Yifan MA ; Ke LIU ; Yanying ZHANG ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):309-317
The organoid co-culture model, as a novel tool for recreating a three-dimensional microenvironment to study cell-cell interactions, has demonstrated significant application potential in biomedical research in recent years. By simulating the in vivo tissue microenvironment, this model provides a more precise experimental platform for investigating complex cellular interactions, particularly in areas such as tumor immune evasion mechanisms, drug sensitivity testing, and the pathological characterization of neurodegenerative diseases, where it has demonstrated significant value. However, the organoid co-culture model still faces several challenges in terms of standardized procedures, large-scale cultivation, ethical guidelines, and future development. In particular, in the field of laboratory animal science, how to effectively combine organoids with traditional animal models, and how to select the most appropriate model for different research needs while exploring its potential for replacement, remain pressing issues. In the context of ethical approval and the replacement of animal experiments, the organoid co-culture model offers an experimental approach that better aligns with the "3R" principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), potentially becoming an important tool for replacing traditional animal models. To this end, this paper reviews the latest advances and key challenges in this field, providing a detailed description of the construction methods for organoid co-culture models and discussing their applications in disease mechanism research and drug screening. The paper also systematically compares the organoid co-culture models with traditional animal models, exploring the criteria for selecting the appropriate model for specific applications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential value of organoid co-culture models as alternatives to animal experiments and anticipates future development trends of this technology. Through these discussions, the paper aims to promote the innovation and development of organoid co-culture technology and provide new perspectives and scientific evidence for future research.
3.Reshaping Intercellular Interactions: Empowering the Exploration of Disease Mechanisms and Therapies Using Organoid Co-Culture Models
Dengxu TAN ; Yifan MA ; Ke LIU ; Yanying ZHANG ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):309-317
The organoid co-culture model, as a novel tool for recreating a three-dimensional microenvironment to study cell-cell interactions, has demonstrated significant application potential in biomedical research in recent years. By simulating the in vivo tissue microenvironment, this model provides a more precise experimental platform for investigating complex cellular interactions, particularly in areas such as tumor immune evasion mechanisms, drug sensitivity testing, and the pathological characterization of neurodegenerative diseases, where it has demonstrated significant value. However, the organoid co-culture model still faces several challenges in terms of standardized procedures, large-scale cultivation, ethical guidelines, and future development. In particular, in the field of laboratory animal science, how to effectively combine organoids with traditional animal models, and how to select the most appropriate model for different research needs while exploring its potential for replacement, remain pressing issues. In the context of ethical approval and the replacement of animal experiments, the organoid co-culture model offers an experimental approach that better aligns with the "3R" principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), potentially becoming an important tool for replacing traditional animal models. To this end, this paper reviews the latest advances and key challenges in this field, providing a detailed description of the construction methods for organoid co-culture models and discussing their applications in disease mechanism research and drug screening. The paper also systematically compares the organoid co-culture models with traditional animal models, exploring the criteria for selecting the appropriate model for specific applications. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential value of organoid co-culture models as alternatives to animal experiments and anticipates future development trends of this technology. Through these discussions, the paper aims to promote the innovation and development of organoid co-culture technology and provide new perspectives and scientific evidence for future research.
4.miR-185-5p alleviates the inflammatory response of acute gouty arthritis by inhibiting of IL-1β.
Nan HOU ; Xianghui MA ; Wei ZHOU ; Min YUAN ; Liming XU ; Huanxia SUN ; Yifan LIU ; Lining LIU ; Yanjun SHI ; Chunxian LI ; Yanfa FU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2024;40(1):51-57
Objective To investigate the relationship between interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and miR-185-5p in the process of joint injury in acute gouty arthritis (AGA). Methods The serum miR-185-5p levels of 89 AGA patients and 91 healthy volunteers were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The correlation between miR-185-5p expression level and VAS score or IL-1β expression level was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-185-5p in AGA. THP-1 cells were induced by sodium urate (MSU) to construct an in vitro acute gouty inflammatory cell model. After the expression level of miR-185-5p in THP-1 cells was upregulated or downregulated by transfection of miR-185-5p mimics or inhibitors in vitro, inflammatory cytokines of THP-1 cells, such as IL-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), were detected by ELISA. The luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the interaction between miR-185-5p and the 3'-UTR of IL-1β. Results Compared with the healthy control group, the expression level of serum miR-185-5p in AGA patients was significantly reduced. The level of serum miR-185-5p was negatively correlated with VAS score and IL-1β expression level. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.905, the sensitivity was 80.17% and the specificity was 83.52%. Down-regulation of miR-185-5p significantly promoted the expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), while overexpression of miR-185-5p showed the opposite results. Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that IL-1β was the target gene of miR-185-5p, and miR-185-5p negatively regulated the expression of IL-1β. Conclusion miR-185-5p alleviates the inflammatory response in AGA by inhibiting IL-1β.
Humans
;
3' Untranslated Regions
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Arthritis, Gouty/genetics*
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Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
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Interleukin-8
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Luciferases
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MicroRNAs/genetics*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
5.Current status of vascular preparation modalities for endoluminal treatment of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans
Yichen DONG ; Hongyong DUAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Yifan CAO ; Likang BAI ; Jie MA
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(3):190-196
With the increasing use of lower-extremity arterial angioplasty and the clinical use of a variety of vascular preparation devices. Vascular surgeons have more vascular preparation equipment such as cutting balloon, double wire balloon, chocolate balloon, shock wave balloon, AngioJet, Roterax and Acostream. These options can improve clinical outcomes, improve patient experience, and reduce stent placement and associated complications. This article will review the available vascular preparation devices for volume reduction, endovascular lithotripsy, and other special balloons to help clinicians choose the appropriate vascular preparation for their condition to improve perioperative safety and long-term patency.
6.The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Community Stroke Screening Intervention Model Based on Mar-kov Model
Huashan TANG ; Yifan WU ; Xian CAO ; Tanghu XU ; Bin MA
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(9):53-58
Objective:To explore the impact and cost-effectiveness of community stroke screening intervention mode on stroke risk.Methods:A total of 3 561 community people over 40 years old who participated in screening intervention in 2017,2019 and 2021 were selected as research objects,and stroke risk was divided into low risk,medium risk and high risk.A Markov model was established to explore the impact of screening intervention mode on stroke risk in community population.The cost increment during the phase I trial was calculated,and the life year increment was adjusted according to the quality estimate of previous studies.The cost-effectiveness increment ratio was calculated,and the screening intervention mode was evaluated,and univariate sensitivity analysis was performed.Results:Within a certain range,intervention screening could effectively shift the status of residents to the low-risk direction,and finally stabilize the distribution of low-risk,medium-risk and high-risk were 47.4%,31.0%and 21.6%.The incremental cost of interventional screening was 160 245 yuan,the incremental quality-adjusted life year was 151.129 yuan,and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER)was 1 060.319 yuan/QALY,which was less than 1 times the per capita GDP.The intervention program was fully cost-effective.Conclusion:Screening intervention can promote the transformation of the commu-nity population to a low-risk state of stroke in the prevention stage,and this approach has good cost-effectiveness performance.It is recommended that the primary medical and health institutions that are not enough to fully implement the integrated process ser-vice of community prevention and treatment of stroke should first implement low-cost screening intervention.
7.Epidemiologic characteristics of influenza outbreaks in Shaanxi Province, 2014-2023
Bin CHEN ; Jing XU ; Ping MA ; Ninan HE ; Quan HAO ; Yifan HE ; Pengbo YU ; Xuan FENG ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(8):1120-1125
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of influenza outbreaks in Shaanxi Province from 2014 to 2023 and provide basis reference for strengthening regional influenza prevention and control.Methods:The data were collected from the Public Health Emergency Management Information System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and the China Influenza Surveillance Information System. On-site epidemiological investigation information and etiological test results of influenza network laboratories reported in Shaanxi Province during 2014-2023 were collected, and descriptive analysis was conducted on the time, region, and location distribution of influenza outbreaks. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 386 influenza outbreaks were reported in Shaanxi from 2014 to 2023, with a total attack rate of 1.81% (14 880/821 001). The epidemic peaks mainly occurred in winter and spring (November to March of the following year), and there was an alternating pattern of epidemic peaks in different years (the early peak was in December, and the late peak was in March of the following year). The epidemic areas were mainly concentrated in the Qinba Mountains of southern Shaanxi (209, 54.15%) and Guanzhong Plain (173, 44.82%). The epidemic places were mainly distributed in primary schools (239, 61.92%), and the differences of epidemic areas and places were statistically significant (all P<0.001). Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were the predominant pathogen in the outbreak (849, 57.76%), and influenza A(H3N2), B (Victoria) lineage and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus alternately dominated the epidemic peak in different years. Conclusions:The peak of influenza outbreaks in Shaanxi Province was winter and spring during 2014-2023. Primary schools in the Qinba Mountains of southern Shaanxi and Guanzhong Plain should be targeted for prevention and control. In the prevention and control programs, close attention should be paid to the changing trend of dominant strains. Effective intervention measures should be targeted to the high-incidence areas and seasons.
8.Impact of common geriatric syndromes on adverse prognosis in hemodialysis patients
Yifan YANG ; Xiaotian SHI ; Qing MA
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(3):406-409
With population aging and advances in dialysis technology, the proportion of elderly people among hemodialysis patients is getting higher, making concurrent geriatric syndromes an important issue that deserves particular consideration in the management of dialysis patients in clinical practice.Common geriatric syndromes, such as frailty, sarcopenia, malnutrition, physical dysfunction, cognitive impairment and depression, have a high prevalence in hemodialysis patients and are associated with poor prognosis.Comprehensive geriatric assessment of elderly hemodialysis patients can identify high-risk patients early, help implement stratified care, and serve as a valuable guide in the improvement of patients' prognosis and quality of life.
9.Classic Formula Zhigancao Tang: Textual Research and Analysis of Key Information
Zhidan GUO ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Jinyu CHEN ; Xinghang LYU ; Xuancui JIN ; Yifan SUN ; Yujie CHANG ; Yihan LI ; Bingqi WEI ; Zheng ZHOU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):198-207
Zhigancao Tang (also known as Fumaitang) is a classic formula for treating "intermittent pulse and palpitations" and is widely used in clinical practice. Sanjia Fumaitang, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas (First Batch) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China in 2018, is derived from this formula. This paper employed bibliometric methods to comprehensively investigate and summarize the historical evolution, drug composition, herb origins and preparation, prescription meanings, and ancient and modern applications of Zhigancao Tang, analyzed the composition and usage of Zhigancao Tang, and discussed the reasons and applications of the "Fumaitang" variants created by Wu Jutong. A total of 47 valid pieces of data from 38 ancient texts were included. Results showe that Zhigancao Tang originates from the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun), and the name "Fumaitang" is also recorded in the formula's description. Converted to modern measurements from the Han dynasty system, the recommended preparation for Zhigancao Tang includes 55.2 g of fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 41.4 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 27.6 g of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 220 g of fresh Rehmannia glutinosa, 27.6 g of Asini Corii Colla, 53 g of Ophiopogonis Radix, 45 g of Cannabis Fructus, and 90 g of Jujubae Fructus. All herbs should be decocted with 1 400 mL of yellow rice wine and 1 600 mL of water until 600 mL. Once the Asini Corii Colla is fully dissolved, the decoction should be taken warm at a dosage of 200 mL, three times a day. Zhigancao Tang is effective for replenishing Qi, warming Yang, nourishing Yin, and nourishing blood and is primarily used to treat “intermittent pulse and palpitations” caused by deficiencies in heart Yin and Yang, as well as malnutrition of the heart meridian and conditions like lung atrophy. Modern applications mainly focus on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, and premature ventricular contractions. The findings from this research provide a reference for the further development of Zhigancao Tang.
10.Discussion on the Pathogenic Mechanism and Treatment of Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Remodeling Based on the Theory of "Yang Transforms into Qi,While Yin Constitutes Form"
Yifan CHEN ; Zhonghui JIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Dan MA ; Zhuye GAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(17):1762-1768
Ventricular remodeling is a crucial pathological process in the prognosis and regression of myocardial infarction. Guided by the theory of “yang transforms into qi, while yin constitutes form" of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), combined with the pathological characteristics and manifestations of ventricular remodelling, it is believed that insufficient "yang transforms into qi" and excess "yin constitutes form" resulting to heart yang deficiency and turbid pathogen obstruction are the basic pathomechanism of ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction; insufficient "yin constitutes form" and excess "yang transforms into qi" resulting to inadequate nourishment of the heart meridians and the emergence of various pathological changes are the key pathomechanism of prognosis and regression. Combined with clinical practice, we advocated that harmonizing yin and yang to maintain the dynamic balance of "yang transforms into qi" and "yin constitutes form". We also proposed the use of warming and tonifying to harmonise qi and transform it to help yang transport; resolving phlegm and removing dampness, invigorating blood and resolving toxins to disperse yin accumulation; clearing heat and extinguishing wind, and nourishing yin and channels to improve the prognosis. All these findings and summary could provide ideas on traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction.

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