1.Mechanism of Xielitang Against Ulcerative Colitis in Mice Based on "Intestinal Flora-bile Acid" Axis
Xiaotian WANG ; Yaning BIAO ; Yixin ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Ya GAO ; Yufang ZHANG ; Muqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):30-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Xielitang on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and its possible mechanism. MethodsDSS was used to establish UC model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a sulfasalazine group (0.6 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Xielitang groups (1.67, 3.34, 6.68 g·kg-1). After treatment for 42 d, the colon length was recorded, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes of colon. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), small heterodimer partner (SHP), liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in liver and FXR, sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) in ileum. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the intestinal flora. Moreover, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the bile acid content. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and content of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) (P<0.01), significantly increased DAI score, IL-6 and TNF-α content, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and taurocholic acid (TCA) (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly down-regulated protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and significantly up-regulated protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). In addition, the structure of colonic mucosa was destroyed, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with the model group, Xielitang could significantly increase the colon length, IL-10 content, α-diversity index, the abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, and DCA and LCA content (P<0.05, P<0.01), decrease DAI score, abundance of Bacteroidetes, and the content of IL-6, TNF-α, CA, CDCA, and TCA (P<0.01), up-regulate the protein expression of FXR, SHP, and FGFR4 in liver and FXR, ASBT, and FGF15 in ileum (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expression of LRH-1 and CYP7A1 in liver (P<0.01). The pathological damage of colonic mucosa was obviously alleviated. ConclusionXielitang protects against UC probably by regulating the "intestinal microbiota-bile acid" axis, regulating intestinal flora imbalance, and maintaining bile acid homeostasis.
2.Expression of lncRNA SNHG8 in placenta accreta and its effect on trophoblast invasion and migration
Li'na GAO ; Xiaohui LIU ; Yufang ZHANG ; Xiaoling LIU ; Xiaochun HE ; Jing GAO ; Li ZHANG ; Jun SUN ; Xiujuan WANG ; Yan DONG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(5):646-652
Objective To investigate the expression of lncRNA SNHG8 in placenta accrete(PA)and its effect on trophoblast invasion and migration.Methods qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of lncRNA SNHG8 in placenta tissue of 30 cases in PA group and 30 cases in control group,and the correlation between lncRNA SNHG8 expression and prenatal ultrasound score of 30 cases in PA group was analyzed.Transwell and scratch assay were used to detect the effect of lncRNA SNHG8 interference on the invasion and migration of human chorionic trophoblast cells(HTR8/SVneo cells),and western blot was used to detect the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.The downstream targets of lncRNA SNHG8 were predicted by StarBase software,and the expression of lncRNA SNHG8 was detected in placental tissues of the two groups.Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between lncRNA SNHG8 and miR-542-3p.Results Compared with that of the control group,the expression of lncRNA SNHG8 was up-regulated in the placenta tissue of the PA group(P<0.05),and it was positively correlated with prenatal ultrasound score.Interference with lncRNA SNHG8 inhibited the invasion and migration of trophoblast cells(P<0.05);the protein expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 also decreased signifi-cantly(P<0.05).Biological prediction indicates that miR-542-3p had a binding site with lncRNA SNHG8,and miR-542-3p expression was down-regulated in PA placental tissue(P<0.05).Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that lncRNA SNHG8 could target miR-542-3p.Compared with si-SNHG8+inhibitor-NC,co-transfection of si-SNHG8 and miR-542-3p inhibitor enhanced the invasion and migration ability of trophoblast cells(P<0.05).Conclusion lncRNA SNHG8 is highly expressed in PA and is related to the severity of PA.LncRNA SNHG8 promotes the invasion and migration of trophoblast by regulating the level of miR-542-3p.The study suggests that lncRNA SNHG8 plays an important role in the invasion and migration of PA trophoblast cells,which is expected to be a clinical diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
3.Effects of grain-sized moxibustion on Th1/Th2 balance and transcription factors T-bet and GATA3 in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide
Tao ZHU ; Zhenzhi WANG ; Jia REN ; Yanting CHENG ; Zhen GAO ; Yufang JI ; Jinling MIAO ; Laixi JI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(6):818-825
Objective To observe the effects of grain-sized moxibustion on Th1 cell/Th2 cell(Th1/Th2)balance and transcription factors T-box transcription factor(T-bet)and GATA binding protein 3(GATA3)in immunosuppressive mice induced by chemotherapy.Methods According to the random number table method,32 SPF male CD-1(ICR)mice were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,levamisole hydrochloride group,and grain-sized moxibustion group,with eight mice per group.Except for the normal group,the immunosuppressive model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(80 mg/kg,once daily for three consecutive days).Mice in the levamisole hydrochloride group were given levamisole hydrochloride solution(10 mg/kg)by gavage.Mice in the grain-sized moxibustion group was given grain-sized moxibustion at"Guanyuan"(CV4),bilateral"Zusanli"(ST36),and bilateral"Sanyinjiao"(SP6),with three Zhuang at each acupoint for approximately 30 s each.The intervention was administered once daily for seven consecutive days.The general condition of mice was observed.The spleen mass and spleen index were detected.The pathological changes of spleen tissue were observed by HE staining.The protein and mRNA expressions of T-bet,GATA3,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and interleukin(IL)-4 in spleen tissue of mice were detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR.The contents of IFN-γ,IL-2,and IL-4 in serum of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with the normal group,the mice in the model group were slow in response,unstable in gait;the spleen weight and spleen index were increased(P<0.05);the structure of spleen tissue was disordered,the mRNA and protein expressions of T-bet and IFN-γ in spleen tissue were decreased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GATA3 and IL-4 were increased(P<0.05);the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum were decreased,and the content of IL-4 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the general condition of mice in the levamisole hydrochloride group and the grain-sized moxibustion group was improved,the structure of spleen tissue was improved,the mRNA and protein expressions of T-bet and IFN-γ in spleen tissue were decreased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GATA3 and IL-4 were increased(P<0.05);the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum were decreased,and the content of IL-4 was increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Grain-sized moxibustion can significantly improve the immunosuppressive symptoms induced by chemotherapy.The mechanism may be through regulating the expressions of transcription factors T-bet and GATA3,regulating Th1/Th2 balance,and thus restoring the immune balance.
4.OX40L promotes early antibody production after recombinant rabies virus immunization by activating dendritic cells
Yufang WANG ; Ting GAO ; Xiao XING ; Yong WANG ; Shaomei ZI ; Yaping LIU ; Yang HU ; Kang LI ; Yingying LI
Immunological Journal 2024;40(5):425-432
This study performed to determine whether OX40L overexpressed by recombinant rabies virus(LBNSE-OX40L)can enhance the innate immune response through activation of dendritic cells and thus activate early antibody production.Bone marrow dendritic cells(BMDCs)were extracted from the femur of Balb/c mice and cultured for 6 days,and the cultured BMDCs were infected with the parental virus LBNSE and the recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L with the multiplicity of infections(MOI)=1.The effect of each virus on the maturation of BMDCs was analyzed by flow cytometry;ELISA was used to detect the expression of innate immunity-related cytokines such as interferon-α(IFN-α)and interleukin-12p40(IL-12p40)in the supernatants of the infected BMDCs.For in vivo study,Balb/c female mice were injected intramuscularly with 106 FFU of parental virus LBNSE and recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L in both hind limbs,and the inguinal lymph nodes of mice were collected on day 6 after immunization,and the proportion of mature DCs was detected by flow cytometry.The serum was collected on day 6 after immunization,and the content of virus-neutralizing antibody(VNA)was detected by antiviral neutralizing antibody titration.Mouse serum was collected on day 6 after immunization,and virus neutralizing antibody content was measured by titration of antiviral neutralizing antibody,while IgG antibody in mouse serum was detected by ELISA.IgM antibody subclasses were detected by ELISA on days 2,4,and 6 after immunization.Compared with the parental virus LBNSE,the recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L was able to activate more BMDCs in vitro and produce significantly higher levels of IFN-α and IL-12p40.Furthermore,the recombinant virus LBNSE-OX40L stimulated the maturation and differentiation of the DCs in vivo,which led to the rapid production of high levels of VNA and RABV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies.Taken together,LBNSE-OX40L activates dendritic cells to promote the body's innate immune response,and in turn enhances early antibody production,thus can be an early effective rabies vaccine candidate.
5.Construction of an evaluation index system for clinical practice bases of nursing graduate students majoring in midwifery from a practical perspective
Xuqian SHEN ; Yufang GAO ; Lei SONG ; Meiling YUAN ; Rui YANG ; Zitong JI ; Longlong WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(1):55-62
Objective:To establish a comprehensive and detailed evaluation index system for clinical practice bases of nursing graduate students majoring in midwifery, providing reference for promoting the construction of clinical practice bases for nursing graduate students majoring in midwifery in China.Methods:Based on the theoretical framework of international midwifery practice basic skills, an evaluation index system for clinical practice bases of nursing graduate students majoring in midwifery was established through literature analysis and Delphi method. Analytic hierarchy process was used to calculate the weights of indicators at all levels.Results:This study conducted two rounds of consultation with 20 experts. In the two rounds of consultation, the positivity coefficients of experts were 84.38% and 74.07%, and the authority coefficients of the expert groups were 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. The total Cronbach's α coefficients of the index system were 0.930 and 0.965, respectively, and the Kendall harmony coefficients of the overall indicators were 0.230 and 0.297 ( P<0.01). The final evaluation index system for clinical practice bases of nursing graduate students majoring in midwifery included five primary indicators, 14 secondary indicators, and 76 connotation indicators. Conclusions:Based on the service purpose of maternal and child health and the functional positioning of the base, this study constructs a scientific and reliable evaluation index system for clinical practice bases of nursing graduate students majoring in midwifery.
6.Construction of the core competence evaluation index system for emergency medical dispatchers
Qiuxia ZHAO ; Xuezhang ZHANG ; Yanqiu HAO ; Yufang GAO ; Ziya XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(16):2143-2150
Objective:To construct an evaluation index system for the core competence of emergency medical dispatchers, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the training, assessment and ability evaluation of emergency medical dispatchers.Methods:In September 2022, a research group was established to compile the first draft of the evaluation index system for the core competencies of emergency medical dispatchers through literature review, semi-structured interviews and group discussions. From October to November 2022, a total of 27 experts in related fields from nine provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government in China were consulted by Delphi expert letters, items were screened and amended, and an evaluation index system for the core competence of emergency medical dispatchers was formed.Results:A total of two rounds of correspondence were conducted. The effective recovery rate of the questionnaire was 100%, and the authority coefficient of the experts was 0.856. Kendall's coordination coefficients were 0.402 and 0.414 ( P<0.01), respectively. Finally, a core competency evaluation index system for emergency medical dispatchers was constructed, which included seven primary indicators, 16 secondary indicators and 75 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The core competence evaluation index system for emergency medical dispatchers is scientific, reliable and comprehensive, which can provide a theoretical basis for the training, assessment and ability evaluation of emergency medical dispatchers.
7.Current status and training needs of good limb positioning knowledge, belief, and behavior among nurses in Class Ⅲ Hospitals
Mengdie JIANG ; Lu WANG ; Lu CHANG ; Junmei ZHANG ; Mengying WANG ; Yufang GAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(29):3995-4001
Objective:To explore the current status and training needs of nurses' knowledge, belief, and behavior regarding the good limb positioning in stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods:From November to December 2023, convenience sampling was used to select 1 708 nurses from 30 ClassⅢ hospitals in 17 provinces across the country, who worked in departments such as Neurology and Rehabilitation. The self-designed General Information Questionnaire, Knowledge, Belief and Behavior Questionnaire for Putting Good Limb Position in Clinical Nurses, and self-designed Training Status and Needs Questionnaire for Good Limb Positioning were used for online surveys. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of nurses' knowledge, belief, and behavior in good limb positioning.Results:A total of 1 622 valid questionnaires were collected. Nurses scored (135.64±25.93) on the Knowledge, Belief and Behavior Questionnaire for Putting Good Limb Position in Clinical Nurses, with the lowest score rate of 65.65% in the knowledge subscale and the highest score rate of 88.16% in the belief subscale. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, working years, department, and whether they received training were the influencing factors of nurses' knowledge, belief, and behavior in good limb positioning ( P<0.05). 92.23% (1 496/1 622) of nurses were willing to receive training on good limb positioning, and 70.10% (1 137/1 622) of nurses participated in training on good limb positioning. Conclusions:Nurses generally have a moderate level of knowledge, belief, and behavior towards the good limb positioning, with room for improvement in their knowledge and behavior. However, their belief is relatively positive. Nursing managers should actively carry out training on good limb positioning based on the different characteristics and needs of nurses, improve their ability to good limb positioning.
8.Development of the Self-Stigma Scale for Drug Addicts
Jiaoyang LI ; Rufang WANG ; Jun LIU ; Zuoliang LI ; Binbin WU ; Yufang GAO ; Da ZHANG ; Yong DENG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(11):972-977
Objective:To develop the Self-Stigma Scale for Drug Addicts(SSSDA),and test its validity and reliability.Methods:On the basis of literature analysis,open questionnaire survey,semi-structured interview and ex-pert consultation,the theoretical structure of the questionnaire was developed,and 943 drug addicts were test-ed.Sample 1(n=483)was used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis,and sample 2(n=460)was used for confirmatory factor analysis,criterion related validity and internal consistency reliability analysis.Sixty-four drug addicts were retested 4 weeks later for test-retest reliability test.The criterion related validity was tested with the Drug Stereotype Threat Scale.Results:The scale consisted of 6 dimensions and 31 items,including self-negative cognition,stereotype identity,confidentiality,social avoidance,stigma experience,and stigma experience in the process of detoxification(factor loadings were from 0.41 to 0.81),which explained 64.09%of the total vari-ance.The 6-factor structure model fitted the data well(x2/df=2.82,RMSEA=0.06,CFI=0.92,GFI=0.85,TLI=0.91).The total scores and factor scores of the SSSDA were positively correlated with the DSTS scores(ICC=0.10-0.22,Ps<0.05).The Cronbach α coefficients for the total scale and each dimension were between 0.80 and 0.95,and the test-retest reliability coefficients(ICC)were between 0.82 and 0.94.Conclusion:The Self-stigma Scale for Drug Addicts(SSSDA)initially developed in this study has satisfactory reliability and validity.
9.To Explore the Mechanism of Isoorientin in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on Gal-3/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Jian CHEN ; Ya GAO ; Dantong LI ; Yufang ZHANG ; Ying GU ; Chenxu LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(8):1123-1131
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of isoorientin on ulcerative colitis(UC)mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)and its mechanism.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,mesalazine group(600 mg·kg-1),isoorientin low dose group(25 mg·kg-1),isoorientin high dose group(50 mg·kg-1)and isoorientin control group(50 mg·kg-1),with eight mice in each group.Mice were free to drink 2%DSS solution to replicate UC model.After three weeks of experiment,each drug administration group was given corresponding drug by intragastric administration for four weeks.After the last administration,the body weight was weighed,blood was taken from eyeballs,and colon tissue was dissected.The pathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff(AB-PAS)staining.The ultrastructure of colon tissue was observed by transmission electron microscope.Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and myeloperoxidase(MPO)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of galectin-3(Gal-3)protein in colon tissue of mice was detected by immunohistochemistry analysis.The expression of MUC2 and the co-localization of NOD-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC)were detected by immunofluorescence assay.The protein expression of Gal-3,NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,IL-1β,IL-18,Occludin,and zonula occludens protein-1(ZO-1)in colon tissue of mice were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the control group,the body weight and colon length in the model group were shortened significantly,while the index of colonic weight of mice were increased significantly(P<0.01).The intestinal mucosal structure of mice was disordered,the microvilli were sparse,the crypt structure was infiltrated by a large number of inflammatory cells,mitochondria were significantly swollen,and goblet cells were obviously decreased.Serum levels of IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β,TNF-α,LPS,and MPO were significantly increased,while IL-10 level was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The positive expression of MUC2 protein in colon tissue was decreased and the co-localization of NLRP3 and ASC was enhanced.The protein expression of Gal-3,NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,IL-1β,and IL-18 in colon tissue were significantly increased,and the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body weight and colon length of mice in isoorientin low-and high-dose groups were significantly increased,the index of colonic weight of mice was apparently decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The structure of intestinal mucosa,microvilli and mitochondria recovered obviously,inflammatory infiltration was alleviated,and goblet cells were increased obviously.Serum levels of IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β,TNF-α,LPS,and MPO were significantly decreased,while IL-10 level was significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The positive expression of MUC2 protein in colon tissue was increased and the co-localization of NLRP3 and ASC was reduced.The protein expression of Gal-3,NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,IL-1β,and IL-18 in colon tissue were significantly decreased,and the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Isoorientin has a great therapeutic effect on DSS-induced UC mice.Its mechanism may be related to the protection of intestinal mucosal barrier by Gal-3/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway.
10.The Association between Educational Attainment and the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Chinese Adults: Findings from the REACTION Study
Yuanyue ZHU ; Long WANG ; Lin LIN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Shuangyuan WANG ; Hong LIN ; Xueyan WU ; Chunyan HU ; Mian LI ; Min XU ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Yufang BI ; Yuhong CHEN ; Jieli LU
Gut and Liver 2024;18(4):719-728
Background/Aims:
Low educational attainment is a well-established risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed areas. However, the association between educational attainment and the risk of NAFLD is less clear in China.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study including over 200,000 Chinese adults across mainland China was conducted. Information on education level and lifestyle factors were obtained through standard questionnaires, while NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were diagnosed using validated formulas. Outcomes included the risk of NAFLD in the general population and high probability of fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the risk of NAFLD and fibrosis across education levels. A causal mediation model was used to explore the potential mediators.
Results:
Comparing with those receiving primary school education, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NAFLD were 1.28 (1.16 to 1.41) for men and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99) for women with college education after accounting for body mass index. When considering waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.94 (0.86 to 1.04) for men and 0.88 (0.80 to 0.97) for women, respectively. The proportions mediated by general and central obesity were 51.00% and 68.04% for men, while for women the proportions were 48.58% and 32.58%, respectively. Furthermore, NAFLD patients with lower educational attainment showed an incremental increased risk of advanced fibrosis in both genders.
Conclusions
In China, a low education level was associated with a higher risk of prevalent NAFLD in women, as well as high probability of fibrosis in both genders.

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