1.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
2.Relationship between traditional Chinese postpartum practices and postpartum depression
Shan CAO ; Jiajun XU ; Yukun KANG ; Peng WANG ; Min JIN
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):321-326
BackgroundPostpartum depression can affect the physical and mental health of mothers and the quality of parenting. Most Chinese women perform traditional postpartum practices (commonly known as "doing the month") after giving birth, while the existing findings are inconsistent and inconclusive regarding the potential of traditional Chinese postpartum practices to alleviate or exacerbate postpartum depression. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between traditional Chinese postpartum practices and postpartum depression, so as to provide references for reducing the risk of postpartum depression. MethodsA total of 240 consecutive women who gave birth in the obstetrics department of the Mianyang Central Hospital and the Third Hospital of Mianyang from January to May 2024 were selected. Data were collected using Self-designed General Information Questionnaire, Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), the Adherence to Doing-the-Month Practices questionnaire (ADP), and the Self-compiled Questionnaire on the Cognition of Doing-the-Month. The absolute value (A value) of the difference between scores of ADP and Cognition of Doing-the-Month Questionnaire was calculated to evaluate the degree of cognitive behavioral conflict of postpartum women. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the correlations of EPDS score with SSRS score, PHQ-15 score, ADP total and dimensional scores, Cognition of Doing-the-Month Questionnaire total and dimensional scores, and A value. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the protective and risk factors for developing postpartum depression. ResultsThe postpartum depression was detected in 22.50% of women. The postpartum women had a EPDS score of (6.21±5.00), ADP score of (70.05±20.57), SSRS score of (41.96±6.96), PHQ-15 score of (4.63±3.77), and Cognition of Doing-the-Month questionnaire score of (40.30±10.13). The A value was (0.65±0.58). Correlation analysis revealed that EPDS score was negatively correlated with the total ADP score and the four dimensional scores of the restrictions on social activities, diet, housework, and personal hygiene (r=-0.228, -0.146, -0.184, -0.275, -0.168, P<0.05 or 0.01), and positively correlated with the A value (r=0.161, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that restriction on housework dimension in ADP was entered into the model (OR=0.930, 95% CI: 0.885~0.978). ConclusionThe restriction on housework dimension in traditional Chinese postpartum practices may be a protective factor against postpartum depression.
3.“Textbook Outcome” and Influencing Factors in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Following Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yakai YANG ; Shuai XU ; Chunhong ZHAO ; Yukun CAO ; Guangsheng YU ; Jun LIU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(10):827-833
Objective To investigate the short- and long-term prognoses and the risk factors affecting “textbook outcome” (TO) after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods The clinical and follow-up data of patients diagnosed with PDAC and treated with LPD from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The prognosis was compared between TO and non-TO groups, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors for TO. Results A total of 284 patients were enrolled in this study, including 185 cases in the TO group and 99 cases in the non-TO group. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of the TO and non-TO groups with PDAC were 87.3% vs. 85.9%, 52.5% vs. 38.4%, and 18.0% vs. 4.5%, respectively (P=0.020); the recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 74.1% vs. 65.7%, 27.1% vs. 21.0%, and 10.0% vs. 0%, respectively (P=0.042). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that operation time >360 min (OR=0.561, 95%CI: 0.321-0.979, P=0.042), intraoperative blood loss >400 ml (OR=0.392, 95%CI: 0.175-0.879, P=0.023), hard or tough texture of pancreas (OR=2.240, 95%CI: 1.247-4.022, P=0.007), and main pancreatic duct diameter >3 mm (OR=1.931, 95%CI: 1.126-3.312, P=0.017) were independent prognostic factors for TO. Conclusion After the learning curve, more than 60% of patients with PDAC can achieve TO after LPD. The chances of achieving TO are significantly reduced when the operation time >360 min, the intraoperative blood loss >400 ml, the texture of pancreas was soft, and the diameter of the main pancreatic duct >3 mm.
4.Identification of banana ADA1 gene family members and their expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses.
Qiqi ZHAO ; Wenhui REN ; Huifei ZHU ; Qiuzhen WU ; Chunyu ZHANG ; Xiaoqiong XU ; Binbin LUO ; Yuji HUANG ; Yukun CHEN ; Yuling LIN ; Zhongxiong LAI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2024;40(1):190-210
The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) is an ancillary transcription initiation complex which is highly conserved. The ADA1 (alteration/deficiency in activation 1, also called histone H2A functional interactor 1, HFI1) is a subunit in the core module of the SAGA protein complex. ADA1 plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress resistance. In this paper, we performed genome-wide identification of banana ADA1 gene family members based on banana genomic data, and analyzed the basic physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, selection pressure, promoter cis-acting elements, and its expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 10, 6, and 7 family members in Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans. The members were all unstable and hydrophilic proteins, and only contained the conservative SAGA-Tad1 domain. Both MaADA1 and MbADA1 have interactive relationship with Sgf11 (SAGA-associated factor 11) of core module in SAGA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that banana ADA1 gene family members could be divided into 3 classes. The evolution of ADA1 gene family members was mostly influenced by purifying selection. There were large differences among the gene structure of banana ADA1 gene family members. ADA1 gene family members contained plenty of hormonal elements. MaADA1-1 may play a prominent role in the resistance of banana to cold stress, while MaADA1 may respond to the Panama disease of banana. In conclusion, this study suggested ADA1 gene family members are highly conserved in banana, and may respond to biotic and abiotic stress.
Musa/genetics*
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Phylogeny
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Fungal Proteins
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Cell Nucleus
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Histones
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Stress, Physiological/genetics*
5.Active ingredients of Panax notoginseng regulate signaling pathways related to steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head
Jie HAN ; Qinglin PENG ; Zhiwei XU ; Yukun WU ; Guowu REN ; Xiaozhong XIE ; Wanqing JIN ; Ling YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(23):3751-3758
BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a refractory disease in the field of orthopedics.There is no definitive idea to fully explain its pathogenesis.With the increased research on the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng interfering with the signaling pathways related to various diseases,the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng that treat steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head via the regulation of relevant signaling pathways have gradually become a hot research topic. OBJECTIVE:To systematically summarize the literature on the pathological mechanism of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and the regulation of signaling pathways by the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng in recent years,thereby providing a reference for the follow-up study on the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng in the treatment of this disease. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang,and PubMed were searched for relevant literature with the key words of"glucocorticoid,steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,pathological mechanism,signaling pathway,Panax notoginseng,active ingredient"in Chinese and English.Documents related to the pathological mechanism of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head as well as related to the intervention of active ingredients of Panax notoginseng on the signaling pathway of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head were retrieved.A total of 63 documents were finally included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The main ingredients of Panax notoginseng include Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside,Panax notoginseng saponins,quercetin,kaempferol,etc.Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside Rb1 and quercetin can promote bone repair and angiogenesis by acting on the transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside CK and kaempferol can promote osteogenic differentiation and lipid metabolism by acting on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins and Panax notoginseng saponins R1/R2 act on the MAPK pathway to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and promote bone repair.Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside Rb2 and quercetin can inhibit osteoclast proliferation and promote osteoblastic differentiation by acting on the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins,quercetin and kaempferol can repair vascular injury and promote osteogenesis by acting on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins R1,quercetin combined with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles,Panax notoginseng saponins combined with polyethylene-L-lactic acid and other biomaterials have good research prospects in the treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.The active ingredients of Panax notoginseng can regulate the signaling pathways related to steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head through various mechanisms,and play an active intervention role in the disease.However,the depth and breadth of relevant research are insufficient at present,and the future research should be based on the existing mechanism to explore the specific mechanism of Panax notoginseng regulating different pathways and the interaction between pathways,which will be beneficial to the multi-development of the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng in the treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
6.Study on metabolic changes of myocardial tissue in rats exposed to macleaya cordata
Shiyong FANG ; Xiaoling SHI ; Jing ZHANG ; Yukun LU ; Pei FANG ; Guang CHEN ; Maowang WU ; Xiang XU
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;39(1):39-43
Objective To analyze the metabolic changes of myocardial tissue in rats under acute exposure to macleaya cordata by gas chromatography mass spectrometry(GC-MS),explore forensic identifications of its characteristic metabolites,and verify its toxicological mechanism in poisoning cases.Methods The rats in the exposure group were given 382 mg/kg macleaya extract solution by gavage,and the rats in the control group were given the same dose of solvent.The myocardial samples were analyzed by GC-MS,and pattern recognition was conducted through partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLSDA).The differential metabolites with characteristic changes were identified by variable importance projection(VIP value>1)and Student's t test(P<0.01).Results Compared with the control group,21 potential characteristic metabolites were identified.Through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,it was found that these metabolites were mainly involved in the pathways of glycine,serine and threonine metabolism;pyruvate metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism.Conclusion Through the study of myocardial metabolism in rats exposed to macleaya cordata,we found the information on metabolites closely related to poisoning,which provides new insight and reference for studies on the mechanisms of macleaya cordata poisoning in the field of forensic medicine.
7.Buyang Huanwu decoction promotes angiogenesis and improves hemorheological parameters after cervical spinal cord injury
Luchun Xu ; Yongdong Yang ; Guozheng Jiang ; Yushan Gao ; Jiawei Song ; Yukun Ma ; Jiaojiao Fan ; Guanlong Wang ; Xing Yu ; Xiangsheng Tang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(4):456-465
Objective:
To explore the effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on vascular neogenesis and hemorheological parameters following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods:
An acute cervical SCI model was established using 84 female Sprague–Dawley rats. Functional recovery of the rats was evaluated using the forelimb locomotor scale score, forelimb grip strength test, and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score. The animals were subsequently euthanized at days 7 and 28 postoperatively. The gross morphology, neuronal survival, and myelin sheath in the injured area were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Nissl, and luxol fast blue (LFB) staining, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe CD31 expression 7 days post-injury. Furthermore, the expression of CD31, neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), and myelin basic protein (MBP) were evaluated 28 days post-injury. Additionally, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) expression was evaluated using western blotting. Whole-blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and red blood cell aggregation were measured using a hemorheometer.
Results:
From postoperative days 3–28, motor function in the BYHWD group began to recover considerably compared to the SCI group. BYHWD effectively restored spinal cord histopathology. In addition, the number of NeuN-positive cells, and fluorescence intensity of CD31at 7 and 28 days and MBP significantly increased in the BYHWD group compared with the SCI group (all P < .05). Moreover, this decoction significantly upregulated the expression of VEGFA and VEGFR-2 (all P < .05). BYHWD improved the hemorheology results (i.e., except erythrocyte aggregation index in the low-dose group), revealing statistically significant differences compared with the SCI group (all P < .05).
Conclusion
BYHWD effectively promoted angiogenesis, improved hemorheological parameters, and protected neurons and myelin sheaths, ultimately promoting the recovery of neurological function after cervical SCI in rats. These findings suggest that BYHWD promotes vascular neogenesis through the VEGFA/VEGFR-2 pathway.
8.Prediction of Screw Loosening After Dynamic Pedicle Screw Fixation With Lumbar Polyetheretherketone Rods Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score
Guozheng JIANG ; Luchun XU ; Yukun MA ; Jianbin GUAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Wenqing ZHONG ; Wenhao LI ; Shibo ZHOU ; JiaWei SONG ; Ningning FENG ; Ziye QIU ; Zeyu LI ; YiShu ZHOU ; Letian MENG ; Yi QU ; Xing YU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):712-720
Objective:
To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1–4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL).
Results:
A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1–4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552–8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%).
Conclusion
The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.
9.Prediction of Screw Loosening After Dynamic Pedicle Screw Fixation With Lumbar Polyetheretherketone Rods Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score
Guozheng JIANG ; Luchun XU ; Yukun MA ; Jianbin GUAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Wenqing ZHONG ; Wenhao LI ; Shibo ZHOU ; JiaWei SONG ; Ningning FENG ; Ziye QIU ; Zeyu LI ; YiShu ZHOU ; Letian MENG ; Yi QU ; Xing YU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):712-720
Objective:
To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1–4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL).
Results:
A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1–4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552–8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%).
Conclusion
The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.
10.Prediction of Screw Loosening After Dynamic Pedicle Screw Fixation With Lumbar Polyetheretherketone Rods Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Vertebral Bone Quality Score
Guozheng JIANG ; Luchun XU ; Yukun MA ; Jianbin GUAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Wenqing ZHONG ; Wenhao LI ; Shibo ZHOU ; JiaWei SONG ; Ningning FENG ; Ziye QIU ; Zeyu LI ; YiShu ZHOU ; Letian MENG ; Yi QU ; Xing YU
Neurospine 2024;21(2):712-720
Objective:
To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and screw loosening after dynamic pedicle screw fixation with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods, and evaluate its predictive value.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods from March 2017 to June 2022. Data on age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia history, long-term smoking, alcohol consumption, VBQ score, L1–4 average Hounsfield unit (HU) value, surgical fixation length, and the lowest instrumented vertebra were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between VBQ score and pedicle screw loosening (PSL).
Results:
A total of 24 patients experienced PSL after surgery (20.5%). PSL group and non-PSL group showed statistical differences in age, number of fixed segments, fixation to the sacrum, L1–4 average HU value, and VBQ score (p < 0.05). The VBQ score in the PSL group was higher than that in the non-PSL group (3.56 ± 0.45 vs. 2.77 ± 0.31, p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, VBQ score (odds ratio, 3.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.552–8.279) were identified as independent risk factors for screw loosening. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VBQ score predicting PSL was 0.819 (p < 0.05), with the optimal threshold of 3.15 (sensitivity, 83.1%; specificity, 80.5%).
Conclusion
The VBQ score can independently predict postoperative screw loosening in patients undergoing lumbar dynamic pedicle screw fixation with PEEK rods, and its predictive value is comparable to HU value.


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