1.Screening of Antidepressant Active Components from Curcumae Rhizoma and Its Mechanism in Regulating Nrf2/GPX4/GSH Pathway
Yonggui SONG ; Delin DUAN ; Meixizi LAI ; Yali LIU ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Ming YANG ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):211-221
ObjectiveTo screen and evaluate the antidepressant compounds of Curcumae Rhizoma, and explore its mechanism of regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glutathione(GSH) peroxidase 4(GPX4)/GSH pathway from an antioxidant perspective. MethodsThe antioxidant activities in vitro of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, including curcumol, curgerenone, curdione, curzerene, curcumenol, curcumenone, dehydrocurdione, isocurcumenol, furanodienone, furanodiene and zederone, were detected using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The depression in Drosophila melanogaster was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and W1118 wild-type male D. melanogaster were randomly divided into blank group, model group, curcumol group, curgerenone group, curdione group, curzerene group, curcumenol group,curcumenone group, dehydrocurdione group, isocurcumenol group, furanodienone group, furanodiene group, zederone group and fluoxetine group(10 μmol·L-1). The treatment groups received a dose of 0.1 g·L-1 of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, while the blank and model groups were administered equivalent volumes of solvent. The sucrose preference test, climbing test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the behavioral indicators of depression in D. melanogaster. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) was used to detect the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and dopamine(DA) in the brain of D. melanogaster, and the entropy weight method was used to comprehensively evaluate neurobehavioral and neurotransmitter indicators, resulting in the identification of the antidepressant active components of Curcumae Rhizoma. In addition, a mouse depression model was established by CUMS, and C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low and high dose groups of curzerene(0.5, 1 mg·kg-1), and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1) to confirm the antidepressant effect of the optimal active ingredient by behavioral analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in the hippocampus of mice from each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and GSH. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) was used to observe the effect of curzerene on the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal tissue. Western blot was performed to determine the level of Nrf2 protein, and Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) was used to verify the relationship between the antidepressant effect of curzerene and regulation of Nrf2. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the effect of curzerene on the mRNA expression level of GPX. ResultsIn vitro antioxidant experiments showed that curzerene and curgerenone exhibited the most significant ability to scavenge free radicals, and comprehensive evaluation results of entropy weight method indicated that curzerene stood out as the most promising active component. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.01), and the ROS content in hippocampus significantly elevated(P<0.01), while the ATP content significantly reduced(P<0.01). In the hippocampal neurons of the model group, mitochondrial cristae were disordered, with vacuolation of the inner membrane and severe damage. Nrf2 protein expression level in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH contents were also significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the gene expression levels of GPX1, GPX4 and GPX7 were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose group of curzerene showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.05), as well as a significant decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.05, P<0.01). The ROS content in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly reduced(P<0.01), while the ATP content was significantly increased(P<0.05). The neuronal mitochondrial damage in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was alleviated, and the expression level of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the improvement of curzerene on depressive behaviors in CUMS mice. The GSH content in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in SOD and CAT contents. The expression level of GPX4 gene in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in other GPX genes. ConclusionCurzerene is the best component with antidepressant activity in Curcumae Rhizoma. It may improve mitochondrial dysfunction to exert its antidepressant effect by regulating Nrf2 and its downstream GPX4/GSH pathway rather than CAT or SOD pathways.
2.Role of alkaloid compounds in regulating chronic liver diseases
Yihui ZHENG ; Jiahui WANG ; Tiejian ZHAO ; Xuelin DUAN ; Lei WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Shiquan YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):375-382
Chronic liver diseases with common causes including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Alkaloids, as a class of plant-derived compounds, have shown significant potential in regulating chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids are able to exert a therapeutic effect on chronic liver diseases through multiple pathways. These compounds have a regulatory effect on key pathological processes such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and they also regulate the metabolic homeostasis of hepatocytes by modulating multiple signaling pathways, thereby playing a role in regulating chronic liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of alkaloids in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
3.Characterization of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Xiaoxiao LIANG ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Linru DUAN ; Xi CHEN ; Tingyu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1208-1213
BACKGROUND:Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls and secondary damage in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.Most of the existing studies have analyzed the gait parameters of patients during straight-line walking,but few have analyzed the postural stability characteristics of patients during static and dynamic activities. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the characteristics of postural stability in elderly patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. METHODS:Twenty-two patients clinically diagnosed with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus at the Department of Neurosurgery,Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,Shanghai,China,from September 2022 to February 2023 were selected as the patient group,and 18 healthy accompanying family members were selected as the healthy control group.The postural stability characteristics of the subjects were assessed using the Timed Up-and-Go Test,Multi-Directional Reach Test,Berg Balance Scale,and Static Balance Function Test(reaction time,speed of movement,directional control,maximum offset distance,and endpoint travel). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The time required to complete the Timed Up-and-Go Test was significantly longer in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P<0.05).The results of the stretching test in the four directions of anterior,posterior,leftand right were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy control group(P<0.05).The Berg Balance Scale scores in the patient group were lower than those in the healthy control group(P<0.05).In the Static Balance Function Test,the results of reaction,movement speed,directional control,maximum offset distance and endpoint travel index were smaller in the patient group than the healthy control group(P<0.05).To conclude,patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus exhibit overall postural control deficits,and impaired reaction and execution abilities make these patients unable to make timely and accurate motor responses in the face of disturbances from internal or external sources,resulting in postural instability and increasing the risk of falls.
4.Impacts of sports games on prosocial behavior of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending regular classes
DUAN Guanting, SHANG Xiaoxia, HOU Huisheng, ZHENG Shicheng, SHI Wenxia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):177-180
Objective:
To explore impacts of sports games designed based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model (IMB) on prosocial behavior in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) attending regular classes, so as to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the development of prosocial behavior in school age IDD children.
Methods:
From February to March 2023, 40 children with intellectual disabilities aged 8-9 who were enrolled in ordinary schools in Beijing were recruited by using WeChat parents to send messages. They were randomly divided into an experimental group (19 before intervention, 17 after intervention) and a control group (19 before intervention, 19 after intervention) by lottery method. During the study period, children in both groups received the same frequency and quality of regular physical activities. The experimental group, in addition, underwent a 13 week sports game intervention based on the IMB model, 4 times a week, each session lasting 50 minutes. The sports game intervention scheme based on IMB model was divided into two modules,including basic training and development training:low difficulty sports game intervention based on emotion recognition, and medium low difficulty and medium difficulty sports game intervention based on social training such as "prosocial". The Griffith Empathy Measure (GEM) and the Prosocial Behavior Scale for Adolescents (PBSA) were used to assess empathy ability and prosocial behavior levels of children in both groups before and after the intervention.
Results:
After intervention, the cognitive empathy dimension, emotional empathy dimension and total score of GEM in the experimental group (39.15±2.85, 38.54±1.94, 77.69±3.95) were higher than control group (32.18±4.18, 32.28± 4.28, 64.56±6.48) and before intervention (33.92±4.94, 31.30±4.61, 65.23±8.47), and the differences were statistically significant ( F =12.06, 6.99, 14.90; 8.95, 7.36, 13.22, P <0.05). After intervention, compliance with public welfare factors, trait factors and total score (31.33±1.97, 16.67±1.03, 71.83±2.93) were higher than control group (22.65±1.58, 12.59±0.71, 59.47± 2.18 ) and before intervention (22.00±1.27, 12.17±0.75, 58.00±1.67), and the differences were statistically significant ( F = 17.00 , 36.54, 12.71; 29.87, 13.09, 13.12, P <0.05).
Conclusion
Sports game intervention based on IMB model can effectively promote the development of prosocial behavior of children with IDD attending regular classes.
5.Epidemic analyses of brucellosis in humans in Tangshan City, Hebei Province from 2016 to 2023
Xiangbo LIU ; Wen GAO ; Renjie E ; Ling ZHANG ; Zheng LIU ; Jie PEI ; Hongli LIU ; Guangyue XIE ; Keqing NING ; Jiahong DUAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):659-662
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological trends and characteristics of brucellosis in humans (hereinafter referred to as brucellosis) in Tangshan City, Hebei Province from 2016 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating brucellosis prevention and control strategies in the region. MethodsThe incidence data of human brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2023 were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The diagnosis time, infection route, and clinical characteristics of the cases were obtained from the case investigation reports. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, spatial, demographic distributions, and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis. Brucella species were identified using agglutination tests with bacterial suspension and A/M antigen-positive serum. ResultsA total of 2 193 cases of human brucellosis were confirmed and clinically diagnosed in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2023, with the peak incidence occured from March to August, and which exhibited distinct geographic distribution patterns. The highest incidence rate was found in people aged 60‒<70 years. The occupation of cases were primarily farmers. The incidence rate in males (528/100 000) was higher than that in females (184/100 000). All cases had confirmed exposure to infected animals or contaminated animal products. ConclusionThe epidemic of human brucellosis in Tangshan exhibited an overall steady downward trend from 2016 to 2023, except for a slight increase in 2016 and 2021, with the incidence rate controlled at 289/100 000‒335/100 000. The prevention and control situation of human brucellosis still remains severe, with the highest incidence rate in the eastern region of Tangshan, which are characterized by the breeding, slaughtering, and processing of cattle and sheep. Therefore, it it is necessary to enhance the prevention and control of human brucellosis among the personnel engaged in these industries in the eastern areas.
6.Guideline for the workflow of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs
Zhengxiang LI ; Rong DUAN ; Luwen SHI ; Jinhui TIAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Lingli ZHANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Hualin ZHENG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Wudong GUO ; Liyan MIAO ; Suodi ZHAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2353-2365
OBJECTIVE To standardize the main processes and related technical links of the clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, and provide guidance and reference for improving the quality of comprehensive evaluation evidence and its transformation and application value. METHODS The construction of Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs was based on the standard guideline formulation method of the World Health Organization (WHO), strictly followed the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, and conformed to the six major areas of the Guideline Research and Evaluation Tool Ⅱ. Delphi method was adopted to construct the research questions; research evidence was established by applying the research methods of evidence-based medicine. The evidence quality classification system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center was adopted for evidence classification and evaluation. The recommendation strength was determined by the recommendation strength classification standard formulated by the Oxford University Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the recommendation opinions were formed through the expert consensus method. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs covers 4 major categories of research questions, including topic selection, evaluation implementation, evidence evaluation, and application and transformation of results. The formulation of this guideline has standardized the technical links of the entire process of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, which can effectively guide the high-quality and high-efficient development of this work, enhance the standardized output and transformation application value of evaluation evidence, and provide high-quality evidence support for the scientific decision-making of health and the rationalization of clinical medication.
7.Effectss of persistent obesity on lung function in school age children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(4):549-553
Objective:
To analyze the impact of persistent obesity on their lung function, so as to offer insights for implementing intervention measures to increase lung function in obese school age children.
Methods:
A total of 335 children from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort established in 2009 in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, who participated in the follow up at the ages of 7 years (2016) and 10 years (2019), were selected as the study participants. Physical measurements including height, weight, and lung function were recorded. According to the World Health Organization standard, that is, gender and age specific to correct the body mass index to calculate the body mass index Z score, was used to evaluate the obesity status of children at the age of 7 and 10. Children were divided into four groups, including sustained non obesity group, restored obesity group, newly classified obesity group, and persistent obesity group. Meanwhile, the lung function prediction equations recommended by the Global Lung Function Initiative were used to standardize the lung function indexes of children. Pulmonary function differences among these groups were examined, and the relationship between childhood obesity and pulmonary function was longitudinally analyzed using generalized estimating equations.
Results:
The prevalence of obesity were 9.0% and 16.1% at the age of 7 and 10 years, respectively. The proportion of both newly classified and persistent obesity group were 8.1%, respectively. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were (1 269.90±202.70) and (1 415.70±230.00) mL, respectively, at the age of 7 years. FEV 1 and FVC at the age of 10 years were (1 440.80±403.20) and (1 555.60±517.60) mL, respectively. Cross sectional analysis at age 7 showed that forced expiratory flow at 75% vital capacity (FEF 75 ) ( β=-0.52, 95%CI =-0.96--0.07) and maximal mid expiratary flow (MMEF) ( β=-0.45, 95%CI =-0.89--0.00) were significantly lower in obese children compared to their non obese peers ( P < 0.05). Longitudinal analysis indicated that obese children had lower levels of lung pulmonary function, with a statistically significant difference in FEV 1 ( β=-0.44, 95%CI=-0.85--0.02, P <0.05). There was no significant difference among the various obesity groups ( P >0.05), while gender stratified results revealed significant reductions in FEV 1/FVC in newly classified obese girls at age 10 years ( β=-1.76, 95%CI =-3.13--0.38) and in MMEF in persistently obese girls at age 10 years ( β=-1.44, 95%CI = -2.79- -0.09) ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
Obesity may contribute to reduced lung function levels in school aged children, with newly classified and persistent obesity having more pronounced effects on lung function in girls.
8.Retrospective study of bilateral frontal sinus stent implantation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps undergoing full functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Xiaoqiong SHI ; Yingna GAO ; Xiangqiang DUAN ; Minhui ZHU ; Jing SONG ; Li ZHOU ; Hongliang ZHENG ; Haihong TANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(2):105-108
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of bioabsorbable steroid-releasing sinus stents for improving surgical outcomes and subjective symptoms when placed in the bilateral frontal sinus opening(FSO)following full functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP).METHODS CRSwNP patients who had under full functional endoscopic sinus surgery with complete data of nasal endoscopy and sinus computed tomography data were identified and included in the study.The patients were divided into a control group consisting of patients receiving only full functional endoscopic sinus surgery(n=92)and a stent group consisting of patients receiving full functional endoscopic sinus surgery combined with placement of steroid implants in both FSO(n=38).The visual analogue scale(VAS)subjective symptom scores and surgical outcomes were compared preoperatively,and on postoperative day(PD30 and PD90)between the two groups.RESULTS Compared to baseline,the overall symptom VAS scores of patients after operation decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the degree of improvement of overall symptoms in the stent group was significantly better than in the control group(P<0.05).On PD30,the proportion of patients requiring postoperative interventions for bilateral FSO was reduced by 42.3%in the stent group,and was significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the proportion of patients needing postoperative intervention in both ethmoid sinus on the stent group decreased by 17.7%(P>0.05).The results at PD90 were consistent with those at PD30.CONCLUSION Full functional endoscopic sinus surgery in combination with bilateral frontal sinus stent implantation is better than full functional endoscopic sinus surgery alone.
9.Exploration of Anti-depression Mechanism of Kai-Xin-San via Regulation of Neurogenesis of Hippocampus on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induced Mice
Jiani ZHENG ; Lingxin HUANG ; Yunqing LU ; Xuan LI ; Yang CHEN ; Jiaxiang TONG ; Ziqiang ZHU ; Jinao DUAN ; Lejun LI ; Yue ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):19-30
Objective To explore the anti-depression mechanism of Kai-Xin-San(KXS)via regulation of neurogenesis in hippocampus of depression-like mice.Methods The extracts of KXS were prepared and the anti-depression effects of KXS were evaluated by behavioral tests on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)induced depression-like mice.Evaluating depression-like behavior in CUMS mice through sucrose preference test,forced swimming test,tail suspension test,and other methods.Neurogenesis in hippocampus were determined by immunofluorescence assay.In addition,effects of KXS on regulating nestin expression and Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway were explored by western blotting analysis.Amounts of cortisol,corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF)were determined by ELISA tests.Mouse primary neural stem cells(NSC)was used to evaluate the effect of KXS on promoting its proliferation by immunofluorescence assay.In addition,effects of KXS on regulating nestin and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were also explored by Western blotting analysis.Results KXS significantly ameliorated the depression-like behaviors in presence of increased sucrose preference rate and decreased immobile time of tail suspension and forced swimming.KXS significantly promoted the neurogenesis in the hippocampus and expressions of nestin,reduced the expressions of cortisol,CRF,ACTH,increased the expressions of BDNF,NGF,and regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.KXS also promoted the proliferation of NSCs and expressions of nestin,enhanced the translocation of b-catenin into nucleus,and regulated the expressions of proteins of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Conclusion KXS promoted neurogenesis in hippocampus and regulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway,which might contribute to its antidepressant effect.
10.Efficacy Evaluation and Mechanism Research of Qi-Shen-Yi-Zhi Formula in Improving the Learning and Memory Ability of Aβ1-42 Hippocampus Injection Mice
Ziqiang ZHU ; Yunqing LU ; Jiani ZHENG ; Cheng CAO ; Yang CHEN ; Jiaxiang TONG ; Xuan LI ; Sheng GUO ; Jin'ao DUAN ; Yue ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):40-47
Objective Evaluation of the effect and mechanism research of Qi-Shen-Yi-Zhi formula on improving learning and memory ability in mice injected with Aβ1-42 in hippocampus.Methods Alzheimer's disease model mice were constructed by injecting β amyloid peptide 1-42 into hippocampus and treated with water extracts of Qi-Shen-Yi-Zhi formula.The cognitive abilities of mice were assessed using Morris water maze and Y maze tests,which measure learning and memory capabilities.HE staining was used to observe the damage and TUNEL method was used to determine apoptosis of hippocampus.Detection of the expression of oxidative factors,inflammatory factors,and related antioxidant proteins and apoptotic proteins in the hippocampal tissue of a mouse model of dementia.Results Both high-dose and low-dose groups of Qi-Shen-Yi-Zhi formula significantly improved cognitive dysfunction in mice injected with Aβ1-42 in hippocampus,and attenuated the damage and apoptosis of the hippocampus.It also inhibited oxidative stress and downregulated the expressions of inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-a,increased the expression of antioxidant proteins Nrf2 and HO-1,and regulated the expressions of apoptotic proteins Caspase-9,Caspase-3,Bax and Bcl-2.Conclusion Qi-Shen-Yi-Zhi formula improves the learning and memory abilities of mice injected with Aβ1-42 in hippocampus,which might be related to the attenuation of oxidative stress and neuronal inflammation of hippocampus.


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