1.Cyclocarya paliurus Polysaccharide Inhibits Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Reducing 5α-Reductase 2
Qinhui DAI ; Mengxia YAN ; Chen WANG ; Chenjun SHEN ; Chenying JIANG ; Bo YANG ; Huajun ZHAO ; Zhihui ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):107-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of polysaccharide in water extract of Cyclocarya paliurus (CPWP) in inhibiting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MethodsCPWP was obtained by heating reflux, aqueous extraction, alcohol precipitation, and freeze drying. The chemical composition and structural properties of CPWP were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with 1-pheny-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone pre-column derivatization and infrared spectroscopy. Male SD rats were randomly assigned into control, model, finasteride (ig 5 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (ig 50, 75, 100 mg·kg-1) CPWP groups, with 8 rats in each group. The BPH model was established by subcutaneously injecting propionate testosterone in castrated rats. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs, and those in the control group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline each day. After 30 consecutive days, the rats were sacrificed, and the prostate tissue was separated and weighed. The effects of drug interventions on the body weight, prostate wet weight, and prostate index of rats were examined. The prostate tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) for observation of pathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) and Ki67 in the prostate tissue. ResultsCPWP was identified as a saccharide, with characteristic absorption peaks of saccharides. CPWP showed the total sugar content of 44.15% and molecular weight within the range of 5.5-78.8 kDa, being composed of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, and arabinose. Compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased prostate wet weight and prostate index (P<0.01), thick and tall prostate epithelial cells, increased internal wrinkles, papillary expansion into the cavity, an elevation in DHT level in the serum, and up-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the finasteride and CPWP groups showed decreases in prostate wet weight and prostate index (P<0.05, P<0.01), thinned prostate epithelial cells, with only a small portion of internal wrinkles and papillary expansion into the cavity, shortened papillary protrusions, lowered DHT level in the serum, and down-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue (P<0.01). Moreover, CPWP exerted effects in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionCPWP inhibits BPH by regulating the expression of SRD5A2.
2.Study on the protective effect of saikosaponin C on acute liver injury in mice based on metabolomics
Xincun LI ; Donghui PENG ; Yongfu WANG ; Yamin SHI ; Mengjuan WU ; Zhihui FU ; Juan WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):552-557
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of saikosaponin C (SSC) on acute liver injury (ALI) in mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) based on serum metabolomics. METHODS Forty mice were divided into blank group (water), model group (water), positive control drug group (Biphenyl diester drop pills, 150 mg/kg), and SSC low- and high-dose groups (2.5, 10 mg/kg) using the random number table method, with 8 mice in each group. They were given water/ relevant drugs, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the last administration, all mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.2% CCl4 olive oil to induce ALI model, except for the blank group. After 17 hours of the modeling, the liver index of mice was calculated. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in serum of mice were detected. The histopathological changes of liver tissue were observed. Meanwhile, the serum metabolomics of mice were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the levels of liver index, ALT, AST, LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Hepatocytes were edema, vacuolar degeneration, more necrosis, and a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated. Compared with the model group, liver index and serum index levels of mice were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), accompanied by marked improvement in histopathological damage to the liver tissue. The metabolomics results showed that compared with the model group, there were 63 up-regulated and 256 down-regulated differential metabolites in the serum of mice in the SSC high-dose group, including prostaglandin B2, 20-hydroxy-leukotriene B4, 5- hydroxy-L-tryptophan, 7α -hydroxycholesterol, etc.; these metabolites were primarily involved in metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, 5-hydroxytryptamine synapse, primary bile acid biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS SSC exerts a protective effect against CCl4-induced ALI by down-regulating the level of key metabolites such as prostaglandin B2 and 20-hydroxy-leukotriene B4, and then ruducing metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, 5- hydroxytryptamine synapse, and primary bile acid biosynthesis.
3.Value of multimodal ultrasound score for assessment of endometrial receptivity among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Zhihui HAN ; Shuqin FU ; Yuwei WANG ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):167-173
Objective To assess the clinical value of multimodal ultrasound score for assessment of endometrial receptivity among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to provide guidance for improving pregnancy outcomes among PCOS patients. Methods A total of 48 PCOS patients admitted to Jiangning Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University between January and December 2023 were enrolled as the case group, while 50 healthy women of childbearing age received ovulation monitoring at the same hospital during the same period served as the control group. Subjects received two-dimensional grayscale ultrasound during the implantation window (19 to 23 days of the menstrual cycle) for measurement of endometrial thickness, Gonen classification, and endometrial peristalsis. Two-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound was used for assessment of endometrial blood flow and three-dimensional ultrasound was used for assessment of endometrial volume and vascularization flow index (VFI). The endometrium multimodal ultrasound scores were estimated, and various parameters were compared between the two groups. The diagnostic performance of these parameters for PCOS was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results The age of subjects in the case group ranged from 20 to 38 years, with a mean age of (28.20 ± 2.82) years, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 21.23 to 29.11 kg/m2, with a mean BMI of (26.25 ± 1.60) kg/m2. The age of subjects in the control group ranged from 22 to 38 years, with a mean age of (28.10 ± 1.99) years, and their BMI ranged from 21.33 to 29.03 kg/m2, with a mean BMI of (26.10 ± 1.78) kg/m2. There were no significant differences between the case and control groups in terms of mean age, BMI, estradiol, and testosterone (t = 0.218, 0.422, 0.010, and 0.221; all P > 0.05). The endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, and VFI were significantly higher in the control group than in the case group (t = 4.838, 4.978, and 7.115; all P < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of endometrial classification, endometrial peristalsis pattern, and endometrial and sub-endometrial blood flow (Z = −4.136, −4.048, and −3.884; all P < 0.05). The scores of endometrial classification, endometrial peristalsis, endometrial and sub-endometrial blood flow, endometrial volume, VFI, and multimodal ultrasound were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (t = 4.539, 4.449, 4.205, 3.209, 5.206, and 4.495; all P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected in the endometrial thickness score between the two groups (t = -0.149, P = 0.882). The areas under the ROC curves for endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, VFI, and multimodal ultrasound scores in diagnosis of PCOS were 0.753, 0.747, 0.809, and 0.858, respectively. Conclusion Multimodal ultrasound score provides a comprehensive assessment of the endometrium, and is effective in the assessment of endometrial receptivity, which may provide a reference for guiding pregnancy planning in PCOS patients.
4.Research on cardiometabolic risk factors of workers in new forms of employment
Siyuan WANG ; Xiaoshun WANG ; Rui GUAN ; Hong YU ; Xin SONG ; Binshuo HU ; Zhihui WANG ; Xiaowen DING ; Dongsheng NIU ; Tenglong YAN ; Huadong XU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):150-154
Objective To analyze the prevalence status of cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) and its aggregation among workers engaged in new forms of employment. Methods A total of 5 429 new employment workers (including couriers, online food delivery workers, and ride hailing drivers) who underwent health medical examinations at a tertiary hospital in Beijing City were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Data on waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid levels were collected to analyze their CMRF [central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and their aggregation (with ≥ 2 of the above 5 risk factors) status. Results The detection rates of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced HDL-C were 61.2%, 38.2%, 29.5%, 40.9% and 22.6%, respectively. The detection rates of CMRF aggregation was 57.8%. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male, age ≥45 years, smoking, overweight, and obesity were risk factors for CMRF aggregation (all P<0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of CMRF and its aggregation among workers with new forms of employment in Beijing City is relatively high. Targeted prevention and control efforts should be strengthened for high-risk populations, especially males, workers aged ≥45 years, smokers, and those who are overweight or obese.
5.Identification of 4 rare Jr(a-) blood groups with anti-Jr antibody and follow-up analysis of newborns in subsequent delivery
Yuli ZHU ; Yingchun WANG ; Hongxiao ZHONG ; Zhihui FENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1248-1252
Objective: To perform serological identification and molecular analysis of four samples with antibodies against high-frequency antigens, and to track the condition of newborns after delivery. Methods: Blood group serological tests were conducted using tube method, and unexpected antibody screening and identification were performed using polybrene and human globulin card. Gene haplotype analysis of blood group system was performed using PacBio third-generation sequencing. The DNA mutations were confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Results: Four samples showed normal blood types in common blood type systems. However, they were positive in all unexpected antibody screening and identification, with negative direct antiglobulin tests results. Third-generation sequencing revealed 3 cases of c.376C>T homozygous mutation and 1 case of c.421C>A homozygous mutation in the ABCG2 gene. Three pregnant women gave birth to four children, all of whom developed hyperbilirubinemia, accompanied by decreased red blood cell count and normal or low hemoglobin concentration. Conclusion: Four samples were obtained from individuals with the rare Jr(a-) blood group. Immunization during pregnancy led to the production of anti-Jr
antibody, which may contribute to hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.
6.Mechanism of Aurantii Fructus and Its Active Components in Regulating Gastrointestinal Motility: A Review
Junbao YU ; Jiayuan ZHU ; Wenya MEI ; Jiawei HE ; Yuqing LONG ; Zhihui WANG ; Xiaorong LIU ; Xiangdan LIU ; Ribao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):290-298
Gastrointestinal motility disorder is an important cause of digestive system diseases. Patients often suffer from nausea, vomiting, gastric retention, gastroparesis, constipation, and many other symptoms, and their quality of life is seriously reduced. Prokinetic agents are routinely used in clinical practice, but their long-term use is prone to problems such as reduced efficacy and increased adverse reactions. Since the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases has continued to rise globally in recent years, there is an urgent need for clinical development of safe and effective treatment strategies. Aurantii Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine, has the effect of smoothing Qi and eliminating distention, and it has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases for thousands of years. In modern clinical practice, it is mainly used for the treatment and auxiliary treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. The efficacy is remarkable, and no adverse reactions have been reported at conventional doses. Therefore, it can greatly improve the symptoms of patients with gastrointestinal diseases and improve their quality of life. Modern research has revealed that there are many active components in Aurantii Fructus, among which flavonoids have the highest content and the most types. Flavonoids are the main active components in Aurantii Fructus to regulate gastrointestinal motility. Aurantii Fructus and its active components can affect gastrointestinal hormones, neural pathways, Cajal mesenchymal cells, and other multiple mechanisms. They can adjust gastrointestinal motility and correct gastrointestinal motility disorders, showing potential application value in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, a comprehensive analysis of Aurantii Fructus in this aspect is still lacking. This study summarized the pharmacological activities of active components of Aurantii Fructus extract and its flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, and coumarin on the regulation of gastrointestinal motility and explored the latest research progress on its mechanism. Finally, the adverse reactions of Aurantii Fructus were summarized. It aims to provide a scientific basis for the research and clinical application of Aurantii Fructus and its active components in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility.
7.Predictive value of the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell for the adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus
Haixia LIU ; Lili WANG ; Xiaomin WEI ; Yuxia YANG ; Zhihui SONG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(1):12-16
Objective To investigate the predictive value of the expression levels of YY1 transcription fac-tor(YY1)and microRNA(miR)-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell for adverse pregnancy out-comes in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods A total of 200 patients with GDM were enrolled as the GDM group.100 healthy pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations during the same period were selected as the control group.The expressions levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mono-nuclear cell were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of YY1 and miR-181a-5p for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM pa-tients.Results Compared with the control group,the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of GDM group were obviously decreased(P<0.05),and the incidence rates of post-partum hemorrhage,macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia in GDM group were obviously higher(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age and poor blood glucose control were inde-pendent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients(P<0.05),and the expression levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cell YY1 and miR-181a-5p were independent protective factors for adverse preg-nancy outcomes in GDM patients(P<0.05).ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the expression levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood alone and in combination in predicting ad-verse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients was 0.717,0.751 and 0.832,respectively,and the AUC of their combination was obviously higher than that of the two alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The decreased expres-sion levels of YY1 and miR-181a-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cell of GDM patients could increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes,YY1 and miR-181a-5p are closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients,and both could be used as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients.
8.Expression of Serum Vaspin and SFRP5 in Children with Idiopathic Nanosomia and Their Diagnostic Value
Yingshuang WU ; Xiangdong XUE ; Zhihui DU ; Lihong WANG ; Yuanbo CHENG ; Xiaoqing NIU ; Dawei WANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(1):95-99
Objective To explore the expression level of visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor(Vaspin)and secreted frizzled-related protein5(SFRP5)in the serum of children with idiopathic short stature(ISS)and its diagnostic value.Methods 70 children with ISS diagnosed in the First Hospital of Zhangjiakou from December 2021 to February 2023 were selected as the disease group,while 72 healthy volunteer children who underwent physical examination were collected as the control group.Immunoluminescence was applied to detect the expression level of VASPIN,Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect the expression level of SFRP5 the clinical data of children in two groups were analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum Vaspin and SFRP5 for ISS,multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of ISS.Results Compared with the control group,the serum Vaspin level in the disease group was obviously increased(2.89±0.92 ng/ml vs 1.81±0.42 ng/ml),while the SFRP5 level was obviously reduced(10.22±2.84 pg/ml vs 13.21±3.53 pg/ml),the differences were statistically significant(t=9.040,5.552,all P<0.05).The weight,height,body mass index(BMI)and proportion of sexual development stage II~V of children in the disease group were obviously lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=7.687,6.330,5.559,7.024,all P<0.05).The area under ROC curve showed that the AUC of Vaspin and SFRP5 and their combined detection in the diagnosis of ISS were 0.768,0.849 and 0.925,respectively,the combined diagnosis efficacy of Vaspin and SFRP5 was better than that of serum Vaspin and SFRP5 alone(Z =3.829,P<0.001;Z =2.141,P=0.032).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI(OR=0.508,95%CI:0.260~0.991),Vaspin(OR=3.458,95%CI:1.125~10.631)and SFRP5(OR=0.378,95%CI:0.153~0.935)were the influencing factors for ISS(all P<0.05).Conclusion The expression level of Vaspin in the serum of children with ISS is obviously increased,while the expression level of SFRP5 is obviously reduced.The two are influencing factors of ISS,and the combined detection of their expression levels has certain value in the diagnosis of ISS.
9.Generation of MCM2 gene inducible knockout cervical cancer HeLa cells and its effect on DNA replication
Ping LI ; Tuo TANG ; Aixue ZHENG ; Luping ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Xian HONG ; Zhihui DENG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(2):133-139
Objective To generate minichromosome maintenance protein 2(MCM2)gene knockout cervi-cal cancer HeLa cell lines using inducible CRISPR/Cas9 technology,and to explore the effect of MCM2 on DNA replication and replication stress.Methods The inducible CRISPR/Cas9 system,TLCV2,was used to construct MCM2 knockout HeLa cell lines.And the cell lines were divided into control group(Control),knockout group 1(KO1),and knockout group 2(KO2).Western blot,Edu incorporation experiment,real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR),immunofluorescence and MTT assay were used to analyze the effects of MCM2 knockout on DNA replica-tion and replication stress induced by hydroxyurea.Results The CRISPR/Cas9 system successfully knocked out the MCM2 gene after induction,and MCM2 knockout affected the stability of MCM2-7 complex.Compared with the control cells,MCM2 knockout cells had a dramatic decrease in the capacity of DNA replication,and the mRNA levels of Cyclin A1,Cyclin E1 and CDK4.Under DNA replication stress,MCM2 knockout cells decreased cell viability,DNA damage repair capacity,and increased genomic instability compared with control cells.Conclusion Knockout of MCM2 gene reduces the DNA replication capacity of HeLa cells under normal conditions and cell viability under replication stress.This study successfully generates MCM2 gene inducible knockout HeLa cell lines,laying the foundation for further research on the role and biological function of MCM2 gene in the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer.
10.Bushen Huoxue Prescription Regulates PINP and β-CTX in Treatment of Femoral Head Necrosis with Syndrome of Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Zijia LIU ; Ying LI ; Pengtao CUI ; Bowen WANG ; Peigang ZHANG ; Wuyue TONG ; Zhihui ZHANG ; Yuju CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):81-89
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Bushen Huoxue prescription from the perspective of bone metabolism by observing the clinical efficacy of this prescription in treating femoral head necrosis (ONFH, syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency) and its influences on bone metabolism indexes: N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and β-collagen degradation product (β-CTX). MethodSixty-six ONFH patients with the syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency in Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Orthopedics from December 2021 to September 2022 were selected. The patients were randomized into an experimental group and a control group by the parallel control method, with 33 patients in each group. The experimental group received Bushen Huoxue prescription orally, while the control group received Xianlinggubao Capsules orally, with a treatment cycle of 6 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Harris score, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging, imaging changes, quantitative scores of TCM symptoms, and serum levels of PINP and β-CTX were determined before and after treatment. The occurrence of adverse events and reactions was recorded. ResultThe total response rate in the experimental group was 83.87% (26/31), which was higher than that (68.75%, 22/32) in the control group (Z=-2.096, P<0.05). After treatment, the single and total scores of TCM symptoms, VAS score, and β-CTX level decreased in the two groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the decreases in the scores of hip pain, lower limb mobility, soreness of waist and knees, and lower limb flaccidity, total score of TCM symptoms, VAS score, and β-CTX level in the experimental were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the imaging results showed no significant improvement in the two groups. The Harris score and PINP level in both groups increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the increases were more obvious in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). No serious adverse event or adverse reaction appeared during the observation period. ConclusionBushen Huoxue prescription can relieve pain and TCM symptoms and improve the hip joint function in treating ONFH patients with the syndrome of liver and kidney deficiency. It can inhibit the development of ONFH, increase PINP, and decrease β-CTX. No obvious side effect appears during the clinical observation period, which shows that Bushen Huoxue prescription has good safety.

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