1.Mechanism of Herbal Cake-separated Moxibustion in Improving Neuroimmune Inflammation in Rats with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Interfering TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Chuntao ZHAI ; Yawei HOU ; Linjuan SHI ; Yixiao WANG ; Wei LI ; Yuefeng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):140-149
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of herbal cake-separated moxibustion using the classical formula Xiaoyaosan in alleviating neuroimmune inflammatory responses in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) rats, based on the regulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty SPF-grade SD rats aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into five groups: Normal group, model group, sham herbal cake moxibustion group, Chinese medicine intragastric administration group, and herbal cake-separated moxibustion group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent a 21-day modeling process, followed by behavioral testing. The herbal cake-separated moxibustion and sham herbal cake moxibustion groups received interventions at the Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36), and Qimen (LR14) acupoints. The Chinese medicine intragastric administration group was treated with a Xiaoyaosan suspension via gavage. Behavioral tests were conducted after 10 days of continuous intervention. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as hippocampal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB, were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the hippocampus. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the relative expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and p65 proteins in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant decrease in upright times during the open field test (P<0.01), as well as significant reductions in total movement distance, resting time, and center region duration (P<0.01). In the tail suspension test, immobility time increased (P<0.01), and struggle times decreased (P<0.01). Serum and hippocampal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as hippocampal NF-κB levels and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, the total movement distance and upright times in the open field test were significantly increased in all treatment groups (P<0.01), while resting time and center region duration were notably prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Immobility time in the tail suspension test was significantly shortened (P<0.01), and struggle times significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum and hippocampal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, hippocampal NF-κB levels, and TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham herbal cake moxibustion group, the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group showed a significant extension in center region duration during the open field test (P<0.05) and a significant increase in upright times (P<0.01). In the tail suspension test, immobility time was reduced (P<0.01), and struggle times increased (P<0.01). Serum TNF-α levels in the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while serum IL-6 levels, as well as hippocampal levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA expression, were significantly decreased in both the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group and the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chinese medicine intragastric administration group, the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group exhibited significantly increased upright times in the open field test (P<0.01). In the tail suspension test, immobility time was reduced (P<0.01), and struggle times increased (P<0.01). Serum IL-1β, hippocampal TNF-α levels, and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHerbal cake-separated moxibustion effectively improves fatigue and memory function in CFS rats, regulates neuroimmune inflammatory responses, and its mechanism may be related to the modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of immunosuppression in rats by herb-partitioned moxibustion based on transcriptome sequencing technology
Yuefeng TIAN ; Luojie XIONG ; Huifang WANG ; Chuntao ZHAI ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):978-988
BACKGROUND:Immunosuppression leads to impaired body immune function and aggravates the disease.Herb-partitioned moxibustion can effectively regulate immune function and improve immunity in the body,but its regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To sequence immunosuppressed model rats treated with herb-partitioned moxibustion using bioinformatics techniques based on transcriptomics and to explore the mechanisms by which it regulates immunity. METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups:control,model,and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups,with eight rats in each group.The model and herb-partitioned moxibustion groups were subjected to establishment of an immune suppression model by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 35 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days.No interventions were administered to the control and model groups after modeling.In contrast,the herb-partitioned moxibustion group received moxibustion treatment at Zhongwan,Shenque,Guanyuan,and Zusanli acupoints using a combination of moxa and herbal cakes,once a day,for 10 consecutive days,with samples being collected the day after the end of the intervention.Peripheral blood was collected from all groups of rats to measure their white blood cell count.RNA-seq was performed on the Illumina sequencing platform,and differentially expressed genes were selected for bioinformatics analysis using the GO and KEGG databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited a significant decrease in white blood cell count(P<0.001).RNA-seq analysis identified 3 026 differentially expressed genes between the model and control groups,with 1 565 upregulated and 1 461 downregulated.There were 535 differentially expressed genes identified between the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the model group,with 280 upregulated and 255 downregulated.The Venn diagram analysis revealed that 159 genes were downregulated in the model group compared with the control group.However,after moxibustion with herbal cakes,these genes were upregulated.Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 10 core targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,Mx1,Syk,Hspa1a,and Ret.According to GO and KEGG analyses,moxibustion with herbal cakes regulated the body through pathways related to immune response,viruses,angiogenesis,and the autoimmune system.To conclude,there is a significant association between herbal cake-separated moxibustion intervention and immune suppression targets,including Oasl,Oas2,Isg15,Herc6,Mx2,Helz2,and Mx1.The intervention exhibits regulatory effects in the pathways related to immune responses,viral activities,and angiogenesis.
3.Evolution and innovation of preservation fluid for donor liver
Guotao YU ; Yanfeng YIN ; Chuntao YAN ; Guangxu ZOU ; Huangyan ZHANG ; Li MA ; Zongqiang HU
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(1):131-137
Organ preservation fluid could mitigate cold ischemia injury and maintain normal function of the grafts. At present, how to reduce a series of injury caused by cold ischemia of donor liver and improve the preservation quality of grafts are the hot and challenging spots in this field. Currently, preservation fluid in clinical practice has not achieved ideal preservation effect, especially for the protection of marginal donor organs. In the context of severe donor shortage, the key solution is still to explore the optimal preservation protocol for donor liver to prevent grafts from cold ischemia injury. In this article, the mechanism of donor liver injury during cold ischemia, the classification and evolution of donor liver preservation fluid were summarized, the development direction and challenges of donor liver preservation fluid were discussed, aiming to provide novel ideas and references for the research and development of donor liver preservation fluid.
4.Targeting CDT1 inhibit tumor growth and its mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma
Yuan MI ; Yuxiang LIANG ; Cong WANG ; Desi LI ; Chuntao SONG ; Jie SU ; Qingcai ZHANG ; Lei WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):260-266
Objective To explore the clinical significance and mechanisms of chromatin licensing and DNA repli-cation factor 1(CDT1)in lung adenocarcinoma).Methods The gene expression samples of lung adenocarcinoma tissue and normal lung tissue were downloaded from the TCGA database,and perform differential analysis,GO a-nalysis,independent prognosis analysis,and correlation analysis with immunotherapy using R language.CDT1 ex-pression in lung adenocarcinoma and normal tissues was detected by PCR in clinical samples.The changes of cell proliferation and cycle in si-CDT1 knockdown group and si-NC control group were detected by flow cytometry.The invasive ability of each group was detected by Transwell.The expressions of CDT1,TPX2 and p53 in each group were detected by Western blot.Results The TCGA data analysis revealed CDT1 as a differentially expressed gene.GO analysis indicated that CDT1 was closely associated with the cell cycle.The high expression of CDT1 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was validated in clinical samples.CDT1 could serve as an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma and had predictive value for immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma.Knock-down of CDT1 resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation ability compared to the control group,and cells were noticeably arrested in the G1 phase.Transwell assay results demonstrated a significant reduction in invasive capacity in the CDT1 knockdown group.Knockdown of CDT1 led to a significant decrease in TPX2 expression and a significant increase in p53 expression,while overexpression of CDT1 yielded the opposite effect.Conclusion Re-sults demonstrate the elevated expression of CDT1 in lung adenocarcinoma,its association with prognostic signifi-cance,and its impact on lung adenocarcinoma's occurrence and development by influencing TPX2 and p53.
5.Research on the framework of biosafety standards for pathogenic microbial laboratories
Jing LI ; Zhen CHEN ; Sisi LI ; Bing LU ; Siqing ZHAO ; Rong WANG ; Guoqing CAO ; Wei WANG ; Chuntao MA ; Xuexin HOU ; Yanhai WANG ; Chihong ZHAO ; Guizhen WU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):294-299
Developing and implementing biosafety standards for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is essential to achieving scientific, efficient, and standardized management and operation. This article analyzes the current standardization construction in biosafety in pathogenic microbiology laboratories domestically and internationally. It proposes a framework for the biosafety standard system of pathogenic microbiology laboratories, which mainly includes four parts: basic standards, management standards, technical standards, and industry applications. It provides a reference for the standardization work of pathogenic microbiology laboratories and helps to standardize the biosafety industry in China.
6.High concentration of IL-17A inhibits autophagy of osteoclast precursor cells and inhibits osteoclast differentiation through PI3K/Akt pathway
Shujie YUAN ; Hao TANG ; Shida ZHU ; Kai CHEN ; Chuntao LIANG ; Yuanxin LI ; Hongkai WANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(15):1025-1033
Objective:To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of high concentration of IL-17A on osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting autophagy of osteoclast precursor cells through PI3K/Akt pathway.Methods:With RANKL (50 ng/ml) inducing osteoclast precursor cells (osteoclast we cells, OCPs), osteoclast differentiation model is set up. In osteoclast differentiation model of high levels of IL-17A (100 ng/ml), RAW264.7 cells were divided into negative control CTR-N group, CTR-R group with RANKL, IL-17A group, IL-17A+LY294002 group. BMMs were divided into negative control CTR-N group with M-CSF, CTR-R group, IL-17A group and IL-17A+LY294002 group with M-CSF and RANKL. IL-17A was applied to OCPs, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to observe the number of osteoclast differentiation. The number of autolysosomes was observed under transmission electron microscope. RAW264.7 was treated with IL-17A. Western blot was used to detect the relative expression levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-mtor/mTOR, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-ULK1/ULK1, Cleaved-caspase3/caspase3, Beclin1/β-actin. The apoptosis rate of RAW264.7 cells treated with IL-17A was detected by flow cytometry. OCPs were treated with IL-17A and PI3K inhibitor LY294002, and TRAP staining was used to observe the number of osteoclast differentiation.Results:The TRAP staining showed that the positive ratio for RAW264.7 cells CTR-N group, CTR-R group, IL-17A group was 1.33%±0.58%, 100%±3.01%, 51.11%±4.02% with that of IL-17A significantly lower than CTR-R group ( t=16.970, P<0.05). The positive rates of BMMs in the CTR-N group, CTR-R group and IL-17A group were 1.67%±0.58%, 100%±1.01% and 50.33%±2.52%, respectively, with that of IL-17A group significantly lower than CTR-R group ( t=31.770, P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of autophagosomes in RAW264.7 cells in CTR-R group and IL-17A group were 3.67±1.53 and 0.67±0.58, respectively, with significant difference between the groups ( t=3.182, P<0.05). While in BMMs cells CTR-R group and IL-17 the numbers of autophagosome were 3.00±1.00 and 0.33±0.58 with significant difference ( t=4.000, P<0.05); Western blot results showed 0.69±0.03、0.69±0.13、1.47±0.13、0.78±0.04、0.66±0.10、0.82±0.03 for RAW264.7 cells CTR-R group Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-ULK1/ULK1, Cleaved caspase3/caspase3, Beclin1/β-Actin and 0.89±0.04、1.14±0.18、1.87±0.04、0.53±0.09、0.93±0.02、0.54±0.03 for RAW264.7 cells IL-17A group p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-ULK1/ULK1, Cleaved caspase3/caspase3, Beclin1/β-Actin with significant difference ( t=6.708; t= 3.497; t=5.424; t=4.542; t=4.638; t=11.220, all P<0.05); Flow cytometry detection showed that in CTR-R group, IL-17A RAW264.7 cells apoptosis rates of group A were 6.92%±0.62%, 12.12%±0.69%, with significant difference between the two groups ( t=9.747, P<0.05); After using LY294002 TRAP staining, it showed a positive result of 9.00%±2.00%, 158.33%±3.51%, 100%±2.65% and 128.99%±4.01% for CTR-N, CTR-R, IL-17A and IL-17A+LY294002 in RAW264.7 cells respectively with significant difference between IL-17A+LY294002 group and the IL-17A in group A ( t=10.470, P<0.05). For BMMs cells CTR-N, CTR-R group, IL-17A in group, IL-17A+LY294002 group, the positive rate was 8.01%±0.99%, 151.67%±4.51%, 100%±3.61%, with significant difference between IL-17A+LY294002 group and IL-17A group ( t=6.535, P<0.05). Conclusion:High concentration of IL-17A inhibits osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting autophagy of osteoclast precursor cells through PI3K/Akt pathway.
7.Analysis of effect of moxibustion intervention on cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 in immunosuppressed rabbits
Luojie XIONG ; Yuefeng TIAN ; Xiaoshan XU ; Chuntao ZHAI ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(5):1064-1068
Objective:To compare similarities and differences in expression changes of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4(CT-LA-4)and programmed death receptor 1(PD-1)in immunosuppressed rabbits under different moxibustion interventions.Methods:Twenty large-eared white rabbits were randomly divided into normal group,model group,moxa stick moxibustion(MSM)group and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion(HPM)group,with five rabbits in each group.CTX-induced immunosuppressed models were prepared by intraperitoneal injection for 7 consecutive days.After successful modeling,MSM and HPM were performed on alternate days for 10 treatments.Rabbits were anesthetized after treatment,and serum,liver and spleen were collected.Serum PD-1 and PD-L1 contents were detected by ELISA.PD-1 in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry,and CTLA-4 mRNA in liver and spleen tissues were detected by RT-qPCR.Results:Both HPM and MSM could reduce PD-1 and PD-L1 levels due to immunosuppression,and could effectively suppress elevated levels of CTLA-4 in spleen and PD-1 and CTLA-4 in liver,which were statistically different compared with immunosuppression model group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation test showed that CTLA-4 and PD-1 in liver tissue had significant positive correlation(r=0.780 7,P<0.001).Conclusion:HPM can improve body immune function by regulating multiple immunosuppressive sites.
8.Clinicopathological characteristics and endoscopic treatment efficacy of de novo early colorectal cancer
Chuntao LIU ; Jiayi SU ; Xiujing SUN ; Haiying ZHAO ; Ye ZONG ; Fandong MENG ; Wei LI ; Fujing LYU ; Yongjun WANG ; Peng LI ; Ming JI ; Shutian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2023;40(7):521-526
Objective:To analyze the clinicopathological features of de novo early colorectal cancer and to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment.Methods:Patients with de novo early colorectal cancer who underwent endoscopic resection in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2020 to May 2022 were enrolled. The baseline data, endoscopic manifestations, treatment methods, postoperative pathological results and prognosis of the patients were collected retrospectively.Results:A total of 33 patients with de novo early colorectal cancer were enrolled with the age of 62.67 ± 8.62 years, and the male to female ratio was 7.25∶1. The long diameter of lesions was 0.96 ± 0.36 cm. The lesion morphology was mainly superficial phenotype (type 0-Ⅱ), accounting for 72.7% (24/33). Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed in 29 cases and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed in 4 cases. Postoperative pathology showed that 11 cases (33.3%) were well differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, of which the superficial submucosal layer was invaded in 2 cases. Twenty cases (60.6%) were moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, of which the superficial submucosa layer was invaded in 5 cases and the deep submucosa layer in 15 cases. Two cases (6.1%) were moderately-poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, where the deep submucosa layer was invaded in both. There was significant correlation between the depth of invasion and the degree of differentiation ( P<0.001), and moderately and moderately-poorly differentiated lesions were more likely to invade the deep submucosa layer. The en bloc resection rate was 100.0% (33/33), the complete resection rate was 97.0% (32/33), and the curative resection rate was 42.4% (14/33). Among the 19 patients who did not achieve curative resection, 13 patients received supplementary surgical treatment. No tumor residue or lymph node metastasis was found in the postoperative pathology. All patients were followed up for 3-25 months, and no signs of local recurrence or metastasis were found. Conclusion:Most de novo early colorectal cancers are superficial phenotype under endoscopy. The pathology is mainly moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic resection of de novo early colorectal cancer shows encouraging short-term efficacy.
9.A clinical comparative study on the Laennec’s approach versus the two-step separation stylized approach in laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy
Changyou LU ; Yunke XU ; Yuan ZHENG ; Chuntao LI ; Yong GUO ; Chao FANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2023;29(1):49-53
Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of the Laennec’s approach versus the two-step separation stylized approach in laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS).Methods:A total of 60 patients who underwent LLLS at the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University from March 2019 to April 2022 were prospectively entered into this study. There were 40 males and 20 females, aged (49.1±9.3) years, with 31 patients suffering from liver cancer, 14 patients hepatic hemangioma and 15 patients hepatolithiasis. A randomized number table was used to assign the patients into two groups: the Laennec’s approach group ( n=30) and the two-step separation stylized approach group ( n=30). The age, gender, liver function, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, abdominal drainage amount, drainage tube retention time, postoperative hospital stay, total hospital costs and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender, age and Child-Pugh grading of liver function (all P>0.05). Comparison of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, postoperative recurrence between the two groups showed there were no significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). The operative time [(85.6±24.5) min vs (99.1±30.7) min, P<0.05] was significantly less in the stylized group than the Laennec’s group, while the Laennec’s group were superior to the stylized group in the amount of draining [(144.1±38.3) ml vs (290.9±59.5) ml], drainage tube retention time [(2.7±1.5) d vs (4.3±1.9) d] and total hospital costs [(35 100.7±13 200.6) yuan vs (44 700.1±11 800.8) yuan](all P<0.05). Conclusions:Both the Laennec’s and stylized approaches for LLLS were safe and feasible. The stylized approach for LLLS could be performed more quickly, while the Laennec’s approach could more accurately dissect and handle intrahepatic and extrahepatic ducts, thus resulting in decreased postoperative exudation and treatment costs.
10.Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage in adults (version 2023)
Fan FAN ; Junfeng FENG ; Xin CHEN ; Kaiwei HAN ; Xianjian HUANG ; Chuntao LI ; Ziyuan LIU ; Chunlong ZHONG ; Ligang CHEN ; Wenjin CHEN ; Bin DONG ; Jixin DUAN ; Wenhua FANG ; Guang FENG ; Guoyi GAO ; Liang GAO ; Chunhua HANG ; Lijin HE ; Lijun HOU ; Qibing HUANG ; Jiyao JIANG ; Rongcai JIANG ; Shengyong LAN ; Lihong LI ; Jinfang LIU ; Zhixiong LIU ; Zhengxiang LUO ; Rongjun QIAN ; Binghui QIU ; Hongtao QU ; Guangzhi SHI ; Kai SHU ; Haiying SUN ; Xiaoou SUN ; Ning WANG ; Qinghua WANG ; Yuhai WANG ; Junji WEI ; Xiangpin WEI ; Lixin XU ; Chaohua YANG ; Hua YANG ; Likun YANG ; Xiaofeng YANG ; Renhe YU ; Yongming ZHANG ; Weiping ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2023;39(9):769-779
Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage commonly presents in traumatic brain injury patients, and it may lead to complications such as meningitis, ventriculitis, brain abscess, subdural hematoma or tension pneumocephalus. When misdiagnosed or inappropriately treated, traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage may result in severe complications and may be life-threatening. Some traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage has concealed manifestations and is prone to misdiagnosis. Due to different sites and mechanisms of trauma and degree of cerebrospinal fluid leak, treatments for traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage varies greatly. Hence, the Craniocerebral Trauma Professional Group of Neurosurgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association and the Neurological Injury Professional Group of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate the " Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage in adults ( version 2023)" based on existing clinical evidence and experience. The consensus consisted of 16 recommendations, covering the leakage diagnosis, localization, treatments, and intracranial infection prevention, so as to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leakage and improve the overall prognosis of the patients.

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