1.Ameliorating effects of tetrahydrocurcumin and its nano-preparations on lipopolysaccharide-induced depression in mice
Hui Tan ; Yuanping Li ; Jingyuan Meng ; Tengteng Ma ; Yan Yang ; Zhengmao Yang ; Jiaqing Ma ; Jianping Xie ; Ying Guo
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):79-86
Objective :
To investigate the antidepressant effects and the underlying mechanisms of tetrahydrocurcumin(THC) and its nanoparticle formulation(THCN).
Methods :
Forty-six male ICR mice were randomly divided into Con group, LPS group, THC group, THCN group and SER group. A mouse depression model was established by intraperitoneal administration of LPS. The anxiety and depression-like behaviors of mice were evaluated by open field test(OFT) and forced swimming test(FST). Myelin staining was applied to assess the extent of demyelination in the prefrontal cortex of the mice. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were further examined for the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) through quantitative immunofluorescence assays.
Results :
Compared with the Con group, the LPS group showed increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in both the long-term and short-term experiments(P<0.05); the degree of demyelination increased in the LPS group of the long-term experiment(P<0.01); the expression of GFAP was reduced in the LPS group of the short-term experiment(P<0.01), while the expression of TLR4 increased(P<0.05); the expression of TLR4 decreased in the THC group(P<0.01); the expression of GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of the THCN group was reduced(P<0.01), while the expression of TLR4 increased(P<0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the THC group showed reduced depressive-like behaviors in the long-term experiment(P<0.05), while the anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors of the THCN group and the SER group were reduced(P<0.05), and the anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors of the THC group and the THCN group were reduced in the short-term experiment(P<0.05); the degree of demyelination was reduced in the THC group, THCN group and SER group in the long-term experiment(P<0.05); the expression of GFAP increased in the THC group of the short-term experiment(P<0.05), while the expression of TLR4 was reduced(P<0.05), and the expression of GFAP increased in the THCN group(P<0.05). Compared with the THC group, the THCN group and the SER group showed reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the long-term experiment(P<0.05); the expression of GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of the THCN group was reduced in the short-term experiment(P<0.05), while the expression of TLR4 in the hippocampal DG area increased in the short-term experiment(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Tetrahydrocurcumin and its nanoparticle formulation both exert significant ameliorative effects on depression-like behaviors and demyelination in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide. The antidepressant mechanism of THC appears to be mediated through the down-regulation of TLR4 and the up-regulation of GFAP. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant action of THCN seems predominantly focused on the enhancement of GFAP expression.
2.Effect and mechanism of Sanqi danshen tablets in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Yutian LEI ; Dan FENG ; Xinli CHEN ; Yuan YANG ; Hui WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):674-679
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of Sanqi danshen tablets in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Core targets of Sanqi danshen tablets in the treatment of NAFLD were explored by network pharmacological methods. Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were also performed. Based on the results obtained from network pharmacological studies, using SD rats as subjects, the NAFLD model was induced by feeding them high-fat diet. The effects of Sanqi danshen tablets on pathological changes such as lipid droplet vacuoles and lipid accumulation in the liver tissue of NAFLD rats, as well as its impact on relative indicators of lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, were investigated. RESULTS A total of 20 core targets for the treatment of NAFLD with Sanqi danshen tablets were screened, primarily involved in GO functions such as biological regulation, cellular membrane and binding, and enriched in signaling pathways related to inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Compared with the model group, lipid droplet vacuoles were reduced significantly in low-dose, medium-dose, high-dose groups of Sanqi danshen tablets and positive control (simvastatin) group, the number of lipid droplets decreased significantly and the color became lighter. The contents of total cholesterol, triglyceride (except for medium- dose group of Sanqi danshen tablets), aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, tumor necrosis factor-α (except for low-dose group of Sanqi danshen tablets), interleukin-17 (except for Sanqi danshen tablets groups) and malondialdehyde (except for low- dose group of Sanqi danshen tablets) in liver tissue were significantly decreased, while the content of superoxide dismutase was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Sanqi danshen tablets exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid metabolism regulating effects by influencing the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress and lipids metabolism-related indicators, thereby improving NAFLD in rats.
3.Effect of the reduction of back optic zone diameters of orthokeratology lenses on corneal higher-order aberrations
Dandan ZHAO ; Yubing ZHAO ; Yang HE ; Shengrong LU ; Yuan YUAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):213-219
AIM: To investigate the alterations in corneal aberration and relative refractive power following the reduction of back optic zone diameters(BOZD)of orthokeratology lenses.METHODS: Myopic children aged 8-12 years, deemed suitable and willing to wear orthokeratology lenses, were randomly allocated to wear lenses with a 6.0 mm BOZD or a 5.0 mm BOZD. Data collection included changes in higher-order aberrations, relative refractive power and the treatment zone diameter of the two groups after wearing lenses for 1 d, 1 wk, 1, and 3 mo. The correlation of increase in corneal higher-order aberrations with refractive power was analyzed.RESULTS: The increases in total higher-order aberrations, spherical aberrations and coma aberrations varied over time following lens wear(all P<0.001), and there were no statistically significant differences in the changes of total higher-order aberrations and coma aberrations between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). A significant difference was observed in the increment of spherical aberrations in the 5 mm range between the two groups of patients, which varied over time(Ftime=40.179, Ptime<0.001; Fgroup=11.948, Pgroup=0.001; Finteraction=3.262, Pinteraction=0.03). A significant difference was observed in the increment of spherical aberrations in the 4 mm range between the two patient groups(Ftime=34.462, Ptime<0.001; Fgroup=13.094, Pgroup<0.001; Finteraction=1.372, Pinteraction=0.25). There was no statistically significant distinction in relative refractive power between the two groups(Fgroup=0.048, Pgroup=0.83; Finteraction=1.208, Pinteraction=0.31); however, relative refractive power changed over time(Ftime=40.030, Ptime<0.001). The difference in treatment zone diameter between the two groups was statistically significant, with changes over time(Ftime=11.212, Ptime<0.001; Fgroup=74.073, Pgroup<0.001; Finteraction=0.312, Pinteraction=0.82). The total higher-order aberrations, spherical aberrations, and coma aberrations in 4, 5 and 6 mm range showed a positive correlation with relative refractive power values(all P<0.001). Statistically significant difference was observed in the axial length between the two groups after wearing lenses for 3, 6 and 12 mo(Ftime=185.398, Ptime<0.001; Fgroup=5.618, Pgroup=0.02; Finteraction=2.315, Pinteraction=0.11).CONCLUSION: Orthokeratology lenses leaded to elevated higher-order aberrations. Orthokeratology lenses with smaller BOZD produced significantly greater spherical aberrations at 4 and 5 mm range and smaller treatment zone diameters. The corneal total higher-order aberration was positively correlated with relative refractive power. Wearing orthokeratology lenses with a smaller BOZD can cause slower axial growth and better myopia control.
4.Research progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC
Yixuan ZHU ; Yang WANG ; Tongmin WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):239-244
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are targeted drugs for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but long-term use inevitably leads to drug resistance. Resistance to EGFR-TKIs can alter the tumor microenvironment, and patients with NSCLC resistant to EGFR-TKIs can regain the benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the changes in the tumor microenvironment are complex and the efficacy is unclear. This article reviews the clinical studies of ICIs in the treatment of EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC, and finds that for patients with EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC, the efficacy of ICIs as a single agent is unclear, and other relevant biomarkers need to be found to screen the beneficiary population. ICIs+EGFR-TKIs have potential toxicity and are not recommended for clinical use. There is controversy about the efficacy of ICIs+chemotherapy, and it is recommended to use it cautiously in clinical practice. ICIs+anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug therapy has a synergistic effect, but may increase the incidence of adverse events. ICIs+chemotherapy+anti- VEGF drug have a synergistic effect and the incidence of adverse events is similar to that of chemotherapy. New ICIs such as lymphocyte activating gene 3 inhibitors are still in the clinical research stage or preclinical research stage, but they may be a new promising treatment.
5.Research progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC
Yixuan ZHU ; Yang WANG ; Tongmin WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):239-244
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are targeted drugs for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but long-term use inevitably leads to drug resistance. Resistance to EGFR-TKIs can alter the tumor microenvironment, and patients with NSCLC resistant to EGFR-TKIs can regain the benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but the changes in the tumor microenvironment are complex and the efficacy is unclear. This article reviews the clinical studies of ICIs in the treatment of EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC, and finds that for patients with EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC, the efficacy of ICIs as a single agent is unclear, and other relevant biomarkers need to be found to screen the beneficiary population. ICIs+EGFR-TKIs have potential toxicity and are not recommended for clinical use. There is controversy about the efficacy of ICIs+chemotherapy, and it is recommended to use it cautiously in clinical practice. ICIs+anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug therapy has a synergistic effect, but may increase the incidence of adverse events. ICIs+chemotherapy+anti- VEGF drug have a synergistic effect and the incidence of adverse events is similar to that of chemotherapy. New ICIs such as lymphocyte activating gene 3 inhibitors are still in the clinical research stage or preclinical research stage, but they may be a new promising treatment.
6.Research progress on the molecular mechanism and therapeutic targets of ferroptosis in acute kidney injury
Yang ZHANG ; Fanyi HE ; Kongchun SUN ; Rui YANG ; Xuezhi YU ; Ling ZHANG ; Ruixiang CHEN ; Baochun SHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):315-321
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common and severe nephropathy syndromes in clinical practice and also one of the most common serious complications after organ transplantation, with high incidence and fatality. Iron is an essential trace element in the body. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death induced by the accumulation of iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, and its occurrence is closely related to iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and multiple signaling pathways. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of AKI and provides therapeutic targets for AKI. This article summarizes the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and its role in AKI, as well as the compounds that play an important role in the prevention and treatment of AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis, providing new ideas for the future treatment and research of AKI.
7.Malaria elimination strategy and joint prevention and control of malaria across China-Myanmar border areas: an overview
Chun WEI ; Zurui LIN ; Zhonghua YANG ; Hongning ZHOU ; Xingwu ZHOU ; Rui YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):19-23
Yunnan Province borders with Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos, the China-Myanmar border area is the key area for prevention of re-establishment from imported malaria after the disease was eliminated in China. Since the malaria elimination action plan was launched in Yunnan Province in 2011, 129 counties (cities, districts) were classified into three categories according to malaria incidence and transmission risk, and different technical strategies and measures were implemented with adaptations to local circumstances. A total of 68 malaria consultation service stations were established on the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border and 80 malaria prevention and control stations were established on the Myanmar side by Yunnan Province in 2014. Then, the “Three Lines of Defense” strategy was implemented for malaria elimination in the China-Myanmar border area in Yunnan Province during the period from 2015 to 2018, and this strategy was further refined and adjusted to the “3 + 1” strategy for prevention of re-establishment from imported malaria in 2019. Through decades of multifaceted efforts, the malaria elimination goal was achieved in Yunnan Province in June 2021. However, the number of imported malaria cases appeared a tendency towards a rise in Yunnan Province in 2023 and 2024, due to changes in the situation in Myanmar and the gradual resumption of international travel and border crossings following the adjustment of the COVID-19 prevention and control policy in China. The joint malaria prevention and control cooperation between China and Myanmar was initiated with the pilot project for joint malaria prevention and control in the China-Myanmar border area in 2005, and this project was progressed into the joint malaria and dengue fever prevention and control project in parts of the Greater Mekong Subregion border areas in 2010. The threat of overseas malaria epidemics to border areas in Yunnan Province was effectively reduced through implementation of coordination meetings with Myanmar health departments, establishment of efficient information exchange mechanisms, establishment of overseas surveillance sentinel sites, technical training, provision of material supports, joint propagation activities and joint responses to malaria epidemics. This project was incorporated into the Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2018—2022) in China in 2018, with 5 liaison offices and 20 liaison workstations established in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, and 21 cross-border malaria surveillance sites assigned in border areas of Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, and a long-term malaria prevention and control cooperation mechanisms was established through meetings, training, propagation, and joint investigations. Currently, Yunnan Province is poised to engage in more extensive and in-depth cooperation with neighboring countries, including malaria diagnosis and treatment techniques, drug and vaccine research and development, talent cultivation, information sharing, cross-border human health services, and health promotion, under the guidance of the Five-Year Plan of Action on Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (2023—2027).
8.Relationship Between YWHAQ Expression and Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Xueqing LIU ; Libo YANG ; Linhai LI ; Ping SHENG ; Sicheng LIU ; Lihua LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(5):393-399
Objective To investigate the expression of YWHAQ protein in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and its correlation with clinical pathological features and prognosis. Methods A total of 127 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical surgery were enrolled. Clinical data and postoperative cancer tissue samples were collected from the patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of YWHAQ in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. The relationship between YWHAQ expression and clinical pathological features and prognosis was analyzed. Bioinformatics prediction was performed to identify potential pathways regulated by YWHAQ in gastric adenocarcinoma. A protein-protein interaction network for YWHAQ was constructed using the STRING database. Results YWHAQ gene expression was significantly higher in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression level of the YWHAQ protein was significantly correlated with age, tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and tumor stage (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high YWHAQ expression had significantly poorer long-term survival than those with low expression (P<
9.Unraveling the Heterogeneity of CD8+ T-Cell Subsets in Liver Cirrhosis: Implications for Disease Progression
Kepu ZHENG ; Leiyang DAI ; Shengning ZHANG ; Yingpeng ZHAO ; Wang LI ; Yang GAO ; Yuanyi MANG ; Lingfeng JIAO ; Yu TANG ; Jianghua RAN
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):410-426
Background/Aims:
Liver cirrhosis involves chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis.Among various immune cells, CD8+ T cells are considered a major contributor to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the exact molecular pathways governing CD8+ T-cell-mediated effects in cirrhosis remain unclear.
Methods:
This study analyzed transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data to elucidate CD8+ T-cell heterogeneity and implications in cirrhosis.
Results:
Weighted gene co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-seq data revealed an association between cirrhosis severity and activated T-cell markers like HLA and chemokine genes. Furthermore, single-cell profiling uncovered eight CD8+ T-cell subtypes, notably, effector memory (Tem) and exhausted (Tex) T cells. Tex cells, defined by PDCD1, LAG3, and CXCL13 expression, were increased in cirrhosis, while Tem cells were decreased. Lineage tracing and differential analysis highlighted CXCL13+ Tex cells as a terminal, exhausted subtype of cells with roles in PD-1 signaling, glycolysis, and T-cell regulation. CXCL13+ Tex cells displayed T-cell exhaustion markers like PDCD1, HAVCR2, TIGIT, and TNFRSF9. Functional analysis implicated potential roles of these cells in immunosuppression. Finally, a CXCL13+ Tex-cell gene signature was found that correlated with cirrhosis severity and poorer prognosis of liver cancer.
Conclusions
In summary, this comprehensive study defines specialized CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in cirrhosis, with CXCL13+ Tex cells displaying an exhausted phenotype associated with immune dysregulation and advanced disease. Key genes and pathways regulating these cells present potential therapeutic targets.
10.Epidemiological trends analysis of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023
TAN Min, CHANG Litao, ZHANG Wanyue, HUANG Dafeng, LIU Chunyan, ZHANG Lifang, YANG Yanling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):737-740
Objective:
To analyze epidemiological trends and changing characteristics of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023, so as to provide evidence for the comprehensive prevention and control of syphilis in schools.
Methods:
The case data of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The Joinpoint regression model was used to conduct a time trend analysis of the reported incidence rate of syphilis.
Results:
From 2005 to 2023, a cumulative total of 3 191 cases of syphilis were reported in schools in Yunnan Province(1 248 male cases and 1 943 female cases). The reported incidence rate rose continuously from 0.17/100 000 in 2005 to 8.26/100 000 in 2023, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 24.89%( Z =13.18, P <0.01). The reported incidence rate was higher in female students than in male students ( χ 2=229.48, P <0.05). The incidence rates in the primary school, junior high school, senior high school and higher education were 0.21/100 000, 2.42/100 000, 4.45/100 000 and 6.29/100 000 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=3 432.84, P <0.05). The average annual growth rate was the highest in the junior high school stage(AAPC= 30.68% , Z =7.57, P <0.05),followed by the senior high school stage (AAPC=24.28%, Z = 5.70 , P <0.05).The reported incidence rate of primary and secondary syphilis increased from 0.12/100 000 in 2005 to 2.06/ 100 000 in 2023, with an AAPC of 16.86% ( Z = 4.57, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall reported incidence rate of syphilis among students in schools in Yunnan Province shows a sustained upward trend, with the most rapid annual increase observed in junior high schools. Schools should prioritize syphilis education and expand awareness campaigns to curb transmission.


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