1.The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Runner’s High
Yun-Teng WANG ; Jia-Qi LIANG ; Wan-Tang SU ; Li ZHAO ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):358-373
“Runner’s high” refers to a momentary sense of pleasure that suddenly appears during running or other exercise activities, characterized by anti-anxiety, pain relief, and other symptoms. The neurobiological mechanism of “runner’s high” is unclear. This review summarizes human and animal models for studying “runner’s high”, analyzes the neurotransmitters and neural circuits involved in runner’s high, and elucidates the evidence and shortcomings of researches related to “runner’s high”. This review also provides prospects for future research. Research has found that exercise lasting more than 30 min and with an intensity exceeding 70% of the maximum heart rate can reach a “runner’s high”. Human experiments on “runner’s high” mostly use treadmill exercise intervention, and evaluate it through questionnaire surveys, measurement of plasma AEA, miRNA and other indicators. Animal experiments often use voluntary wheel running intervention, and evaluate it through behavioral experiments such as conditional place preference, light dark box experiments (anxiety), hot plate experiments (pain sensitivity), and measurement of plasma AEA and other indicators. Dopamine, endogenous opioid peptides, endogenous cannabinoids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and other substances increase after exercise, which may be related to the “runner’s high”. However, attention should be paid to the functional differences of these substances in the central and peripheral regions, as well as in different brain regions. Moreover, current studies have not identified the targets of the neurotransmitters or neural factors mentioned above, and further in-depth researches are needed. The mesolimbic dopamine system, prefrontal cortex-nucleus accumbens projection, ventral hippocampus-nucleus accumbens projection, red nucleus-ventral tegmental area projection, cerebellar-ventral tegmental area projection, and brain-gut axis may be involved in the regulation of runner’s high, but there is a lack of direct evidence to prove their involvement. There are still many issues that need to be addressed in the research on the neurobiological mechanisms of “runner’s high”. (1) Most studies on “runner’s high” involve one-time exercise, and the characteristics of changes in “runner’s high” during long-term exercise still need to be explored. (2) The using of scales to evaluate subjects lead to the lacking of objective indicators. However, some potential biomarkers (such as endocannabinoids) have inconsistent characteristics of changes after one-time and long-term exercise. (3) The neurotransmitters involved in the formation of the “runner’s high” all increase in the peripheral and/or central nervous system after exercise. Attention should be paid to whether peripheral substances can enter the blood-brain barrier and the binding effects of neurotransmitters to different receptors are completely different in different brain regions. (4) Most of the current evidence show that some brain regions are activated after exercise. Is there a functional circuit mediating “runner’s high” between these brain regions? (5) Although training at a specific exercise intensity can lead to “runner’s high”, most runners have not experienced “runner’s high”. Can more scientific training methods or technological means be used to make it easier for people to experience the “runner’s high” and thus be more willing to engage in exercise? (6) The “runner’s high” and “addiction” behaviors are extremely similar, and there are evidences that exercise can reverse addictive behaviors. However, why is there still a considerable number of people in the sports population and even athletes who smoke or use addictive drugs instead of pursuing the “pleasure” brought by exercise? Solving the problems above is of great significance for enhancing the desire of exercise, improving the clinical application of neurological and psychiatric diseases through exercise, and enhancing the overall physical fitness of the population.
2.Pomalidomide improves airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in COPD rats by inhibiting TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway
Shu-Juan LIU ; Ya LI ; Zheng-Yuan FAN ; Gao-Feng LI ; Su-Yun LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(1):91-98
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of pomalidomide(POM)on airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group and POM group,with 12 in each group,half male and half female.The COPD model was established by smoke exposure combined with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in model group and POM group.The rats in POM group were treated with POM(0.5 mg/kg,once a day for 1 week).The lung function,lung tissue pathology,the proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and the levels of serum inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and IL-13 were observed and detected in each group.AB-PAS staining and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the proliferation of goblet cells and the secretion of mucin(MUC)5AC and MUC5B in airway epithelium of rats.The expression levels of TNF-α receptor 1(TNFR1),IκB kinase(IKK),phosphorylated IKK(p-IKK)and P65 protein in lung tissue were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with control group,model group showed significant decreased of tidal volume(TV),minute ventilation(MV),forced expiratory vital capacity(FVC),0.1s forced expiratory volume(FEV0.1)and 0.3 s forced expiratory volume(FEV0.3)(P<0.05),increased of the mean linear intercept(MLI)of the alveoli(P<0.01),decreased of the mean alveolar number(MAN)(P<0.01),increased of the proportion of neutrophils and lymphocytes in BALF sediment(P<0.05),and decreased of the proportion of macrophages in BALF sediment(P<0.01);increased of the levels of serum inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-13 and IL-6(P<0.05),the proportion of goblet cells in airway epithelium(P<0.01),the secretion of MUC5AC and MUC5B in lung tissue(P<0.01),the content of TNFR1 and the ratio of p-IKK/IKK(P<0.01),the content of P65 in nucleus(P<0.01);and decreased of the content of P65 in cytoplasm(P<0.05).Compared with model group,after one week of POM treatment,POM group showed significant improved of the TV,MV,FVC,FEV0.1,FEV0.3,MLI and MAN of rats(P<0.05);decreased of the proportion of neutrophils and lymphocytes in BALF(P<0.05);increased of the proportion of macrophages(P<0.01);decreased of the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and IL-13(P<0.05),the proportion of goblet cells in airway(P<0.01),the secretion of MUC5AC and MUC5B(P<0.01),and the expression of TNFR1,P-IKK and P65(nucleus)(P<0.05);and increased of the level of P65(cytoplasm)(P<0.01).Conclusions POM can improve airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in COPD rats,which may be achieved by inhibiting TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Epidemiological Surveillance:Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus Group A in the Pearl River Delta,Guangdong,China in 2019
Ying Jie JIANG ; Dan LIANG ; Li WANG ; Yun XIAO ; Feng Yu LIANG ; Xia Bi KE ; Juan SU ; Hong XIAO ; Tao WANG ; Min ZOU ; Jian Hong LI ; Wen Chang KE
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):278-293
Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China. Methods This study included individuals aged 28 days-85 years.A total of 706 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis collected between January 2019 and January 2020 were analyzed for 17 causative pathogens,including RVA,using a Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel,followed by genotyping,virus isolation,and complete sequencing to assess the genetic diversity of RVA. Results The overall RVA infection rate was 14.59%(103/706),with an irregular epidemiological pattern.The proportion of co-infection with RVA and other pathogens was 39.81%(41/103).Acute gastroenteritis is highly prevalent in young children aged 0-1 year,and RVA is the key pathogen circulating in patients 6-10 months of age with diarrhea.G9P[8](58.25%,60/103)was found to be the predominant genotype in the RVA strains,and the 41 RVA-positive strains that were successfully sequenced belonged to three different RVA genotypes in the phylogenetic analysis.Recombination analysis showed that gene reassortment events,selection pressure,codon usage bias,gene polymorphism,and post-translational modifications(PTMs)occurred in the G9P[8]and G3P[8]strains. Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence of RVA prevalence in the Pearl River Delta region of China,further enriching the existing information on its genetics and evolutionary characteristics and suggesting the emergence of genetic diversity.Strengthening the surveillance of genotypic changes and gene reassortment in RVA strains is essential for further research and a better understanding of strain variations for further vaccine development.
4.Pathogenic characteristics of viral diarrhea in children under five years of age in sentinel surveillance in Lulong County of Hebei Province, 2010-2020
Wenna ZHAO ; Tong SU ; Yingying LIU ; Qiuli YU ; Yun XIE ; Qi LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(3):347-352
Objective:To analyze pathogenic characteristics of viral diarrhea in children aged <5 years in Hebei Province and provide reference for the prevention and control of viral diarrhea in children.Methods:Stool samples were collected from in-patients with diarrhea under five years old from sentinel hospitals in Lulong County of Hebei between 2010 and 2020. ELISA detected rotavirus antigen, and then positive samples were genotyped by semi nested reverse transcription PCR of two rounds. Calicivirus, genotyping astrovirus, and adenovirus were detected by real-time fluorescence quantification PCR. The data were analyzed by using software SPSS 20.0.Results:In 2 925 detected stool samples, 1 919 (65.61%) were positive. The positive rates of rotavirus, calicivirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus were 42.80% (1 252/2 925), 22.12% (647/2 925), 6.19% (181/2 925), 3.56% (104/2 925). Viral diarrhea was mainly caused by rotavirus infection, accounting for 59.30% (1 017/1 715) between 2010 and 2017, and by calicivirus infection accounting for 53.43% (109/204) between 2018 and 2020. The peak positive rate of rotavirus occurred in winter, with the highest rate in infants aged 12 to 17 months (52.96%,483/912). In the rotavirus positive samples, G9P[8] was mainly detected strains (58.31%,730/1 252), followed by G3P[8] (8.15%,102/1 252). The calicivirus-positive samples were mainly infected with norovirus GⅡ. Sequence analysis indicated that the main type was GⅡ.4 [P31] between 2011 and 2016 and GⅡ.3 [P12] in 2018.Conclusions:Rotavirus and calicivirus were the main pathogens causing infant diarrhea in children under five years old in Hebei from 2010 to 2020. Winter was the main epidemic season.
5.Differential component analysis between Fructus Tritici Levis and Triticum aestivum based on qualitative and quantitative methods
Xuejiao LI ; Yu HU ; Yun CHEN ; Juan SHANG ; Zhenyang LI ; Yunhua FENG ; Jiandong ZOU ; Weifeng YAO ; Su LU ; Meijuan XU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1296-1302
OBJECTIVE To analyze the compositional differences between Fructus Tritici Levis and Triticum aestivum, and to provide reference for identification and quality control of both. METHODS Twenty batches of Fructus Tritici Levis and three batches of T. aestivum were collected, and their fingerprints were acquired by high-performance liquid chromatography and the similarities were evaluated by the Evaluation System of Similarity of Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 version). Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to analyze the difference of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum from different regions, and the differential components were screened. The contents of the six identified components in Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum were determined. RESULTS The similarities of the fingerprints of Fructus Tritici Levis ranged from 0.928 to 0.996, and the relative similarities of T. aestivum with Fructus Tritici Levis ranged from 0.761 to 0.773. A total of 19 common peaks were calibrated, and six components including linolenic acid, linoleic acid, 5-heptadecylresorcinol, 5-nonadodecylresorcinol, 5- heneicosylresorcinol, and 5-tricosylresorcinol were identified. The results of CA and PCA showed that Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum could be clearly distinguished; the distribution of Fructus Tritici Levis from Anhui province was relatively concentrated. The results of OPLS-DA showed that linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and other six unknown compounds were the differential components between Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum. The average contents of the six identified components in Fructus Tritici Levis were 0.100 9, 1.094 0, 0.005 1, 0.030 9, 0.098 2,and 0.024 8 mg/g, respectively; the contents of linolenic acid and linoleic acid in Fructus Tritici Levis were significantly higher than those in T. aestivum (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The established qualitative and quantitative methods are simple and reliable, and can be used for the identification and quality evaluation of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum. The identified differential components, such as linolenic acid and linoleic acid, can also provide clues for the differentiation and pharmacological study of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum.
6.Differential component analysis between Fructus Tritici Levis and Triticum aestivum based on qualitative and quantitative methods
Xuejiao LI ; Yu HU ; Yun CHEN ; Juan SHANG ; Zhenyang LI ; Yunhua FENG ; Jiandong ZOU ; Weifeng YAO ; Su LU ; Meijuan XU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(11):1296-1302
OBJECTIVE To analyze the compositional differences between Fructus Tritici Levis and Triticum aestivum, and to provide reference for identification and quality control of both. METHODS Twenty batches of Fructus Tritici Levis and three batches of T. aestivum were collected, and their fingerprints were acquired by high-performance liquid chromatography and the similarities were evaluated by the Evaluation System of Similarity of Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 version). Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed to analyze the difference of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum from different regions, and the differential components were screened. The contents of the six identified components in Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum were determined. RESULTS The similarities of the fingerprints of Fructus Tritici Levis ranged from 0.928 to 0.996, and the relative similarities of T. aestivum with Fructus Tritici Levis ranged from 0.761 to 0.773. A total of 19 common peaks were calibrated, and six components including linolenic acid, linoleic acid, 5-heptadecylresorcinol, 5-nonadodecylresorcinol, 5- heneicosylresorcinol, and 5-tricosylresorcinol were identified. The results of CA and PCA showed that Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum could be clearly distinguished; the distribution of Fructus Tritici Levis from Anhui province was relatively concentrated. The results of OPLS-DA showed that linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and other six unknown compounds were the differential components between Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum. The average contents of the six identified components in Fructus Tritici Levis were 0.100 9, 1.094 0, 0.005 1, 0.030 9, 0.098 2,and 0.024 8 mg/g, respectively; the contents of linolenic acid and linoleic acid in Fructus Tritici Levis were significantly higher than those in T. aestivum (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The established qualitative and quantitative methods are simple and reliable, and can be used for the identification and quality evaluation of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum. The identified differential components, such as linolenic acid and linoleic acid, can also provide clues for the differentiation and pharmacological study of Fructus Tritici Levis and T. aestivum.
7.Effects of l-tetrahydropalmatine on different stages of conditioned place preference in ketamine dependent rats and the mechanism of DA
Yan DU ; Xingcui GAO ; Hongliang SU ; Yujin WANG ; Li DU ; Keming YUN
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;39(1):50-54
Objective To observe the effects of Levo-tetrahydropalmatine(l-THP)on the expression,regression and relapse of conditioned place preference(CPP)in ketamine induced rats,and to detect the content of dopamine(DA)in the striatum(caudate putamen,CPu)of the rat brain at different time points.Methods Ketamine addiction rat model was established by CPP.The effects of l-THP on the expression,regression and relapse of ketamine induced rat CPP were investigated using CPP score as the index.The content of DA in CPu of rats was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)after ketamine administration and l-THP intervention at 30 min,60 min,90 min,120 min and 150 min.Results It indicated that 1-THP could decrease the expression of CPP in ketamine induced rats,promote the process of CPP resolution and inhibit the process of relapse.In addition,l-THP combined with ketamine administration significantly inhibited the ketamine-induced increase in DA content in the CPu of the rats.Conclusion The mechanism of l-THP inhibiting the reward effect of ketamine may be related to blocking DA receptors and reducing the release of DA neurotransmitters.l-THP has potential implications for the treatment of ketamine addiction.
8.Intervention Effect of Dabufei Decoction on Acute Lung Injury in Rats with High Altitude Hypoxia Based on HIF-1α/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Congyi LI ; Wangjie CAO ; Yong HUANG ; Yun SU ; Hongxia GONG ; Guangxian LENG ; Lixia LI ; Yuanding ZENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(6):736-742
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the intervention effect of Dabufei decoction on acute lung injury in rats with high altitude hypoxia by regulating the expression of the HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway and related molecules.
METHODS
Sixty SPF SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups with 10 rats in each group. After 3 d of adaptation to feeding, the rats in the blank group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, and the rats in Dabufei decoction high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were given gavage for 14 d, respectively. The positive drug group was given dexamethasone by intraperitoneal injection for three consecutive days before entering the chamber. Except for the blank group, the rats in each group were exposed to hypoxia in the experimental animal low-pressure simulation chamber from the 15th day for three consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, the wet to dry ratio(W/D) of the rat lung tissue was detected. The morphology of lung tissue was observed by HE staining. ELISA detected the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue of rats.
RESULTS
The W/D value showed that compared with the blank group, the W/D of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the W/D of rats in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05). HE results showed that compared with the blank group, alveolar septum thickening, pulmonary interstitial congestion, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a small amount of exudation in the alveolar cavity were seen in the lung tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the thickening of alveolar walls in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were reduced, and the pulmonary interstitial congestion, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced. ELISA results showed that IL-1β and IL-18 in rat serum were significantly higher in the model group than in the blank group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the rats in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the results of Western blotting and RT-qPCR showed that compared with the blank group, the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the relative protein and mRNA of HIF-1α, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in the positive drug group and Dabufei decoction high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), the relative protein of HIF-1α, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in Dabufei decoction medium-dose group were significantly decreased and HIF-1α, caspase-1 mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05), the relative protein of HIF-1α and GSDMD in the low-dose group was decreased(P<0.05). The positive drug group and Dabufei decoction high-dose group had the more significant effect.
CONCLUSION
Dabufei decoction can regulate the HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway, inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammation, and has a certain protective effect on acute lung injury in rats with high altitude hypoxia.
9.Simulation and live-fire verification of bulletproof performance of boron carbide ceramic/UHMWPE fiber composite target board
Xin LIU ; Yun-Dou WANG ; Meng LI ; Chen SU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(11):15-20
Objective To carry out simulation optimization and live-fire verification of the bulletproof performance of the boron carbide ceramic/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)fiber composite target board in order to improve bulletproof target boards in light weight and high protection.Methods Firstly,a finite element model of the boron carbide ceramic/UHMWPE fiber composite target board was established based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA.Secondly,the simulation of bullet penetration through different thicknesses of the bulletproof target boards was performed to analyze the protection effect of the bulletproof target board against Type 56 7.62 mm ordinary bullets at a distance of 100 m.Finally,based on the simulation results the target board was optimized by taking the protection effect and quality of the target plate as the main indexes,and the bulletproof performance of the designed target board was verified by live firing.Results The simulation results showed that different thicknesses of bulletproof target boards could achieve effective protection against Type 56 7.62 mm ordinary bullets at a distance of 100 m;the live-fire experiment confirmed the result of the simulation experiment,and indicated that the optimized bulletproof target board was gifted with high protection.Conclusion Rational proportioning of boron carbide ceramic and UHMWPE fiber contributes to meeting the requirements of the bulletproof target board for light weight and high protection,and references are provided for the development of lightweight highly-protective bulletproof target board.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(11):15-20]
10.Exploration on the molecular mechanism of Sanhuang Yishen Capsules for the treatment of diabetes based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Xiaofeng MENG ; Hailong BAI ; Yun BIAN ; Aizu ZHANG ; Fengsheng TIAN ; Ronggang CUI ; Yang SU ; Juan LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(10):1330-1337
Objective:To explore the material basis and potential mechanism of Sanhuang Yishen Capsules in the treatment of diabetes through network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification.Methods:The active components and targets of Sanhuang Yishhen Capsules were screened using China Natural product chemical composition database and SymMap database, and the related targets of T2DM were screened by GeneCards database. The "Chinese materia medica-active component-target" network was constructed, and the intersection genes were enriched by GO and KEGG using R language. Key active components were selected for molecular docking verification with potential core targets. 60 rats were divided into normal group, model group, and Sanhuang Yishen Capsules group according to random number table method, with 15 rats in each group. In addition to the normal group, the diabetic rat model was prepared in the other groups, and the corresponding drugs were intragastric in each group for 8 weeks. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Western blotting was used to detect protein expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), epidermal growth factor (EGF), Akt serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), recombinant tumor protein p53 (TP53), and recombinant caspase 3 (CASP3).Results:A total of 160 active components and 298 targets of Sanhuang Yishen Capsules, 2194 targets related to T2DM, and 166 intersection targets were obtained. GO and KEGG analyzed a series of biological reaction processes mainly involved in signal transduction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, etc., and mainly involved in the regulation of P13K/Akt, P53, CASP3 and other targets. The results of molecular docking showed that the main active components obtained by screening had strong binding with the target. Compared with model group, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TP53 and CASP3 in Sanhuang Yishen Capsules group decreased ( P<0.05), EGFR, EGF and Akt1 proteins increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism of Sanhuang Yishen Capsules for the treatment of may be related to the regulation of EGF/EGFR/P13K/Akt signaling pathway, TP53 signaling pathway, CASP3 signaling pathway, PPARG signaling pathway, ESR1 signaling pathway, PTGS2 signaling pathway, CAT signaling pathway and CTNNB1 signaling pathway.


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