1.Xiaoyaosan Regulates HPT Axis in Rat Model with Syndrome of Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency via CGA/GPX2/TSHβ Pathway for Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
Fang WANG ; Ruxin YUAN ; Lingjin FAN ; Zongli CHEN ; Huaye XIAO ; Liqiang YANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Chuncheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):1-10
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xiaoyaosan regulates HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency by observing its effect on the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (CGA)/glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2)/thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit (TSHβ) pathway for thyroid hormone synthesis. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model, high-dose (16.7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (8.35 g·kg-1), and low-dose (4.175 g·kg-1) Xiaoyaosan, and fluoxetine (0.001 8 g·kg-1) groups, with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days. The intervention groups were treated with Xiaoyaosan decoctions or fluoxetine suspension, respectively. After modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue of the rats. Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of TSH receptor (TSHR) in the thyroid tissue, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant atrophy and irregularity of thyroid follicles, a marked reduction in colloid secretion, extensive vacuolar degeneration of adenocytes in the anterior pituitary, lowered serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid tissue, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue, outperforming the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group. Moreover, they elevated the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TSH level was also elevated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01). In the fluoxetine group, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, and GPX2 in the hypothalamus were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe downregulation of CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Xiaoyaosan may regulate the HPT axis dysfunction by up-regulating the CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway.
2.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.
3.Therapeutic Study on The Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Induced Regulatory T Cells
Tian-Fang KANG ; Ai-Qing MA ; Li-Qi CHEN ; Han GONG ; Jia-Cheng OUYANG ; Fan PAN ; Hong PAN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):946-956
ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
4.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
5.Progress in the effect of blood indicators on retinopathy of prematurity
Wenwen TANG ; Qingmin MA ; Kejun LI ; Fang FAN ; Yize HAN ; Jing CHENG ; Linwei YAN ; Yafeng WANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(3):392-396
Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP), an abnormal vascular proliferative retinopathy of prematurity, is a serious condition that can lead to retinal detachment or blindness. With the development of neonatal medicine, the survival rate of low birth weight and low gestational age infants has been increasing, as well as the incidence of ROP. Therefore, studying ROP's pathogenesis and influencing factors is of great clinical importance. Numerous studies have been conducted on the risk factors for ROP, including gestational age, oxygen intake, mode of delivery, neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and the use of surfactants. At present, it is widely accepted both at home and abroad that preterm birth, low birth weight, and high oxygen concentration after birth are independent risk factors for ROP. In recent years, more and more scholars have found that abnormalities in blood indicators in preterm infants may be associated with the development of ROP. This article reviews the effects of platelets, haemoglobin, blood glucose, inflammatory cells, and lipids on ROP, providing a reference for identifying and preventing risk factors for ROP.
7.AP2M1 inhibits proliferation and invasion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells
Yuanchun LI ; Xueqian YAN ; Dan FAN ; Yueru JI ; Fang XIAO ; Jing GAO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(3):308-316
Objective To evaluate the regulatory effect of the adaptor related protein complex 2 subunit μ1(AP2M1)on proliferation and invasion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods Human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line OCI-LY8 was aliquoted into control group,NC-shRNA group,AP2M1-shRNA group,NC-LV group,and AP2M1-LV group.Lipofectamine 2000 was used for cell transfection.Cell proliferation was detected by tetramethylazolium salt(MTT)method,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay.The protein expression of AP2M1,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),p-phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K),PI3K,p-protein kinase B(Akt)and AKT was detec-ted by Western blot.Results Compared with control group,the relative expression of AP2M1 mRNA and protein in the AP2M1-shRNA group was decreased(P<0.05).The relative cell viability was increased(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis rate was decreased(P<0.05).The counting number of migrating and invading cells was in-creased(P<0.05).The relative expression level of EGFR protein and the phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT were increased(P<0.05).Compared with Control group,the expression of AP2M1 mRNA and protein relative ex-pression level in AP2M1-LV group was increased(P<0.05).The relative cell viability was decreased(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis rate was increased(P<0.05).The number of migrating and invading cells was decreased(P<0.05).The relative expression level of EGFR protein and the phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT were all decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions The over-expression of AP2M1 partially inhibits the proliferation and invasion of DLBCL cells by inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
8.The application value of spectral CT venography in the display and staging of deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremity
Shigeng WANG ; Yijun LIU ; Xin FANG ; Beibei LI ; Xu WANG ; Zhiming MA ; Xiaoyu TONG ; Yong FAN ; Wei WEI ; Anliang CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(3):478-482
Objective To investigate the application value of spectral computed tomography venography(CTV)in the display and staging of deep venous thrombosis(DVT)in the lower extremity.Methods Eighty-two patients with CTV were selected and ran-domly divided into group A(42 patients)and group B(40 patients).Group A:tube voltage 120 kVp.Group B:gemstone spectral ima-ging(GSI)mode,reconstruction of 50 keV and iodine(water)maps.The CT and standard deviation(SD)values of the veins were measured,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were calculated in 120 kVp images of group A and in 50 keV images of group B.Two observers scored the image quality of the 2 groups subjectively,and Kappa test was used to examine the con-sistency.Based on the duration from the occurrence of clinical symptoms,the DVTs were classified.The CT values and iodine con-centration(IC)of DVT were measured in the 120 kVp images of group A and in the iodine(water)maps of group B,respectively.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to compare the effectiveness of CT values and IC in diagnosing DVT staging.Results CT values,SNR,and CNR of veins in group B were higher than those in group A(P<0.05).The subjective scores of the two groups were consistent(Kappa=0.926-0.955,P<0.05).The score for the display of veins and thrombus clarity in group B was 5(4,5),which was better than the score of 4(3,4)in group A(P<0.05).The efficiency of IC in diagnosing DVT staging[area under the curve(AUC)=0.973]was better than that of CT values(AUC=0.891).Conclusion The spectral CTV can improve the contrast of lower extremity deep veins and the clarity of thrombus,and can provide more objective indicators for the diagnosis of thrombus staging,which is conducive to accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Correlation of platelet parameter changes and prognosis in children with severe community-acquired pneumonia
Yiyang MAO ; Suyun QIAN ; Hengmiao GAO ; Boliang FANG ; Rubo LI ; Guoyun SU ; Jun LIU ; Gang LIU ; Chaonan FAN
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(2):120-125
Objective:To investigate the dynamic trend of platelet(PLT)count and mean platelet volume(MPV)in children with severe community-acquired pneumonia(SCAP)in PICU and their correlation with prognosis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in 215 SCAP children who were admitted to the PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2019.According to the disease outcome,the patients were divided into improvement group ( n=184) and unrecovered group ( n=31).The changes of PLT count and MPV at admission,on the 2nd,3rd,and 7th days of hospitalization and before discharge were observed,and the relationship between changes in PLT parameters and poor prognosis was analyzed. Meanwhile,the correlation between thrombocytopenia on admission and on the 7th day of hospitalization and prognosis was further explored. Results:The PLT count of improvement group at admission,on the 2nd,3rd,and 7th days of hospitalization and at discharge[(328±159, 329±137, 362±159, 439±168, 510±171)×10 9/L] were significantly higher than those of unrecovered group [(210±142, 207±152, 267±143, 260±162, 343±159)×10 9/L]( P<0.05).Although the MPV of improvement group [(10.9±1.9)fL] on admission was significantly lower than that of the unrecovered group[(12.7±2.5) fL]( P<0.05),there was no significant difference in MPV between two groups on the 2nd,3rd,7th days of hospitalization and discharge( P>0.05).In addition,compared with the admission,children in improvement group had significantly higher PLT count on the 7th day of hospitalization and before discharge( P<0.05),but there was no significant change in unrecovered group( P>0.05).Compared with SCAP patients with thrombocytopenia at admission (PLT<100×10 9/L)( n=22),those with thrombocytopenia on 7th day of hospitalization had a significant higher rate of non recovery( P<0.05). Conclusion:The occurrence of thrombocytopenia on admission and after 7 days of hospitalization in children with SCAP is associated with poor prognosis.No significant increase or decrease in PLT count after 7 days of hospitalization is often indicative of poor prognosis.Dynamic monitoring of PLT parameter changes may help to better judge the prognosis of severe pneumonia.
10.Single-arm, Multi-center, Prospective Clinical Study of Recombinant Human Endostatin Combined with Afatinib and Teggio in Second-line Treatment of Advanced Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Yang CHEN ; Guodong FAN ; Annan JIAO ; Zegeng LI ; Jiabing TONG ; Biao FANG ; Suling YAO ; Mingqi WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Ping LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(10):1388-1393
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effictiveness and safety of recombinant human endostatin combined with afatinib and teggio in the treatment of advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS
A total of 25 patients with driver-negative advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma were included in this single-arm prospective study, and the enrolled patients were treated with recombinant human endostatin combined with afatinib and teggio as scheduled. Progression-free survival(PFS), overall survival(OS), disease control rate(DCR), objective response rate(ORR), and adverse reactions(AR) were observed and analyzed.
RESULTS
The 25 enrolled patients received at least 2 cycles of second-line treatment, and were followed up as of March 31, 2023. Among them, 4 patients had partial remission, 17 patients had stable disease, and 4 patients experienced progressive disease. The ORR confirmed by the researchers was 16%(95%CI, 4.5%−36.1%), DCR was 84%(95%CI, 63.9%−95.5%), and median PFS was 5.3 months(95%CI, 3.5−6.9 months). The median OS had not yet been achieved. The entire group of patients had good treatment tolerance, and the most common level Ⅲ or Ⅳ adverse events related to treatment were leukopenia(20%) and rash(12%), with no reported treatment-related deaths.
CONCLUSION
Recombinant human endostatin combined with afatinib and teggio in the second line treatment of advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma can prolong the progression free survival period of patients and is relatively safe, which is worth further exploration and promotion.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail