1.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
2.Effects of Electroacupuncture with "Tonifying the Kidney and Dispelling Stasis" Acupoint Prescription on Sexual Function and Penile Vascular Endothelial Function in Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction Model Rats
Mingxi YAN ; Mengze LI ; Pingyu GE ; Chunxia LU ; Caihong XIAO ; Jin CUI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1265-1272
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture with "tonifying the kidney and dispelling stasis" acupoint prescription on sexual function in diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED)model rats, and to explore its possible mechanism of action. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 10 each in blank group, model group, Tadalafil group, and electroacupuncture group. DMED rat model was prepared by high glucose and high fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After successful modelling, rats in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture intervention of "tonifying the kidney and dispelling stasis" acupoint prescription once every other day; Tadalafil group was given Tadalafil solution 0.5 mg/kg·d by gavage, and the blank group, model group and electroacupuncture group were given 10 ml/kg pure water by gavage once a day. Each group was intervened for 30 days. The body mass and blood glucose level of the rats were detected on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd days and at the end of the intervention, respectively. At the end of the intervention, the penile erection of the rats was observed by using the apomorphine test; the level of plasma endothelial cell microparticles (EMPs)was detected by flow cytometry; the histopathological morphology of the penile cavernous body was observed by HE staining, and the pathological morphology of the endothelial cells of the penile vasculature was observed by electron microscopy. Serum sex hormones including testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and vascular endothelial function-related factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured by ELISA method. ResultsCompared with blank group, the model group, Tadalafil group, and electroacupuncture group all had lower body mass and higher blood glucose levels at each time of testing (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the number of penile erections reduced in the model group, the level of CD31+ EMPs increased, the levels of serum T, FSH, LH, and VEGF reduced, and the levels of serum ET-1, LOX-1, sE-selectin, and sICAM-1 increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tadalafil group and the electroacupuncture group showed an increased number of penile erections decreased level of CD31+ EMPs, increased levels of serum T, FSH, LH, and VEGF, and decreased levels of serum ET-1, LOX-1, sE-selectin, and sICAM-1 (P<0.01). Compared with the Tadalafil group, serum T, FSH, LH, VEGF levels increased and ET-1, LOX-1 levels decreased in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining and electron microscopic observation revealed that there was severe pathological damage to the cavernous tissue of the penis and vascular endothelial cells of the rat in the model group, which was ameliorated to a certain degree in both Tadalafil group and electroacupuncture group. ConclusionThe electroacupuncture prescription of "tonifying the kidney and dispelling stasis" can improve the erectile dysfunction of DMED rats, which is comparable to the effect of Tadalafi. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of vascular endothelial function.
3.Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii Multiglycoside in Mouse Models of Psoriasis Keratinocytes.
Shuo ZHANG ; Hong-Jin LI ; Chun-Mei YANG ; Liu LIU ; Xiao-Ying SUN ; Jiao WANG ; Si-Ting CHEN ; Yi LU ; Man-Qi HU ; Ge YAN ; Ya-Qiong ZHOU ; Xiao MIAO ; Xin LI ; Bin LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):222-229
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective.
METHODS:
Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ+TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS:
TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45+ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Tripterygium
;
Psoriasis/drug therapy*
;
Keratinocytes
;
Skin Diseases/metabolism*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
;
Imiquimod/metabolism*
;
Dermatitis/pathology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Skin/metabolism*
4.Diagnosis and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Disease Mechanism of “Tendon Off-Position and Joint Subluxation”
Jiehang LU ; Min ZHANG ; Zhengyan LI ; Fuwei PAN ; Zhengming WANG ; Haiya GE ; Zhibi SHEN ; Hongsheng ZHAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(7):755-759
Based on the pathogenesis of “tendon off-position and joint subluxation”, combined with modern ana-tomy and biomechanics, the characteristic manifestations of “tendon off-position” and “joint subluxation” of the knee and the intrinsic connection between them are clarified. Through sorting out the relationship between “tendon off-position and joint subluxation” and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in modern research, it is believed that “tendon off-position and joint subluxation” is the key mechanism for the occurrence and development of KOA, and accordingly, it is proposed to take the diet as the guide, use bone manipulation for external diagnosis and treatment, use traditional Chinese medicine decoction for internal treatment, and use Daoyin exercise throughout the whole process as the strategy for KOA's comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine treatment to improve the clinical effectiveness.
5.Allergy Associated With N-glycans on Glycoprotein Allergens
Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Rui-Jie LIU ; Shao-Xing ZHANG ; Shu-Ying YUAN ; Yan-Wen CHEN ; Yi-Lin YE ; Qian-Ge LIN ; Xin-Rong LU ; Yong-Liang TONG ; Li CHEN ; Gui-Qin SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(5):1023-1033
Protein as the allergens could lead to allergy. In addition, a widespread class of allergens were known as glycans of N-glycoprotein. N-glycoprotein contained oligosaccharide linked by covalent bonds with protein. Recently,studies implicated that allergy was associated with glycans of heterologous N-glycoprotein found in food, inhalants, insect toxins, etc. The N-glycan structure of N-glycoprotein allergen has exerted an influence on the binding between allergens and IgE, while the recognition and presentation of allergens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were also affected. Some researches showed thatN-glycan structure of allergen was remodeled by N-glycosidase, such as cFase I, gpcXylase, as binding of allergen and IgE partly decreased. Thus, allergic problems caused by N-glycoproteins could potentially be solved by modifying or altering the structure ofN-glycoprotein allergens, addressing the root of the issue. Mechanism of N-glycans associated allergy could also be elaborated through glycosylation enzymes, alterations of host glycosylation. This article hopes to provide a separate insight for glycoimmunology perspective, and an alternative strategy for clinical prevention or therapy of allergic diseases.
6.Construction and Testing of Health LifeStyle Evidence (HLSE)
Chen TIAN ; Yong WANG ; Yilong YAN ; Yafei LIU ; Yao LU ; Mingyao SUN ; Jianing LIU ; Yan MA ; Jinling NING ; Ziying YE ; Qianji CHENG ; Ying LI ; Jiajie HUANG ; Shuihua YANG ; Yiyun WANG ; Bo TONG ; Jiale LU ; Long GE
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(6):1413-1421
Healthy lifestyles and good living habits are effective strategies and important approaches to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases. With the development of evidence-based medicine, the evidence translation system has made some achievements in clinical practice. There is, however, no comprehensive, professional and efficient system for translating lifestyle evidence globally. Therefore, the Health Lifestyle Evidence (HLSE) Group of Lanzhou University constructed the HLSE Evidence Translation System (
7.Cell softness reveals tumorigenic potential via ITGB8/AKT/glycolysis signaling in a mice model of orthotopic bladder cancer
Shi QIU ; Yaqi QIU ; Linghui DENG ; Ling NIE ; Liming GE ; Xiaonan ZHENG ; Di JIN ; Kun JIN ; Xianghong ZHOU ; Xingyang SU ; Boyu CAI ; Jiakun LI ; Xiang TU ; Lina GONG ; Liangren LIU ; Zhenhua LIU ; Yige BAO ; Jianzhong AI ; Tianhai LIN ; Lu YANG ; Qiang WEI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(2):209-221
Background::Bladder cancer, characterized by a high potential of tumor recurrence, has high lifelong monitoring and treatment costs. To date, tumor cells with intrinsic softness have been identified to function as cancer stem cells in several cancer types. Nonetheless, the existence of soft tumor cells in bladder tumors remains elusive. Thus, our study aimed to develop a microbarrier microfluidic chip to efficiently isolate deformable tumor cells from distinct types of bladder cancer cells.Methods::The stiffness of bladder cancer cells was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The modified microfluidic chip was utilized to separate soft cells, and the 3D Matrigel culture system was to maintain the softness of tumor cells. Expression patterns of integrin β8 (ITGB8), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were determined by Western blotting. Double immunostaining was conducted to examine the interaction between F-actin and tripartite motif containing 59 (TRIM59). The stem-cell-like characteristics of soft cells were explored by colony formation assay and in vivo studies upon xenografted tumor models. Results::Using our newly designed microfluidic approach, we identified a small fraction of soft tumor cells in bladder cancer cells. More importantly, the existence of soft tumor cells was confirmed in clinical human bladder cancer specimens, in which the number of soft tumor cells was associated with tumor relapse. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the biomechanical stimuli arising from 3D Matrigel activated the F-actin/ITGB8/TRIM59/AKT/mTOR/glycolysis pathways to enhance the softness and tumorigenic capacity of tumor cells. Simultaneously, we detected a remarkable up-regulation in ITGB8, TRIM59, and phospho-AKT in clinical bladder recurrent tumors compared with their non-recurrent counterparts.Conclusions::The ITGB8/TRIM59/AKT/mTOR/glycolysis axis plays a crucial role in modulating tumor softness and stemness. Meanwhile, the soft tumor cells become more sensitive to chemotherapy after stiffening, that offers new insights for hampering tumor progression and recurrence.
8.Construction and Testing of Health LifeStyle Evidence (HLSE)
Chen TIAN ; Yong WANG ; Yilong YAN ; Yafei LIU ; Yao LU ; Mingyao SUN ; Jianing LIU ; Yan MA ; Jinling NING ; Ziying YE ; Qianji CHENG ; Ying LI ; Jiajie HUANG ; Shuihua YANG ; Yiyun WANG ; Bo TONG ; Jiale LU ; Long GE
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(6):1413-1421
Healthy lifestyles and good living habits are effective strategies and important approaches to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases. With the development of evidence-based medicine, the evidence translation system has made some achievements in clinical practice. There is, however, no comprehensive, professional and efficient system for translating lifestyle evidence globally. Therefore, the Health Lifestyle Evidence (HLSE) Group of Lanzhou University constructed the HLSE Evidence Translation System (
9.Motor function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease patients with freezing of gait
Ying GE ; Wowa ZHAO ; Lu ZHANG ; Xuan SHU ; Jiawei LI ; Ying LIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(3):339-344
Objective To observe the differences in motor function and quality of life among mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease(PD)patients with or without freezing of gait(FOG),and the correlation of FOG to motor function and quality of life. Methods From April,2021 to December,2022,132 mild-to-moderate PD patients aged 60 to 80 years were selected from Peking Union Medical College Hospital,and were divided into FOG group(n = 43)and non-FOG group(n = 89)according to the clinical features.They were assessed with Freezing of Gait Questionnaire(FOGQ),Berg Balance Scale(BBS),Timed"Up&Go"Test(TUGT),Five Times Sit to Stand Test(FTSST),isokinetic muscle strength,Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale(UPDRS)and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Question-aire-39(PDQ-39). Results The BBS score was lower(Z =-2.354,P<0.05),and the TUGT,FTSST,UPDRS part 2 and part 3 scores,and the Parkinson's disease summary index(PDSI)were higher in FOG group than in non-FOG group(Z>3.074,t = 2.748,P<0.01).FOGQ score correlated with BBS score,UPDRS Part 2 and Part 3 scores,and PDSI(|r|>0.392,P<0.001). Conclusion FOG would impair motor function,activities of daily living and quality of life in mild-to-moderate PD pa-tients,and increase the risk of falls.
10.Bioequivalence study of sidenafil citrate tablets in Chinese healthy subjects
Xiao-Bin LI ; Lu CHEN ; Xiu-Jun WU ; Yu-Xin GE ; Wen-Chao LU ; Ting XIAO ; He XIE ; Hua-Wei WANG ; Wen-Ping WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(3):430-434
Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of oral sidenafil citrate tablets manufactured(100 mg)test preparations and reference preparations in healthy subjects under fasting and fed conditions.Methods Using a single-dose,randomized,open-lable,two-period,two-way crossover design,36 healthy subjects respectively for fasting and fed study were enrolled,and randomized into two groups to receive a single dose of test 100 mg with 7-day washout period.Plasma concentration of sidenafil and N-demethylsildenafil was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Analyst 1.6.3(AB Scie)using non-compartmental model,and bioequivalence evaluation was performed for the two preparations.Relevant safety evaluations were performed during the trial.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of sidenafil after a single oral dose of sidenafil citrate tablets under fasting condition for test and reference were as follows:Cmax were(494.69±230.94)and(558.78±289.83)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 336.21±509.78)and(1 410.82±625.99)h·ng·mL-1,AUC0-were(1 366.49±512.16)and(1 441.84±628.04)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The main pharmacokinetic parameters of sidenafil under fed condition for T and R were as follows:Cmax were(381.89±126.53)and(432.47±175.91)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 366.34±366.99)and(1 412.76±420.37)h·ng·mL-1,AUC0-were(1 403.28±375.32)and(1 454.13±429.87)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The results demonstrated the bioequivalence of sidenafil citrate tablets between T and R.The incidence of adverse events in fasting and fed tests were 33.33%and 25.00%,respectively.No serious adverse event was reported.Conclusion The test and reference formulation of sidenafil citrate tablets were equivalent and was safe.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail