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.Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments Reveal Mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian Capsules in Treating Constipation
Yong LIANG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Bin GE ; Yang ZHANG ; Yu SHI ; Yue LU ; Hongxi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):150-157
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian capsules in treating constipation based on the research foundation of its active components combined with network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsThe drug components were imported into SwissTargetPrediction to predict the targets of Shouhui Tongbian capsules, and constipation-related targets were collected from disease databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for the common targets shared by Shouhui Tongbian capsules and constipation to screen key targets, which was followed by gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A "bioactive component-target-pathway" network was constructed, and the core components of Shouhui Tongbian capsules in treating constipation were screened based on the topological parameters of this network. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding affinity of core components to key targets. A mouse model of constipation was constructed to screen the key pathways and targets of the drug intervention in constipation. ResultsThe PPI network revealed six key constipation-related targets: protein kinase B (Akt1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was the most enriched. The topological parameter analysis of the "bioactive component-target-pathway" network screened out the top 10 core components: auranetin, isosinensetin, naringin, diosmetin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, hesperidin, isorhapontigenin, and chrysophanol. Molecular docking results showed that the 10 core components had strong binding affinity with the 6 key targets. Animal experiments showed that after intervention with different doses of Shouhui Tongbian capsules, the time to the first black stool excretion was reduced and the fecal water content and small intestine charcoal propulsion rate of mice were improved. After treatment with Shouhui Tongbian capsules, the colonic mucosal injury and glandular arrangement were alleviated, and the muscle layer thickness was increased. Western blot results showed that Shouhui Tongbian capsules recovered the expression of apoptosis-related molecules mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway in the colonic tissue of constipated mice. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) results showed that the cell apoptosis rate of the colon significantly reduced after intervention with Shouhui Tongbian capsules. ConclusionThe results of network pharmacology and animal experiments confirmed that Shouhui Tongbian capsules can treat constipation through multiple targets and pathways. The capsules can effectively intervene in loperamide-induced constipation in mice by regulating the constipation indicators and reducing cell apoptosis in the colon tissue via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Constipation Based on 5-HT Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yong LIANG ; Bin GE ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongxi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):271-279
Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal diseases. At present, the overall therapeutic effect of CC is still not satisfactory worldwide, which seriously affects the quality of life and social function of patients. The etiology and pathophysiological mechanism of constipation are still unclear. It involves comprehensive factors such as heredity, social psychology, diet, intestinal flora imbalance, intestinal motility disorder, visceral sensitivity change, pelvic floor muscle group dysfunction and enteric nervous system (ENS) disorder. Among them, the abnormal factors of the brain-gut-microbiome axis are particularly significant. The brain-gut-microbiome axis is a complex network of interactions between the intestine and the brain, integrating and coordinating the physiological functions and pathological processes of the gastrointestinal tract. Microorganisms in the intestinal lumen play an important role in it, and can communicate with the intestinal tract and the central nervous system through nerve, endocrine and immune pathways. As a key brain-gut peptide in the regulation pathway of the brain-gut-microbiome axis, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility, sensation and secretion. The abnormal conduction of the 5-HT signaling pathway is closely related to the occurrence and development of constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a unique precious resource in China, which has good curative effects and safety. In recent years, it has received extensive attention in the treatment of constipation. TCM and active ingredients, acupuncture and massage specifically regulate 5-HT signal transmission, so that the expressions of related molecules tend to be suitable for individual disease state levels to effectively improve constipation symptoms, with unique advantages. Therefore, this study used ''constipation'', ''intestinal flora'', ''5-HT'', and ''traditional Chinese medicine'' as the keywords to search PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and other literature databases. The correlation between 5-HT and constipation as well as brain-gut-microbiome axis and the research progress of TCM intervention in the 5-HT signaling pathway in the treatment of constipation were reviewed in order to explore the potential therapeutic value of 5-HT system in this disease and provide references for subsequent research.
4.Predictive value of controlling nutritional status score in the prognosis of patients with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Huirong SHAN ; Xicheng CHEN ; Hao ZHANG ; Yuqing MIAO ; Fei WANG ; Yuye SHI ; Ling WANG ; Jingjing YE ; Ziyuan SHEN ; Wei SANG ; Hongfeng GE
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2024;33(2):104-109
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score in the prognosis of patients with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed. The clinical data of 654 patients newly diagnosed with advanced DLBCL diagnosed in 7 medical centers in Huaihai Lymphoma Working Group from October 2009 to January 2022 were retrospectively collected. All the patients received rituximab-based immune chemotherapy regimens. The patients were randomly assigned to the training set (458 cases) and the validation set (196 cases) in a 7:3 ratio. The clinicopathological data of patients were collected, and the CONUT score was calculated based on albumin, lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol. The optimal critical value of CONUT scote was determined by using MaxStat method. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves; Cox proportional hazards model was used to make univariate analysis and multivariate analysis on the factors influencing overall survival (OS). The efficacy of CONUT score in combination with the International prognostic index (IPI) and an enhanced IPI (NCCN-IPI) in predicting OS was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results:The median follow-up time of 654 patients was 38.1 months (95% CI: 35.3 months- 40.9 months), and the 5-year OS rate was 49.2%. According to the MaxStat method, the optimal critical value for CONUT score was determined to be 6 points. All the patients were classified into the normal nutritional status group (CONUT score ≤ 6 points, 489 cases) and the poor nutritional status group (CONUT score > 6 points, 165 cases). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that CONUT score > 6 points, male, lactate dehydrogenase >240 U/L, high white blood cell count, low hemoglobin level and age > 60 years were independent risk factors for OS of patients with advanced DLBCL (all P < 0.05). Patients in the poor nutritional status group (CONUT score > 6 points) had worse OS compared with that in the normal nutritional status group in the overall cohort of advanced DLBCL. Subgroup analysis revealed that among patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status (ECOG PS) score < 2 points, IPI low-intermediate risk, IPI intermediate-high risk, NCCN-IPI low-intermediate risk, and NCCN-IPI intermediate-high risk, the patients in the poor nutritional status group (CONUT score > 6 points) had worse OS compared with that in the normal nutritional status group (CONUT score ≤ 6 points) (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:CONUT score has a certain value in the assessment of the prognosis of patients with advanced DLBCL, and its predictive efficacy is further improved when combined with IPI and NCCN-IPI.
5.Tear film stability and tarsal gland morphological characteristics in myopic children
Peiyan SHI ; Jinfeng LI ; Dandan ZHANG ; Xiaoman MA ; Zhaoxia ZHAI ; Zheng SUN ; Jinling GE
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(2):139-142
Objective To assess the tear film stability and morphological characteristics of the tarsal gland in myopic children.Methods In this prospective descriptive study,myopic children who performed refractive examinations in the Pediatric Ophthalmology & Refraction Clinic,Jinan Mingshui Eye Hospital from November 2021 to November 2022 were in-cluded.An Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire survey was carried out;tear meniscus height(TMH),non-invasive first breakup time(NIf-BUT)and images of the tarsal glands were obtained by OCULUS Keratograph 5M compre-hensive ocular surface analyzer.In addition,the atrophy and tortuosity of tarsal glands were scored to analyze the tear film stability and clinical characteristics of tarsal glands in myopic children.Results A total of 48 myopic children(91 eyes)aged from 7 to 16(10.25±2.23)years were recruited,including 27 males(56.25%)and 21 females(43.75%).The aver-age TMH was(0.19±0.04)mm(95%CI:0.18-0.19)and the average NIf-BUT was(5.40±2.62)s(95%CI:4.90-5.94);the TMH was positively correlated with NIf-BUT(r=0.223,P=0.034).The tarsal gland atrophy score was 1(0,1).The tortuosity score of the upper and lower tarsal gland was 0(0,1)and 0(0,0),respectively,with a statistically significant difference(Z=3.692,P<0.001).In all subjects,49 eyes(53.85%)had tarsal gland atrophy,and 37 eyes(40.66%)had tarsal gland tortuosity.There were significant differences in TMH and NIf-BUT between children aged<12 years and children aged ≥12 years(both P<0.05).There was a significant difference in TMH between children with an OSDI score<13 and children with an OSDI score ≥ 13(t=2.305,P=0.026).There was a significant difference in NIf-BUT between mild and moderate myopia children(t=2.300,P=0.024);the spherical equivalent was positively correlated with NIf-BUT(r=0.283,P=0.023).Conclusion Children with mild to moderate myopia show low tear film stability and a certain proportion of abnormal morphology in tarsal glands.In addition to the refractive status of children,attention should also be paid to ocular surface health in the refraction clinic.
6.Relationship between Phenotypic Changes of Dendritic Cell Subsets and the Onset of Plateau Phase during Intermittent Interferon Therapy in Patients with CHB
Liu YANG ; Yu Shi WANG ; Ting Ting JIANG ; Wen DENG ; Min CHANG ; Ling Shu WU ; Hua Wei CAO ; Yao LU ; Ge SHEN ; Yu Ru LIU ; Jiao Yuan GAO ; Jiao Meng XU ; Ping Lei HU ; Lu ZHANG ; Yao XIE ; Hui Ming LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):303-314
Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the onset of the plateau phase of slow hepatitis B surface antigen decline in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with intermittent interferon therapy is related to the frequency of dendritic cell subsets and expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40,CD80,CD83,and CD86. Method This was a cross-sectional study in which patients were divided into a natural history group(namely NH group),a long-term oral nucleoside analogs treatment group(namely NA group),and a plateau-arriving group(namely P group).The percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cell and myeloid dendritic cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes and the mean fluorescence intensity of their surface costimulatory molecules were detected using a flow cytometer. Results In total,143 patients were enrolled(NH group,n = 49;NA group,n = 47;P group,n = 47).The results demonstrated that CD141/CD1c double negative myeloid dendritic cell(DNmDC)/lymphocytes and monocytes(%)in P group(0.041[0.024,0.069])was significantly lower than that in NH group(0.270[0.135,0.407])and NA group(0.273[0.150,0.443]),and CD86 mean fluorescence intensity of DNmDCs in P group(1832.0[1484.0,2793.0])was significantly lower than that in NH group(4316.0[2958.0,5169.0])and NA group(3299.0[2534.0,4371.0]),Adjusted P all<0.001. Conclusion Reduced DNmDCs and impaired maturation may be associated with the onset of the plateau phase during intermittent interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
7.Association of Cytokines with Clinical Indicators in Patients with Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Hua Wei CAO ; Ting Ting JIANG ; Ge SHEN ; Wen DENG ; Yu Shi WANG ; Yu Zi ZHANG ; Xin Xin LI ; Yao LU ; Lu ZHANG ; Yu Ru LIU ; Min CHANG ; Ling Shu WU ; Jiao Yuan GAO ; Xiao Hong HAO ; Xue Xiao CHEN ; Ping Lei HU ; Jiao Meng XU ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Hui Ming LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(5):494-502
Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators. Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),anti-infective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed. Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group. Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-α and IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.
8.Bibliometric analysis of a leadership indicator system in the medical field
Sen YANG ; Hua JIN ; Jianwei SHI ; Chen CHEN ; Xuhua GE ; Hanzhi ZHANG ; Le MA ; Dehua YU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(3):244-250
Objective:To investigate the current status of research on the construction of leadership indicator system in the medical field at home and abroad, and to analyze the characteristics of the indicator system therein.Methods:This was a bibliometric study. The group applied subject keywords to search relevant literature on the construction of leadership indicator system in the medical field at home and abroad on English websites PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Scopus and Chinese websites Baidu Academic, CNKI, CQVIP, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, with a time frame of 2016-2023. The basic characteristics of the literature, the theoretical framework of the research application and the research theme were extracted, and the content of the indicator system in the literature was reviewed and summarized.Results:A total of 21 literatures were included, including 7 Chinese literatures and 14 English literatures. Of these literatures, 10 focused on physician leadership, 5 on medical manager leadership, and 2 on general practitioner leadership. Among 16 research literatures, 9 informed the theoretical basis of leadership, and 4 literatures were applied research. Five main themes were identified: leadership studies of individual healthcare administrators, leadership development in healthcare, interest and attitudes of healthcare workers towards leadership learning, applications of leadership in healthcare, and the impact of leadership in healthcare on patients and healthcare organizations.Conclusions:At present, research on the construction of the leadership indicator system in the medical field presents is diverse, with differences in theoretical basis and content. The original and empirical research is still insufficient.
9.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.
10.Influencing factors of thyroid volume in children aged 8 - 10 in Yunnan Province
Changyan PENG ; Hesong WU ; Jiaguo LI ; Kailian HUANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Liangjing SHI ; Feng YE ; Haitao ZHANG ; Shujuan LI ; Zhihua ZHAO ; Qianxia GE ; Anwei WANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(3):225-228
Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of thyroid volume in children aged 8 - 10 in Yunnan Province, and provide scientific basis for improving iodine deficiency disorders monitoring.Methods:From March to July 2020, in 129 counties (cities, districts) under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, each county (city, district) was divided into 5 sampling areas based on east, west, south, north, and middle. One township was selected from each area, and 40 non-boarding children aged 8 - 10 from one primary school were selected from each township (age balanced, half male and half female) as survey subjects. One random urine sample and household edible salt samples were collected for urine iodine and salt iodine testing, and physical examination and thyroid volume measurement were conducted for children. The influencing factors of thyroid volume were analyzed using Pearson correlation.Results:A total of 24 934 urine samples were collected from children, with a median urine iodine of 233.2 μg/L. A total of 24 933 household edible salt samples were collected from children, the median salt iodine was 24.17 mg/kg, and the qualified rate of iodized salt was 96.63% (24 003/24 839); A total of 24 937 children were examined of their thyroid gland, with a median thyroid volume of 2.62 ml and a goiter rate of 1.12% (280/24 937). Among them, there were 12 410 boys and 12 527 girls, with thyroid volumes of 2.61 and 2.64 ml, respectively. The thyroid volume of boys was positively correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, body surface area, and salt iodine ( r = 0.15, 0.21, 0.26, 0.18, 0.25, 0.03, P < 0.001). The thyroid volume of girls was positively correlated with age, height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area ( r = 0.17, 0.26, 0.28, 0.17, 0.27, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Children aged 8 - 10 in Yunnan Province are at an iodine excess level; the age, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area are influencing factors of thyroid volume.

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