1.Effect of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味方) on Inflammatory Reaction and Expression of Endometrial Receptivity-Related Factors in A Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Miscarriage with High Testosterone-Insulin Resistance
Tingting GUO ; Meng JIANG ; Huaiying YANG ; Xiang JI ; Yuehui ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):275-282
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味方, MSP) in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage, focusing on inflammatory response and endometrial receptivity. MethodsThirty female SPF-grade SD rats with regular estrous cycles and in proestrus, and 15 male SPF-grade SD rats were housed together in a 2∶1 ratio at 18:00. At 8:00 next morning, rats showing abundant sperm and vaginal plugs were considered pregnant on the day 0.5. The 30 pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups, normal group, model group, and MSP group, with 10 rats in each group. From day 0.5 to day 13.5 of pregnancy, the MSP group was given 26.6 g/(kg·d) of the MSP via gavage twice a day for 14 consecutive days. The normal group and the model group received 4 ml of normal saline daily. From day 7.5 to day 13.5 of pregnancy, the rats in the model group and MSP group were intraperitoneally injected with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS) for 7 consecutive days to establish a PCOS model with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage. On day 13.5 of pregnancy, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to measure blood glucose levels at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. On day 14.5, serum level of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Embryo implantation, miscarriage rate, and average number of live fetuses were observed. Uterine tissue pathology was examined by HE staining, and mRNA expression of Il-6, Tnf-α, leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif), homeobox gene 10 (Hoxa10), prolactin family 8 subfamily A member 2 (Prl8a2), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (Igfbp1) in the uterine tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose level at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, increased miscarriage rate, elevated HOMA-IR, decreased average number of live fetuses, lower level of P4 and E2, higher level of IL-6, TNF-α, and FINS, and higher mRNA expression of Il-6 and Tnf-α in the uterine tissue. The mRNA expression of Lif, Hoxa10, and Prl8a2 was reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The uterus had a dark red color, visible areas of bleeding, fewer embryos with developmental abnormalities, and increased placental necrosis. Pathological examination revealed thrombus in the decidual layer, unclear decidual cell morphology, loose arrangement, scattered distribution, edema degeneration in the cytoplasm, and nuclear shrinkage or disappearance, with extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells. In contrast, compared with the model group, the MSP group showed significantly lower blood glucose level at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, reduced miscarriage rate, lower HOMA-IR, increased number of live fetuses, higher level of P4 and E2, and lower level of IL-6, TNF-α, and FINS. The mRNA expression of Il-6 and Tnf-α in the uterine tissue was lower, while the expression of Lif, Hoxa10, and Prl8a2 mRNA was higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was significant improvement in uterine and embryo conditions, as well as in uterine tissue pathology. ConclusionThe MSP can reduce the miscarriage rate in a PCOS model with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting inflammation, improving endometrial receptivity, and restoring the defects in endometrial decidualization.
2.Electronic picture books for children with autism spectrum disorder based on Creative Problem Solving model: construction and intervention
Huili SHE ; Wenzhu CAI ; Yu JIANG ; Tingting FANG ; Wenpei ZHANG ; Ruting SHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(2):141-149
ObjectiveTo establish an educational intervention framework of electronic picture books for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model, and observe the effect on social function. MethodsElectronic picture books were designed using CPS model, including the program of reading, interactive animation design and associated artistic activities. From March to June, 2023, 24 children with mild to moderate ASD were recruited from Maanshan Institute of Special Education, and randomly assigned into experimental group 1 (CPS-based cognitive picture book interventions, n = 8), experimental group 2 (CPS-based social picture book interventions, n = 8) and control group (Bloom's Taxonomy-based picture book interventions, n = 8), and received the interventions for four weeks, with a total of twelve times. They were assessed with speech, social, perceptual and health behavior using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) before and after treatment, and the differences were calculated. ResultsThere was a significant difference among the groups in the social and perceptual scores differences (F > 4.344, P < 0.05) and a near-significant difference in the health behaviour score difference (F = 2.921, P = 0.076). Post Hoc test showed that the differences in social scores were higher in both experimental groups than in the control group (P < 0.05); the difference in perceptual scores was significantly higher in experimental group 1 than in experimental group 2 (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference with the control group (P > 0.05); the difference in health behavior scores was higher in experimental group 2 than in the control (P < 0.05), and the difference in experimental group 1 was slightly higher than in the control group (P = 0.072). ConclusionElectronic picture book interventions based on the CPS model may be more effective in enhancing social, perceptual and health behavior in children with ASD, but there may be differences among models.
3.Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription on intestinal metabolites in liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A study based on metabolomics
Tingting JIANG ; Qun ZHANG ; Xianbo WANG ; Yuyong JIANG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Hao YU ; Zhiyun YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):469-477
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis based on intestinal metabolomics. MethodsA total of 11 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from March to May 2024, and were diagnosed with MHE based on psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score were enrolled as subjects, and 11 healthy family members of the patients were enrolled as control group. Fecal samples were collected for metabolomics analysis from the control group and the patients with MHE before and after treatment with Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription, and a population cohort study was conducted to investigate the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription on intestinal metabolism of patients with MHE. The Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical data between two groups; the independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, the paired t-test was used for comparision before and after treatment within the same group, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. ResultsA total of 29 differentially expressed metabolites were detected between the MHE group and the control group, mainly amino acids, organic acids, organic amines, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and vitamins, and there were 12 upregulated metabolites and 17 downregulated metabolites in the MHE group, which were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of ornithine, branched-chain amino acid, and aromatic amino acid. After the treatment with Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription, 80 differentially expressed metabolites were detected in the patients with MHE, mainly carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids, and there were 56 upregulated metabolites and 24 downregulated metabolites, which were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of ornithine, branched-chain amino acid, and aromatic amino acid. ConclusionYiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription can exert a therapeutic effect on patients with MHE by regulating intestinal metabolism.
4.Diagnosis and treatment process of a case of Streptomyces thermoviolaceus pneumonia and literature review
Pan LIU ; Xiaotian DAI ; Tingting LIU ; Hao JIANG ; Lan LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):981-985
OBJECTIVE To report the diagnosis and treatment process of 1 case of Streptomyces thermoviolaceus pneumonia, and provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of this type of infection by combining literature on Streptomyces pneumonia. METHODS A case study was conducted on a patient with S. thermoviolaceus pneumonia treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. Additionally, a systematic literature review of Streptomyces pneumonia cases was performed. RESULTS The patient with S. thermoviolaceus presented with left lung consolidation and mass-like opacity. Initial diagnosis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry failed, but 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing confirmed S. thermoviolaceus as the causative pathogen. Six-month therapy with Amoxicillin capsules (1 g orally, three times daily) resulted in near-complete lesion resolution. The literature analysis of Streptomyces pneumonia revealed that 13 patients with Streptomyces pneumonia were included (including the patient reported in the article), age range of 18-77 years, more males (8 cases), and mostly suffering from underlying diseases. In terms of clinical symptoms, all enrolled cases exhibited cough, and some cases were accompanied by variable dyspnea. Imaging findings included that there was no characteristic predilection site for Streptomyces pneumonia lesions, and CT images commonly showed lung consolidation and bilateral nodules. Definitive diagnosis relied on 16S rRNA sequencing. Treatment regimens included tetracyclines, β -lactam drugs combined with enzyme inhibitors, ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides, macrolides, or carbapenems, administered for prolonged duration (6 months). Follow-up indicated a good prognosis, and only one mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS 16S rRNA gene sequencing should be prioritized for diagnosing S. pneumonia. Effective antimicrobial options include tetracyclines,β-lactam drugs combined with enzyme inhibitors, ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and carbapenems. Prolonged therapy correlates with favorable prognosis.
5.Pancreatic cancer neuroecology: Current status, mechanisms, and prospect from multi-dimensional perspectives
Shangyou ZHENG ; Honghui JIANG ; Chonghui HU ; Tingting LI ; Tianhao HUANG ; Rihua HE ; Yong JIANG ; Rufu CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):611-618
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by nerve invasion and a high mortality rate, and its pathological process depends on the complex interaction network between tumor and the nervous system. Based on the concept of “pancreatic cancer neuroecology”, this article analyzes the mechanism of action of peripheral motor nerve, sensory nerve, and central nerve in tumorigenesis, pain regulation, and cachexia formation and emphasizes the synergistic regulatory role of immune cells, Schwann cells, and extracellular matrix in the microenvironment of perineural invasion. At the same time, this article further elaborates on the metabolic interaction and chemotaxis between neuraxis and tumor, the effect on promoting chemotherapy resistance, and the dynamic relationship between neuroplasticity and tumor adaptability. In clinical practice, this article summarizes the key value of perineural invasion in prognostic evaluation, preoperative evaluation, and the selection of surgical strategy. In addition, this article reviews the basic research advances in the biomarkers and potential targets associated with perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer and points out the limitations of current model and transformation research. In the future, systematically analyzing the nerve-tumor-immune network and targeting its key nodes may provide multi-dimensional strategies and new breakthroughs for the precise intervention of pancreatic cancer, the reversal of drug resistance, and the relief of symptoms.
6.Association between physical activity and inflammatory markers in college students
JIANG Tangjun, LI Tingting, TAO Shuman, ZOU Liwei, YANG Yajuan, TAO Fangbiao, WU Xiaoyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):847-851
Objective:
To analyze the association and dose response relationship between physical activity and inflammatory markers in college students, so as to provide a reference for promoting cardiometabolic health in college students.
Methods:
A cluster random sampling method was used to select 747 college students from two universities in Hefei, Anhui Province and Shangrao, Jiangxi Province from April to May 2019. Physical activity was assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and peripheral blood was collected to detect plasma inflammatory factor levels [including hypersensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. The differences between the groups were compared by using the χ 2 test and the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and the association between physical activity and inflammatory markers was analyzed by using the Generalized Linear Model. The dose response relationship between physical activity and inflammatory markers was analyzed using the Restricted Cubic Spline Model.
Results:
The proportions of low physical activity, moderate physical activity, and high physical activity groups of college students were 15.9%, 53.7% and 30.4%, respectively. The levels of hsCRP, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the high physical activity group were 0.38(0.21, 1.10)mg/L, 70.74(47.90, 116.43)pg/mL, 1.75(1.21, 2.64)pg/mL, 4.33(2.93, 6.82) pg/mL , 5.27(3.89, 7.30)pg/mL,the levels in the low physical activity group were 0.80(0.31, 1.30)mg/L, 73.88 (47.90, 124.24)pg/mL, 1.88(1.42, 2.81) pg/mL, 4.82 (3.64, 6.67) pg/mL, 5.63 (4.34, 7.62)pg/mL, the levels in the moderate physical activity group were 0.63(0.25, 1.30)mg/L, 89.78(58.21, 127.65)pg/mL, 2.21(1.59, 3.27)pg/mL, 5.15( 3.72 , 7.72)pg/mL, 5.87( 4.63 , 8.00)g/mL, and the differences were statistically significant ( H=10.66, 11.38, 27.79, 14.13, 9.44, P <0.05). After adjusting for variables such as gender, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and health status, the results of Generalized Linear Model showed that compared with the high physical activity group, the low physical activity group ( OR=2.20, 95%CI = 1.46- 3.31) and the moderate physical activity group ( OR=1.65, 95%CI =1.22-2.25) were more likely to have high levels of hsCRP, and the moderate physical activity group was more likely to have high levels of IL-1β ( OR=1.85, 95%CI =1.36-2.51), IL-6 ( OR=1.44, 95%CI =1.06-1.96), and TNF-α ( OR=1.43, 95%CI =1.05-1.94) ( P <0.05). The Restricted Cubic Spline Model showed that there was no linear dose response relationship between the time of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly and IL-10, IL-6, II-1β, and TNF-α ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
There is an association between physical activity and inflammation in college students, and moderate to high intensity per week could reduce inflammation levels to promote cardiometabolic health in college students.
7.Study on the 90-day Feeding Experimental Background Data of SD Rats for Drug Safety Evaluation
Chao QIN ; Shuangxing LI ; Tingting ZHAO ; Chenchen JIANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Yanwei YANG ; Zhi LIN ; Sanlong WANG ; Hairuo WEN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):439-448
ObjectiveTo establish background data for a 90-day feeding trial of SD rats to ensure the reliability of research data. MethodsBackground data from six independent 90-day feeding trials of SD rats conducted by the National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs from 2020 to 2023 were summarized. These studies involved a blank control group of 120 SPF-grade 4-week-old SD rats, with an equal number of males and females, which were only given standard full-nutrient pelleted rat feed. After the quarantine period, the animals were observed for an additional 90 days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of Zoletil (50 mg/mL) for anesthesia, blood sampling, euthanasia, and necropsy. By analyzing the data from the blank control group, a relevant background database for SD rats was established. ResultsBoth male and female rats exhibited steady weight gain, with a more pronounced increase in male rats. Within 90 days, the average body weight of male and female rats increased to over 500 g and 300 g, respectively. Three weeks later, the average daily food intake of male rats stabilized at approximately 25~28 g per rat, while that of female rats remained stable at approximately 16~19 g per rat. The food utilization rate of all animals gradually decreased from the first week of the experiment. In the white blood cell (WBC) differential count results, significant differences were observed in the counts of WBCs, neutrophils (Neut), lymphocytes (Lymph), and monocytes (Mono) between males and females (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the percentages of neutrophil (%Neut), lymphocyte (%Lymph), and monocyte (%Mono) between the sexes (P>0.05). The average red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were higher in male animals than in female animals (P<0.05). The average values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose (GLU), and triglyceride (TG) in male rats were higher than those in female rats (P<0.05). The urinary pH range for male animals was 5.0 to 8.5, while for female animals it was 6.5 to 9.0. The majority of male animals had a urinary specific gravity lower than 1.020, and the majority of female animals had a urinary specific gravity lower than 1.015. The weights of various organs (excluding the adrenal glands and reproductive organs) in male animals were heavier than those in female animals (P<0.001), while the organ/body weight ratios (excluding the kidneys and reproductive organs) of female animals were higher than those of male animals (P<0.001). ConclusionThis study summarizes the background reference ranges for body weight, food intake, hematology, and serum biochemistry indicators in SPF-grade SD rats in the untreated control group from six 90-day feeding trials conducted by the National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs. It provides important reference data for related research. By summarizing the background and spontaneous histopathological changes in rats, this study aids in the standardization and normalization of subsequent research, as well as in the evaluation and analysis of abnormal results.
8.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomers acting on myelosuppression after chemotherapy based on the four properties theory
Sihan ZHANG ; Tingting WANG ; Zhifen ZHAO ; Hanyu KANG ; Jiaqi JI ; Ziqiang GUO ; Tong LIU ; Shiqing JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2341-2347
Chemotherapy is an important treatment for tumors, but most patients experience varying degrees of chemotherapy- induced myelosuppression. Four properties theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in improving chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. The monomers from TCM with different properties and flavors, such as cold-natured (e.g. Scutellaria baicalensis, Rhus chinensis), cool-natured (e.g. Ligustrum lucidum, Ophiopogon japonicus), warm-natured (e.g. Panax ginseng, Epimedium brevicornu, Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis), hot-natured (e.g. Cinnamomum cassia, Aconitum carmichaeli), and neutral-natured (e. g. donkey-hide gelatin, Lycium barbarum, Rhodiola rosea, fungi), can exert anti- myelosuppressive effects by reducing damage to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, improving the bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment, inhibiting the oxidative stress response, regulating signaling pathways, so as to ultimately repaire inflammatory damage and improve hematopoietic function, thereby playing an anti-myelosuppressive role.
10.Identification of a natural PLA2 inhibitor from the marine fungus Aspergillus sp. c1 for MAFLD treatment that suppressed lipotoxicity by inhibiting the IRE-1α/XBP-1s axis and JNK signaling.
Yong RAO ; Rui SU ; Chenyan WU ; Xingxing CHAI ; Jinjian LI ; Guanyu YANG ; Junjie WU ; Tingting FU ; Zhongping JIANG ; Zhikai GUO ; Congjun XU ; Ling HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):304-318
Lipotoxicity is a pivotal factor that initiates and exacerbates liver injury and is involved in the development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, there are few reported lipotoxicity inhibitors. Here, we identified a natural anti-lipotoxicity candidate, HN-001, from the marine fungus Aspergillus sp. C1. HN-001 dose- and time- dependently reversed palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocyte death. This protection was associated with IRE-1α-mediated XBP-1 splicing inhibition, which resulted in suppression of XBP-1s nuclear translocation and transcriptional regulation. Knockdown of XBP-1s attenuated lipotoxicity, but no additional ameliorative effect of HN-001 on lipotoxicity was observed in XBP-1s knockdown hepatocytes. Notably, the ER stress and lipotoxicity amelioration was associated with PLA2. Both HN-001 and the PLA2 inhibitor MAFP inhibited PLA2 activity, reduced lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) level, subsequently ameliorated lipotoxicity. In contrast, overexpression of PLA2 caused exacerbation of lipotoxicity and weakened the anti-lipotoxic effects of HN-001. Additionally, HN-001 treatment suppressed the downstream pro-apoptotic JNK pathway. In vivo, chronic administration of HN-001 (i.p.) in mice alleviated all manifestations of MAFLD, including hepatic steatosis, liver injury, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. These effects were correlated with PLA2/IRE-1α/XBP-1s axis and JNK signaling suppression. These data indicate that HN-001 has therapeutic potential for MAFLD because it suppresses lipotoxicity, and provide a natural structural basis for developing anti-MAFLD candidates.


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