1.Characteristics of T cells in the liver tissues of mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Ting MAO ; Mingyi XU ; Jiayi WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):461-468
ObjectiveTo investigate the heterogeneity and transcriptomic characteristics of T-cell subsets in the liver of mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at the single-cell level using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and to provide a reference for studying the mechanism of action of T cells in NASH. MethodsSix male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group fed with regular diet and NASH group fed with methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, with three mice in each group, and liver tissue was collected for scRNA-seq after 6 weeks of modeling. Specific differentially expressed genes were analyzed between T-cell subsets, and related analyses were performed, including dimension clustering, cell type annotation, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), violin plot, gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Immunofluorescent staining was used to observe the expression of the T cell marker Tcrα and the specific marker genes Tcf7 and Cxcr6 in the liver of mice in the two groups. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups. ResultsTwo T cell subsets were identified in the liver of mice, and the percentage of cluster 6 decreased from 58.5% in the control group to 48.7% in the NASH group. The top four specific genes were Nsg2, Cd8b1, Cd8a, and Tcf7. Tcf7, a characteristic marker gene for cluster 6, was expressed in 65% of cells in cluster 6, and therefore, cluster 6 was defined as Tcf7+ T cells. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes of cluster 6 were involved in T cell activation, leukocyte adhesion, binding ubiquitin-like protein ligase, and the signaling pathways for Th17, Th1, and Th2 cell differentiation. The percentage of cluster 7 increased from 41.5% in the control group to 51.3% in the NASH group. The top four specific genes of cluster 7 were Cd40lg, Tcrg-C1, Il2rα, and Cxcr6. Cxcr6 was expressed in 90% of cells in cluster 7, and therefore, cluster 7 was defined as Cxcr6+ T cells. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that cluster 7 was involved in T cell activation, cytokine production, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and the Th17 cell differentiation and MAPK signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence assay showed that compared with the control group, the NASH group showed a significant reduction in the area with positive co-expression of Tcf7 protein and Tcrα protein (1.80%±0.67% vs 0.33%±0.13%, P<0.05) and a significant increase in the area with positive co-expression of Cxcr6 protein and Tcrα protein (0.50%±0.09% vs 2.66%± 0.33%, P<0.001). ConclusionThere is a reduction in the percentage of Tcf7+ T cells and an increase in the percentage of Cxcr6+ T cells in NASH mice, revealing the characteristics and differences of T cells in the liver of NASH mice.
2.Neutrophil activation is correlated with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass
Tingting WANG ; Yuanyuan YAO ; Jiayi SUN ; Juan WU ; Xinyi LIAO ; Wentong MENG ; Min YAN ; Lei DU ; Jiyue XIONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):358-367
[Objective] To explore the relationship between neutrophil activation under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the incidence of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI). [Methods] This prospective cohort study enrolled adult patients who scheduled for cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital between May 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023. The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI). Blood samples (5 mL) were obtained from the central vein before surgery, at rewarming, at the end of CPB, and 24 hours after surgery. Neutrophils were labeled with CD11b, CD54 and other markers. To assess the effect of neutrophils activation on AKI, propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to equilibrate covariates between the groups. [Results] A total of 120 patients included into the study, and 17 (14.2%) developed AKI. Both CD11b+ and CD54+ neutrophils significantly increased during the rewarming phase and the increases were kept until 24 hours after surgery. During rewarming, the numbers of CD11b+ neutrophils were significantly higher in AKI compared to non-AKI (4.71×109/L vs 3.31×109/L, Z=-2.14, P<0.05). Similarly, the CD54+ neutrophils counts were also significantly higher in AKI than in non-AKI before surgery (2.75×109/L vs 1.79×109/L, Z=-2.99, P<0.05), during rewarming (3.12×109/L vs 1.62×109/L, Z=-4.34, P<0.05), and at the end of CPB (4.28×109/L vs 2.14×109/L, Z=-3.91, P<0.05). An analysis of 32 matched patients (16 in each group) revealed that CD11b+ and CD54+ neutrophil levels of AKI were 1.74 folds (4.83×109/L vs 2.77×109/L, Z=-2.72, P<0.05) and 2.34 folds (3.32×109/L vs 1.42×109/L, Z=-4.12, P<0.05), respectively, of non-AKI at rewarming phase. [Conclusion] Neutrophils are activated during CPB, and they can be identified by CD11b/CD54 markers. The activated neutrophils of AKI patients are approximately 2 folds of non-AKI during the rewarming phase, with disparity reached peak between groups during rewarming. These findings suggest the removal of 50% of activated neutrophils during the rewarming phase may be effective to reduce the risk of AKI.
3.Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice
Yifei ZHANG ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Jiayi WANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Xi GUO ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):21-33
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated.
Conclusion
Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on high glucose-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Xiaolan* WANG ; Hanyi* YANG ; Yimeng ZHANG ; Sida LIU ; Chengming CHEN ; Tingke XIE ; Yixuan CHEN ; Jiayi NING ; Jing HAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):359-364
AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.
5.Inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on high glucose-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Xiaolan* WANG ; Hanyi* YANG ; Yimeng ZHANG ; Sida LIU ; Chengming CHEN ; Tingke XIE ; Yixuan CHEN ; Jiayi NING ; Jing HAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):359-364
AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.
6.Effects of long working hours and shift work on the mental health of community medical workers
Xiaodan YANG ; Danni LI ; Jicui CHEN ; Jiayi WANG ; Zou CHEN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):282-287
Objective To explore the association of working hours and shift work with occupational stress, fatigue accumulation, and depressive symptoms among primary community medical workers. Methods A total of 516 medical workers from five community medical service centers in Pudong New Area, Shanghai City, were selected as the research subjects using the convenience sampling method. The Core Scale of Occupational Stress Measurement, the Workers' Fatigue Accumulation Self-diagnosis Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire were used to assess research subjects' occupational stress, fatigue accumulation, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results Long working hours (>40 hours/week) were reported by 50.4% of workers among the research subjects, while shift works were reported by 16.9% of the workers. The detection rates of occupational stress, fatigue accumulation, and depressive symptoms were 26.6%, 41.7%, and 30.8%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis result revealed that, after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, and education level, longer working hours were associated with higher risks of occupational stress, fatigue accumulation, and depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). Shift workers in community medical centers had higher risks of occupational stress, fatigue accumulation, and depressive symptoms compared with non-shift workers (all P<0.05). Conclusion Long working hours and shift work could increase the risks of occupational stress, fatigue accumulation, and depressive symptoms among community medical workers.
7.Role and Mechanism of Glucocorticoid-induced Transcription Factor 1 in Cognitive Dysfunction in Diabetic Mice
Yingrui LIU ; Jiayi WANG ; Yefeng WANG ; Jiahui LUAN ; Yun GU ; Zhongfu ZUO ; Hongdan YU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):826-835
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of glucocorticoid-induced transcription factor 1 (GLCCI1) on cognitive dysfunction in diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodsTwenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely Control, DM, DM+AAV-Glcci1, and DM+AAV-NC. The Control group was intraperitoneally injected with saline, while the other groups were all injected with streptozotocin (STZ). Two weeks after successful modeling, the DM+AAV-Glcci1 group was brain stereotactic injected with Glcci1 overexpressing adeno-associated virus, and the DM+AAV-NC group was stereoscopically injected with the control virus. After 12 weeks, the Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of mice in each group. Subsequently, the localized expression of GLCCI1 in the hippocampus were determined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry experiments. The myelin morphology in the hippocampus was observed by LFB staining, the neuronal morphology was observed by Nissl staining, and the myelin-related proteins MBP and CNPase were stained by immunohistochemistry. Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction between GLCCI1 and HSPA5. The expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins was detected by Western blot. ResultsThe results of the behavioral experiment showed that compared with the mice in the Control group, DM mice exhibited obvious cognitive dysfunction behaviors (P<0.000 1), and the learning and memory abilities of mice improved after overexpression of Glcci1 (P=0.000 7). The results of immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry showed that GLCCI1 was expressed in hippocampal neuron cells. Compared with Control mice, the expression level of GLCCI1 in DM mice was significantly downregulated (P<0.000 1). The molecular docking results revealed that GLCCI1 interacts with HSPA5. The Western blot results indicated that, compared with the Control group, the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins HSPA5 (P<0.000 1), ATF4 (P<0.000 1), ATF6 (P=0.001 1), and p-ELF2α/elF2α (P=0.000 1) in the DM group were significantly increased; Compared with the DM group, the expression of the corresponding protein HSPA5 (P<0.000 1), ATF4 (P<0.000 1), ATF6 (P=0.000 2), and p-ELF2α/elF2α (P=0.000 1) was significantly down-regulated after overexpression of Glcci1. LFB staining showed that compared with the Control group, the myelin integrity of DM mice decreased significantly (P=0.010 3), the expressions of myelin-related proteins MBP and CNPase decreased significantly (P=0.000 4, P=0.000 2), and Nissl staining observed disordered neuronal arrangement. Compared with the mice in the DM group, the myelin integrity in the hippocampal region significantly increased after overexpression of Glcci1 (P=0.000 3), the expressions of myelin-related proteins MBP and CNPase significantly increased (P=0.001 4, P=0.000 1), and the ordered arrangement of neurons was observed by Nissl staining. ConclusionThe down-regulation of GLCCI1 expression in hippocampal neurons promotes demyelination of hippocampal neurons and thereby induces diabetic cognitive dysfunction. The specific mechanism may be related to endoplasmic reticulum stress.
8.YAN Huimin's Experience in Staged Treatment of Pediatric IgA Vasculitis
Tianxiang LIU ; Qian ZHAO ; Jing HAO ; Mengtong WANG ; Jiayi LIU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1212-1216
This paper summarizes Professor YAN Huimin's clinical experience in the staged treatment of pediatric IgA vasculitis. It is believed that the pathogenesis in the acute stage is characterized by fire and heat entering the blood and damaging the collaterals, and the treatment should focus on clearing heat and stopping bleeding, using the self-formulated Qingzi Liangxue Formulation (青紫凉血方). In the remission stage, the pathogenesis is qi rebellion leading to blood extravasation. The treatment principle is to regulate qi and stabilize blood, using the self-formulated Heqi Ningxue Formulation (和气宁血方). During the protracted stage, the pathogenesis is latent pathogenic factors due to yin deficiency, and the treatment should aim to nourish the collaterals and strengthen the root, with the self-formulated Yangluo Guben Formulation (养络固本方). Meanwhile, the method of promoting blood stasis resolution is consistently applied throughout the entire treatment process.
9.Research on the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness from the perspective of narrative medicine
Jingjing LI ; XiaoHui KOU ; Hui LYU ; Aling ZHANG ; Hui YANG ; Weijun MA ; Jiayi WANG ; Caiqin WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):718-726
Patients with sudden deafness encounter greater psychological challenges and communication barriers after experiencing sudden hearing loss, and traditional medical models often fail to adequately address their unique needs. This paper analyzed the current situation of emotional and behavioral changes in patients with sudden deafness, and the gap between their expectations and the reality of medical care. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the theory and characteristics of the reconstruction of the doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness were explored. The results showed that narrative medicine can enhance patients’ emotional resonance and understanding, improve the efficiency and quality of doctor-patient communication, promote the formulation of personalized treatment plans, and enhance treatment adherence and satisfaction. Based on these results, strategies and pathways for the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships for patients with sudden deafness were proposed, including building empathetic bridges and tapping into mechanisms of emotional resonance within narrative medicine; optimizing communication strategies and promoting the application of narrative techniques in doctor-patient dialogues; connecting narrative pathways and advocating the exploration of stories and strategies in personalized treatments; as well as facilitating treatment adherence and making full use of the psychodynamic effects of narrative medicine. Narrative medicine, as a patient-centered medical practice, can effectively promote the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships, enhance treatment effectiveness, and offer a more humane treatment experience for patients.
10.Application of Medicinal and Edible Materials in Proactive Health and Technological Responses to Population Aging: A Review
Cuiying QIN ; Zuchang GUO ; Jie ZHANG ; Haiyan LI ; Jiayi WANG ; Qiuyan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):258-267
In the strategic context of "healthy China", the concept of "medicine and food homology", rooted in the culture of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has received unprecedented attention. In response to population aging in China, the health of the elderly has become the focus of public health attention, and proactive health is the key to healthy aging. From the perspective of the application of medicinal and edible materials in proactive health and technological responses to population aging for the first time, this paper firstly provided a systematic overview of medicinal and edible materials and the policies related to proactive health. Second, it summarized the situation of modern technology that accelerates the research and development of medicinal and edible products, as well as the current situation of various modern biotechnologies that reveal the mechanism of action of medicinal and edible materials. Third, it discussed the application scenarios of medicinal and edible materials in proactive health and technological responses to population aging, as well as the future research and development of medicinal and edible materials. By exploring in depth the unique value and importance of medicinal and edible materials, the paper lays a theoretical foundation for improving the health care capabilities of TCM and contributes new strategies derived from TCM to healthy aging.


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