1.Mechanism of Shenfu Xiongze Prescription in Regulating Autophagy Level to Intervene in Myocardial Remodeling in Rats via AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xueqing WANG ; Wei ZHONG ; Liangliang PAN ; Caihong LI ; Man HAN ; Xiaowei YANG ; Yuanwang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):136-144
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline (ISO) was established. Rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription,and the captopril group, 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group,the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution (8.4,16.8,and 33.6 g·kg-1),and the captopril group was administered captopril solution (25 mg·kg-1). As for the blank group and the model group, the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function,and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅲ collagen (Collagen Ⅲ),and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),LC3,yeast Atg6 homolog protein (Beclin-1),AMPK,and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ,α-SMA,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),LC3,Beclin-1,p62, phosphorylation(p)-AMPK,p-mTOR,AMPK,and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue, significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and mTOR (P<0.01),and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3,Beclin-1,and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-,medium-, and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values (P<0.01) and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.05). In these groups, the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP (P<0.01), significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, p62, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, and mTOR (P<0.01), and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3, Beclin-1, and AMPK (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level,enhance cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
3.Characterization and Application of Moisture Absorption Kinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines Based on Double Exponential Model:A Review
Yanting YU ; Lei XIONG ; Yan HE ; Wei LIU ; Jing YANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Xiaojian LUO ; Xiaoyong RAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):340-346
Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica(CMM). Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design, process optimization, and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms, with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion, tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years, this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties, offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM, analyzes its advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in this domain, and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies, while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.
4.Effect of chromosome-instability-associated gene GALNT7 on proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 colon cancer cells
Xiao Fang ; Wei Zhao ; Wenying Yu ; Lingjie Pei ; Wenxuan Qian ; Ya Zhao
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):96-101
Objective :
To investigate the effect of chromosome instability(CIN) associated gene polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 7(GALNT7) on proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 colon cancer cells.
Methods :
The HCT116 cell line withGALNT7knockdown was constructed by lentiviral infection. The correlation betweenGALNT7and CIN was verified by chromosome spread assay. The effect ofGALNT7on cell proliferation was detected by live cell counting, and the effect ofGALNT7on cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Caspase-3 activity and Western blot assays were used to detect the effect ofGALNT7on apoptosis.
Results :
HCT116 cells showed a slower proliferation rate upon knocking down ofGALNT7, and exhibited a more scattered karyotype distribution and a phenotype of increased degree of CIN. Inhibition ofGALNT7in HCT116 cells resulted in cell cycle arrest, upregulation of P21 and downregulation of CDK6 protein levels, as well as increased levels of Caspase-3 activity, cleaved PARP1 and PUMA protein expression, and decreased levels of BCL-2 protein expression.
Conclusion
TheGALNT7gene may promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of HCT116 colon cancer cells through the suppression of CIN generation.
5.Impact of hepatocellular carcinoma on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing emergency endoscopic therapy due to esophagogastric variceal bleeding
Xiaoqin ZHU ; Na WEI ; Yong XIAO ; Baoping YU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):277-283
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing emergency endoscopic therapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding, as well as independent influencing factors for the prognosis of liver cirrhosis patients without HCC after emergency endoscopic therapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding. MethodsA total of 117 liver cirrhosis patients without HCC and 119 liver cirrhosis patients with HCC who underwent emergency endoscopic therapy for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2017 to July 2023 were enrolled. Basic information including age and sex was collected from all patients, as well as the presence or absence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, the time of emergency endoscopy after admission, and liver function parameters including international normalized ratio, albumin, creatinine, sodium, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous variables between two groups, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous variables between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical variables between groups. The covariance analysis and the multivariate logistic regression analysis were used for comparison of outcome variables after control of baseline variables, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted for each group. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for survival time in the non-HCC group to investigate the independent influencing factors for survival time, and then the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and the log-rank test were performed to validate such independent influencing factors and analyze the independent influencing factors for secondary outcomes. ResultsCompared with the non-HCC group, the HCC group had significantly higher red blood cell transfusion units (6.00[2.00~9.00] vs 4.00[1.75~7.00], Z=-2.050, P=0.040, F=4.869, adjusted P=0.028), a significantly shorter survival time (29.77±16.01 days vs 38.07±11.43 days, t=4.574, P<0.001, F=17.294, adjusted P<0.001), and a significantly higher 5-day rebleeding rate (22.69% vs 6.84%, χ2=11.736, P<0.001, adjusted P=0.021). The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the risk of 42-day mortality in the HCC group was 3.897 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.338 — 6.495, P<0.001) times that in the non-HCC group. The multivariate Cox regression analysis of the non-HCC group showed that the total length of hospital stay (hazard ratio [HR]=0.793, 95%CI: 0.644 — 0.976, P=0.029) was an independent protective factor for 42-day survival. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that a length of hospital stay of >9 days was beneficial for the prognosis of patients (HR=4.302, 95%CI: 1.439 — 12.870, P=0.037). Blood sodium level (odds ratio [OR]=0.523, 95%CI: 0.289 — 0.945, P=0.032) and MELD-Na score (OR=0.495, 95%CI: 0.257 — 0.954, P=0.036) were independent protective factors against 5-day rebleeding, while AST level was an independent risk factor for 5-day rebleeding (OR=1.023, 95%CI: 1.002 — 1.043, P=0.028) and in-hospital death (OR=1.036, 95%CI: 1.001— 1.073, P=0.045). ConclusionLiver cirrhosis patients with variceal bleeding and HCC tend to have a worse prognosis, and for the non-HCC group, in-hospital mortality rate increases with the increase in AST level. The total length of hospital stay is an independent protective factor for survival time in the non-HCC group, and it is recommended to appropriately prolong the length of hospital stay for such patients.
6.Construction and Application Evaluation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Risk Prediction Model for Readmission in Patients with Stable Angina of Coronary Heart Disease:A Prospective Study Based on Real-World Clinical Data
Wenjie HAN ; Mingjun ZHU ; Xinlu WANG ; Rui YU ; Guangcao PENG ; Qifei ZHAO ; Jianru WANG ; Shanshan NIE ; Yongxia WANG ; Jingjing WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):604-611
ObjectiveBy exploring the influencing factors of readmission in patients with stable angina of coronary heart disease (CHD) based on real-world clinical data, to establish a risk prediction model of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, in order to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk populations and reducing readmission rates. MethodsA prospective clinical study was conducted involving patients with stable angina pectoris of CHD, who were divided into a training set and a validation set at a 7∶3 ratio. General information, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related data, and laboratory test results were uniformly collected. After a one-year follow-up, patients were classified into a readmission group and a non-readmission group based on whether they were readmitted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for readmission. A risk prediction model of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model was validated and evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical decision curve analysis. ResultsA total of 682 patients were included, with 477 in the training set and 205 in the validation set, among whom 89 patients were readmitted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified heart failure history [OR = 6.93, 95% CI (1.58, 30.45)], wiry pulse [OR = 2.58, 95% CI (1.42, 4.72)], weak pulse [OR = 3.97, 95% CI (2.06, 7.67)], teeth-marked tongue [OR = 4.38, 95% CI (2.32, 8.27)], blood stasis constitution [OR = 2.17, 95% CI (1.06, 4.44)], phlegm-stasis mutual syndrome [OR = 3.64, 95% CI (1.87, 7.09)], and elevated non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [OR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.69)] as influencing factors of readmission. These factors were used as predictors to construct a nomogram-based risk prediction model for readmission in patients with stable angina. The model demonstrated moderate predictive capability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.818 [95% CI (0.781, 0.852)] in the training set and 0.816 [95% CI (0.779, 0.850)] in the validation set. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration (χ² = 4.55, P = 0.80), and the model's predictive ability was stable. When the threshold probability exceeded 5%, the clinical net benefit of using the model to predict readmission risk was significantly higher than intervening in all patients. ConclusionHistory of heart failure, teeth-marked tongue, weak pulse, wiry pulse, phlegm-stasis mutual syndrome, blood stasis constitution, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are influencing factors for readmission in patients with stable angina of CHD. A clinical prediction model was developed based on these factors, which showed good discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, providing a scientific basis for predicting readmission events in patients with stable angina.
7.Effect of Huanglian Jiedutang in Regulating Ferroptosis in Mice with Atherosclerosis Based on Nrf2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhaohui GONG ; Li GAO ; Huiqi ZHAI ; Jinzi YU ; Qingmin CHU ; Chuanjin LUO ; Lijin QING ; Wei WU ; Rong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):22-28
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) in treating mice with atherosclerosis (AS) by improving ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 10 SPF C57BL/6J mice were selected as a normal group, and 50 ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into five groups: model group, low-dose group of HLJDT, medium-dose group of HLJDT, high-dose group of HLJDT, and atorvastatin (ATV) group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to establish the AS model, and at the 9th week, they were given normal saline, low, medium, and high doses of HLJDT (3.9, 7.8, 15.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and atorvastatin calcium tablets (0.01 g·kg-1·d-1), respectively, for a total of eight weeks. The formation of aortic plaque in mice was observed by gross oil red O staining and Masson staining. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood fat were measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mitochondrial structure of the aorta was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The content of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum was detected by the microplate method, and that of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was detected by the TBA method. The protein expression of nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those of the normal group, the contents of TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, and MDA in the serum and the aortic vascular plaque deposition of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of SOD and GSH in serum, as well as Nrf2, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and GPX4 in aorta were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Mice in the model group appeared mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation in the aorta, volume atrophy, mitochondrial crista reduction, or a loose and disorganized form. Compared with those in the model group, the aortic vascular plaque deposition was significantly decreased in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of HLJDT and ATV group, and the contents of serum TC, LDL-C, TG, and MDA in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The contents of serum SOD and GSH and the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the aorta were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the symptoms of aortic mitochondrial vacuolation were alleviated. The number of cristae was increased, and they were ordered neatly. ConclusionHLJDT can reduce aortic vascular plaque deposition, decrease blood lipid and MDA expression, increase SOD and GSH expression, and ameliorate the pathological changes of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.
8.Meta-analysis of the relationship of semaglutide and malignant neoplasms risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Qingchuan LIAO ; Wei YU ; Quan WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):117-123
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the relationship of semaglutide with malignant neoplasms in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS Retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, Wanfang data and CBM, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about semaglutide in the treatment of T2DM patients with outcome measures including malignant tumor events were collected from the establishment of the database to June 2024. Meta- analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software to assess the risk of malignant neoplasms. RESULTS A total of 24 RCTs (26 trials) involving 24 145 patients were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that compared to placebo, there was no statistical significance in the risk of semaglutide in pancreatic cancer [RR=0.39, 95%CI(0.10, 1.50), P=0.17], thyroid cancer [RR=1.29, 95%CI(0.38, 4.36), P=0.68], prostate cancer [RR=1.05, 95%CI(0.36, 3.12), P=0.92], skin cancer [RR=1.27, 95%CI(0.80, 2.02), P=0.31], gastrointestinal cancer [RR=1.00, 95%CI(0.47, 2.14), P=1.00], colorectal cancer [RR=0.96, 95%CI(0.40, 2.26), P=0.92], lung cancer [RR=1.62, 95%CI(0.74, 3.55), P=0.23], breast cancer [RR=1.25, 95%CI(0.45, 3.51), P=0.67] or all malignant neoplasms [RR=0.96, 95%CI(0.76, 1.21), P=0.73]. Compared to other antidiabetic drugs, there was no statistical significance in the risk of semaglutide in pancreatic cancer [RR=0.62, 95%CI(0.18, 2.09), P=0.44], thyroid cancer [RR=1.09, 95%CI(0.25, 4.78), P=0.90], prostate cancer [RR=2.09, 95%CI(0.46, 9.47), P=0.34], skin cancer [RR=1.76, 95%CI(0.65, 4.72), P=0.26], gastrointestinal cancer [RR=0.68, 95%CI(0.19, 2.35), P=0.54], colorectal cancer [RR=0.60, 95%CI(0.20, 1.78), P=0.36], lung cancer [RR=1.00, 95%CI(0.24, 4.11), P=1.00], breast cancer [RR=0.82, 95%CI(0.25, 2.66), P=0.74] or all malignant neoplasms [RR=1.36, 95%CI(0.96, 1.94), P=0.09]. CONCLUSIONS Semaglutide does not increase the risk of any type of malignant neoplasms in T2DM patients.
9.Practice and reflection on ethical review of multicentre studies in a tertiary hospital
Lingling YU ; Wei LIU ; Pengjun ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):58-62
ObjectiveTo analyse the implementation of mutual recognition of ethical review in a tertiary hospital, providing ideas for exploring ethical review of multicenter studies. MethodsThe ethical review of multicenter studies conducted by the hospital from 2018 to 2022 was analyzed. ResultsA total of 1,582 projects were reviewed in the hospital from 2018 to 2022, of which 773 (48.9%) were multicentre studies. In multicenter study projects, 70.4% of the studies were conducted as a participating unit. Mutual recognition of ethical review and fast review were implemented for all participating projects. After a rapid review of 24 studies, the presiding committee recommended submitting them for conference review. The reasons for the transfer to conference review included issues with the study protocol (11 projects), informed consent (12 projects), and other supporting documents (5 projects). Twenty-one studies were eventually approved by the ethics committee after modification, and 3 studies were not approved by the ethics committee because the sponsor refused to modify the study protocols. ConclusionFor participating in multicentre studies, the ethics committees of participating units implement mutual recognition of ethical reviews and adopt a rapid review approach to review all study data, which can achieve both quality and efficiency.
10.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.


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