1.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Schisandrin B in Inhibiting Ferroptosis to Ameliorate Methionine and Choline Deficiency-induced Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Zhifeng ZHU ; Wenting LI ; Yongjun CAO ; Yuanyuan LIN ; Yifei LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):74-83
ObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic stress liver injury. Ferroptosis is involved in the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Exploring the efficacy and mechanism of schisandrin B in treating NAFLD facilitates the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsThe molecular structure of schisandrin B was obtained by searching against PubChem, and the related targets were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction. The active ingredients and their targets were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the high-throughput experiment- and reference-guide database of traditional Chinese medicine (HERB). GeneCards and FerrDb were searched for the targets of NAFLD and ferroptosis. The common targets were taken as the core targets, and the protein-protein interaction network of the core targets was established. DAVID was used for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed between schisandrin B and core targets, and the binding energy was calculated. C57BL/6 mice were fed with a methionine and choline-deficiency (MCD) diet for the modeling of NAFLD. Mice were randomized into normal, model, positive drug (essentiale), and low- and high-dose schisandrin B groups. The body mass and liver index of mice were measured after drug administration. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum and those of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and Fe2+ in the liver homogenate were measured by biochemical assay kits. The pathological changes of the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and red oil O staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in the serum. Western blotting and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin, and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) in the liver tissue. ResultsA total of 2 370, 2 547, and 1 451 targets of schisandrin B, NAFLD, and ferroptosis were obtained, in which 90 common targets were shared by the three. Enrichment analyses predicted 505 GO terms and 92 KEGG pathways. Molecular docking suggested that schizandrin B had strong binding affinity with the key targets of ferropstosis (SLC7A11 and SLC3A2). Animal experiments showed that schizandrin B significantly decreased the liver index, lowered the levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, alleviated hepatocyte ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration, and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver of NAFLD mice. In addition, schisandrin B significantly lowered the levels of MDA, 4-HNE, and Fe2+, elevated the level of GSH, up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of SLC7A11, SLC3A2, and GPX4, and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of transferrin in the liver tissue. ConclusionSchisandrin B can alleviate NAFLD by inhibiting ferroptosis in hepatocytes.
2.Dihuang Yinzi Improves Cognitive Function of Mouse Model of Learning and Memory Impairments by Regulating Synaptic Plasticity via SIRT2
Wenting WANG ; Yangjing HAO ; Wenna SU ; Qinqing LI ; Shifeng CHU ; Junlong ZHANG ; Wenbin HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):9-17
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Dihuang Yinzi on the cognitive function in the mouse model of learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine (SCOP) and explore the treatment mechanism. MethodsA mouse model of learning and memory impairment was induced by intraperitoneal injection of SCOP. Sixty male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into six groups: control (0.9% NaCl, n=10), model (SCOP 1 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=10), low-, medium-, and high-dose Dihuang Yinzi (SCOP 1 mg·kg-1·d-1 + Dihuang Yinzi 5.5, 11.0, and 22.0 g·kg-1·d-1, n=10), and donepezil (SCOP 1 mg·kg-1·d-1 + donepezil 0.84 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=10). Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs for 6 weeks. Modeling started in the 4th week, and mice in other groups except the control group were injected with SCOP intraperitoneally 40 min after daily gavage. Behavioral testing began in the 5th week, 30 min after modeling each day. The Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests were carried out to evaluate the spatial learning and memory function of mice. Nissl staining was employed to observe the survival of neurons and Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of silent information regulator 2 (SIRT2), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor 1 (GluA1), protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated-CREB (p-CREB), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), and synaptophysin (SYN) in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of doublecortin (DCX) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed impaired learning and memory (P<0.01), obvious neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 region, a reduction in neuron survival (P<0.01), a decrease in DCX expression in the hippocampal DG region (P<0.01), down-regulated proteins levels of GluA1, PKA, p-CREB/CREB, PSD95, SYN, and GAP-43 in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and an up-regulated protein level of SIRT2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose Dihuang Yinzi groups and the donepezil group showed improvements in learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the low-, medium-, and high-dose Dihuang Yinzi groups and the donepezil group had increased neuron survival (P<0.05, P<0.01). The medium-dose Dihuang Yinzi group and the donepezil group showed increased DCX expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). The medium- and high-dose Dihuang Yinzi groups and the donepezil group showed up-regulation in the protein levels of GluA1, PKA, p-CREB/CREB, PSD95, SYN, and GAP-43 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulation in the protein level of SIRT2 (P<0.01). ConclusionDihuang Yinzi can improve the cognitive function in the mouse model of learning and memory impairments induced by SCOP by inhibiting the upregulation of SIRT2, activating the PKA/CREB signaling pathway, improving synaptic plasticity, and reducing hippocampal neuronal damage.
3.Therapeutic effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on chronic endometritis
Wenting WANG ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Ying LI ; Nana ZHAO ; Shijie MU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):546-550
[Objective] To evaluate the therapeutic effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic endometritis (CE). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 patients with CE who had failed antibiotic treatment. The clinical outcomes, pregnancy rates, and early miscarriage rates were assessed following PRP treatment. Meanwhile, the CE patients of receiving first/second-line Clinical drug treatment were used as the control experiment group. [Results] Among the 36 patients treated with PRP, the effective rate was 83.33%. The clinical pregnancy rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group [17-36(65.38%) vs 14/27(51.85%), P>0.05], and the early miscarriage rate was lower 2/17(11.76%) vs 2/14(14.29%), P>0.05]. [Conclusion] PRP therapy is effective for CE, with no antibiotic resistance or side effects, and can be widely promoted as a treatment option.
4.Current status of anticoccidial drug resistance in China
Yidan BAI ; Wenting LI ; Wanxin LUO ; Yuxin YU ; Dongfang LI ; Junlong ZHAO ; Lan HE
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):217-222
Avian coccidiosis, an acute parasitic disease that mainly harms chicks, is widely prevalent across the world, which poses a serious threat to poultry industry. Because of the single prophylactic formulations, veterinary clinical treatment of coccidiosis mainly relies on chemically synthesized agents, polyether ionophores and Chinese herbal medicines. The introduction of novel anticoccidial drugs is slow for a long period of time, and there is an increasing problem of anticoccidial drug resistance following long-term use, which has become an urgent problem to be solved in poultry industry. This review summarizes the levels of anticoccidial drug resistance across China from 2018 to 2023, and analyzes the resistance to various anticoccidial agents in coccidia. It is indicated that the overall prevalence of anticoccidial drug resistance is high in coccidia, and development of novel anticoccidial agents and products with reduced antibiotics use and alternatives of antibiotics is of an urgent need.
5.Exploring the idea of differentiating and treating mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer′s disease based on latent toxin blocking collaterals
Hu XI ; Wenming YANG ; Hao LI ; Wenting XIE ; Yue YANG ; Shu ZHAI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):559-565
Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer′s disease is an inevitable pathological stage in the early development of Alzheimer′s disease, which can be classified as "microlumps in the brain collaterals" in traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the theory of latent toxin blocking collaterals, this article discusses the etiology and pathogenesis, clinical sequelae, and traditional Chinese medicine intervention strategies for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer′s disease. The onset of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer′s disease is very similar to the latent pathogen theory, which states that "the latent pathogen is latent and then develops, the poison is deep and difficult to cure, and the development can be recognized but the latent pathogen cannot be detected." Combining clinical experience, our team believes that the basic nature of the disease is a slight deficiency and a slight excess of symptoms. A slight deficiency of the five zang viscera and six fu viscera as root and a latent toxin colling collaterals of qi, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis as manifestaion. These usually start from the qi depression and develop into phlegm coagulation and blood stasis, then end up in latent toxin and gradually become the healthy qi deficiency. Therefore, the deficiency of vital qi and incubation of evil, latent toxin blocking collaterals the pathogenesis of early intervention of this disease should be carried out, upholding the idea that "the upper workman treats the disease before it is diagnosed." The principle of strengthening vital qi to eliminate pathogenic factors, slowing down and promoting pathogenic factors elimination, establishing the method of supporting correctness and wisdom, simultaneously detoxifying and clearing the blood stasis, pattern differentiation as the main and the disease differentiation as the first, combining the disease and pattern, and adjusting the macroscopic and microscopic, focusing simultaneously on eliminating and replenishing, dispel phlegm and remove blood stasis, achieve a strong vital qi and the elimination of evil, and enhance intelligence, delay or even block the progression of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer′s disease, improve patients′ quality of life, and provide a theoretical basis for the early clinical prevention and treatment of Alzheimer′s disease.
6.Factors Associated with Site-specific Distribution of Glioblastoma
Wenting LI ; Hongbo BAO ; Peng LIANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(3):210-215
The treatment of glioblastoma, the most prevalent malignant tumor in the central nervous system, poses considerable challenges. Glioblastoma multiforme, classified as a grade Ⅳ highly malignant brain glioma by the World Health Organization, is typically managed through a combination of surgery, postoperative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The treatment of glioblastoma is complicated by its infiltrative nature, genetic heterogeneity, and presence of the blood-brain barrier. Almost all cases of glioblastoma experience recurrence despite aggressive therapy, exploring the development of updated molecular treatment strategies that can improve overall efficacy. A crucial aspect in modern neurosurgery is the precise delineation of brain regions in terms of their anatomy and function. It serves as the fundamental basis for investigating variations in the distribution of brain gliomas. Hence, this review will elucidate the origin of glioblastomas and analyze the potential factors contributing to the spatially specific distribution of gliomas on the basis of a theoretical framework of brain connectomics research. Molecular characteristics, information pathways, tumor microenvironment landscape, and immunology will inform the analysis. We aim to identify novel biomolecular targets and therapeutic pathways to gain scientific insights for effective glioblastoma treatment.
7.Infections and epidemiological characteristics of viral myocarditis in Wuxi Region
Ze XU ; Ting LI ; Wenting CAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(3):107-110
Objective To analyze the epidemic situation and pathological characteristics of viral myocarditis in Wuxi region, laying the foundation for epidemiological research on viral myocarditis. Method A total of 8 000 patients with viral myocarditis from 2013 to 2022 were included. The basic data and infection status of patients diagnosed with viral myocarditis within 10 years were statistically analyzed, and the serum of the patients was tested for Coxsackie B virus nucleic acid. Results Viral myocarditis is mainly caused by Coxsackie B virus infection, with a confirmed positive rate of 69.24%. The main types of infected viruses are B3 and B4, with 29.31% and 33.87%, respectively. The infection of viral myocarditis varies with age, and the positive rate in children is higher at 69.29%, with statistical differences among different age groups(χ2=1210.344 , P<0.001). The infection rate of Coxsackie B virus was 38.21% in males and 31.03% in females, with a statistically significant difference(χ2=155.032 , P<0.001). Conclusion In the past 10 years, the infection rate of suspected viral myocarditis in children in Wuxi region has been higher than that in adults, and the incidence of COVID-19 B group virus infection is higher in men, with B3 and B4 being the main cases. It is necessary to increase prevention efforts in children and young men.
8.Analysis of the current situation and influencing factors of demoralization of patients with chronic heart failure
Xing GAO ; Ruiqing DI ; Xingdan LI ; Wenting DU ; Jingshuang BAI ; Zichen JIN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(2):123-129
Objective:To understand the current status and analyze the factors of demoralization of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), providing references for targeted psychological interventions of nursing staff.Methods:Using the cross-sectional survey method, from August 2022 to January 2023, 282 CHF patients who were followed up in the Cardiovascular Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected as the study subjects. They were investigated using the General Information Questionnaire, Demoralization Scale Revised Mandarin Version, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), and the factors influencing the demoralization of CHF patients were analyzed using univariate analysis and multiple linear regression.Results:Among 282 cases, male 172 cases, female 110 cases, aged (62.29±10.05) years old. The Demoralization Scale Revised Mandarin Version′s score of CHF patients was (30.30 ± 10.37) points; the score of BIPQ was (42.18 ± 13.94) points; the score of FoP-Q-SF was (35.41 ± 7.29)points, which were at high level. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that patient disease duration, disease stages, New York heart association cardiac function classification, the score of BIPQ, and the score of FoP-Q-SF were factors influencing the demoralization of CHF patients ( t values were 3.08 to 12.50, all P<0.05). Conclusions:There is an urgent need to focus on the current status of the demoralization of CHF patients. It is necessary to develop a systematic and effective intervention strategy for demoralization, to take into account patient disease duration, disease stages, illness perception, and fear of progression in a comprehensive manner.
9.Research on the relationship between disease perception and demoralization of patients with chronic heart failure: the chain mediating effect of disease progression ′s fear and positive affect
Xing GAO ; Ruiqing DI ; Xingdan LI ; Lin YE ; Wenting DU ; Jingshuang BAI ; Zichen JIN ; Zhaorui WANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(5):372-379
Objective:To explore the mediating role of disease progression′s fear and positive affect in the relationship between disease perception and demoralization in patients with chronic heart failure. It provided a theoretical basis for targeted interventions for healthcare workers.Methods:From October 2022 to March 2023, 320 patients with chronic heart failure in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected as the research objects by convenience sampling. The General Information Questionnaire, Demoralization Scale Redacted Mandarin Version, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Positive Affect Schedule) were used to conduct the questionnaire survey exploring the mediating effects of fear of disease progression and positive emotions between disease perception and disorientation by construction structural equation model.Results:There were 268 valid questionnaires. Of the 268 patients, 168 were male and 100 were female, 3.36% (9/268) were ≤40 years old, 55.22% (148/268) were 41-65 years old, and 41.42% (111/268) were >65 years old. Correlation analysis showed that disease perception was positively correlated with disease progression ′s fear, and every dimension of demoralization ( r values were 0.300-0.586, all P<0.01), and negatively correlated with positive affect ( r=-0.374, P<0.01); disease progression′s fear was negatively correlated with positive affect ( r=-0.318, P<0.01), and positively correlated with every dimension of demoralization ( r values were 0.339-0.464, all P<0.01); positive affect was negatively correlated with every dimension of demoralization ( r values were -0.430--0.334, all P<0.01). Structural equation model analysis showed that the direct effect of disease perception on demoralization was significant ( β=0.407, P<0.01), and both mediating effects of disease progression ′s fear and positive affect between disease perception and demoralization in patients with chronic heart failure were significant ( β=0.074, 0.079, both P<0.01). The chain mediating effect of disease progression ′s fear and positive effect was also significant ( β=0.019, P<0.01). Conclusions:Disease perception could directly predict the demoralization of patients with chronic heart failure and indirectly predict the demoralization of patients with chronic heart failure through the mediating effect of disease progression ′s fear, positive affect, and the chain mediating effect of disease progression ′s fear and positive affect.
10.Research Progress on the Novel Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 in Cardiac Fibrosis
Yanling LI ; Gang WANG ; Wenting YAN ; Yuan HUANG ; Ping XIE
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(1):178-184
During the occurrence and development of various heart diseases,continuous deterioration of myocardial fibrosis leads to remodeling and dysfunction of the cardiac structure.As a newly discovered mechanically sensitive ion channel,Piezo1 has opened up a new field of research on cellular mechanical transduction.Piezo1 combines a fine force transducer with Ca2+ influx and participates in the regulation of cellular mechanical transduction,thereby regulating cellular biological functions.Recent studies have shown that the biomechanical changes induced by myocardial injury regulate the expression of Piezo1 in cardiomyocytes and cause an imbalance in calcium homeostasis,which plays an important role in the positive feedback loop of myocardial fibrosis.This review summarizes the theoretical basis and related studies of Piezo1 in regulating cardiac fibrosis and suggests that the Piezo1 channel may become a new target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis,thereby providing a new research horizon for the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis.


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