1.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.
2.Influence of corneal fluorescein sodium staining on test results of iTrace visual function analyzer
Xin YIN ; Qingyan LIU ; Xiao SHAO ; Min XUE ; Yao LU ; Shuying MA ; Chunsheng SHI
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):680-684
AIM: To investigate the impact of corneal fluorescein sodium(NaF)staining on the examination results of iTrace visual function analyzer(iTrace).METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Totally 100 patients(100 eyes)with ametropia who visited the outpatient department of Anhui Eye Hospital from April to November 2024 were recruited. They were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 patients(50 eyes, and only the right eyes were selected for inclusion)in each group. In the experimental group, corneal staining was performed using fluorescein sodium staining test strips, while in the control group, 1 drop of 0.9% normal saline was instilled into the eyes. The iTrace examination was conducted before the intervention and at 5, 10, and 20 min after the intervention. The total corneal higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, trefoil aberration, best sphere value(RO value), asphericity factor(Q value), and corneal vertical refractive power difference(IS value)at each time of examination were recorded and compared.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline levels between the two groups(all P>0.05). Intra-group comparison revealed that the total higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, and trefoil aberration measured 5 min after NaF staining in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with those before staining(all P<0.05). Inter-group comparison showed that the changes(differences from the baseline)in the total corneal higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, and trefoil aberration measured by iTrace 5 min after the intervention in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group(all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the changes(differences from the baseline)of various iTrace parameters measured at 10 and 20 min after the intervention between the two groups(all P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the RO value, Q value, and IS value in the two groups(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Corneal NaF staining can cause a short-term increase in the wavefront aberration values(total corneal higher-order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma aberration, trefoil aberration)measured by iTrace, and it gradually disappears with the passage of time. However, it has no impact on the measurement of corneal topography parameters(RO value, Q value, IS value).
3.Effects of Exercise Training on The Behaviors and HPA Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rats Through The Gut Microbiota
Xue-Mei CHEN ; Yin-Hua LI ; Jiu-Gen ZHONG ; Zhao-Ming YANG ; Xiao-Hui HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1511-1528
ObjectiveThe study explores the influence of voluntary wheel running on the behavioral abnormalities and the activation state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rats through gut microbiota. MethodsSD female rats were selected and administered either400 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) solution or an equivalent volume of saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of pregnancy. The resulting offspring were divided into 2 groups: the ASD model group (PASD, n=35) and the normal control group (PCON, n=16). Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber social test, open field test, and Morris water maze, were conducted on postnatal day 23. After behavioral testing, 8 rats from each group (PCON, PASD) were randomly selected for serum analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) concentration, to evaluate the functional state of the HPA axis in rats. On postnatal day 28, the remaining 8 rats in the PCON group were designated as the control group (CON, n=8), and the remaining 27 rats in the PASD group were randomly divided into 4 groups: ASD non-intervention group (ASD, n=6), ASD exercise group (ASDE, n=8), ASD fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT, n=8), and ASD sham fecal microbiota transplantation group (sFMT, n=5). The rats in the ASD group and the CON group were kept under standard conditions, while the rats in the ASDE group performed 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running intervention starting on postnatal day 28. The rats in the FMT group were gavaged daily from postnatal day 42 with 1 ml/100 g fresh fecal suspension from ASDE rats which had undergone exercise for 2 weeks, 5 d per week, continuing for 4 weeks. The sFMT group received an equivalent volume of saline. After the interventions were completed, behavioral assessments and HPA axis markers were measured for all groups. ResultsBefore the intervention, the ASD model group exhibited significantly reduced social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, and exploratory interest, as well as impaired spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in the PASD group were significantly higher than those in the PCON group (P<0.05). Following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, the ASDE group showed significant improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, spatial learning, memory, and navigation skills compared to the ASD group (P<0.05), with a significant decrease in serum CORT concentration (P<0.05), and a downward trend in CRH and ACTH concentration. After 4 weeks of fecal microbiota transplantation in the exercise group, the FMT group showed marked improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, as well as spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to both the ASD and sFMT groups (P<0.05). In addition, serum ACTH and CORT concentration were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and CRH concentration also showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionExercise may improve ASD-related behaviors by suppressing the activation of the HPA axis, with the gut microbiota likely playing a crucial role in this process.
4.Expression of FOXM1 and PLK1 in Colorectal Cancer and Their Relationship with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis
Xue HAN ; Shuqing LIU ; Jiangling YIN ; Changcheng WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(7):605-610
Objective To determine the expression of FOXM1 and PLK1 in colorectal cancer tissues and their relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients. Methods Sixty patients who underwent surgical resection of colorectal cancer were retrospectively selected. Colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent tissues (>5 cm from the margins of colorectal cancer tissues) were collected. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR analyses were used to detect the expression levels of FOXM1 and PLK1 in colorectal cancer tissues. Human colon cancer HCT-116 cells were treated with FOXM1 inhibitor FDI-6, and the effect of downregulating FOXM1 on PLK1 expression levels was investigated by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Results FOXM1 and PLK1 were highly expressed in the cytoplasm of colorectal cancer cells, and the positive expression rate was significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). FOXM1 expression was closely related to the degree of differentiation, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and invasion depth (all P<0.05). PLK1 expression was closely related to TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and invasion depth (all P<0.05). The expression levels of FOXM1 and PLK1 in colorectal cancer tissues were positively correlated (rs=0.373, P=0.003). Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that the expression level of PLK1 decreased significantly after inhibition of FOXM1 expression. Patients with either FOXM1 or PLK1 expression alone, or with neither expressed, had significantly longer survival time and more favorable prognosis than those with FOXM1 and PLK1 co-expression. Conclusion FOXM1 and PLK1 are highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues. FOXM1 may promote colorectal cancer through PLK1, and its high expression suggests poor prognosis of patients and may be a potential target for colorectal cancer.
5.Interpretation and mirror of the National Health Education Standards in the United States
LIU Haohui, WAN Xue, YIN Zhihua, JIANG Jiajun, LI Yunan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(3):309-312
Abstract
In the context of frequent public health events, effective school health education is an important measure to improve students health literacy and public health system of China. The study examined the National Health Education Standards in the U.S., based on a literature review and comparative analysis, to provide guidance for China. Using the method of liberature riview paper interprets the curriculum of National Health Education Standards in the U.S. and provides a mirror for China. Health Education standards in the U.S. are characterized by their academic quality, standardized framework, assessment program, equity principles, and other components. A mirror for China includes promoting the construction of the standards based health education curriculum, developing the skills based health education curriculum system, and constructing a performancebased comprehensive evaluation system.
6. Effects of Tao Hong Si Wu decoction on IncRNA expression in rats with occlusion of middle cerebral artery
Li-Juan ZHANG ; Chang-Yi FEI ; Chao YU ; Su-Jun XUE ; Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Jing LI ; Ling-Yu PAN ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Li-Juan ZHANG ; Chang-Yi FEI ; Chao YU ; Su-Jun XUE ; Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Jing LI ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Dai-Yin PENG ; Xian-Chun DUAN ; Dai-Yin PENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):582-591
Aim To screen and study the expression of long non-coding RNA (IncRNA) in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with MCAO treated with Tao Hong Si Wu decoction (THSWD) and determine the possible molecular mechanism of THSWD in treating MCAO rats. Methods Three cerebral hemisphere tissue were obtained from the control group, MCAO group and MCAO + THSWD group. RNA sequencing technology was used to identify IncRNA gene expression in the three groups. THSWD-regulated IncRNA genes were identified, and then a THSWD-regu-lated IncRNA-mRNA network was constructed. MCODE plug-in units were used to identify the modules of IncRNA-mRNA networks. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the enriched biological functions and signaling pathways. Cis- and trans-regulatory genes for THSWD-regulated IncRNAs were identified. Reverse transcription real-time quantitative pol-ymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify IncRNAs. Molecular docking was used to identify IncRNA-mRNA network targets and pathway-associated proteins. Results In MCAO rats, THSWD regulated a total of 302 IncRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that some core IncRNAs might play an important role in the treatment of MCAO rats with THSWD, and we further found that THSWD might also treat MCAO rats through multiple pathways such as IncRNA-mRNA network and network-enriched complement and coagulation cascades. The results of molecular docking showed that the active compounds gallic acid and a-mygdalin of THSWD had a certain binding ability to protein targets. Conclusions THSWD can protect the brain injury of MCAO rats through IncRNA, which may provide new insights for the treatment of ischemic stroke with THSWD.
7.Research progress in risk factors of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus
Junfeng DONG ; Qiang XUE ; Fei TENG ; Yuanyu ZHAO ; Hao YIN
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(1):145-150
Solid organ transplantation has significantly prolonged the survival of patients with end-stage diseases. However, long-term use of immunosuppressants will increase the risk of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) in the recipients, thereby elevating the risk of infection, cardiovascular disease and death. In recent years, with persistent improvement of diagnostic criteria of PTDM, clinicians have deepened the understanding of this disease. Compared with type 2 diabetes mellitus, PTDM significantly differs in pathophysiological characteristics and clinical progression. Hence, different treatment strategies should be adopted. Early identification of risk factors of organ transplant recipients, early diagnosis and intervention are of significance for improving the quality of life of recipients, prolonging the survival of grafts and reducing the fatality of recipients. Therefore, the diagnosis, incidence and risk factors of PTDM were reviewed in this article, aiming to provide reference for clinicians to deliver prompt diagnosis and intervention for PTDM.
8.Effect of Qiwei Baizhusan on Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats with Diabetic Encephalopathy Based on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway
Jiaxin GAO ; Jianbo WANG ; Yanan XUE ; Jie SUN ; Dan WANG ; Kun HAN ; Yunyu ZHANG ; Yiran YIN ; Xiaofan FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):10-17
ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Baizhusan(QWBZS) on diabetic encephalopathy(DE) rat model, and to explore the possible mechanism of QWBZS in the treatment of DE based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) signaling pathway. MethodForty-eight SPF male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group(8 rats) and high-fat diet group(40 rats). After 12 weeks of feeding, rats in the high-fat diet group were intraperitoneally injected with 35 mg·kg-1 of 1% streptozotocin(STZ) for 2 consecutive days to construct a DE model, and rats in the blank group were injected with the same amount of sodium citrate buffer. After successful modeling, according to blood glucose and body weight, model rats were randomly divided into model group, low, medium and high dose groups of QWBZS(3.15, 6.3, 12.6 g·kg-1), combined western medicine group(metformin+rosiglitazone, 0.21 g·kg-1), with 6 rats in each group. The administration group was given the corresponding dose of drug by gavage, and the blank group and the model group were given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage, 1 time/day for 6 weeks. Morris water maze was used to detect the spatial memory ability of DE rats. Fasting insulin (FINS) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes of hippocampus in rats, ELISA was used to detect the indexes of oxidative stress in hippocampal tissues, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in hippocampus, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt, GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β in hippocampus of rats. ResultCompared with the blank group, FINS and HOMA-IR values of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), the path of finding the original position of the platform was significantly increased, and the escape latency was significantly prolonged(P<0.01), the morphology of neuronal cells in hippocampal tissues was disrupted, the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in hippocampus of rats were increased, and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) was decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt were decreased(P<0.01), mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt and p-GSK-3β were significantly decreased, and the protein expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the FINS and HOMA-IR values of the medium dose group of QWBZS and the combined western medicine group were significantly decreased(P<0.01), the path of finding the original position of the platform and the escape latency were significantly shortened(P<0.01), the hippocampal tissue structure of rats was gradually recovered, and the morphological damage of nerve cells was significantly improved, the contents of ROS and MDA in hippocampus of rats decreased and the level of SOD increased(P<0.01), the mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt were increased(P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased(P<0.01), and the expression of GSK-3β was significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionQWBZS can alleviate insulin resistance in DE rats, it may repair hippocampal neuronal damage and improve learning and cognitive ability of DE rats by activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
9.Study on identification of medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. in Liaoning province based on DNA barcode sequences
Jianing XUE ; Rong ZHAO ; Ying YU ; Mingze GAO ; Haibo YIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):103-107
Objective:To identify and analyze the genuine medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. from 9 regions in Liaoning Province using DNA barcode technology based on the base sequence of internal transcribed spacer. Methods:DNA was extracted from the medicinal parts of 26 Gentiana scabra Bge. samples by using DNA kit extraction method. The ITS sequence was amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then two-way sequencing was carried out. Other sources and outgroup sequences of the medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. were downloaded from Genbank. After the sequencing results were spliced by using SeqMan 7.1.0 software, MEGA 7.0 software was used to analyze and compare the data, and calculate the genetic distance of K2P (Kimura 2-parameter). The phylogenetic tree was established by Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method for analysis. Results:According to the results of NJ cluster tree, all Gentiana scabra Bge. samples from different sources were clustered into one large branch, and Gentiana scabra Franch. and Gentiana triflora Pall. were clustered into one branch respectively, with obvious differences; Gentiana scabra and Gentiana manshurica Kitag. were clustered into one branch, and the genetic relationship was relatively close. In combination with the variation site and genetic distance, the base sequences of Gentiana scabra and Gentianamanshurica were very similar, and the interspecific differences were very small. Except for the intraspecific variation of only one sample collected in Liaoning Province, the base sequences of the other samples were the same, and there was no difference between " Gentiana scabra Bge. in Qingyuan" and Gentiana scabra Bge. samples from other regions in Liaoning Province. Conclusion:The DNA barcode technology of ITS sequence can be used to differentiate and identify medicinal plant Gentiana scabra Bge. and its original plants from different sources with a high success rate.
10.Study on DNA barcoding of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. herbs from Liaoning Province based on rbcL sequences
Ying YU ; Rong ZHAO ; Mingze GAO ; Jianing XUE ; Haibo YIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(2):249-253
Objective:To use rbcL sequences to identify the rhizomes of the Liaoning collection of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz.; To provide a basis for ensuring the feasibility of cultivation of the native herb in Liaoning Province. Methods:A total of 30 rhizomes of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. were collected from 10 regions cultivated in Liaoning Province, and the total DNA was extracted. DNA barcodes were screened by PCR, and the rbcL sequences of the samples were amplified and sequenced, and the amplification and sequencing success rates were calculated. Sequence alignment was performed using MEGA 7.0 software; a systematic clustering tree was constructed using the neighbour-joining method. Results:The success rates of DNA extraction from the rhizomes of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. were all 93.3%, and the success rates of PCR amplification and sequencing were all 100%. Among the 30 samples of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. in Liaoning Province, two samples had intraspecific variation, and the rest of the base sequences of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. were identical. Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. was closer to the herbs of the genus Cangzhu, a relative species of Asteraceae, and was genetically more distant from the rest of Asteraceae. The NJ tree could distinguish Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. and its relatives. Conclusion:The quality of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. cultivars in Liaoning Province is basically similar, and the rbcL sequence can be used as a valid sequence fragment for the identification of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. DNA barcode.


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