1.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Antagonising Ectopic Endometrial Tissue Fibrosis Based on Cellular Pyroptosis Mediated by TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 Signaling Pathway
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Jiaxing WANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Bin YUE ; Zhirui ZHANG ; Yinan WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Dongqing WEI ; Cancan HUANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):19-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in antagonizing cellular pyroptosis and fibrosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (n = 12) and a modeling group (n = 60). The rats in the sham-operated group underwent a caesarean section, while the rats in the modeling group were used to establish an endometriosis model through the auto-transplantation method. After successful modeling, the animals were randomly divided into the model group, progesterone group (0.25 mg·kg-1), and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with 12 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug administration, voluntary activity and heat pain latency were observed. The rats were sacrificed for tissue collection, and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the endometrial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression area of tumor necrosis factor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the endometrial tissues. Western blot was employed to measure the relative expression of TRL4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), TRAF6, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLPR3 proteins in endometrial tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, rats in the model group showed reduced voluntary activity and shorter heat pain latency. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were elevated. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins were increased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was enhanced. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and NLPR3 proteins, along with the expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA, were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang medium- and high-dose groups exhibited improved voluntary activity, longer heat pain latency, the fibrosis of endometrial tissue is alleviated. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were decreased. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins decreased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD weakened. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, NLPR3 proteins, and TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA expression were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may play a therapeutic role in endometriosis by interfering with key proteins in the TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 signaling pathway, reducing NLRP3 inflammasome-induced cellular pyroptosis, antagonizing the fibrosis process in ectopic endometrial tissues, improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the pelvic cavity, and alleviating pain.
2.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Treatment of Endometriosis Based on EGFR/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yaling YANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Zuoliang ZHANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Jiaxing WANG ; Cancan HUANG ; Xiujia JI ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):29-38
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang on key proteins of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in SD rats with endometriosis. MethodsAfter successful establishment of an endometriosis model in 60 female SD rats of SPF grade via the auto-transplantation method, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high-, medium-, and low-dose groups, and a gestrinone group, with another 12 rats serving as a blank group. The blank and model groups were administered 10 mL·kg-1 normal saline, while the high-, medium-, and low-dose groups received 30, 15, and 7.5 g·kg-1 modified Shaofu Zhuyutang, respectively. The gestrinone group was administered 0.25 mg·kg-1 gestrinone suspension. After four weeks of treatment, uterine contractions were induced with 2 U of oxytocin, and the writhing response of rats was observed. After 24 h, the rats were euthanized, and the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in endometrial tissues, while the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate of endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the relative expression areas of the B-cell lymphoma-2 gene-associated promoter (Bad) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins in endometrial tissues. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and EGFR were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relative protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), Akt, and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in endometrial tissues were analyzed by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed endometrial thickening, glandular and mesenchymal hyperplasia, a significant decrease in the relative expression area of Bad in ectopic endometrial tissues, a significant increase in the relative expression area of Bcl-2, and a significant reduction in the apoptosis rate as indicated by TUNEL staining. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, EGF, and EGFR were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The relative protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt, as well as the mRNA expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt, were also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high- and medium-dose groups of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang and the gestrinone group exhibited reduced glandular and mesenchymal hyperplasia to varying degrees, with dilated glandular lumens. The number of writhing responses was significantly reduced, the latency to writhing response was significantly prolonged, and the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue were significantly decreased. The relative expression area of Bad in ectopic endometrial tissue was significantly increased, the relative expression area of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis rate was significantly elevated as shown by TUNEL staining. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, EGF, and EGFR were significantly reduced, and the relative protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt, as well as the mRNA expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt, were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may exert therapeutic effects on endometriosis by interfering with key proteins of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis in ectopic endometrial tissue.
3.Effect of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang on Ferroptosis in Ectopic Endometrial Tissues of Rats with Endometriosis Based on MDM4/p53/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Wanrun WANG ; Jiaxing WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):39-47
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in inducing ferroptosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of rats with endometriosis through the murine double minute 4 (MDM4)/tumor suppressor p53/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n = 10), a sham-operated group (n = 10), and a modeling group (n = 50). The sham-operated group underwent laparotomy, while the modeling group was subjected to the autotransplantation method to establish an endometriosis model. After successful modeling, the animals were randomly assigned to the model group, progesterone group (0.25 mg·kg-1), and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (30, 15, and 7.5 g·kg-1, respectively), with 10 rats per group. After four weeks of drug administration, the rats were euthanized for sample collection. The weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissues were recorded for each group. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe ultrastructural changes in endometrial tissues, while Prussian blue staining was used to assess iron ion deposition. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relative levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in endometrial tissues were determined by colorimetric assay. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensities of GSH and GPX4 in endometrial tissues. The relative expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), MDM4, p53, and GPX4 proteins were detected by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, MDM4, p53, and GPX4. ResultsCompared with the blank and sham-operated groups, the model group exhibited reduced ferroptotic damage in ultrastructural observations, decreased ferroptotic aggregates and positive iron ion expression area on Prussian blue staining, elevated serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, reduced Fe2+ and MDA content, increased GSH content in endometrial tissues, and enhanced GSH and GPX4 fluorescence intensities (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, MDM4, and GPX4 were elevated, while those of p53 were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high- and medium-dose groups, ferroptotic damage in ultrastructural observations was exacerbated to varying degrees by TEM, and ferroptotic aggregates and positive iron ion expression areas were increased on Prussian blue staining. Serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels decreased, Fe2+ and MDA content increased, and GSH content decreased in endometrial tissues. GSH and GPX4 fluorescence intensities weakened, while the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, MDM4, and GPX4 decreased, and those of p53 increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusionmodified Shaofu Zhuyutang may exert therapeutic effects in endometriosis by inducing ferroptosis in ectopic endometrial tissues, alleviating inflammatory responses, and modulating key proteins in the MDM4/p53/GPX4 signaling pathway.
4.Application and development of pulsed electric field ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation
Zhen WANG ; Ming LIANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jingyang SUN ; Yaling HAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):270-276
With the continuous development of China's aging society and the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, the incidence of cardiovascular disease in China has been increasing in recent years. Among them, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia disease. In recent years, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been continuously applied to AF treatment as a novel treatment. This paper first introduces the principle of PFA applied to AF treatment, and introduces the research progress of PFA in different directions, such as the comparison of different ablation methods, the study of physical parameters, the study of ablation area, the study of tissue specificity and clinical research. Then, the clinical prior research of PFA is discussed, including the use of simulation software to obtain the simulation effect of different parameters, the evaluation of ablation effect during animal research, and finally the current AF treatment. Various prior studies and clinical studies are summarized, and suggestions are made for the shortcomings found in the study of AF treatment and the future research direction is prospected.
5.Association of the adipokine Chemerin with the development and progression of liver fibrosis
Xinyuan ZHANG ; Nuoqi ZHANG ; Guohui YU ; Wenshuai REN ; Yaling WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):164-169
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological process in the progression of various chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis, and it greatly affects the prognosis of patients with chronic liver diseases. As a novel adipokine, Chemerin participates in the metabolism of glucose and lipids and inflammation, and various studies have shown that the expression level of Chemerin is correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis, suggesting that Chemerin may be involved in the process of liver fibrosis by regulating metabolism and inflammation. Chemerin has shown certain potential in the auxiliary diagnosis of liver fibrosis and the intervention against the progression of liver fibrosis. This article reviews the potential role and mechanism of action of Chemerin in the process of liver fibrosis, in order to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
6.Cryopreservation of small-volume red blood cells: evaluation of blood group antigen reactivity and its application value
Yaling ZHAO ; Yanxia WANG ; Ziye WANG ; Siyu MA ; Wei SHAO ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Xin JIANG ; Jia GAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):352-357
[Objective] To establish a cryopreservation protocol for small-volume (≤1 mL) red blood cells (RBCs) and to evaluate the reactivity and stability of blood group antigens after cryopreservation, so as to explore its potential application in immunohematology reference laboratories. [Methods] Small-volume RBCs were cryopreserved for 120 days, followed by thawing and deglycerolization to restore the RBC components. The quality of the RBCs was assessed. Serum antibodies were serially diluted and reacted with RBCs before and after cryopreservation, and agglutination scores were recorded to quantitatively evaluate the reactivity and stability of blood group antigens such as Rh, Duffy, Lewis, Kidd, M, and H. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentage and mean fluorescence intensity of ABO antigen expression on RBCs before and after cryopreservation to assess the usability of cryopreserved RBCs in flow immunophenotyping and blood group subtype studies. [Results] The hemolysis rate of thawed and deglycerolized RBCs was (0.27±0.10)%, with a supernatant free hemoglobin level of (0.52±0.14) g/L, and the RBC recovery rate was (69.12±7.91)%. The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was negative for all thawed RBCs. There was no difference in the reactivity of blood group antigens before and after cryopreservation, and no difference in the percentage and mean fluorescence intensity of A and B antigen expression on RBCs before and after cryopreservation. [Conclusion] The small-volume RBC cryopreservation protocol can be applied to immunohematology analysis in reference laboratories and is expected to be widely used in blood group identification, antibody screening, identification, and blood group-related research.
7.Establishment of a method for detecting the potency of recombinant human coagulation factor Ⅶa for injection
Rong WU ; Liping WANG ; Jinye LANG ; Yue ZHU ; Jing ZHOU ; Xun LIU ; Jing NI ; Shunbo ZHOU ; Yaling DING
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):415-420
[Objective] To establish a method for detecting the potency of recombinant human coagulation factor Ⅶa for injection. [Methods] By adding the sample and factor Ⅶ deficient plasma to the sample cup and activating the reaction with prothrombin time assay reagent (PT reagent), the coagulation time of the sample was determined by the change in magnetic bead swing amplitude in the sample cup. The logarithm of coagulation time was inversely proportional to the logarithm of human factor Ⅶa potency. [Results] Under the experimental conditions, the specificity of the methodology was evaluated through spiked recovery, and the recovery rates ranged from 90.0% to 110.0%. Within the range from 0.125 to 1.000 IU/mL, there was a good linear response between the potency and coagulation time of the standard and sample, with correlation coefficients r>0.99. As for the accuracy and repeatability, the recovery rates of various concentrations detected in the stock solution were 101.0%, 100.0% and 112.0%, respectively, with RSD values of 2.6%, 4.0% and 0.0%, respectively. The recovery rates of various concentrations in finished product testing were 104.0%, 94.7% and 112.0%, respectively, with RSD values of 1.9%, 2.4% and 0.0%, respectively. As for the intermediate precision, the RSD were 4.5% and 3.7%, respectively. After treated with sample diluent, the sample was tested at room temperature for 6 hours and still exhibited relatively stable biological activity. [Conclusion] This detection method is accurate, stable, easy to operate and highly automated, and is suitable for detecting the potency of recombinant human coagulation factor Ⅶa for Injection.
8.Stratified mucin-producing epithelial neoplastic lesions of the cervix: clinicohistologic and molecular pathological characteristics
LIU Yaling ; HUANG Xian ; WANG Fei ; HU Quanquan ; XUAN Lanlan
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(3):301-308
[摘 要] 目的:探究浸润性复层产生黏液的复层上皮癌(ISMC)的临床组织及分子病理特征。方法: 回顾性分析2018年1月至2024年4月间安徽医科大学安庆医学中心/安庆市立医院及皖南医学院第一附属医院/弋矶山医院的病理数据库的11例ISMC和4例产生黏液的复层上皮内病变(SMILE)的临床病理资料、免疫组化、阿利新蓝(AB)/过碘酸雪夫(PAS)染色、分子学检测及PD-L1表达情况。结果:ISMC患者多表现为阴道不规则流血。细胞质内含有黏液的细胞呈复层排列,周围呈栅栏状,肿瘤细胞可呈印戒样或胞质透明。ISMC不仅存在单纯型,也可呈混合型。ISMC具有高侵袭性的生物学特性。CK7、p16,p40和(或)p63表达呈癌巢周栅栏状阳性或局灶表达。AB/PAS染色阳性。人乳头状病毒(HPV)检测结果:ISMC中HPV16/18阳性(1/4),术前检测出HPV16/18阳性(4/6);SMILE组织中HPV阴性。ISMC均表达PD-L1。成功随访8例ISMC患者,时间4~39个月(平均20.50月),4例SMILE患者,时间1~25个月(平均8.25月),随访患者均存活,1例ISMC术后出现多脏器转移。结论:ISMC具有独特的形态学特征及免疫表型,表现为高侵袭性和不良预后。所有ISMC均呈PD-L1阳性,提示所有患者均可从PD-L1免疫治疗中获益。
9.Environmental contamination status of norovirus outbreaks in schools and nurseries in Linhai City
ZHENG Jianjun, WANG Xi,HONG Danyang, LI Yaling, XU Qiumeng, ZHANG Huili, HAN Qian, LU Da, ZHENG Qiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):601-603
Objective:
To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures.
Methods:
A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test.
Results:
Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05).
Conclusions
Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.
10.Study on stir-frying process of Platycodon grandiflorum and its protective effect on acute lung injury in mice before and after stir-frying
Xiaotian HAN ; Lei WANG ; Yaping WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Bin QI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1587-1592
OBJECTIVE To optimize the stir-frying process of Platycodon grandiflorum, compare the protective effect of P. grandiflorum on lung injury in mice before and after stir-frying, and preliminarily explore the characteristics of “enhanced efficacy through processing” of stir-frying P. grandiflorum. METHODS On the basis of single-factor experiment, the stir-frying time, temperature and frequency were taken as factors, and the comprehensive scores of appearance traits, platycodin D content and alcohol extract content were taken as indexes. Box-Behnken response surface experiment was designed to optimize the stir-frying process of P. grandiflorum and verify it. The mice were divided into blank control group, model group, dexamethasone group (positive control drug, 5 mg/kg), P. grandiflorum low-dose and high-dose groups (0.6,1.2 g/kg), fried P. grandiflorum low and high dose groups (0.6, 1.2 g/kg), with 8 mice in each group. The treatment was given once a day for 10 consecutive days. After the last administration, acute lung injury model was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue were detected, lung wet/dry weight ratio and thymus index were calculated, and the pathological changes of lung tissue were observed. RESULTS The optimum processing conditions were as follows:stir- frying temperature of 120 ℃, stir-frying time of 12 min, stir-frying frequency of 19 r/min; the comprehensive scores of the three batches of process verification were all greater than 97 points, RSD<3% (n=3). The results of pharmacodynamic experiments showed that compared with blank control group, the lung dry-wet weight ratio as well as the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO and MDA in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the thymus index and SOD level were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the lung tissue was significantly damaged. Compared with model group, above indexes of the mice in each administration group were significantly improved (P<0.01), and the lung tissue injury was significantly reduced. At the same dose, except for the lung dry-wet weight ratio, the above indexes of the mice in the stir-fried P. grandiflorum groups were significantly improved compared with P. grandiflorum 涵。E-mail:495758271@qq.com groups (P<0.05), and the lung tissue damage was further reduced. CONCLUSIONS The optimized stir-frying process is stable and feasible. The protective effect of stir-fried P.grandiflorum on acute lung injury in mice is better than that of raw products at the same dosage.


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