1.Effect of Tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on Spinal Microglial Activation-related Proteins and the IL-10/β-EP Pathway in a Rat Model of Chronic Sciatic Nerve Compression Injury
Tianwei ZHANG ; Xiangqian LYU ; Yani XING ; Liuchen ZHU ; Qingguang ZHU ; Lingjun KONG ; Yanbin CHENG ; Zhen YAN ; Wuquan SUN ; Min FANG ; Zhiwei WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):734-740
ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Tuina at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and its potential central spinal mechanisms. MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group), sham-operated group, model group, Tuina group, and blockade group. The CCI model was established in the model group, Tuina group, and the blockade group by ligating the sciatic nerve with catgut, while the sham-operated group underwent only sciatic nerve exposure without ligation. From postoperative day 4 to day 14, rats in the Tuina group and the blockade group received Tuina manipulation at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" using a dynamic pressure distribution measurement system (5 N pressure, 2 Hz frequency, 10 min per session, once daily). The blockade group also received intraperitoneal injections of the microglial inhibitor minocycline (10 mg/kg) once daily. The sham-operated and the model group underwent the same handling and fixation as the Tuina group without actual Tuina. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured before surgery and on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate sciatic nerve injury and repair, measuring axon diameter and total myelinated fiber diameter to calculate the g-ratio. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD206, CD68, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and β-endorphin (β-EP) precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly reduced MWT and PWL on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group showed increased MWT and PWL on day 10 and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the Tuina group, the blockade group exhibited higher MWT on day 7, 10, and 14, and higher PWL on day 10 (P<0.05). Sciatic nerve pathological morphology revealed intact and well-structured myelin in the sham-operated group, while the model group exhibited myelin collapse, distortion, and myelin ovoid formation. The Tuina group displayed partially irregular myelin with occasional myelin collapse, whereas the blockade group exhibited partial myelin irregularities and phospholipid shedding. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a decreased g-ratio and increased levels of Iba-1 and CD68 in the spinal dorsal horn (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group exhibited an increased g-ratio and reduced Iba-1 and CD68 levels. Additionally, the Tuina group showed elevated levels of CD206, IL-10, and POMC, whereas the blockade group had decreased CD206 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rats, potentially by regulating microglial activation in the spinal cord, inhibiting M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization, and activating the IL-10/β-EP pathway to exert analgesic effects.
2. Down-regulation of METTL5 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells through Wnt/6-catenin signaling pathway
Kun-Lin WU ; Hui-Hao ZHANG ; Kun-Lin WU ; Xiu-Ying LIAO ; Hui-Hao ZHANG ; Qian-Yi YAN ; De-Xing WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):285-291
Aim To investigate the role and potential mechanism of methyltransferase-like 5 (METTL5) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) . Methods The expression of METTL5 in TNBC tumor tissues and cell lines was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. After shRNA targeting METTL5 (shRNAMETTL5) was transfected into TNBC cells, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Wnt/p-catenin signaling-related key proteins. A xenograft tumor model was constructed to verify the effect of METTL5 knockdown on the growth of TNBC cells and Wnt/p-catenin signaling activity in vivo. Results The expression of METTL5 was up-regulated in TNBC tumor tissues and cell lines (P < 0. 01) . Knockdown of METTL5 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells and reduced the expression of Wnt/p-catenin signaling molecules (3-catenin, cyclin Dl, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-7 (all P < 0. 01) . Knockdown of METTL5 reduced tumor growth and Wnt/pcatenin signaling activity in vivo. Conclusions Knockdown of METTL5 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells, which may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/p-catenin signaling pathway.
3. MW-9, a chalcones derivative bearing heterocyclic moieties, ameliorates ulcerative colitis via regulating MAPK signaling pathway
Zhao WU ; Nan-Ting ZOU ; Chun-Fei ZHANG ; Hao-Hong ZHANG ; Qing-Yan MO ; Ze-Wei MAO ; Chun-Ping WAN ; Ming-Qian JU ; Chun-Ping WAN ; Xing-Cai XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):514-520
Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of the MW-9 on ulcerative colitis(UC)and reveal the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a scientific guidance for the MW-9 treatment of UC. Methods The model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells was established. The effect of MW-9 on RAW264.7 cells viability was detected by MTT assay. The levels of nitric oxide(NO)in RAW264.7 macrophages were measured by Griess assay. Cell supernatants and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines containing IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were determined by ELISA kits. Dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC model in mice was established and body weight of mice in each group was measured. The histopathological damage degree of colonic tissue was assessed by HE staining. The protein expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was detected by Western blot. Results MW-9 intervention significantly inhibited NO release in RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 of 20.47 mg·L-1 and decreased the overproduction of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α(P<0.05). MW-9 had no cytotoxicity at the concentrations below 6 mg·L-1. After MW-9 treatment, mouse body weight was gradually reduced, and the serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly down-regulated. Compared with the model group, MW-9 significantly decreased the expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 protein. Conclusions MW-9 has significant anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying mechanism for the treatment of UC may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.
4.Clinical Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction Combined with Abdominal Vibration Tuina Manipulations on Chronic Insomnia in the Elderly
Pei FAN ; Xiao YANG ; Yue-Xing LI ; Yan-Kun REN ; Yu-Xin YUAN ; Qing-Min WU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):840-847
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction(mainly with the actions of resolving phlegm,relieving depression and calming mind)combined with abdominal vibration tuina manipulations on chronic insomnia in the elderly.Methods Ninety-four cases of elderly patients with chronic insomnia of phlegm-heat harassing the interior type were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group,with 47 cases in each group.The control group was given Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction orally,while the observation group was given oral use of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction combined with abdominal vibration tuina manipulations.The course of treatment for the two groups lasted for 4 weeks.Before and after the treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS)score,Fatigue Scale-14(FS-14)score,World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Brief Scale(WHOQOL-BREF)score,and the serum levels of melatonin(MT),dopamine(DA),and cortisol(CORT).After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 97.88%(46/47),while that of the control group was 87.23%(41/47),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the PSQI scores,AIS scores,and FS-14 scores in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the WHOQOL-BREF scores were significantly increased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05).The decrease of the PSQI scores,AIS scores and FS-14 scores as well as the increase of the WHOQOL-BREF scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum MT level of both groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the serum DA and CORT levels were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The increase in serum MT level and the decrease in serum DA and CORT levels of the observation group were significantly superior to those of the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion The combined therapy of Huatan Jieyu Anshen Decoction combined with vibration tuina manipulations can achieve satisfactory efficacy in the elderly patients with chronic insomnia of phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome.The therapy is effective on regulating the central nervous system of the patients,improving the quality of the sleep,and promoting the relief of fatigue and the enhancement of the quality of life,which has great significance to the enhancement of the overall therapeutic efficacy of insomnia.
5.Efficacy and safety of nicorandil and ticagrelor de-escalation after percutaneous coronary intervention for elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome
Xiang SHAO ; Ning BIAN ; Hong-Yan WANG ; Hai-Tao TIAN ; Can HUA ; Chao-Lian WU ; Bei-Xing ZHU ; Rui CHEN ; Jun-Xia LI ; Tian-Chang LI ; Lu MA
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(1):75-81
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor de-escalation and nicorandil therapy in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods A total of 300 elderly patients with ACS were selected from the Sixth and Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital and Beijing Chaoyang Integrative Medicine Emergency Rescue and First Aid Hospital from November 2016 to June 2019,including 153 males and 147 females,aged>65 years old.All the patients received PCI,and all had double antiplatelet therapy(DAPT)scores≥2 and a new DAPT(PRECISE-DAPT)score of≥25.All patients were divided into two groups by random number table method before operation:ticagrelor group(n=146,ticagrelor 180 mg load dose followed by PCI,and ticagrelor 90 mg bid after surgery)and ticagrelor de-escalation + nicorandil group(n=154,ticagrelor 180 mg load dose followed by PCI,ticagrelor 90 mg bid+nicorandil 5 mg tid after surgery,changed to ticagrelor 60 mg bid+ nicorandil 5 mg tid 6 months later).Follow-up was 12 months.The composite end points of cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction and stroke,the composite end points of mild hemorrhage,minor hemorrhage,other major hemorrhage and major fatal/life-threatening hemorrhage as defined by the PLATO study,and the composite end points of cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction,stroke and bleeding within 12 months in the two groups were observed.Results The comparison of general baseline data between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).There was also no significant difference in the composite end points of cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction and stroke between the two groups(P>0.05).The cumulative incidence of bleeding events in ticagrelor de-escalation + nicorandil group was significantly lower than that in ticagrelor group(P<0.05),while the composite end points of cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction,stroke and bleeding were also significantly lower than those in tecagrelor group(P<0.05).Conclusion In elderly patients with ACS,the treatment of ticagrelor de-escalation + nicorandil after PCI may not increase the incidence of ischemic events such as cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction or stroke,and it may reduce the incidence of hemorrhagic events.
6.Clinical significance of digital measurement of occipital condyle and foramen magnum in children
Kun LI ; Zheyuan ZHOU ; Jian WANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Xuetong HE ; Ke LI ; Simin CHEN ; Xingyu WU ; Xing WANG ; Shaojie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(18):2830-2834
BACKGROUND:Due to the young age of children,the occipital condyle and foramen magnum are not fully developed,and they are prone to various diseases and injuries in the occipitocervical junction,which requires surgical treatment in severe cases.However,anatomical parameters for the development of the occipital condyle and foramen magnum in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE:To measure the morphological structure of the occipital condyle and foramen magnum by three-dimensional reconstruction technique,and to provide important anatomical parameters for occipitocervical junction lesions,related surgical procedures and forensic identification. METHODS:Imaging data of 389 cases of primitive children and adolescents involved in skull base undergoing spiral CT scanning(247 males and 142 females)aged 1-18 years were collected and divided into 1-3-year-old group,4-6-year-old group,7-9-year-old group,10-12-year-old group,13-15-year-old group,and 16-18-year-old group according to their age.Mimics 16.0 software was used to reconstruct the skull base and measure the length and width of the foramen magnum.A formula was used to calculate the area and index of the foramen magnum.We measured the length,width and height of the occipital condyle,the angle between the long axis and the sagittal axis of the occipital condyle(O-S angle),the included angle between the midpoint of the front and back edges of the foramen magnum and the connection between the back edge of occipital condyle and the intersection point of the foramen magnum(F-O angle),and the included angle between the midpoint of the front and back edges of the foramen magnum and the midpoint of the back wall of the sublingual neural tube(F-H angle).Gender,side and age differences were analyzed among the indicators. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In foramen magnum measurement,there was no significant difference between sexes in the index of the foramen magnum(P>0.05),but there were significant differences in length,width and area of the foramen magnum(P<0.05).(2)The O-S angle,F-O angle and F-H angle of the occipitral condyle were not significantly different between genders(P>0.05),but length,width and height of the occipital condyle were significantly different between genders(P<0.05).(3)There were no significant differences in the length of the occipital condyle among different groups(P>0.05),but there were significant differences in the width and height of the occipital condyle,O-S angle,F-O angle and F-H angle among different groups(P<0.05).(4)Length,width and area of the foramen magnum,length,width and height of the occipital condyle showed a wavy increasing trend with the increase of age,while O-S,F-O and F-H angles showed a wavy decreasing trend with the increase of age,while the index of the foramen magnum showed no significant change.(5)In conclusion,there are gender and lateral differences in the morphological indexes of the foramen magnum and the occipital condyle in children.These differences can provide an important reference for clinical surgical approach selection and forensic examination.
7.Meta-analysis of Distribution Frequency of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome in Primary Osteoporosis
Hailong WU ; Tianying CHANG ; Yan LU ; Zongjian LUO ; Xiangyang LENG ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):111-117
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes of primary osteoporosis(POP) in China by using evidence-based medicine methods, and to understand the distribution law of the syndromes. MethodChina National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP), WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform(WanFang) and China Biology Medicine(CBM) were searched to obtain representative literature, and each database was searched from the 1994 World Health Organization defined diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis until May 1, 2023. Two researchers independently screened literature according to the criteria, extracted data, and cross-checked them. Meta analysis was conducted using R4.1.3, and subgroup analysis was performed. ResultA total of 56 Chinese papers were included, involving 14 415 patients. After standardized classification of syndromes, 11 articles were excluded, and Meta analysis results of the ultimately included 45 Chinese articles showed that the distribution frequencies of liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in 12 723 patients were 27%[95% confidence interval(CI) 0.24-0.31], 32%(95% CI 0.29-0.36), 36%(95% CI 0.30-0.42). Subgroup analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of the three TCM syndromes in the north and south(P<0.05). In addition, the incidence of TCM syndrome fractures in different types of POP was 15%(95% CI 0.09-0.24) for liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, 20%(95% CI 0.12-0.30) for spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, and 31%(95% CI 0.25-0.39) for kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. ConclusionThe distribution of syndromes in POP patients is mainly kidney deficiency, accompanied by liver and spleen dysfunction. Liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are all the main syndromes of POP and osteoporotic fractures, and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is most closely related to the development of osteoporotic fractures. The reference standards for syndrome determination among the included studies are inconsistent, and in the future, it is necessary to focus on their determination standards to obtain consensus research results, at the same time, conduct large-scale syndrome research to obtain representative research results, providing a basis for clinical practice and research.
8.Research status of quercetin-mediated MAPK signaling pathway in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Ke-Xin YUAN ; Xing-Wen XIE ; Ding-Peng LI ; Yi-Sheng JING ; Wei-Wei HUANG ; Xue-Tao WANG ; Hao-Dong YANG ; Wen YAN ; Yong-Wu MA
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1375-1379
Quercetin can mediate the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways to prevent osteoporosis(OP).This paper comprehensively discusses the interrelationship between MAPK and osteoporosis-related cells based on the latest domestic and international research.Additionally,it elucidates the research progress of quercetin in mediating the MAPK signaling pathway for OP prevention.The aim is to provide an effective foundation for the clinical prevention and treatment of OP and the in-depth development of quercetin.
9.Methodological investigation on bacterial endotoxin in betahistine hydrochloride injection
HAO Gang ; ZHANG Lifang ; WU Xing ; YAN Hao ; ZHAO Yating ; HAN Feng
Drug Standards of China 2024;25(1):082-089
Objective: Investigation on the quality control method of bacterial endotoxin in betahistine hydrochloride injection.
Methods: The method of bacterial endotoxin gel test of 23 batches of betahistine hydrochloride injection from 5 manufacturers was studied.
Results: The limit value of endotoxin in this product was 3 EU·mg-1, which was suitable for the bacterial endotoxin test of China Pharmacopoeia 2020.
Conclusion: The quality of betahistine hydrochloride injection can be controlled by bacterial endotoxin test, and the limit of bacterial endotoxin can be set as follows: the content of endotoxin in every 1mg of betahistine hydrochloride should not exceed 3 EU.
10.Diagnostic value of transvaginal contrast-enhanced ultrasound in identifying benign and malignant endometrial lesions and assessing myometrial invasion
Fang GUO ; Yulin YAN ; Chengsheng HUANG ; Xia WANG ; Xing WU ; Yanli XU ; Tao YING
Ultrasonography 2024;43(6):448-456
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of transvaginal contrastenhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating benign from malignant endometrial lesions and assessing the extent of myometrial invasion.
Methods:
A total of 70 patients who underwent surgery for endometrial lesions at the authors’ hospital were selected. Transvaginal ultrasound examination and CEUS were performed for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Based on the CEUS results, an International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) disease grade was assigned and compared with pathological findings.
Results:
Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is a key clinical manifestation of endometrial carcinoma. Among the patients with endometrial carcinoma, compared with normal myometrium, the lesion areas exhibited a greater rate of rise (defined as enhanced intensity divided by enhancement time) and a shorter half-clearance time (P<0.05). These findings suggest that in endometrial carcinoma, the contrast agent displays a "fast-in/fast-out/hyperenhancement" perfusion pattern. In contrast, the characteristic perfusion pattern for benign endometrial lesions is low enhancement (P<0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in detecting myometrial invasion was 88% (22 of 25 cases).
Conclusion
Transvaginal CEUS is a practical and effective diagnostic imaging method for distinguishing between benign and malignant endometrial lesions. It can also be used to evaluate the depth of myometrial invasion in patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma.

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