1.Mechanism of Intervening with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats with Spleen Deficiency by Xingpi Capsules Through Regulating 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway
Gang WANG ; Lingwen CUI ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Ran WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules (XPC) in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling, SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group, a pinaverium bromide group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose XPC groups (0.135 and 0.54 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day, and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier, intestinal motility, and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate, diarrhea grade, and Bristol score (P<0.01). HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group, with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier, shedding and disappearance of microvilli, and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated (P<0.01). The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) were upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea, diarrhea-associated symptoms, and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically, high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea, promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure, significantly reduced congestion and edema, upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 (P<0.01), decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01), significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC20 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.
2. Ligustilide delays senescence of auditory cortex in mice by inhibiting ferritinophagy
Ying-Dong ZHOU ; Meng-Xian ZHANG ; Qing-Ling WANG ; Hao-Ran KANG ; Zhi-Cheng ZHANG ; Xiang-Dong GUO ; Qing-Lin WANG ; Ya-Min LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):455-461
Aim To investigate the mechanism of ligu aged 2 months of the same strain were used as the constilide (LIG) in delaying the senescence of auditory trol (Ctrl) group. Auditory brainstem response test was cortex and treating central presbycusis. Methods used to detect the auditory threshold of mice before and Forty C57BL/6J mice aged 13 months were randomly di after treatment. Levels of serum MDA and activity of vided into ligustilide low-dose(L-LIG) group, ligustil serum SOD were detected to display the level of oxidative ide medium-dose (M-LIG) group, ligustilide high-dose stress. The pathological changes of auditory cortex were (H-LIG) group and aging (Age) group, and 10 mice observed by HE staining. Ferroptosis was observed by
3.A cross-sectional survey on evidence-based nursing practice for pain assessment by nurses in China's class 3A hospitals
Fang LIU ; Ying WU ; Dandan WANG ; Ran HU ; Junrong XIE
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(1):127-132
Objective To explore the current situation of evidence-based nursing practice in pain assess-ment by nurses in China to provide the decision-making data for maximizing to relieve the patient pain by car-rying out the pain assessment evidence-based nursing practice.Methods The non-probability sampling meth-od was used to conduct an online anonymous survey in 63 class 3A hospitals in the whole country.The ques-tionnaire included the general information questionnaire and evidence-based nursing practice scale for pain as-sessment.The evidence-based nursing practice scale for pain assessment included the pain screening,compre-hensive pain assessment,exchange with the patients and their households in the pain assessment,pain re-as-sessment,pain assessment tool selection and record.The 5 dimensions were compared by using item equaliza-tion.The data analysis was performed by the SPSS26.0.Results A total of 1 518 questionnaires were recov-ered,in which 1 482 questionnaires were valid with an effective recovery rate of 97.62%.The evidence-based nurse practice of pain assessment by nurse was(108.40±17.96)points,the pain screening was(12.87±2.23)points,the item average score was the highest[(4.29±0.74)points],the communication with the patients and their household was(23.69±4.93)points and the item average score was the lowest[(3.94±0.82)points].The regression analysis showed that whether receiving the pain training and whether distinguishing active pain and resting pain had a positive effect on the practical behavior(P<0.05).Conclusion The evi-dence-based nursing practice in pain assessment by nurses in the partial class 3A hospitals in China is in the upper medium level.However,the communication between the patients and their families is insufficient.Man-agers should constantly enrich the training content and methods,and guide nurses to strengthen the communi-cation between nurses and the patients.
4.Establishment of rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct amplification RT-PCR technique
Lang LI ; Libing GU ; Li ZHU ; Jianan HE ; Ying YE ; Ran ZHANG ; Huawen LI ; Fuyuan LI ; Dayong GU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(3):358-364
Objective To establish a rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct amplification re-al-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)technique.Methods A direct amplification RT-PCR technique for the rapid detection of zika virus in 5 samples(whole blood,serum,saliva,throat swab and urine)was established by using a special function DNA polymerase and a preferred PCR enhancer.Results The detection limits of the 5 samples were 103 PFU/mL in serum,102 PFU/mL in urine,throat swab,and saliva,and 104 PFU/mL in whole blood.The coefficient of goodness-fit of stand-ard curves was above 0.98,and the amplification efficiency was 90%-110%.Zika virus nucleic acid was suc-cessfully amplified,but non-zika virus nucleic acid was not amplified.Based on the repeatable detection of sam-ples from urine,whole blood,and saliva,the variation coefficient of 6 repeated Ct values at 106 PFU/mL and 102 PFU/mL concentrations were all<5%.The zika virus detection method established by the direct amplifi-cation RT-PCR technique was consistent with the detection results of conventional RT-PCR technique.Only two serum samples were detected in eight zika virus samples,and the remaining 62 non-zika virus samples and 12 negative samples were not amplified.Conclusion A rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct ampli-fication RT-PCR technique is successfully established.The method is simple,rapid,sensitive and specific.
5.Remyelination Regulated by microRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review
Manjing LI ; Qi LI ; Qingsen RAN ; Kunni CHEN ; Xinke DU ; Lina YANG ; Chunxia NIE ; Qing YANG ; Yujie LI ; Ying CHEN ; Yajie WANG ; Xiaogang WENG ; Weiyan CAI ; Xiaoxin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):223-231
Demyelination of the central nervous system often occurs in neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The myelin sheath, a layer of myelin membrane wrapping the axon, plays a role in the rapid conduction and metabolic coupling of impulses for neurons. The exposure of the axon will lead to axonal degeneratio, and further neuronal degeneration, which is the main cause of dysfunction and even disability in patients with demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to the demyelination of mature myelin sheath, remyelination disorder is also one of the major reasons leading to the development of the diseases. The myelin sheath is composed of oligodendrocytes (OLs) derived from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) which are differentiated from neural stem cells (NSCs). The process of myelin regeneration, i.e., remyelination, is the differentiation of NSCs into OLs. Recent studies have shown that this process is regulated by a variety of genes. MicroRNAs, as important regulators of neurodegenerative diseases, form a complex regulatory network in the process of myelin regeneration. This review summarizes the main molecular pathways of myelin regeneration and microRNAs involved in this process and classifies the mechanisms and targets. This review is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the future research on the treatment of demyelinating diseases by targeting the regulation of microRNAs.
6.Role and mechanism of action of phytoestrogen biochanin A in improving liver fibrosis in ovariectomized mice
Chaorong TAN ; Xiaopiao LI ; Junyan RAN ; Ying XIONG ; Shanggao LIAO ; Jinjuan ZHANG ; Xun HE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(1):76-82
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of phytoestrogen biochanin A (BCA) on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in female mice with bilateral oophorectomy (ovariectomized) and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 50 ovariectomized Kunming mice were selected and given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 to establish a model of liver fibrosis, and then according to body weight, they were randomly divided into model group, positive control group, and low-, middle-, and high-dose BCA groups, with 10 mice in each group. In addition, 10 female mice in the same litter were given resection of a small amount of adipose tissue near both ovaries to establish the sham-operation group. The mice in the positive control group were given estradiol 2 mg/kg by gavage, and those in the low-, middle-, and high-dose BCA groups were given BCA by gavage at a dose of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, once a day for 7 consecutive weeks; the mice in the sham-operation group and the model group were given an equal volume of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution by gavage. The mice were anesthetized and sacrificed after administration to collect samples. Liver index and uterus index were measured; HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe liver histopathological changes; the biochemical analysis was used to measure the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in liver tissue, and Western blot was used to measure the relative protein expression levels of collagen Ⅰ, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 in liver tissue. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of various was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups and further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group had a significant increase in liver index and a significant reduction in uterus index, as well as significant increases in the activities of serum AST and ALT, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in liver tissue, and the protein expression levels of collagen Ⅰ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 in liver tissue (all P<0.05), with no significant change in the expression of ERβ in liver tissue (P>0.05), and the model group showed significant fibrosis lesions in the liver, such as hepatocyte edema, steatosis, and necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperplasia, deposition, and staggered distribution of collagen fibers. Compared with the model group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose BCA groups had significant reductions in liver index, the activities of serum AST and ALT, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and the protein expression levels of collagen Ⅰ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 in liver tissue (all P<0.05), with no significant change in uterine index (P>0.05), as well as a significant increase in the protein expression level of ERβ in liver tissue (P<0.05) and varying degrees of improvement in liver fibrosis lesions. ConclusionBCA can effectively improve CCL4-induced liver fibrosis in ovariectomized female mice, possibly by upregulating ERβ to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway and then alleviating inflammatory response.
7.Advances in Disease-Modifying Therapy of Neuromyelitis Optic Spectrum Disorders
Xuanling ZHANG ; Chaoyang CHEN ; Ran WEI ; Ying ZHOU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(2):246-251
Neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorders(NMOSD)is a serious inflammatory demyelinating disease.Clinical treatment of NMOSD mainly involves acute phase treatment and remission phase prevention treatment.Disease-modifying therapy(DMT)in remission phase of NMOSD can effectively reduce disease re-currence and delay disability progression.At present,the drugs commonly used for DMT at home and abroad in-clude classical immunosuppression,B-cell surface antigen monoclonal antibody,complement targeting mono-clonal antibody,IL-6 receptor-targeting monoclonal antibody,etc.This paper mainly reviews the DMT drugs ef-ficacy,safety,as well as the marketing status of NMOSD.
8.Advances in the Adjunctive Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome with Clobazam and Cannabidiol
Jingtian SHI ; Chaoyang CHEN ; Ting YANG ; Ran WEI ; Xuanling ZHANG ; Zining WANG ; Xiaojuan HU ; Ying ZHOU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(2):252-259
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome(LGS)is a severe,epileptic encephalopathy.In recent years,a variety of drugs have been approved for the treatment of LGS.The U.S.Food and Drug Administration ap-proved clobazam and cannabidiol as adjunctive therapy for LGS in October 2011 and June 2018,respectively.This article provides an overview of clobazam and cannabidiol,including their chemical structures,pharmaco-logical actions,curative effects,safety profile,drug interactions,to introduce the current state of research and the achievements of both drugs.
9.Progress in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infantile Epileptic Spasm Syndrome
Lu ZHENG ; Ting YANG ; Chaoyang CHEN ; Ran WEI ; Xuanling ZHANG ; Yijie MA ; Ying ZHOU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(2):260-268
Infantile epileptic spasm syndrome(IESS)is a new concept proposed recently.IESS is a unique and age-specific refractory epilepsy syndrome.The recent advances in molecular biology,neuroimmunol-ogy and the in-depth study of anti-epileptic mechanism in antiepileptic drugs have led to the achievements in the definition and treatment of infantile epileptic spasm.At present,the use of traditional antiepileptic drugs is de-creasing,while the use of new antiepileptic drugs is increasing.In this paper,based on the relevant literature in recent years,the authors discuss the pathogenesis,epidemiology,etiology,diagnosis,treatment,therapeutic drugs,clinical progress,efficacy,and safety of infantile epileptic spasm,hoping to introduce the latest status in research and achievements of IESS.
10.Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on presbycusis in the rat model via autophagy pathway
Qing-Ling WANG ; Meng-Xian ZHANG ; Ying-Dong ZHOU ; Hao-Ran KANG ; Xiang-Dong GUO ; Qing-Lin WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):65-71
AIM To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on hearing function,cochlear morphology and autophagy-related protein expression in a rat model of presbycusis.METHODS Forty-five rats were randomly divided into the control group,the model group and the low,medium and high dose G.biloba extract groups(10,20 and 30 mg/kg),with 9 rats in each group.The rat model of presbycusis was established by intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg D-galactose(D-gal).Eight weeks after the corresponding administration,the rats had their changes of hearing threshold detected by the auditory brainstem evoked potential(ABR);their morphological changes of cochlear hair cells,stria vascularis(SV)and spiral ganglion cells observed by HE staining;their number of hair cells inside and outside the cochlea detected by immunofluorescence staining;their ultrastructure changes of cochlear hair cells observed by transmission electron microscopy;and their expression of autophagy-related proteins in cochlea tissue detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group displayed increased ABR threshold(P<0.01);more severely damaged inner and outer hair cells,spiral ganglion cells and SV,decreased SV thickness and numbers of spiral ganglion cells,inner and outer hair cells and autophagosomes(P<0.01);decreased protein expressions of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ and ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in cochlear tissue(P<0.01),and higher P62 protein expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the medium and high dose G.biloba extract groups shared decreased ABR thresholds(P<0.01);improved morphology of inner and outer hair cells and SV in the cochlea,normalized,morphology of spiral ganglion cells,and increased SV thickness and the numbers of spiral ganglion cells,inner and outer hair cells and autophagosomes(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased protein expressions of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ and the ratio of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ in the cochlea(P<0.01),and decreased P62 protein expression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The protective effects G.biloba extract on hearing function and cochlear cells in the rat model of presbycusis may be associated with the up-regulated expression of Beclin1 and LC3 Ⅱ proteins and down-regulated P62 protein expression in cochlear tissues.

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