1.Empirical study of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations
Xiayao CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Xue DONG ; Zhongxiang MI ; Jun CHENG ; Aimin ZHANG ; Didi LU ; Jun WANG ; Jude LIU ; Qianmo AN ; Hui GUO ; Xiaochen LIU ; Zefeng YU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):83-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the present situation of input, output, outcome and impact of all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia in China, and analyze how the input predict the output, outcome and impact. MethodsFrom March 1st to April 30th, 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted on all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia, covering four dimensions: input, output, outcome and impact. A total of 1 365 questionnaires were distributed. The input included four items: laws and policies, human resources, equipment and facilities, and rehabilitation information management. The output included two items: technical paths and benefits/effectiveness. The outcome included three items: coverage rates, rehabilitation interventions and functional results. The impact included two items: health and sustainability. Each item contained several questions, all of which were described in a positive way. Each question was scored from one to five. A lower score indicated that the situation of the community-based rehabilitation station was more in line with the content described in the question. Regression analysis was performed using the total score of each item of input dimension as independent variables, and the total scores of the output, outcome and impact dimensions as dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean values of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations were 1.827 to 1.904, with coefficient of variation of 45.892% to 49.239%. The regression analysis showed that, rehabilitation information management, human resources, and laws and policies significantly predicted the output dimension (R² = 0.910, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, all four items in the input dimension predicted both the outcome (R² = 0.850, P < 0.001) and impact dimensions (R² = 0.833, P < 0.001). ConclusionInput, output, outcome and impact of the community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia were generally in line with the content of the questions, although some imbalances were observed. Additionally, the input of community-based rehabilitation stations could significantly predict their output, outcome and impact.
2.Bibliometric analysis of research process and current situation of brain aging and exosomes
Liting LYU ; Xia YU ; Jinmei ZHANG ; Qiaojing GAO ; Renfan LIU ; Meng LI ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1457-1465
BACKGROUND:In recent years,with the rapid development of biomedicine,the study of brain aging and exosomes has attracted more and more attention,but there is no bibliometrics analysis in this field. OBJECTIVE:To objectively analyze domestic and foreign literature on brain aging and exosomes in the past 15 years,to summarize the research status,hot spots,and development trends in this field. METHODS:Using the core database of Web of Science as a search platform,we downloaded the literature on brain aging and exosomes published from the establishment of the database to December 28,2022,and analyzed the data from the aspects of country or region,institution,author,keywords,and co-cited literature using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 visualization software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1 045 research articles were included,and the number of publications on brain aging and exosomes research both domestically and internationally was showing an increasing trend year by year.The United States ranked first with 429 papers,and China ranked second with 277 papers.Louisiana State University ranked first with 16 articles.Professor Lukiw Walter J from Louisiana State University in the United States was the author with the highest number of publications,and Professor Bartel DP from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was the author with the most citations.The most prolific Journal was the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.Alzheimer's disease,microRNA,gene expression,extracellular vesicles,exosomes,oxidative stress,and biomarkers are the most relevant terms.According to the research on hot topics,biomarkers have become a new research hotspot.The above results indicate that the research on brain aging and exosomes has gradually increased in the past 15 years.The research direction has gradually shifted from the initial exploration of the expression of miRNAs in central nervous system diseases related to brain aging to the search for biomarkers that can identify and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.The study of exocrine miRNAs to protect central nervous system from damage has emerged as promising therapeutic strategy.
3.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
4.Causal association of obesity and chronic pain mediated by educational attainment and smoking: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yunshu LYU ; Qingxing LU ; Yane LIU ; Mengtong XIE ; Lintong JIANG ; Junnan LI ; Ning WANG ; Xianglong DAI ; Yuqi YANG ; Peiming JIANG ; Qiong YU
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):177-186
Background:
Obesity and chronic pain are related in both directions, according to earlier observational research.This research aimed to analyze the causal association between obesity and chronic pain at the genetic level, as well as to assess whether common factors mediate this relationship.
Methods:
This study used bidirectional two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique to analyze the association between obesity and chronic pain. Obesity's summary genome-wide association data were obtained from European ancestry groups, as measured by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), genome-wide association study data for chronic pain also came from the UK population, including chronic pain at three different sites (back, hip, and headache), chronic widespread pain (CWP), and multisite chronic pain (MCP). Secondly, a two-step MR and multivariate MR investigation was performed to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.
Results:
The authors discovered a link between chronic pain and obesity. More specifically, a sensitivity analysis was done to confirm the associations between greater BMI, WC, and HC with an increased risk of CWP and MCP.Importantly, the intermediate MR results suggest that education levels and smoking initiation may mediate the causal relationship between BMI on CWP, with a mediation effect of 23.08% and 15.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The authors’ findings demonstrate that the importance of education and smoking in understanding chronic pain’s pathogenesis, which is important for the primary prevention and prognosis of chronic pain.
5.Effect of Dictamni Cortex on Intestinal Barrier Damage by Untargeted Metabolomics and Targeted Metabolomics for Short-chain Fatty Acids
Xiaomin XU ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Jiameixue WO ; Suxia JIA ; Wenkai HU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):40-47
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of Dictamni Cortex on intestinal barrier damage in rats and its mechanism by untargeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). MethodsRats were randomly divided into a control group, a high-dose group of Dictamni Cortex (8.1 g·kg-1), a medium-dose group (2.7 g·kg-1), and a low-dose group (0.9 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the other groups were administered different doses of Dictamni Cortex by gavage for eight consecutive weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the ileal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect the level of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), in the ileal tissue of rats. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) technology was used to detect the expression level of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 mRNAs, in the ileal tissue of rats to preliminarily explore the effects of Dictamni Cortex on intestinal damage. The dose with the most significant toxic phenotype was selected to further reveal the effects of Dictamni Cortex on the metabolic profile of ileal tissue in rats by non-targeted metabolomics combined with targeted metabolomics for SCFAs. ResultsCompared with the control group, all doses of Dictamni Cortex induced varying degrees of pathological damage in the ileum, increased TNF-α (P<0.01), IL-6 (P<0.01), and IL-1β (P<0.01) levels in the ileal tissue, and decreased the expression level of ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), Occludin (P<0.01), and Claudin-1 (P<0.05) in the ileal tissue, with the high-dose group showing the most significant toxic phenotypes. The damage mechanisms of the high-dose group of Dictamni Cortex on the ileal tissue were further explored by integrating non-targeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics for SCFAs. The non-targeted metabolomics results showed that 21 differential metabolites were identified in the control group and the high-dose group. Compared with that in the control group, after Dictamni Cortex intervention, the level of 14 metabolites was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the level of seven metabolites was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the ileal contents. These metabolites collectively acted on 10 related metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipids and primary bile acid biosynthesis. The quantitative data of targeted metabolomics for SCFAs showed that Dictamni Cortex intervention disrupted the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, acetic acid, caproic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and isocaproic acid in the ileal contents of rats. Compared with those in the control group, the level of isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were significantly increased, while the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, and acetic acid were significantly decreased in the ileal contents of rats after Dictamni Cortex intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDictamni Cortex can induce intestinal damage by regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways for SCFAs.
6.Metabolomics Reveals Immune System Domage of Dictamnine
Xiaocan GAI ; Jiaxin RUAN ; Sujie LIU ; Chen WANG ; Xiaofan WANG ; Jiahe YAN ; Yu WANG ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):57-65
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the immunotoxicity induced by dictamnine (DIC) in rats and the recovery effect after drug withdrawal by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, thereby providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the toxic mechanism of DIC. MethodsSD rats were randomized into blank (normal saline), DIC (10 mg·kg-1), and DIC withdrawal (recovery period) groups (n=8). The rats were continuously treated for 7 days, once a day, and the body weight and organ weight were recorded. The levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum and immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the spleen were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the spleen. ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to screen the potential biomarkers of immune inflammation caused by DIC, and pathway enrichment analysis and correlation analysis were performed. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the serum were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the DIC group showed elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.01), and the DIC withdrawal group showcased lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum (P<0.01). The levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the spleen of rats in the DIC group were decreased (P<0.01), while those in the DIC withdrawal group were recovered (P<0.05, P<0.01). Untargeted metabolomics of the serum and spleen screened out 14 common differential metabolites and 14 common metabolic pathways. The Spearman correlation analysis between differential metabolites and inflammatory factors identified PC (32∶0), LysoPC (20∶4/0∶0), LysoPC (P-18∶0/0∶0), taurochenodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, LysoPC [20∶5(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)/0∶0], chenodeoxycholic acid, arachidonic acid, LysoPC (18∶0/0∶0), LysoPC (15∶0/0∶0), LysoPC (16∶0/0∶0), and LysoPC (17∶0/0∶0) as the biomarkers of immunotoxicity induced by DIC in SD rats. In the process of immunotoxicity caused by DIC, lipid metabolism disorders such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism were enriched, which was consistent with the DIC-induced inflammatory factors and pathological characteristics of the spleen. Compared with the blank group, the DIC group exhibited up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, LPCAT2, and FXR (P<0.01), and the up-regulation was decreased in the withdrawal group (P<0.01). ConclusionDIC can lead to immune and inflammatory disorders. DIC withdrawal can regulate the expression of biomarkers related to serum and spleen metabolites, regulate the inflammatory metabolic pathway, reduce the inflammation level, and alleviate the metabolic disorders, thus attenuating the potential toxicity induced by DIC.
7.Application of left internal mammary artery and bilateral radial arteries in off-pump total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting
Shengzhong LIU ; Dachuang WEI ; Bo XIANG ; Jin TAN ; Lu JIANG ; Tao YU ; Keli HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1159-1165
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) using a left internal thoracic artery (LITA) combined with bilateral radial arteries (RAs). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent total arterial OPCABG with a LITA and bilateral RAs at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from November 2020 to April 2023. Results A total of 24 patients were included, comprising 23 males and 1 female, with a mean age of (53.63±4.33) years. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was Ⅱ to Ⅲ. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 3.17±0.38. A Y-graft was constructed in 12 patients and sequential grafting was performed in 4 patients. Concomitant procedures included coronary endarterectomy in 1 patient, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation in 10 patients, and thymoma resection in 1 patient. The mean operative time was (308.13±30.39) min, mechanical ventilation time was (15.42±7.42) h, ICU stay was (46.08±27.32) h, and postoperative hospital stay was (11.71±1.90) d. There were no in-hospital deaths. Postoperative complications included one patient of acute renal failure and one patient of cerebral infarction. Pre-discharge color Doppler echocardiography revealed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly smaller than before surgery (P<0.05), while the left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly higher (P<0.05). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed that all arterial grafts were patent. During a mean follow-up of (14.58±8.75) months, no patients experienced angina recurrence or mortality. Repeat coronary CTA or angiography in 16 patients one year postoperatively confirmed that all arterial grafts remained patent. Conclusion Total arterial OPCABG using a LITA and bilateral RAs is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease. For high-risk patients, intraoperative IABP support is recommended.
8.Underlying Mechanism of Wuwei Shenqintang in Amelioration of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Regulating "Lung-intestine Axis" Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Metabolomics Technology
Mengdi SUN ; Fang LU ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):11-20
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Wuwei Shenqintang in improving pulmonary fibrosis by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for metabolomic analysis of lung tissue and feces. MethodsA rat model with pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection of 5 mg·kg-1 bleomycin. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prednisone (3.15 mg·kg-1) group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang (4.586, 9.172, 18.344 g·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration once a day for 28 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure the pathological changes in lung and colon tissue, and Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect the expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), fibronectin (FN), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in lung tissue. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to study the changes in the metabolic network of lung tissue and feces in rats with pulmonary fibrosis treated with Wuwei Shenqintang, screen potential biomarkers for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis by Wuwei Shenqintang, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and continuous fibrotic lesions in lung tissue, colonic mucosal damage, and connective tissue hyperplasia. The expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA proteins and mRNAs in lung tissue was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the groups of Wuwei Shenqintang exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and blue collagen deposition in lung tissue, alleviated colonic damage, decreased expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus (P<0.01), and reduced average absorbance values and mRNA expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the prednisone group and the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang showing the most significant effects. The metabolomics results for lung tissue showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had 19 significantly different compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 17 of these compounds compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Fecal metabolomics results showed that compared with those in the blank group, there were 42 compounds with significant differences in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 41 of these compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). The combined analysis results indicated that Wuwei Shenqintang might inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan as well as the retinol metabolism pathway. ConclusionWuwei Shenqintang can ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to the regulation of the "lung-intestine axis".
9.Incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis and its influencing factors in Hubei Province based on the geographically weighted regression model
Xingxing LU ; Xun LIU ; Fan WANG ; Jianjun YE ; Yu ZHANG ; Chengfeng YANG ; Liping ZHOU ; Hongxing WANG ; Wenqian ZHOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):28-31
Objective To study the spatial distribution of the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Hubei Province and its influencing factors, so as to improve the theoretical basis for scientific development of tuberculosis prevention and control measures in the future. Methods The data of reported incidence of tuberculosis and related influencing factors in various counties and districts of Hubei Province in 2020 were collected. Global Moran's I index, hotspot analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR) model analysis were used to calculate the spatial autocorrelation of the incidence of tuberculosis, and to analyze the influencing factors affecting the incidence rate of tuberculosis. Results There were obvious regional differences in the space distribution of the incidence rate of tuberculosis. Hot spot analysis showed positive spatial correlation and obvious clustering. The GWR model (AICc=784.251) in this study had higher AICc value compared to the ordinary least squares regression (OLS) model (AICc=804.2585). The GWR model showed that the increase in the proportion of the population aged 65 and above and the proportion of the ethnic minority population had a significant promoting effect on the increase of the incidence rate of tuberculosis, and there was significant spatial heterogeneity. The effect of PM2.5 concentration on the incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis varied in different regions, and the degree of effect was also different. Conclusion The proportion of people aged 65 and above and the proportion of ethnic minorities may significantly influence the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The effect of PM2.5 concentration varies in different regions, so targeted measures should be formulated according to the situation in different regions.
10.Underlying Mechanism of Wuwei Shenqintang in Amelioration of Pulmonary Fibrosis by Regulating "Lung-intestine Axis" Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Metabolomics Technology
Mengdi SUN ; Fang LU ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):11-20
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Wuwei Shenqintang in improving pulmonary fibrosis by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for metabolomic analysis of lung tissue and feces. MethodsA rat model with pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection of 5 mg·kg-1 bleomycin. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prednisone (3.15 mg·kg-1) group, and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang (4.586, 9.172, 18.344 g·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration once a day for 28 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure the pathological changes in lung and colon tissue, and Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect the expression of type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), fibronectin (FN), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in lung tissue. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to study the changes in the metabolic network of lung tissue and feces in rats with pulmonary fibrosis treated with Wuwei Shenqintang, screen potential biomarkers for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis by Wuwei Shenqintang, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and continuous fibrotic lesions in lung tissue, colonic mucosal damage, and connective tissue hyperplasia. The expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA proteins and mRNAs in lung tissue was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the groups of Wuwei Shenqintang exhibited significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and blue collagen deposition in lung tissue, alleviated colonic damage, decreased expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and intestinal mucus (P<0.01), and reduced average absorbance values and mRNA expression of Col-Ⅰ, FN, and α-SMA in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the prednisone group and the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Wuwei Shenqintang showing the most significant effects. The metabolomics results for lung tissue showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had 19 significantly different compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 17 of these compounds compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Fecal metabolomics results showed that compared with those in the blank group, there were 42 compounds with significant differences in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model control group, Wuwei Shenqintang could normalize 41 of these compounds (P<0.05, P<0.01). The combined analysis results indicated that Wuwei Shenqintang might inhibit pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan as well as the retinol metabolism pathway. ConclusionWuwei Shenqintang can ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis, which may be related to the regulation of the "lung-intestine axis".


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