1.Mechanism of Wenyang Jieyu Prescription in Regulating Activation of Mouse Hippocampal Microglia Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Ying WANG ; Zihan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):88-96
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the Wenyang Jieyu prescription in regulating depression-like behavior in mice after maternal-infant separation combined with secondary stress. MethodsAfter birth, the rats were randomly divided into blank (NC) group, maternal-infant separation (MS) group, restraint stress (RS) group, maternal-infant separation combined with restraint stress (MRS) group, Wenyang group, Jieyu group, Wenyang Jieyu (XSF) group, and minocycline group. Maternal-infant separation was performed on day 5 (PD5), followed by weaning at PD21 and prophylactic administration. The dose of Wenyang group, Xiaoyao group, XSF group and minocycline group were 5.85, 12.03, 16.71 g·kg-1 and 50 mg·kg-1, respectively. Restraint stress was applied on PD90. The model was evaluated using glucose, social interaction, open field, and O-maze behavior tests, as well as high-performance liquid chromatography to measure serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. The expression level of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) protein, a marker of hippocampal microglia, was detected by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the hippocampus were analyzed by an automatic protein expression analysis system. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of M1 markers, JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related genes, and cytokines in hippocampal microglia in each group. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the MRS group exhibited depression-like behavior, with significantly decreased levels of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased expression of Iba-1 (P<0.01), and elevated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of CD68, CD11b, IL-1β, JAK2, and STAT3 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the MRS group, the XSF and minocycline groups showed some improvement in depression-like behavior. In these groups, the hippocampal neurotransmitter content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Iba-1 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in the XSF group showed a downward trend. The mRNA expression levels of CD68, CD11b, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-1β in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the XSF and minocycline groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWenyang Jieyu prescription can regulate depression-like behavior in maternal-infant separation mice combined with secondary stress by inhibiting the polarization of hippocampal microglia to the M1 phenotype. The regulation of hippocampal microglia polarization by Wenyang Jieyu prescription may be associated with the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
2.Analysis of visual field manifestations of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Yue LI ; Ying WANG ; Wenxin JIAO ; Jilu LIN ; Jianing WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):671-675
AIM: To observe the manifestations and distribution patterns of visual field in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION).METHODS: Retrospective observational study. The investigation encompassed 183 patients(246 eyes)diagnosed with NAION who were evaluated at the Neuro-Ophthalmology/Acupuncture Department within the Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from June 2018 to December 2023. Recorded clinical data covered demographic details, incidence, disease duration, presence of systemic diseases, and histories of tobacco and alcohol use, along with best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), visual field index(VFI), type of visual field defect, and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL).RESULTS: A total of 183 patients(246 eyes)were enrolled. The cohort consisted of 101 males and 82 females; 120 exhibited unilateral symptoms, while 63 showed bilateral symptoms, with a mean age of 56.20±9.78 years(range 29-81 years). The types of visual field defects observed were varied: 90 eyes(36.6%)had diffuse loss, 63 eyes(25.6%)experienced inferior hemifield loss, 32 eyes(13.0%)displayed ring scotomas, 22 eyes(8.9%)had arcuate scotomas, 11 eyes(4.5%)presented with quadrant defects, 15 eyes(6.1%)had sectorial or wedge defects, and 13 eyes(5.3%)showed superior hemifield loss. The BCVA(LogMAR)and VFI of patients with diffuse visual field loss were poorer than patients with other types of visual defects(all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in visual field defects among patients of different genders and ages(all P<0.05). However, history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea and other systemic diseases, history of smoking and alcohol, and course of disease did not show specificity in the NAION visual field(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:NAION manifests with a broad spectrum of visual field impairments across different genders, age, and levels of visual functionality. Extensive future research is necessary to identify additional reasons influencing the types of visual field damage in NAION.
3.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
4.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
5.Non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents: the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and related factors
Honghui WEI ; Ying ZHANG ; Ningning SUN ; Yue WANG ; Yang LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):211-216
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, significantly affecting their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the risk factors associated with adolescent NSSI is crucial for prevention. Previous studies have identified mobile phone dependence as a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. However, as a key form of mobile phone dependence, the evidence regarding the impact of mobile phone social media dependence on adolescent NSSI behavior remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and its associated factors on adolescent NSSI behavior, so as to provide references for intervention strategies targeting NSSI in adolescents. MethodsA total of 100 adolescents diagnosed with NSSI according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and receiving treatment at Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study group. Concurrently, 100 age- and sex-matched students from Hangzhou were recruited as the control group. Assessments were conducted using Ottawa Self-injury Inventory(OSI) Function Subscale and Addiction Features Subscale, Adolescents Self-Harm Scale(ASHS), and Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing NSSI behaviors. ResultsThe research group had a total of 99 patients (99.00%) who completed the study, while the control group consisted of 97 (97.00%) adolescents who finished this research.The study group had statistically significantly higher total scores on the Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire, as well as higher scores on the conflict and withdrawal dimensions, compared with control group(t=-3.061, -2.874, -2.368, P<0.05 or 0.01). The study group also scored significantly higher on the OSI Function Subscale for internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation-seeking factors, as well as on the OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores, compared to the control group(t=-22.249, -8.854, -17.968, -10.591, -20.157, P<0.01). OSI Function Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.321, P<0.01), and OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.282, P<0.01). ASHS scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.145, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that compulsivity (β=0.416, P<0.01) and conflict (β=0.256, P<0.05) were significant predictors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. ConclusionAdolescent NSSI behaviors are associated with mobile phone social media dependence. The compulsivity and conflict dimension of mobile phone social media dependence are influencing factors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. The higher level of the compulsivity and conflict are associated with an increased risk of the NSSI behaviors in adolescents. [Funde by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project in 2022 (number, 2022KY704]
6.Analysis of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid detection in blood products in China
Yue WANG ; Xiaobei ZHENG ; Qin GONG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yuanxiu LUO ; Dandan YANG ; Linlin ZHANG ; Zheng JIANG ; Gan PENG ; Jin ZHANG ; Bingbing KE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):950-957
Objective: To analyze the nucleic acid load of human parvovirus B19 in major commercially available blood products in China, including human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, human rabies immunoglobulin and various coagulation factor products, aiming to provide evidence for improving blood product manufacturing processes and quality control of source plasma. Methods: A total of 98 batches of coagulation factor products were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, including 42 batches of human prothrombin complex, 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ, and 21 batches of human fibrinogen. Additionally, 6 batches of human albumin, 6 batches of human intravenous immunoglobulin, and 38 batches of human rabies immunoglobulin were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid. Results: Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid were undetectable in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin and human rabies immunoglobulin. Among the 98 batches of coagulation factor products tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid, B19 nucleic acid reactivity rate was 69.0% (29/42) for human prothrombin complex batches, but nucleic acid concentration were all significantly lower than 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ was 48.6% (17/35), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 21 batches of human fibrinogen was 61.9% (13/21), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. Conclusion: No human parvovirus B19 has been detected in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, or human rabies immunoglobulin. Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid may exist in commercially available coagulation factor products, highlighting the need for enhanced screening of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in these products. It is also recommended that B19 viral nucleic acid testing be conducted on source plasma, particularly for coagulation factor products.
7.Analysis of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid detection in blood products in China
Yue WANG ; Xiaobei ZHENG ; Qin GONG ; Ying ZHAO ; Yuanxiu LUO ; Dandan YANG ; Linlin ZHANG ; Zheng JIANG ; Gan PENG ; Jin ZHANG ; Bingbing KE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):950-957
Objective: To analyze the nucleic acid load of human parvovirus B19 in major commercially available blood products in China, including human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, human rabies immunoglobulin and various coagulation factor products, aiming to provide evidence for improving blood product manufacturing processes and quality control of source plasma. Methods: A total of 98 batches of coagulation factor products were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, including 42 batches of human prothrombin complex, 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ, and 21 batches of human fibrinogen. Additionally, 6 batches of human albumin, 6 batches of human intravenous immunoglobulin, and 38 batches of human rabies immunoglobulin were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid. Results: Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid were undetectable in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin and human rabies immunoglobulin. Among the 98 batches of coagulation factor products tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid, B19 nucleic acid reactivity rate was 69.0% (29/42) for human prothrombin complex batches, but nucleic acid concentration were all significantly lower than 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ was 48.6% (17/35), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 21 batches of human fibrinogen was 61.9% (13/21), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10
IU/mL. Conclusion: No human parvovirus B19 has been detected in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, or human rabies immunoglobulin. Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid may exist in commercially available coagulation factor products, highlighting the need for enhanced screening of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in these products. It is also recommended that B19 viral nucleic acid testing be conducted on source plasma, particularly for coagulation factor products.
8.Analysis of influential factors for purchasing quantity changes in the procurement varieties of the first batch of drug centralized procurement
Yuxin LIU ; Xiaotong WEN ; Fengran DUAN ; Yue WANG ; Ying YANG ; Zongfu MAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):641-646
OBJECTIVE To investigate the factors influencing the changes in purchasing quantity in the procurement varieties of the first batch of volume-based drug centralized procurement (hereinafter referred to as centralized procurement). METHODS Using 25 procurement varieties of the “4+7” policy as research objects, the changes in purchasing quantity of procurement varieties were analyzed before and after the implementation of the “4+7” pilot, renewal and expansion policies. The influential factors were determined from the three levels of drugs, medical institutions and regions; and the multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the influential factors for the changes in the purchasing quantity of procurement varieties. RESULTS Before and after the implementation of the “4+7” pilot, renewal and expansion policies, the purchasing quantity increased by 52.1, -0.2, 85.8 ten thousand DDDs on average, compared with base period. During pilot, renewal and expansion period, DDDc decrease in procurement varieties was positively correlated with the increase in purchasing quantity (P<0.01). During the pilot and renewal period, the number of absolutely alternative varieties was positively correlated with the increase in purchasing quantity (P<0.1). During the pilot and expansion period, the number of alternative varieties to a certain extent was negatively correlated with the increase in purchasing quantity (P<0.05). During the renewal period, the increment of purchasing quantity in tertiary hospitals was smaller than that of primary medical institutions (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is a relationship between the decline of DDDc and the changes in the purchasing quantity, that is, the more the drug price dropped, the more the purchasing quantity increased. The number of alternative varieties for centralized procurement will affect the changes in their purchasing quantity, but it is not always stable. With the implementation of the policy, the volume of primary medical institutions gradually exceeds that of tertiary institutions, indicating that the consumption of centralized purchased varieties is transferred to the primary medical institutions, and centralized procurement has promoted the implementation of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system.
9.Syndromes and Mechanisms of Depression Induced by Second Hit in Mice
Zihan GONG ; Ying WANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):29-38
ObjectiveTo explore the syndromes and mechanisms of depression induced by maternal separation (MS) combined with chronic restraint stress (RS) in mice. MethodOn postnatal day 0 (PD0), the offspring mice were randomized into a blank group (NC) and a modeling group. The mouse model of depression was established by MS+RS for 21 days. After removal of female mice on PD21, the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups, with 15 mice in each group. The sucrose preference, tail suspension, and open field tests were carried out to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels in mouse plasma. High performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector was used to determine the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of genes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the 5-HT system and HPA axis in the hippocampus. The Simple Western system was used to determine the protein levels of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the NC group, the model group exhibited depression-like behavior, which was significantly relieved by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine. Compared with the NC group, the model group showed elevated levels of CORT and ACTH in the plasma (P<0.01), which, however, were lowered by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the NC group, the model group showed inhibited expression of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine restored the expression of neurotransmitters (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the model group showed inhibition of the 5-HTergic nerve and abnormal activation of the HPA axis, and Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine regulated the abnormal state of the 5-HTergic nerve and HPA axis. Compared with NC group, the modeling down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), which, however, were recovered in Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mouse model of depression induced by MS+RS may present the syndrome of Yang deficiency and liver depression. Wenyang Jieyu prescription may increase the content of hippocampal neurotransmitters by regulating the 5-HT system and the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the HPA axis, thereby alleviating depression-like behavior in mice.
10.Wenyang Jieyu Prescription Regulates Hippocampal Neural Plasticity in Depressed Mice via NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β Pathway
Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Xiaoying MENG ; Zinhan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Ying WANG ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):39-47
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Wenyang Jieyu prescription (WJP) on neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity in the mouse model of depression induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress. MethodThe mice on postnatal day 0 (PD0) were randomized into a control group and a modeling group. Maternal separation combined with restraint stress was employed to establish the mouse model of depression. After the removal of female mice, the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang prescription (5.85 g·kg-1), Jieyu prescription (12.03 g·kg-1), WJP (16.71 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine (2.6 mg·kg-1) groups on the weaning day (PD21), with 15 mice in each group. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs mixed with the diet from PD21 to PD111. The sucrose preference test, open field test, O-maze test, and novel object recognition test were then carried out to evaluate the depression state, memory, and learning ability of the mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to observe the ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in hippocampal microglia. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to measure the content of noradrenaline (NE) and epinephrine (E) in the hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the content of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, synaptophysin (Syn), and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95). ResultCompared with control group, the model group showed decreased sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.05, P<0.01). The microglia in the model group presented amoeba-like appearance, the Iba1 increased. Moreover, the model group showed decreased content of NE and E (P<0.01), elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of PSD95 and Syn (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with model group, WJP and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.05, P<0.01). They recovered the microglia and the Iba1 decreased. Moreover, the drugs increased the content of NE and E (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of PSD95 and Syn (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWJP can treat the depressive behavior induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress in mice, with the performance outperforming Wenyang prescription and Jieyu prescription. It may alleviate the neuroinflammation induced by microglia and improve the synaptic plasticity by regulating the NLRP3 pathway and increasing neurotransmitters in the hippocampus.

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