1.Mechanism of Total Saponin of Astragali Radix and Total Alkaloids of Nelumbinis Folium Against Hyperlipidemia Based on PPARγ/LXRα/ABCG1 Signaling Pathway
Yufang ZHANG ; Jian CHEN ; Yixin ZHANG ; Sitong LI ; Yafen WANG ; Yongqi ZHANG ; Cheng SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):37-44
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of the combination of total saponin of Astragali Radix-total alkaloids of Nelumbinis Folium on reversal cholesterol transport (RCT) in hyperlipidemia rats, and to discuss its mechanism. MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, high-fat diet group, total saponin of Astragali Radix-total alkaloids of Nelumbinis Folium low (17 mg·kg-1+40 mg·kg-1), middle (34 mg·kg-1+80 mg·kg-1), high dose (68 mg·kg-1+160 mg·kg-1) groups and simvastatin (2.1 mg·kg-1) group, with 10 mice in each group. The Hyperlipidemia model was duplicated by feeding rats with a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. From the 3rd week, except for the control group and the high-fat diet group given distilled water, other groups were given corresponding drugs intragastric treatment for 4 weeks. The changes in blood lipid and liver function of rats were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining were used to observe the pathological morphological changes and steatosis of rat liver tissue. The contents of total cholesterol (TC) and total bile acid (TBA) in rat liver tissue and feces were determined by a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer. The mRNA and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (PPARγ), liver X receptors α (LXRα), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in rat liver tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group, the contents or activities of TC, triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TBA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the contents of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the high-fat diet group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The hepatocyte was clearly swollen like ballooning degeneration, with a lot of fat vacuoles and red fat droplets. The contents of TC and TBA in liver tissue and feces were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ, LXRα, ABCG1, and CYP7A1 in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the high-fat diet group, the contents or activities of TC, TG, LDL-C, TBA, AST, and ALT in the serum of rats in administered groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the content of HDL-C was significantly increased (P<0.01). Hepatocyte swelling was significantly reduced, and the ballooning degeneration, fat vacuoles, and red lipid droplets in liver tissue were significantly decreased. The contents of TC and TBA in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the contents of TC and TBA in feces were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ, LXRα, ABCG1, and CYP7A1 in liver tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTotal saponin of Astragali Radix-total alkaloids of Nelumbinis Folium has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia rats, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of PPARγ/LXRα/ABCG1 signaling pathway and regulation of RCT.
2.Effect of Grain-sized Moxibustion on JAK2/ STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Colon Tissue of Ulcerative Colitis Mice
Tao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Hao YIN ; Yanting CHENG ; Yufang JI ; Haijun WANG ; Laixi JI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(18):1925-1933
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Zhongwan (RN12)" "Tianshu (ST25)" and "Shangjuxu (ST37)" on the colon tissue of mice with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to analyze the potential mechanism. MethodsForty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, moxibustion group and mesalazine group, with 10 mice in each group. In all the groups except for the blank group, UC mouse model was prepared by freely drinking 3% sodium dextran sulfate solution. After successful modeling, the moxibustion group was treated with grain-sized moxibustion at Zhongwan, Tianshu and Shangjuxu , 3 cones per acupoint, 30 s of each cone. The mesalazine group was given 300 mg/kg of mesalazine enteric-coated tablet solution by gavage. The blank group and the model group were only fixed by grasping without any intervention. Each group was intervened once a day for 7 consecutive days. The general condition of mice in each group was observed, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was evaluated. The colon length, intestinal weight and colon mucosal injury score were detected. The contents of serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of colon tissue were observed by HE staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of non-receptor tyrosine protein kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in colon tissue of mice were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of JAK2 and SOCS3 in colon tissue of mice was detected by immunofluorescence double staining. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the mice in the model group had unclean perianal area, unformed stool, destroyed colonic mucosal morphology, shortened body weight and colon length, increased DAI score, intestinal weight index, colonic mucosal injury and pathological score, serum ICAM-1, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, increased mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue, and decreased mRNA and protein expression of SOCS3 (P<0.01). Compared to those in the model group, the perianal area of mice in the moxibustion group and the mesalazine group was improved, and the colonic mucosal morphology was more complete; body weight and colon length increased, while DAI score, intestinal weight index, colonic mucosal injury and pathological score, serum ICAM-1, IL-6 and TNF-α levels decreased, with decreased mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue, and increased SOCS3 mRNA and protein expression ( P<0.01 or P<0.05 ). There was no significant difference in any index between the moxibustion group and the mesalazine group. ConclusionGrain-sized moxibustion at "Zhongwan", "Tianshu" and "Shangjuxu" can improve the damage of colon mucosa in UC model mice, and the mechanism may be related to the key factors regulating JAK2 / STAT3 signaling pathway based on SOCS3.
3.Effects of grain-sized moxibustion on Th1/Th2 balance and transcription factors T-bet and GATA3 in immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide
Tao ZHU ; Zhenzhi WANG ; Jia REN ; Yanting CHENG ; Zhen GAO ; Yufang JI ; Jinling MIAO ; Laixi JI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(6):818-825
Objective To observe the effects of grain-sized moxibustion on Th1 cell/Th2 cell(Th1/Th2)balance and transcription factors T-box transcription factor(T-bet)and GATA binding protein 3(GATA3)in immunosuppressive mice induced by chemotherapy.Methods According to the random number table method,32 SPF male CD-1(ICR)mice were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,levamisole hydrochloride group,and grain-sized moxibustion group,with eight mice per group.Except for the normal group,the immunosuppressive model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(80 mg/kg,once daily for three consecutive days).Mice in the levamisole hydrochloride group were given levamisole hydrochloride solution(10 mg/kg)by gavage.Mice in the grain-sized moxibustion group was given grain-sized moxibustion at"Guanyuan"(CV4),bilateral"Zusanli"(ST36),and bilateral"Sanyinjiao"(SP6),with three Zhuang at each acupoint for approximately 30 s each.The intervention was administered once daily for seven consecutive days.The general condition of mice was observed.The spleen mass and spleen index were detected.The pathological changes of spleen tissue were observed by HE staining.The protein and mRNA expressions of T-bet,GATA3,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and interleukin(IL)-4 in spleen tissue of mice were detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR.The contents of IFN-γ,IL-2,and IL-4 in serum of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with the normal group,the mice in the model group were slow in response,unstable in gait;the spleen weight and spleen index were increased(P<0.05);the structure of spleen tissue was disordered,the mRNA and protein expressions of T-bet and IFN-γ in spleen tissue were decreased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GATA3 and IL-4 were increased(P<0.05);the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum were decreased,and the content of IL-4 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the general condition of mice in the levamisole hydrochloride group and the grain-sized moxibustion group was improved,the structure of spleen tissue was improved,the mRNA and protein expressions of T-bet and IFN-γ in spleen tissue were decreased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GATA3 and IL-4 were increased(P<0.05);the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum were decreased,and the content of IL-4 was increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Grain-sized moxibustion can significantly improve the immunosuppressive symptoms induced by chemotherapy.The mechanism may be through regulating the expressions of transcription factors T-bet and GATA3,regulating Th1/Th2 balance,and thus restoring the immune balance.
4.Analysis of retinal sublayer thickness in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and G11778A mutation carriers
Yufang CHENG ; Qingmei MIAO ; Jiajia YUAN ; Changzheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2023;39(7):554-559
Objective:To analyze the thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and photoreceptor (PR) sublayer in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and G11778A mutation carriers. Methods:A cross sectional study. From September 2020 to October 2021, 68 LHON patients (136 eyes) (patient group) and 40 G11778A mutation carriers (80 eyes) of LHON patients' families (carrier group) were included in the study. All patients were found to have G11778A mutation by Genetic testing. Forty healthy volunteers with 80 eyes matched to the age and gender of the patient group were recruited as a normal control group. All eyes were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The pRNFL thickness was automatically measured by the built-in software of the OCT device. The total retinal thickness (MT) and the thickness of the outer bundle layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), external limiting membrane to retinal pigment epithelium (ELM-RPE) in macular OCT images were measured by Image J software. Linear mixed model was used to analyze and compare the thickness of pRNFL, macular fovea and four layers above the nasal and temporal paracentral retina in patients, carriers and normal controls. The correlation between pRNFL and macular retinal sublayer thickness and the course of disease was also analyzed. Results:The thickness of the upper and lower pRNFL, temporal pRNFL and average pRNFL of the patients were smaller than those of the carriers and the normal control group ( P<0.01), and the nasal pRNFL thickness of the patients was smaller than that of the carriers ( P<0.01). Fovea: compared with the normal control group, the thickness of MT and ONT in the patient group was decreased, ONL thickness decreased in carrier group, with the significant different ( P<0.05). Parafovea: compared with normal control group, the thickness of MT and temporal ONL decreased and temporal OPL increased in the patients group, with the significant different ( P<0.05). In the carrier group, the thickness of MT and temporal, nasal ONL decreased, and the thickness of nasal OPL increased, with the significant different ( P<0.05). Compared with the carrier group, the MT thickness of the patient group was decreased, and the nasal ONL and nasal ELM-RPE thickness were increased, with the significant different ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that the thinning of pRNFL in the superior, nasal, temporal and average ( r=-0.22, -0.21, -0.25, -0.22), and the thickening of ELM-RPE in foveo-temporal ( r=0.19) were correlated with the course of disease ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The pRNFL of LHON patients with G11778A mutation becomes thinner and is related to the course of the disease. There were significant differences in the thickness of MT and PR sublayers between patients and carriers compared to the normal control group.
5.Effects of hypnotherapy on pain self efficacy and coping styles in female college students with primary dysmenorrhea
CHENG Zuheng,LI Gongping,WANG Yiran,XIAO Yufang,YANG Xinguo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2022;43(5):658-662
Objective:
To investigate the effect of hypnotherapy on improving pain degree,pain catastrophizing,pain self efficacy,coping styles of female college students with primary dysmenorrhea, and to provide the theoretical support for psychological intervention.
Methods:
Fifty six female college students with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly divided into experimental group( n =28) and control group( n =28).Samples in the experimental group received 10 session structured hypnotherapy, while the control group received no intervention (the control group could receive the intervention when the intervention was proved to be effective) .The effects were evaluated with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS),Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS),Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire(PSEQ),was proved to be effective .The effects were evaluated with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS),Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS),Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire(PSEQ),Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ)in the pretest,protest and tracking test.
Results:
The time effect,group effect and time group interaction on the NRS,PCS,PSEQ scores of the two groups of female college students were all statistically significant ( F =12.83,21.77,13.65; 22.96,28.98,24.84;25.35,18.26,27.02, P < 0.01 ).Immediately after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention,the scores of SCSQ positive coping dimension of the experimental group(1.43±0.35,1.50±0.39)were significantly higher than those of the control group(1.22±0.19,1.20±0.21),and the scores of SCSQ negative coping dimension of the experimental group(1.59±0.38,1.52±0.49)were significantly lower than those of the control group(1.80±0.17,1.80±0.20), the differences were all statistically significant ( P <0.05);There were statistical differences among time effect,group effect and timegroup interaction on the positive coping and negative coping scores of SCSQ ( F = 15.14 , 4.29 , 14.37 ;7.66,4.10,6.95, P <0.05).
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy intervention for female college students with primary dysmenorrhea can effectively alleviate pain degree,and improve the pain catastrophizing and coping styles,enhance their pain self efficacy. The hypnotherapy also shows long term effects.
6.Progress in the application of leakage index in retinal diseases
Yufang CHENG ; Changzheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2022;38(7):606-609
Retinal leakage is not only a very common pathological phenomenon but also a common pathological feature of many retinal diseases, its pathogenesis is very complex. The application of ultra-wide-angle fluorescein angiography is one of the main means to observe and evaluate retinal leakage. Leakage index is a new index for evaluating retinal leakage. Studies have explored its correlation in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, uveitis and other diseases, evaluating treatment effects and predicting prognosis. However, the number of related studies is small and the conclusions are inconsistent. In the future, it is still necessary to further advance the quantitative analysis of leakage, the application of leakage in more diseases, and the clinical trials of leakage rate to explore its role in predicting and evaluating treatment effects in retinal diseases.
7.Establishment and evaluation of a method for identifying the random error in the quantitative measurement procedure based on back propagation neural network
Yufang LIANG ; Huarong ZHENG ; Zhe WANG ; Xiang FENG ; Zewen HAN ; Biao SONG ; Huali CHENG ; Qingtao WANG ; Rui ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2022;45(5):543-548
Objective:To establish and evaluate a new real-time quality control method that can identify the random errors by using the backpropagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm and taking blood glucose test as an example.Methods:A total of 219 000 blood glucose results measured by Siemens advia 2 400 analytical system from January 2019 to July 2020 and derived from Laboratory Information System of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Laboratory Department was regarded as the unbiased data of our study. Six deviations with different sizes were introduced to generate the corresponding biased data. With each biased data, BPNN and MovSD algorithms were used and tested, and then evaluated by traceability method and clinical method.Results:For BPNN algorithm, the block size was pre-set to 10 and the false-positive rate in all biases was within 0.1%. For MovSD, however, the optimal block size and exclusive limit were 150 and 10% separately and its false-positive rate in all biases was 0.38%, which was 0.28% higher than BPNN. Especially, for the least two error factors of 0.5 and 1, all the random errors were not detected by MovSD; for the error factor larger than 1, random errors could be detected by MovSD but the MNPed was higher than that of BPNN under all deviations. The difference was up to 91.67 times. 460 000 reference data were produced by traceability procedure. The uncertainty of BPNN algorithm evaluated by these reference data was only 0.078%.Conclusion:A real-time quality control method based on BPNN algorithm was successfully established to identify random errors in analytical phase, which was more efficient than MovSD method and provided a new idea and method for the identification of random errors in clinical practice.
8.Analysis of hypnotherapy on improving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in female college students
CHENG Zuheng, WANG Yiran, WANG Enjie, XIAO Yufang, DONG Mingming
Chinese Journal of School Health 2022;43(11):1707-1712
Objective:
To explore the improvement effect of hypnotherapy on dysmenorrhea symptoms of female college students with primary dysmenorrhea, in order to provide reference for the intervention and treatment of female college students with primary dysmenorrhea.
Methods:
From Septerber to December 2021, 90 female college students diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea in Qinzhou First People s Hospital were randomly divided into hypnotic suggestion group( n =30), hypnotic relaxation group ( n =30) and control group( n =30). The 10 session hypnotic suggestion and 10 session hypnotic relaxation interventions were carried out while the control group received no intervention. Participants in the three groups were assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Beck Depression Inventory Ⅱ(BDI Ⅱ), State Anxiety Inventory(SAI), Questionnaire of Quality of Life of College Students(QOLCS), Cox Dysmenorrhea Symptom Scale (CMSS) before and after intervention.
Results:
After intervention, the VAS, BDI Ⅱ and SAI scores of the hypnotic suggestion group and the hypnotic relaxation group significantly decreased compared to those before the intervention( t =7.04, 13.32, 3.58, 2.15, 2.52, 2.01, P <0.05). There were statistically significant differences in VAS, BDI Ⅱ and SAI scores among the three groups( F =24.71, 29.57, 6.60, P <0.01). After intervention, the QOLCS total score, physical, psychological and behavioral dimension scores in the hypnotic suggestion group and the hypnotic relaxation group significantly improved( t =-4.61, -3.36, -3.12, -2.81, -2.71, -2.19, -2.69, -2.28, P <0.05). There were statistically significant differences in QOLCS total score, physical, psychological, behavioral, environmental, and social support dimension scores among the three groups( F =10.36, 4.14, 5.14,4.81, 7.07, 5.53, P <0.05). After the intervention, the CMSS dysmenorrhea severity and dysmenorrhea duration scores in the hypnotic suggestion group and the hypnotic relaxation group were significantly lower than those before the intervention( t =5.66, 4.70, 3.09, 2.21, P <0.05). There were significant differences in CMSS dysmenorrhea severity and dysmenorrhea duration scores among the three groups( F=15.33, 12.33, P <0.05).
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy can help relieve pain of female college students with primary dysmenorrhea,improve depression and anxiety.
9.Electroretinogram changes in patients and carriers with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Qingmei MIAO ; Yufang CHENG ; Jiajia YUAN ; Hongmei ZHENG ; Changzheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2022;38(12):988-993
Objective:To observe the characteristics of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and the photopic negative response (PhNR) of flash electroretinogram (FERG) in patients and carriers with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).Methods:A cross sectional, observational study. Thirty-two patients (64 eyes) diagnosed with LHON (LHON group) and 15 normal members with the same mutation in patient's family (carrier group) were included in this study from February 2021 to November 2021 in the Department of Ophthalmology of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. All patients in LHON group were males (100.0%, 32/32) and the average age was 23.34±7.41 years. In the carrier group of 15 cases (30 eyes), there were 2 males (13.3%, 2/15) and 13 females (86.7%, 12/15). The average age was 43.44±7.65 years. Twenty-four healthy subjects (48 eyes) in the same period were selected as the control group. Among them, there were 8 males (33.3%, 8/24) and 16 females (66.7%, 16/24). The average age was 23.42±2.54 years. All subjects were examined with the GT-2008V-VI visual electrophysiology instrument of Chongqing Gotec Medical Equipment Limited Company for PERG and FERG. P50 and N95 amplitudes of PERG and PhNR, a wave and b wave amplitudes of FERG were recorded. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses of the nasal, superior, temporal, inferior and average quadrants were measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The amplitudes of a wave, b wave, PhNR, P50 wave, N95 wave and pRNFL thickness between the three groups were compared by one-way ANOVA. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between different parameters.Results:Compared with the control group, the amplitudes of PhNR in LHON group and carrier group decreased significantly ( F=11.973, P<0.001). The results of correlation analysis showed that the amplitude of PhNR in LHON group was significantly correlated with the thickness of nasal and temporal pRNFL ( r=0.249, 0.272; P=0.048, 0.030). There was no significant difference in P50 wave amplitude between patients, carriers and controls ( F=1.342, P=0.265). There was no significant difference in N95 wave amplitude between patients and controls ( P=0.960). Conclusion:The PhNR amplitudes of FERG in LHON patients and carriers decrease significantly compared to controls.
10.Research progress of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Yufang CHENG ; Changzheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2021;37(10):821-825
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disease. It is clinically recognizable by painless, bilateral loss of vision, and the prognosis of vision is generally poor. In recent years, the information provided by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) has greatly improved people's understanding of LHON, and new progress has been made in the intervention and treatment of LHON. A detailed understanding of the structural changes of retina and choroid under OCT and OCTA of the natural course and after treatment of LHON, may provide reference for revealing the pathogenesis, prediction of onset time, differential diagnosis, follow-up of treatment effect and prognosis of LHON.


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