1.Effect of Dingchuan Granule (定喘颗粒) on Lung Tissue Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/NQO1 Pathway in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia Model Rats
Lai ZHANG ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Chenhao WEI ; Shiyao ZHANG ; Zhaoyang LI ; Rui WANG ; Hangyu ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1588-1596
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Dingchuan Granule (定喘颗粒, DG) in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia. MethodsA total of 60 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, ribavirin group, DG low-dose group, DG middle-dose group, and DG high-dose group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats were administrated with RSV via intranasal drip. After model establishment, the DG low-, middle-, and high-dose groups were administrated via oral gavage with DG at 3.47, 6.93, and 13.86 g/(kg·d) respectively, while the ribavirin group was administrated via oral gavage with ribavirin at 15.75 mg/(kg·d). The drug was given once daily for one week. The rats in the control group and the model group were not given any drug, only subjected to the grasping action. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the pathological changes of lung tissues were observed and scored using HE staining. The levels of serum inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were detected by colorimetry. The protein levels of nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in lung tissues were measured by Western Blot. The RSV load as well as the gene expression levels of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 in lung tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat lung tissues was detected using chemiluminescence. The levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat lung tissues were measured by a microassay. ResultsCompared with the control group, other groups had significant increases in pathological score of lung tissue, RSV load, levels of ROS, MDA, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6; decrease in GSH level, increases in expression level of Keap1 protein and its mRNA in lung tissue, and significant decrease in levels of Nrf2, HO-1, expression level of NQO1 protein and its mRNA (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all the above-mentioned indicators in the DG low-, middle-, and high-dose groups and the ribavirin group were improved to varying degree (P<0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rats of DG dose groups showed a dose-dependent pattern, the DG high-dose group exhibiting the best effect (P<0.05). The DG high-dose group was superior to the DG low- and middle-dose groups in reducing the levels of ROS and MDA, and increasing the level of GSH in lung tissues (P<0.05). The DG high-dose group and the ribavirin group had better effect than the DG middle-dose group in reducing the RSV load (P<0.05). The DG high-dose group was superior to the ribavirin group in improving the protein levels of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 (P<0.05). ConclusionDG could inhibit oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway to improve pulmonary inflammation and treat RSV pneumonia, with the DG high-dose group showing the best effect.
2.Effect of Modified of Bazhentang Combined with Guishentang on Th1/Th2 Immune Balance in Mouse Model of Embryo Implantation Dysfunction
Qiang DENG ; Fengying WU ; Lu YIN ; Jun WANG ; Zhaoyang YE ; Jiamei HUANG ; Zhichun JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang in improving pregnancy outcomes in mouse models of embryo implantation dysfunction by regulating T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) immune balance. MethodsEighty ICR female mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=20 per group) on gestational day 1 (GD1): control, model, western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) groups. Except for the control group, all mice received mifepristone solution (0.2 mg/mouse) via oral gavage on GD4 to induce embryo implantation dysfunction. The TCM group received a water decoction of the modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang (20.8 g·kg-1), with the western medicine group administered dydrogesterone (3.9 mg·kg-1), and the control/model groups given equal volumes of saline. All treatments were administered once daily from GD1 until one day before sample collection. Outcomes included implantation site counts (macroscopic observation), pregnancy rates, body weight, endometrial histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), uterine expression of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) at protein (Western blot) and mRNA (real-time polymerase chain reaction, Real-time PCR) levels, serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), and Th1/Th2 immune balance evaluated by calculating T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed no significant change in pregnancy rate but exhibited a marked reduction in average implantation sites and body weight (P<0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed endometrial abnormalities, including decreased glandular density, stromal compaction, and absence of nucleolar vacuoles. At the molecular level, uterine tissue in the model group demonstrated significantly upregulated expression of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.05, P<0.01), alongside markedly downregulated GATA3 and IL-4 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum analysis confirmed markedly elevated IFN-γ (P<0.01) and reduced IL-4 levels (P<0.01), resulting in significantly increased T-bet/GATA3 and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, pregnancy rates in all treatment groups showed no significant change. Implantation sites and body weight increased substantially (P<0.01), with restored endometrial morphology characterized by enhanced glandular density, stromal edema, and reappearance of nucleolar vacuoles. Significant downregulation of T-bet and IFN-γ (P<0.01) and upregulation of GATA3 and IL-4 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in uterine tissue were observed. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-4 levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe modified of Bazhentang combined with Guishentang significantly enhances the number of embryo implantation sites in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction, potentially through modulating T-bet/GATA3 expression, restoring Th1/Th2 immune balance, and improving endometrial receptivity.
3.Advances in ketamine therapy for multiple psychiatric disorders
Kai ZHANG ; Zhaoyang CHENG ; Yuting WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):289-294
Ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has gained increasing attention for its rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and suicidal ideation. Its mechanisms include NMDA receptor blockade, AMPA receptor activation, and upregulation of BDNF/mTOR signaling. Its enantiomers, esketamine and R-ketamine, as well as its metabolites, exhibit differences in efficacy and mechanisms. Intranasal esketamine has been approved in the Europe, United States, and China for TRD, demonstrating rapid efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms and acute suicidal ideation. In contrast, R-ketamine demonstrates potential for longer-lasting effects and a improved safety profile. This review summarizes recent advances in the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications of ketamine and its enantiomers in depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite ketamine's multifaceted therapeutic potential, safety concerns such as dissociation, cognitive impairment, and abuse liability warrant continued attention.[Funded by Key Project of Natural Science Research for Universities of Anhui Provincial Education Department (number, 2023AH050647); Anhui Provincial Department of Education Outstanding Young Talent Support Program Project 2022 (number, gxyqZD2022022)]
4.Neuroprotective therapy for acute ischemic stroke in the era of endovascular therapy
Mengmeng WANG ; Zhaoyang YAN ; Lingyu ZHANG ; Honghong JI ; Pengfei WANG
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(1):56-61
In recent years, endovascular therapy has become the most important progress in the field of the treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. However, the vascular recanalization shown by imaging after endovascular treatment cannot fully translate into effective tissue reperfusion and functional outcome, a phenomenon known as "futile recanalization". Combined neuroprotective therapy after vascular recanalization is expected to reduce the occurrence of futile recanalization and improve the outcome of patients. This article briefly summarizes the main application progress of commonly used neuroprotective therapies in clinical practice (edaravone dexborneol, glucocorticoids, hypothermia, and remote ischemic conditioning). It explores the trend and direction of combining endovascular therapy and neuroprotective therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion, and provides further reference and suggestions for intervention measures after endovascular therapy.
5.Comparison of therapeutic effects between human amniotic membrane plugging and internal limiting membrane flap insertion for macular hole retinal detachment in high myopia
Chuqiao WANG ; Jibo ZHOU ; Tengteng YAO ; Zeqi WANG ; Huiqin GAO ; Zhaoyang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(1):47-52
Objective:To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with human amniotic membrane (hAM) plugging technique or internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap insertion technique for high myopia macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD).Methods:A non-randomized controlled clinical study was performed.Sixteen eyes of 15 patients with high myopia MHRD treated in the Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from July 2020 to August 2021 were included.All patients underwent PPV and were divided into hAM plug group (7 eyes of 7 patients) and the ILM insertion group (9 eyes of 8 patients) based on the different plugging materials.The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure were measured before surgery and at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperative, respectively.Slit-lamp microscopy combined with lenses, scanning laser ophthalmoscope and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used to examine the fundus, the macular hole closure and retinal reposition.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (No.SH9H-2021-T322-2). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:The retinal reattachment was achieved in 6 eyes in the hAM plug group and all 9 eyes in the ILM insertion group after initial surgery.The macular hole closure was observed in 5 eyes in the hAM plug group and 8 eyes in the ILM insertion group after initial surgery, and there was no statistical difference in the macular hole closure rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were significant differences in the overall comparison of BCVA between the two groups over time ( Ftime=4.420, P<0.05). Postoperative BCVA at different time points was better than preoperative BCVA in each group, but the differences were not significant (all at P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the overall comparison of BCVA between the two groups ( Fgroup=0.183, P>0.05). Two eyes in the hAM plug group and 4 eyes in the ILM insertion group developed transient ocular hypertension, which returned to normal after 1 week of treatment. Conclusions:Both PPV combined with hAM plugging technique and ILM insertion technique are safe and effective for the treatment of MHRD in high myopia.The hAM plugging technique can not only achieve anatomical reduction but also functional recovery of the retina even in complicated fundus conditions.
6.Analysis on the Medication Law of Gu Shizhe in the Treatment of Insomnia Based on Data Mining
Hanbo MA ; Zhaoyang WANG ; Yang FANG ; Yipeng YUAN ; Shizhe GU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):59-63
Objective To discuss the medication law of Professor Gu Shizhe in the treatment of insomnia based on various data mining techniques.Methods Clinical information of patients of Professor Gu was collected from the hospital management information system of outpatient clinic of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(BUCM)and BUCM Famous Elderly TCM Inheritance Research Integrated Platform from January 2018 to October 2022.Professor Gu's books,such as Zhi Zhen Zhi Yao,and Gu Jisheng,Gu Shizhe Yi An Yi Hua Jing Cui,and the medical records from CNKI were screened.WPS Office 5.2.1 was used to build a database of medicine data for Professor Gu's TCM prescriptions,and R 4.2.1 was used for descriptive analysis and Apriori association rule analysis.SPSS Statistics 26.0 was used for clustering analysis,combined with theoretical analysis,to extract Professor Gu's medication law and characteristics in the treatment of insomnia.Results A total of 307 prescriptions were included,involving 250 kinds of Chinese materia medica,among which 30 were high-frequency drugs.The top 5 most frequently used were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle,Fossilizid,Poria,Bupleuri Radix,and Ziziphi Spinosae Semen.The meridians were mainly liver and lung meridian,and the properties were mainly warm and cold,and the tastes were mainly sweet and bitter.Five core drug groups were obtained by clustering analysis,including Xiaochaihu Decoction,Erchen Decoction,Huanglian Wendan Decoction,Suanzaoren Decoction,Xiaoyao Powder and other prescriptions.Conclusion The characteristics of Professor Gu's treatment of insomnia are to reconcile Shaoyang,clear the heart and soothe the mind;pay attention to yin and yang,regulate the liver;pay attention to the liver,gallbladder,spleen and stomach;the main idea of syndrome differentiation is to reconcile Shaoyang,run the Shaoyang cardinal,and at the same time regulate qi and benefit qi and nourishes yin.
7.Current status of radiological Kashin-Beck disease among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet
Jiaxiang GAO ; Hu LI ; Liyi ZHANG ; Zihao HE ; Ziyi YANG ; Zhichang LI ; Kai WANG ; Yan KE ; Qiang LIU ; Shu ZHANG ; Xiaobo CHENG ; Shuai CHAI ; Zhaoyang MENG ; Lipeng SUN ; Qunwei LI ; Hongqiang GONG ; Jianhao LIN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(1):33-40
Objective:This study aimed to explore the status of radiological Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet, through a 3-year monitoring survey, providing epidemiological evidence for prevention and control strategies.Methods:The target areas for this study were Luolong, Bianba, and Basu counties in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, identified as having the most severe historical cases of KBD. Children aged 7-12 years attending school were enrolled as study subjects. Anteroposterior X-ray films of the right-hand were taken, and radiological diagnoses were made based on the "Diagnosis of Kashin-Beck Disease" criteria (WS/T 207-2010). Two experienced researchers independently reviewed the X-rays, and intra- and inter-group consistency were assessed using weighted Kappa values and percentage agreement. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2020 to describe the X-ray detection rates of KBD, and logistic regression analysis was employed to construct a predictive model of risk factors for radiological KBD cases.Results:In 2017, a total of 5,711 children aged 7-12 years in Chamdo City, Tibet, participated in the baseline cross-sectional survey (average age 9.2 years, 48.0% female), with 28 cases of radiological KBD. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence rate was 0.527%. In 2020, 6,771 participants (average age 9.3 years, 49.5% female) underwent a second cross-sectional survey, with 9 cases of radiological KBD and a standardized prevalence rate of 0.134%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older age [ OR=2.439, 95% CI(1.299, 4.580), P=0.006] and female gender [ OR=8.157, 95% CI(1.016, 65.528), P=0.048] were independent risk factors for radiological KBD cases. Conversely, higher residential altitude, under the premise of Tibet's high altitude, was a protective factor [ OR=0.995, 95% CI(0.990, 0.999), P=0.032). Conclusion:The radiographically positive detection rate of KBD among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, is at an extremely low level and showing a declining trend, reaching the historical standard in 2020. Considering the absence of positive signs in affected children, it suggests that local KBD has been effectively eliminated.
8.Clinical observation of Van Herick method for evaluating anterior chamber angle width
Peng ZHANG ; Lifang WANG ; Yanzheng WANG ; Kunling HAN ; Zhaoyang REN ; Yanling WANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(1):136-139
AIM: To explore a more convenient and accurate method for evaluating the anterior chamber angle width based on the Van Herick method.METHODS:A total of 58 patients(69 eyes)with age-related cataract who visited our hospital between January and December 2021 were included. They were divided into the chamber angle width ≥1/2 corneal thickness(CT)group(44 eyes of 37 cases)and <1/2CT group(25 eyes of 21 cases)according to the Van Herick method. The central anterior chamber depths and the peripheral anterior chamber angle degrees were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy.RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in central anterior chamber depth between the two groups(2.64±0.27 mm vs. 2.23±0.29 mm, P<0.01), and the differences of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior, temporal, inferior and nasal compared between two groups were all statistically significant(P<0.01). The difference of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior and inferior in chamber angle width ≥1/2CT group was not statistically significant(P>0.05), while the differences of chamber angle degrees of other quadrants were all statistically significant(P<0.05). The differences of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior and nasal, temporal and the chamber angle degrees of quadrants of inferior and temporal were all statistically significant in chamber angle width <1/2CT group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: In the overall evaluation of the anterior chamber angle, it would be more simple, fast and accurate when evaluating the temporal chamber angle width and inferior quadrant of chamber angle width by using the Van Herick method under silt lamp.
9.Construction of luminescent bacteriophage using CRISPR technology and its application in Escherichia coli indentification
Minwei LI ; Jing YAN ; Hangyi LI ; Zhiyun HAO ; Zhong NI ; Zhaoyang HU ; Xiaorong WANG ; Menghan XU ; Chi WANG ; Ruibing LI ; Chengbin WANG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(4):437-443
Objective:To construct a recombinant bioluminescent bacteriophage (HT7) targeting Escherichia coli, and evaluate its ability to identify Escherichia coli. Methods:Initially, pCRISPR-sg (1-10) and PFN-1000 plasmid strains were constructed by genetic engineering, and the most efficient small guild RNA (sgRNA) were screened by bilayer plate. By the gene editing technique, which comprised homologous recombination and clustered regularly interspaced short palin dromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system, the Nanoluc luciferase gene was integrated into the downstream non-coding region of 10A gene of T7 phage, to constructe the bioluminescent phage HT7 successfully. The difference of biological characteristics between HT7 phage and T7 phage was evaluated by plaque assay and liquid amplification assay. In addition, 51 strains of Escherichia coli, 20 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 14 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 6 strains of Enterococcus faecium, 5 strains of Enterococcus faecalis, 3 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and 1 strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected and isolated to evaluate the limit of detection and specificity of HT7 phage. Results:Among the 10 CRISPR-targeted cleavage systems constructed, sgRNA8 exhibited the highest cleavage efficiency, with a cleavage rate of 0.18. After three rounds of recombination screening using the pCas9/pCRISPR/PFN-1000 triple-plasmid system, PCR validation yielded recombinant phage bands at 2 798 bp, indicating the successful construction of the HT7 phage. The recombinant phage showed significant differences in biological characteristics in terms of lysis efficiency ( P<0.001), one-step growth curve ( P=0.001), and infection multiplicity ( P=0.031). Both lysis burst time and log growth node were extended by 10 min, with the optimal infection multiplicity being 0.1. Clinical sample testing identified lysis of 6 strains of Escherichia coli within 4.5 h, while other strains remained unaffected, with detection of pathogenic bacteria below 10 CFU/ml. Conclusions:The developed pCas9/pCRISPR/PFN-1000 triple-plasmid editing system efficiently edits the bacteriophage genome. The constructed HT7 fluorescent bacteriophage enables the detection of Escherichia coli below 10 CFU/ml within 4.5 hours, demonstrating low detection limits and high detection specificity.
10.Study on Huangqin Decoction Regulating NEK7-NLRP3/IL-1β to Protect Vascular Endothelial Function in Obese Hyperten-sive Rats Based on Peritubular Fat Inflammatory Microenvironment
Xuan LIU ; Fusen ZHAO ; Qiyao XU ; Meng ZHANG ; Can GUO ; Zhaoyang CHEN ; Jianping SHEN ; Xin-Dong WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(9):896-905
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Huangqin decoction on improving peritubular fat inflammatory microenvironment and protecting vascular endothelial function in obese hypertensive rats by regulating the NEK7-NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory axis.METHODS Fifty 4-week-old male Wistar rats were selected,10 of which were randomly selected as the control group,and the oth-er 40 were fed a high-salt and high-fat diet to establish an obese hypertension model.The rats with successful modeling(20 rats)were randomly divided into the model group,normal-dose Huangqin decoction group,high-dose Huangqin decoction group,and IL-1β in-hibitor group,with 5 rats in each group.From the 12th week,the normal-dose group was gavaged with Huangqin decoction 2.835 g·kg-1,the high-dose group was gavaged with Huangqin decoction 5.67 g·kg-1,and the IL-1β inhibitor group was intraper-itoneally injected with 1.5 mg·kg-1 AS101,3 times a week,for 8 weeks.The rats were weighed and blood was collected 12 h after the last administration,and the thoracic aorta and perivascular fat tissue were isolated.Serum inflammatory factors were detected,patho-logical changes were observed,eNOS expression was detected by immunofluorescence,and NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC,and IL-1β expression levels were detected by Western blot and qPCR.RESULTS The rats in the model group had a significant increase in body weight,an increase in the area of peritubular fat lipid droplets,and severe endothelial injury;systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly elevated in the model group,and the expression of eNOS was sig-nificantly reduced,and the expression levels of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC,and IL-1β proteins and mRNAs were significantly elevated.Compared with the model group,rats in the Huangqin decoction and IL-1β inhibitor groups had lower body weights,reduced endothelial damage,lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures,lower serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,and higher eNOS expression.NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC and IL-1β protein expression was significantly reduced in the high dose group of Huan-gqin decoction and the IL-1β inhibitor group.In addition,Huangqin decoction protected the endothelial function of obese hypertensive vessels in a dose-dependent manner,with the effect being more pronounced in the high-dose group.CONCLUSION Huangqin de-coction can improve the inflammatory microenvironment of perivascular fat and protect the vascular endothelial function in obese hyper-tension by regulating the NEK7-NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory axis.

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