1.Effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with overexpression of the Numb gene in treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis
Shihao ZHANG ; Changqing ZHAO ; Mingyan YANG ; Feifei XING ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF). MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC (hUC-MSCNumb-OE), and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector (hUC-MSCOE-EV) was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed to establish a rat model of CLF, and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group, hUC-MSC group, hUC-MSCOE-EV group, and hUC-MSCNumb-OE group, while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL, and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured, including serum biochemistry, liver histopathology, the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver, hepatic stellate cell activation, ductular reaction, liver regeneration, and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the BDL group, the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSCOE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin), liver fibrosis markers (the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-beta 1), and ductular reaction markers (the expression levels of CK7 and CK19) (all P <0.05), and compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators (all P <0.05). In addition, compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers (albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis (Numb, pNumb, Mdm2, and p53) (all P <0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF, possibly by activating the Numb-PTBL-p53-HNF4α axis, promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.
2.Influencing factors for recompensation and its impact on the prognosis in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis
Danqing XU ; Haiwen LI ; Huan MU ; Yingyuan ZHANG ; Caifen SA ; Li LIU ; Yongrui YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, as well as the impact of recompensation on the prognosis of such patients, and to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk patients in clinical practice. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who attended The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming from January 2016 to December 2022 and were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, and they were divided into recompensation group and persistent decompensation group. To control for confounding factors, whether recompensation occurred was used as the rouping variable,and BMI, alcohol consumption history, HIV infection history, TG, CHOL, LDL, and HDL were used as covariates. The propensity score was calculated, and 1:1 nearest neighbor matching was performed with a caliper value of 0.1. After propensity score matching, the recompensation group and the persistent decompensation group with relatively balanced covariates were obtained. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for recompensation; the “rms” package was used to establish a nomogram; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to calculate the area under the ROC curve (AUC); the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit of the model; the “Calibration Curves” package was used to plot calibration curves for model assessment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison of survival curves. ResultsAmong the 863 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 305 experienced recompensation, resulting in an incidence rate of 35.3%. After PSM, 610 cases were successfully matched, with 305 cases in each group. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that etiology (hepatitis C: hazard ratio[HR]=0.288, P=0.002); male(HR=0.701, P=0.016), age(HR=0.988, P=0.047), hemoglobin (HGB)(HR=1.006, P=0.017), and CD4 T cell(HR=1.001,P=0.047), TIPS procedure (HR=1.808,P=0.042) were independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. During follow-up, 116 patients died of liver disease-related causes, with 27 patients (8.85%) in the recompensation group and 89 (15.95%) in the persistent decompensation group; 109 patients developed HCC, with 23 patients (7.54%) in the recompensation group and 86 (15.41%) in the persistent decompensation group. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significant separation between the patients with different states of compensation in terms of liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC, and the Log-rank test showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in liver disease-related mortality rate (χ2=9.023, P=0.003) and the incidence rate of HCC (χ2=10.526, P=0.001). ConclusionEtiology,sex,age,TIPS,HGB,and CD4 T cell are independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. There is a significant difference in the incidence rate of recompensation between decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with different etiologies, and female patients and patients with a younger age,a history of TIPS, a higher HGB level, and a higher CD4 lymphocyte count are more likely to experience recompensation. Recompensation is the key to improving the long-term prognosis of patients and can significantly reduce long-term liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC.
3.Influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis
Danqing XU ; Huan MU ; Yingyuan ZHANG ; Lixian CHANG ; Yuanzhen WANG ; Weikun LI ; Zhijian DONG ; Lihua ZHANG ; Yijing CHENG ; Li LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):269-276
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis, and to establish a predictive model. MethodsA total of 217 patients who were diagnosed with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis and were admitted to The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming l from January, 2019 to December, 2022 were enrolled, among whom 63 patients who were readmitted within at least 1 year and had no portal hypertension-related complications were enrolled as recompensation group, and 154 patients without recompensation were enrolled as control group. Related clinical data were collected, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for the factors that may affect the occurrence of recompensation. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed measurement data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed measurement data between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A binary Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive performance of the model. ResultsAmong the 217 patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis, 63 (29.03%) had recompensation. There were significant differences between the recompensation group and the control group in HIV history (χ2=4.566, P=0.034), history of partial splenic embolism (χ2=6.687, P=0.014), Child-Pugh classification (χ2=11.978, P=0.003), grade of ascites (χ2=14.229, P<0.001), albumin (t=4.063, P<0.001), prealbumin (Z=-3.077, P=0.002), high-density lipoprotein (t=2.854, P=0.011), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Z=-2.447, P=0.014), prothrombin time (Z=-2.441, P=0.015), carcinoembryonic antigen (Z=-2.113, P=0.035), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (Z=-2.063, P=0.039), CA125 (Z=-2.270, P=0.023), TT3 (Z=-3.304, P<0.001), TT4 (Z=-2.221, P=0.026), CD45+ (Z=-2.278, P=0.023), interleukin-5 (Z=-2.845, P=0.004), tumor necrosis factor-α (Z=-2.176, P=0.030), and portal vein width (Z=-5.283, P=0.005). The multivariate analysis showed that history of partial splenic embolism (odds ratio [OR]=3.064, P=0.049), HIV history (OR=0.195, P=0.027), a small amount of ascites (OR=3.390, P=0.017), AFP (OR=1.003, P=0.004), and portal vein width (OR=0.600, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of recompensation in patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis. The ROC curve analysis showed that HIV history, grade of ascites, history of partial splenic embolism, AFP, portal vein width, and the combined predictive model of these indices had an area under the ROC curve of 0.556, 0.641, 0.560, 0.589, 0.745, and 0.817, respectively. ConclusionFor patients with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis, those with a history of partial splenic embolism, a small amount of ascites, and an increase in AFP level are more likely to experience recompensation, while those with a history of HIV and an increase in portal vein width are less likely to experience recompensation.
4.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
5.Protective effects of platelet-rich plasma hydrogel on oxidative damage in L929 cells
Zilin WANG ; Qiuju MU ; Hongjie LIU ; Yuxue SHEN ; Lili ZHU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):771-779
BACKGROUND:During healing process of chronic wounds,excessive production of reactive oxygen species can impair the function of L929 fibroblasts,thereby delaying wound repair.Therefore,protecting fibroblasts from oxidative stress is important to promote wound healing. OBJECTIVE:To assess the protective effects of carboxymethyl chitosan-oxidized chondroitin sulfate/platelet-rich plasma(CMC-OCS/PRP)hydrogel on L929 cells under H2O2 stimulation. METHODS:CMC-OCS/PRP hydrogels were prepared,and the micromorphology,degradation performance,scavenging ability of H2O2 and hydroxyl radical and biocompatibility of the hydrogels were characterized.L929 cells with good growth state were taken and cultured in five groups.The control group was cultured conventionally.H2O2 was added to the H2O2 group.Carboxymethyl chitosan-oxidized chondroitin sulfate hydrogel extract+H2O2 was added to the CMC-OCS group.Platelet-rich plasma gel extract+H2O2 was added to the PRP group.The CMC-OCS/PRP group was treated with carboxymethyl chitosan-oxidized chondroitin sulfate/platelet-rich plasma hydrogel extract+H2O2.Each group was treated with hydrogel extract for 6 hours,and then H2O2 for 24 hours.After culture,the levels of active oxygen and malondialdehyde,apoptosis and expression of collagen fiber I protein were detected.In the presence of H2O2,the above hydrogel extracts were directly or indirectly co-cultured with L929 fibroblasts for 36 hours,respectively.Migration ability of the cells was detected by scratch test and Transwell chamber test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CMC-OCS/PRP hydrogels had uniform and interrelated porous structure and good degradation ability,could effectively remove H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals in vitro,and had good biocompatibility.(2)Compared with the control group,the apoptosis rate,reactive oxygen species,and malondialdehyde levels were increased(P<0.05);the spread area of cells was decreased(P<0.05),and the expression of collagen fiber I protein had no significant changes(P>0.05)in the H2O2 group.Compared with the H2O2 group,reactive oxygen species level was decreased in the CMC-OCS group(P<0.05),malondialdehyde level was decreased(P<0.05),and cell spread area was increased(P<0.05)in the PRP group,CMC-OCS group,and CMC-OCS/PRP group;apoptosis rate was decreased in the CMC-OCS/PRP group(P<0.05),and collagen fiber I protein expression was increased in the PRP group,CMC-OCS group,and CMC-OCS/PRP group(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the control group,the number of cell migration was decreased(P<0.05),and the migration area had no significant change(P>0.05)in the H2O2 group.Compared with the H2O2 group,the number and area of cell migration were increased in the PRP group,CMC-OCS group,and CMC-OCS/PRP group(P<0.05),and the increase was most significant in the CMC-OCS/PRP group.(4)Under oxidative stress,CMC-OCS/PRP hydrogel can improve the migration ability of fibroblasts,resist cell apoptosis,and preserve cell extension function.
6.Efficacy and safety of coblopasvir hydrochloride combined with sofosbuvir in treatment of patients with genotype 3 hepatitis C virus infection
Yingyuan ZHANG ; Huan MU ; Danqing XU ; Chunyan MOU ; Yuanzhen WANG ; Chunyun LIU ; Weikun LI ; Li LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1075-1082
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of the direct-acting antiviral agents coblopasvir hydrochloride/sofosbuvir (CLP/SOF) regimen used alone or in combination with ribavirin (RBV) in the treatment of patients with genotype 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in terms of virologic response rate, liver function recovery, improvement in liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and adverse drug reactions, and to provide a reference for clinical medication. MethodsA total of 98 patients with genotype 3 HCV infection who attended The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming from January 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled, and according to the treatment method, the patients were divided into CLP/SOF+RBV treatment group with 55 patients and CLP/SOF treatment group with 43 patients. The patients were observed in terms of rapid virologic response at week 4 (RVR4), sustained virologic response (SVR), previous treatment experience, underlying diseases, laboratory and imaging indicators, and adverse reactions during treatment. The course of treatment was 12 weeks, and the patients were followed up for 12 weeks after drug withdrawal. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Friedman test was used for comparison within each group at different time points, and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison and correction of P value; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for SVR12. ResultsBefore treatment, there were significant differences between the CLP/SOF+RBV treatment group and the CLP/SOF treatment group in terms of LSM, total bilirubin (TBil), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), HCV genotype, and the presence or absence of liver cirrhosis and compensation (all P<0.05). The 98 patients with genotype 3 HCV infection had an RVR4 rate of 81.6% and an SVR12 rate of 93.9%. The patients with genotype 3a HCV infection had an RVR4 rate of 84.44% and an SVR12 rate of 97.78%, while the patients with genotype 3b HCV infection had an RVR4 rate of 79.25% and an SVR12 rate of 90.57%. There were significant differences in RVR4 and SVR12 rates between the patients without hepatocellular carcinoma and those with hepatocellular carcinoma, there was a significant difference in RVR4 rate between the patients without HIV infection and those with HIV infection, and there was a significant difference in SVR12 rate between the previously untreated patients and the treatment-experienced patients (all P<0.05). The univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that treatment history, hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, ascites, albumin (Alb), and platelet count were influencing factors for SVR12 (all P<0.05), and the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hepatocellular carcinoma (odds ratio=0.034, 95% confidence interval: 0.002 — 0.666, P=0.026) was an independent influencing factor for SVR12. After treatment with CLP/SOF combined with RBV or CLP/SOF alone, the patients with genotype 3 HCV infection showed gradual reductions in the liver function parameters of TBil, GGT, and alanine aminotransferase (all P<0.05) and a gradual increase in the level of Alb (P<0.05). As for renal function, there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine after treatment (P>0.05). For the patients with or without liver cirrhosis, there was a significant reduction in LSM from baseline after treatment for 12 weeks (P<0.05). Among the 98 patients with genotype 3 HCV infection, 9 tested positive for HCV-RNA at 12 weeks after treatment, 2 showed no response during treatment, 4 showed virologic breakthrough, and 3 experienced recurrence. The overall incidence rate of adverse events during treatment was 17.35% for all patients. ConclusionCLP/SOF alone or in combination with RBV has a relatively high SVR rate in the treatment of genotype 3 HCV infection, with good tolerability and safety in patients during treatment, and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.
7.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Nrf2/ROS/PERK/CHOP Signaling Pathway to Attenuate Cisplatin Resistance in NSCLC
He LI ; Yuetong LIU ; Jingyi HUANG ; Qirui MU ; Chunying LIU ; Yuan GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):79-89
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in attenuating cisplatin resistance of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (A549/DDP) by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/reactive oxygen species (ROS)/double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsSprague Dawley
8.Buzhong Yiqitang Induces Ferroptosis by Regulating PCBP1 to Attenuate Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Yuetong LIU ; He LI ; Qirui MU ; Jingyi HUANG ; Haoran CAI ; Chunying LIU ; Yuan GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):90-97
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in attenuating cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by inducing ferroptosis via poly(rC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1). MethodsThe serum containing Buzhong Yiqitang was prepared and cisplatin-resistant human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (A549/DDP) were cultured and randomly grouped as follows: Blank (10% blank serum), model (10% blank serum+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), Buzhong Yiqitang (10% serum containing Buzhong Yiqitang+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), Fe-1 (10% blank serum+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+5 μmol·L-1 Fe-1), and Buzhong Yiqitang+Fe-1 (10% serum containing Buzhong Yiqitang+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+5 μmol·L-1 Fe-1). Firstly, PCR Array was used to screen ferroptosis-related genes regulated by Buzhong Yiqitang, and PCBP1 was identified as the target for studying the attenuation of cisplatin resistance by Buzhong Yiqitang. Subsequently, the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin in each group was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method and the resistance index (RI) was calculated. The ultrastructure of A549/DDP cells in each group was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of PCBP1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were determined by Western blot. The lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in each group was determined by the C11-BODIRY 581/591 fluorescence probe. The ferrous ion assay kit was used to measure the ferrous ion content in each group. The malondialdehyde (MDA) assay kit was used to determine the MDA content in each group. ResultsCompared with model group, the IC50 of cisplatin and the RI of A549/DDP cells decreased in the Buzhong Yiqitang group (P<0.05) but increased in the Fe-1 group (P<0.05). The IC50 of cisplatin and the RI of A549/DDP cells in the Buzhong Yiqitang+Fe-1 group were lower than those in the Fe-1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Buzhong Yiqitang group showed obvious mitochondrial ferroptosis, while the mitochondrial damage became less obvious after Fe-1 treatment. Compared with that in the Fe-1 group, the mitochondrial ferroptosis was aggravated after the intervention with Buzhong Yiqitang. Compared with blank group, the model group showed down-regulated expression levels of PCBP1 and GPX4 (P<0.05) and increased content of lipid ROS, ferrous ions, and MDA (P<0.05) in A549/DDP cells. Compared with model group, the Buzhong Yiqitang group showed down-regulated expression levels of PCBP1 and GPX4 (P<0.05) and increased content of lipid ROS, ferrous ions, and MDA (P<0.05), while the Fe-1 group showed up-regulated expression levels of PCBP1 and GPX4 (P<0.05) and reduced content of lipid ROS, ferrous ions, and MDA (P<0.05). Compared with the Fe-1 group, the Buzhong Yiqitang+Fe-1 group showed down-regulated expression levels of PCBP1 and GPX4 and increased content of lipid ROS, ferrous ions, and MDA (P<0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang attenuated cisplatin resistance in NSCLC by regulating PCBP1 to induce ferroptosis.
9.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Attenuate Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via Nrf2/ROS Pathway
Dan YU ; Qirui MU ; He LI ; Yuetong LIU ; Jingyi HUANG ; Yuan GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):98-104
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in attenuating cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer by observing the effects of Buzhong Yiqitang on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and cisplatin-resistant cells in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549/DDP) via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/reactive oxygen species(ROS) pathway. MethodsThe serum containing Buzhong Yiqitang was prepared and A549 cells and A549/DDP cells were cultured. The cells were randomized into groups A (A549 cells+blank serum), B (A549 cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+blank serum), C (A549 cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum), D (A549/DDP cells+blank serum), E (A549/DDP cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+blank serum), and F (A549/DDP cells+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin+10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum). The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin. The protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 were determined by Western blotting. The DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to measure the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in each group. The protein levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activated transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with group B, group C showed a reduction in IC50 of cisplatin (P<0.05), which held true in group E compared with group F (P<0.05). Moreover, the IC50 of cisplatin to A549/DDP cells was higher than that to A549 cells before and after Buzhong Yiqitang intervention (P<0.05). Compared with group A, group B showed up-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 (P<0.05). Compared with group B, group C showed down-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 (P<0.05). Compared with group D, group E showed up-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and p-Nrf2 (P<0.05), which, however, were significantly down-regulated in group F (P<0.05). The ROS content and the protein levels of GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP followed a descending trend of group C > group B > group A in A549 cells and group F > group E > group D in A549/DDP cells (P<0.05). Moreover, the ROS content and the protein levels of GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP in A549 cells were higher than those in A549/DDP cells before and after Buzhong Yiqitang intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang may regulate endoplasmic reticulum stress via the Nrf2/ROS pathway to attenuate cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.
10.Traditional Chinese Medicine Ameliorates Tumor Chemotherapy Resistance: A Review
Jingyi HUANG ; Yuetong LIU ; He LI ; Qirui MU ; Chenyi LI ; Chunying LIU ; Yuan GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):105-116
In the process of tumor chemotherapy, the emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) has always been a thorny problem, which is a result of the joint action of the host, tumor cells, and the immune microenvironment. Tumor cells can escape the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs through multiple pathways, being easy to produce drug resistance. MDR greatly restricts the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs on tumor cells and affects their therapeutic effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the unique advantages of multi-target, multi-pathway and individualized treatment. The TCM treatment of tumors emphasizes regulating Yin and Yang, as well as reinforcing healthy Qi and dispelling pathogen. In recent years, TCM has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the treatment of tumors and the amelioration of multi-drug resistance. TCM not only can target the phenomenon of MDR but also greatly weakens the side effects of the patients after the chemotherapy, thus improving the survival quality and rate of the patients. Accordingly, many patients adopt TCM as an adjuvant therapy during or after chemotherapy. The binding of TCM to targets can reverse the drug resistance of various tumors, which has become an emerging research highlight. From the regulatory mechanism of TCM on MDR of tumors, this paper introduces the mechanisms by which tumor cells continue to grow, proliferate, and metastasize by adjusting the intracellular drug concentration, altering or utilizing the tumor microenvironment, and affecting the cell death mode to achieve the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. In this regard, the active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM can increase the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs by down-regulating drug transporters, improving the tumor microenvironment, and modulating the drug resistance pathways associated with apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, or pyroptosis. The aim of this paper is to explore more clinical practical value of TCM in the treatment of tumors and provide exploratory ideas and a theoretical basis for the future research on tumors and MDR.

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