1.Research Pogress on Action Mechanism of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Zhenyun LEI ; Guozhong XUE ; Zhenhua LIU ; Xinli ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):722-729
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), as one of the most common complications of diabetes, is a primary cause of end-stage renal disease. The pathogenesis of DN encompasses processes such as chronic inflammation, recruitment and activation of immune cells, tubular and glomerular injury, and renal fibrosis. These processes are highly correlated with the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the resulting pyroptosis it mediates. Previous studies have shown that the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leakage of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), recruitment and activation of immune cells can be reduced by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and its mediated pyroptosis, thereby slowing the diffusion of inflammatory responses in adjacentcells, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling processes. Ultimately, these process can improve renal injury and dysfunction caused by diabetic nephropathy. This article summarizes the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its mediated pyroptosis at different pathological stages of DN, proposes potential targets for regulating their activation, aiming to provide a new direction for personalized treatment of DN.
2.The mechanism of SAP overexpression in alleviating periodontitis in mice
HUANG Yinyin ; LIANG Dongliang ; ZOU Yaokun ; HAN Jingru ; GE Qing ; LIU Xueyan ; GUO Yadong ; HUANG Xinli ; YANG Lan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(8):619-630
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism by which serum amyloid P component (SAP) alleviates periodontitis in mice, providing an experimental basis to establish SAP as a novel therapeutic agent for periodontitis.
Methods:
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Periodontitis models were established in wild-type (WT) mice and SAP-transgenic (SAP-Tg) mice, divided into four groups: WT control (WT group), WT periodontitis (WT+P group), SAP-Tg control (Tg group), and SAP-Tg periodontitis (Tg+P group). On day 7, the mice were euthanized, and periodontal tissues, teeth, and alveolar bone were collected. SAP protein expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Micro-CT and HE staining were used to measure alveolar bone resorption (distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed to assess osteoclast number, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate macrophage infiltration. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by qRT-PCR. Oral microorganism composition was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. Additionally, macrophages from WT and SAP-Tg mice were isolated to establish an in vitro inflammation model, divided into WT+LPS and Tg+LPS groups. The expression of macrophage polarization-related genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86, CD163, and CD206) were assessed by qRT-PCR. After the induction of osteoclast differentiation, TRAP staining was performed.
Results:
ELISA results demonstrated that periodontal tissues from Tg+P group mice exhibited higher levels of SAP expression compared to the WT+P group. Micro-CT and HE staining analyses revealed that the Tg+P group showed reduced alveolar bone resorption, indicated by a shorter distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest, compared to the WT+P group. Furthermore, TRAP staining results indicated a decrease in osteoclast numbers in the Tg+P group compared to the WT+P group. IHC and qRT-PCR results indicated reduced macrophage infiltration and decreased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the Tg+P group. Oral microorganism sequencing showed no significant difference in periodontitis-associated pathogenic bacteria between WT+P and Tg+P groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that compared to the WT+LPS group, the Tg+LPS group exhibited downregulated M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and CD86) and upregulated M2 macrophage markers (CD163 and CD206). TRAP staining confirmed fewer osteoclasts in the Tg+LPS group.
Conclusion
SAP overexpression effectively alleviates periodontitis severity in mice by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation, thereby attenuating alveolar bone resorption.
3.P2Y14R activation facilitates liver regeneration via CREB/DNMT3b/Dact-2/β-Catenin signals in acute liver failure.
Mengze ZHOU ; Yehong LI ; Jialong QIAN ; Xinli DONG ; Yanshuo GUO ; Li YIN ; Chunxiao LIU ; Kun HAO ; Qinghua HU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):919-933
Acute liver failure (ALF) is lack of broadly approved therapeutic strategy except liver transplantation. As a glycogen metabolic intermediate, UDP-glucose (UDP-G) has been considered to accelerate liver repairment. Nevertheless, the role of UDP-G and its receptor P2Y purinoceptor 14 (P2Y14R) in ALF remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of UDP-G/P2Y14R axis in ALF. In this study, hepatic P2Y14R is significantly increased in TAA-induced and partial hepatectomy-induced ALF, while knockout of whole-body P2Y14R aggravates liver failure, manifested by inhibiting β-Catenin-mediated liver regeneration. Consistently, P2Y14R deficiency exhibits impaired liver regeneration in mice suffer partial hepatectomy. Importantly, only hepatocellular specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Alb cre/+ ) mice shows a similar phenomenon, rather than stellate cell specific deletion of P2Y14R (P2Y14R flox/flox Lrat cre/+ ) mice. Mechanistically, P2Y14R induction regulates methylation of Dact-2 through CREB/DNMT3b signals in hepatocytes, subsequently inhibiting the expression of Dact-2 which is a stabilizer of β-Catenin degradation complex, leading to the activation of β-Catenin -mediated liver regeneration. Interestingly, the administration of exogenous UDP-G can accelerate liver regeneration and liver function recovery after partial hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma mice. Together, the findings propose an unrecognized role of P2Y14R in ALF and provide an effective adjuvant strategy for treatment of ALF.
5.Aqueous extract of Chuan Xiong Rhizoma enhances inhibitory effect of temozolomide against brain metastasis of melanoma in mice
Qian ZHAO ; Zhen ZHANG ; Xingqi ZHOU ; Xiangyu RONG ; Xuerou LIU ; Xinli ZHAO ; Haojie WANG ; Jinlong PANG ; Shanshan LI ; Xian LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(6):1088-1097
Objective To investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Chuan Xiong Rhizoma(CR)on brain metastasis of melanoma B16F10 cells in mice.Methods C57BL/6J mouse models of brain metastasis of melanoma were established by ultrasound-guided intraventricular injection of Luc-labeled B16F10 cells,and brain tumor growth was monitored by in vivo imaging.The mouse models were then randomized for daily gavage of saline or aqueous extract of CR(equivalent crude drug concentration of 1 mg/g).Behavioral tests were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of CR in the tumor-bearing mice,and the changes in proteins associated with blood-brain barrier integrity,neuronal cell proliferation and apoptosis,and microglial cell apoptosis and activation were observed using immunofluorescence assay.The efficacy of CR combined with temozolomide(25 mg/kg)against brain metastases of B16F10 cells was observed by in vivo imaging.Results CR-treated mouse models did not show obvious progression of brain metastases and had a reduced rate of body weight loss and lowered protein expressions of ZO-1,claudin-5,occludin,P-gp,TNF-α,AQP4 and PDGFRβ.In the behavioral tests,the CR-treated mice showed prolonged stay on the wooden stick with a shortened time of sticky stick removal.Immunofluorescence assay showed increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of neuronal cells and microglia in CR-treated mice.CR treatment significantly increased the levels of CD86,CD206,IL-4 and IL-10 and decreased the levels of CD163 and IL-1β in the microenvironment of brain metastases.The mice receiving combined treatments with CR and temozolomide showed significantly lower intensity of fluorescent signals in the brain than those treated with temozolomide alone.Conclusion CR does not promote brain metastasis of melanoma while inducing opening of the blood-brain barrier,and its combined use with TMZ results in enhanced inhibition against brain metastasis of melanoma B16F10 cells in mice.
6.Effect of storage temperature and time on coagulation factor after cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor melting
Yuan WANG ; Guoying LIU ; Dawei KONG ; Jianbin LI ; Xinli JIN ; Yuhong ZHANG ; Wenchao GE ; Lin CHENG ; Jiaxuan LIU ; Yuzhen LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(4):425-430
【Objective】 To study and compare the effects of different storage temperature and time on coagulation factor after cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor(CAF) melting, and to provide reference for the establishment of industry standards. 【Methods】 From June 2021 to May 2023, a total of 96 bags of CAF were sampled in 4 bags per month, and timely detected in the same month. After the CAF was melted in a 37℃ water bath, the mild to moderate lipemic blood was labeled. Each bag of CAF and two 50 mL transfer bags were divided into two bags and two groups of 20 mL each using a sterile adapter. One group was placed in a 4℃ refrigerator and the other in a 22℃ water bath for 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Then 2 mL of aseptic sample was taken separately and put into the test tube, and 1mL of sample and 3 mL of buffer were added into the other test tube with the sampling gun and mixed on the machine for testing. The experimental data of 60 bags without mild to moderate lipemic blood cryoprecipitation and coagulation factor were randomly selected and statistically analyzed by SPSS21.0. 【Results】 After melting, CAF was stored for 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h to detect the average content and growth rate of coagulation factor in the two groups: 1) Storage at 4℃, factor Ⅷ content was 118.62, 111.57(-5.95%), 105.51(-11.05%), 103.30(-12.92%), 94.35(-20.46%) and 83.25(-29.82%) IU/ bag, respectively; Storage at 22℃, the factor Ⅷ content was 118.62, 112.69(-5.00%), 111.41(-6.08%), 109.01(-8.10%), 101.55(-14.39%) and 92.75(-21.81%) IU/ bag, and the storage results of the two groups were compared. At 24 h at 4℃ and 48 h at 22℃, the content of factor Ⅷ had significant statistical significance(P<0.01), and when stored at 22℃, the decay rate of factor Ⅷ was slower; 2) When stored at 4℃, the content of factor V was 41.19, 41.31(0.29%), 40.52(-1.64%), 40.27(-2.23%), 39.05(-5.19%) and 36.99(-10.21%) IU/ bag, respectively; Stored at 22℃, the factor V content was 41.19, 41.71(1.25%), 42.54(3.28%), 41.94(1.80%), 39.21(-4.80%) and 35.64(-13.48%) IU/ bag, respectively. Comparison of storage results between the two groups showed that the content of factor V was statistically significant(P<0.05) and significantly significant(P<0.01) at 4℃48 h and 22℃48 h, respectively, and the decay rate of factor V was faster when stored at 22℃; 3) When stored at 4℃, the Fbg content was 268.86, 268.17(-0.26%), 262.46(-2.38%), 270.50(0.61%), 267.52(-0.50%) and 261.92(-2.58%) mg/ bag, respectively; Stored at 22℃, the Fbg content was 268.86, 265.86(-1.12%), 264.12(-1.77%), 265.89(-1.11%), 266.04(-1.05%) and 261.04(-2.91%) mg/ bag, respectively. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups and the original 0 h content in each time period(P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 After CAF melting, coagulation factor decreased with the extension of storage time, especially the decrease of factor Ⅷ, followed by factor V, while Fbg basically unchanged. Comparison between the two groups showed that, factor Ⅷ decay rate is slower, factor V decay rate is faster of storage at 22℃. CAF should be transfused as soon as possible after melting. If the delay is unavoidable, for the delay time less than 12 h, storage at 4℃ is recommended, fot the delay time more than 12 h and less than 24 h, storage at 22℃ is recommended.
7.Mechanism of Yes-Associated Protein 1 Ameliorating Aristolochic Acid 1-Induced Liver Injury in Mice Based on Untargeted Metabolomics Techniques
Yu XUE ; Caige LI ; Yiwei LIU ; Jiali YANG ; Zhiqin ZHANG ; Jingmin JI ; Kun YU ; Xinli SHI
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(1):46-55
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)ameliorating aristolochic acid 1(AAI)-induced liver injury in mice based on untargeted metabolomics techniques.Methods There were 83-week-old male hepatocyte-specific Yap1 gene knockout mice(genotyped as Yap1Flox/Flox,Albumin-Cre,aka.Yap1LKO)were randomly selected as the Yap1LKO+AAI group,and 8 Yap1Flox control mice as the Yap1Flox+AAI group.Both groups were injected intraperitoneally with AAI at a dose of 2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1 for 14 consecutive days.Genotypes were identified by tail PCR;serum alanine transaminase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)activities were determined by microplate assay;histopathological changes of liver tissue were observed by HE staining;and the protein expression of YAP1 in liver tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry.The untargeted metabolomics approach was used to analyze the liver tissue differential metabolites,and the samples were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbit trap high-resolution mass spectrometry,and the differential metabolites were screened by principal component analysis(PCA),Partial least square-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA),and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA);using HMDB database and METLIN database to identify metabolites,and the pathway enrichment of differential metabolites was analyzed by KEGG database.Results(1)After 14 days of AAI induction,the increase of body mass in Yap1LKO mice was lower than that in Yap1Flox mice,but there was no statistical significance(P>0.05).On day 14,compared with the Yap1Flox+AAI group,the serum ALT and AST enzyme activities in the Yap1LKO+AAI group of mice were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the histopathological damage of the liver was significantly aggravated.The livers of the Yap1Flox mice had a positive protein expression of YAP1,whereas the Yap1LKO mice did not have a positive protein expression of YAP1.(2)A total of 139 differential metabolites with significant changes(VIP>1 and P<0.05)were screened by metabonomic analysis;compared with Yap1LKO+ AAI group,62 liver metabolites in Yap1Flox+AAI group were up-regulated,including choline,taurine,hypotaurine,α-linolenic acid,eleostearic acid,chenodeoxycholic acid and so on.Seventy-seven metabolites were down-regulated including glycerophosphocholine,L-phosphatidylcholine,L-glutamine,L-serine,L-glutathione,5-methionine,phenylalanine,glucose 6-phosphate,lactic acid,uric acid glycosides,etc..KEGG-enriched pathways were mainly choline metabolism,glycerophospholipid metabolism,insulin resistance,glutathione metabolism,etc..Conclusion Hepatocyte-specific Yap1 gene knockout exacerbated AAI-induced liver injury in mice,and YAP1 was involved in the regulation of choline metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism through the up-regulation of unsaturated fatty acids,such as choline and taurine,which ameliorated AAI-induced liver injury in mice.
8.Current status of regional school health work in Tianjin during 2019-2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(5):620-625
Objective:
To explore the current status and progress of regional school health work to provide policy reference for school health improvement.
Methods:
Survey data on school health work in Tianjin from 2019, 2021 and 2023 was used. School health staff allocation and expenditure of the health administrative department, CDC and education department, as well as the annual implementation of health education, prevention and control of common diseases and infectious diseases, sports activities and food nutrition in primary and secondary schools were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using KruskalWallis test, Chisquare test, and Fishers exact test.
Results:
The number of school health staff in the health commissions and education departments from 2019, 2021 and 2023 was relatively stable. Parttime staffs were often employed by health commissions while fulltime staffs were mainly employed by education departments. The number of school health staff at CDCs increased gradually (H=12.65, P<0.01). School health expenditure of administrative departments and schools in 2021 and 2023 increased significantly compared with that in 2019 (H=22.28, 23.75, P<0.05). More than 95% of schools set up clinics or health care rooms, and about 97% of schools had school health technicians or health teachers. More than 90% of schools had health education courses over 4 hours per semester. The rate of mental health education increased by year (86.87%, 89.91%, 96.30%, Z=2.40,P<0.05). Lack of courses regarded safety emergency and risk avoidance, growth and development, and adolescent health education. The provision rate of psychological counseling services (89.00%, 97.25%, 100.00%) and psychological problem prevention and control (56.12%, 71.56%, 81.48%) also increased by year (Z=3.83, 3.96, P<0.01). The implementation rates of prevention and control of poor vision, dental caries, overweight and obesity were all higher than 80%, and the prevention and control rate of abnormal spinal curvature showed an increasing trend (38.78%, 77.06%, 72.22%, Z=4.87, P<0.01). More than 90% of schools met the standard for physical education class hours, and the proportion of schools conducting at least 30 minutes of recess physical activities every day increased year by year (65.00%, 80.73%, 85.98%, Z=3.59, P<0.01). All schools did not have shops.
Conclusions
School health work in Tianjin is effective and constantly developing. It is necessary to continue to increase the investment of human resources and expenditure in school health, explore the approaches of cooccurrence and prevention of common diseases, and improve the school sports and nutrition environment.
9.In vitro quality evaluation of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates prepared from whole blood stored at 4℃
Huijuan AN ; Hong SHAN ; Zheng LIU ; Jiaojiao ZHANG ; Jiaojie WANG ; Lili BIE ; Jianbin LI ; Xinli JIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(7):820-826
Objective To investigate the feasibility of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates from whole blood stored at 4℃,and provide theoretical basis for the components preparation.Methods The collected 400 mL ACD-B antico-agulant whole blood was randomly divided into two groups,stored at 4℃and room temperature.The buffy coat was prepared within 6 hours and store at 22℃until next day to prepare leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates.Platelet samples on day 1,3,5 and 7 were taken for the blood cell count and related parameter detection.The pH,glucose and lactic acid con-tent were determined to reflect the metabolic status,and the thromboelastography,platelet aggregation rate and PAC-1 and CD62P expression were determined to reflect the function and activation of platelets.The difference in platelets between two groups were analyzed.Results With the extension of storage time,the count of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concen-trates decreased gradually,but the platelets distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV)and platelet-larger cell ratio(P-LCR)increased gradually in two groups,with no statistical significance(P>0.05).The pH and glucose con-tents in two groups gradually decreased,but the lactic acid content gradually increased,with no significant difference(P>0.05).The thrombelastogram showed MA value that reflecting platelet function has no significant change during the storage,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The aggregation rates decreased while the expres-sion of PAC-1 and CD62P increased gradually with the prolongation of preservation time,with no significant difference be-tween the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion There is no significant difference in platelet count,function and activation between whole blood stored at 4℃and at room temperature within 6 hours.Whole blood stored at 4℃within 6 hours can be considered as the raw material for leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates.
10.Research on the risk factors and cumulative risk of myopia in children and adolescents
Yang QIN ; Wen YUAN ; Tian YANG ; Xiuhong ZHANG ; Li CHEN ; Yi ZHANG ; Jianuo JIANG ; Qi MA ; Ziqi DONG ; Xinli SONG ; Jieyu LIU ; Ruolin WANG ; Yi SONG ; Jun MA ; Yanhui DONG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(8):1126-1133
Objective:To investigate the risk factors and cumulative risk of myopia in children and adolescents, providing a basis for identifying cumulative risk factors in preventing and controlling myopia.Methods:Baseline data from the mental and physical health cohort of children and adolescents established in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were used. A stratified random cluster sampling method was adopted to select 138 974 students from fourth to twelfth grade as participants. Distance visual exams, refractive assessments, and questionnaires were conducted on the included students. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate each risk factor's impact on myopia's prevalence. The number of risk factors was summed to form a cumulative risk score, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the cumulative risk score and the prevalence of myopia. Additionally, the association between the cumulative risk score of myopic students and their degree of refractivity was analyzed using a generalized estimating equation.Results:The study found a high prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents at baseline (70.2%). Girls exhibited a higher prevalence (74.8%) than boys (65.6%), urban areas (74.3%) surpassed suburban ones (68.6%), and the incidence was greater in high schools (80.3%) compared to middle schools (75.3%), which, in turn, was higher than in elementary schools (57.7%) (all P<0.05). Analysis of risk factors revealed that children and adolescents experiencing improper reading and writing distances ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.07-1.13), excessive homework ( OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), insufficient sleep ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.07-1.13), having myopic father ( OR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.91-2.05), having myopic mother ( OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.97-2.10), or using classroom chairs not matched to their height faced ( OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07) increased myopia risks. Additionally, the prevalence and significant odds ratio of myopia increased with the increase in cumulative risk score, with every additional unit of cumulative risk score increasing the right eye's refractive error by -0.10 D. Conclusion:The presence of multiple factors and their comprehensive score increases the prevalence of myopia in children and adolescents.


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