1.Effects and mechanism of paeoniflorin on oxidative stress of ulcerative colitis mice
Xin DAI ; Ying WANG ; Xinyue REN ; Dingxing FAN ; Xianzhe LI ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):427-433
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of paeoniflorin on oxidative stress of ulcerative colitis (UC) mice based on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. METHODS Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, inhibitor group (AMPK inhibitor Compound C 20 mg/kg), paeoniflorin low-, medium- and high-dose groups (paeoniflorin 12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg), high- dose of paeoniflorin+inhibitor group (paeoniflorin 50 mg/kg+Compound C 20 mg/kg), with 8 mice in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were given 4% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 5 days to establish the UC model. Subsequently, mice in each drug group were given the corresponding drug solution intragastrically or intraperitoneally, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. The changes in body weight of mice were recorded during the experiment. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, colon length, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in colon tissues were measured; histopathological morphology of colon tissues, tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, and histopathological scoring were all observed and evaluated; the mRNA expressions of AMPK and Nrf2, as well as the protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), occludin and claudin-1, were all determined in colon tissue. RESULTS Compared with model group, paeoniflorin groups exhibited recovery from pathological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration and crypt damage in the colon tissue, as well as improved tight junction damage between intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, significant increases or upregulations were observed in body weight, colon length, activities of SOD and GSH-Px, phosphorylation level of AMPK, and protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and mRNA expressions of AMPK and Nrf2; concurrently, MDA content and histopathological scores were significantly reduced (P< 0.05 or P<0.01). In contrast, the inhibitor group showed comparable (P>0.05) or worse (P<0.05 or P<0.01) indicators compared to the model group. Conversely, the addition of AMPK inhibitor could significantly reverse the improvement of high- dose paconiflorin (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Paeoniflorin can repair intestinal epithelial cell damage in mice, improve tight junctions between epithelial cells, upregulate the expression of related proteins, and promote the expression and secretion of antioxidant-promoting molecules, thereby ameliorating UC; its mechanism may be associated with activating AMPK/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
2.Correlation between the health literacy of reducing salt,oil and sugar on overweight and obesity among fourthgrade elementary school students and their parents
HAO Ying, LIU Danru, CHEN Xianxian, REN Jie, XU Cong, DU Fengjun, GUO Xiaolei, DONG Jing, MA Jixiang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):489-493
Objective:
To analyze the effects of health literacy on overweight and obesity among primary school students and their parents in terms of salt, oil and sugar reduction (referred to as the "three reductions"), so as to provide a theoretical basis for the development of obesity control measures.
Methods:
From March to April 2024, a total of 1 022 fourthgrade primary school students and 913 parents were surveyed in 24 classes in six counties in Shandong Province using multistage cluster random sampling, and physical measurements of primary school students were conducted. Pearsons correlation analysis and ordered multivariate Logistic regression were used to investigate the associations between health literacy of primary school students and their parents with overweight and obesity among children.
Results:
The detection rates of overweight and obesity primary school students in Shandong Province were 14.87% and 24.66%, respectively, with significant sex difference in obesity rate (29.46% for boys and 19.76% for girls) (χ2=12.93, P<0.01). In addition to students reducing oil scores, parental reducing salt,reducing oil,reducing sugar, comprehensive health literacy scores and students reducing salt,reducing sugar and comprehensive health literacy scores showed a negative relationship with students overweight and obesity (r=-0.10, -0.08, -0.07, -0.10, -0.04, -0.07, -0.03, P<0.05). The overweight and obesity rates among primary school students with high parental reducing salt,reducing oil,reducing sugar and composite health literacy scores were lower (OR=0.69, 0.69, 0.71, 0.63, P<0.05); and the overweight and obesity rate among students with high parental and low parental and high and low parental health literacy scores were lower (OR=0.68, 0.57, P<0.05).
Conclusion
Improving health literacy regarding "three reductions" for parents and children, especially parents, can effectively reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity.
3.Evaluation of GRADE Clinical Research Evidence of Chinese Patent Medicine Combined with Western Medicine in Treatment of Hypertension with Dyslipidemia
Jiaheng WANG ; Yukun LI ; Liangyu CUI ; Yilan ZHENG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Cong REN ; Tianyue JING ; Tong YIN ; Liying WANG ; Xuejie HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):95-105
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of antihypertensive and lipid-regulating Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of hypertension with dyslipidemia. To carry out the evidence synthesis of clinical research and provide evidence-based evidence support for clinical decision-making. MethodThe databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WF),VIP,SinoMed,Embase,PubMed,Web of Science (WOS),and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of all listed Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of hypertension with dyslipidemia from the establishment of the databases to April 15,2023. The literature was screened and extracted,and the risk of bias tool 2.0 (RoB2) was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the methodology. Revman 5.4.1 software was used to analyze the outcome indicators. Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to assess the quality of evidence formed by clinical research data. The inclusion and recommendation of Chinese patent medicines in the National Drug Catalogue for Basic Medical Insurance,Work-related Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance (2022) and domestic guidelines and consensus were searched to form a bubble chart. ResultA total of 15 studies were included. The evaluation of the methodological quality of each study showed that the risk of bias stemmed from the lack of blinding and allocation concealment,and low sample size. The comprehensive analysis of clinical studies showed that Dengzhan Shengmai capsules combined with rosuvastatin and amlodipine besylate,Yindan Xinnaotong capsules combined with simvastatin and levamlodipine tablets,Xiaoshuan Tongluo capsules combined with nifedipine controlled release tablets and pravastatin sodium tablets,Xinshubao capsules combined with atorvastatin calcium tablets and irbesartan,Wenyading capsules combined with enalapril,and Jiangzhining tablets combined with conventional Western medicines were all superior to conventional Western medicines used in the control group in improving systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. The GRADE evaluation of the main outcome indicators showed that the evidence quality of SBP and incidence of adverse reactions was graded as B,that of DBP as C,and that of total TC,TG,LDL-C,and HDL-C as D. The evaluation of Chinese patent medicines covered by medical insurance and recommended by guidelines and consensus showed that Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsules,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules and Xiaoshuan Tongluo capsules belonged to class B drugs of medical insurance,and were recommended for 7,6 and 3 times in the guidelines and consensus,respectively. ConclusionCompared with simple medicine treatment,Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional Western medicine has more advantages in improving blood pressure and blood lipid,and shows higher safety. Among them,Yindan Xinnaotong soft capsules,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules and Xiaoshuan Tongluo capsules have stronger clinical applicability and economy. All the trials included in this article adhered to the principle of randomization and reported the outcome measures. However,the quality of evidence in related clinical studies was low. In terms of trial design,large-sample,multi-center,blinded randomized controlled trials based on the consolidated standards of reporting trials (CONSORT) statement are still needed for comprehensive trial designs and reporting,to further improve the GRADE quality evaluation and guideline formulation under the guidance of evidence-based medicine,so as to provide higher quality evidence-based research evidence for clinical decision-making.
4.GRADE Clinical Study Evidence Evaluation and Expert Consensus on Antihypertensive Chinese Patent Medicines Combined with Western Medicines for Treatment of Hypertension
Liangyu CUI ; Yukun LI ; Tianyue JING ; Yu WANG ; Cong REN ; Tong YIN ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaheng WANG ; Chenge SUN ; Dasheng LIU ; Zhizheng XING ; Xuejie HAN ; Liying WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):106-115
ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of research and evidence related to antihypertensive Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicines for the treatment of hypertension, synthesize and update the evidence, form expert consensus, and provide evidence for clinical decision-making. MethodThe databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WanFang), Vip Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (Sinomed), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and US Clinical Trials Registry were searched for randomized controlled trials of antihypertensive Chinese medicine combined with western medicine for the treatment of hypertension from database construction to July 31, 2022. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the bias risk assessment tool in Cochrane Handbook 6.3. Evidence synthesis of main outcome indicators was performed using R software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profiler (GRADEprofiler) 3.6 was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. Expert consensus was formed based on the Delphi method after two rounds of voting. Result64 pieces of literature were included, and the results of literature quality evaluation and risk of bias showed that 70.31% (45/64) of the studies indicated some risks, and 29.69% (19/64) indicated high risks. Compared with conventional western medicines, the combination of Chinese patent medicines with western medicines can significantly lower systolic pressure (SBP) and diastolic pressure (DBP), increase the effective rate of antihypertensive, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, endothelin-1, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores. Egger's test showed that Songling Xuemaikang capsules reduced SBP and DBP. Tianma Gouteng granules reduced SBP and DBP and increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, and Xinmaitong capsules reduced SBP and increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, without significant publication bias. Songling Xuemaikang capsules increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, and Xinmaitong capsules decreased DBP, with significant publication bias. The results of the GRADE evidence quality evaluation showed that most evidence was at grades B and C. Finally, four strong recommendations and 14 weak recommendations were formed. ConclusionCompared with conventional western medicines for the treatment of hypertension, antihypertensive Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicines have advantages in reducing blood pressure and improving drug use safety, but they are mostly weak recommendations in terms of efficacy, and more high-quality evidence is needed.
5.Clinical Evidence Mapping of Chinese Patent Medicines Combined with Western Medicine in Treatment of Hypertension
Yukun LI ; Liangyu CUI ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Cong REN ; Tong YIN ; Yu WANG ; Liying WANG ; Xuejie HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):116-123
ObjectiveTo systematically collect, analyze, and evaluate the randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Chinese patent medicine combined with western medicine in the treatment of hypertension, map the evidence, and provide reference for the future clinical research and formulation of guidelines and policies. MethodThe relevant articles were retrieved from China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library with the time interval from inception to December 31, 2022. The RCT of Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicine in the treatment of hypertension were included. The research characteristics and methodological quality were analyzed and evaluated. ResultA total of 330 RCTs of treating hypertension with Chinese patent medicines combined with Western medicine were included in this study, all of which were published in Chinese. These RCTs involved 88 Chinese patent medicines and 37 788 patients, and 46% of RCT had the sample size ≥100 patients. Eighty-seven percent of RCT showed the study period within 3 months. All the interventions in the RCTs were Chinese patent medicine + western medicine vs western medicine. Among the evaluation indicators, blood pressure, response rate, TCM syndrome score, endothelial cell function, and safety were mainly concerned. In terms of methodological quality, most articles did not mention the generation of random sequences, allocation concealment, or blinding method. The blinding evaluation of outcomes showed low risks of bias, and there was insufficient information to judge whether there was selective bias or other bias. ConclusionThere were many Chinese patent medicines used in combination with western medicine in the treatment of hypertension, and they were mainly taken orally. The existing RCT had problems such as small sample size, unclear clinical value positioning, imperfect design failing to reflect the value of Chinese patent medicines, unreasonable measurement indicators, and non-standard measurement methods. Future research should solve the above problems, improve the research quality, value, and authenticity, and enhance the reliability and extension of evidence.
6.Efficacy of Prescriptions for Softening Hardness to Dissipate Mass Combined with Levothyroxine Sodium in the Treatment of Postoperative Patients with Thyroid Cancer:A Meta-analysis
Hao-Qun FAN ; Jian-Chun WU ; Cong LIAO ; Xue-Ren AO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):798-808
Objective To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of the prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium in the treatment of postoperative thyroid cancer,and to provide evidence-based medical proof for clinical treatment of postoperative thyroid cancer.Methods Computer search was performed in the major domestic and oversea databases for the retrieval of clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium for the treatment of postoperative thyroid cancer.After screening the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the quality of the included literature was evaluated using the tools for analysis of the bias recommended by Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook and the modified JADAD rating scale,and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Results A total of 11 RCTs involving 749 patients were eventually included.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with Levothyroxine Sodium alone,prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium significantly enhanced the efficacy of postoperative patients with thyroid cancer(RR=1.30,95%CI[1.21,1.41],Z = 6.81,P<0.000 01),and improved the thyroid functions parameters of serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)(SMD=-1.75,95%CI[-2.38,-1.13],Z = 5.47,P<0.000 01),thyroglobulin(TG)(SMD=-1.13,95%CI[-1.71,-0.55],Z = 3.81,P = 0.000 1),free triiodothyronine(FT3)(SMD=3.42,95%CI[0.73,6.10],Z = 2.50,P = 0.01),free thyroxine(FT4)(SMD=1.85,95%CI[0.05,3.66],Z = 2.02,P = 0.04),and thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb)(SMD=-0.63,95%CI[-1.11,-0.15],Z = 2.55,P = 0.01),increased Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)scores(SMD= 2.19,95%CI[1.30,3.08],Z = 4.81,P<0.000 01),shortened the time for the relief of clinical symptoms after thyroid cancer surgery(MD=-4.67,95%CI[-5.38,-3.96],Z = 12.87,P<0.000 01),reduced the diameter of the largest thyroid nodule after thyroid cancer surgery(MD=-2.51,95%CI[-3.13,-1.89],Z = 7.94,P<0.000 01),regulated the immune function indicators of T lymphocyte population CD3+(MD=8.68,95%CI[4.97,12.39],Z = 4.59,P<0.000 01)and CD4+(MD=10.77,95%CI[5.46,16.08],Z = 3.97,P<0.000 1)levels,and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications of thyroid cancer(RR=0.34,95%CI[0.18,0.65],Z = 3.26,P = 0.001).The differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass combined with Levothyroxine Sodium can enhance the efficacy of postoperative patients with thyroid cancer.The combined therapy is superior to Levothyroxine Sodium alone in improving thyroid function indicators,KPS score,time for the relief of clinical symptoms,diameter of the largest thyroid nodule,immune function indicators,and the incidence of postoperative complications.However,due to the small amount of included trials and the fact that the prescriptions for softening hardness to dissipate mass vary in the composition,the conclusions of the analysis need to be confirmed by more high-quality,multi-center,large-sample clinically randomized controlled trials.
7.Diagnostic value of pulmonary embolism volumein identifying mild-to-high-risk acute pulmonary embolism based on quantitative CT
Yan'e YAO ; Yansong LI ; Xionghui WANG ; Xiaoqi HUANG ; Tao REN ; Jun FENG ; Youmin GUO ; Cong SHEN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):126-132
Objective To investigate the value of computer-assisted quantification of pulmonary embolism volume(PEV)in identifying mild-to-high-risk acute pulmonary embolism(APE).Methods We retrospectively enrolled 143 patients with suspected APE confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography(CTPA)at Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020.According to the 2018 Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis,Treatment and Prevention of Pulmonary Thromboembolism,all the patients were divided into low-risk group(n=88)and mild-to-high-risk group(n=55).We collected the patients'basic demographic data,clinical manifestations,and serum levels of N-terminal-B type natriuretic peptide precursor(NT-proBNP)and D-dimer.Based on CTPA images,the degree of pulmonary thromboembolism was artificially evaluated to obtain the pulmonary artery occlusion index(PAOI).The thrombus was segmented using the pulmonary embolism detection tool based on digital lung,and PEV was calculated.We compared the differences in clinical and laboratory indicators and PAOI and PEV between the two risk groups.We analyzed the value of PAOI and PEV in identifying mild-to-high-risk APE using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and used Logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors in predicting mild-to-high-risk APE.Different models were established.Results Compared with the low-risk group,APE patients in the mild-to-high-risk group were older(P<0.05),had lower diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05),higher levels of D-dimer and NT-proBNP(P<0.05),lower levels of platelet count,arterial oxygen partial pressure and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure(P<0.05),and higher levels of PAOI and PEV(P<0.001).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for PEV in identifying mild-to-high-risk APE was 0.809(95%CI:0.734-0.884),while that for PAOI was 0.753(95%CI:0.667-0.839).Logistic regression analysis showed that PEV and NT-proBNP were independent risk factors for mild-to-high-risk APE(P<0.05).Conclusion PEV and NT-proBNP are independent risk factors for mild-to-high-risk APE.
8.Roles of THEM4 in the Akt pathway:a double-edged sword
XIE WEN ; LIU WEIDONG ; WANG LEI ; ZHU BIN ; ZHAO CONG ; LIAO ZILING ; LI YIHAN ; JIANG XINGJUN ; LIU JIE ; REN CAIPING
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2024;25(7):541-556
The protein kinase B(Akt)pathway can regulate the growth,proliferation,and metabolism of tumor cells and stem cells through the activation of multiple downstream target genes,thus affecting the development and treatment of a range of diseases.Thioesterase superfamily member 4(THEM4),a member of the thioesterase superfamily,is one of the Akt kinase-binding proteins.Some studies on the mechanism of cancers and other diseases have shown that THEM4 binds to Akt to regulate its phosphorylation.Initially,THEM4 was considered an endogenous inhibitor of Akt,which can inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt in diseases such as lung cancer,pancreatic cancer,and liver cancer,but subsequently,THEM4 was shown to promote the proliferation of tumor cells by positively regulating Akt activity in breast cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma,which contradicts previous findings.Considering these two distinct views,this review summarizes the important roles of THEM4 in the Akt pathway,focusing on THEM4 as an Akt-binding protein and its regulatory relationship with Akt phosphorylation in various diseases,especially cancer.This work provides a better understanding of the roles of THEM4 combined with Akt in the treatment of diseases.
9.Effects of propofol on high glucose induced myocardial cell injury through autophagy mediated by Fox O1/TXNIP signaling pathway
Yu-Ming YANG ; Yue PENG ; Hong HAN ; Cong-Cai REN ; Li-Xia ZHAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(16):2344-2348
Objective To investigate the impact of propofol(Pro)on high glucose(HG)-induced myocardial cell injury through autophagy mediated by forkhead box O1(Fox O1)/thioredoxininteracting protein(TXNIP)signaling pathway.Methods H9c2 cells were divided into blank group(5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose),high glucose(HG)group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose),HG+Pro group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose+25 μmol·L-1 Pro),HG+Pro+negative control(OE NC)group(first transfected with OE NC,then treated with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose+25 μmol·L-1 Pro),HG+Pro+Fox O1 overexpression plasmid(Fox O1-OE)group(first transfected with Fox O1-OE,then treated with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose+25 μmol·L-1 Pro).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method,TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)method,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),transmission electron microscope and Western blot were applied to detect the cell survival rate,apoptosis rate,superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the supernatant,and the changes in Autophagosome,Fox O1/TXNIP and autophagy protein expression levels.Results The cell viabilities of blank group,HG group,HG+Pro group,HG+Pro+OE NC group and HG+Pro+Fox O1-OE group were(100.00±0.00)%,(48.15±4.82)%,(79.66±7.98)%,(78.89±7.91)%and(49.22±4.93)%,respectively;the apoptosis rates were(12.04±1.21)%,(42.34±4.25)%,(26.22±2.63)%,(27.02±2.71)%,(38.29±3.86)%,respectively;SOD levels were(62.24±6.25),(28.21±2.85),(55.37±5.58),(55.09±5.53),(30.66±3.08)U·mg-1 pro,respectively;MDA levels were(0.38±0.04),(1.43±0.15),(0.67±0.07),(0.72±0.08)and(1.34±0.14)U·mg-1 pro,respectively;the number of autophagosomes was 6.24±0.63,13.05±1.32,8.31±0.84,8.55±0.86 and 12.22±1.23,respectively;phosphorylated Fox O1(p-Fox O1)/Fox O1 ratios were expressed as 0.34±0.04,0.86±0.09,0.48±0.05,0.43±0.05 and 0.74±0.08;TXNIP were expressed as 0.24±0.03,0.62±0.08,0.38±0.04,0.36±0.04 and 0.58±0.06;Bcelin-1 were expressed as 1.12±0.12,0.53±0.06,1.02±0.11,1.05±0.11 and 0.62±0.07;p62 were expressed as 0.56±0.06,1.56±0.16,0.82±0.09,0.86±0.09 and 1.44±0.15;there were statistical differences in the above indexes between HG group and blank group,HG+Pro group and HG group,HG+Pro+Fox O1-OE group and HG+Pro+OE NC group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Pro inhibits autophagy by inhibiting Fox O1/TXNIP signaling pathway,and improves HG-induced myocardial cell injury.
10.Mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang in Inhibiting Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasomes and Ameliorating Acute Liver Injury in Septic Mice
Ruizhu ZHAO ; Zhengyang HUA ; Yuhang WANG ; Xinyue REN ; Dingxing FAN ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):27-34
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedutang in inhibiting the pyroptosis mediated by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes and alleviating the acute liver injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the mouse model of sepsis. MethodFifty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into blank, model, low- (3.08 g·kg-1), medium- (6.15 g·kg-1), and high-dose (12.30 g·kg-1) Huanglian Jiedutang, and positive control (dexamethasone) groups (n=9). The mice were administrated with Huanglian Jiedutang at different doses by gavage for 7 days, and then LPS (15 mg·kg-1) was injected intraperitoneally for the modeling of sepsis. In the positive control group, dexamethasone (0.05 g·kg-1) was injected intraperitoneally 1.5 h after modeling, and the mouse sepsis score (MSS) was recorded 12 h after modeling. The mice were sacrificed for the collection of blood and liver tissue samples. The levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured by a biochemical analyzer. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. The content of NLRP3 was observed by the immunofluorescence assay. The expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of ALT and AST (P<0.01) and risen levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum (P<0.01). In addition, the modeling resulted in edema and necrosis in the liver, and up-regulated the protein levels of GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 (P<0.01) and the mRNA levels of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed reduced content of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage in the liver tissue, and down-regulated protein levels of GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 (P<0.05,P<0.01) and mRNA levels of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.05,P<0.01) in the liver tissue. ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang can inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, thus demonstrating a therapeutic effect on acute liver injury in the mouse model of sepsis induced by LPS.


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