1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Mechanism of action of D-limonene on steatosis in primary hepatocytes based on AMPK/ACC/CPT1A signaling pathway
Qian-jun REN ; Su LI ; Yu-qing CHEN ; Yin-ying LIAO ; Chun-ni LIANG ; Rui-chao FANG ; Xu-dong LIU ; Xiao-fang ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1665-1672
Aim To explore the effects of D-limonene on the steatosis of primary mouse hepatocytes and its potential mechanism of action.Methods Oleic acid-induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes was used as a model to observe the effects of D-limonene on cell viability,cellular lipid content,and intracellular expression of proteins such as AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1(ACC1),and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A(CPT1A).Results It was found that a low dose of D-limonene could effectively enhance the viability of primary mouse hepatocytes.When oleic acid at a con-centration of 300 μmol·L-1 successfully induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes,D-limonene re-duced the lipid content of the cells,and D-limonene up-regulated the cellular AMPK expression level,down-regulated the cellular ACC1 and fatty acid synthetase(FAS)expression levels,which in turn promoted the overexpression of CPT1A.Conclusions D-limonene has the effect of reducing lipid deposition in primary mouse hepatocytes,and the mechanisms may be related to the activation of AMPK,the inhibitions of ACC1 and FAS,and the up-regulation of CPT1A protein expres-sion level.
3.An Epithelial Senescence Model Induced by Doxorubicin in MCF 10A Cells
Zeng-Sheng WANG ; Zu-Biao NIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Jia-Hui HAO ; Yi-Chao ZHU ; Rui-Gang YANG ; He REN ; Chen-Yu LIU ; Qiang SUN ; Li-Cheng REN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):147-155
This research aims to construct a stable epithelial cell senescence model for screening and e-valuation of senolytics.We explored the optimal conditions for doxorubicin-induced senescence of non-transformed epithelial cells MCF 10A,including the optimal induction concentration,the optimal inter-vention time,and the optimal senescence duration,and confirmed the feasibility of MCF 10A as an epi-thelial senescence model by multiple ways.The optimal condition for Doxorubicin-induced senescence of MCF 10A cells was treatment with 0.6 μmol/L Doxorubicin for 16 h to achieve the best senescence state on the 8th day.Under the optimal induction conditions,the positive rate of senescence-associated β-gal-actosidase(SA-β-gal)staining in the treated group reached 97%.At the same time,biochemical results of detecting the expression of mRNA,proteins,and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the expression levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),p16,p21 and p53 in the treated group were significantly higher than those in the control cells,and Lamin B1 was significantly decreased(P<0.001),which were consistent with the specific characteristics of senescence.In summary,an epithelial senescence model was successfully induced in MCF 10A cells by Doxorubicin in this study,which will promote the screening of senolytics for senescent epithelial cells.
4.Research progress of adiponectin in the regulation of cardiovascular system
Chao REN ; Bo ZHANG ; Shi-feng LIU ; Yong ZHANG ; Jia-li LIANG ; Tong-jian WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):744-748
As an important endocrine organ of human body,adipose tissue secrets a large amount of endocrine fac-tors that regulate a variety of physiological functions,and role of adiponectin in cardiovascular system is especially important.At the cellular and molecular level,adiponectin possesses profound anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,which can reduce various pathogenic factors of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).In ad-vanced stage of CVD,the expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue as well as its circulating level compensatively increased.Therefore,adiponectin has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system,and increased adiponectin level may suggest severe CVD.In this review article,we systematically introduced the role of adiponectin in CVD and discussed its application prospects as a clinical biomarker.
5.Establishment of an indirect ELISA method for bovine respiratory syncytial virus rG protein
Hong LI ; Guanxin HOU ; Chihuan LI ; Siping ZHU ; Chao REN ; Xintong ZHU ; Xiaochen LIU ; Yulai DONG ; Qiumei SHI ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1878-1887
In order to establish a serological method for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus,the prokaryotic expression of four proteins of BRSV,G,F,P,and M was carried out,and the most suitable coating antigen was screened to establish an indirect ELISA detection method.The results showed that the four recombinant proteins of BRSV,rG,rF,rP and rM were successfully expressed.The results of checkerboard screening showed that the P/N value of rG protein was the largest,which was determined to be the best coating antigen established by indirect ELISA meth-od.The optimal reaction conditions for indirect ELISA were as follows:the mass concentration of rG protein coating was 1 mg/L,37℃ for 2 h;3%BSA 37℃ block for 1 h;Serum was diluted 1∶50 and incubated at 37℃ for 1h;Secondary antibody 1∶5 000 dilution,37℃ for 30min;The color development conditions of the substrate were 37℃ for 15 min;Thirty negative sera were selected,and the cut-off value was determined to be 0.63 by the established indirect ELISA method.The re-sults of the specificity test showed that the indirect ELISA method established in this test only recognized BRSV-positive serum,and did not react with IBRV,BCoV,and BPIV3-positive serum.The results of repeatability test showed that the method had good repeatability,and the coefficient of variation within and between batches was less than 10%.The results of the sensitivity test showed that the BRSV-positive serum was still positive when diluted to 1∶8 192.The indirect ELISA method established in this experiment was used to detect 100 clinical serum samples at the same time,and the total coincidence rate of the two reached 90.48%,the positive coincidence rate was 93.42%,and the negative coincidence rate was 82.75%.The indirect ELISA established in this test can be used for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in clinical practice.
6.Research progress of adiponectin in the regulation of cardiovascular system
Chao REN ; Bo ZHANG ; Shi-feng LIU ; Yong ZHANG ; Jia-li LIANG ; Tong-jian WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(5):744-748
As an important endocrine organ of human body,adipose tissue secrets a large amount of endocrine fac-tors that regulate a variety of physiological functions,and role of adiponectin in cardiovascular system is especially important.At the cellular and molecular level,adiponectin possesses profound anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,which can reduce various pathogenic factors of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).In ad-vanced stage of CVD,the expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue as well as its circulating level compensatively increased.Therefore,adiponectin has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system,and increased adiponectin level may suggest severe CVD.In this review article,we systematically introduced the role of adiponectin in CVD and discussed its application prospects as a clinical biomarker.
7.Establishment of an indirect ELISA method for bovine respiratory syncytial virus rG protein
Hong LI ; Guanxin HOU ; Chihuan LI ; Siping ZHU ; Chao REN ; Xintong ZHU ; Xiaochen LIU ; Yulai DONG ; Qiumei SHI ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1878-1887
In order to establish a serological method for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus,the prokaryotic expression of four proteins of BRSV,G,F,P,and M was carried out,and the most suitable coating antigen was screened to establish an indirect ELISA detection method.The results showed that the four recombinant proteins of BRSV,rG,rF,rP and rM were successfully expressed.The results of checkerboard screening showed that the P/N value of rG protein was the largest,which was determined to be the best coating antigen established by indirect ELISA meth-od.The optimal reaction conditions for indirect ELISA were as follows:the mass concentration of rG protein coating was 1 mg/L,37℃ for 2 h;3%BSA 37℃ block for 1 h;Serum was diluted 1∶50 and incubated at 37℃ for 1h;Secondary antibody 1∶5 000 dilution,37℃ for 30min;The color development conditions of the substrate were 37℃ for 15 min;Thirty negative sera were selected,and the cut-off value was determined to be 0.63 by the established indirect ELISA method.The re-sults of the specificity test showed that the indirect ELISA method established in this test only recognized BRSV-positive serum,and did not react with IBRV,BCoV,and BPIV3-positive serum.The results of repeatability test showed that the method had good repeatability,and the coefficient of variation within and between batches was less than 10%.The results of the sensitivity test showed that the BRSV-positive serum was still positive when diluted to 1∶8 192.The indirect ELISA method established in this experiment was used to detect 100 clinical serum samples at the same time,and the total coincidence rate of the two reached 90.48%,the positive coincidence rate was 93.42%,and the negative coincidence rate was 82.75%.The indirect ELISA established in this test can be used for the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in clinical practice.
8.Clinical investigation of minimally invasive double anchoring combined with percutaneous vertebral augmentation in the treatment of Kümmell disease
Qing FENG ; Jun MIAO ; Shenglin CAO ; Zepei ZHANG ; Yingbo LIU ; Wang REN ; Hongwei FENG ; Bin DONG ; Chao LI ; Ning JI ; Bingyao ZHANG ; Lijun AN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(7):412-419
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive double anchoring combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for Kümmell disease.Methods:The clinical data of 24 patients with Kümmell disease who were treated with minimally invasive double anchoring combined with PKP in Cangzhou People's Hospital from October 2022 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 2 T 10 vertebrae, 5 T 11 vertebrae, 7 T 12 vertebrae, 6 L 1 vertebrae, and 4 L 2 vertebrae. There were 6 males and 18 females. The average age was 72.05±4.52 years (range, 66-80 years). The bone mineral density T value was -3.41±0.77 (range, -2.5-4.5). The stages of Li's Kümmell disease included 13 cases of stage II and 11 cases of stage III. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and volume of bone cement injected were recorded. The vertebral index, vertebral angle and Cobb angle of diseased segment were measured before and after operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) low back pain scale were used to assess spinal function. The Medical Outcome Study short form 36 item health survey (SF-36) was used to assess the general health status of the patients. The postoperative symptom recovery was evaluated by Odom criteria. Results:The mean operative time of the 24 patients was 35.32±6.86 min, the injected volume of bone cement was 4.39±1.72 ml, and the intraoperative blood loss was 16.56±5.21 ml. All patients were followed up for 10 to 14 months, with an average of 11.7 months. Postoperative CT examination showed that the screw positions were satisfactory, and no loosening or displacement of bone cement mass occurred. On the first day after surgery, the vertebral body index, vertebral body angle and Cobb angle of diseased segment were 77.71%±2.75%, 12.40°±1.53° and 25.77°±4.49°, respectively, which represented significant improvements from the preoperative values of 43.09%±5.66%, 22.12°±2.92° and 46.98°±5.68° before surgery ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the values were 76.18%±2.32%, 12.41°±2.53°, 26.14°±4.87°, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05), but there was no statistical significance compared with the first day after surgery ( P>0.05). The VAS, ODI and JOA scores on the first day after surgery were 2.11±0.87 points, 22.46±5.49 points and 27.68±2.45 points, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery 7.50±0.98 points, 76.25±8.56 points and 14.96±4.91 points ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the values were 2.26±0.88, 23.87±3.25 and 26.58±2.77, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05), and there was no statistical significance compared with the first day after surgery ( P>0.05). All 24 patients completed SF-36 scale assessment, and the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in physiological function, physiological role, physical pain, general health status, social function scores and mental health between the patients before surgery and the last follow-up ( P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in vitality and emotional function ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the Odom criteria showed excellent results in 18 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases. Conclusions:The application of minimally invasive double anchoring (single nail fixation) combined with PKP in the treatment of Kümmell disease can effectively prevent the loosening and displacement of bone cement masses, and the fixation effect is satisfactory, which can restore the height of the injured vertebrum, reduce kyphosis and improve spinal function. The clinical symptoms of the patients were significantly improved, and the quality of life was enhanced.
9.Therapeutic Effects of Nanomaterials in Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Its Pathogenic Mechanisms
Kai-Li WANG ; Tao WU ; Chao-Xiu REN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):533-540
Alzheimer's disease(AD)has attracted widespread attention due to its extremely complex pathogenic mechanisms,multiple pathogenic factors,and its heavy burden on patients and the society.In recent years,several studies have revealed various pathogenic mechanisms of AD,and the AD treatments based on these mechanisms become research hotspot in nanomedicine.Nanomaterials with unique physi-cochemical properties show great potential in AD treatment.Nanomaterials possess good biocompatibility.Moreover,they can regulate and release therapeutic drugs continuously and steadily to ensure the ideal concentrations of drugs reach in the target site.Meanwhile,they can bind with the therapeutic targets precisely to treat AD.Therefore,the development of novel nanodrugs has become an important research area in AD treatment.This article reviews the main pathological features and pathogenic mechanisms of AD,including β-amyloid plaque aggregation,Tau protein hyperphosphorylation,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.Additionally,this review mainly discusses the therapeutic strategies of nanomaterials in clearing pathological proteins(such as β-amyloid and Tau proteins),inhibiting oxidative stress,and alleviating neuroinflammation.Finally,this review prospects the risks and challenges faced on current AD treatment strategies by nanomaterials,such as low drug delivery efficiency to the brain and potential side effects after treatment.We also provide suggestions for the future directions in this research field.This review aims to promote the clinical translation of nanomaterials in AD treatment by discussing the research status of this field.
10.Aging Inhibits Memory Immune Response of CD8+T Cells in Lungs of C57BL/6J Mice Against Influenza A(H1N1)Virus
Chao WANG ; Shun LI ; Xiaonan REN ; Hua YANG ; Lixiang CHEN ; Chunhua XU ; Xiaohui ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):515-523
Objective To compare functional differences of CD8+T cells in lung tissues between young and aged C57BL/6J mice during the contraction phase and memory immune response phase after infection with influenza A(H1N1)virus.Methods Lung tissues from young(3-month-old)and aged(24-month-old)C57BL/6J female mice without influenza virus infection were collected to prepare single-cell suspensions,which were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycin or cluster of differentiation(CD)3/CD28 antibodies(T-cell antigen receptor/co-stimulatory signals)respectively(non-specific antigens stimulation).Flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining(ICS)was performed on lung CD8+T cells to detect their secretion capacity of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ).Young and aged C57BL/6J mice were infected intranasally with 490 PFU PR8 influenza virus,and reinfected with homologous influenza virus 28 days later.Lung tissues were isolated on day 28(the contraction phase)and day 32(the memory immune response phase)after primary infection.Influenza virus-specific MHC-Ⅰ tetramer staining was used to detect the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells in lung tissue CD8+T cells,and ICS was used to analyze TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B expression in CD8+CD44high T cell subset.Results After non-specific antigen stimulation,TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion capacity in lung tissue CD8+T cells of aged group mice was significantly higher than that of young group(P<0.05).After virus-specific antigen stimulation,there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B between the two groups of mice during the contraction phase(P>0.05),while during the memory immune response phase,the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B in the aged group mice were significantly lower than those in the young group(P<0.05).Conclusion CD8+T cells in aged mice maintain normal immune-related factor expression function under non-specific antigen stimulation,but show impaired immune-related factor expression function during antigen-specific memory immune response phase,suggesting that aging leads to defects in the formation or maintenance of CD8+T cell immune memory.

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