1.Effects of Shen-Huang granule on Aβ25-35-induced ferroptosis of HT22 cells via Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway
Xiaohan WANG ; Mengyu LIU ; Yahan ZHANG ; Ruijie XU ; Yuetong ZHAO ; Xu HAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(4):743-749
AIM:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shen-Huang granule(SHG)on Aβ25-35-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells.METHODS:An in vitro model of Alzheimer disease(AD)was established by treating HT22 cells with Aβ25-35.The cells were divided into the following groups:control group,model group(Aβ25-35 group),ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)group,low-dose SHG(SHG-L)group,and high-dose SHG(SHG-H)group.Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay.Ultrastructural changes in each group were observed via trans-mission electron microscopy.The intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were measured by flow cytometry.Iron deposition and lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated by examining Fe2+,total superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.Western blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2(TfR1),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).RE-SULTS:Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited mitochondrial shrinkage,increased membrane densi-ty,and decreased cristae.Levels of ROS,Fe2+,and MDA were significantly elevated,while SOD levels were markedly re-duced.The protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH1,Nrf2,and HO-1 was significantly down-regulated,whereas the expression of COX2 and TfR1 was significantly up-regulated.In comparison to the model group,the morphology and structure of mitochondria improved in the Fer-1,low-dose SHG,and high-dose SHG groups.ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased while SOD levels increased.Furthermore,the expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH1,Nrf2,and HO-1 was sig-nificantly up-regulated,while COX2 and TfR1 expression was significantly down-regulated.CONCLUSION:Shen-Huang granule can inhibit Aβ25-35-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells,and the underlying mechanism may involve the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Orbital eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis: a case report with literature review
Chengye LIANG ; Yuetong XU ; Tianqi WANG ; Yan SUN ; Penggang QIAO ; Yanying LIU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(3):219-224
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) involving the orbit.Methods:We described a case and review the literature of EAF involving the orbit.Results:The literature review has shown 34 similar cases. Nineteen patients combined with other site involvement (17 cases had nasal involvement), whereas 15 had primary orbital involvement. Ocular swelling (18 cases) and epiphora (4 cases) were the most common initial presenting symptoms. The typical histopathologic findings include a perivascular, eosinophil-rich infiltrate and a "onion-skin" type of fibrosis concentrated around small vessels and all cases in this group conformed the above typical characteristics. In this series, 20 patients provided immunohistochemical results for IgG4, among them, 16 cases were positive while 4 cases were negative. No manifestations of obliterative phlebitis and storiform fibrosis were observed. The age, gender, and lesion locations (single or multiple) of the IgG4 staining positive group and the negative group were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference in the age of onset, gender ratio and lesion the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For patients presented with ocular swelling, epiphora, with or without nasal lesions, EAF should be considered. The diagnosis of EAF is based largely on histopathologic findings. Although some cases were positive for IgG4 by immunohistochemistry, storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis is not seen in our series, which aid in distinguishing EAF from IgG4-related disease.
3.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
4.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.
5.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.
6.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.
7.Effects of Shen-Huang granule on Aβ25-35-induced ferroptosis of HT22 cells via Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway
Xiaohan WANG ; Mengyu LIU ; Yahan ZHANG ; Ruijie XU ; Yuetong ZHAO ; Xu HAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(4):743-749
AIM:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shen-Huang granule(SHG)on Aβ25-35-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells.METHODS:An in vitro model of Alzheimer disease(AD)was established by treating HT22 cells with Aβ25-35.The cells were divided into the following groups:control group,model group(Aβ25-35 group),ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)group,low-dose SHG(SHG-L)group,and high-dose SHG(SHG-H)group.Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay.Ultrastructural changes in each group were observed via trans-mission electron microscopy.The intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were measured by flow cytometry.Iron deposition and lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated by examining Fe2+,total superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.Western blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2(TfR1),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1).RE-SULTS:Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited mitochondrial shrinkage,increased membrane densi-ty,and decreased cristae.Levels of ROS,Fe2+,and MDA were significantly elevated,while SOD levels were markedly re-duced.The protein expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH1,Nrf2,and HO-1 was significantly down-regulated,whereas the expression of COX2 and TfR1 was significantly up-regulated.In comparison to the model group,the morphology and structure of mitochondria improved in the Fer-1,low-dose SHG,and high-dose SHG groups.ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased while SOD levels increased.Furthermore,the expression of SLC7A11,GPX4,FTH1,Nrf2,and HO-1 was sig-nificantly up-regulated,while COX2 and TfR1 expression was significantly down-regulated.CONCLUSION:Shen-Huang granule can inhibit Aβ25-35-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells,and the underlying mechanism may involve the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
8.Orbital eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis: a case report with literature review
Chengye LIANG ; Yuetong XU ; Tianqi WANG ; Yan SUN ; Penggang QIAO ; Yanying LIU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(3):219-224
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) involving the orbit.Methods:We described a case and review the literature of EAF involving the orbit.Results:The literature review has shown 34 similar cases. Nineteen patients combined with other site involvement (17 cases had nasal involvement), whereas 15 had primary orbital involvement. Ocular swelling (18 cases) and epiphora (4 cases) were the most common initial presenting symptoms. The typical histopathologic findings include a perivascular, eosinophil-rich infiltrate and a "onion-skin" type of fibrosis concentrated around small vessels and all cases in this group conformed the above typical characteristics. In this series, 20 patients provided immunohistochemical results for IgG4, among them, 16 cases were positive while 4 cases were negative. No manifestations of obliterative phlebitis and storiform fibrosis were observed. The age, gender, and lesion locations (single or multiple) of the IgG4 staining positive group and the negative group were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference in the age of onset, gender ratio and lesion the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For patients presented with ocular swelling, epiphora, with or without nasal lesions, EAF should be considered. The diagnosis of EAF is based largely on histopathologic findings. Although some cases were positive for IgG4 by immunohistochemistry, storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis is not seen in our series, which aid in distinguishing EAF from IgG4-related disease.
9.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Apoptosis via Nrf2/ROS Pathway to Alleviate Cisplatin Resistance in A549/DDP Cells
Qirui MU ; He LI ; Yuetong LIU ; Yuan GAO ; Chunying LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):95-102
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum in alleviating the cisplatin resistance in human non-small cell lung cancer (A549/DDP) cells via regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway. MethodThe serum containing Buzhong Yiqitang was prepared and A549/DDP cells were cultured and randomly grouped: blank (10% blank serum), cisplatin (10% blank serum+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), Buzhong Yiqitang (10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), ML385 (10% blank serum+5 μmol·L-1 ML385+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), Buzhong Yiqitang+ML385 (10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum+5 μmol·L-1 ML385+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (10% blank serum+5 μmol·L-1 TBHQ+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin), and Buzhong Yiqitang+TBHQ (10% Buzhong Yiqitang-containing serum+5 μmol·L-1 TBHQ+20 mg·L-1 cisplatin). 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 apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The ROS content of each group was determined with the DCFH-DA fluorescence probe. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of Nrf2, cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (cleaved Caspase-3), cytochrome C (Cyt C), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). ResultCompared with those in the cisplatin group, the IC50 and RI of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin in Buzhong Yiqitang, ML385, and Buzhong Yiqitang+ML385 groups decreased (P˂0.05). Compared with the blank group, the cisplatin, Buzhong Yiqitang, ML385, and Buzhong Yiqitang+ML385 groups showed increased apoptosis rate of A549/DDP cells (P˂0.05). Compared with the blank group, cisplatin promoted the expression of Nrf2 (P˂0.05). Compared with the cisplatin group, Buzhong Yiqitang, ML385, and Buzhong Yiqitang+ML385 inhibited the expression of Nrf2 (P<0.05), elevated the ROS level (P˂0.05), up-regulated the protein levels of cleaved Caspase-3 and Cyt C, and down-regulated the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05), which were the most significant in the Buzhong Yiqitang+ML385 group. Compared with the cisplatin group, the TBHQ group showed increased IC50 and RI of cisplatin (P<0.05), decreased apoptosis rate of A549/DDP cells (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and Bcl-2 (P<0.05), lowered level of ROS (P˂0.05), and down-regulated protein levels of cleaved Caspase-3 and Cyt C (P<0.05). Compared with the TBHQ group, Buzhong Yiqitang+TBHQ decreased the IC50 and RI of cisplatin in A549/DDP cells (P<0.05), increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.05), down-regulated the protein levels of Nrf2 and Bcl-2 (P<0.05), increased ROS (P˂0.05), and up-regulated the protein levels of cleaved Caspase-3 and Cyt C (P<0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang induced apoptosis by inhibiting Nrf2/ROS pathway to alleviate cisplatin resistance in A549/DDP cells.
10.Effects of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction medicated serum combined with cisplatin on Nrf2, PRX1, SOD and GPX4 protein in human lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells
He LI ; Dan YU ; Qirui MU ; Yuetong LIU ; Yuan GAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):607-613
Objective:To discuss the effects of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction medicated serum combined with cisplatin on the expression of Nrf2 and its effects of downstream antioxidant proteins in human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells.Methods:Totally 60 rats were divided into blank group, low-dosage group, medium-dosage group, and high-dosage group using a random number table method, with 15 rats in each group. The low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups were orally administered with 3.29, 6.57, and 13.13 g/kg Buzhong Yiqi Decoction for gavage, once a day, for 7 days. 1 hour after the last administration, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta to prepare the serum containing Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. A549/DDP cells were divided into 5 groups: blank group (rat serum), model group (rat serum+cisplatin), low-dosage group (low-dosage Buzhong Yiqi Decoction medicated serum+cisplatin), medium-dosage group (medium-dosage Buzhong Yiqi Decoction medicated serum +cisplatin), and high-dosage group (high-dosage Buzhong Yiqi Decoction medicated serum+cisplatin). And 24 h after the Buzhong Yiqi Decoction intervention, CCK-8 method was used to detect the IC 50 of cisplatin in each group. The fluorescence expression intensity of p-Nrf2 in A549/DDP cells of each group was determined by confocal fluorescence localization method. The mRNA relative expression of Nrf2 in A549/DDP cells of each group was detected by RT-qPCR. The relative expressions of Nrf2, p-Nrf2, GPX4, PRX1 and SOD in A549/DDP cells of each group were detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with the model group, the IC 50 of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups ( P<0.01); the fluorescence intensity of p-Nrf2 decreased ( P<0.01); the level of Nrf2 mRNA decreased ( P<0.01); the protein expressions of Nrf2, p-Nrf2, SOD, PRX1, and GPX4 were down-regulated ( P<0.01), with the effect being more significant in the medium- and high-dosage groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Buzhong Yiqi Decoction medicated serum can improve cisplatin resistance in human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cancer by inhibiting the active expression of Nrf2 in A549/DDP cells and down-regulating the target genes of SOD, PRX1 and GPX4 in vivo.

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