1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Effect of Feiyanning Granules on Inducing Ferroptosis in Lung Cancer Cells and Its Regulatory Function onNrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Xin LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):100-107
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effect of Feiyanning granules on ferroptosis in lung cancer cells and its regulatory function within the nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/mouse solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effect of Feiyanning granule on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. A549 lung cancer cells were categorized into a blank group, a ferroptosis inhibitor-1 (Fer-1) group (10 μmol·L-1), a Feiyanning granules (600 mg·L-1) group, and a Feiyanning granules + Fer-1 group. After 48 hours of intervention, the activity and morphology of the cells were observed. The CCK-8 method was employed to measure cell viability. Biochemical assays were carried out to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) in A549 cells. Western blot was utilized to evaluate the expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins. A549 lung cancer cells were categorized into a blank group and a Feiyanning Granule group (600 mg·L-1), and mitochondrial morphology was examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsAfter the intervention of Feiyaning granules, the proliferation of A549 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner compared with that in the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning granules group exerted an significantly inhibitory effect on the viability of lung cancer cells (P<0.01). Compared with that in the Feiyanning granules group, the cell viability in the Feiyanning granules +Fer-1 group was obviously restored (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning Granule group showed a significant increase in the levels of ROS, MDA, and Fe²⁺ (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the GSH level (P<0.01), and facilitated ferroptosis. Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning granules group showed significantly decreased expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins and enhanced expression of Keap1 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Feiyanning Granule group, the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression of Keap1 decreased significantly in the Feiyanning granules + Fer-1 group (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyaning granules group exhibited reduced mitochondrial size and increased matrix electron density. ConclusionFeiyanning granules can induce ferroptosis in lung cancer cells, and its underlying mechanism might be associated with the inhibition of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
3.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
4.Correlation of serum levels of leukocyte-derived chemotaxin 2 and complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5 with diabetic retinopathy
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):109-113
AIM: To investigate the correlation of serum leukocyte-derived chemotaxin 2(LECT2)and complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5(CTRP5)with diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS:A single-center cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 138 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)admitted to our hospital from April 2023 to April 2025. According to the diagnostic results, they were divided into a non-DR group(60 cases)and a DR group(78 cases). The DR group was further divided into a proliferative DR(PDR)group(29 cases)and a non-proliferative DR(NPDR)group(49 cases). Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation of LECT2 and CTRP5 with glucose-lipid metabolism indicators. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors for the occurrence of DR in T2DM patients. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum LECT2 and CTRP5 for DR in T2DM patients.RESULTS: A comparison of general patient data between the two groups showed no significant differences. The DR group had higher serum levels of LECT2, CTRP5, total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)than the non-DR group, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)was lower(all P<0.05). The serum levels of LECT2 and CTRP5 in the PDR group were higher than those in the NPDR group(all P<0.05). Serum LECT2 and CTRP5 positively correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C, and HOMA-IR, and negatively correlated with HDL-C(all P<0.001). Logistic results showed that duration of diabetes, TC, TG, LDL-C, HOMA-IR, LECT2, and CTRP5 were risk factors for DR occurrence in T2DM patients(all P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that the AUCs for serum LECT2, CTRP5 alone, and combined in diagnosing DR in T2DM patients were 0.830, 0.839, and 0.915, respectively. The AUC for the combined diagnosis was higher than that of LECT2 or CTRP5 alone according to the DeLong test(Z=2.818, 2.824, P=0.015, 0.012).CONCLUSION:Serum LECT2 and CTRP5 levels are closely related to the development of DR in T2DM patients, and joint detection has certain clinical value in diagnosing DR in T2DM patients.
5.Construction of a full-cycle management model for T2DM patients led by clinical pharmacists
Yuanyuan JIANG ; Guimei ZHENG ; Yaohua CAO ; Zeyu XIE ; Weiling CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):92-98
OBJECTIVE To establish a full-cycle management model for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients led by clinical pharmacists. METHODS Based on literature research, a basic framework and items of full-cycle management model led by clinical pharmacists were initially formulated. The Delphi method was adopted to conduct questionnaire inquiries among 26 experts to determine the specific implementation items of the model. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to determine the weight values of items at all levels, and the reliability and validity of the model items were analyzed. RESULTS The recovery rates of the two rounds of expert consultation questionnaires were 86.67% and 100%, respectively, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.88. Kendall’s concordance coefficients of the tertiary-level items were 0.064 and 0.084, respectively, and the P values from the χ 2 tests were all less than 0.05; the consistent ratios of the judgment matrices for all levels of AHP model were all less than 0.1. The established full-cycle management led by clinical pharmacists comprised three primary-level items (pharmacy service pathway for T2DM patients during hospitalization, pharmacy management pathway for hypoglycemia in T2DM inpatients, and the pharmacy follow-up pathway for T2DM discharged patients, with weights of 0.098, 0.568 and 0.334, respectively), twelve secondary-level items (e.g. pharmaceutical care during hospitalization for 1 to 2 days, admission assessment and education, with weights ranging from 0.143 to 0.333) and thirty-seven tertiary-level items (e.g. assessment of medication compliance, verification of the medication plan for discharge, with weights ranging from 0.068 to 0.750). Cronbach’s α coefficients for primary-level items and the overall questionnaire were 0.762, 0.879, 0.928 and 0.951, respectively. The item-level and scale-level content validity indexes were 0.967 and 0.808, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A full-cycle management model for T2DM patients led by clinical pharmacists has been constructed successfully, demonstrating high scientificity and reliability.
6.Development and verification of a de-cross purification method for Neisseria meningitidis group ACYW135 antiserum
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(01):93-100
Objective To establish a purification method using bacterial broth absorption to eliminate cross-reactivity in Neisseria meningitidis group ACYW135 antisera, and to verify its applicability for the detection of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.Methods The New Zealand rabbits were immunized via auricular vein injection with meningococcal serogroups A, C, Y, and W135, respectively, with two rabbits for each group(one male and one female). Immunizations were administered every other day during the first week, totaling three immunizations, followed by continuous immunizations for a total of four weeks to prepare the baseline antisera. Cross-reactivity of the antisera was purified using repeated absorption with heterologous bacterial broth. The cross-reactivity rates between the purified and unpurified antisera and heterologous polysaccharides were compared via ELISA. The specificity of the antisera was further verified by rocket electrophoresis and rate-dependent turbidimetry. The established method was verified for specificity, specificity, reproducibility, robustness and stability.Results Before purification, significant cross-reactivity was observed, with a maximum rate of 16. 25%. After bacterial broth absorption, cross-reactivity rates for all serogroups were reduced to less than 2%, while high geometric mean titers(GMTs) of specific antibodies were maintained. Rocket electrophoresis and rate-dependent turbidimetry confirmed the absence of cross-reactions. The purified serum exhibited good specificity, and had no obvious cross-reaction with other groups of conjugate polysaccharide antigens. The intra-assay CVs of serum detection of each group ranged from 0. 96% to6. 10%, and the inter-assay CVs ranged from 3. 21% to 6. 18%, both less than 15%. The method showed good robustness with the relative error(RE) values less than 8% under varying antigen concentrations(5-15 μg/mL). The titers of the antisera remained stable over a 360-day monitoring period with no significant difference.Conclusion The established bacterial broth absorption method can effectively remove cross-reactivity in Neisseria meningitidis group ACYW135 antisera. The resulting antisera exhibit high specificity, good precision and stability, making them suitable key detection reagents for the quality control of meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.
7.Xiaoyaosan Regulates HPT Axis in Rat Model with Syndrome of Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency via CGA/GPX2/TSHβ Pathway for Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
Fang WANG ; Ruxin YUAN ; Lingjin FAN ; Zongli CHEN ; Huaye XIAO ; Liqiang YANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Chuncheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):1-10
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xiaoyaosan regulates HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency by observing its effect on the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (CGA)/glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2)/thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit (TSHβ) pathway for thyroid hormone synthesis. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model, high-dose (16.7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (8.35 g·kg-1), and low-dose (4.175 g·kg-1) Xiaoyaosan, and fluoxetine (0.001 8 g·kg-1) groups, with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days. The intervention groups were treated with Xiaoyaosan decoctions or fluoxetine suspension, respectively. After modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue of the rats. Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of TSH receptor (TSHR) in the thyroid tissue, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant atrophy and irregularity of thyroid follicles, a marked reduction in colloid secretion, extensive vacuolar degeneration of adenocytes in the anterior pituitary, lowered serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid tissue, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue, outperforming the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group. Moreover, they elevated the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TSH level was also elevated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01). In the fluoxetine group, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, and GPX2 in the hypothalamus were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe downregulation of CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Xiaoyaosan may regulate the HPT axis dysfunction by up-regulating the CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway.
8.Effect of Serum Containing Zhenwutang on Apoptosis of Myocardial Mast Cells and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Wei TANG ; Meiqun ZHENG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Zhiyong CHEN ; Chi CHE ; Zongqiong LU ; Jiashuai GUO ; Xiaomei ZOU ; Lili XU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):11-21
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of serum containing Zhenwutang on myocardial mast cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) and the mechanism of the correlation between apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy. MethodsIn this experiment, AngⅡ and serum containing Zhenwutang with different concentrations were used to interfere with H9C2 cardiomyocytes for 24 h, and the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) to screen the optimal concentration for the experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the content of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in cell culture supernatant, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the cell surface area to verify the construction of the myocardial mast cell model. Subsequently, the experiment was divided into a blank group (20% blank serum), a model group (20% blank serum + 5×10-5 mol·L-1 AngⅡ), low-, medium-, and high-dose (5%, 10% and 20%) serum containing Zhenwutang groups, an autophagy inhibitor group (1×10-4 mol·L-1 3-MA), and autophagy inducer group (1×10-7 mol·L-1 rapamycin). The apoptosis level of H9C2 cells and the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. The lysosomal probe (Lyso Tracker) and mitochondrial probe (Mito Tracker) co-localization was employed to detect autophagy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect Caspase-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C) in apoptosis-related pathways and the relative mRNA expression of ubiquitin ligase (Parkin), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and p62 protein in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways. Western blot was used to detect cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and Cyt C in apoptosis-related pathways, phosphorylated ubiquitin ligase (p-Parkin), phosphorylated PTEN-induced kinase 1 (p-PINK1), p62, and Bcl-2 homology domain protein Beclin1 in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways, and the change of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio. ResultsCCK-8 showed that when the concentration of AngⅡ was 5×10-5 mol·L-1, the cell activity was the lowest, and there was no cytotoxicity. At this concentration, the surface area of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the content of BNP in the supernatant of culture medium was significantly increased (P<0.05). Therefore, AngⅡ with a concentration of 5×10-5 mol·L-1 was selected for the subsequent modeling of myocardial mast cells. Compared with the blank group, the model group and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA group had a significantly increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01) and significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). The results of immunofluorescence co-localization showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had a significantly decreased number of red and green fluorescence spots. The results of Real-time PCR showed that compared with that in the blank group, the relative mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 in the model group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), while the relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Parkin, and PINK1 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). In addition, the relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly decreased, and the relative protein expression of Bcl-2, p-Parkin, p-PINK1, and Beclin1 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum containing Zhenwutang groups and the autophagy inducer group had significantly decreased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), and the decrease ratio of mitochondrial membrane potential is significantly lowered (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, both red and green fluorescence spots became more in these groups. In the 3-MA group, the number of red and green fluorescence spots decreased significantly. The relative mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of Bcl-2, Parkin, and PINK1 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). In the serum containing Zhenwutang groups, the relative protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly increased, and the relative protein expression levels of Bcl-2, p-Parkin, p-PINK1, and Beclin1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionThe serum containing Zhenwutang can reduce the apoptosis of myocardial mast cells and increase mitochondrial autophagy. This is related to the inhibition of intracellular Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 apoptosis pathway and regulation of Parkin/PINK1 mitochondrial autophagy pathway.
9.Exploring Effect of Buchong Tiaojing Prescription on Ferroptosis in Ovarian Tissue of Rat Model of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Its Mechanism from Perspective of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Yixuan WANG ; Zuang LI ; Yunling ZHENG ; Yucheng LI ; Songping LUO ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):40-48
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Buchong Tiaojing prescription for rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) from the perspectives of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and ferroptosis. MethodsA total of 48 female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, low, medium, and high dose groups of Buchong Tiaojing prescription, and an MCC950 group, with eight rats in each group. Except the normal group, all the other groups were injected subcutaneously on the back of the neck with D-galactose to prepare the DOR rat model. From the 15th day of modeling, the rats in the low, medium, and high dose groups of Buchong Tiaojing prescription were subjected to gavage daily at doses of 14.4, 28.8, 57.6 g·kg-1, respectively. Rats in the MCC950 group were injected intraperitoneally with MCC950 at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1, once every other day. The interventions of all the groups lasted for 4 weeks. The estrous cycle of the rats was observed with vaginal exfoliated cell smear. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the development of follicles and corpus luteum in the ovary. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of serum sex hormones and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot assay were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and oxidative stress kits were used to detect ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. ResultsDuring the experiment, one rat died in the high dose group of Buchong Tiaojing prescription, and a total of 47 rats were finally included in the index tests and statistics. Compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group had significantly disturbed estrous cycles, increased number of atretic follicles, and significant disorder of serum sex hormones. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, ACSL4, and TFR1 in ovarian tissue was up-regulated (P<0.01), while that of GPX4 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The SOD content in the ovary was decreased significantly, while the MDA level was increased (P<0.01). After drug intervention, the estrous cycle of rats was basically resumed, and the follicles at all levels were more structurally intact and significantly increased in number. Additionally, the levels of serum sex hormones and IL-1β were significantly improved. The mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome, ACSL4, and TFR1 were down-regulated, while that of GPX4 was significantly up-regulated, and the ovarian oxidative stress was alleviated (P<0.05, P<0.01), especially in the high dose group of Buchong Tiaojing prescription and the MCC950 group. ConclusionInflammatory injury and ferroptosis occur in the ovaries of DOR rats, and the Buchong Tiaojing prescription is able to inhibit ovarian NLRP3 inflammasome, alleviate the degree of ovarian ferroptosis, and improve ovarian reserve.
10.The multi-center mid-term clinical outcomes of combined complete preservation of chordal structure mitral valve replacement with total anatomic complete arterial myocardial revascularization for coronary patients with moderate-to-severe or severe ischemic mitral regurgitation
Ke GUO ; Xujun CHEN ; Baoshi ZHENG ; Chao SHI ; Keli HUANG ; Yong CAO ; Chengquan LIAO ; Jingwei CHEN ; Yu LIN ; Chengxin LIU ; Quansheng CAO ; Lin SHEN ; Zhendong WANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(1):58-67
Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of combined complete preservation of chordal structure mitral valve replacement (C-MVR) with total anatomical arterial myocardial revascularization (TACR) in coronary patients with moderate-to-severe or severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR).Methods:This is a retrospective multi-center case series study. Data were retrospectively collected from 127 patients with coronary artery disease with moderate to severe or severe IMR who received TACR with C-MVR from July 2015 to April 2024 in 13 hospitals in China. There were 90 males and 37 females, aged (56.5±10.7) years (range: 33 to 74 years). Perioperative data and follow-up data including left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and patency rate of arterial grafts of patients were collected. Comparisons were made using paired sample t-test or χ2 test. Results:In this cohort of 127 patients, 67 underwent concurrent tricuspid valve repair. During surgery, 113 grafts of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), 127 grafts of the left radial artery, 80 grafts of the right radial artery, and 110 grafts of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) were harvested. The number of the distal anastomosis was 4.2±0.4 (range: 3 to 5). The aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were (97.5±23.4) minutes (range: 90 to 161 minutes) and (145.4±19.2) minutes (range: 101 to 210 minutes), respectively. There was one operative death. Intraoperative placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump was performed in 21 patients to improve the left ventricular ejection. No sternal ischemic occurred. All patients completed follow-up, with a mean follow-up period of (64.3±7.5) months (range: 4 to 110 months). No major cerebrovascular events occurred during the follow-up period, and all patients survived. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved postoperatively (55.0%±5.3% vs. 41.0%±15.3%, t=17.23, P<0.01). The proportion of patients with New York Heart Association functional class ≤2 increased postoperatively (23.6% (30/127) vs. 87.3% (110/126), χ2=103.77, P<0.01). The proportion of patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Classification ≤3 decreased postoperatively (4.8% (6/126) vs. 78.7% (100/127), χ2=142.19, P<0.01). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased postoperatively ((5.70±4.50) cm vs. (6.10±0.23) cm, t=12.15, P<0.01). Coronary multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) follow-up was conducted for (60.5±11.7) months (range: 6 to 109 months) postoperatively. MDCTA confirmed the patency rates of the grafts: 96.4% (108/112) for the LIMA grafts, 88.9% (112/126) for the left radial artery grafts, 93.7% (74/79) for the right radial artery grafts, and 90.9% (100/110) for the free RIMA grafts. No significant differences in graft patency rates were observed between the arterial grafts ( χ2=5.24, P=0.155). Conclusion:The results of this multi-centre study demonstrate satisfactory mid-term results of C-MVR with TACR for the treatment of coronary artery disease with moderate to severe or severe IMR.


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