1.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
4.Skin pharmacokinetics of inositol nicotinate in heparin sodium inositol nicotinate cream
Yaling CUI ; Qiong WU ; Liangyu MA ; Bei HU ; Dong YAO ; Zihua XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):6-9
Objective To establish an HPLC method to determine the concentration of inositol nicotinate(IN) in rat skin, and study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of IN after transdermal administration of heparin sodium inositol nicotinate cream in rats. Methods HPLC method was used to establish a simple and rapid analytical method for the determination of IN concentration in the skin of rats at different time points after administration. The established method was used to study the pharmacokinetics of IN after transdermal administration of heparin sodium inositol nicotinate cream in rats, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were fitted with DAS software. Results The linearity of the analytical method was good in the concentration range of 0.25-20 μg/ml, the quantitative limit was 0.25 μg/ml, and the average recovery rate was 96.18%. The pharmacokinetic parameters of IN after transdermal administration of heparin sodium inositol nicotinate cream in rats were as follows: t1/2 was (4.555±2.054) h, Tmax was (6±0)h, Cmax was (16.929±2.153)mg/L, AUC0−t was (150.665±16.568) mg·h /L ,AUC0−∞ was (161.074±23.917) mg·h /L, MRT(0−t) was (9.044±0.618)h, MRT(0−∞) was (10.444±1.91) h, CLz/F was (0.19±0.03) L/(h·kg), and Vz/F was (1.19±0.437) L/(h·kg). Conclusion IN could quickly penetrate the skin and accumulate in the skin for a long time, which was beneficial to the pharmacological action of drugs on the lesion site for a long time. The method is simple, rapid, specific and reproducible, which could be successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of IN after transdermal administration in rats.
5.Study on the efficacy and mechanism of Tongbianling capsule in the treatment of constipation
Ying CHEN ; Zihua XU ; Bei HU ; Yaling CUI ; Huan GAO ; Qiong WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):10-16
Object To study the efficacy and potential mechanism of Tongbianling capsule in constipation. Methods The effects of Tongbianling capsule on intestinal motility in normal mice and carbon powder propulsion rate in small intestine of constipation model mice after were observed administration. The potential targets and key pathways of Tongbianling capsule in treating constipation were identified through network pharmacology. To verify the mechanism, the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT and CASP3 proteins in mouse colon tissue was detected by the western blot. Results The time for mice to excrete the first black stool was shortened and the number of fecal particles was increased in Tongbianling capsule administration group, and the carbon powder propulsion rate of mice in each Tongbianling capsule administration group was increased. The results of network pharmacology showed that treatment of constipation by Tongbianling capsule may be related to signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and 5-HT. The protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and CASP3 in mouse colon tissue could be significantly downregulated in administration group. Conclusion Tongbianling capsule could effectively promote intestinal peristalsis in mice, increase the frequency of defecation, and effectively treat constipation. The mechanism of its action may be related to the direct or indirect regulation of intestinal motility by the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
6.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
7.Clinical phenotype and pathogenic variation analysis of an autosomal dominant deafness family
Mengfei CAI ; Ting ZHANG ; Wanli HE ; Mengli ZHANG ; Xiaosai ZHANG ; Hongen XU ; Bei CHEN
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(6):520-524
Objectiv To investigate an autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss family pedigree com-prehensively,aiming to precisely define its clinical phenotypes and uncover the underlying molecular genetic etiolo-gy.Methods A detailed interrogation of the proband's medical history and family history was conducted.Physical examinations,audiological assessments and temporal bone CT scans were performed.Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the proband(Ⅳ-8)for whole-exome sequencing(WES).Subsequently,candidate vari-ants identified through WES were validated among family members using Sanger sequencing.Results There were 36 individuals in 4 generations in this family pedigree,showing autosomal dominant inheritance.Among them,16 individuals presented with progressive hearing loss.Audiological examinations were completed for 13 of them,re-vealing normal hearing in three individuals(Ⅲ-1,Ⅲ-1 1,Ⅳ-4)and bilateral symmetric hearing loss of varying se-verity in the remaining ten(Ⅱ-2,Ⅱ-4,Ⅱ-10,Ⅲ-4,Ⅲ-10,Ⅲ-13,Ⅲ-14,Ⅳ-1,Ⅳ-7,Ⅳ-8),and the degree of hearing loss was related to age.WES of Ⅳ-8 revealed that she carried the variant NM_199330.2(HOMER2):c.1064 A>G(p.Ter354Trpext10),and Sanger sequencing verified the variation at this site.Peripheral blood samples of 18 individuals in this family were collected in total.All affected individuals(Ⅱ-2,Ⅱ-4,Ⅱ-10,Ⅲ-4,Ⅲ-9,Ⅲ-10,Ⅲ-13,Ⅲ-14,Ⅳ-1,Ⅳ-7,Ⅳ-8)carried the HOMER2 c.1064 A>G variant,except for one young member(Ⅳ-6)who had not yet developed hearing loss.Unaffected individuals(Ⅱ-5,Ⅲ-1,Ⅲ-5,Ⅲ-11,Ⅳ-2,Ⅳ-4)lacked the variant,demonstrating complete cosegregation of genotype and phenotype.According to ACMG guide-lines,this variant was classified as likely pathogenic(PM2+PP1+PM4).Conclusion The c.1064 A>G(p.Ter354Trpext10)variant of the HOMER2 gene is the molecular genetic etiology of this hereditary deafness family pedigree.
8.Influencing factors of glycemic fluctuation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with real-time dynamic glucose monitoring
Ying SHEN ; Chaoyang XU ; Bei SHEN ; Bei ZHOU ; Yue LI ; Ting PAN ; Jun CHEN ; Jun XIA
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(3):189-193
Objective To explore the factors affecting the coefficient of variation(CV)of glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients based on real-time dynamic glucose monitoring system.Methods A total of 354 patients with T2DM hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology of Jiangsu Shengze Hospital were enrolled in this study from March 2023 to March 2024 and divided into two groups:the glycemic variability(GV,CV>36%)group(n=118)and the glucose stable(GS,CV≤36%)group(n=236).The clinical data of the two groups were compared,and the influencing factors for CV>36%were analyzed.Results The DM duration and HbA1c were higher(P<0.05),while BMI,visceral fat area,subcutaneous fat area(SFA),FC-P,serum uric acid(SUA),and TG were lower in the GV group than in the GS group(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that CV was positively correlated with diabetes duration and HbA1c(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with FC-P,SFA and SUA(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that DM duration,HbA1c,SFA,FC-P and SUA were the influencing factors for GV.Scatter plot analysis showed that there was a linear trend between CV level and log HbA1c and log SFA in T2DM patients.CV level increased with the increase of log HbA1c,and decreased with the increase of log SFA.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of FC-P was 0.703(95%CI:0.640~0.765,P<0.001)for predicting GV in T2DM patients,and the cut-off value was 1.095 ng/ml.The AUC of SUA was 0.622(95%CI:0.555~0.688,P<0.001)for predicting GV,and the cut-off value was 280.5 μmol/L.Conclusions The DM duration,HbA1c,SFA,FC-P and SUA are important factors for GV,and FC-P and SUA have predictive value for GV.
9.The incidence and influencing factors of axillary reticular syndrome after breast cancer surgery:a systematic review
Yuying SUN ; Yeting WANG ; Xiaojuan QIAO ; Yu XU ; Bei YANG ; Qiuyue SONG ; Yaofeng ZHU
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(2):31-39
Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence and influencing factors of axillary web syndrome(AWS)in postoperative breast cancer patients,and to provide evidence for reducing the incidence of axillary web syndrome.Methods A computer search was performed in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP,Wanfang,SinoMed,PubMed,Medline,Scopus,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,searched for articles on AWS influencing factors of breast cancer published from the establishment of the database to January 6th,2025.The articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Revman5.4 and Stata17.0 were used for systematic review.Results Fifteen studies involving 3979 breast cancer patients and 1 156 patients with AWS were included.The results of the Meta-analysis showed that there was significant statistical heterogeneity among the included studies(I2=97.0%,P<0.0001).Using the random effects model,the incidence of AWS was 32.2%[95%CI(0.24,0.40),P<0.0001].The influencing factors for AWS after breast cancer surgery are age,body mass index(BMI),total mastectomy,lymph node metastasis,and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.NAC),axillary lymph node dissection(ALND),and the number of harvested axillary lymph nodes.Conclusion The incidence of AWS after breast cancer surgery was high.Clinicians should give early nursing to the influencing factors,reduce the incidence of AWS and improve patients'quality of life after surgery.
10.Effects of lncRNA DUXAP8 in lung cancer A549 cells-derived exosomes on lung cancer cell growth and its mechnism
Xiaoshuang HE ; Lina XU ; Mei CUI ; Yu ZHAO ; Bei WANG ; Zheng HUANG ; Yuchao WANG ; Wenyan XIN ; Chao WU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):958-967
Objective:To discuss the effect of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)DUXAP8 in exosomes(Exo)derived from the lung cancer A549 cells on the growth and immune escape of the lung cancer cells,and to clarify the mechanism.Methods:The human lung cancer cell line A549 was cultured,and its exosomes were extracted and identified.The A549 cells were treated with PKH67-labeled Exo to observe the uptake of Exo by A549 cells.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in A549 cells before and after Exo treatment.The A549 cells were divided into control group(no treatment),Exo group(A549 cells treated with Exo),Exo+sh-NC group(A549 cells treated with Exo and then transfected with sh-NC),and Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group(A549 cells treated with Exo and then transfected with sh-DUXAP8).RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in A549 cells in various groups;colony formation assay was used to detect the colony formation abilities of the A549 cells in various groups;5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining method was used to detect the proliferation abilities of the A549 cells in various groups.After co-culturing A549 cells in various groups with human peripheral blood lymphocytes,flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of activated CD8+T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in various groups;3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)method was used to detect the killing rates of human peripheral blood lymphocytes on the A549 cells in various groups.Results:The diameter of Exo vesicles was 50-150 nm,and the exosome-specific marker proteins cluster of differentiation 63(CD63),cluster of differentiation 9(CD9),tumor susceptibility gene 101(TSG101),and heat shock protein 70(HSP70)were positively expressed,indicating successful exosome extraction.A549 cells efficiently took up PKH67-labeled Exo.The RT-PCR results showed that compared with A549 cells cultured alone,the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the A549 cells was increased after treatment with Exo derived from A549 cells(P<0.05).compared with control group,the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the A549 cells in Exo group was increased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the expression level of lncRNA DUXAP8 in the A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was decreased(P<0.05),while there were no significant difference in the expression level of IncRNA DUXAP8 in the cells in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The colony formation assay results showed that compared with control group,the number of colony formation of the A549 cells in Exo group was increased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the number of colony formation of the A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was decreased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the number of colony formation of the A549 cells in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The EdU staining results showed that compared with control group,the EdU-positive rate of the A549 cells in Exo group was increased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the EdU-positive rate in A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was decreased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the EDU-positive rate in the cells in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that compared with control group,the percentage of activated CD8+T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in Exo group was decreased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the percentage of activated CD8+T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood lymphocytes in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was increased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the percentage of activated CD8+T lymphaytes in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).The MTT assay results showed that compared with control group,the killing rate of human peripheral blood lymphocytes on the A549 cells in Exo group was decreased(P<0.05);compared with Exo group,the killing rate of human peripheral blood lymphocytes on A549 cells in Exo+sh-DUXAP8 group was increased(P<0.05),while no significant difference was observed in Exo+sh-NC group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The lncRNA DUXAP8 in exosomes derived from the lung cancer A549 cells promotes the proliferation of lung cancer cells and tumor immune escape.

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