1.Mechanism of Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula in Improving Unilateral Vestibular Labyrinth Destruction by Regulating Metabolism-neuroplasticity
Yu TIAN ; Hui LENG ; Rupeng QU ; Xianglong HAO ; Aiping WANG ; Lei SHI ; Zhongyuan QU ; Ye DONG ; Xiande MA ; Yangling HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):54-64
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism by which Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula improves metabolism-neuroplasticity and treats unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction by regulating the metabolic balance of glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Methods48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) adult rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group, Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula groups with low, medium, and high doses (9.20, 18.39, 36.78 g·kg-1), and betahistine group (1.62 mg·kg-1). A unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction (vestibular dysfunction) model was established by intratympanic injection of chloroform into the right ear, while the control group received intratympanic injection of normal saline. Drugs were administered once daily for seven consecutive days. During the period, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the behaviors of rats after unilateral vestibular labyrinth destruction. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal morphology in the medial vestibular nucleus. Golgi staining was employed to assess the number of dendritic spines of neurons in the medial vestibular nucleus. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was utilized to detect Glu/GABA. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expressions of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were applied to determine the expressions of glutamate-immunoreactive (Glu-IR), GABA, GFAP, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and GAP-43. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group presented with head deviation, balance disorder, increased tail suspension score, nuclear consolidation of medial vestibular nerve neurons, and decreased Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines in neurons and NeuN-positive cells decreased. The content of Glu decreased. The content of GABA increased (Glu/GABA decreased). The expression of GAP-43 was down-regulated, and GFAP was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PSD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA decreased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the head deviation, imbalanced behavior, and tail suspension scores in each treatment group decreased, with alleviated neuronal injury and recovered Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The number of dendritic spines of neurons increased, and the number of NeuN-positive cells rebounded. The content of Glu increased, and the content of GABA decreased (Glu/GABA increased). GFAP was down-regulated, and GAP-43 was up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of Glu-IR, PMD-95, and GAP-43 proteins, as well as Glu-IR mRNA increased, while the expressions of GABA and GFAP proteins and mRNA decreased. The effect was more significant in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe Yishen Huoxue Tongqiao Formula can alleviate vestibular dysfunction, and its mechanism may be associated with regulating the metabolic balance of Glu/GABA, mitigating neural damage, improving synaptic plasticity (promoting GAP-43 expression and inhibiting GFAP expression), and facilitating vestibular compensation.
2.Advances in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Cellular Senescence: A Review
Qixian MA ; Shiyu HAN ; Hui HUANG ; Jing TIAN ; Xu HAN ; Qingguang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):322-330
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and harmful complications of type 2 diabetes. DPN's pathogenesis include high blood sugar-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors are combined to damage nerve fibers, leading to sensory issues, pain, and numbness. Through a coordinated effect, these factors trigger nerve fiber damage and lead to sensory abnormalities, pain and numbness in limbs, and other symptoms, seriously restricting patients' activities of daily living and mobility. Recent research highlights that cellular senescence plays a critical role in DPN. Cellular senescence is manifested by the loss of cell proliferation ability, and further aggravates nerve damage via oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy impairment, inflammatory reaction, and other mechanisms, accelerating DPN occurrence and progression. In terms of medical treatment, current methods focus on blood sugar control, pain relief medicine, and microcirculation improvement, while no therapy has been developed based on cellular senescence. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a unique advantage in DPN prevention and treatment via cellular senescence modulation. TCM emphasizes a holistic approach, as well as syndrome differentiation and treatment, effective in anti-aging and nerve damage repair. Recent studies show that TCM active ingredients, including puerarin, ginsenosides, and berberine, can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via signaling pathway regulation, thereby slowing cellular senescence to alleviate nerve damage. Furthermore, TCM compounds such as Buyang Huanwutang, Taohong Siwutang, and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang exert synergistic effects on cellular senescence-related pathways to improve nerve health and reduce DPN clinical symptoms. Therefore, this paper reviews the literature related to the interaction between cellular senescence and DPN from the perspective of cellular senescence, summarizing the mechanism of DPN and TCM intervention strategies.
3.Biomechanical effect of alveolar bone graft resorption on the maxillary alveolar process in a patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate
WANG Xiaoyu ; WANG Hao ; LI Song
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(2):120-128
Objective :
To investigate the biomechanical effect of alveolar bone graft (ABG) resorption on the maxillary alveolar process under occlusal force in a patient with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and provide evidence for the clinical application of ABG.
Methods:
A 3D finite element maxillary model of an 11-year-old female patient with UCLP was generated. The occlusal force was applied to six models with different ABG resorption, namely non-resorption, upper 1/3 resorption, upper 2/3 resorption, lower 1/3 resorption, lower 2/3 resorption, and upper&lower 1/3 resorption. The properties of structures in all models were set to be linear, elastic, and isotropic. The displacement and Von Mises stress of each reference node of the alveolar process were compared and analyzed.
Results:
Under occlusal force, the most significant displacement of the alveolar process was located in the anterior area, and it decreased gradually from anterior area to both sides in all groups. The displacement values of the alveolar process under cleft side lateral occlusion were as follows: non-resorption group < lower 2/3 resorption group < upper&lower 1/3 resorption group < lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 2/3 resorption group < upper 1/3 resorption group. The displacement values of the alveolar process under centric occlusion were as follows: non-resorption group < lower 1/3 resorption group < upper&lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 2/3 resorption group < lower 2/3 resorption group < upper 1/3 resorption group. The displacement values of the alveolar process under non-cleft side lateral occlusion were as follows: non-resorption group < lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 1/3 resorption group < lower 2/3 resorption group < upper&lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 2/3 resorption group. The stress was concentrated on the premolar area on the functional side of the alveolar process, followed by the canine and molar areas in all groups. The stress values of the alveolar process under cleft side lateral occlusion were as follows: non-resorption group < lower 2/3 resorption group < upper&lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 2/3 resorption group < lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 1/3 resorption group. The stress values of the alveolar process under centric occlusion were as follows: non-resorption group < upper 1/3 resorption group < lower 1/3 resorption group < lower 2/3 resorption group < upper&lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 2/3 resorption group. The stress values of the alveolar process under non-cleft side lateral occlusion were as follows: non-resorption group < lower 2/3 resorption group < upper&lower 1/3 resorption group < lower 1/3 resorption group < upper 2/3 resorption group < upper 1/3 resorption group. Under occlusal force, the displacement and stress of the alveolar process in the non-resorption model were significantly lower than those in other models. The displacement and stress of the alveolar process in the models with resorption in the lower area of the ABG were significantly lower than those in the models with resorption in the upper-middle areas of the ABG.
Conclusion
After unilateral complete cleft lip and palate bone grafting, the integrity and continuity of the middle and upper parts of the alveolar process bone grafting play a key role in the biomechanical status of the alveolar process. If bone resorption occurs in the above parts, bone grafting should be considered.
4.Intervention Effect of Suanzaoren Tang on Depression Model Rats Based on JNK/c-Myc/p53 Pathway
Shuailin DU ; Zhicheng HAO ; Ce ZHANG ; Jiyuan GUO ; Xusheng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):12-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effects of Suanzaoren Tang on depression model rats induced by isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to examine its influence on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/proto-oncogene protein (c-Myc)/tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53) signaling pathway, thereby revealing its potential functional mechanism. MethodsA total of 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups using a strict random number table: blank group, model group, fluoxetine group (3.6 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Suanzaoren Tang groups (10, 5, 2.5 g·kg-1),with 12 rats in each group. A depression model was established using isolation combined with CUMS. Fluoxetine and different doses of Suanzaoren Tang were administered continuously for 28 days. Behavioral indicators such as sucrose water consumption and open field test scores were recorded. Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to analyze the expression of key proteins in the JNK/c-Myc/p53 signaling pathway, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to evaluate the number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significantly reduced sucrose preference index (P<0.01), a lower total score of horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test (P<0.01), significantly increased expression of JNK, c-Myc, and p53 proteins in the hippocampus (P<0.01), and a higher number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the sucrose preference index and the total score of horizontal and vertical movements in the open field test significantly increased in the high- and medium-dose Suanzaoren Tang groups and the fluoxetine group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of JNK, c-Myc, and p53 proteins significantly decreased in all Suanzaoren Tang groups (high, medium, and low doses) and the fluoxetine group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus also significantly decreased in these groups (P<0.01). ConclusionSuanzaoren Tang can regulate the expression of JNK/c-Myc/p53 proteins in the hippocampus of depression model rats, and its antidepressant mechanism may be related to its protective effect on hippocampal neurons.
5.Luteolin improves myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury
Wenwen ZHANG ; Mengru XU ; Yuan TIAN ; Lifei ZHANG ; Shu SHI ; Ning WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Li WANG ; Haihu HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):38-43
BACKGROUND:Cardiac dysfunction due to spinal cord injury is an important factor of death in patients with spinal cord injury;however,the specific mechanism is still not clear.Therefore,revealing the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients is of great significance to improve their quality of life and survival rate. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of luteolin in improving serum-induced myocardial cell death in spinal cord injury rats. METHODS:Allen's impact instrument was used to damage the spine T9-T11 of male SD rats to establish a spinal cord injury model meanwhile a sham operation group was set as the control group.The serum of rats of each group was collected.H9c2 cells were divided into a blank control group,a sham operated rat serum group,a spinal cord injury rat serum group and a luteolin pretreatment group.The cells in blank control group were only cultured with ordinary culture medium.The cells in the sham operated rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from sham operated rat.The cells in the spinal cord injury rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from spinal cord injury rat.The cells in the luteolin pretreatment group were precultured with a final concentration of 20 μmol/L luteolin for 4 hours and then changed to a medium containing 10%rat serum from spinal cord injury rat.After 24 hours of culture,the survival rate of each group of H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of autophagy related protein LC3 and p62 in H9c2 cells in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,there was no significant change in cell survival rate in the sham operated rat serum group(P>0.05).Compared with the sham operated rat serum group,the cell survival rate(P<0.01)and the expression of LC3 protein(P<0.05)in spinal cord injury rat serum group was significantly reduced,and the expression of p62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the spinal cord injury rat serum group,the survival rate of cells in the luteolin pretreatment group significantly increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of LC3 protein significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression of p62 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results indicate that luteolin may improve myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury by promoting autophagy.
6.Panax notoginseng saponins regulate differential miRNA expression in osteoclast exosomes and inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts
Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Zhao TIAN ; Qiang DING ; Chaohui LI ; Jianjie WEI ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4011-4021
BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced femoral head necrosis is mostly caused by long-term and extensive use of hormones,but its specific pathogenesis is not yet clear and needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To screen out the differential miRNAs in osteoclast exosomes after the intervention of Panax notoginseng saponins,and on this basis,to further construct an osteogenic-related ferroptosis regulatory network to explore the potential mechanism and research direction of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:MTT assay was used to detect the toxic effects of different concentrations of dexamethasone and different mass concentrations of Panax notoginseng saponins on Raw264.7 cell line.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and TUNEL assay were used to detect the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on osteoclast inhibition and apoptosis.Exosomes were extracted from cultured osteoclasts with Panax notoginseng saponins intervention.Exosomes from different groups were sequenced to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.CytoScape 3.9.1 was used to construct and visualize the regulatory network between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs.Candidate mRNAs were screened by GO analysis and KEGG analysis.Finally,the differential genes related to ferroptosis were screened out,and the regulatory network of ferroptosis-related genes was constructed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The concentration of dexamethasone(0.1 μmol/L)and Panax notoginseng saponins(1 736.85 μg/mL)suitable for intervention of Raw264.7 cells was determined by MTT assay.(2)Panax notoginseng saponins had an inhibitory effect on osteoclasts and could promote their apoptosis.(3)Totally 20 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from osteoclast-derived exosome samples,and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs related to osteogenesis were predicted by target mRNAs.The regulatory networks of 4 up-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 155 down-regulated candidate mRNAs and 7 down-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 238 up-regulated candidate mRNAs were constructed.(4)Twenty-four genes related to ferroptosis were screened out from the differential genes.Finally,12 networks were constructed(miR-98-5p/PTGS2,miR-23b-3p/PTGS2,miR-425-5p/TFRC,miR-133a-3p/TFRC,miR-185-5p/TFRC,miR-23b-3p/NFE2L2,miR-23b-3p/LAMP2,miR-98-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/TLR4,miR-23b-3p/ZFP36,and miR-182-5p/ZFP36).These results indicate that Panax notoginseng saponins may regulate osteoblast ferroptosis by regulating the expression of miRNAs derived from osteoclast exosomes,thus providing a new idea for the study of the mechanism of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.
7.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
8.Application of the EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulation system for fundus examination skill training of general practitioner
Lei ZHENG ; Li YU ; Ruyin TIAN ; Qingshan CHEN ; Hao LUO ; Ya'nan LU ; Tianhui ZHU ; Kun LIU ; Guoming ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(12):2032-2035
AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulation system as a training platform for fundus examination skills of general practitioner.METHODS:Prospective randomized study. A total of 40 general practitioners who received clinical ophthalmology training at Shenzhen Eye Hospital from January 2021 to December 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups by random number table method, with 20 cases in the study group and 20 cases in the control group. The study group was trained by EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulation system and the control group was trained by conventional teaching. Training effects of the two groups were analyzed.RESULTS: The general information of the two groups was comparable. Through training with the EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulator, the study group showed significant improvements in total examination and drawing scores compared to pre-training results(all P<0.001). Additionally, examination duration, retinal light exposure time, and drawing time were all significantly shorter than those before training(all P<0.001).The study group achieved significantly higher total examination and drawing scores than the control group during the EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulator assessment(all P<0.001). Furthermore, examination duration, retinal light exposure time, and drawing time were all significantly shorter in the study group compared to the control group(all P<0.001). Moreover, ratings for the novelty of the training method and overall satisfaction with the training were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(all P<0.001); while the perceived psychological stress during training was significantly lower in the study group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The EYESI binocular indirect ophthalmoscope simulaton system effectively enhances both the proficiency in fundus examination skills and overall training satisfaction among general practitioners.
9.Association between atherogenic index of plasma trajectory and new-onset coronary heart disease in Chinese elderly people: a prospective cohort study.
Wan-Li HU ; Yv-Lin CHENG ; Dong-Hai SU ; Yv-Fang CUI ; Zi-Hao LI ; Ge-Fei LI ; Hai-Yun GAO ; Da-Tian GAO ; Xiao-Ke ZHANG ; Song-He SHI
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(10):835-843
BACKGROUND:
The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been shown to be positively correlated with cardiovascular disease in previous studies. However, it is unclear whether elderly people with long-term high AIP levels are more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between AIP trajectory and CHD incidence in elderly people.
METHODS:
19,194 participants aged ≥ 60 years who had three AIP measurements between 2018 and 2020 were included in this study. AIP was defined as log10 (triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The group-based trajectory model was used to identify different trajectory patterns of AIP from 2018 to 2020. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI of CHD events between different trajectory groups from 2020 to 2023.
RESULTS:
Three different trajectory patterns were identified through group-based trajectory model: the low-level group (n = 7410, mean AIP: -0.25 to -0.17), the medium-level group (n = 9981, mean AIP: 0.02-0.08), and the high-level group (n = 1803, mean AIP: 0.38-0.42). During a mean follow-up of 2.65 years, a total of 1391 participants developed CHD. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with the participants in the low-level group, the HR with 95% CI of the medium-level group and the high-level group were estimated to be 1.24 (1.10-1.40) and 1.43 (1.19-1.73), respectively. These findings remained consistent in subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
There was a significant correlation between persistent high AIP level and increased CHD risk in the elderly. This suggests that monitoring the long-term changes in AIP is helpful to identify individuals at high CHD risk in elderly people.
10.Tanreqing Injection Inhibits Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Macrophages Infected with Influenza A Virus by Promoting Mitophagy.
Tian-Yi LIU ; Yu HAO ; Qin MAO ; Na ZHOU ; Meng-Hua LIU ; Jun WU ; Yi WANG ; Ming-Rui YANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(1):19-27
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the inhibitory effect of Tanreqing Injection (TRQ) on the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages infected with influenza A virus and the underlying mechanism based on mitophagy pathway.
METHODS:
The inflammatory model of murine macrophage J774A.1 induced by influenza A virus [strain A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1), PR8] was constructed and treated by TRQ, while the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO and autophagy specific inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) were used as controls to intensively study the anti-inflammatory mechanism of TRQ based on mitophagy-mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS)-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. The levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 II (LC3II) and P62 proteins were measured by Western blot. The release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, the mtROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and the immunofluorescence and co-localization of LC3 and mitochondria were observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy.
RESULTS:
Similar to the effect of Mito-TEMPO and contrary to the results of 3-MA treatment, TRQ could significantly reduce the expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and autophagy adaptor P62, promote the expression of autophagy marker LC3II, enhance the mitochondrial fluorescence intensity, and inhibit the release of mtROS and IL-1β (all P<0.01). Moreover, LC3 was co-localized with mitochondria, confirming the type of mitophagy.
CONCLUSION
TRQ could reduce the level of mtROS by promoting mitophagy in macrophages infected with influenza A virus, thus inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the release of IL-1β, and attenuating the inflammatory response.
Mitophagy/drug effects*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Macrophages/virology*
;
Inflammasomes/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Influenza A virus/physiology*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Injections


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail