1.Effect of Epimedium brevicornu Ethanol Extract on Aging of Castrated Rats by Intervening in Mesenchymal Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Zuyu MENG ; Haiquan LIU ; Shaozi LIN ; Mei WANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Menghan LI ; Hongling CHEN ; Jiajia QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):174-181
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the ethanol extract of Epimedium brevicornu (EEBM) intervenes in mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to delay aging in castrated rats. MethodsForty-five 3-month-old SPF female SD rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into model group, ADSCs treatment group, and ADSCs groups treated with low, medium, and high concentrations of EEBM (1, 50, 100 μg·L-1), referred to as the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups, with 9 rats in each group. After tail vein injection of 200 μL of the corresponding stem cell suspension, aging-related indicators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21), tumor suppressor gene (p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3), and lipofuscin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, the IL-6 content in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Lipofuscin, MDA, and IL-8 levels in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while SOD content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, lipofuscin and IL-8 levels in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The MDA content was significantly decreased in the AE medium concentration group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Bcl-2 protein level in the AE low concentration group was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe results of this experiment show that EEBM-treated ADSCs or ADSCs may delay aging in castrated rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing cell cycle inhibitors and pro-inflammatory factors, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing oxidative reactions. Moreover, EEBM-treated ADSCs demonstrate stronger anti-aging effects than ADSCs alone. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of EEBM to intervene in ADSCs and delay aging.
2.Regulation of Renal Interstitial Fibrosis-related Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Dandan WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Yongjie WANG ; Hongling WANG ; Zongyao WU ; Qingbo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):254-265
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological change process from the development of various chronic nephropathies to the end stage, and it is an important histological manifestation of renal function decline. At present, no effective anti-fibrosis drugs have been found in clinical practice. In recent years, with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacology, molecular biology, system biology, and network pharmacology, the research on regulating RIF with TCM monomer, single TCM, TCM compound, Chinese patent medicine, and TCM injection is deepening. Among them, Jianpi Yishen recipe, Shendi Bushen capsules, Jianzhong Bushen Xiaozheng decoction, Liuwei Dihuangtang, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can regulate transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (TGF-β1/Smads), Wnt/β-catenin, and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch) signaling pathways. Wulingsan, Zhenwutang, pachymic acid ZA, pachymic acid ZC, and pachymic acid ZD, which mainly induce diuresis, can regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hirudin, curcumin, and Fuzheng Huayu recipe, which mainly promote blood circulation, can inhibit inflammation-related pathways such as p-nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptor 4/p-nuclear transcription factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB), and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT), so as to achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects and alleviate the progression of RIF. Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction, Shenkang injection, and Shenshuai recipe, which are mainly used for invigorating Qi, removing blood stasis, and removing turbidity, can inhibit transdifferentiation of pericytes-myofibroblasts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathway. At present, there are many studies on the regulation of the RIF signaling pathway by TCM, but there is a lack of a systematic summary. In this study, by combing the signaling pathway of TCM in the treatment of RIF, the effective target of TCM treatment is screened, and its possible mechanism is found, which provides new ideas for clinical treatment and new drug research and development.
3.The role of CYP2E1 in trichloroethylene-induced skin sensitization and liver damage in guinea pigs
Lijuan WU ; Xiangrong SONG ; Fengrong LU ; Hongling LI ; Jiaheng HE ; Xiao ZHANG ; Hailan WANG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):249-256
Objective To investigate the role of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in trichloroethylene (TCE)-induced skin sensitization and liver damage in guinea pigs, using diallyl sulfide (DAS), a CYP2E1 inhibitor, as an intervention. Methods Specific pathogen-free female guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank control group, solvent control group, positive control (2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene) group, TCE-exposure group, and DAS-intervention group. Skin sensitization experiments were conducted using the guinea pig TCE maximal dose-skin sensitization test. Urinary trichloroacetic acid levels were determined following TCE induction and challenge. At 48 hours after the final challenge, serum liver function markers and inflammatory cytokines levels were detected. Histopathological examination on skin and liver tissues was performed, and hepatic CYP2E1 protein expression and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Results The sensitization rates of guinea pigs were 100.0%, 75.0%, and 33.3% in the positive control, TCE-exposure, and DAS-intervention groups, respectively, while the blank control and solvent control groups were both 0.0%. Compared with the guinea pigs in TCE-exposure group, those in the DAS-intervention group had lower urinary trichloroacetic acid levels at intradermal induction, local induction, first challenge, and 24 hours after the final challenge time point (all P<0.05). Histopathology of guinea pigs showed dermal inflammatory infiltration and basal keratinocyte necrosis in the TCE-exposure group, whereas only mild dermal inflammation was observed in the DAS-intervention group. The guinea pigs in TCE-exposure group exhibited diffuse hepatocellular necrosis, while hepatic damage in the DAS-intervention group was alleviated, characterized by only mild hepatocellular steatosis and hepatocyte swelling around the central vein. The skin sensitization rate of guinea pigs in the TCE-exposure group increased (all P<0.01), the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT )activity, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) increased (all P<0.05), the relative expression of CYP2E1 protein, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde in liver tissue increased (all P<0.05), while the activity of catalase decreased (P<0.05), compared with the blank control and solvent control groups. The serum ALT activity and the levels of IL-2, IL-17, and TNF-α of guinea pigs in DAS-intervention group reduced (all P<0.05), as well as CYP2E1 protein expression, SOD activity, and malondialdehyde level in liver tissue reduced (all P<0.05), compared with the TCE-exposure group. Conclusion TCE can induce hepatic CYP2E1 expression, thereby promoting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which contributes to skin sensitization and liver damage. DAS alleviates TCE-induced toxic effects on skin and liver by inhibiting CYP2E1 expression.
4.The latest progress of personalized drug screening and therapy research for common clinical tumors through the PDX model platform.
Yitong YUAN ; Hongling GAO ; Yanhong LI ; Xiangying JIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101225-101225
The establishment of mouse models is critical for discovering the biological targets of tumorigenesis and cancer development, preclinical trials of targeted drugs, and formulation of personalized therapeutic regimens. Currently, the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model is considered a reliable animal tumor model because of its ability to retain the characteristics of the primary tumor at the histopathological, molecular, and genetic levels, and to preserve the tumor microenvironment. The application of the PDX model has promoted in-depth research on tumors in recent years, focusing on drug development, tumor target discovery, and precise treatment of patients. However, there are still some common questions. This review introduces the latest research progress and common questions regarding tumors with high mortality rates, focusing on their application in targeted drug screening and the formulation of personalized medical strategies. The challenges faced, improvement methods, and future development of the PDX model in tumor treatment applications are also discussed. This article provides technical guidance and comprehensive expectations for anti-cancer drug screening and clinical personalized therapy.
5.Cerebral autoregulation in cerebral small vessel disease
Furong LI ; Ya'nan ZHANG ; Shuhan LIU ; Weiwei DONG ; Xiaowen SUI ; Xin PAN ; Hongling ZHAO
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(5):383-386
Cerebral blood flow directly affects the metabolism of substances and neural activity in the brain, and is closely associated with the occurrence and development of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Multiple studies have revealed that various imaging biomarkers in patients with CSVD, such as lacunar infarction, enlarged perivascular spaces, cerebral microbleeds, cerebral atrophy, and white matter hyperintensities, are closely associated with cerebral autoregulation (CA) function. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of CA in patients with CSVD is of great significance for delaying the further development of CSVD, improving cerebral ischemia and cognitive impairment. This article reviews the correlation and mechanism between CA and CSVD.
6.Knockdown of human-specific lncRNA MEK6-AS1 improves osteogenic differentiation of senescent mesenchymal stem cells
Yunhua CHEN ; Di LI ; Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Ming CHEN ; Hongling LI ; Chunhua ZHAO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(5):568-574
Objective To investigate the role of a novel human-specific long noncoding RNA(lncRNA),MEK6-AS1,and its potential molecular mechanism in improving the osteogenic differentiation of senescent mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Methods An in vitro human MSCs replicative senescence model was established by sequen-tial passaging,and then senescence was identified by β staining and senescence-related gene expression.RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of MEK6-AS1 during senescence and osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs(hMSCs);Lentiviral knockdown technology was used to regulate the expression of MEK6-AS1 in the MSCs replicative senescence model.Transcriptome sequencing technology was utilized to analyze the effects of MEK6-AS1 on the transcriptome of hMSCs especially on genes and pathways related to osteogenic differentiation.The effect of MEK6-AS1 as an intervention target at osteogenic differentiation of human senescent hMSCs was evaluated with alkaline phosphatase staining microscopy.PCR technology was used to detect osteogenic gene expression levels in cells.Results With aging process,the osteogenic differentiation ability of hMSCs decreased significantly while the expression level of MEK6-AS1 was enhanced(P<0.000 1).Knockdown of MEK6-AS1 significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by the up-regulating expression of osteogenic markers and increasing minerali-zation capacity(P<0.001).Conclusions Knockdown of human-specific lncRNA MEK6-AS1 improves osteogenic differentiation of senescent MSCs,providing a new target and theoretical basis for the treatment of senescence-asso-ciated osteoporosis.
7.Chinese Medicine Regulates Signaling Pathways Related to Esophageal Cancer: A Review
Shanshan LI ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Hongling WANG ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):226-238
Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. At present, the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer has not been fully clarified. Although surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have achieved good clinical results in the treatment of esophageal cancer, there are still many complications and severe adverse reactions. As an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in recent years, many basic experiments and clinical studies have proved that Chinese medicine has a good effect in treating esophageal cancer. At the same time, the multi-component and multi-target characteristics of Chinese medicine and unclear pathogenesis of esophageal cancer determine that there are some problems such as unclear mechanisms of Chinese medicine in preventing and treating esophageal cancer. It is necessary to start with modern medicine and reveal the mechanism of Chinese medicine in preventing and treating diseases from the aspects of molecular biology and network pharmacology. It is believed in TCM that the occurrence of esophageal cancer is mostly attributed to stagnation of liver Qi, phlegm stasis and Qi stagnation, fluid consumption and heat accumulation, the decline of healthy Qi, and the cementation of cancer toxicity. According to the literature review, Chinese medicinal compounds mainly include tonic formulae (such as Liu Junzitang), drying and moistening formulas (such as Qigesan), and heat-clearing formulas (such as Fufang Kushen injection). Chinese medicinal monomers mainly include drugs potent in attacking poison and killing insects, clearing heat, activating blood and resolving stasis, and regulating Qi, which is consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of esophageal cancer in TCM. It is also found that Chinese medicine can promote cell apoptosis and autophagy, block cell cycle, and reverse cell resistance by regulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), Wnt/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and other related signaling pathways, but there is no systematic summary. This study systematically summarized the relevant signaling pathways of Chinese medicine in regulating esophageal cancer, which is helpful to clarify the relevant mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the process of esophageal cancer occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis, so as to provide new targets and new perspectives for the treatment of esophageal cancer and promote the modernization of TCM.
8.Intervention effect and mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis in rats
Dandan WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Minghao ZHANG ; Yurun WEI ; Hongling WANG ; Shuangshuang CHAI ; Jingjing YIN ; Min ZHANG ; Han ZHAO ; Zongyao WU ; Kuicheng ZHU ; Qingbo WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):671-677
OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and potential mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis (HF) in rats based on the transforming growth factor-β(1 TGF-β1)/Smad2/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1(ERK1) and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1(Keap1)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) pathways. METHODS Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, breviscapine low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (5.4, 10.8, 21.6 mg/kg), and colchicine group (positive control, 0.45 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group, half male and half female. Except for the normal control group, HF model of the other groups was induced by carbon tetrachloride. Subsequently, each drug group was given corresponding medicine by gavage once a day for 28 days. The liver appearance of rats in each group was observed and their liver coefficients were calculated. The levels of alanineaminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)in serum, those of ALT, AST, superoxide dismutase (SOD),malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH- Px) in liver tissue were detected. The liver tissue inflammatory and fibrotic changes were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, ERK1, Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed large areas of white nodular lesions in the liver, obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition. The body weight, the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue, the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly lowered in the model group (P<0.05); the liver coefficient, the percentage of Masson staining positive area, ALT and AST levels of serum and liver tissue, MDA level of liver tissue, the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, ERK1 and Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the liver lesions of rats in each drug group were improved, and the above quantitative indexes were generally reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Breviscapine has a good intervention effect on HF rats, which may be related to inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/ERK1 pathway for anti-fibrosis and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.
9.Analysis of bone marrow morphological characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene
Mengna LIU ; Hongling WANG ; Huanjin LIAO ; Li LI ; Ping BAI
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(17):2081-2086
Objective To investigate the morphological characteristics of bone marrow in RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene-positive AML.Methods From January 2017 to January 2023,20 cases of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene-positive AML patients newly diagnosed in this hospital were selected as group A,20 cases of AML patients without fusion gene were selected as group B,and 24 cases of PML-RARA fusion gene-positive AML patients were selected as group C.Results of bone marrow morphology,immunology,cytogenet-ics and molecular biology were analyzed retrospectively.The morphological characteristics in similar cases combined with domestic and foreign literature were summarized.Results The number of promyelocytes in group A increased in different degrees,the difference was statistically significant compared with group B(P<0.05),and the difference was also statistically significant compared with group C(P<0.001).In group A,some promyelocytes had abnormal morphology,and the mRNA level of fusion gene was positively correlated with the number of promyelocytes(r=0.478,P=0.039).Patients with expressions of CD56,CD19 and c-Kit mutation in group A was much more than that in group B(P<0.05).No significant difference was detected in remission rate after the first course of chemotherapy between group A and group B(P>0.05).Besides,the simultaneous expression of CD56 and CD19 in group A was easy to accompany the loss of sex chromosome.Conclusion AML with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene could be identified with bone marrow mor-phology,immunology,cytogenetics and molecular biology.Granulocyte in the bone marrow is prone to differ-ent degrees of pathological hematopoiesis with great variability.The increased number and abnormal morphol-ogy of promyelocytes in bone marrow may be one of the morphologic features of AML with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene.
10.Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome
Furong LI ; Shuhan LIU ; Weiwei DONG ; Ya'nan ZHANG ; Xin PAN ; Xiaowen SUI ; Hongling ZHAO
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(4):297-302
Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a rare but serious complication after cerebral revascularization, which may lead to catastrophic consequences. The mechanism of CHS is not fully understood, and it may be related to cerebral autoregulation dysfunction and the increase of blood pressure after operation. Timely detection and treatment of cerebral hyperperfusion can avoid CHS. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment of CHS.

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