1.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid alleviates inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway
Huihui JI ; Xu JIANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yunhong XING ; Liangliang WANG ; Na LI ; Yuting SONG ; Xuguang LUO ; Huilin CUI ; Ximei CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1220-1229
BACKGROUND:Rev-erbα is involved in the regulation of inflammation,but pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.To reduce the relevant risk,an exploration on SR9009,a Rev-erbα agonist,combined with other drugs to relieve inflammation in skeletal myoblasts was conducted,laying the theoretical foundation for the treatment of inflammation-associated skeletal muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of SR9009,indolepropionic acid and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS:(1)C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL).RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analysis were used to study signaling pathways.(2)C2C12 myoblast viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,cells were categorized into control group,lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)group,SR9009(10 μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,indolepropionic acid(80μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,and SR9009+indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of interleukin-6 in the cultured supernatant.Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Western blot assay were employed to measure protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65.(3)After Rev-erbα was knocked down by siRNA,knockdown efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR.And mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were also measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,lipopolysaccharide time-dependently inhibited myofibroblast fusion to form myotubes,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated,and the level of interleukin-6 in the cell supernatant was significantly increased.The results of KEGG pathway showed that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by lipopolysaccharide.Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of C2C12 myoblasts viability when its concentration exceeded 80 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid and SR9009 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby played an anti-inflammatory role,and suppressed the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression were downregulated.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid notably reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,further downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.The ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression was significantly lower than that in the SR9009+lipopolysaccharide group or indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.Rev-erbα increases time-dependently with lipopolysaccharide induction.The knockdown efficiency of Rev-erbα by siRNA reached over 58%,and lipopolysaccharide was added after Rev-erbα was successfully knocked down.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated.These results conclude that Rev-erbα may act as a promising pharmacological target to reduce inflammation.SR9009 targeted activation of Rev-erbα combined with indolepropionic acid significantly inhibits the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and attenuates the inflammatory response of C2C12 myofibroblasts.Moreover,the combined anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of the intervention alone.
2.Association between Self-rated Health and Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index in the Elderly of Different Genders
Xiaohong CHEN ; Rongli MA ; Huilin YE ; Yuwei CAO ; Li WANG ; Ying LIU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):836-842
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between self-assessed health and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (AICC) in older adults, and to further analyze the differences in this relationship across gender groups. MethodsBased on the China health and retirement longitudinal study (CHARLS) database, this study selected data on basic characteristics, chronic disease status, depressive symptoms, and self-assessed health of older adults aged ≥60 years. Chi-square tests were used to perform a preliminary analysis of the association between these factors and AICC scores. A multifactorial ordered logistic regression model was constructed to assess the effects of each influencing factor on AICC, while multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the linear relationship between self-rated health and AICC scores. Additionally. Stratified analysis by gender was performed to evaluate gender differences. ResultsA total of 10 911 participants were included, with a mean age of 67.40±5.94 years; 6 249 (57.3%) were male and 4 662(42.7%) were female. The distribution of AICC scores was categorized into low-risk, moderate-risk, higher-risk, and high-risk groups, accounting for 23.5%, 50.2%, 20.6%, and 5.7%, respectively. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that self-rated health was negatively associated with AICC in the total population and in the male geriatric group (OR=0.843, 95% CI: 0.776, 0.917, P=0.001), (OR=0.886, 95% CI: 0.796 , 0.987, P=0.028), but did not reach statistical significance in the female geriatric group . Linear regression analysis further indicated a significant negative linear relationship between self-rated health and AICC (b=-0.485, 95% CI: -0.516,-0.455, P<0.001).This relationship was consistent in both male (b=-0.356, 95% CI: -0.406,-0.305, P<0.001) and female (b=-0.373, 95% CI: -0.435,-0.310, P<0.001) subgroups, with a stronger negative association in females. ConclusionSelf-rated health is significantly negatively associated with AICC, and attention should be given to self-rated health in the female geriatric population. Self-rated health can serve as an important tool for identifying elderly group at high risk of comorbidities providing a valuable basis for precise intervention.
3.Study on the inhibitory effect and mechanism of Modified qifang weitong granules on gastric cancer
Xinyuan CHEN ; Chengting WU ; Changzhou XIONG ; Ting WANG ; Yinhang CUI ; Peibin WU ; Wenlong CHEN ; Huilin CHEN ; Caizhi LIN ; Meiwen TANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(21):2656-2661
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of Modified qifang weitong granules on gastric cancer based on in vitro and in vivo experiments. METHODS Human gastric cancer HGC-27 cells were divided into the following groups: control group (treated with fetal bovine serum), 10% drug-containing serum group, 15% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) group (positive control, 3.90 μg/mL). After culturing the cells in each group with the corresponding serum/drug solution, their proliferation, migratory and invasive abilities, as well as the cell cycle, were assessed. Additionally, the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins [E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin] in the cells were measured. Logarithmic-phase HGC-27 cells were harvested and subcutaneously injected into the right axillary region of nude mice to establish a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in nude mice. The successfully modeled tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Modified qifang weitong granules (17.65, 35.29 and 70.58 g/kg, respectively), and 5-Fu group (25 mg/kg), with 5 mice in each group. After 14 days of treatment with the corresponding drugs in each group, the histopathological morphology of the tumor tissues in the nude mice was observed. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay were employed to detect the expression levels of EMT- related proteins in the tumor tissues of the nude mice. RESULTS In the cell experiment, compared with the control group, the cell proliferation rate, migration rate, number of invasive cells, as well as the expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin proteins, and the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase were all significantly decreased/reduced in the 15% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group (P<0.05). Conversely, the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase and the expression level of E- cadherin protein were significantly increased (P<0.05). In animal experiment, compared with the model group, the high-dose group of Modified qifang weitong granules exhibited significantly reduced tumor mass and expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin proteins in the tumor tissues of nude mice (P<0.05), while the expression level of E-cadherinprotein in the tumor tissues was significantly increased (P<0.05). Additionally, the tumor cells varied in size and showed extensive necrosis. CONCLUSIONS Modified qifang weitong granules effectively inhibit gastric cancer in both in vitro and in vivo models, and the mechanism of action is related to the suppression of EMT.
4.Earthworm Protein Protects Vascular Endothelial Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Huilin ZHAO ; Xiaojing LI ; Lirong WANG ; Yaohui HUO ; Yun LI ; Tianlong DING ; Kai LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):118-126
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of earthworm protein on the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (PI3K/Akt/Nrf2) pathway in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and explore mechanism of earthworm protein in treating hypertensive vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED). MethodTen 10-week-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and fifty SHR rats were selected for a week of adaptive feeding. WKY rats were selected as the normal group, and fifty SHR rats were randomized according to body weight into model, valsartan (8×10-3 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (0.2, 0.1, 0.05 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) earthworm protein groups. The normal and model groups were administrated with equal volume of double distilled water by gavage. During the drug intervention period, the general situations of rats in each group were observed and their blood pressure was monitored at specific time points every other week before and after administration. After 8 weeks of drug intervention, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of angiotensin-Ⅱ (Ang-Ⅱ) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the serum of rats in each group. The corresponding kits were used to determine the levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ferrous ion (Fe2+). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the changes in the intima of the aorta. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the aortic tissue. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of p-PI3K (Tyr467/199), PI3K, p-Akt (Ser473), Akt, Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 in the thoracic aorta. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group had decreased body mass, increased irritability, severe endothelial damage, elevated blood pressure and serum levels of Ang-Ⅱ, ET1, MDA, and Fe2+ (P<0.01), lowered NO level (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K (Tyr467/199), PI3K, p-Akt (Ser473), Akt, Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 in the aortic tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, drug intervention caused no significant change in the body mass, calmed the rats, alleviated the endothelial damage, lowered blood pressure and serum levels of Ang-Ⅱ, ET1, MDA, and Fe2+ (P<0.01), elevated the NO level (P<0.05), and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K (Tyr467/199), PI3K, p-Akt (Ser473), Akt, Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 (P<0.05). ConclusionThe earthworm protein can exert antihypertensive effects by ameliorating VED in SHR. Specifically, it may regulate the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and ferroptosis.
5.Pathological Mechanism of Diabetes Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Menglu WANG ; Lu SHI ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Yinglan LYU ; Chen WANG ; Huimin LI ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Ziyi SHAN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):246-255
As people's living standards improve, the development trend of diabetes has gradually become severe. Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with abnormal expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in patients. NF-κB exists in various tissue cells and participates in the regulation of a variety of genes related to immune function and inflammation. Varieties of factors can activate NF-κB when the body is stimulated by external factors, so as to produce inflammation and other reactions. Previous studies on NF-κB mainly focus on cancer, and the pathological mechanism of the treatment of diabetes by related signaling pathways and the progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment have not been systematically elaborated on. By referring to the relevant literature in China and abroad, it was found that NF-κB is not isolated in the development and progression of diabetes but is associated with signal molecules related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism, and it is involved in mediating inflammation, pancreatic β cell apoptosis, insulin signal transduction, and other physiological functions. Therefore, blocking the transmission of NF-κB signaling pathway is beneficial to the treatment of diabetes. At present, Western medicine for the treatment of diabetes mainly includes oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections, but the adverse reactions are obvious. TCM has been characterized by multi-target, extensive action, and excellent curative effects in the treatment of diabetes. TCM and its compounds with functions of tonifying Qi and promoting blood circulation, regulating qi and eliminating phlegm, clearing heat and detoxifying, and nourishing Yin and moistening dryness can effectively intervene in the abnormal expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo through anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, the association between NF-κB signaling pathway and diabetes was summarized, and the modern research progress of TCM intervention of NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetes in the past five years was reviewed, so as to lay a laboratory foundation for the study of a new pathological mechanism of diabetes based on NF-κB signaling pathway and provide new targets and research direction for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and development of related TCM.
6.Analysis of the current status of health facility development in Shanghai
Fenfen QIAO ; Gang XU ; Xiaomin WEI ; Huilin LIU ; Zongmin JIANG ; Hui WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):619-623
ObjectiveTo compare the development status of health facilities in different regions (non-agricultural and agricultural districts)and different types across four dimensions: organizational management, health environment, health activities, and health outcomes, to explore factors that may affect the current development status and summarize effective experiences, and to provide a foundation for the subsequent comprehensive, standardized, and effective promotion of health facility development and tiered and classified management. MethodsInvestigators conducted a health status survey based on the four dimensions for 50 health facilities in 16 districts of Shanghai, representing three types (including government agencies, enterprises, and communities). Evaluation forms were filled out through on-site observation and document reviews, which were developed in accordance with the Shanghai Health Settings Evaluation Standards (for trial implementation in 2019). ResultsThe average total score of health facilities in Shanghai was (88.42±11.93) points, with an overall excellence rate of 86.0%. The excellence rate of each dimension, from highest to lowest, were healthy environment (84.0%), organizational management (82.0%), health activities (78.0%), and health outcomes (44.0%). Health facilities in agricultural districts scored higher in both total score and average score on the organizational management dimension compared to non-agricultural districts. The excellence rate for the organizational management dimension was also higher in agricultural districts than in non-agricultural districts. There was no statistical significance in the total score, the score of each dimension, the overall excellence rate, and the excellence rate of each dimension among different types of health facilities (P>0.05). ConclusionThe development of health facilities among government agencies, enterprises, and communities in Shanghai has begun to yield positive results. Health facilities in non-agricultural districts should actively draw on the experience of those in agricultural districts, particularly in organizational management, adjust development ideas and planning based on their own realities, so as to continuously improve the levels of development.
7.Determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the environmental water samples by a polyvinylimide-modified magnetic nanoparticles-based solid phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography
Xiaohang TANG ; Huilin SONG ; Liying YAO ; Guowen QIN ; Xingchen WANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Shunli JI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2024;55(4):485-492
The long-term presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the environmental water samples not only affects the life safety of aquatic organisms and disturbs the ecoenvironment, but also poses a serious threat to human health. In this study, amino-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NH2) were firstly prepared by solvothermal method. Subsequently, polyethyleneimine (PEI) with a branched chain structure was successfully grafted onto Fe3O4 nanoparticles by Schiff base reaction in aqueous solution at room temperature using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent, and a recyclable PEI-grafted magnetic nano-sorbent (Fe3O4@PEI) was synthesized and applied for the detection of NSAIDs in the environmental water samples. The compositional properties of Fe3O4@PEI were investigated by different characterization methods and the parameters affecting the extraction of NSAIDs were optimized. Due to high adsorption of Fe3O4@PEI for NSAIDs, the quantitative analysis of four NSAIDs in the environmental water samples, ketoprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and tolfenamic acid, was performed in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography. A good linear relationship between the chromatographic peak area and concentration was observed in the range of 1−500 µg/mL. The recoveries of the samples at three different spiked levels ranged from 85.6% to 107.8%; the intra-day precision was less than 7.8% (n=6); and the inter-day precision was less than 9.5% (n=3). The method is simple, rapid, accurate and reliable, and can be used for the analysis of NSAIDs in the environmental water samples.
8.Predictive value of plasma IL-1 β, IL-8 levels and clinical factors for platelet transfusion refractoriness in patients with pediatric cancer
Chao ZHOU ; Huilin WANG ; Xuejun CHEN ; Lin JIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(9):1023-1029
【Objective】 To investigate the effect of clinical factors and inflammatory markers on platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) in children with chemotherapy- induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) and evaluate their predictive value, so as to provide reference for mechanism study of PTR caused by non-immune factors in children with cancer and provide clinical guidance for reasonable and effective platelet transfusion in children. 【Methods】 A total of 60 CIT pediatric cancer patients from Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between November 2022 and February 2024 were selected as the study subjects, and divided into the PTR group (n=30) and the non-PTR group (n=30) to collect the clinical data and laboratory markers before platelet transfusion (Plt). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of PTR. The predictive value influencing factors of PTR was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. 【Results】 Plasma IL-1β concentration in PTR group was significantly higher than that in non-PTR group[67.43 pg/mL (29.38, 222.40) vs 36.38 pg/mL (17.27, 68.06); P<0.05]; plasma IL-8 concentration in PTR group was significantly higher than that in non-PTR group[60.97 pg/mL (39.07, 112.00) vs 25.23 pg/mL (5.00, 71.38); P<0.01]; and the interval from initiation of chemotherapy to platelet transfusion was significantly higher in the PTR group than in the non-PTR group[9.5 d (8.0, 12.0) vs 12.0 d (9.8, 13.2); P<0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that IL-8 concentration (OR=1.05, P<0.05) had a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of PTR. ROC curve analysis showed that plasma IL-1β concentration (Cut-off value: 64.88 pg/mL; AUC: 0.653[95% CI: 0.511-0.796]) and plasma IL-8 concentration (Cut-off value: 33.33 pg/mL; AUC: 0.754[95% CI: 0.631-0.878]) and the interval from initiation of chemotherapy to platelet transfusion (Cut-off value: 11.5 days; AUC: 0.669[95% CI: 0.529-0.810]) were statistically significant in predicting PTR. 【Conclusion】 Plasma IL-8 concentration is an independent risk factor for PTR, and plasma IL-1β, IL-8 concentration and interval from initiation of chemotherapy to platelet transfusion have predictive value for PTR.
9.Recognition of herpes zoster ophthalmicus from the diversity and complexity of clinical manifestations
Qingqiang WANG ; Feng WANG ; Xiaojun DU ; Huilin LI ; Xinguo JIA ; Chunli CHEN
International Eye Science 2024;24(12):1950-1953
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus(HZO)is caused by the involvement of the ophthalmic division trigeminal nerve after reactivation of varicella-zoster virus(VZV)latent in the trigeminal ganglia, which usually occurs in the elderly and people with low immune function. The clinical manifestations of HZO are complex and diverse, which show not only keratoconjunctivitis and uveitis, but also retinal necrosis, optic neuropathy, and rare central nervous system lesions. Some cases do not have typical skin lesions, which can easily lead to missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment, seriously affecting People's life quality. This article aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestations of HZO cases reported in the literature in recent years and comprehensively understand their diversity and complexity to better diagnose and treat the disease. This study also aimed to improve the diagnosis and cure rates of the disease, reduce the maximum number of visual damage, and provide more evidence for the precise diagnosis and treatment of HZO.
10.Effect and Mechanism of Water Extract of Mori Folium on Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue of T2DM Mice
Huilin ZHANG ; Yongcheng AN ; Changhao HE ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):43-50
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of water extract of Mori Folium (MLE) on oxidative stress in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and explore its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose MLE (MLE-L) group, and high-dose MLE (MLE-H) group according to their body weight and blood glucose, with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the metformin group were given 200 mg·kg-1 metformin suspension, and the mice in the MLE-L and MLE-H groups were respectively given 2 g·kg-1 and 4 g·kg-1 MLE, while the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by daily gavage for eight weeks. Body weight, subcutaneous fat index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and oral glucose tolerance level (OGTT) of the mice were detected, and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The expression levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and NADPH oxidase type 4 (NOX4) protein in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the mice were detected by Western blot. ResultThe FBG level, OGTT, and subcutaneous fat index of T2DM mice were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) after administration of MLE compared with the blank group. The contents of serum SOD and GSH were significantly increased, while the level of oxidative stress damage marker MDA was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of SIRT1 protein in adipose tissue was significantly increased, while the expression of NOX4 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can ameliorate T2DM by alleviating oxidative stress in adipose tissue of T2DM mice and reducing blood glucose.

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