1.Mechanism of neodymium oxide exposure causing brain tissue damage in mouse
Lihong WU ; Yan GUO ; Jing CAO ; Xiaoyan DU ; Qingqing LIANG ; Xiaocheng GAO ; Yanru WANG ; Yang DENG ; Long GAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(1):30-34
Objective To establish mouse models exposed to different doses of neodymium oxide via tracheal instillation,and to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain tissue damage induced by neodymium oxide exposure in mice.Methods Forty-eight male C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups:the control group,the low-dose group,the medium-dose group,and the high-dose group.The low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups received 62.5 mg/mL,125 mg/mL,and 250 mg/mL neodymium oxide,respectively,via non-exposed tracheal instillation.The control group received an equivalent volume of saline using the same administration method.After 35 days,the mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were collected.RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin tight junction proteins,as well as the expression changes of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the brain tissues.Additionally,the expression of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and downstream cofilin protein was examined.Changes in oxidative stress markers,including MDA,T-AOC,and NO,were measured using a kit method.Results The mRNA expression of Claudin-5 was significantly reduced in the middle-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Similarly,the mRNA expression of Occludin was significantly lower in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the protein expression of Claudin-5,MMP-2,and Occludin was significantly decreased in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).The protein expression of MMP-9 and RhoA was also signifi-cantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the protein expression of ROCK2 and p-cofilin in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The content of MDA and T-AOC was significantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05),and the content of NO in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Exposure to neodymium oxide results in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier in mice,leading to oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and activation of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway.
2.Analysis of gene mutations and clinical features in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Lihong HU ; Xiaoli SU ; Jiaxuan WANG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Wuyue HU ; Silu ZHAO ; Xuxin CUI ; Yuchen CAO ; Guangx-un GAO ; Shan GAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(8):1031-1038
Purpose This study aims to analyze genetic mutations in patients with BCR ∷ABL negative myelopro-liferative neoplasms(MPN)and to explore their relationship with clinical features.Methods We retrospectively ana-lyzed the clinical data of 208 patients diagnosed with BCR ∷ABL negative MPN,which included 34 patients with poly-cythemia vera(PV),33 with essential thrombocytopenia(ET),and 141 with primary myelofibrosis(PMF).Mutations in driver genes were assessed in all patients.A total of 72 patients underwent next-generation sequencing(NGS)with 69-gene panel,and the relationship between gene mutations and clinical features were analyzed.Results Among the 208 MPN patients,at least one driver gene mutation(JAK2,CALR,MPL)was detected in 96.15%(200/208)of the patients.Only 0.48%(1/208)of the patients exhibited both JAK2 and CALR driver mutations.We analyzed the clinical data of 136 patients with only driver gene mutations to compare the relationship between the most common JAK2 mutations(identified in 110 patients)and clinical outcomes.The JAK2 mutation group demonstrated higher white blood cell(WBC)counts and lower platelet(PLT)counts compared to the group without JAK2 mutations.173 muta-tions in 40 genes were detected in 72 patients,per capita carried(2.40±1.40)mutations.TET2,ASXL1,and TP53 are the most prevalent non-driver gene mutations,with 44.4%(32/72)of patients exhibiting at least one mutation in these three genes.In comparison to patients without detected mutations in TET2,ASXL1,and TP53,those with muta-tions in these genes demonstrated lower hemoglobin(HGB)levels,a higher incidence of splenomegaly,and more se-vere bone marrow fibrosis.High-molecular risk category(HMR)mutations were detected in 22.22%(16/72)of the patients,and patients with HMR exhibited lower hemoglobin(HGB)levels,lower PLT counts,a higher likelihood of peripheral blood primitive cell percentage ≥ 1%,a greater incidence of splenomegaly,and more severe myelofibrosis.Mutations in the ASXL1 gene were exclusively observed in patients with PMF.Among the PMF patients with ASXL1 mutations(12 patients),there was a higher likelihood of having a peripheral blood primitive cell percentage of ≥1%,as well as a more severe degree of myelofibrosis.Conclusion Approximately 97%of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN)exhibit positivity for driver genes,with a notably high mutation rate of the JAK2 gene.Each sub-group of MPN is characterized by distinct gene mutation patterns.Notably,ASXL1 mutations are exclusive to patients with primary myelofibrosis(PMF).Furthermore,PMF patients harboring ASXL1 mutations tend to demonstrate more pronounced bone marrow fibrosis and a greater proportion of blast cells in peripheral blood.
3.Analysis of gene mutations and clinical features in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Lihong HU ; Xiaoli SU ; Jiaxuan WANG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Wuyue HU ; Silu ZHAO ; Xuxin CUI ; Yuchen CAO ; Guangx-un GAO ; Shan GAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(8):1031-1038
Purpose This study aims to analyze genetic mutations in patients with BCR ∷ABL negative myelopro-liferative neoplasms(MPN)and to explore their relationship with clinical features.Methods We retrospectively ana-lyzed the clinical data of 208 patients diagnosed with BCR ∷ABL negative MPN,which included 34 patients with poly-cythemia vera(PV),33 with essential thrombocytopenia(ET),and 141 with primary myelofibrosis(PMF).Mutations in driver genes were assessed in all patients.A total of 72 patients underwent next-generation sequencing(NGS)with 69-gene panel,and the relationship between gene mutations and clinical features were analyzed.Results Among the 208 MPN patients,at least one driver gene mutation(JAK2,CALR,MPL)was detected in 96.15%(200/208)of the patients.Only 0.48%(1/208)of the patients exhibited both JAK2 and CALR driver mutations.We analyzed the clinical data of 136 patients with only driver gene mutations to compare the relationship between the most common JAK2 mutations(identified in 110 patients)and clinical outcomes.The JAK2 mutation group demonstrated higher white blood cell(WBC)counts and lower platelet(PLT)counts compared to the group without JAK2 mutations.173 muta-tions in 40 genes were detected in 72 patients,per capita carried(2.40±1.40)mutations.TET2,ASXL1,and TP53 are the most prevalent non-driver gene mutations,with 44.4%(32/72)of patients exhibiting at least one mutation in these three genes.In comparison to patients without detected mutations in TET2,ASXL1,and TP53,those with muta-tions in these genes demonstrated lower hemoglobin(HGB)levels,a higher incidence of splenomegaly,and more se-vere bone marrow fibrosis.High-molecular risk category(HMR)mutations were detected in 22.22%(16/72)of the patients,and patients with HMR exhibited lower hemoglobin(HGB)levels,lower PLT counts,a higher likelihood of peripheral blood primitive cell percentage ≥ 1%,a greater incidence of splenomegaly,and more severe myelofibrosis.Mutations in the ASXL1 gene were exclusively observed in patients with PMF.Among the PMF patients with ASXL1 mutations(12 patients),there was a higher likelihood of having a peripheral blood primitive cell percentage of ≥1%,as well as a more severe degree of myelofibrosis.Conclusion Approximately 97%of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN)exhibit positivity for driver genes,with a notably high mutation rate of the JAK2 gene.Each sub-group of MPN is characterized by distinct gene mutation patterns.Notably,ASXL1 mutations are exclusive to patients with primary myelofibrosis(PMF).Furthermore,PMF patients harboring ASXL1 mutations tend to demonstrate more pronounced bone marrow fibrosis and a greater proportion of blast cells in peripheral blood.
4.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cemental tear.
Ye LIANG ; Hongrui LIU ; Chengjia XIE ; Yang YU ; Jinlong SHAO ; Chunxu LV ; Wenyan KANG ; Fuhua YAN ; Yaping PAN ; Faming CHEN ; Yan XU ; Zuomin WANG ; Yao SUN ; Ang LI ; Lili CHEN ; Qingxian LUAN ; Chuanjiang ZHAO ; Zhengguo CAO ; Yi LIU ; Jiang SUN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Li LIN ; Peihui DING ; Weilian SUN ; Jun WANG ; Jiang LIN ; Guangxun ZHU ; Qi ZHANG ; Lijun LUO ; Jiayin DENG ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Aimei SONG ; Hongmei GUO ; Jin ZHANG ; Pingping CUI ; Song GE ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiuyun REN ; Shengbin HUANG ; Xi WEI ; Lihong QIU ; Jing DENG ; Keqing PAN ; Dandan MA ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Dong CHEN ; Liangjun ZHONG ; Gang DING ; Wu CHEN ; Quanchen XU ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Lingqian DU ; Ling LI ; Yijia WANG ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Qiang CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Shaohua GE
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):61-61
Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans
;
Dental Cementum/injuries*
;
Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
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Tooth Fractures/therapy*
5.Analysis of Tongue Image Features in Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy at Different Risk Levels
Haiyu GUAN ; Siqiao TANG ; Ping LI ; Wenjun SHAN ; Xiaofan HONG ; Yue CAO ; Lihong YANG ; Kun BAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):9-17
Objective To analyze the correlation between tongue image features and the risk levels of disease in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN).Methods Based on IMN clinical research electronic data acquisition system,a cross-sectional study method was used to analyze the clinical diagnosis and treatment data of 135 IMN patients from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine.The patients were grouped according to the risk levels of disease,and then the correlation between the risk levels of disease and tongue image features was analyzed.During the description of tongue image features,TB is for tongue body,TC is for tongue coating,L is for luminance,a is for red-green axis,G is for the value of green,B is for the value of blue,and AUT is for the value of autocorrelation.Results The comparison of tongue image feature indicators of patients with different risk levels of IMN showed that:(1)the higher the level of disease risk of IMN patients,the greater the values of TB-L,TB-G and TB-B(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The values of tongue image indicator TB-a and TC-a of the patients with different risk levels of IMN were shown in decreasing sequence:low-risk group>high-risk group>middle-risk group>extremely-high-risk group(P<0.05).(2)Linear regression analysis showed that TB-L,TB-G,and TB-B were significantly increased in the high-risk group compared with those in the middle-and low-risk groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01),whereas there were no significant differences between the middle-risk group and low-risk group(P>0.05).(3)The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation among most of the tongue image feature indicators(including TB-L,TB-G,TB-B,TB-AUT,TC-L,TC-G,and TC-B,etc.)and the risk level of disease,while TB-a was negatively correlated with the risk level of disease,and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(4)All patients were treated with Chinese medicine and/or Chinese patent medicine,and 46.7%of patients were given hormones and immunosuppressants,and there was no statistically significant difference in the the use of hormones and immunosuppressants among various groups(P=0.637).Conclusion There is a correlation between the tongue image features of IMN patients and the risk level of disease,and the results will provide an objective reference for the assessment of illness state and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome differentiation of IMN patients.With reference to the changes in the tongue image features,the illness state can be precisely identified,which is more accurate than the inspection of four diagnostic methods of TCM.
6.Diagnostic value of serum human β-defensin 2 and soluble growth stimulating gene 2 expression levels in pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumonia
Lian CAO ; Yanshun MU ; Lihong ZHANG ; Yong YANG ; Xinhui LIU ; Shuqin WU ; Peiwei WANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(6):20-23,29
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of serum human β-defensin 2(HBD2)and soluble growth stimulating gene 2(sST2)levels in pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumonia.Methods A total of 145 children diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumonia were recruited,and divided into refractory pneumonia group(n=53)and common pneumonia group(n=92)based on whether they had refractory or common pneumonia.General data were compared between the two groups.Ser-um HBD2 and sST2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Multi-variate logistic regression analysis was used to identify influencing factors for the occurrence of refracto-ry Mycoplasma pneumonia.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum HBD2 and sST2 levels in refractory Mycoplasma pneumonia.Results The proportion of lung consolidation and pleural effusion in refractory pneumonia group was significantly higher,and the fever time was significantly longer than that in common pneumonia group(P<0.05).Serum HBD2 and sST2 levels in the refractory pneumonia group were signifi-cantly higher than those in the common pneumonia group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regres-sion analysis indicated that lung consolidation,pleural effusion,high serum HBD2 level and high serum sST2 level were risk factors for pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumonia(P<0.05).The area under the curve and Youden's index for diagnosing pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumonia were 0.817 and 0.557 for serum HBD2 level,and 0.841 and 0.607 for serum sST2 level,respec-tively.Combined diagnosis using both markers resulted in an area under the curve of 0.916 and a Youden's index of 0.721.Conclusion The combined detection of serum HBD2 and sST2 levels holds significant diagnostic value for pediatric refractory Mycoplasma pneumonia.
7.Mechanism of neodymium oxide exposure causing brain tissue damage in mouse
Lihong WU ; Yan GUO ; Jing CAO ; Xiaoyan DU ; Qingqing LIANG ; Xiaocheng GAO ; Yanru WANG ; Yang DENG ; Long GAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(1):30-34
Objective To establish mouse models exposed to different doses of neodymium oxide via tracheal instillation,and to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain tissue damage induced by neodymium oxide exposure in mice.Methods Forty-eight male C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups:the control group,the low-dose group,the medium-dose group,and the high-dose group.The low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups received 62.5 mg/mL,125 mg/mL,and 250 mg/mL neodymium oxide,respectively,via non-exposed tracheal instillation.The control group received an equivalent volume of saline using the same administration method.After 35 days,the mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were collected.RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin tight junction proteins,as well as the expression changes of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the brain tissues.Additionally,the expression of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and downstream cofilin protein was examined.Changes in oxidative stress markers,including MDA,T-AOC,and NO,were measured using a kit method.Results The mRNA expression of Claudin-5 was significantly reduced in the middle-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Similarly,the mRNA expression of Occludin was significantly lower in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the protein expression of Claudin-5,MMP-2,and Occludin was significantly decreased in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).The protein expression of MMP-9 and RhoA was also signifi-cantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the protein expression of ROCK2 and p-cofilin in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The content of MDA and T-AOC was significantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05),and the content of NO in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Exposure to neodymium oxide results in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier in mice,leading to oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and activation of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway.
8.Efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer
Lei YU ; Chunfeng ZOU ; Sunhuan SU ; Chengzong ZHANG ; Zhiwei CAO ; Qikai ZHANG ; Lihong CHEN
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(3):280-284
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)for the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer.Methods The clinical data of 57 patients with locally recurrent breast cancer from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Twenty-four patients(group A)received TACE using adriamycin 12 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 45 mg/m2,which was accomplished by local perfusion into the tumor target blood vessels with microcatheter catheterization,the embolization material was Embosphere microspheres,and the embolization endpoint was occlusion of the main stem of the target vessel.Other 33 patients who received systemic chemotherapy using adriamycin 40 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 in the same period were collected as group B.The 6-month disease control rate(DCR),progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were compared between the two groups.Results Successful TACE was accomplished in all the 24 patients of group A,with a technical success rate of 100%.In group A,the 6-month DCR was 87.50%,the median PFS was 12 months,and the median OS was 22 months.In group B,the 6-month DCR was 63.63%,the median PFS was 9 months,and the median OS was 20 months.The differences in the 6-month DCR and the median PFS between the two groups were statistically significant(P=0.04 and P=0.03 respectively),while no statistically significant difference in the median OS existed between the two groups(P=0.21).The incidence of post-embolization syndrome in group A was 75%(18/24),the clinical symptoms included chest wall pain and mild fever,which disappeared 3 days after symptomatic treatment such as pain-relief and antipyretic medication,and no TACE-related serious complications such as target vessel injury,ectopic embolization of embolization materials or chest wall necrosis occurred in all patients.All patients were followed up for a mean period of(19.47±4.96)months(range of 8-24 months)Conclusion For the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer,TACE is superior to systemic chemotherapy in short-term efficacy.TACE carries no intervention-related serious complications.However,more studies need to be conducted before its long-term efficacy and safety can be clarified.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:280-284)
9.Effect of lithium chloride on testosterone production dysfunction in male mice and protective effect of quercetin in vivo and invitro
Lihong WANG ; Mei WAN ; Xi LING ; Jia CAO ; Lin AO ; Peng ZOU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(12):1265-1276
Objective:To study the reproductive toxicity of lithium chloride (LiCl) in male mice and to explore the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of quercetin on testosterone production dysfunction.Methods:Twenty-five male C57BL/6 mice aged 4-5 weeks were randomly divided into five groups according to the random number table method: control group, LiCl infected group [38.4 mg/(kg·d) LiCl+corn oil, noted as LiCl group], quercetin control group [50 mg/(kg·d) quercetin, noted as High-Quer group], low-dose quercetin combined with LiCl infection group [38.4 mg/(kg·d) LiCl+10 mg/(kg·d) quercetin, noted as Low-Quer+LiCl group] and high dose quercetin combined with LiCl infected group [38.4 mg/(kg·d) LiCl+50 mg/(kg·d) quercetin, noted as High-Quer+LiCl group]. The structure of testicular tissue, semen parameters, and the ultrastructure of Leydig cells in mice were detected by HE staining, computer-aided sperm analysis system (CASA), and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. TM3 mouse Leydig cells were treated with 0 mmol/L, 5 mmol/L, 10 mmol/L, 20 mmol/L LiCl for 24 h. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation levels, and expression levels of testosterone-related protein were measured by SOD and GSH-Px kits, TMRE probe, Image-iT TM lipid peroxidation probe, and Western blotting, respectively. Intracellular Fe 2+ concentration was detected by Fe 2+ detection kit and FerroOrange probe. The levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results:In the LiCl group, the total sperm count [(36.78±1.81)×10 6], sperm concentration [(18.39±0.90)×10 6/mL], sperm motility [(25.70±3.32)%] and serum testosterone level [(7.26±0.29) μg/L] were lower than those of control group [(51.60±4.96)×10 6, P=0.002; (25.80±2.48)×10 6/mL, P=0.002; (41.47±2.83)%, P=0.001; (7.87±0.29) μg/L, P=0.013], the expression levels of Cyp11a1, StAR and Cyp17a1, Leydig cell biomarkers (3β-HSD1, 17β-HSD3) and ferroptosis regulatory proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11 and Nrf2) in testis were significantly down-regulated compared with control group (all P<0.001). LiCl also induced mitochondrial vacuoles and swelling of Leydig cells. However, low-dose quercetin intervention could significantly ameliorate the above LiCl-induced damage (total sperm count: P<0.001, sperm concentration: P<0.001, sperm motility: P=0.015, serum testosterone level: P=0.026, Cyp11a1, StAR, Cyp17a1, 3β-HSD1, 17β-HSD3, GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2: all P<0.001). In 20 mmol/L LiCl group, the testosterone level [(7.28±0.24) μg/L] in TM3 cells was lower than that of 0 mmol/L LiCl group [(12.50±0.38) μg/L, P<0.001], the protein levels of Cyp11a1, StAR and Cyp17a1 were significantly down-regulated compared with 0 mmol/L LiCl group (all P<0.001), the activities of SOD [(2.42±0.11) U/mg], GSH-Px [(1.29±0.03) mU/mg] and MMP [(57.24±1.69)%] were lower than those of 0 mmol/L LiCl group [(3.11±0.09) U/mg, (1.54±0.01) mU/mg, (100.00±0)%, all P<0.001], the level of lipid peroxidation [(211.18±3.60)%] and the concentration of Fe 2+ [(26.44±0.94) μmol/L] were higher than those of 0 mmol/L LiCl group [(100.00±0)%, (7.12±0.29) μmol/L, all P<0.001], and the expression of ferroptosis regulatory proteins was significantly down-regulated compared with 0 mmol/L LiCl group (all P<0.001). Compared with 20 mmol/L LiCl group cells [lipid peroxidation: (194.46±3.16)%, (194.70±3.93)%; MMP: (78.74±0.52)%, (75.32±1.29)%], ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 and quercetin significantly decreased the level of lipid peroxidation [(181.71±3.80)%, P=0.004; (166.88±3.22)%, P<0.001], increased the level of MMP [(86.26±0.79)%, P=0.040; (81.09±1.32)%, P=0.001], and significantly up-regulated the expression of key enzymes in testosterone synthesis and ferroptosis regulatory proteins (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Quercetin may protect LiCl-induced Leydig cells injury and testosterone production dysfunction by inhibiting cell ferroptosis.
10.Effect of lithium chloride on testosterone production dysfunction in male mice and protective effect of quercetin in vivo and invitro
Lihong WANG ; Mei WAN ; Xi LING ; Jia CAO ; Lin AO ; Peng ZOU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(12):1265-1276
Objective:To study the reproductive toxicity of lithium chloride (LiCl) in male mice and to explore the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of quercetin on testosterone production dysfunction.Methods:Twenty-five male C57BL/6 mice aged 4-5 weeks were randomly divided into five groups according to the random number table method: control group, LiCl infected group [38.4 mg/(kg·d) LiCl+corn oil, noted as LiCl group], quercetin control group [50 mg/(kg·d) quercetin, noted as High-Quer group], low-dose quercetin combined with LiCl infection group [38.4 mg/(kg·d) LiCl+10 mg/(kg·d) quercetin, noted as Low-Quer+LiCl group] and high dose quercetin combined with LiCl infected group [38.4 mg/(kg·d) LiCl+50 mg/(kg·d) quercetin, noted as High-Quer+LiCl group]. The structure of testicular tissue, semen parameters, and the ultrastructure of Leydig cells in mice were detected by HE staining, computer-aided sperm analysis system (CASA), and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. TM3 mouse Leydig cells were treated with 0 mmol/L, 5 mmol/L, 10 mmol/L, 20 mmol/L LiCl for 24 h. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation levels, and expression levels of testosterone-related protein were measured by SOD and GSH-Px kits, TMRE probe, Image-iT TM lipid peroxidation probe, and Western blotting, respectively. Intracellular Fe 2+ concentration was detected by Fe 2+ detection kit and FerroOrange probe. The levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results:In the LiCl group, the total sperm count [(36.78±1.81)×10 6], sperm concentration [(18.39±0.90)×10 6/mL], sperm motility [(25.70±3.32)%] and serum testosterone level [(7.26±0.29) μg/L] were lower than those of control group [(51.60±4.96)×10 6, P=0.002; (25.80±2.48)×10 6/mL, P=0.002; (41.47±2.83)%, P=0.001; (7.87±0.29) μg/L, P=0.013], the expression levels of Cyp11a1, StAR and Cyp17a1, Leydig cell biomarkers (3β-HSD1, 17β-HSD3) and ferroptosis regulatory proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11 and Nrf2) in testis were significantly down-regulated compared with control group (all P<0.001). LiCl also induced mitochondrial vacuoles and swelling of Leydig cells. However, low-dose quercetin intervention could significantly ameliorate the above LiCl-induced damage (total sperm count: P<0.001, sperm concentration: P<0.001, sperm motility: P=0.015, serum testosterone level: P=0.026, Cyp11a1, StAR, Cyp17a1, 3β-HSD1, 17β-HSD3, GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2: all P<0.001). In 20 mmol/L LiCl group, the testosterone level [(7.28±0.24) μg/L] in TM3 cells was lower than that of 0 mmol/L LiCl group [(12.50±0.38) μg/L, P<0.001], the protein levels of Cyp11a1, StAR and Cyp17a1 were significantly down-regulated compared with 0 mmol/L LiCl group (all P<0.001), the activities of SOD [(2.42±0.11) U/mg], GSH-Px [(1.29±0.03) mU/mg] and MMP [(57.24±1.69)%] were lower than those of 0 mmol/L LiCl group [(3.11±0.09) U/mg, (1.54±0.01) mU/mg, (100.00±0)%, all P<0.001], the level of lipid peroxidation [(211.18±3.60)%] and the concentration of Fe 2+ [(26.44±0.94) μmol/L] were higher than those of 0 mmol/L LiCl group [(100.00±0)%, (7.12±0.29) μmol/L, all P<0.001], and the expression of ferroptosis regulatory proteins was significantly down-regulated compared with 0 mmol/L LiCl group (all P<0.001). Compared with 20 mmol/L LiCl group cells [lipid peroxidation: (194.46±3.16)%, (194.70±3.93)%; MMP: (78.74±0.52)%, (75.32±1.29)%], ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 and quercetin significantly decreased the level of lipid peroxidation [(181.71±3.80)%, P=0.004; (166.88±3.22)%, P<0.001], increased the level of MMP [(86.26±0.79)%, P=0.040; (81.09±1.32)%, P=0.001], and significantly up-regulated the expression of key enzymes in testosterone synthesis and ferroptosis regulatory proteins (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Quercetin may protect LiCl-induced Leydig cells injury and testosterone production dysfunction by inhibiting cell ferroptosis.

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