1.Yinchenhao Tang Regulates Pyroptosis to Intervene in Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):55-62
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yinchenhao Tang intervenes in α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1) pyroptosis signaling pathway. MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, ursodeoxycholic acid, and Yinchenhao Tang groups. Except the blank group, other groups were treated with ANIT dissolved in olive oil for the modeling of cholestatic liver injury. Ursodeoxycholic acid (0.1 g·kg-1) and Yinchenhao Tang (9.23 g·kg-1) were administered by gavage. The blank group and the model group were administrated with the same amount of pure water, once a day for 3 days. The blood and liver tissue samples were collected, and the serum levels of liver function indicators were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the liver. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue were determined by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TGR5, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were assessed by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of TGR5, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), and total bilirubin (TBil) in the serum (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte swelling, and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation in the liver, raised levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-18 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), and NLRP3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid group showed declined levels of AST (P<0.01), TBA (P<0.01), TBil (P<0.01), and ALT (P<0.05) in the serum, lowered levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), IL-18 (P<0.05), and ASC (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Yinchenhao Tang group showed lowered levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBA, and TBil in the serum (P<0.01), declined levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β (P<0.01), NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), and IL-18 (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1 and GSDMD (P<0.05). The liver tissue of the administration groups showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced swelling of hepatocytes, and alleviated proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the hepatocyte pyroptosis mediated by the TGR5/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.
2.Investigation into Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang in Modulating Macrophage Activation to Combat Cholestatic Liver Injury
Jinghan ZHAO ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Ruixue MA ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):63-70
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang (YCHT) in regulating macrophage polarization to alleviate cholestatic liver injury,focusing on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway as the entry point. MethodsCholestasis was induced in Wistar rats through a single gavage of 100 mg·kg-1 α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) dissolved in olive oil. The animals were randomly divided into four groups:Model group,YCHT group,ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) group (n=10),and a blank group (n=10) that received only 5 mL·kg-1 olive oil. The YCHT group received 9.23 g·kg-1·day-1 of YCHT by gavage,and the UDCA group was treated with 0.1 g·kg-1·day-1 of UDCA suspension. Both the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline,all for three consecutive days. Serum liver function was assessed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver tissue morphology. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β),transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were quantified in liver homogenate supernatants via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis measured the relative protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),CD206,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86,and arginase-1 (Arg-1). The relative mRNA expression of TLR4/NF-κB,CD206,iNOS,CD86,and Arg-1 in liver tissue was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP),total bile acid (TBA),total bilirubin (TBil),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.01). There was a portal area expansion and pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly upregulated (P<0.01),and macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 showed positive expression. Protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of the related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the liver function indicators in the YCHT group showed significant decreases (P<0.05, P<0.01). The bile duct hyperplasia was significantly alleviated, and the tissue structure became more orderly. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of CD86 significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of CD206 significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of Arg-1 significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of CD206 significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionYCHT ameliorates cholestatic liver injury in rats by improving bile metabolism,reducing bile duct dilatation,and mitigating inflammation. These effects are achieved through the inhibition of M1 macrophage activation and the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization,likely via modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Intervention Effect and Regulation Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):71-80
Cholestatic liver injury refers to the bile production, secretion, and excretion disorder caused by various reasons. It induces liver injury, metabolic disorders, and dysfunction of the hepatobiliary system, which can further develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. At present, the preferred drug for clinical treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid, which, however, induces adverse reactions and is intolerant in some patients. Yinchenhao Tang is a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of jaundice due to Yang jaundice. It has the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and removing jaundice and has shown good therapeutic effect in long-term clinical application. Modern pharmacological studies have found that this prescription has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, bile acid balance-regulating, hepatocyte apoptosis-inhibiting and other liver-protecting effects. This paper reviews the relevant clinical and animal experimental studies on Yinchenhao Tang in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in recent years. Yinchenhao Tang can intervene in the progression of cholestatic liver injury by regulating bile acid metabolism and excretion, reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis, and protecting intestinal mucosal barrier. This paper systematically expounds the molecular mechanisms by which Yinchenhao Tang regulates cholestatic liver injury that are confirmed by current research, aiming to provide reference for the clinical application and in-depth study of Yinchenhao Tang.
4.Tuihuang Mixture improves α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis in rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes via regulating farnesoid X receptor
Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Yuchun YU ; Qingchun CAI ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):718-724
Objective To study the therapeutic mechanism of Tuihuang Mixture against cholestasis.Methods Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomized equally into blank group,model group,ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tuihuang Mixture group.Except for those in the blank group,all the rats were given α-naphthylisothiocyanate(ANIT)to establish rat models of cholestasis,followed by treatments with indicated drugs or distilled water.Serum levels of ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA and TBIL of the rats were determined,and hepatic expressions IL-1β,IL-18,FXR,NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1 and GSDMD were detected using q-PCR,ELISA or Western blotting.Histopathological changes of the liver tissues were observed using HE staining.Results The rat models of cholestasis had significantly increased serum levels of ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA and TBIL with increased mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18,decreased protein and mRNA expressions of FXR,and increased protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 and mRNA expressions of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the liver tissue,showing also irregular arrangement of liver cells,proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells and inflammatory cells infiltration.Treatment of the rat models with Tuihuang Mixture significantly decreased serum levels of ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA and TBIL,lowered IL-1β and IL-18 and increased FXR protein and mRNA expressions,and reduced NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins and NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA expressions in the liver tissue.Tuihuang Mixture also significantly alleviated hepatocyte injury,bile duct epithelial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of the rat models.Conclusion Tuihuang Mixture can effectively improve cholestasis in rats possibly by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatosome-mediated pyroptosis via regulating FXR.
5.Data mining analysis of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis
Yin ZENG ; Linlin LI ; Xiangming MA ; Yufeng XIAO ; Jue HU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):549-560
Objective To study the characteristics of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis so as to provide a reference for the standardization of such models,and to guide research on the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.Methods Studies using experimental pulmonary fibrosis in animals published in the past 10 years were retrieved from the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,and PubMed databases.Factors including animal species,sex,modeling method,and detection index were summarized,and the data were analyzed using Excel.Results A total of 292 eligible studies were included.The animals mainly included SD rats,Wistar rats,and C57BL/6 mice,and most were male.The most common modeling drugs were bleomycin,paraquat,and silica suspension,mainly administered by intratracheal injection,with a typical modeling cycle of 28 d.The detection indexes mainly comprised lung tissue pathology and measurements of protein expression,cytokine levels,and biochemical indexes.Conclusions SD rats and C57BL/6 mice were the most commonly used animals for experimental pulmonary fibrosis,and intratracheal injection of bleomycin(5 mg/kg)was the most frequently used modeling method.This approach allows for the straightforward and effective replication of pathological features resembling human pulmonary fibrosis,and may serve as a reference for future experimental studies using animal models of pulmonary fibrosis.
6.The regulatory role and mechanism of microRNA in cholestasis
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2187-2194
As a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) can regulate gene expression and thereby intervene against the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of cholestasis is complex and is mainly associated with the metabolism and transport of bile acids, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and intestinal flora. Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid is the preferred drug for the clinical treatment of cholestasis, but it may cause adverse reactions and exhibit poor efficacy in some patients. Studies have shown that miRNA can intervene in the disease process of cholestasis through multiple mechanisms such as regulating bile acid metabolism and transport, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory response, improving cholangiocyte proliferation, and regulating intestinal flora. It can be used as a new biomarker and action target for cholestasis, with high research potential and value. Therefore, this article summarizes the role and mechanisms of miRNA in regulating cholestasis in recent years, in order to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of cholestasis by targeting miRNA.
7.Application of CA 125 elimination rate constant K score in prognostic forecast of patients undergoing interval debulking surgery for high grade serous ovarian cancer
Huidong LIU ; Haili WU ; Linlin MA ; Ying CUI ; Shaowei WANG ; Guihua SHEN
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(6):461-468
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of the cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) elimination rate constant K (KELIM) score for no visible residual disease (R0) and prognosis in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)+interval debulking surgery (IDS). Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 HGSOC patients treated with NACT+IDS at Beijing Hospital, from June 2014 to June 2024. The KELIM score was calculated, and its predictive value for R0 resection, chemotherapy response score (CRS), platinum-free interval (PFI), progression-free survival (PFS) time, and overall survival (OS) time was analyzed.Results:(1) The mean age at diagnosis was (61.9±9.9) years. The mean KELIM score was 1.1±0.4, with 44 patients having KELIM score≥1 and 34 having KELIM score <1. (2) Patients with KELIM score ≥1 had significantly higher rates of R0 resection (84% vs 56%; P=0.006), CRS3 grading (41% vs 0; P<0.001), and PFI ≥6 months (84% vs 53%; P=0.04) compared to those with KELIM score <1. Additionally, the median PFS time (18.7 vs 13.2 months; P<0.001) and OS time (34.8 vs 29.9 months; P=0.007) were significantly longer in the KELIM score ≥1 group. Chemosensitivity: patients with PFI <6 months had a significantly lower median KELIM score than those with PFI ≥6 months (0.8 vs 1.2; P=0.005). Surgical outcome: patients achieving R0 resection had a significantly higher median KELIM score than those without R0 (1.2 vs 0.7; P<0.001). (3) Univariate analysis identified non-R0 resection, CRS3 grading, lack of poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor maintenance therapy, and KELIM score <1 as significant risk factors for OS time (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed non-R0 resection ( HR=3.78,95% CI: 1.13-12.66; P=0.031), no PARP inhibitor maintenance ( HR=7.41,95% CI:1.82-30.15; P=0.005), and KELIM score <1 ( HR=5.14,95% CI:1.41-18.72; P=0.013) as independent risk factors for OS time. Conclusions:The KELIM score may serve as a predictive marker for chemosensitivity, R0 resection, PFS time, and OS time in HGSOC patients undergoing NACT+IDS. KELIM score<1 is an independent risk factor for OS.
8.Analysis of hotspots and trends in traditional Chinese medicine treatment of neurogenic bladder based on bibliometrics and knowledge graph
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yang CHEN ; Linlin MA ; Xue YANG ; Jianwei SHI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Yuan LU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(2):190-197
Objective:To analyze the current research hotspots and trends of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for neurogenic bladder (NB).Methods:The Chinese and English articles on TCM treatment of neurogenic bladder were searched in CNKI, Wanfang Database, PubMed, and Web of Science from the inception to May 31, 2024, using the terms "neurogenic bladder" "intervention" "treatment" "clinical" "Chinese medicine" "electroacupuncture" "acupuncture", and "moxibustion". VOSviewer and Citespace bibliometric software were used to analyze the publication trend, authors, research institutions, source journals and keywords of these articles.Results:A total of 776 Chinese articles and 253 English articles on the diagnosis and treatment of NB by traditional Chinese medicine were retrieved, the number of publications was increasing every year. Most Chinese papers came from Shandong University of Traditional Clinese Medicine, and most English papers came from Sun Yat-sen University. Some authors and institutions had formed networks of cooperation. Most papers were published in the journal of Traditional Chineses Medicine Clinical Research (in Chinese) and Neural Regeneration Research (in English). This study generated 244 Chinese core key words with 14 clustering networks, and 233 English core key words with 10 clustering networks. The main symptoms of NB are uroschesis and urinary incontinence. NB are primarily caused by spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus and stroke. The main treatment methods of TCM for NB are electroacupuncture, acupuncture and percutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation. The research on NB mechanisms focuses on the apoptosis, regeneration and plasticity of spinal neurons, the activation of the bladder autophagy signaling pathway, the expression of proteins related to the contractile function of the forced muscles. Conclusion:The research quantity and quality of traditional Chinese medicine in diagnosis and treatment NB have increased in recent years, and the mechanism and treatment of NB are the research hotspots; however, the extension and depth of researches are limited, and the institutional cooperations are insufficiente.
9.Study on the association between compound hot extremes and fall death risk in three provinces of southern China
Linlin XIE ; Jiamei ZENG ; Jie WAN ; Zihang TANG ; Ruilin MENG ; Chunliang ZHOU ; Min YU ; Yi LIN ; Weiquan ZENG ; Wenjun MA ; Guanhao HE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):581-586
Objective:To explore the risk fall death associated with compound hot extremes.Methods:This study collected data on fall deaths in Guangdong, Hunan, and Zhejiang Provinces from 2013 to 2018 and matched their exposure to meteorological data. Based on a time-stratified case-crossover design, a conditional logistic regression model embedded with a cross-basis function of the distributed lag nonlinear model was applied to estimate the risk of fall to death due to compound hot extremes.Results:Compared with regular days, compound hot extremes significantly increased the risk of death from falls ( OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.09-1.30), and women ( OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.11-1.45) and the elderly age 65 and above ( OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.12-1.39) were more sensitive to compound hot extremes. The maximum duration of compound hot extremes was 7 days, and the maximum intensity was 6.2 ℃, and the duration and intensity were proportional to the risk of death from falls. The risk of death from falls increased by 12% ( OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.06-1.18) each day, increasing in duration after linearization. The risk of death from falls increased by 16% ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.10-1.22) for each 1 ℃ increase in linearized intensity. Conclusion:Compound hot extremes increase the risk of death cases from falls.
10.Predictive factors and predictive model for prognosis of migraine patients with patent foramen ovale after occlusion
Yanni WU ; Chao TANG ; Linlin MA ; Xia ZHANG ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(7):467-471
Objective To screen out the predictive factors for prognosis of migraine patients with patent foramen ovale(PFO)after occlusion,and to observe the value of predictive model based on these factors.Methods A total of 102 migraine patients with PFO who underwent occlusion of PFO were retrospectively included.Based on right to left shunt(RLS)grade in contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler(TCD)and changes of migraine disability assessment(MIDAS)grade after occlusion,the patients were divided into effective group(n=56)and ineffective group(n=46).Patients'basic data and imaging data including contrast-enhanced TCD and transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)before occlusion were compared between groups.Independent predictive factors were screened using multivariate logistic regression,then a predictive model was established,and its performance was evaluated.Results Compared with ineffective group,effective group had a lower proportion of female patients,a higher proportion of patients with aura symptoms,also higher MIDAS scores before occlusion,lower left to right shunt(LRS)velocities through the defect,and higher RLS grades in contrast-enhanced TCD and TEE right heart contrast echocardiography before occlusion(all P<0.05).Patients'gender,LRS velocity through the defect and RLS grade in TEE right heart contrast echocardiography before occlusion were all predictive factors for prognosis of migraine patients with PFO after occlusion of PFO(all P<0.05).The established model demonstrated good discrimination,calibration and clinical net benefit.Conclusion Patients'gender,LRS velocity through the defect and RLS grade in TEE right heart contrast echocardiography before occlusion were all significant predictors of prognosis of migraine patients with PFO after occlusion,and the predictive model established based on these factors demonstrated certain clinical value.

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