1.Mechanism of Xixintang in Protecting Blood-brain Barrier in Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats Based on AQP4 Polarization
Siyuan JIA ; Yongchang DIWU ; Yuan TIAN ; Jie GAO ; Meirong WU ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):1-10
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of Xixintang on aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarity distribution, blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, and neuroinflammationin rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD), thereby revealing the potential mechanism through which this formula protects the BBB by regulating AQP4 polarization. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for clinical treatment. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a probiotic group, a donepezil group, and an Xixintang group. The model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-Gal) combined with bilateral intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-β25-35 (Aβ25-35). The probiotic group (30.85 mg·kg-1), donepezil group (0.88 mg·kg-1), and Xixintang group (1.174 g·kg-1) received daily gavage administration, while the normal and model groups received intragastric administration with an equal volume of normal saline for one month. Cognitive ability was assessed by using the Morris water maze. BBB permeability was detected via Evans blue extravasation. The contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the hippocampal tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and AQP4 in the hippocampal tissues were detected by western blot. The expression and co-localization levels of Aβ1-42, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1), and AQP4/platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 31 (CD31) in the hippocampal region were examined by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited a significant decline in cognitive ability (P<0.01) and a marked increase in Evans blue extravasation in the brain (P<0.01). The expressions of ZO-1, occludin, and TIMP-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the expressions of AQP4 and MMP-9 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The co-localization level of AQP4/CD31 was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Aβ1-42, IL-6, TNF-α, and IBA1 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Xixintang group showed significant improvement in cognitive ability (P<0.01) and a significant reduction in Evans blue extravasation in the brain (P<0.01). The expressions of occludin, TIMP-1, and ZO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expressions of AQP4 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The co-localization level of AQP4/CD31 was significantly enhanced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Aβ1-42, IL-6, TNF-α, and IBA1 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXixintang may improve cognitive function and alleviate AD pathology in AD model rats by regulating AQP4 polarity distribution, thereby breaking the vicious cycle of "Aβ deposition-neuroinflammation-BBB damage" and restoring the homeostasis of the microenvironment in the brain.
2.Effect of Xixintang on Colonic Mucosal Barrier and TLR4 /NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway in AD Model Rats Induced by D-galactose Combined with Aβ25-35
Yuan TIAN ; Yongchang DIWU ; Siyuan JIA ; Jie GAO ; Meirong WU ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):1-11
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether Xixintang could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model induced by D-galactose and β-amyloid (Aβ25-35), by means of repairing the colonic mucosal barrier, regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway, and intervening in the pathological process mediated by the gut-brain axis. MethodsSixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided to five groups (n=12): A control group, a model group, a donepezil group, an Xixintang group, and a probiotic group. Except for those in the control group, rats in all other groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose for six consecutive weeks. Subsequently, aggregated Aβ25-35 was injected stereotactically into the bilateral ventricles to establish the AD model. During the intervention periods, the rats in all groups were administered their respective drugs and normal saline by gavage. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the capacity for spatial learning and memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect Aβ1-41 deposition in the hippocampal region and Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression in the colonic mucosa. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression levels of FFAR2,TLR4, NF-κB p65, occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and MUC2 in the colonic tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum amyloid A (SAA), and Aβ1-42 in the hippocampal region from the colonic tissues. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in colon tissues of rats were measured by using a dynamic chromogenic limulus assay. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the rats in the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency and a markedly shorter duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The integrity of the colonic mucosal structure was compromised, with disordered gland arrangement and a reduced number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in colonic tissues were significantly upregulated (P<0.01), while those of occludin and ZO-1 were downregulated (P<0.01). The contents of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the LPS level in the serum was markedly increased (P<0.01). In comparison to those in the model group, the rats in the Xixintang group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and a prolonged duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The colonic mucosal structure was ameliorated, with neat gland arrangement and an increased number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while the protein levels of occludin and ZO-1 were increased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-6, TNF-α, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were decreased (P<0.01), and the LPS level was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionXixintang can significantly ameliorate cognitive dysfunction of AD model rats, by means of restoring the colonic mucosal barrier structure, reducing cerebral Aβ deposition, and suppressing peripheral and central inflammatory response. Its mechanism of action may be closely associated with the suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, reduction of endotoxin levels, and regulation of the gut-brain axis.
3.Effect of Xixintang on Colonic Mucosal Barrier and TLR4 /NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway in AD Model Rats Induced by D-galactose Combined with Aβ25-35
Yuan TIAN ; Yongchang DIWU ; Siyuan JIA ; Jie GAO ; Meirong WU ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):1-11
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether Xixintang could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model induced by D-galactose and β-amyloid (Aβ25-35), by means of repairing the colonic mucosal barrier, regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway, and intervening in the pathological process mediated by the gut-brain axis. MethodsSixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided to five groups (n=12): A control group, a model group, a donepezil group, an Xixintang group, and a probiotic group. Except for those in the control group, rats in all other groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose for six consecutive weeks. Subsequently, aggregated Aβ25-35 was injected stereotactically into the bilateral ventricles to establish the AD model. During the intervention periods, the rats in all groups were administered their respective drugs and normal saline by gavage. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the capacity for spatial learning and memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect Aβ1-41 deposition in the hippocampal region and Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression in the colonic mucosa. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression levels of FFAR2,TLR4, NF-κB p65, occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and MUC2 in the colonic tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum amyloid A (SAA), and Aβ1-42 in the hippocampal region from the colonic tissues. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in colon tissues of rats were measured by using a dynamic chromogenic limulus assay. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the rats in the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency and a markedly shorter duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The integrity of the colonic mucosal structure was compromised, with disordered gland arrangement and a reduced number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in colonic tissues were significantly upregulated (P<0.01), while those of occludin and ZO-1 were downregulated (P<0.01). The contents of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the LPS level in the serum was markedly increased (P<0.01). In comparison to those in the model group, the rats in the Xixintang group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and a prolonged duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The colonic mucosal structure was ameliorated, with neat gland arrangement and an increased number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while the protein levels of occludin and ZO-1 were increased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-6, TNF-α, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were decreased (P<0.01), and the LPS level was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionXixintang can significantly ameliorate cognitive dysfunction of AD model rats, by means of restoring the colonic mucosal barrier structure, reducing cerebral Aβ deposition, and suppressing peripheral and central inflammatory response. Its mechanism of action may be closely associated with the suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, reduction of endotoxin levels, and regulation of the gut-brain axis.
4.RBM14 enhances transcriptional activity of p23 regulating CXCL1 expression to induce lung cancer metastasis.
Wen ZHANG ; Yulin PENG ; Meirong ZHOU ; Lei QIAN ; Yilin CHE ; Junlin CHEN ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Chengjian HE ; Minghang QI ; Xiaohong SHU ; Manman TIAN ; Xiangge TIAN ; Yan TIAN ; Sa DENG ; Yan WANG ; Xiaokui HUO ; Zhenlong YU ; Xiaochi MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3059-3072
Metastasis serves as an indicator of malignancy and is a biological characteristic of carcinomas. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in the promotion of tumor invasion and metastasis and in the enhancement of tumor cell aggressiveness. Prostaglandin E synthase 3 (p23) is a cochaperone for heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Our previous study showed that p23 is an HSP90-independent transcription factor in cancer-associated inflammation. The effect and mechanism of action of p23 on lung cancer metastasis are tested in this study. By utilizing cell models in vitro and mouse tail vein metastasis models in vivo, the results provide solid evidence that p23 is critical for promoting lung cancer metastases by regulating downstream CXCL1 expression. Rather than acting independently, p23 forms a complex with RNA-binding motif protein 14 (RBM14) to facilitate EMT progression in lung cancer. Therefore, our study provides evidence for the potential role of the RBM14-p23-CXCL1-EMT axis in the metastasis of lung cancer.
5.Elemene as a binding stabilizer of microRNA-145-5p suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer.
Meirong ZHOU ; Jiayue WANG ; Yulin PENG ; Xiangge TIAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Junlin CHEN ; Yue WANG ; Yu WANG ; Youjian YANG ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Xiaokui HUO ; Yuzhuo WU ; Zhenlong YU ; Tian XIE ; Xiaochi MA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101118-101118
Elemene is widely recognized as an effective anti-cancer compound and is routinely administered in Chinese clinical settings for the management of several solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its detailed molecular mechanism has not been adequately demonstrated. In this research, it was demonstrated that elemene effectively curtailed NSCLC growth in the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Mechanistically, employing high-throughput screening techniques and subsequent biochemical validations such as microscale thermophoresis (MST), microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p) was pinpointed as a critical target through which elemene exerts its anti-tumor effects. Interestingly, elemene serves as a binding stabilizer for miR-145-5p, demonstrating a strong binding affinity (dissociation constant (K D) = 0.39 ± 0.17 μg/mL) and preventing its degradation both in vitro and in vivo, while not interfering with the synthesis of the primary microRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) and precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). The stabilization of miR-145-5p by elemene resulted in an increased level of this miRNA, subsequently suppressing NSCLC progression through the miR-145-5p/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. Our findings provide a new perspective on revealing the interaction patterns between clinical anti-tumor drugs and miRNAs.
6.Elemene as a binding stabilizer of microRNA-145-5p suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer
Meirong ZHOU ; Jiayue WANG ; Yulin PENG ; Xiangge TIAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Junlin CHEN ; Yue WANG ; Yu WANG ; Youjian YANG ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Xiaokui HUO ; Yuzhuo WU ; Zhenlong YU ; Tian XIE ; Xiaochi MA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):585-598
Elemene is widely recognized as an effective anti-cancer compound and is routinely administered in Chinese clinical settings for the management of several solid tumors,including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).However,its detailed molecular mechanism has not been adequately demonstrated.In this research,it was demonstrated that elemene effectively curtailed NSCLC growth in the patient-derived xenograft(PDX)model.Mechanistically,employing high-throughput screening techniques and subsequent biochemical validations such as microscale thermophoresis(MST),microRNA-145-5p(miR-145-5p)was pinpointed as a critical target through which elemene exerts its anti-tumor effects.Inter-estingly,elemene serves as a binding stabilizer for miR-145-5p,demonstrating a strong binding affinity(dissociation constant(KD)=0.39±0.17 μg/mL)and preventing its degradation both in vitro and in vivo,while not interfering with the synthesis of the primary microRNA transcripts(pri-miRNAs)and precursor miRNAs(pre-miRNAs).The stabilization of miR-145-5p by elemene resulted in an increased level of this miRNA,subsequently suppressing NSCLC progression through the miR-145-5p/mitogen-activated pro-tein kinase kinase kinase 3(MAP3K3)/nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB)pathway.Our findings provide a new perspective on revealing the interaction patterns between clinical anti-tumor drugs and miRNAs.
7.Effects of personnel training and management based on cognitive conflict in Interventional Therapy Department
Hui WANG ; Tian DU ; Meirong SHA ; Mingyu GAO ; Jing SHEN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2023;29(2):248-252
Objective:To explore the effect of training and management based on cognitive conflict on nursing ability and adverse events of nurses in Department of Interventional Therapy.Methods:Using the convenient sampling method, 90 nurses in the Department of Interventional Therapy of three Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals in Shanxi Province from January to October 2021 and 170 patients with interventional therapy admitted to three Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals in Shanxi Province from February 2020 to October 2021 were selected as the research object. The patients admitted before the implementation of personnel training and management based on cognitive conflict from February to December 2020 were set as the control group, and the patients admitted after the implementation of personnel training and management based on cognitive conflict from January to October 2021 were set as the research group, with 85 cases each. We compared the theoretical knowledge, nursing skills, clinical strain ability and critical thinking ability of nurses before and after the implementation of personnel training and management based on cognitive conflict, as well as the occurrence of adverse events and nursing satisfaction of patients.Results:Three and six months after the implementation of personnel training and management based on cognitive conflict, the scores of intervention theoretical knowledge, nursing skills, clinical strain ability and critical thinking ability of nurses were higher than those before the implementation, and the scores in six months after the implementation were higher than those in three months after the implementation, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . The total incidence of adverse events in the research group was 11.76% (10/85) , which was lower than 23.53% (20/85) in the control group with a statistical difference ( P<0.05) . The patient satisfaction of the research group was 95.29% (81/85) , which was superior to 85.88% (73/85) of the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The implementation of personnel training and management based on cognitive conflict in the Interventional Therapy Department can improve the quality of nursing service of nurses, reduce the risk of adverse events, and increase patient satisfaction, which is worthy of clinical application.
8.Effect on short and long term clinical outcome of attenuated plaque in patients with acute coronary syndrome ;after percutaneous coronary intervention
Xuebin GENG ; Li LI ; Hongling WANG ; Yuxin SONG ; Guoyu ZHAO ; Biqiong ZHAO ; Meirong TIAN ; Yi MA ; Jing YANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2015;(6):492-495
Objective To explore the effect on prognosis of attenuated plaque (AP)in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods This study was a prospective study which included 225 ACS patients who admitted to the cardiology and met the conditions between January 2009 and December 2011.Clinical data,intravascular ultrasound characteristics of plaque, blood flow in coronary angiography and cardiovascular complications within 30 days after PCI were recorded.The main form of follow-up was telephone follow-up,supplemented by patient follow-up and out-patient follow-up.Endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE).Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival rate.The survival difference between the two groups was compared using the Log-Rank test.Results Extravascular elastic membrane area (EEMA),plaque area (PA),plaque burden,remodeling index in AP group were significantly increased than those in non-AP group.Corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC)immediately after the balloon dilatation was significantly higher in AP group than in non-AP group. Recent overall complications were more frequently documented in AP group than in non-AP group,but long-term follow-up outcome of MACE-free survival curves showed no significant difference between the two groups.Conclusions Recent prognosis,not long-term prognosis,is affected by attenuated plaque in ACS patients after PCI,which help to stratify risk further and guide treatment in ACS patients.
9.Secretion and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 by SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.
Zhigang FAN ; Yu LIN ; Qiping HUANG ; Meirong LUO ; Qinghua TIAN ; Donghuo ZHONG ; Quanyi FENG ; Zezhi WU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2013;29(11):1629-1643
To establish vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) as secretary biomarkers for cell growth on topographic substrates, we have evaluated the secretion and expression of these 2 factors by SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells on poly-L-lactide (PLLA) micropillar arrayed topographic substrates. We fabricated topographic substrates with UV lithography, silicon etching and polydimethylsiloxane-based replica molding, and interfaced SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with both the topographic substrates and PLLA flat substrates. Cell morphology and spreading were examined with scanning electron microscopy. The secretion and mRNA expression of VEGF and IL-8 were evaluated with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real time qPCR, respectively, 24 hours after cell plating. We successfully achieved 4 topographic substrates with a nominal pillar diameter of 2 microm and 4 microm, and a nominal pillar spacing of 2 microm and 7 microm. We found that the secretion and mRNA expression of VEGF and/or IL-8 by SH-SY5Y cells on 2-2 microm (pillar diameter-spacing), 4-2 microm and 4-7 microm topographic substrates were upregulated in comparison to those by cells on PLLA flat substrate, 24 hours after cell plating. Furthermore, both cytokines were even more substantially upregulated on the 2-7 microm substrate than on the other 3 topographic substrates. Compared to those on PLLA flat substrate, cells on topographic substrates showed significant changes in morphology (spreading area, perimeter and roundness), and the increase in the secretion and mRNA expression of VEGF and IL-8 was accompanied with a decrease in cell spreading areas. These results provided evidence that pillar arrayed topography was an important microenvironmental factor in affecting VEGF and IL-8 expression or secretion, and VEGF and IL-8 might serve as important secretary biomarkers for growth on topographic substrates by SH-SY5Y cells.
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10.Domestic versus foreign Rapamycin-eluting stents for emergency percutaneous coronary intervention in elder patients with acute myocardial infarction: Randomized grouping follow-ups
Xuebin GENG ; Li LI ; Xiaokun LIU ; Biqiong ZHAO ; Meirong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2007;0(09):-
0.05). CONCLUSION: Domestic and foreign Rapamycin-eluting stents are safe and efficient for emergency PCI in elder patients with AMI, without biocompatibility and safety. There are no evident differences in two type stents.

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