1.Effect of Hei Xiaoyaosan on Neuroinflammation and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway in APP/PS1 Mice
Jun ZHOU ; Mingcheng LI ; Yujie LYU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yunyun HU ; Huping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):124-133
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hei Xiaoyaosan on the learning and memory abilities of Alzheimer's disease model mice (APP/PS1 mice), and to explore its mechanism through the inflammatory cascade mediated by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsSPF-grade 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into the model group, MCC950 group, and Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups. C57BL/6J mice were used as the blank group. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, mice in each group were intervened. The Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were given corresponding doses by gavage (25.79, 12.90, 6.45 g·kg-1·d-1), the MCC950 group was intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg·kg-1·2 d-1, and the blank group received the same volume of physiological saline by gavage. After 90 days of intervention, the learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Y maze and Morris water maze tests. The structural changes of hippocampal neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampal CA3 region was detected by immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-18, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of GSDMD-N and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the hippocampus. Results① In the Y maze test, compared with the blank group, the spontaneous alternation rate of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the Hei Xiaoyaosan high- and low-dose groups was significantly increased (P<0.01). ② In the Morris water maze test, during the 1-4 days of the location navigation test, the escape latency time of mice decreased with the extension of training time. On day 4, compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significantly increased escape latency (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan low-dose group showed significantly reduced escape latency (P<0.05). In the spatial exploration experiment, compared with the blank group, the number of platform crossings in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Hei Xiaoyaosan low-dose group showed significantly increased platform crossings (P<0.05). ③ HE staining showed that, compared with the blank group, the hippocampal CA3 cells of the model group were damaged, arranged loosely and irregularly, swollen, with unclear boundaries, and the nuclei were pyknotic and deeply stained. MCC950 and all doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan improved the hippocampal CA3 cell damage in APP/PS1 mice to varying degrees. ④ Immunohistochemical results indicated that, compared with the blank group, the expression of APP in the hippocampal CA3 region was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). MCC950 and all doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan could reduce the expression of APP in the hippocampal CA3 region of APP/PS1 mice (P<0.01). ⑤ ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of mice in the model group were significantly increased, and IL-10 levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the IL-18 levels in the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). IL-1β levels in the hippocampus of the MCC950 group and Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The IL-10 levels in the hippocampus of the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ⑥ Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the hippocampus of the treated groups was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of GSDMD in the hippocampus of the Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ⑦ Immunofluorescence results showed that, compared with the blank group, the co-expression of GSDMD-N and Iba-1 in the hippocampus of the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the co-expression of GSDMD-N and Iba-1 in the treated groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to affect the release of inflammatory factors, alleviate neuroinflammation,improve hippocampal histopathological changes,and improve learning and memory deficits,thus providing potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease.
2.Characteristics of avian leukosis virus infection and polymorphism analysis of re-ceptor gene sequence in Qingyuan Ma chickens
Xiaoxue ZHENG ; Xueli SHU ; Hongmei WANG ; Mingchao GAO ; Mingcheng YU ; Yibin LI ; Ming LIAO ; Weisheng CAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(7):1380-1386,1393
In order to understand the characteristics of avian leukosis virus(ALV)infection and the polymorphisms of receptor genes Tva,Tvb and NHE1 sequences in different Qingyuan Ma chick-en breeding farms,the isolation and identification of exogenous ALV virus,receptor gene amplifi-cation and sequencing analysis were carried out in five Qingyuan Ma chicken breeding farms.The results of virus isolation and subtype identification showed that the positive rate of exogenous ALV virus isolation in farms A,B and C was less than 5%,among which there was ALV-J infection alone in farm A,mixed infection with ALV-J and ALV-K in farm B,ALV-K infection a-lone in farm C,and no exogenous ALV infection was detected in farm D and E.Polymorphism anal-ysis of recipient genes showed that there were different frequencies of Tvar3,Tvar4 and Tvbr3 re-sistance alleles in A-E farms,and the distribution frequency of Tvar3 was 0.2-0.6,the distribution frequency of Tvar4 was 0.3-0.7,and the distribution frequency of Tvbr3 was 0.1-0.7.In addition,there were Tvar5 resistance alleles in both B and D farms,with a distribution frequency of 0.2.A to-tal of 18 SNP mutations occurred in the NHE1 receptor gene sequence,and further analysis showed that positions 1 279,1 361,1 369,1 406,1 442,and 1 912 were non-synonymous mutations,which could cause changes in amino acids.The study suggested that there were differences in the exogenous ALV and its subtypes among the five Qingyuan Ma chicken breeders,and each farm should have a more targeted and unique purification strategy.The distribution of Tva and Tvb re-sistance alleles at different frequencies,along with the occurrence of 6 non-synonymous mutations in the NHE1 gene,indicate that Qingyuan Ma chicken have the potential of genetic resistance breeding.
3.Protease inhibitor DUBs-IN-1 suppresses proliferation of Marek's disease virus in chicken cells
Xin AI ; Jiacui XU ; Jialiang XIE ; Haoyuan MA ; Kai YU ; Mingcheng LIU ; Xinyue WANG ; Junyan LIN ; Xu GAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(8):1622-1628
Vaccination is a main measure for protecting chickens against Marek's disease,while it is not able to suppress the infection,proliferation,transmission,and virulence enhancement on Marek's disease virus.Inhibiting the proliferation of Marek's disease virus in chicken is therefore an im-portant option for enhancing defense effectiveness.In this study,a compound,DUBs-IN-1,was found to inhibit the activity of MDV049,a protease encoded by Marek's disease virus,via screening a protease inhibitor library using MDV049 as target and ubiquitin probe.Molecular docking re-vealed that DUBs-IN-1 can interact with the residues which formed the catalytic pocket of MDV049,blocking the interaction between Ub substrate and the catalytic center of MDV049,then suppress the activity of MDV049 with competitive inhibition.Using the CPE model,it was found that DUBs-IN-1 at the concentration of 0.35 and 0.70 μmol/L significantly inhibited the CPE in-duced by Marek's disease virus in CEF cells.Quantitative analysis revealed that DUBs-IN-1 inhibi-ted the proliferation of Marek's disease virus in CEF cells(P<0.01).Furthermore,it was found that the administration of 80 and 150 pg/(kg·d)of DUBs-IN-1 in chicken infected by Marek's disease virus significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDV in T cells(P<0.01).In summary,this study demonstrated that the compound DUBs-IN-1 is able to inhibit the proliferation of Marek's disease virus in chicken cells,laying a theoretical and practical foundation for further de-velopment of the drugs against Marek's disease virus.
4.Mechanism study on inhibition of ulcerative colitis by Sirt1 signaling axis mediated by oridonin
Maonan WANG ; Bo XU ; Linyue LI ; Shurong LI ; Mingcheng LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(7):1461-1466
Objective:To build mice ulcerative colitis(UC)model by dextran sodium sulfate salt(DSS),and to explore effect and molecular mechanism of oridonin(Ori)on alleviating UC by mediating Sirt1 signaling pathway,as well as to find new drugs for UC treatment.Methods:Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group(NC),model group(DSS),DSS+mesalazine sustained-release granule group(AC),DSS+low-dose Ori group(Ori-L),DSS+medium-dose Ori group(Ori-M)and DSS+high-dose Ori group(Ori-H),with 10 mice in each group.Except NC group,mice in other groups were given 3%DSS aqueous solution free for 7 days.After successful modeling,Ori-L group,Ori-M group and Ori-H group were intragastric with 50,100 and 150 mg/kg Ori suspension,respectively.NC group and DSS group drank distilled water free,AC group was intragastric with mesalazine sustained-release granules 100 mg/kg,lasted for 10 days.Weight changes of mice were recorded and disease active index(DAI)score was performed.After treatment,serum levels of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by ELISA.Whole colon tissues were extracted,length was measured,and HE staining was performed.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect expressions of Sirt1,NF-κB and p53 in colon tissues of each group.Results:After successful modeling,compared with NC group,the other 5 groups of mice showed weight loss,DAI score increased and colon length shortened,Sirt1 expression was signi-ficantly inhibited,while expressions of NF-κB and p53 were significantly increased,accompanied by obvious inflammatory pathologi-cal features.Compared with DSS group,Ori-L,Ori-M,and Ori-H groups and AC group had less weight loss during experiment,and DAI scores showed lower disease activity and relatively less colon length shortening,Sirt1 expression was less inhibited,expressions of NF-κB and p53 were also relatively small.Results of AC group could prove that Ori has therapeutic effect on UC.Conclusion:Ori can improve UC in mice,whose effect may be related to regulation of Sirt1 signal.
5.Comparison in Dosage of General Anesthetics in Patients from Different Regions of Xinjiang
Zhao ZHANG ; Mingcheng LI ; Qiuyun WANG
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2023;52(6):855-857
Objective To compare the difference in dose of general anesthesia between pastoral patients and urban pa-tients.Methods The patients who performed abdominal surgery under general anesthesia in Peoples hospital of Bortala Mongo-lian Autonomous Prefecture from January 1st to April 30th 2022 were included and divided into pastoral patient group and ur-ban patient group according to the residential place of patients.Anesthesia and surgery were carried out according to hospital regulations.The general characteristics of all patients were recorded and the dosages of general anesthesia drugs were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in general and intraoperative con-ditions.Patients'performances were stable,and no severe adveres reaction was observed.The dosages of Propofol,Remifen and Rocuronium in pastoral patients were higher than that in urban patients(all P<0.05).Conclusion The dosage of general anes-thesia for patients in pastoral areas is higher,which ensures the stability of anesthesia depth and vital signs of patients,creates good conditions for surgery and promotes rapid recovery of patients.
6.Inhibition of Fatty Acid β-Oxidation by Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 Induces Ferroptosis in HK2 Cells Under High Glucose Conditions
Jiasi CHEN ; Keping WU ; Yan LEI ; Mingcheng HUANG ; Lokyu CHENG ; Hui GUAN ; Jiawen LIN ; Ming ZHONG ; Xiaohua WANG ; Zhihua ZHENG
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2023;38(2):226-244
Background:
Ferroptosis, which is caused by an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides, is a type of cell death linked to diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Previous research has shown that fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is involved in the regulation of ferroptosis in diabetic retinopathy. The present study was constructed to explore the role of FABP4 in the regulation of ferroptosis in DKD.
Methods:
We first detected the expression of FABP4 and proteins related to ferroptosis in renal biopsies of patients with DKD. Then, we used a FABP4 inhibitor and small interfering RNA to investigate the role of FABP4 in ferroptosis induced by high glucose in human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HG-HK2) cells.
Results:
In kidney biopsies of DKD patients, the expression of FABP4 was elevated, whereas carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1A (CP-T1A), glutathione peroxidase 4, ferritin heavy chain, and ferritin light chain showed reduced expression. In HG-HK2 cells, the induction of ferroptosis was accompanied by an increase in FABP4. Inhibition of FABP4 in HG-HK2 cells changed the redox state, sup-pressing the production of reactive oxygen species, ferrous iron (Fe2+), and malondialdehyde, increasing superoxide dismutase, and reversing ferroptosis-associated mitochondrial damage. The inhibition of FABP4 also increased the expression of CPT1A, reversed lipid deposition, and restored impaired fatty acid β-oxidation. In addition, the inhibition of CPT1A could induce ferroptosis in HK2 cells.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that FABP4 mediates ferroptosis in HG-HK2 cells by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation.
7.Research progress of coarse-grained molecular dynamics in drug carrier materials.
Minquan ZHANG ; Mingcheng GONG ; Jin WANG ; Zhenhua CHEN ; Liangliang ZHOU
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2023;40(4):799-804
As one of the traditional computer simulation techniques, molecular simulation can intuitively display and quantify molecular structure and explain experimental phenomena from the microscopic molecular level. When the simulation system increases, the amount of calculation will also increase, which will cause a great burden on the simulation system. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics is a method of mesoscopic molecular simulation, which can simplify the molecular structure and improve computational efficiency, as a result, coarse-grained molecular dynamics is often used when simulating macromolecular systems such as drug carrier materials. In this article, we reviewed the recent research results of using coarse-grained molecular dynamics to simulate drug carriers, in order to provide a reference for future pharmaceutical preparation research and accelerate the entry of drug research into the era of precision drug design.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
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Drug Carriers
8.Effect of Danzhi Xiaoyaosan on Phosphorylation of Tau Protein in Rats with Alzheimer's Disease Based on PP2A and GSK-3β
Huping WANG ; Jun ZHOU ; Mingcheng LI ; Yujie LYU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yunyun HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(6):63-70
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danzhi Xiaoyaosan on the phosphorylation of tau protein and different sites of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and phosphoseryl/suanyl phosphate protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the hippocampus of rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its mechanism. MethodThe rat model of AD was established by injecting okadaic acid into the bilateral hippocampus of 90 male Wistar rats in SPF grades. The rats with successful modeling were selected and randomly divided into model group, aricept group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Danzhi Xiaoyaosan high, medium, and low groups (17.55, 8.77, and 4.38 g·kg-1), and then gavaged for 42 d, once a day. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability of rats, Nissl's staining was used to observe the morphological structure of neurons in the hippocampus, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tau protein, GSK-3β, and PP2A. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of tau protein, GSK-3β, and PP2A. ResultAs compared with the control group, the learning and memory abilities of the rats in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the hippocampal CA3 region cells had abnormal structure, disorderly arrangement, and decreased number. The expression levels of GSK-3β mRNA, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β-Tyr216, p-PP2A, and p-tau were increased in the model group as compared with the control group (P<0.01), and those of p-GSK-3β-Ser9 and PP2A decreased significantly (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the learning and memory ability of the Aricept group and the Danzhi Xiaoyaosan groups were improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the cell morphology and the number of hippocampal CA3 regions were better. The mRNA expression levels of PP2A and tau in the Aricept group were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05), the mRNA expression level of GSK-3β was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β-Tyr216, and p-PP2A were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression level of PP2A was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the mRNA expression level of PP2A in the high-dose Danzhi Xiaoyaosan group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), and that of GSK-3β was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), whereas the protein expression levels of p-PP2A, p-GSK-3β-Tyr216, and p-tau were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression level of PP2A was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the mRNA expression level of GSK-3β was significantly down-regulated in the medium-dose Danzhi Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01), the protein expression levels of GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β-Tyr216, and p-tau were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression level of PP2A was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the mRNA expression level of PP2A was significantly up-regulated in the low-dose Danzhi Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01), and that of GSK-3β was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), whereas the protein expression levels of GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β-Tyr216 were down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and those of p-GSK-3β-Ser9 and PP2A were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionDanzhi Xiaoyaosan can improve the learning and memory ability of rats with AD, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the activities of GSK-3β and PP2A protein-related sites and the phosphorylation of tau protein.
9.Three hot topics in the prevention and control of myopia among children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2022;43(3):325-327
Abstract
In order to improve the prevention and control of myopia, this paper examines the significance of hyperopia reserves and its correct application, identifies problems requiring further attention and sums up past experiences. It puts forward a prevention and control system of myopia after introduction of the physiotherapy instruments, especially those based on the principle of red light. This paper discusses some mechanisms of low concentration atropine eye drops in preventing and controlling myopia. Finally, future research directions are proposed.
10.The Role of Gut Microbiota and Genetic Susceptibility in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatitis
Fumin XU ; Chunmei YANG ; Mingcheng TANG ; Ming WANG ; Zhenhao CHENG ; Dongfeng CHEN ; Xiao CHEN ; Kaijun LIU
Gut and Liver 2022;16(5):686-696
Pancreatitis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the pancreas caused by autodigestion induced by excessive premature protease activation. However, recognition of novel pathophysiological mechanisms remains a still challenge. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, and the gut microbiota is a potential source of an environmental effect. In recent years, several new frontiers in gut microbiota and genetic risk assessment research have emerged and improved the understanding of the disease. These investigations showed that the disease progression of pancreatitis could be regulated by the gut microbiome, either through a translocation influence or in a host immune response manner. Meanwhile, the onset of the disease is also associated with the heritage of a pathogenic mutation, and the disease progression could be modified by genetic risk factors. In this review, we focused on the recent advances in the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, and the genetic susceptibility in pancreatitis.


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