1.Clinical Diseases Responding Specially to TCM Treatment: Psoriasis
Liu LIU ; Xiaoying SUN ; Mei MO ; Yaqiong ZHOU ; Bin LI ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):260-268
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory systemic disease in dermatology. Its high prevalence, recurrence rate, and numerous comorbidities impose a significant physical and mental burden on patients. With the continuous advancement of modern medicine, the emergence of biological agents has improved clinical efficacy, making it possible to overcome psoriasis, in addition to classical treatments. However, in clinical practice, adverse reactions, drug resistance, recurrence rates, and immune drift cannot be ignored. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a history of thousands of years in treating psoriasis, demonstrating good efficacy, high safety, and a low recurrence rate, but a standardized management system is lacking. Therefore, the 25th Clinical Diseases Responding Specially to TCM Treatment Series (Psoriasis) Youth Salon, hosted by the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine and organized by the Youth Committee of the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine, invited 29 experts and scholars from TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields to actively discuss the "Advantages, Challenges, and Clinical Transformation of TCM and Western Medicine in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Psoriasis". The experts at the meeting concluded that the advantages of TCM in the treatment of psoriasis are as follows. Firstly, in the TCM-led treatment plan, TCM's understanding of psoriasis follows the principle of combining the differentiation of disease and syndrome. This approach distinguishes the basic contradiction from the current main contradiction and enables a clear grasp of the dynamic process of psoriasis development. Based on the system of syndrome differentiation and treatment, TCM intervention is applied to address the current main contradiction, and the optimal TCM treatment plan is formulated by combining internal and external treatments. Adhering to the principle of "what is visible outside must be addressed inside", TCM can prevent and treat psoriasis comorbidities early by differentiating syndrome types. Secondly, in the integrated TCM and Western medicine treatment plan, the combination of both methods not only enhances efficacy but also reduces the adverse reactions of immunosuppressants and biological agents, lowering the recurrence rate. This conference provides a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis using TCM and integrated TCM and Western medicine, opening up new ideas for clinical and basic research and guiding future research directions.
2.Analysis of the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants from Chinese Neonatal Network in 2022
Yan MO ; Aimin QIAN ; Ruimiao BAI ; Shujuan LI ; Xiaoqing YU ; Jin WANG ; K. Shoo LEE ; Siyuan JIANG ; Qiufen WEI ; Wenhao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(1):55-61
Objective:To analyze the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants (VPI) (gestational age at birth <32 weeks) from Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) in 2022.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on the CHNN VPI cohort. It included 6 985 VPI admitted to CHNN 89 participating centers within 24 hours after birth in 2022. VPI with major congenital anomalies or those transferred to non-CHNN centers for treatment or discharged against medical advice were excluded. VPI were categorized based on whether they received red blood cell transfusions, their gestational age at birth, the type of respiratory support received during transfusion, and whether the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels exceeded the thresholds. General characteristics, red blood cell transfusion rates, number of transfusions, timing of the first transfusion, and pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels were compared among different groups. The incidence of adverse outcomes between the group of VPI who received transfusions above the threshold and those who received transfusions below the threshold were compared. Comparison among different groups was conducted using χ2 tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and so on. Trends by gestational age at birth were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage tests and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Among the 6 985 VPI, 3 865 cases(55.3%) were male, with a gestational age at birth of 30.0 (28.6, 31.0) weeks and a birth weight of (1 302±321) g. Overall, 3 617 cases (51.8%) received red blood cell transfusion, while 3 368 cases (48.2%) did not. The red blood cell transfusion rate was 51.8% (3 617/6 985), with rates of 77.7% (893/1 150) for those born before 28 weeks gestational age and 46.7% (2 724/5 835) for those born between 28 and 31 weeks gestational age. A total of 9 616 times red blood cell transfusions were administered to 3 617 VPI, with 632 times missing pre-transfusion hemoglobin data, and 8 984 times included in the analysis. Of the red blood cell transfusions, 25.6% (2 459/9 616) were administered when invasive respiratory support was required, 51.3% (4 934/9 616) were receiving non-invasive respiratory support, while 23.1% (2 223/9, 616) were given when no respiratory support was needed. Compared to the non-transfusion group, the red blood cell transfusion group had a higher rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension in mothers, lower rates of born via cesarean section and mother′s antenatal steroid administration, smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, a higher proportion of small-for-gestational-age, multiple births, and proportions of Apgar score at the 5 th minute after birth ≤3 (all P<0.05). They were also less likely to be female, born in hospital or undergo delayed cord clamping (all P<0.01). Additionally, higher transport risk index of physiologic stability score at admission were observed in the red blood cell transfusion group ( P<0.001). The number of red blood cell transfusion was 2 (1, 3) times, with the first transfusion occurring at an age of 18 (8, 29) days, and a pre-transfusion hemoglobin level of 97 (86, 109) g/L. For VPI ≤7 days of age, the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels for invasive respiratory support, non-invasive respiratory support, or no respiratory support, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between groups ( H=5.59, P=0.061). For VPI aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days, the levels with statistically differences between groups (both P<0.01). Red blood cell transfusions above recommended thresholds were observed in all respiratory support categories at different stages of life, with the highest prevalence in infants aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days who did not require respiratory support, at 90.1% (264/273) and 91.1%(1 578/1 732), respectively. The rate of necrotizing enterocolitis was higher in the above-threshold group ( χ2=10.59, P=0.001), and the duration of hospital stay was longer in the above-threshold group ( Z=4.67, P<0.001) compared to the below-threshold group. Conclusions:In 2022, the red blood cell transfusion rate was relatively high among VPI from CHNN. Pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels frequently exceeded recommended transfusion thresholds.
3.Effects of Shujin Jiannao Formula (舒筋健脑方) on Neural Repair and PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway of Brain Tissue in Cerebral Palsy Model Rats
Ruiqin YU ; Yanjun MO ; Houjun ZHANG ; Gang LIU ; Zhuoluo ZHOU ; Zechen RUAN ; Lin XU ; Xiaohong MU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1038-1045
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Shujin Jiannao Formula (舒筋健脑方) for cerebral palsy. MethodsThirty 7-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, and Shujin Jiannao Formula group, with 10 rats in each group. The model group and Shujin Jiannao Formula group established a cerebral palsy model by the classic Rice-Vannucci method. After successful modeling, rats in Shujin Jiannao Formula group were given Shujin Jiannao Formula 16 g/(kg·d) by gavage, while the normal group and model group were given normal saline 10 ml/(kg·d) by gavage once a day. After one week of intervention, the rats' body weight was measured, and Zea-Longa scores, the righting reflex test, and the hindlimb suspension test were conducted for assessment; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissue, and the number of Nissl-positive neurons was counted; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue, specifically interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression levels of neurofilament protein 200 (NF200) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in brain tissue; Western Blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt/PKB/Rac), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly higher Zea-Longa scores and lower scores in the hindlimb suspension test (P<0.01); pathological findings revealed loose structure in the cerebral cortex, hippocampal atrophy, and neuronal damage in brain tissue. Levels of IL-1β and TNF-α elevated, and the number of Nissl-stained positive neurons in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region reduced, and immunofluorescence intensity of NF200 and MBP, as well as protein expression levels of PI3K and mTOR, significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in Shujin Jiannao Formula group showed decreased Zea-Longa scores and increased hindlimb suspension test scores (P<0.05); pathological damage in brain tissue alleviated, levels of IL-1β and TNF-α reduced, the number of Nissl-stained positive neurons in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region increased, and the immunofluorescence intensity of NF200 and MBP, as well as the protein levels of PI3K and mTOR, significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in body weight, body-turning time, or AKT protein levels in brain tissue (P>0.05). ConclusionShujin Jiannao Formula can improve the neurological function of rats with cerebral palsy, exert neurorestorative effects, and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of inflammatory response in brain tissue and the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
4.Dynamics of eosinophil infiltration and microglia activation in brain tissues of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Fanna WEI ; Renjie ZHANG ; Yahong HU ; Xiaoyu QIN ; Yunhai GUO ; Xiaojin MO ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Jiatian GUO ; Peng SONG ; Yanhong CHU ; Bin XU ; Ting ZHANG ; Yuchun CAI ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):163-175
Objective To investigate the changes in eosinophil counts and the activation of microglial cells in the brain tissues of mice at different stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, and to examine the role of microglia in regulating the progression of angiostrongyliasis and unravel the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-day and 25-d infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. All mice in infection groups were infected with 30 stage III A. cantonensis larvae by gavage, and animals in the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. Five mice were collected from each of infection groups on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. The general and focal functional impairment was scored using the Clark scoring method to assess the degree of mouse neurological impairment. Five mice from each of infection groups were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice from the control group were sacrificed on the day of oral gavage. Mouse brain tissues were sampled, and the pathological changes of brain tissues were dynamically observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence staining with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) was used to assess the degree of eosinophil infiltration and the counts of microglial cells in mouse brain tissues in each group, and the morphological parameters of microglial cells (skeleton analysis and fractal analysis) were quantified by using Image J software to determine the morphological changes of microglial cells. In addition, the expression of M1 microglia markers Fcγ receptor III (Fcgr3), Fcγ receptor IIb (Fcgr2b) and CD86 antigen (Cd86), M2 microglia markers Arginase 1 (Arg1), macrophage mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1), chitinase-like 3 (Chil3), and phagocytosis genes myeloid cell triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), CD68 antigen (Cd68), and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay in the mouse cerebral cortex of mice post-infection. Results A large number of A. cantonensis larvae were seen on the mouse meninges surface post-infection, and many neuronal nuclei were crumpled and deeply stained, with a large number of bleeding points in the meninges. The median Clark scores of mouse general functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 0 (interquartile range, 0.5), 6 (interquartile range, 1.0), 14 (interquartile range, 8.5) points and 20 (interquartile range, 9.0) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.45, P < 0.01), and the median Clark scores of mouse focal functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 2 (interquartile range, 2.5), 7 (interquartile range, 3.0), 18 (interquartile range, 5.0) points and 25 (interquartile range, 6.5) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.72, P < 0.01). The mean scores of mice general and focal functional impairment were all higher in the infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant difference in the eosinophil counts in mouse brain tissues among the five groups (F = 40.05, P < 0.000 1), and the eosinophil counts were significantly higher in mouse brain tissues in the 14-d (3.08 ± 0.78) and 21-d infection groups (5.97 ± 1.37) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.28) (both P values < 0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of microglia immunofluorescence showed a significant difference in the counts of microglial cells among the five groups (F = 17.66, P < 0.000 1), and higher Iba1 levels were detected in mouse brain tissues in 14-d (5.75 ± 1.28), 21-d (6.23 ± 1.89) and 25-d infection groups (3.70 ± 1.30) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.30) (all P values < 0.05). Skeleton and fractal analyses showed that the branch length [(162.04 ± 34.10) μm vs. (395.37 ± 64.11) μm; t = 5.566, P < 0.05] and fractal dimension of microglial cells (1.30 ± 0.01 vs. 1.41 ± 0.03; t = 5.266, P < 0.05) were reduced in mouse brain tissues in the 21-d infection group relative to the control group. In addition, there were significant differences among the 5 groups in terms of M1 and M2 microglia markers Fcgr3 (F = 48.34, P < 0.05), Fcgr2b (F = 55.46, P < 0.05), Cd86 (F = 24.44, P < 0.05), Arg1 (F = 31.18, P < 0.05), Mrc1 (F = 15.42, P < 0.05) and Chil3 (F = 24.41, P < 0.05), as well as phagocytosis markers Trem2 (F = 21.19, P < 0.05), Cd68 (F = 43.95, P < 0.05) and Apoe (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) in mice brain tissues. Conclusions A. cantonensis infections may induce severe pathological injuries in mouse brain tissues that are characterized by massive eosinophil infiltration and persistent activation of microglia cells, thereby resulting in progressive deterioration of neurological functions.
5.Changes in coordination of departments for major epidemic prevention and control in China before and after the outbreak of COVID-19: an analysis on official documents
Zhonghui HE ; Peiwu SHI ; Qunhong SHEN ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Zhi HU ; Anning MA ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Qingyu ZHOU ; Chengyue LI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):446-450
ObjectiveTo analyze the changes in the degree of coordination of China's major epidemic prevention and control efforts before and after the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), so as to explore the impact of epidemic prevention and control measures on coordination dynamics. MethodsA total of 3 864 policy documents related to epidemic prevention and control from January 2000 to December 2020 across 31 provinces (autonomous regions, and municipalities) in China were systematically collected. Contents specific to collaborative and cooperative efforts were extracted, and the extent of interdepartmental coordination were quantified to assess the effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control efforts. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was adopted to statistically analyze the differences between the indicators before and after the epidemic. ResultsThe average overall coordination level for major epidemic prevention and control in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, and municipalities) increased from 43.06% to 97.62%, and the average coordination levels in the eastern, central, and western China soared from 42.29%, 37.50%, and 47.46%, to 98.81%, 96.20%, and 97.46%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). In terms of department categorization, coordination levels in the professional departments and the key support departments peaked at 100.00%, while other support departments rose to 95.43%, with an increase of 77.15%, 181.85%, and 139.89%, respectively, exhibiting noteworthy statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). ConclusionThe scope of coordination departments of China’s major epidemic prevention and control exists a remarkable surge following the COVID-19 outbreak, notable heightened coordination is particularly observed among the key support departments. Future endeavors should prioritize the roles played by diverse departments in epidemic prevention and control, enhancing both the clarity of departmental responsibilities and the effectiveness of interdepartmental coordination.
6.A systematic evaluation of the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces
Huayi ZHANG ; Qingyu ZHOU ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Peiwu SHI ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Chengyue LI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):451-457
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces, providing a scientific evaluation basis for building a "Healthy Yangtze River Delta". MethodsA comprehensive collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was conducted, totaling 6 920 policy documents, 1 720 information reports, and 1 200 literature pieces. Based on the evaluation standards for an appropriate public health system established by the research team, the basic status of public health governance capacity was assessed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the 40 cities. ResultsIn 2022, the public health governance capacity score for the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was (562.5±38.0) points. In terms of specific areas, the emergency response field received the highest score of (791.4±49.7) points, while the chronic disease prevention and control field received the lowest score of (368.2±29.6) points. The Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Anhui region has largely achieved the strategic priority of health, gradually improved public health legal regulations, and established a basic organizational framework with a solid foundation for information and data infrastructure. However, challenges still need to be addressed, such as unstable government funding for public health, unclear departmental responsibilities, and barriers to information interoperability. ConclusionThe public health governance capacity of the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Province has been at a moderate level, but disparities have still existed across regions and fields. In the future, while continuing to deepen existing advantages, it is essential to accurately identify the causes of problems, establish a long-term and stable investment mechanism, enhance information connectivity mechanisms, further clarify departmental responsibilities, and promote the achievement of the "Healthy Yangtze River Delta" goal.
7.Discussion on Research Paradigm and Layout Based on Disease (Psoriasis) Specifically Responding to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Liu LIU ; Xiaoying SUN ; Mei MO ; Zihan FANG ; Yaqiong ZHOU ; Bin LI ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):203-211
To implement the Opinions of the State Council of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, delve into the diseases specifically responding to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and serve the building of advantageous specialties, clinical talent cultivation, national research layout, and academic innovation, the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine sponsored the salons in multiple fields to discuss the diseases specifically responding to TCM. On August 26, 2023, the 25th salon on the diseases specifically responding to TCM was held in Shanghai. In view of the advantages of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, Chinese and western medicine experts and interdisciplinary researchers carried out extensive and in-depth discussions and formed specific suggestions and consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis with TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. However, there was still a lack of detailed research path. Under the guidance of the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine, this paper analyzes the problems in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis from the occurrence and development of psoriasis. According to the advantages and characteristics of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, this paper puts forward the main points of research layout for psoriasis from the three aspects of psoriasis diagnosis and treatment, comorbidity prevention, and chronic disease management as follows: ① optimization of the syndrome differentiation system for psoriasis, ② optimization of assessment indicators for psoriasis, ③ recurrence mechanisms of psoriasis, ④ construction and research of TCM prevention and treatment of psoriasis recurrence, ⑤ construction of the comorbidity spectrum and TCM theoretical system of psoriasis, ⑥ comorbidity mechanisms of psoriasis. Furthermore, this article proposed the research layout and directions, expected goals and values, and funding priorities. Therefore, on the basis of the series of salons about psoriasis as a disease specifically responding to TCM, this article puts forward the research paradigm of psoriasis, aiming to facilitate the high-quality development of TCM and provide reference for the national research layout, the research and development of new TCM preparations, the selection of research topics, and the formulation of guidelines and consensus.
8.Mediating effects of loneliness and depressive symptoms on family function and life satisfaction among rural elderly patients with chronic diseases
LI Zhonglian ; MO Xiangang ; QIN Suxia ; ZHOU Quanxiang ; ZHU Yafen ; MO Caiyun ; YI Aijing ; CHEN Juhai
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):551-556,561
Objective:
To analyze the mediating effects of loneliness and depressive symptoms on family functioning and life satisfaction among rural elderly patients with chronic diseases, so as to provide the basis for improving the life satisfaction of this population.
Methods:
Rural elderly patients with chronic diseases aged ≥60 years in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province were selected using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method from June to September 2022. Basic information such as gender, age, and chronic diseases were collected. Family function, life satisfaction, loneliness and depressive symptoms were evaluated using Family Care Index Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the b-item Revised VCLA Loneliness Sale and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. The structural equation model was constructed using Amos software to analyze the mediating effects of loneliness and depressive symptoms on the relationship between family function and life satisfaction. The Bootstrap method was employed to test the mediating effects.
Results:
A total of 1 145 rural elderly patients with chronic diseases were recruited, including 517 males (45.15%) and 628 females (54.85%). Among the participants, 657 individuals (57.38%) were aged 60-<71 years, and 540 individuals (47.16%) had three or more chronic diseases. The scores for family function, life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms were (3.90±1.18), (18.88±5.25), (12.88±2.99), and (6.65±2.26), respectively. Mediating effect analysis showed that family function had a direct positive effect on life satisfaction (β=0.179, 95%CI: 0.126-0.231). It also indirectly positively influenced the life satisfaction of rural elderly patients with chronic diseases through the independent mediating effect of depressive symptoms (β=0.035, 95%CI: 0.021-0.054) and the chained mediating effect of loneliness and depressive symptoms (β=0.021, 95%CI: 0.013-0.030). The mediating effect of depressive symptoms accounted for 14.89% of the total effect, while the chained mediating effect of loneliness and depressive symptoms accounted for 8.94% of the total effect.
Conclusion
Good family function can directly enhance the life satisfaction of rural elderly patients with chronic diseases and can also indirectly improve their life satisfaction by reducing loneliness and depressive symptoms.
9.Polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata Exerts Antitumor Effect by Regulating Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and ERK1/2 Expressions during Long-Time Administration.
Qi-Chun ZHOU ; Shi-Lin XIAO ; Ru-Kun LIN ; Chan LI ; Zhi-Jie CHEN ; Yi-Fei CHEN ; Chao-Hua LUO ; Zhi-Xian MO ; Ying-Bo LIN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(1):52-61
OBJECTIVE:
To study the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of the polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata (PAC) and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
B16F10 and 4T1 cells were cultured with PAC of 40 µg/mL, and PAC was withdrawn after 40 days of administration. The cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8. The expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot and the expressions of ERK1/2 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A mouse melanoma model was established to study the effect of PAC during long-time administration. Mice were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group treated with saline water, positive control group (LNT group) treated with lentinan at 100 mg/(kg·d), and PAC group treated with PAC at 120 mg/(kg·d). The pathological changes of tumor tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR.
RESULTS:
In vitro, no strong inhibitory effects of PAC were found in various tumor cells after 48 or 72 h of administration. Interestingly however, after 40 days of cultivation under PAC, an inhibitory effect on B16F10 cells was found. Correspondingly, the long-time administration of PAC led to downregulation of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05), up-regulation of Caspase-3 protein (P<0.05) and ERK1 mRNA (P<0.05) in B16F10 cells. The above results were verified by in vivo experiments. In addition, viability of B16F10 cells under long-time administration culture in vitro decreased after drug withdrawal, and similar results were also observed in 4T1 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Long-time administration of PAC can significantly inhibit viability and promote apoptosis of tumor cells, and had obvious antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice.
Mice
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Animals
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Alocasia/metabolism*
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MAP Kinase Signaling System
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Caspase 3/metabolism*
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Apoptosis
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RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
10.Effects of α-hederin alone or in combination with cisplatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells based on EGFR/AKT and JAK2/STAT3 pathways
ZHU Zhiminga ; WANG Sumeib ; TANG Qingb ; WANG Xib ; WAN Xinliangb ; MO Handanb ; JIA Luyub ; YU Xiaoyanb ; ZHOU Qichunb
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2024;31(4):333-341
[摘 要] 目的:探讨α-常春藤皂苷(α-Hed)诱导非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)细胞凋亡的作用靶点及其潜在机制,明确α-Hed与顺铂(DDP)联用后对相应的靶点蛋白表达的影响。方法:采用CCK-8法检测不同浓度α-Hed处理后NSCLC细胞A549、H1299和PC-9的存活率,采用Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI染色流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,采用WB法检测细胞中C-caspase-3和Bcl-2蛋白的表达。通过网络药理学相关方法筛选α-Hed的潜在靶点,利用分子对接法分析其结合效果,WB法检测靶点蛋白的表达。通过CCK-8法、细胞集落形成实验和WB法检测α-Hed与DDP联用对NSCLC细胞的抑制作用。结果:给药24和48 h后,10、15和20 μmol/L α-Hed可以显著抑制NSCLC细胞增殖活力(均P<0.01);与对照组相比,20 μmol/L α-Hed处理后细胞凋亡率显著升高(P<0.01);α-Hed可上调NSCLC细胞中C-caspase-3的表达(P<0.05),下调Bcl-2的表达(P<0.05)。网络药理学和分子对接筛选出结合亲和力小于-5 kcal/mol的靶点AKT1、STAT3、EGFR和JAK2。WB法检测结果显示,α-Hed处理后A549、H1299细胞中EGFR、p-AKT/AKT、p-STAT3/STAT3和JAK2蛋白的表达均明显下调(均P<0.05)。α-Hed与DDP联用后,更显著地抑制NSCLC细胞的增殖(P<0.01),进一步下调EGFR、p-AKT/AKT、p-STAT3/STAT3和JAK2蛋白的表达(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:α-Hed通过下调EGFR和JAK2的表达抑制STAT3和AKT的磷酸化,诱导NSCLC细胞凋亡,与DDP联用后其抑制效果增强,EGFR/AKT和JAK2/STAT3通路也进一步被抑制。


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