1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
3.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
4.Exploring the mechanism of Xiaoaiping Injection inhibiting autophagy in prostate cancer based on proteomics.
Qiuping ZHANG ; Qiuju HUANG ; Zhiping CHENG ; Wei XUE ; Shoushi LIU ; Yunnuo LIAO ; Xiaolan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Yaoyao HAN ; Dan ZHU ; Zhiheng SU ; Xin YANG ; Zhuo LUO ; Hongwei GUO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):64-76
Xiaoaiping (XAP) Injection demonstrates the anti-prostate cancer (PCa) effects, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of XAP on PCa and elucidate its mechanism of action. PCa cell proliferation was evaluated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed through Hoechst staining and Western blotting assays. Proteomics technology was employed to identify key molecules and significant signaling pathways modulated by XAP in PCa cells. To further validate potential key genes and important pathways, a series of assays were conducted, including acridine orange (AO) staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence assays. The molecular mechanism of XAP against PCa in vivo was examined using a PC3 xenograft mouse model. Results demonstrated that XAP significantly inhibited cell proliferation in multiple PCa cell lines. In C4-2 and prostate cancer cell line-3 (PC3) cells, XAP induced cellular apoptosis, evidenced by reduced B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels and elevated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) levels. Proteomic, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) investigations revealed a strong correlation between forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) autophagic degradation and the anti-PCa action of XAP. XAP hindered autophagy by reducing the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5)/autophagy-related protein 12 (Atg12) and enhancing FoxO3a expression and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, XAP exhibited potent anti-PCa action in PC3 xenograft mice and triggered FoxO3a nuclear translocation in tumor tissue. These findings suggest that XAP induces PCa apoptosis via inhibition of FoxO3a autophagic degradation, potentially offering a novel perspective on XAP injection as an effective anticancer therapy for PCa.
Male
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Humans
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Prostatic Neoplasms/physiopathology*
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Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Proteomics
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Mice
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics*
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Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Mice, Nude
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
5.Correlation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and carotid atherosclerosis in pa-tients with hypertension in the morning
Qian SHU ; Cui ZHAO ; Yumei FENG ; Haisen JIANG ; Yawen CAO ; Wei LI ; Qiuping XIN ; Xiangyu GUO
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2024;32(11):979-984,993
Aim To explore the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in patients with early morning hypertension,and to construct a line chart model to predict the risk of CAS in patients with hypertension in the morning.Methods 255 patients with early morning hypertension hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College from October 2019 to November 2022 were collected,and their basic data,blood routine and blood biochemical indexes were collected.All selected patients need to improve 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and carotid artery color ultrasound detection.According to the presence or absence of CAS,all selected patients were divided into morning hypertension with CAS group(n=197)and morning hypertension without CAS group(n=58).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors of early morning hypertension with CAS,and to construct and verify an individual line chart model to predict the risk of early morning hypertension pa-tients with CAS.Results The age,NLR,neutrophils(NE),monocytes(MO),white blood cell(WBC),total cho-lesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLC)increased in the early morning hyperten-sion with CAS group compared with those in the morning hypertension group without CAS,while the HDLC decreased(P<0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the age,NLR and TC were higher in the early morning hypertension with CAS group than those in the early morning hypertension without CAS group,while HDLC was lower;Age,NLR and TC were independent risk factors of early morning hypertension with CAS,while HDLC was inde-pendent protective factors of morning hypertension with CAS.Based on the results of multivariate Logistic regression anal-ysis,an individualized line chart model for predicting early morning hypertension with CAS was constructed.The area un-der the ROC curve of the line chart model was 0.853(95%CI:0.802-0.904,P<0.01).The result of Hosmer Leme-show fit test was x2=1.665(P>0.05).Conclusions There was a positive correlation between NLR and morning hy-pertension with CAS,and NLR was an independent risk factor for morning hypertension with CAS.The individualized line chart model based on age,NLR,TC and HDLC can effectively predict the risk of hypertension with CAS in the early morn-ing,which provides a theoretical basis for early detection and prevention of atherosclerosis.
6.Engineered Bacillus subtilis alleviates intestinal oxidative injury through Nrf2-Keap1 pathway in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-infected piglet.
Chaoyue WEN ; Hong ZHANG ; Qiuping GUO ; Yehui DUAN ; Sisi CHEN ; Mengmeng HAN ; Fengna LI ; Mingliang JIN ; Yizhen WANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2023;24(6):496-509
Engineered probiotics can serve as therapeutics based on their ability of produce recombinant immune-stimulating properties. In this study, we built the recombinant Bacillus subtilis WB800 expressing antimicrobial peptide KR32 (WB800-KR32) using genetic engineering methods and investigated its protective effects of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway activation in intestinal oxidative disturbance induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 in weaned piglets. Twenty-eight weaned piglets were randomly distributed into four treatment groups with seven replicates fed with a basal diet. The feed of the control group (CON) was infused with normal sterilized saline; meanwhile, the ETEC, ETEC+WB800, and ETEC+WB800-KR32 groups were orally administered normal sterilized saline, 5×1010 CFU (CFU: colony forming units) WB800, and 5×1010 CFU WB800-KR32, respectively, on Days 1‒14 and all infused with ETEC K88 1×1010 CFU on Days 15‒17. The results showed that pretreatment with WB800-KR32 attenuated ETEC-induced intestinal disturbance, improved the mucosal activity of antioxidant enzyme (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). More importantly, WB800-KR32 downregulated genes involved in antioxidant defense (GPx and SOD1). Interestingly, WB800-KR32 upregulated the protein expression of Nrf2 and downregulated the protein expression of Keap1 in the ileum. WB800-KR32 markedly changed the richness estimators (Ace and Chao) of gut microbiota and increased the abundance of Eubacterium_rectale_ATCC_33656 in the feces. The results suggested that WB800-KR32 may alleviate ETEC-induced intestinal oxidative injury through the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, providing a new perspective for WB800-KR32 as potential therapeutics to regulate intestinal oxidative disturbance in ETEC K88 infection.
Animals
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Swine
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Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
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Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1
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Bacillus subtilis
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2
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Antioxidants
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Oxidative Stress
7.A preliminary study on the effect of rapid recovery model in older adults with acute clinical conditions
Zhenhe HUANG ; Jiali ZHAI ; Yue ZHAO ; Wenjing HE ; Liping GUO ; Qiuping FENG ; Chenfang SONG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2023;42(7):810-814
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of Acute Care of the Elderly(ACE)model and its existing problems in the clinical practice for older adults with acute clinical conditions.Methods:Using the random number table method, a random number sequence was generated, and the patients admitted to the Department of Geriatrics of Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital due to acute diseases From January 2019 to September 2021 were enrolled in the ACE model intervention group(160 cases)and the control group(77 cases)in a 2: 1 ratio.The inclusion criteria were based on disease severity, frailty assessment, and activity of daily living(ADL)assessment.The intervention time was 1-3 weeks.Outcomes of the patients include ADL, hospitalization days, hospitalization expenses, drug proportion, human resource investments, adverse events, 30-day readmission rate, and 1-year mortality.Results:There were no significant difference in baseline indicators such as frailty index and ADL score between the two groups at admission.The ADL score(Barthel index)of the ACE group was significantly improved compared with the control group at discharge(81.71±14.23 vs.70.9±23.89, P<0.001)and at 30 days after discharge(85.84±15.25 vs.68.29±30.91, P<0.001). The hospital cost[(12 735.81±6 541.41)¥ vs.(16 391.54±12 962.34)¥, P=0.002], drug proportion(21.34% vs.28.93 %, P=0.036)and 30-day readmission rate(13.1% vs.23.4%, P=0.037)of the ACE group were significantly lower compared to the control group.The human resource input(32.97±6.72 vs.25.03±5.31, P=0.008)and patient satisfaction(98.23% vs.90.66%, P=0.031)in the ACE group were significantly higher than those of the control group.(4)The incidence of adverse events during hospitalization was significantly lower in the ACE group than in the control group in terms of aspiration(0.63% vs.20.8%, P<0.001), falls(0 vs.10.4%, P<0.001), incontinence dermatitis(0 vs.3.9%, P=0.033), and 1-year mortality(6.3% vs.24.7%, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the average length of stay(8.98±4.25 vs.10.03±5.32, P=0.101), pressure sores(13.01±4.77 vs.13.27±4.89, P=0.364), DVT risk score(8.53±2.79 vs.8.89±2.76, P=0.340)and medical staff satisfaction(73% vs.80%, P=0.240)between the two groups. Conclusions:The ACE model helps to reduce the disability rate of elderly patients with frailty, adverse events during hospitalization, save drug costs, and improve patient satisfaction.It is worth promoting in geriatric practice, but its localization management details and processes still face many challenges.
8.Analysis on spatial distribution characteristics of tuberculosis in rural areas of Nanning in 2010-2018
Qiuping HE ; Liangyong GUO ; Rongjian ZHU ; Chi TANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2022;33(1):48-52
Objective To analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of tuberculosis in rural areas of Nanning City from 2010 to 2018, and explore the clustering areas, and to provide evidence for tuberculosis prevention and treatment. Methods The database of tuberculosis epidemics in rural areas of Nanning City from 2010 to 2018 was established by ArcGIS 10.8. The spatial distribution map was drawn, and global autocorrelation, local autocorrelation and hotspot analysis were conducted. Results The spatial distribution map of the average annual reported incidence rates in rural areas of Nanning from 2010 to 2018 showed that the towns with high average annual incidence rates were Jinchai Town and Yangqiao Town. Global autocorrelation analysis showed that the Moran's I index from 2010 to 2018 was 0.18 (Z=2.33, P=0.02), suggesting that tuberculosis in rural areas of Nanning had spatial clustering in the regional distribution. Local autocorrelation analysis showed that tuberculosis in rural areas of Nanning had high-high clustering, low-low clustering, high-low clustering and low-high clustering patterns. Among them, Jinchai Town and Lidang Yao Township were high-high clustering areas. Litang Town, Xinfu Town and Taoxu Town were low-low clustering areas. Local hotspot analysis showed that “hotspot” areas included Jinchai Town, Yangqiao Town and Lidang Yao Township. Conclusion There is a spatial clustering of tuberculosis epidemics in rural areas of Nanning. The high-incidence areas include Jinchai Town, Yangqiao Town and Lidang Yao Township, and the low-incidence areas include Litang Town, Xinfu Town and Taoxu Town.
9.Construction of collaborative development system of medical disciplines with dominant disciplines as the domi -nant disciplines :Taking the department of the digestive medical coordinated development center of Beijing Mu -nicipal Administration of Hospitals as an example
Qiuping LI ; Xiaofeng LI ; Mo LIU ; Huitong ZHAO ; Shuilong GUO
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2019;32(4):289-292
Objective Taking the Digestive Medical Coordinated Development Center of Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals (hereinafter referred to as the "Digestive Medical Coordinated Development Center") as an example ,this paper aims to ex-plore the idea of building a collaborative development system of medical disciplines dominated by advantageous disciplines .Methods Summarizing the construction experience of the Digestive Medical Coordinated Development Center to illustrate the significance ,identify existed challenges and construction pathways of the center .Results The Digestive Medical Coordinated Development Center has built a series of public service platforms for its member institutions ,and improved the system and incentive mechanism to gather the develop-ment synergy of the center .Conclusions Based on the advantages of the collectivized management of Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospital ,the Digestive Medical Coordinated Development Center advances synchronously in the dimensions of scientific research , medical treatment ,information construction and talent ,as well as formed its own development characteristics and accumulated valuable experience for the construction of discipline collaboration center of municipal hospitals .
10.Comparison of hepatotoxicity and toxic mechanisms of matrine and oxymatrine using in vivo and in vitro models
Qiuping GUO ; Guiying CHEN ; Quan ZHOU ; Ruomin JIN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2018;28(1):44-50
Objective To compare the hepatotoxicity of matrine (MT) and oxymatrine (OMT) and explore the severity and characteristics of their toxicity, and to preliminarily elucidate their toxic mechanisms. Methods Liver cell line LO-2 cells were treated with acetaminophen (APAP), matrine and oxymatrine for 24 h, and the IC values, the contents of enzymes in the liver cells, the pathological changes, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) and the cell apoptosis rate were detected. In addition, adult zebrafish were treated with APAP, matrine and oxymatrine for 96 h, and the LC50 values, the pathological morphology of the liver cells, the contents of MDA and GSH and the apoptosis rate were detected. Meanwhile, the expression of oxidative stress-related gene, zgc: 136383, and the apoptosis-related genes, EIF4EBP3 and zgc: 123120, was also detected. Results Matrine and oxymatrine had toxic effects on liver cells in vitro. The IC50 value of matrine was 5. 3 mmol/L, and that of oxymatrine was > 19 mmol/L. The contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the liver cells treated with matrine or oxymatrine were increased, and the cells appeared swollen, with an increase in the MDA level and a decrease in the GSH level. The cell apoptosis rate was also increased (P < 0. 05). Furthermore, matrine and oxymatrine had toxic effects on the zebrafish. The LC50 value of matrine was 0. 41 mmol/L, and that of oxymatrine was >3. 8 mmol/L. The hepatocytes of zebrafish treated with matrine and oxymatrine appeared vacuolization in a mild to moderate degree, with an increase of the MDA content and a decrease of the GSH content. The cell apoptosis rate was increased (P <0. 05 for all). Expression of the oxidative stress-related gene zgc: 136383 (P < 0. 05) and the apoptosis-resistant gene EIF4EBP3 (P < 0. 05) was down-regulated by matrine, but that of the apoptosis-promoting gene zgc: 123120 was up-regulated (P < 0. 05). Conclusions Results of the experiments using liver cells in vitro are consistent with those using the in vivo zebrafish model. Matrine (MT) and oxymatrine (OMT) both have hepatotoxicity, with similar toxic characteristics, and the toxicity of matrine is greater than oxymatrine. The mechanism of their hepatotoxicity is related with oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Matrine reduces lipid transportation and activates oxidative stress reactions through down-regulation of gene zgc: 136383. In addition, matrine induces apoptosis in the liver cells via up-regulation of the apoptosis-promoting gene zgc: 123120 and down-regulation of the apoptosis-resistant gene EIF4EBP3.


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