1.Compound Xishu Granules Inhibit Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating Ferroptosis
Yuan TIAN ; Yuxi WANG ; Zhen LIU ; Yuncheng MA ; Hongyu ZHU ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Qian LI ; Jian GAO ; Weiling WANG ; Wenhui XU ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):37-45
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules (CXG) in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model, Fufang Banmao (0.21 g·kg-1), low-dose (1.87 g·kg-1) CXG, medium-dose (3.74 g·kg-1) CXG, and high-dose (7.49 g·kg-1) CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days, and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations (0, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1 000 mg·L-1) of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM, DCFH-DA, and C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxide (LPO), respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment, compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 (P<0.01). After treatment, the Fufang Banmao and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume, relative tumor volume, and tumor weight than the model group (P<0.05), with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%, 79.93%, 91.38%, and 97.36%, respectively. Moreover, the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume (P<0.05 in all the three dose groups) and lower tumor weight (P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups) than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells, necrotic foci with karyopyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, and nucleolysis, and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment, compared with the blank group, CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY581/591, which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe2+ (P<0.01), ROS (P<0.05), and LPO (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.05). In addition, the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 (P<0.05), and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 (P<0.05). ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe2+and LPO levels.
2.The efficacy of blinatumomab in the treatment of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a multicenter study
Weiling YAN ; Jun LU ; Hua WANG ; Lihua YU ; Huidi FENG ; Bai LI ; Wenguang JIA ; Jian WANG ; Wenting HU ; Xue TANG ; Jing FAN ; Yujie GUAN ; Xiaolan LI ; Yalan YOU ; Yongmin TANG ; Xiaojun XU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(11):1194-1200
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of blinatumomab in the first-line and second-line treatment of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).Methods:A multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze clinical data from 323 pediatric B-ALL patients treated with blinatumomab across 14 hospitals in China from May 2021 to July 2023. Patients were divided into four groups based on the treatment phase and disease status when blinatumomab was used: relapsed/refractory group, post-consolidation minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive group, early MRD-positive group, and MRD-negative group. Blinatumomab for the relapsed/refractory group was considered as second-line treatment, while the other 3 groups as first-line treatment. The MRD negativity rate after treatment, the survival rates and the incidence of severe adverse events were compared across these groups. Patients who received blinatumomab for more than 7 days were included in the efficacy analysis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Log-Rank test was used to compare the survival rates among groups.Results:Among the 323 patients, 191 (59.1%) were male, with the age of 6.2 (3.9, 10.5) years. There were 117 patients in the relapsed/refractory group, 62 cases in the post-consolidation MRD-positive group, 43 cases in the early MRD-positive group, and 101 cases in the MRD negative group. In the relapsed/refractory group, the complete remission rate and MRD negativity rate after one course of blinatumomab were 71.4% (35/49) and 81.5% (75/92) for the 49 children without complete remission and the 92 children with flow cytometry-positive MRD, respectively. In the post-consolidation MRD-positive group, the MRD negativity rates after one course of blinatumomab were 100.0% (27/27), 12/16 and 9/19 for patients with MRD positivity detected by flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, respectively. In the early MRD-positive group, the MRD negativity rates were 96.7% (29/30) and 9/9 for flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing, respectively. The 2-year overall survival rate and event-free survival rate for the 319 children evaluable for efficacy were (90.6±1.7)% and (87.6±1.9)%, respectively, with the relapsed/refractory group showing significantly lower overall survival rates and event-free survival rate compared to the other groups ( χ2=21.40, 26.21,both P<0.001). Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 128 cases (39.6%), with hematological toxicity observed in 101 cases, while cytokine release syndrome (CRS), infection, and neurotoxicity occurred in 11, 26 and 8 cases, respectively. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the grade 3 or higher CRS among the four groups ( χ2=8.03, P<0.05). Conclusion:Blinatumomab can clear MRD more effectively and achieve superior survival outcomes when used as first-line treatment for pediatric B-ALL, with less CRS.
3.Effects of thioredoxin reductase 1 on ferroptosis and immune function of dendritic cells in septic mice
Qiyuan ZHOU ; Jingyan LI ; Yanmin CAO ; Weiling LI ; Ning DONG ; Yao WU ; Yingping TIAN ; Yongming YAO
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(3):212-221
Objective:To investigate the effects of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) on ferroptosis and immune function of dendritic cells (DCs) in septic mice, and to provide a basis for improving the immunosuppression in sepsis caused by wound infection.Methods:This study was an experimental research. Sixty male C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to establish sepsis models. Ten mice were selected at 0 (immediately), 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after CLP surgery, respectively, according to the random number table method. Mouse splenic DCs were isolated using CD11c-positive magnetic beads. The protein expressions of TXNRD1, and anti-ferroptosis proteins solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the cells were detected by Western blotting, the reduced glutathione (GSH) content in the cells was measured by colorimetric assay, the lipid peroxidation level was assessed via live-cell imaging technology, and the levels of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ subtype I-A/I-E and leukocyte differentiation antigens CD80 and CD86 were detected by flow cytometry. Another 100 male C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into corn oil+sham injury group, corn oil+CLP group, inhibitor+sham injury group, and inhibitor+CLP group according to the random number table method, with 25 mice in each group. Mice in the two inhibitor groups were intraperitoneally injected with TXNRD1 inhibitor auranofin, while mice in the two corn oil groups were intraperitoneally injected with corn oil. One hour later, mice in the two CLP groups underwent CLP surgery to establish sepsis models, while mice in the two sham injury groups underwent sham surgery. Twenty mice from each group were selected to observe survival within 7 d post-surgery, and the survival rate was calculated. At 24 h post-surgery, mouse splenic DCs from the remaining 5 mice in each group were collected for corresponding assays as above.Results:Compared with those at 0 h after CLP surgery, the protein expressions of TXNRD1, GPX4, and SLC7A11 in mouse cells at 24 h after CLP surgery and the protein expression of TXNRD1 in mouse cells at 48 h after CLP surgery were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the GSH content in mouse cells was significantly decreased at 24 and 48 h after CLP surgery ( P<0.05). The lipid peroxidation level in mouse cells was low at 0, 6, and 12 h after CLP surgery, slightly lower than that at 72 h after CLP surgery; the lipid peroxidation levels in mouse cells at 24 and 48 h after CLP surgery were significantly higher than those at 0, 6, 12, and 72 h after CLP surgery. Compared with those at 0 h after CLP surgery, the levels of I-A/I-E and CD80 in mouse cells at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after CLP surgery and the levels of CD86 in mouse cells at 12, 24, and 48 h after CLP surgery were significantly increased ( P<0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the protein expressions of TXNRD1, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in mouse cells in corn oil+CLP group were significantly lower than those in corn oil+sham injury group ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of TXNRD1, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in mouse cells in inhibitor+CLP group were significantly lower than those in corn oil+CLP group and inhibitor+sham injury group ( P<0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the content of GSH in mouse cells in corn oil+CLP group was (239±32) μg/mg, which was significantly lower than (366±59) μg/mg in corn oil +sham injury group ( P<0.05); the content of GSH in mouse cells in inhibitor+CLP group was (134±19) μg/mg, which was significantly lower than (355±31) μg/mg in inhibitor+sham injury group and that in corn oil+CLP group (with both P values <0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the lipid peroxidation level of mouse cells in inhibitor+CLP group was significantly higher than that in the other three groups ( P<0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the levels of I-A/I-E, CD80, and CD86 in mouse cells in corn oil+CLP group were significantly higher than those in corn oil+sham injury group ( P<0.05), while the levels of I-A/I-E and CD80 in mouse cells in inhibitor+CLP group were significantly higher than those in inhibitor+sham injury group ( P<0.05) but significantly lower than those in corn oil+CLP group ( P<0.05); the level of CD86 in mouse cells in inhibitor+sham injury group was significantly higher than that in corn oil+sham injury group ( P<0.05). Within 7 d post-surgery, the survival rate of mice in inhibitor+CLP group was significantly lower than that in inhibitor+sham injury group and corn oil+CLP group (with χ2 values of 31.19 and 3.91, respectively, both P values <0.05). Conclusions:In septic mice, the expression of TXNRD1 in DCs is reduced, cell ferroptosis is enhanced, and immune function is weakened. The inhibition of TXNRD1 in DCs will exacerbate cell ferroptosis and immune function suppression, and is closely related to the poor prognosis of sepsis.
4.Expression and prognostic value of SMURF2 and RACK1 in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues
Jinhui ZHANG ; Weiling LI ; Ting YIN ; Lu YAN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(12):1425-1430
Objective To explore the expression and prognostic value of Smad ubiquitination regulator 2(SMURF2)and protein kinase C receptor 1(RACK1)in epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC)tissues.Methods Cancer tissue specimens of 112 patients with EOC(EOC group)admitted to the hospital from January 2019 to Janu-ary 2021,as well as normal ovarian tissue specimens of 60 patients with other ovarian diseases(control group)who underwent ovarian surgery in the same hospital during the same period were selected.The expressions of SMURF2 and RACK1 in EOC cancer tissues and normal ovarian tissues were detected by real-time fluores-cence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the rela-tionship between the expressions of SMURF2 mRNA and RACK1 mRNA in EOC cancer tissues.The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Log-rank test were used to analyze the differences in survival prognosis among pa-tients with different expressions of SMURF2 and RACK1.Multivariate COX regression analysis was conduc-ted to analyze the influencing factors of survival prognosis in EOC.Results The expression level of SMURF2 mRNA in EOC cancer tissues was lower than that in normal ovarian tissues,and the expression level of RACK1 mRNA was higher than that in normal ovarian tissues,and the differences were statistically signifi-cant(P<0.05).The expression levels of SMURF2 mRNA and RACK1 mRNA in EOC cancer tissues were negatively correlated(r=-0.764,P<0.001).The positive rate of SMURF2 in EOC cancer tissues was lower than that in normal ovarian tissues,and the positive rate of RACK1 was higher than that in normal ovarian tis-sues.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).Compared with the cancer tissues of EOC pa-tients with International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology(FIGO)stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and no lymph node metastasis,the positive rate of SMURF2 was lower and the positive rate of RACK1 was higher in the cancer tissues of EOC patients with FIGO stage Ⅲ and lymph node metastasis,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The 3-year overall survival rate of EOC patients in the SMURF2 positive group was higher than that in the negative group,and the 3-year overall survival rate of EOC patients in the RACK1 pos-itive group was lower than that in the negative group,and the differences were statistically significant(Log-Rank x2=4.938,5.251;P=0.028,0.018).FIGO stage Ⅲ,lymph node metastasis and positive RACK1 were risk factors affecting the survival prognosis of EOC(P<0.001),while positive SMURF2 was a protective fac-tor(P<0.001).Conclusion The expression level of SMURF2 is decreased and the expression level of RACK1 is increased in EOC cancer tissues.Both are related to FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis,and are markers for evaluating the survival prognosis of EOC patients.
5.LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster ameliorates neuropathic pain in mice by suppressing TLR4/TNF-α signaling
Yufang FU ; Weiling TAN ; Xiaocui LI ; Rongtian LIN ; Shuwen LIU ; Ling YE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2285-2296
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster(LFS)on neuropathic pain(NP)and its molecular mechanism.Methods Mouse models of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury(CCI)were treated with low,medium,and high doses(2.2,4.4,and 8.8 cm2,respectively)of LFS by topical application for 14 consecutive days.The therapeutic effects were assessed by evaluating the mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT),paw withdrawal latency(PWL),plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels,and histopathology of the sciatic nerve.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the key targets and signaling pathways.The key targets were verified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry.The biosafety of LFS was evaluated by measuring the organ indices and damage indicators of the heart,liver,and kidneys.Results Compared with the CCI group,LFS dose-dependently increased MWT and PWL,reduced plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels,and alleviated sciatic nerve inflammation in the mouse models.Network pharmacology identified 378 bioactive compounds targeting 279 NP-associated genes enriched in TLR and TNF signaling.Molecular docking showed that quercetin and ursolic acid in LFS could stably bind to TLR4 and TNF-α.In the mouse models of sciatic nerve CCI,LFS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Tlr4 and Tnf-α in the spinal cord in a dose-dependent manner and lowered the protein expressions of TLR4 and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve.LFS treatment did not cause significant changes in the organ indices or damage indicators of the heart,liver and kidneys as compared with those in the CCI model group and sham-operated group.Conclusion LFS alleviates NP in mice by suppression of TLR4/TNF-α-mediated neuroinflammation with a good safety profile.
6.LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster ameliorates neuropathic pain in mice by suppressing TLR4/TNF-α signaling.
Yufang FU ; Weiling TAN ; Xiaocui LI ; Rongtian LIN ; Shuwen LIU ; Ling YE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2285-2296
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the therapeutic effect of LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster (LFS) on neuropathic pain (NP) and its molecular mechanism.
METHODS:
Mouse models of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) were treated with low, medium, and high doses (2.2, 4.4, and 8.8 cm2, respectively) of LFS by topical application for 14 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects were assessed by evaluating the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the key targets and signaling pathways. The key targets were verified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The biosafety of LFS was evaluated by measuring the organ indices and damage indicators of the heart, liver, and kidneys.
RESULTS:
Compared with the CCI group, LFS dose-dependently increased MWT and PWL, reduced plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and alleviated sciatic nerve inflammation in the mouse models. Network pharmacology identified 378 bioactive compounds targeting 279 NP-associated genes enriched in TLR and TNF signaling. Molecular docking showed that quercetin and ursolic acid in LFS could stably bind to TLR4 and TNF‑α. In the mouse models of sciatic nerve CCI, LFS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Tlr4 and Tnf-α in the spinal cord in a dose-dependent manner and lowered the protein expressions of TLR4 and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve. LFS treatment did not cause significant changes in the organ indices or damage indicators of the heart, liver and kidneys as compared with those in the CCI model group and sham-operated group.
CONCLUSIONS
LFS alleviates NP in mice by suppression of TLR4/TNF-α-mediated neuroinflammation with a good safety profile.
Animals
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
Neuralgia/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Sciatic Nerve/injuries*
;
Male
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Interleukin-6
7.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Analysis of the management effect of community pharmacy outpatient service on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Lanying WANG ; Gaofeng LU ; Meijuan YUAN ; Weiling LI ; Yingyi LUO ; Feng XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):357-361
Objective To explore the effect of community pharmacy outpatient service on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods A non-randomized controlled study was conducted, and type 2 diabetes patients managed in the community were divided into an intervention group of 112 cases and a control group of 110 cases. The control group received routine medication guidance during general practice outpatient visits, while the intervention group received comprehensive pharmacy outpatient service intervention based on routine medication guidance in general practice. Follow-up visits were conducted every 3 months. Repeated measurement analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the intervention effect of the pharmacy outpatient service. Results Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the intervention group showed a decreasing trend with the increase of intervention time compared to pre-intervention time (P<0.01), with increased duration of weekly exercise, decreased staple food intake, increased vegetable intake, and increased medication adherence score (P<0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors through multivariate linear regression model, pharmacy outpatient intervention was found to be an independent protective factor for fasting blood glucose level (β=−0.891, P<0.01) and glycosylated hemoglobin level (β=−0.760, P<0.01) in the study subjects. Conclusion The community pharmacy outpatient service could enhance the self-management ability of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and effectively improve patients’ fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin.
10.Expert consensus on humanistic care for patients in hospice care
Lingling GU ; Yongyi CHEN ; Yan JIANG ; Yu CHENG ; Peng YUE ; Liqing YUE ; Wenjuan YING ; Ling YUAN ; Ying WANG ; Mingqin LUO ; Yonghong HU ; Lin WANG ; Yuanpeng REN ; Weiling LI ; Haixia LU ; Huiling LI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(18):2181-2184
Objective The purpose of writing the"expert consensus on humanistic care for patients in hospice care"(hereinafter referred to as the"consensus")aims to standardize the practice of humanistic care in the field of hospice care,ensuring that humanistic care is integrated throughout the entire service process for hospice care patients and their families.Methods A systematic search was conducted in domestic and foreign databases for literature related to hospice care and humanistic care,including guidelines,expert consensuses,systematic reviews or Meta-analyses,and evidence summaries.High-quality evidence was evaluated,extracted,and summarized to form the initial draft of the"consensus".From June to October 2024,20 experts from the fields of hospice care,nursing humanities,and evidence-based nursing were invited to participate in 1 round of expert consultation.Among them,13 experts were selected for 2 rounds of expert demonstration meetings.After collating and analyzing the experts' opinions,the initial draft was revised and refined,ultimately resulting in the final version of the"consensus".Results The effective response rate of the consultation questionnaire was 100%,with expert authority coefficient of 0.880,judgment coefficient of 0.935,and familiarity level of 0.825.The Kendall harmony coefficient of the expert consultation was 0.134(P<0.05).The"consensus"consisted of 13 aspects,including the targets and objectives,principles,institutional guarantees,environmental requirements,etc.Conclusion This"consensus"possesses strong scientific rigor and practicality,which can provide guidance and references for the practice of humanistic care in the field of hospice care,promoting the standardization and humanization of hospice care services.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail