1.Yishen Tongluo Prescription Ameliorates Oxidative Stress Injury in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway
Yifei ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Shujiao ZHANG ; Shuaixing ZHANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):41-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yishen Tongluo prescription in protecting mice from oxidative stress injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) signaling pathway. MethodsSpecific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). The DKD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The mice in the modeling group were randomized into a model group, a semaglutide (40 μg·kg-1) group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose (18.2, 9.1, 4.55 g·kg-1, respectively) Yishen Tongluo prescription groups, with 10 mice in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Blood glucose and 24-h urine protein levels were measured, and the kidney index (KI) was calculated. Serum levels of creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic acid-silver methenamine, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure the levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of factors in the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group, the DKD model group showed rises in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with glomerular hypertrophy, renal tubular dilation, thickened basement membrane, mesangial expansion, and collagen deposition. Additionally, the model group showed elevated levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, lowered levels of GSH and T-AOC, up-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and down-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the semaglutide group and the medium- and high-dose Yishen Tongluo prescription groups showed reductions in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with alleviated pathological injuries in the renal tissue. In addition, the three groups showed lowered levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, elevated levels of GSH and T-AOC, down-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and up-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC (P<0.05). ConclusionYishen Tongluo prescription exerts renoprotective effects in the mouse model of DKD by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, mitigating oxidative stress, and reducing renal tubular injuries.
2.Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice
Yifei ZHANG ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Jiayi WANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Xi GUO ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):21-33
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated.
Conclusion
Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Clinical applications of TCR sequencing in cancer immunotherapy
Xuehui WU ; Song LI ; Lian LIU
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(8):523-527
T cell receptor (TCR) is a key molecule mediating anti-tumor immunity, and its diversity profile (TCR repertoire) serves as a biomarker of host immune status. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revolutionized the application of TCR repertoire analysis in cancer immunotherapy. The clinical value of TCR sequencing in individualized tumor treatment is increasingly prominent. Through monitoring immunotherapy response and predicting survival outcomes, TCR sequencing provides critical guidance for precision tumor therapy.
4.Sero-epidemiological investigation and analysis of akabane disease and bluetongue of cattle of Guizhou Province
Tingting XU ; Hao WANG ; Qiuyu WU ; Xingwei NI ; Yuqi ZUO ; Jiafu SHANG ; Yanyan LIU ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Xiaowei YANG ; Guangwei ZHAO ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1895-1901
To investigate the infection status of two arboviruses,akabane orthobunyavirus(AKAV)and bluetongue virus(BTV),in cattle herds of Guizhou Province,we employed the indirect ELISA method to detect AKAV and BTV antibody levels in the present experiment.A total of 1504 bovine serum samples from 37 large-scale farms and 88 free-range households from 26 districts or coun-ties of 7 cities(prefectures)of Guizhou Province were collected to detect AKAV antibody levels.Additionally,1 241 serum samples from 30 large-scale farms and 15 free-range households in 19 districts or counties of 3 cities(prefectures)were tested for BTV antibody levels.Moreover,two influencing factors,breeding mode and sampling season,were statistically analyzed for their effects.The results showed that the overall positive rate of AKAV antibodies was 11.64%(175/1 504),with individual positive rates of 13.20%(123/934)and 9.12%(52/570)in large-scale farms and free-range households,respectively.No significant differences were observed between the two groups.However,the farm positive rate(64.86%,24/37)in large-scale farms was significantly higher than that(26.14%,23/88)in free-range households.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rate was highest during the summer season at 60.00%(12/20).The total positive rate of BTV antibodies was 25.42%(222/1 241).The farm positive rate and individual positive rate in free-range households were 66.67%(10/15)and 41.91%(57/136),respectively.For large-scale farms,these rates were 60.00%(18/30)and 14.93%(165/1 105),respectively.The individual pos-itive rate in free-range households was significantly higher than that in large-scale farms.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rates in summer and autumn seasons were 50.00%(5/10)and 72.41%(21/29),respectively,both of which were significantly higher than those in winter and spring seasons.All these findings indicated that both AKAV and BTV were present to a certain ex-tent in Guizhou Province,with seasonality.Furthermore,differences were observed between the different breeding modes.Our results could provide a data reference for the formulation of preven-tion and control measures for the two insect-borne diseases.
5.Sero-epidemiological investigation and analysis of akabane disease and bluetongue of cattle of Guizhou Province
Tingting XU ; Hao WANG ; Qiuyu WU ; Xingwei NI ; Yuqi ZUO ; Jiafu SHANG ; Yanyan LIU ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Xiaowei YANG ; Guangwei ZHAO ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1895-1901
To investigate the infection status of two arboviruses,akabane orthobunyavirus(AKAV)and bluetongue virus(BTV),in cattle herds of Guizhou Province,we employed the indirect ELISA method to detect AKAV and BTV antibody levels in the present experiment.A total of 1504 bovine serum samples from 37 large-scale farms and 88 free-range households from 26 districts or coun-ties of 7 cities(prefectures)of Guizhou Province were collected to detect AKAV antibody levels.Additionally,1 241 serum samples from 30 large-scale farms and 15 free-range households in 19 districts or counties of 3 cities(prefectures)were tested for BTV antibody levels.Moreover,two influencing factors,breeding mode and sampling season,were statistically analyzed for their effects.The results showed that the overall positive rate of AKAV antibodies was 11.64%(175/1 504),with individual positive rates of 13.20%(123/934)and 9.12%(52/570)in large-scale farms and free-range households,respectively.No significant differences were observed between the two groups.However,the farm positive rate(64.86%,24/37)in large-scale farms was significantly higher than that(26.14%,23/88)in free-range households.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rate was highest during the summer season at 60.00%(12/20).The total positive rate of BTV antibodies was 25.42%(222/1 241).The farm positive rate and individual positive rate in free-range households were 66.67%(10/15)and 41.91%(57/136),respectively.For large-scale farms,these rates were 60.00%(18/30)and 14.93%(165/1 105),respectively.The individual pos-itive rate in free-range households was significantly higher than that in large-scale farms.Seasonal statistics showed that the positive rates in summer and autumn seasons were 50.00%(5/10)and 72.41%(21/29),respectively,both of which were significantly higher than those in winter and spring seasons.All these findings indicated that both AKAV and BTV were present to a certain ex-tent in Guizhou Province,with seasonality.Furthermore,differences were observed between the different breeding modes.Our results could provide a data reference for the formulation of preven-tion and control measures for the two insect-borne diseases.
6.Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against DHAV-3 3D protein and establish-ment of DAS-ELISA detection method
Xudong FENG ; Linnan WU ; Tianze CHEN ; Mengru ZHAO ; Yanyan LIU ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Xiaowei YANG ; Lei YU ; Liwu ZHANG ; Guangwei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(12):2556-2563,2578
In order to achieve rapid detection of duck hepatitis A virus type 3(DHAV-3),this ex-periment initially performed prokaryotic expression of the non-structural protein 3D of DHAV-3,followed by immunization of BALB/c mice with the purified protein.After immunization,mouse spleen cells were fused with myeloma cells(SP2/0)to prepare monoclonal antibodies.Subsequent-ly,a double-antibody sandwich ELISA(DAS-ELISA)detection method was established using the monoclonal antibodies,and its sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability were evaluated.Finally,the established method was applied to the detection of clinical samples and validated for compliance with the RT-PCR method.The results showed that the DHAV-3 3D protein was efficiently ex-pressed in BL21(DE3),and its specificity was confirmed by Western blot after purification.After cell fusion and three rounds of subcloning,six hybridoma cells were successfully screened and named 1A3,1B6,1C7,1D9,2A1,and 3A9.The subtype identification of the antibodies showed that 1A3 belonged to IgG2b,1B6 belonged to IgG2a,3A9 belonged to IgG3,and 1C7,1D9,and 2A1 be-longed to IgG1.After screening,the high-affinity monoclonal antibodies 1B6 and 1 A3 were selected as the capture antibody and detection antibody,respectively,and use to establish the DAS-ELISA detection method.After optimizing the reaction conditions,the optimal coating concentration of the capture antibody 1B6 was determined to be 1×10-3 g/L,and the optimal dilution of the detection antibody 1A3 was 1∶1 000.The cut-off value was established as 0.256.The sensitivity test showed that the method had a minimum detection limit of 4.0 ×10-4 g/L for the 3D protein.The repeat-ability test showed that the within-batch and between-batch coefficients of variation were both less than 9%,indicating good repeatability.The specificity test showed that the method did not show specific reactions with duck adenovirus(DAdV),muscovy duck parvovirus(MDPV),duck circo-virus(DuCV),duck plague virus(DPV),duck reovirus(DRV),or Riemerella anatipestifer(RA),but cross-reacted with Duck hepatitis a virus type 1(DHAV-1),allowing simultaneous de-tection of DHAV-3 and DHAV-1 pathogens.The DAS-ELISA method established in this experi-ment was compared with the RT-PCR method for the detection of 186 clinical samples,and the DAS-ELISA method could simultaneously identify DHAV-1 and DHAV-3,with a compliance rate of 98.9%compared to the RT-PCR method.In conclusion,the established DAS-ELISA method showed good repeatability and high sensitivity,and can be used for the diagnosis of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3,providing technical support for the epidemiological investigation and prevention of Duck Hepatitis A.
7.Bionic design,preparation and clinical translation of oral hard tissue restorative materials
Han ZHAO ; Yan WEI ; Xuehui ZHANG ; Xiaoping YANG ; Qing CAI ; Chengyun NING ; Mingming XU ; Wenwen LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Ying HE ; Yaru GUO ; Shengjie JIANG ; Yunyang BAI ; Yujia WU ; Yusi GUO ; Xiaona ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Xuliang DENG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(1):4-8
Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.
8.The circadian clock in enamel development
Wu KE ; Li XIAOCHAN ; Bai YUNYANG ; Heng Chin BOON ; Zhang XUEHUI ; Deng XULIANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(3):371-380
Circadian rhythms are self-sustaining oscillations within biological systems that play key roles in a diverse multitude of physiological processes.The circadian clock mechanisms in brain and peripheral tissues can oscillate independently or be synchronized/disrupted by external stimuli.Dental enamel is a type of mineralized tissue that forms the exterior surface of the tooth crown.Incremental Retzius lines are readily observable microstructures of mature tooth enamel that indicate the regulation of amelogenesis by circadian rhythms.Teeth enamel is formed by enamel-forming cells known as ameloblasts,which are regulated and orchestrated by the circadian clock during amelogenesis.This review will first examine the key roles of the circadian clock in regulating ameloblasts and amelogenesis.Several physiological processes are involved,including gene expression,cell morphology,metabolic changes,matrix deposition,ion transportation,and mineralization.Next,the potential detrimental effects of circadian rhythm disruption on enamel formation are discussed.Circadian rhythm disruption can directly lead to Enamel Hypoplasia,which might also be a potential causative mechanism of amelogenesis imperfecta.Finally,future research trajectory in this field is extrapolated.It is hoped that this review will inspire more intensive research efforts and provide relevant cues in formulating novel therapeutic strategies for preventing tooth enamel developmental abnormalities.
9.Establishment of a fluorescence quantitative PCR detection method for Strepto-coccus equi subspecies zooepidemicus and its application in retrospective detection of imported horses
Yutong HU ; Xuehui ZHOU ; Mengru ZHAO ; Xiang CHEN ; Xiaowei WU ; Zhiguo ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Guangwei ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(8):1735-1742
In order to establish a rapid,specific and sensitive detection method for Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus(SEZ)and to understand the infection status of SEZ in horses ente-ring China,specific primers were designed and synthesized based on the conserved gene comB of standard strain SEZ(ATCC 43079)in this work.Then,the pMD19-T-comB recombinant plasmid was constructed and used as a standard positive template.After that,the fluorescence-based quantitative PCR(qPCR)detection method based on SYBR Green Ⅰ dye was established.Totally,477 equine entry serum samples from 6 countries,including Netherlands,Belgium,Japan,Germa-ny,Argentina and New Zealand,during 2018 to 2023,were randomly selected and detected for SEZ by the qPCR method.Results showed that the established qPCR method had specific amplification for only SEZ,which illustrated a good specificity.Sensitivity test of the method showed that the limited detection amount was 4.58 X101 copies/μL.And the repeatability test showed that the coef-ficient of variation of intra-batch repeatability was less than 0.5%,while the inter-batch repeat-ability was less than 3.0%,which indicated good repeatability and high stability.Retrospective a-nalysis showed that totally 11 of 477 positive samples were detected,with a relatively low positive rate of 2.31%(11/477).Among them,all the 40 samples from Netherlands in 2018 were negative(0/40).In the samples of 2019,one positive was detected from Belgium(1/20),while all other 36 samples which form Japan and Germany were negative.In the samples of 2021,three samples(3/34)from Japan and one sample(1/20)from Argentina were positive,and all the other 40 samples from the Netherlands were negative.In the samples of 2022,76 samples from Netherlands were all negative.While in the 2023,5(5/126)of 126 samples from Netherlands and one(1/88)of 88 from New Zealand were found positive with SEZ.To summarize,The SYBR Green Ⅰ qPCR method for the diagnosis of SEZ was successfully established,and it could provide necessary technical support for the rapid quarantine of China's entry-exit and port departments,as well as the epidemiological investigation of the disease.
10.Effect of resistant starch on intestinal flora and metabolism in obese rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Xuehui WU ; Jun XUE ; Jiali HE
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(9):695-702
Objective To investigate the effect of resistant starch(RS)on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism in obese rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods The Wistar rats were divided into normal control(NC)group,model group(Mod),acarbose intervention group(Aca)and RS intervention group(RS),with 8 rats in each group.TC,TG,HDL-C,and LDL-C were detected after 8 weeks of continuous administration.Lee's index,insulin sensitivity index(HOMA-IS),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),pancreatic β cell function index(HOMA-β),inflammatory factors,and area under the curve of glucose tolerance(AUC)were calculated.Serum TNF-α,IL-6 and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were detected by ELISA.The steatosis of liver tissue was observed by HE staining,and the feces were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing in each group.Species difference analysis,Beta diversity analysis and other methods were used to analyze the structure and quantity of intestinal microbiota.Results The Lee's index was higher in the Mod,Aca and RS groups than in the NC group(P<0.05).Compared with the NC group,TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C,FIns,HOMA-IR,TNF-α,IL-6 and LPS were increased(P<0.05),HOMA-β and HOMA-IS decreased in the Mod,Aca,and RS groups(P<0.05).Compared with the Mod group,TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C,FIns,HOMA-IR,TNF-α,IL-6 and LPS decreased(P<0.05),and HOMA-IS and HOMA-β increased in the Aca and RS groups(P<0.05).Compared with the Aca group,IL-6 was increased(P<0.05),and LDL-C and HDL-C decreased in the RS group(P<0.05).The results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that the total number of operational taxonomic units were increased and the diversity and uniformity of the intestinal microbiota were also increased in the Aca and RS groups.Conclusions RS can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism,improve IR,increase intestinal microbial diversity,regulate intestinal microbiota structure,and maintain intestinal health in obese rats with T2DM.


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