1.Effects of electroacupuncture on mitophagy in hippocampal neurons of mouse depression model
Zhiyun YU ; Wenmiao YANG ; Mingmin XU ; Zhiyan LI ; Chenchen YANG ; Junhan JIANG ; Yinan FENG ; Yu GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1310-1323
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture on depressive model mice based on the phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway.Methods Specific pathogen-free grade male C57BL/6J mice were used.For experiment 1,60 mice were randomly divided into blank,model,sham electroacupuncture,and electroacupuncture groups using the random number table method,with 15 rats per group.For experiment 2,30 mice were randomly divided into normal,cyclosporine A(CsA),and electroacupuncture+CsA groups using the same method,with 10 rats per group.The chronic restraint stress(CRS)was used to establish a depression model.After successful modeling,CRS was continued to maintain model stability.After modeling,1 h before daily CRS stimulation,the electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture+CsA groups received electroacupuncture interventions at the"Baihui"(GV20)and"Zusanli"(ST36)acupoints,using continuous wave stimulation at a frequency of 2 Hz and an intensity of 1 mA for 20 min,once daily for 7 consecutive days.Mice in the sham electroacupuncture group received superficial needling at non-meridian,non-acupoint locations under the axilla 1 h before CRS,with the electroacupuncture device connected but not powered on once a day for 7 consecutive days.Mice in the CsA and electroacupuncture+CsA groups received an intraperitoneal injection of CsA solution(0.2 mg/g)30 min before electroacupuncture intervention,once daily for 7 consecutive days.In experiment 1,depressive-like behavior was assessed using the open field,tail suspension,and sucrose preference tests.The spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents(sEPSC)and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents(sIPSC)parameters of hippocampal neurons were evaluated using brain slice patch clamp techniques.Western blotting was conducted to measure the expression levels of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins PINK 1,phosphorylated PINK1(p-PINK1),Parkin,microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ),ubiquitin-binding protein(p62),and mitochondrial markers,including translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20(TOMM20),heat shock protein 60(HSP 60),and cytochrome c oxidase Ⅳ(COX Ⅳ).Immunofluorescence was used to detect PINK1 protein expression in the CA3 region of the hippocampus.Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons.On the basis of experiment 1,experiment 2 evaluated depressive-like behavior in mice using sucrose preference,open field,and tail suspension tests;Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of PINK1,p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,p62,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COX Ⅳ proteins of hippocampus in mice.The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed in hippocampal neurons using transmission electron microscopy.Results In experiment 1,compared with the blank group,the model and sham electroacupuncture groups exhibited a decrease in sucrose consumption rate,a decrease in the time spent in the center area,a reduced proportion of distance moved in the center area,and an increase in immobility time of tail suspension(P<0.05).The sEPSC and sIPSC in hippocampal neurons decreased in both amplitude and frequency(P<0.05).p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COXⅣ expression levels in the hippocampus were reduced,whereas the p62 expression level was increased(P<0.05).The average fluorescence intensity of PINK1 in the CA3 region of the hippocampus decreased(P<0.05).The number of healthy mitochondria in hippocampal neurons was reduced,with numerous damaged mitochondrial structures observed.Compared to the model and sham electroacupuncture groups,the electroacupuncture group showed an increased in the time spent in the center area,a higher proportion of distance moved in the center area,and an elevated sucrose consumption rate.In contrast,the immobility time in the tail suspension test decreased(P<0.05),whereas the amplitude and frequency of sEPSC and sIPSC in hippocampal neurons increased(P<0.05).p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COXⅣ expression levels in the hippocampus increased,whereas the p62 expression level decreased(P<0.05).The average fluorescence intensity of PINK1 in the CA3 region of the hippocampus increased(P<0.05).Additionally,mitochondrial damage in hippocampal neurons was alleviated,and a notable presence of autophagosomes mitophagy lysosomes was observed.In experiment 2,compared with the normal group,the mice in the CsA and electroacupuncture+CsA groups showed a decrease in the time spent in the center area and the proportion of distance moved in the center area,a decrease in sucrose consumption rate,and an increase in the immobility time in the tail suspension test(P<0.05).p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COX Ⅳ expression levels in the hippocampus decreased,whereas p62 expression increased(P<0.05).Many damaged mitochondria were observed in hippocampal neurons.Conclusion Electroacupuncture may exert its antidepressant effects by promoting PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitophagy to eliminate damaged mitochondria,thereby restoring the function of hippocampal neurons in depressive model mice.
2.Mechanism of electroacupuncture ameliorating colonic injury in mice with inflammatory bowel disease via the ILC3s/IL-22 pathway
Shiyue SUN ; Yinan SHI ; Min XING ; Lianhong TAN ; Yongsheng YANG ; Hongye WAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1324-1332
Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at"Zusanli"(ST36)on type 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)secreting interleukin(IL)-22 and intestinal cholinergic neurons in the colon of mice with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),and to explore the mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-mediated amelioration of IBD.Methods Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a normal group(n=8)and a modeling group(n=16)using the random number table method.The modeling group received 4%dextran sulfate sodium solution ad libitum for 7 days to establish the IBD model.On the fourth day after modeling,the modeling group was divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group using the random number table method,with eight mice per group.Electroacupuncture intervention was applied bilaterally at"Zusanli"(ST36)in mice of the electroacupuncture group,once daily for 20 min each time,for seven consecutive days.After intervention,stool characteristics and occult blood were assessed.The disease activity index(DAI)of mice in each group was scored,and colon length was measured.The morphology of the colon tissue in mice was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the histopathological score was determined.A cytometric bead array was used to detect the contents of IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and IL-6 in colon tissue.Flow cytometry was used to determine the IL-22+ILC3s proportion in lamina propria lymphocytes of colon tissue.The content of IL-22 in colon tissue was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the number of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT)+/cellular Fos(c-Fos)+co-labeled neurons in colon tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,mice in the model group exhibited different degrees of loose stools,strongly positive fecal occult blood test,elevated DAI scores,shortened colon length,increased colon histopathological score;increased contents of IL-1β,TNF-α,and IL-6 in colon tissue;and a decreased IL-22+ILC3s proportion in lamina propria lymphocytes of colon tissue(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group exhibited improved fecal traits,weakly positive fecal occult blood test,decreased DAI score,increased colon length,reduced colon histopathological score;decreased contents of IL-1β,TNF-α,and IL-6 in colon tissues;an increased IL-22+ILC3s proportion in lamina propria lymphocytes of colon tissue;increased IL-22 content in colon tissue;and increased ChAT+/c-Fos+co-labeled neurons in colon tissue(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Zusanli"(ST36)can significantly ameliorate colonic damage and reduce inflammatory responses in IBD mice,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of intestinal cholinergic neurons and the enhancement of colonic ILC3s function.
3.Relationship between AT1-AA levels in uterine fluid and the thickness of endometrium in infertile women with chronic endometritis
Jiahui ZHOU ; Guifang YANG ; De SONG ; Yinan ZHANG ; Yao CHEN ; Xuemin LI ; Yana YU ; Yuhui SHI ; Wenli ZHU ; Xiaoli YANG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(7):520-527
Objective:To investigate the relationship between the level of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) in the uterine fluid and the thickness of endometrium in infertile women with chronic endometritis.Methods:A case-control study was conducted to select 122 patients who underwent hysteroscopy and endometrial tissue biopsy at Assisted Reproduction Center, Taiyuan Central Hospital due to infertility from March 2023 to January 2024 as the study subjects. According to the results of hysteroscopy and endometrial tissue biopsy, the patients were divided into 52 cases in the infertility group with normal endometrium (NE infertility group) and the chronic endometritis combined with infertility group (CE infertility group) with 70 cases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid of the two groups. General clinical data, AT1-AA absorbance value of uterine fluid and uterine related indexes of the two groups were analyzed, and the correlations between AT1-AA level and the variation of indexes were analyzed.Results:Gravidity (median: 1 vs 1; Z=7.029, P=0.030) and parity (median: 0 vs 0; Z=12.258, P=0.002) in CE infertility group were higher than those in NE infertility group. There was AT1-AA in the uterine fluid, and the level of AT1-AA in CE infertility group was significantly higher than that in NE infertility group (median: 2.07 vs 1.44; Z=3.099, P=0.029). The endometrial thickness of CE infertility group was lower than that of NE infertility group (median: 6.0 vs 7.0 mm; Z=-2.179, P=0.029), and there were no statistical differences in other indexes between the two groups (all P>0.05). Further correlation analysis showed that there were no correlation between the level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid and parity, endometrial thickness, gravidity in NE infertility group (all P>0.05). However, the level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid of CE infertility group was positively correlated with parity (Spearman′s r=0.339, P=0.004), and negatively correlated with endometrial thickness (Spearman′s r=-0.499, P<0.001), but not correlated with gravidity ( P>0.05). Conclusions:AT1-AA is present in the uterine fluid of infertile women. The elevated level of AT1-AA in uterine fluid of infertile women with CE is related to the thinning of the endometrium.
4.Mechanism of Fas-associated protein with death domain in promoting proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells
Yinan CHEN ; Yang ZHENG ; Hanlin ZENG ; Ming LEI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):404-414
Objective·To detect the expression level of Fas-associated protein with death domain(FADD)in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)and to explore the molecular mechanisms by which FADD promotes the proliferation of HNSCC cells.Methods·The GEPIA 2 database was utilized to analyze the expression level of FADD in tumor tissues and to evaluate its association with prognosis.Immunohistochemistry staining(IHC)was performed on HNSCC tissues to investigate the changes in FADD expression levels in normal,dysplastic,and tumor tissues.Stable FADD-knockdown Fadu and HSC3 cell lines were constructed and validated using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).The regulatory effect of FADD on the proliferation of HNSCC cells was explored using the LiveCyte live-cell tracking system,colony formation assay,and cell viability assay.Proteins interacting with FADD were identified by co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry(Co-IP/MS),and further mechanistic studies were conducted using CRISPR/Cas9 technology,LiveCyte live-cell tracking system,and Western blotting.Results·Analysis of the GEPIA2 database indicated that FADD was significantly overexpressed in head and neck cancer and was associated with poor prognosis.IHC staining showed that FADD expression levels progressively increased from normal to dysplastic to tumor tissues in HNSCC patients.Knockdown of FADD in HNSCC cells resulted in significantly reduced proliferation and colony formation compared to the control group.Co-IP/MS results showed that FADD interacted with the CUX1 protein,and FADD knockdown led to increased CUX1 expression.Moreover,CUX1 knockdown significantly promoted HNSCC cell proliferation and reversed the anti-proliferative phenotype caused by FADD knockdown.Conclusion·FADD plays a significant pro-carcinogenic role in HNSCC and is associated with poor prognosis.FADD can further regulate tumor cell proliferation by interacting with CUX1 and suppressing its expression level.
5.Effects of electroacupuncture on mitophagy in hippocampal neurons of mouse depression model
Zhiyun YU ; Wenmiao YANG ; Mingmin XU ; Zhiyan LI ; Chenchen YANG ; Junhan JIANG ; Yinan FENG ; Yu GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1310-1323
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture on depressive model mice based on the phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway.Methods Specific pathogen-free grade male C57BL/6J mice were used.For experiment 1,60 mice were randomly divided into blank,model,sham electroacupuncture,and electroacupuncture groups using the random number table method,with 15 rats per group.For experiment 2,30 mice were randomly divided into normal,cyclosporine A(CsA),and electroacupuncture+CsA groups using the same method,with 10 rats per group.The chronic restraint stress(CRS)was used to establish a depression model.After successful modeling,CRS was continued to maintain model stability.After modeling,1 h before daily CRS stimulation,the electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture+CsA groups received electroacupuncture interventions at the"Baihui"(GV20)and"Zusanli"(ST36)acupoints,using continuous wave stimulation at a frequency of 2 Hz and an intensity of 1 mA for 20 min,once daily for 7 consecutive days.Mice in the sham electroacupuncture group received superficial needling at non-meridian,non-acupoint locations under the axilla 1 h before CRS,with the electroacupuncture device connected but not powered on once a day for 7 consecutive days.Mice in the CsA and electroacupuncture+CsA groups received an intraperitoneal injection of CsA solution(0.2 mg/g)30 min before electroacupuncture intervention,once daily for 7 consecutive days.In experiment 1,depressive-like behavior was assessed using the open field,tail suspension,and sucrose preference tests.The spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents(sEPSC)and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents(sIPSC)parameters of hippocampal neurons were evaluated using brain slice patch clamp techniques.Western blotting was conducted to measure the expression levels of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins PINK 1,phosphorylated PINK1(p-PINK1),Parkin,microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ(LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ),ubiquitin-binding protein(p62),and mitochondrial markers,including translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20(TOMM20),heat shock protein 60(HSP 60),and cytochrome c oxidase Ⅳ(COX Ⅳ).Immunofluorescence was used to detect PINK1 protein expression in the CA3 region of the hippocampus.Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons.On the basis of experiment 1,experiment 2 evaluated depressive-like behavior in mice using sucrose preference,open field,and tail suspension tests;Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of PINK1,p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,p62,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COX Ⅳ proteins of hippocampus in mice.The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed in hippocampal neurons using transmission electron microscopy.Results In experiment 1,compared with the blank group,the model and sham electroacupuncture groups exhibited a decrease in sucrose consumption rate,a decrease in the time spent in the center area,a reduced proportion of distance moved in the center area,and an increase in immobility time of tail suspension(P<0.05).The sEPSC and sIPSC in hippocampal neurons decreased in both amplitude and frequency(P<0.05).p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COXⅣ expression levels in the hippocampus were reduced,whereas the p62 expression level was increased(P<0.05).The average fluorescence intensity of PINK1 in the CA3 region of the hippocampus decreased(P<0.05).The number of healthy mitochondria in hippocampal neurons was reduced,with numerous damaged mitochondrial structures observed.Compared to the model and sham electroacupuncture groups,the electroacupuncture group showed an increased in the time spent in the center area,a higher proportion of distance moved in the center area,and an elevated sucrose consumption rate.In contrast,the immobility time in the tail suspension test decreased(P<0.05),whereas the amplitude and frequency of sEPSC and sIPSC in hippocampal neurons increased(P<0.05).p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COXⅣ expression levels in the hippocampus increased,whereas the p62 expression level decreased(P<0.05).The average fluorescence intensity of PINK1 in the CA3 region of the hippocampus increased(P<0.05).Additionally,mitochondrial damage in hippocampal neurons was alleviated,and a notable presence of autophagosomes mitophagy lysosomes was observed.In experiment 2,compared with the normal group,the mice in the CsA and electroacupuncture+CsA groups showed a decrease in the time spent in the center area and the proportion of distance moved in the center area,a decrease in sucrose consumption rate,and an increase in the immobility time in the tail suspension test(P<0.05).p-PINK1,Parkin,LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,TOMM20,HSP 60,and COX Ⅳ expression levels in the hippocampus decreased,whereas p62 expression increased(P<0.05).Many damaged mitochondria were observed in hippocampal neurons.Conclusion Electroacupuncture may exert its antidepressant effects by promoting PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitophagy to eliminate damaged mitochondria,thereby restoring the function of hippocampal neurons in depressive model mice.
6.Mechanism of electroacupuncture ameliorating colonic injury in mice with inflammatory bowel disease via the ILC3s/IL-22 pathway
Shiyue SUN ; Yinan SHI ; Min XING ; Lianhong TAN ; Yongsheng YANG ; Hongye WAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1324-1332
Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at"Zusanli"(ST36)on type 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)secreting interleukin(IL)-22 and intestinal cholinergic neurons in the colon of mice with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),and to explore the mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-mediated amelioration of IBD.Methods Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a normal group(n=8)and a modeling group(n=16)using the random number table method.The modeling group received 4%dextran sulfate sodium solution ad libitum for 7 days to establish the IBD model.On the fourth day after modeling,the modeling group was divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group using the random number table method,with eight mice per group.Electroacupuncture intervention was applied bilaterally at"Zusanli"(ST36)in mice of the electroacupuncture group,once daily for 20 min each time,for seven consecutive days.After intervention,stool characteristics and occult blood were assessed.The disease activity index(DAI)of mice in each group was scored,and colon length was measured.The morphology of the colon tissue in mice was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the histopathological score was determined.A cytometric bead array was used to detect the contents of IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and IL-6 in colon tissue.Flow cytometry was used to determine the IL-22+ILC3s proportion in lamina propria lymphocytes of colon tissue.The content of IL-22 in colon tissue was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the number of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT)+/cellular Fos(c-Fos)+co-labeled neurons in colon tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,mice in the model group exhibited different degrees of loose stools,strongly positive fecal occult blood test,elevated DAI scores,shortened colon length,increased colon histopathological score;increased contents of IL-1β,TNF-α,and IL-6 in colon tissue;and a decreased IL-22+ILC3s proportion in lamina propria lymphocytes of colon tissue(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group exhibited improved fecal traits,weakly positive fecal occult blood test,decreased DAI score,increased colon length,reduced colon histopathological score;decreased contents of IL-1β,TNF-α,and IL-6 in colon tissues;an increased IL-22+ILC3s proportion in lamina propria lymphocytes of colon tissue;increased IL-22 content in colon tissue;and increased ChAT+/c-Fos+co-labeled neurons in colon tissue(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Zusanli"(ST36)can significantly ameliorate colonic damage and reduce inflammatory responses in IBD mice,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of intestinal cholinergic neurons and the enhancement of colonic ILC3s function.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Arcae Concha in Famous Classical Formulas
Yiqin ZHANG ; Yixue ZHUANG ; Yinan LU ; Yanning CHEN ; Yichong CHEN ; Shuiyu XU ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Chengzi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):208-218
In this paper, the name, origin, producing area, harvesting, processing and functional indications of Arcae Concha were systematically combed and verified by consulting the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha. Arcae Concha was first recorded in the name of Han in Bencao Shiyi, but later, due to the influence of LI Shizhen's error of combining Han item with Kuiha in the Ming dynasty, there were aliases such as Kuilu and Fulao, and Yizong Bidu began to include Walengzi as its correct name and has been used ever since. The textual descriptions and illustrations of the medicinal materials of Arcae Concha contained in the materia medica of the past generations were consistent with the modern Arca inflata, A. subcrenata and A. granosa. In ancient times, there were medicinal records of two parts of shell and meat, but now the shell is used as medicine, and the meat is mostly edible. In ancient times, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong and Guangxi were the main producing areas, and Zhejiang was the best. It is now believed that A. inflata is mostly distributed in the northern part of the Huanghai Sea, A. granosa is mostly distributed in the coastal areas south of Shandong Peninsula in China, and A. subcrenata is widely distributed in the coastal areas of China. Its quality is better in a complete, white, no residual meat and sand. In ancient times, there was no clear harvesting period, and the processing was mainly based on vinegar quenching after calcination or powdering of calcined shell, but now the harvesting period is autumn and winter. After harvesting, it is directly washed and crushed for raw use or processed by calcined method. The records of the medicinal materials in the past dynasties on the properties of Arcae Concha were mainly warm, sweet, salty and mild, and it is now believed that Arcae Concha is salty in taste and mild in nature. In ancient times, it was believed that Arcae Concha were mainly used for coldness in the heart and abdomen, coldness in the waist and spine, benefiting the five internal organs, strengthening the stomach. Nowadays, it is believed that Arcae Concha can eliminate phlegm and remove blood stasis, soften the hardness and dissipate the lumps, produce acid and relieve pain. It can be used in the treatment of stubborn phlegm, gall tumor, scrofula and other symptoms. In conclusion, it is suggested that for the famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha, the corresponding methods should be selected according to the processing requirements of the drug in the formulas, while those without processing requirements can be determined according to the functional position of the products.
8.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Antagonising Ectopic Endometrial Tissue Fibrosis Based on Cellular Pyroptosis Mediated by TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 Signaling Pathway
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Jiaxing WANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Bin YUE ; Zhirui ZHANG ; Yinan WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Dongqing WEI ; Cancan HUANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):19-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in antagonizing cellular pyroptosis and fibrosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (n = 12) and a modeling group (n = 60). The rats in the sham-operated group underwent a caesarean section, while the rats in the modeling group were used to establish an endometriosis model through the auto-transplantation method. After successful modeling, the animals were randomly divided into the model group, progesterone group (0.25 mg·kg-1), and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with 12 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug administration, voluntary activity and heat pain latency were observed. The rats were sacrificed for tissue collection, and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the endometrial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression area of tumor necrosis factor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the endometrial tissues. Western blot was employed to measure the relative expression of TRL4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), TRAF6, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLPR3 proteins in endometrial tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, rats in the model group showed reduced voluntary activity and shorter heat pain latency. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were elevated. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins were increased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was enhanced. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and NLPR3 proteins, along with the expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA, were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang medium- and high-dose groups exhibited improved voluntary activity, longer heat pain latency, the fibrosis of endometrial tissue is alleviated. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were decreased. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins decreased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD weakened. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, NLPR3 proteins, and TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA expression were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may play a therapeutic role in endometriosis by interfering with key proteins in the TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 signaling pathway, reducing NLRP3 inflammasome-induced cellular pyroptosis, antagonizing the fibrosis process in ectopic endometrial tissues, improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the pelvic cavity, and alleviating pain.
9.Application of chromosomal microarray analysis in prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction
Yulong TONG ; Hong PAN ; Li YU ; Jie FU ; Xueyin WANG ; Hairong WU ; Lin LI ; Yinan MA ; Huixia YANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(3):203-210
Objective:To explore the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in the genetic diagnosis of different types of fetal growth restriction (FGR).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 cases who were diagnosed with FGR by ultrasound and underwent prenatal diagnosis at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, from January 2016 to December 2021. The cases were divided into three groups based on the gestational age at the first diagnosis:<28 weeks (40 cases), 28-31 +6 weeks (65 cases), and ≥32 weeks (15 cases). They were also categorized into isolated and non-isolated FGR based on the presence of other ultrasound abnormalities (69 and 51 cases in each). Chromosomal karyotype analysis and CMA were conducted on all patients. The prenatal diagnosis results were analyzed, as well as the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in different gestational age groups and types of FGR. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. Results:(1) A total of 14 abnormalities were detected by CMA and four cases were detected by chromosomal karyotype analysis. The abnormal detection rate of CMA was higher than that of chromosomal karyotype analysis [11.7% (14/120) vs. 3.3% (4/120), P=0.025]. Among the total 14 cases of chromosomal abnormalities, there were seven pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) and four variants of unknown significance (VUS), as well as two cases of trisomy-18 and one case of Turner syndrome. Among the 14 cases, eight had associated ultrasound abnormalities. Eleven of the 14 cases opted for induced abortion; three continued pregnancy to delivery, with two neonates showing no abnormalities and one exhibiting slightly delayed physical development. Both methods detected three cases of aneuploidy mnumber abnormalities (2.5%, 3/120) For chromosomal abnormalities <10 Mb, the detection rate of CMA was higher than that of chromosomal karyotype analysis [9.2% (11/120) vs. 0.8% (1/120), Fisher's exact, P=0.005]. Both methods detected one case of <10 Mb CNV, while CMA alone detected ten cases of <10 Mb microdeletions/microduplications (8.3%, 10/120), including six cases of pathogenic CNVs and four cases of VUS. (2) Among the 40 cases in the <28 weeks group, six cases (15.0%) of chromosomal abnormalities were detected, including three cases of aneuploidy, two cases of pathogenic CNVs, and one case of VUS. Among the 65 cases in the 28-31 +6 weeks group, seven cases (10.8%) of chromosomal abnormalities were detected, including five cases of pathogenic CNVs and two cases of VUS. Of the 15 cases in the ≥32 weeks group, one case of chromosomal abnormality was detected, which was VUS. (3) No statistically significant difference was found in the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities between the isolated FGR and the non-isolated FGR groups [8.7%(6/69) vs. 15.7%(8/51), Fisher's exact, P=0.263]. (4) After excluding the ≥32 weeks non-isolated FGR group (only one case), the <28 weeks non-isolated FGR group had the highest detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities (1/18), while no abnormalities were detected in the ≥32 weeks isolated FGR group. Conclusions:Among FGR fetuses, the highest detection rates of chromosomal abnormalities are found in early-onset and non-isolated FGR. Prenatal diagnosis with CMA testing can significantly improve the detection rate of genetic causes in various types of FGR fetuses.
10.Vitamin D supplementation inhibits atherosclerosis through repressing macrophage-induced inflammation via SIRT1/mTORC2 signaling.
Yuli WANG ; Qihong NI ; Yongjie YAO ; Shu LU ; Haozhe QI ; Weilun WANG ; Shuofei YANG ; Jiaquan CHEN ; Lei LYU ; Yiping ZHAO ; Meng YE ; Guanhua XUE ; Lan ZHANG ; Xiangjiang GUO ; Yinan LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2841-2843

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