1.Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Zhejiang Province
LÜ ; Jing ; XU Xinying ; QIAO Yingyi ; SHI Xinglong ; YUE Fang ; LIU Ying ; CHENG Chuanlong ; ZHANG Yuqi ; SUN Jimin ; LI Xiujun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):10-14
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for strengthening SFTS prevention and control.
Methods:
Data on laboratory-confirmed SFTS cases in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Meteorological data, geographic environment and socioeconomic factors during the same period were collected from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Geospatial Data Cloud, and Zhejiang Statistical Yearbook, respectively. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS from 2019 to 2023, and a Bayesian spatio-temporal model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors of SFTS incidence.
Results:
A total of 578 SFTS cases were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023, with an annual average incidence of 0.23/105. The peak period was from May to July, accounting for 52.60%. There were 309 males and 269 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.15∶1. The cases were mainly aged 50-<80 years, farmers, and in rural areas, accounting for 82.53%, 77.34%, and 75.43%, respectively. Taizhou City and Shaoxing City reported more SFTS cases, while Shaoxing City and Zhoushan City had higher annual average incidences of SFTS. The Bayesian spatio-temporal interaction model showed good goodness of fit. The results showed that mean temperature (RR=1.626, 95%CI: 1.111-2.378) and mean wind speed (RR=1.814, 95%CI: 1.321-2.492) were positively correlated with SFTS risk, while altitude (RR=0.432, 95%CI: 0.230-0.829) and population density (RR=0.443, 95%CI: 0.207-0.964) were negatively correlated with SFTS risk.
Conclusions
SFTS in Zhejiang Province peaks from May to July. Middle-aged and elderly people and farmers are high-risk populations. Taizhou City, Shaoxing City, and Zhoushan City are high-incidence areas. Mean temperature, mean wind speed, altitude, and population density can all affect the risk of SFTS incidence.
2.Diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors
Minli MA ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Hongyan SONG ; Fang LIN ; Qi MA
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):511-517
AIM: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent surgical resection for eyelid tumors at our hospital between March 2018 and March 2023. Participants were categorized into benign and malignant groups based on tumor characteristics. Clinical data were collected. Genetic data for eyelid tumors were obtained from the GEO database, and differential gene analysis, including volcano plot visualization and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, was performed using the Sangerbox 3.0 platform. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX in tissue samples. Correlations with clinical features were analyzed using Spearman analysis, and prognostic factors were identified via Logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: This study included 69 patients with eyelid tumors(78 eyes), categorized into a benign group(37 patients, 41 eyes)and a malignant group(32 patients, 37 eyes)based on tumor characteristics. There were significant differences between the two groups in histological subtype, TNM staging, vascular invasion, differentiation status, and local infiltration(all P<0.05). Among benign tumors: pigmented nevi in 11 eyes(27%), hemangiomas in 9 eyes(22%), squamous cell papillomas in 5 eyes(12%), epidermoid cysts in 5 eyes(12%), seborrheic keratoses in 4 eyes(10%), neurofibromas in 3 eyes(7%), and both calcifying epithelioma and xanthelasma in 2 eyes each(5%); among malignant tumors: basal cell carcinoma in 18 eyes(49%), meibomian gland carcinoma in 8 eyes(22%), squamous cell carcinoma in 5 eyes(14%), sebaceous gland carcinoma in 4 eyes(11%), lymphoma and malignant melanoma each in 1 eye(3%). At the follow-up cutoff date of March 2025, the 2-year survival rate in the benign group(95%)was significantly higher than that in the malignant group(78%; P<0.05). Bioinformatics analysis identified 4 103 differentially expressed genes, including Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX, which were predominantly involved in pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway and calcium-related signaling. Spearman analysis revealed that local invasion(rs=0.71, P<0.05)and TNM stage(rs=0.73, P<0.05)correlated with Cyclin D1 expression; local invasion(rs=0.76, P<0.05)and histological subtype(rs=0.65, P<0.05)correlated with p53 expression. Logistic regression results indicated that Cyclin D1, p53, TNM staging, and local invasion were prognostic risk factors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of these four indicators had the highest predictive value for prognosis(AUC=0.83).CONCLUSION: High expression of cyclin D1 and p53 serves as molecular markers for distinguishing benign from malignant eyelid tumors and assessing prognosis. Combined detection of these markers with TNM staging and local invasion demonstrates high predictive value for prognosis.
3.Correlation of Symptom Burden and Nutritional Status of Patients with Cancer in Chemotherapy Stage Under Guidance of TCM Constitution
Bailu SUI ; Yuhang FANG ; Yi XIE ; Yan WANG ; Ying ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):127-132
Objective To investigate the relationship between symptom burden and nutritional status under Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution classification in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods Data on the physical constitution, symptom burden, and nutritional status of 640 patients with malignant tumors within the 21st–28th days of chemotherapy treatment were collected and analyzed. Results Symptom burden was found to have a positive correlation with nutritional risk and TCM bias (except for idiosyncrasies), suggesting that constitution bias may be an important internal factor for the aggravation of clinical symptoms and malnutrition in patients with cancer. Conclusion The relationship between symptom burden and nutritional status in chemotherapy under the guidance of TCM constitution can be studied to predict the nutritional status and symptom burden of patients after chemotherapy to guide the symptom and nutritional management of patients with cancer in the chemotherapy stage.
4.Strategies of HIV-1 Vaccines Based on mRNA Platforms
Pei LIU ; Zhong-Yue FANG ; Xin-Xin CHEN ; Shao-Wei LI ; Ying GU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):826-839
Since its emergence in the 1980s, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a global pandemic, posing a severe threat to human life and health as well as social development. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively curbs HIV transmission and antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly extends the lifespan of patients, vaccines remain a pivotal tool for blocking transmission and ending the pandemic. The high genetic variability of HIV-1, the glycan shield of its envelope glycoproteins, and the long-term persistence of latent reservoirs have repeatedly led to bottlenecks in traditional vaccine strategies. In recent years, mRNA technology has offered a novel approach to addressing these challenges, leveraging advantages such as sequence programmability, short production cycles, native conformational expression of antigens, and self-adjuvant effects. In recent years, mRNA vaccine technology has emerged as a transformative solution to longstanding vaccinology challenges, characterized by its sequence programmability, rapid production cycles, native conformational antigen expression, and intrinsic self-adjuvanting properties. Unlike traditional platforms reliant on pathogen culture or recombinant proteins, mRNA vaccines can be expeditiously designed and updated based solely on viral genomic sequences. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA facilitates endogenous antigen expression and presentation, simultaneously eliciting potent humoral and cellular immune responses. Within this landscape, self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) further extends in vivo antigen expression to enhance the persistence of immune responses. Moreover, the LNP delivery system not only protects mRNA from degradation and mediates endosomal escape but also synergizes with mRNA to optimize immune activation via self-adjuvant effects. Importantly, mRNA platforms circumvent the pre-existing immunity associated with viral vectors and the genomic integration risks of DNA vaccines, positioning them as a cornerstone for global pandemic preparedness. This review systematically delineates recent advances in mRNA technology for HIV-1 vaccine development, focusing on four pivotal research frontiers. First, mRNA innovations building upon the RV144 trial optimize antigens through codon modification and multivalent designs to induce more durable and broad-spectrum immunity. Second, particulate mRNA vaccine strategies, utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) and ferritin nanoparticles, achieve in situ antigen self-assembly, significantly enhancing B cell activation and reducing infection risks in non-human primate models. Third, germline-targeting mRNA vaccines address the low-affinity barrier of broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAp) precursors, efficiently activating rare precursor B cells and promoting affinity maturation. Fourth, therapeutic mRNA vaccines offer unique advantages for an HIV functional cure; combining immunogens with mRNA-encoded adjuvants potentiates cellular immunity, while LNP-mediated “shock-and-kill” strategies specifically activate latent reservoirs to guide immune clearance. Comparative analyses with traditional platforms reveal that mRNA technology redefines antigen production and presentation, simulating chronic infection through sustained expression and enabling dual-pathway presentation via endogenous synthesis. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic innovations of mRNA vaccines in inducing bNAps: sustained in vivo production prolongs the activation window for precursor B cells and maintains germinal center (GC) reactions; endogenously expressed antigens adopt native conformations to expose conserved epitopes; and self-adjuvanting effects modulate the functions of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and follicular helper T cells (Tfh), driving somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. We also address critical clinical translation challenges, including immune durability, adaptability to special populations, and large-scale LNP manufacturing, while proposing targeted optimization strategies. In conclusion, this review establishes a theoretical framework for utilizing mRNA technology to overcome HIV-1 immune escape, transitioning from a descriptive paradigm to a problem-solving-based synthesis of evidence. By integrating preclinical and early clinical data, we bridge the gap between basic design and translational verification. mRNA technology is poised to become a central pillar inHIV-1 prevention and therapy, providing a robust toolset to achieve the global goal of ending the AIDS pandemic and offering a blueprint for vaccine development against other recalcitrant infectious diseases.
5.Morphological identification of Lispe pumila (Diptera: Muscidae)
Shun-fang HUANG ; Ying SU ; Zi-dong CHENG ; Guo-sheng LIAN ; Ming-jian KE
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):141-143
In March 2024, three male and two female specimens of the genus Lispe were intercepted on cargo ships inbound for Wan Zai Port under Gongbei Customs. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, the specimens were identified as Lispe pumila. In this study, we describe the morphological features, diagnostic characteristics, and geographical distribution of L. pumila, with the aim of providing a reference for the identification of this species when intercepted at ports.
6.Development and preliminary internal validation of a prediction model for brace treatment failure in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using pretreatment and initial brace-fitting information
Ying MA ; Jun REN ; Shoujian WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Tianxiang HE ; Lingjun KONG ; Min FANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(7):850-860
ObjectiveTo develop and preliminarily validate a prediction model for brace treatment failure risk in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), based on information obtained before brace treatment and during initial brace fitting. MethodsA total of 191 patients with AIS who initiated thoracolumbosacral orthosis treatment at Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March, 2015 to August, 2024 and had determinable outcomes were retrospectively included. Patients were divided according to a prespecified scheme into a training set (n = 133) and a validation set (n = 58). Brace treatment failure was defined as progression of the major-curve Cobb angle by ≥ 5° from baseline during follow-up or at brace weaning, or a final major-curve Cobb angle > 45°. Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine with radial basis function kernel, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models were developed using routinely available clinical and radiographic variables before brace treatment and during initial brace fitting. Stratified five-fold cross-validation was used for hyperparameter tuning in the training set. Model performance was evaluated in the validation set using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), Brier score, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to interpret the main explanatory model. ResultsIn cross-validation of the training set, both random forest and XGBoost showed good discriminative performance, with cross-validation-AUC values of 0.871 and 0.880, respectively. In the validation set, the AUC values of random forest and XGBoost were 0.888 and 0.899, the AUPRC values were 0.678 and 0.830, and the Brier scores were 0.086 and 0.076, respectively. Random forest was selected as the primary model for interpretation, with a calibration intercept of 0.091 and a calibration slope of 0.995. SHAP analysis indicated that the in-brace correction rate and the major-curve Cobb angle measured in the brace contributed most to the model predictions. ConclusionThe random forest model developed using routinely available pretreatment and initial-fitting variables shows preliminary predictive value for brace treatment failure risk in AIS, and may provide quantitative support for follow-up scheduling, brace-fit reassessment and early adherence-oriented management.
7.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
8.Regulatory effect of Shugan Yunpi Decoction on depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder based on the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway
Jing MENG ; Jingman ZHAO ; Fang TIAN ; Dong WEI ; Hairu YU ; Chaonan FENG ; Yanan LI ; Ying YANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):324-330
BackgroundPatients with colorectal cancer are frequently comorbid with depression, which severely affects the quality of life and treatment compliance, while compromising the efficacy of anticancer treament and prognosis. Current therapeutic strategies still have notable limitations, particularly the lack of systematic and targeted synergistic regimens that integrate oncological management and anti-depressive intervention. It is of great clinical significance to explore a safe and effective new comprehensive intervention protocol and clarify its underlying mechanism of action. ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Shugan Yunpi Decoction in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, in order to provide references for the comprehensive treatment of colorectal cancer and depressive disorder. MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 106 patients admitted to the Baoding No.1 Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine from November 2023 to July 2025 were enrolled, who met the diagnostic criteria for the Chinese protocol of diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (2023 edition) and the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder as specified in the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disease, third edition (CCMD-3). Patients were divided into the study group and the control group using a random number table, with 53 cases in each group. The control group received conventional chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-element music therapy, while the study group received conventional chemotherapy combined with Shugan Yunpi Decoction therapy. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item(HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), respectively. Western blot protein immunoblotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and pAKT. Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA. Adverse reactions were recorded using a self-designed adverse reaction record form. ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance showed that the time effects (F=139.336, 234.747), group effects (F=43.900, 101.266), and time-group interaction effects (F=13.409, 43.216) for HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in both groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The time effects (F=571.356, 309.266, 414.492), group effects (F=6.901, 26.361, 39.362), and time-group interaction effects (F=18.592, 19.266, 33.484) for the protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and pAKT in both groups were all statistically significant (P<0.01). After 8 weeks of treatment, the protein expression levels of PI3K and pAKT in the study group were lower than those in the control group, while the AKT protein expression level was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01). The time effects (F=338.555, 225.059), group effects (F=5.429, 9.726), and time-group interaction effects (F=12.953, 21.214) for PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA expression levels in two groups were all statistically significant (P<0.01). After 8 weeks of treatment, the expression levels of PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than that in the control group (χ2=4.810, P<0.05). ConclusionShugan Yunpi Decoction may help to ameliorate depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, decreasing the levels of PI3K, pAKT, PI3K mRNA, and AKT mRNA, with a favorable safety profile. [Funded by Baoding City Science and Technology Planning Project (number, 2341ZF291)]
9.Mechanism of Qiju Dihuang Wan in Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Ge ZHANG ; Chunlin ZHAO ; Li PAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zehai CHEN ; Siya ZHANG ; Yiming FANG ; Wei SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):11-21
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Qiju Dihuang Wan on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its regulatory mechanism on the NOD-like receptor protein 3/Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1/Gasdermin D (NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsHuman retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) were divided into the blank group, model group, and Qiju Dihuang Wan low- and high-dose groups. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced with 40 mmol·L-1 high glucose, and the treatment groups were supplemented with 6% and 12% Qiju Dihuang Wan-containing serum, respectively, based on the induction. After 24 h of culture, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), pyroptosis-related protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the mRNA levels of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway-related molecules were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Qiju Dihuang Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11, 22, 44 g·kg-1·d-1), and calcium dobesilate group (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1). Except for the blank group, all groups were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish the DR model. After successful modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding doses of Qiju Dihuang Wan crude drug or calcium dobesilate suspension by gavage once daily, while the blank group and model group received an equal volume of normal saline, for 8 consecutive weeks. Fundus changes were examined by optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. Retinal pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, and IL‑18 in retinal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N. ResultsCell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly decreased HRMEC viability (P<0.01), and significantly increased levels of IL-1β, IL-18, as well as increased protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators were significantly reduced in the high-dose Qiju Dihuang Wan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had elevated blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), up‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β and IL‑18 in retinal tissue (P<0.01), and up‑regulated protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1 and GSDMD‑N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Qiju Dihuang Wan medium- and high‑dose groups showed decreased blood glucose (P<0.01), increased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), alleviated retinal pathological damage, and down‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, IL‑18, as well as protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQiju Dihuang Wan may exert protective effects against diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway and alleviating high glucose-induced retinal pyroptosis.
10.Mechanism of Qiju Dihuang Wan in Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Ge ZHANG ; Chunlin ZHAO ; Li PAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zehai CHEN ; Siya ZHANG ; Yiming FANG ; Wei SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):11-21
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Qiju Dihuang Wan on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its regulatory mechanism on the NOD-like receptor protein 3/Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1/Gasdermin D (NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsHuman retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) were divided into the blank group, model group, and Qiju Dihuang Wan low- and high-dose groups. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced with 40 mmol·L-1 high glucose, and the treatment groups were supplemented with 6% and 12% Qiju Dihuang Wan-containing serum, respectively, based on the induction. After 24 h of culture, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), pyroptosis-related protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and the mRNA levels of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway-related molecules were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Qiju Dihuang Wan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11, 22, 44 g·kg-1·d-1), and calcium dobesilate group (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1). Except for the blank group, all groups were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish the DR model. After successful modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding doses of Qiju Dihuang Wan crude drug or calcium dobesilate suspension by gavage once daily, while the blank group and model group received an equal volume of normal saline, for 8 consecutive weeks. Fundus changes were examined by optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. Retinal pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, and IL‑18 in retinal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N. ResultsCell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly decreased HRMEC viability (P<0.01), and significantly increased levels of IL-1β, IL-18, as well as increased protein expression of NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators were significantly reduced in the high-dose Qiju Dihuang Wan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had elevated blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), up‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β and IL‑18 in retinal tissue (P<0.01), and up‑regulated protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1 and GSDMD‑N (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Qiju Dihuang Wan medium- and high‑dose groups showed decreased blood glucose (P<0.01), increased retinal thickness and vascular density (P<0.01), alleviated retinal pathological damage, and down‑regulated mRNA expression of NLRP3, Caspase‑1, GSDMD, IL‑1β, IL‑18, as well as protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase‑1, and GSDMD‑N (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQiju Dihuang Wan may exert protective effects against diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway and alleviating high glucose-induced retinal pyroptosis.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail