1.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.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
4.Curcumin extraction and preparation and optimization of curcumin nanoparticles
Yuhang WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Chaojing ZHANG ; Xurong KOU ; Tongtong JING ; Rimei LIN ; Xinyu LIU ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):362-374
BACKGROUND:Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric and has significant medicinal value in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and other aspects.However,its poor water solubility,unstable chemical properties and easy decomposition lead to difficulty in extracting curcumin and low extraction yield.Therefore,it is particularly important to optimize the curcumin extraction method.OBJECTIVE:To enhance the extraction yield and utilization value of curcumin and optimize the curcumin extraction process and curcumin nanoparticle preparation process.METHODS:Curcumin was extracted from turmeric by ethanol extraction,ultrasonic extraction,ionic liquid extraction,enzyme extraction,and ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction.The curcumin extraction yield was detected by high performance liquid chromatography;the best extraction method was determined,and subsequent process optimization experiments were carried out.The curcumin extraction yield was the response value with the type of ionic liquid,reaction temperature,ultrasonic time,liquid-to-solid ratio,ionic liquid concentration,and enzyme-drug mass ratio as parameters.The optimal production process of ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment.The optimal process for preparing curcumin nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking method was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment with acetic acid concentration,chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio,stirring rate,curcumin mass concentration,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration,and chitosan mass concentration as parameters,and drug encapsulation efficiency as response value.Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared under the optimal process,and the particle size,polydispersity index,Zata potential value,drug loading,stability,hemolysis rate,and antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro of the nanoparticles were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among the five extraction methods,the curcumin yield of ionic liquid combined with ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction was the highest,and this method was selected as the curcumin extraction method for subsequent experiments.The results of single factor combined response surface experiment showed that the optimal process for curcumin extraction was:ionic liquid selected 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,reaction temperature 55 ℃,liquid-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g,ultrasound time 57 minutes,ionic liquid concentration 57%,enzyme-drug mass ratio 3.5:10,and the obtained turmeric extraction yield was 3.10%.The optimal preparation process of curcumin nanoparticles was:glacial acetic acid concentration 0.5%,chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio 5.0:1,stirring speed 150 r/min,curcumin mass concentration 2.23 mg/mL,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration 1.45 mg/mL,chitosan mass concentration 3.63 mg/mL,and the obtained drug encapsulation efficiency was 90.61%.(2)The drug loading of curcumin nanoparticles was(14.49±0.23)%,the average particle size was(76.95±1.65)nm,the polydispersity coefficient was 0.15±0.02,and the Zata potential value was(32.37±1.46)mV.The curcumin nanoparticles had good stability and blood compatibility,did not induce hemolysis,and had stronger antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro than free curcumin.(3)The results show that the process optimization not only solves the problems of low extraction yield,poor solubility,and low bioavailability of curcumin,but also enhances its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.
5.Curcumin extraction and preparation and optimization of curcumin nanoparticles
Yuhang WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Chaojing ZHANG ; Xurong KOU ; Tongtong JING ; Rimei LIN ; Xinyu LIU ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):362-374
BACKGROUND:Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric and has significant medicinal value in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and other aspects.However,its poor water solubility,unstable chemical properties and easy decomposition lead to difficulty in extracting curcumin and low extraction yield.Therefore,it is particularly important to optimize the curcumin extraction method.OBJECTIVE:To enhance the extraction yield and utilization value of curcumin and optimize the curcumin extraction process and curcumin nanoparticle preparation process.METHODS:Curcumin was extracted from turmeric by ethanol extraction,ultrasonic extraction,ionic liquid extraction,enzyme extraction,and ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction.The curcumin extraction yield was detected by high performance liquid chromatography;the best extraction method was determined,and subsequent process optimization experiments were carried out.The curcumin extraction yield was the response value with the type of ionic liquid,reaction temperature,ultrasonic time,liquid-to-solid ratio,ionic liquid concentration,and enzyme-drug mass ratio as parameters.The optimal production process of ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment.The optimal process for preparing curcumin nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking method was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment with acetic acid concentration,chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio,stirring rate,curcumin mass concentration,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration,and chitosan mass concentration as parameters,and drug encapsulation efficiency as response value.Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared under the optimal process,and the particle size,polydispersity index,Zata potential value,drug loading,stability,hemolysis rate,and antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro of the nanoparticles were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among the five extraction methods,the curcumin yield of ionic liquid combined with ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction was the highest,and this method was selected as the curcumin extraction method for subsequent experiments.The results of single factor combined response surface experiment showed that the optimal process for curcumin extraction was:ionic liquid selected 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,reaction temperature 55 ℃,liquid-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g,ultrasound time 57 minutes,ionic liquid concentration 57%,enzyme-drug mass ratio 3.5:10,and the obtained turmeric extraction yield was 3.10%.The optimal preparation process of curcumin nanoparticles was:glacial acetic acid concentration 0.5%,chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio 5.0:1,stirring speed 150 r/min,curcumin mass concentration 2.23 mg/mL,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration 1.45 mg/mL,chitosan mass concentration 3.63 mg/mL,and the obtained drug encapsulation efficiency was 90.61%.(2)The drug loading of curcumin nanoparticles was(14.49±0.23)%,the average particle size was(76.95±1.65)nm,the polydispersity coefficient was 0.15±0.02,and the Zata potential value was(32.37±1.46)mV.The curcumin nanoparticles had good stability and blood compatibility,did not induce hemolysis,and had stronger antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro than free curcumin.(3)The results show that the process optimization not only solves the problems of low extraction yield,poor solubility,and low bioavailability of curcumin,but also enhances its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.
6.Timing of Termination and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Acupuncture for Acute Peripheral Facial Paralysis:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Xiaohan ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Jinbo WANG ; Yiwen MIAO ; Lijuan DAI ; Jiaying ZHANG ; Shulan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Guoxin WANG ; Yuhang CHEN ; Xinjun WANG ; Bingguo XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1185-1191
ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal termination time for acupuncture in treating patients with acute peripheral facial paralysis and its cost-effectiveness. MethodsA total of 120 eligible patients with acute-stage peri-pheral facial paralysis were randomly assigned to either the mild dysfunction termination group and the complete recovery termination group, with 60 patients in each group. Both groups received the standard acupuncture treatment protocol. Treatment in the mild dysfunction termination group was terminated when the Sunnybrook facial grade scale (SFGS) score first reached or exceeded 83 points, while that in the complete recovery termination group was terminated when the SFGS score first reached or exceeded 95 points. Assessments were conducted before treatment, 6 and 12 months after onset. SFGS, facial disability index (FDI) including physical function (FDIp) and social function (FDIs), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores were assessed before treatment, and 6 and 12 months after onset. Any acupuncture-related adverse events during treatment were recorded for safety evaluation. Treatment sessions and medical costs including direct costs, indirect costs, insurance coverage, total societal costs, and patient out-of-pocket expenses were also recorded, and an economic evaluation was conducted including cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). ResultsUltimately, 56 patients in the mild dysfunction termination group and 55 in the complete recovery termination group completed the follow-up. At 6 and 12 months after onset, SFGS and FDIp scores in both groups improved significantly while FDIs, SAS and SDS scores decreased (P<0.05). Comparison of scores between groups 6 months and 12 months after onset showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). During the trial, the incidence of adverse events was 13.3% (8/60) in the mild dysfunction termination group and 18.3% (11/60) in the complete recovery termination group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The number of treatment sessions, total social costs, and out-of-pocket expenses in the mild dysfunction termination group were significantly lower than those in the complete recovery termination group (P<0.05). The CER of the mild dysfunction termination group in SFGS, FDIp, FDIs, SAS, and SDS scores was lower than that of the complete recovery termination group. The ICER analysis showed that continuing treatment until full recovery incurred an additional cost of 573.30 CNY/point in SFGS improvement, whereas 1-point improvement in FDIp, FDIs, SAS, and SDS required 21,355.25 CNY, 1779.60 CNY, 3713.96 CNY, and 2755.52 CNY, respectively. ConclusionFor acupuncture in treating acute peripheral facial palsy, terminating treatment when mild dysfunction is achieved yields long-term efficacy comparable to that of continuing treatment until complete recovery, while significantly reducing medical costs and socioeconomic burden.
7.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
8.Global Trends and Research Hotspots in Exercise Intervention for Overweight and Obesity: A Bibliometric Analysis
Yuanchun ZHU ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Mingnan SHI ; Houqiang ZHANG ; Shufen LIU ; Qing LI ; Lixia CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1051-1062
To analyze global trends and research hotspots in exercise intervention for overweight and obesity from 2010 to 2024, to provide novel perspectives for comprehensive management research on overweight and obesity. Relevant literature published between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2024, was retrieved from all sub-databases of the Web of Science Core Collection, including articles and reviews. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 was used to perform co-occurrence and burst analysis of journals, institutions, authors and keywords. VOSviewer 1.6.20 was applied to construct co-citation networks among countries/regions and references. SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze trends in publication volume and citation frequency. A total of 113 080 publications on exercise interventions for overweight and obesity were obtained, including 98 188 articles and 14 892 reviews. Both annual publications ( Over the past 15 years, the field of exercise intervention for overweight and obesity has received considerable academic attention. Key research hotspots focus on monitoring the incidence of overweight and obesity and the correlation between physical activity and the health outcomes of individuals with overweight and obesity. Future research directions emphasize the effect of high-intensity interval training on the cardiometabolic health of individuals with overweight and obesity, the interaction of dietary habits and physical activity, and the focus on enhance physical activity levels are the primary global trends in this research field.
9.Cost-utility analysis of disitamab vedotin plus toripalimab as first-line treatment for HER2-expressing locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Peiyan XIANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Kaixin ZHANG ; Guihao ZENG ; Bikun CAI ; Yuhang LIU ; Shuangshuang HU ; Yonghui LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2138-2143
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-utility of disitamab vedotin (DV) combined with toripalimab versus platinum-containing chemotherapy as first-line therapy for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma(UC) with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression from the perspective of China’s health-care system.METHODS A cost-utility analysis was performed. A three-state partitioned survival model was constructed based on the RC48-C016 trial with a 1-week cycle length. The long-term health benefits [quality-adjusted life years(QALYs)] and costs of disitamab vedotin combined with toripalimab versus platinum-containing chemotherapy as first-line therapy for locally advanced or metastatic UC with HER2 expression were simulated. The simulation time horizon was set to 15 years, and the discount rate was 4.5%. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was defined as twice China’s per capita gross domestic product(GDP) in 2025 (199 330 yuan/QALY). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the two groups was compared, and one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were conducted.RESULTS Compared with platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen, the DV plus toripalimab regimen yielded an additional 1.01 QALYs with an incremental cost of 183 224.45 yuan, and the ICER was 181 728.15 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold. At the current threshold, the probability that the DV combination regimen had a cost-utility advantage was 79.9%.CONCLUSIONS Taking twice China’s per capita GDP in 2025 as the WTP threshold, DV combined with toripalimab exhibits a cost-utility advantage over platinum-containing chemotherapy as first-line treatment for HER2-expressing locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
10.Astragaloside Ⅳ inhibited NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis and alleviated renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Xiaofeng LI ; Yuhang HAN ; Di ZHANG ; Guoxin ZHANG ; Lingyun ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(5):772-782
Objective To investigate the effect of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and its specific mechanism. Methods Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, with 8 rats in each group: sham operation group (Sham group), RIRI group, RIRI + AS-Ⅳ (10 mg/kg) group, RIRI + AS-Ⅳ (20 mg/kg) group, RIRI + AS-Ⅳ (40 mg/kg) group and RIRI + AS-Ⅳ + Brusatol group [Brusatol is a nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor]. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels of rats were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer; the pathological damage degree of rats kidney tissue was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scored; the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats serum, and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in rats kidney tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the degree of cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling; real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway and cell pyroptosis regulatory factors in rats kidney tissue. Results Compared with the Sham group, the BUN and Scr levels in the RIRI group were increased, the renal function and tissue damage were more severe, the degree of cell apoptosis was aggravated, the MDA level was increased, and the SOD activity was decreased, the Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA levels were downregulated, the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Cle-Caspase-1 (the activated form of Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-N protein levels were upregulated, the NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N mRNA levels were increased, and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 was increased. Compared with the RIRI group, the BUN and Scr levels in rats after AS-Ⅳ treatment were decreased, the degree of renal function and tissue damage was reduced, the degree of cell apoptosis was decreased, the MDA level was decreased, and the SOD activity was increased, the Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA levels were increased, the NLRP3, Cle-Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N protein levels were decreased, the NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N mRNA levels were decreased, and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 was reduced. Compared with the RIRI + AS-Ⅳ (20 mg/kg) group, the MDA level and SOD activity in rats of the RIRI + AS-Ⅳ + Brusatol group were increased, the Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA levels were decreased, the NLRP3, Cle-Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N protein levels were upregulated, the NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N mRNA levels were increased, and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 was increased. Conclusions AS-Ⅳ may alleviate RIRI in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress response and pyroptosis, and this mechanism is related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

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