1.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
2.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
3.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
4.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
5.Ectopic expression of hemoglobin subunits enhances the in vitro cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumor cells under hypoxic conditions
YANG Jianxun1,2 ; ZHENG Rui3 ; LIANG Sixin3 ; PAN Jie4 ; LI Yanlong5 ; ZHAI Chenxi5 ; ZHAO Xiaojuan2 ; WANG Pengju3 ; DONG Hao4 ; YAN Bo2 ; SUN Zhihong1 ; YANG Angang3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(3):233-242
[摘 要] 目的:探讨异位表达血红蛋白亚基(HBA/HBB)对缺氧条件下嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T细胞)功能障碍的改善作用及其对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应。方法:全基因合成技术合成靶向HER2的CAR序列,构建共表达HBA或HBB的CAR慢病毒载体,包装慢病毒后感染人原代T淋巴细胞,制备异位表达HBA/HBB的CAR-T细胞,命名为HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T。采用缺氧探针检测小鼠实体瘤缺氧状态。通过流式细胞术检测瘤内CAR-T细胞占比、异位表达血红蛋白亚基的CAR-T细胞阳性率及CAR-T细胞的活性氧、凋亡水平。WB法检测HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T内相关血红蛋白亚基表达情况,采用细胞计数板计数检测细胞增殖水平,通过萤光素酶报告基因法检测CAR-T细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤能力,qPCR检测CAR-T细胞中缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)表达水平,利用MitoXpress Intra试剂盒检测CAR-T细胞内氧气含量。结果:不同细胞构建的实体瘤模型均存在明显缺氧情况,且CAR-T细胞浸润水平与缺氧程度呈显著负相关(P < 0.000 1)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T构建成功(阳性率 > 60%),相应血红蛋白亚基可稳定表达。缺氧环境下HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T的ROS水平、凋亡水平显著下降,增殖、对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤能力显著强于传统CAR-T细胞(均P < 0.05)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T内HIF-1α表达降低(均P < 0.001),且缺氧程度显著降低(均P < 0.001)。结论:异位表达血红蛋白亚基可改善缺氧条件下CAR-T细胞功能障碍并增强其对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤作用。
6.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
7.Epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Huai'an City from 2011 to 2024
XIA Wenling ; GAO Qiang ; LI Yang ; CAI Ben ; WAN Chunyu ; CUI Zhizhen ; ZHANG Zheng ; PAN Enchun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):55-59,65
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2024, so as to provide a basis for optimizing local SFTS prevention and control strategies, and identifying high-risk areas and key populations.
Methods:
Data on SFTS incidence and deaths in Huai'an City from 2011 to 2024 were collected from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The reported incidence, mortality, and fatality rates were calculated. Descriptive analysis was performed on temporal, population, and regional distribution. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trend in the reported incidence of SFTS. Global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses were employed to examine the spatial distribution patterns and spatial association patterns of SFTS incidence while spatio-temporal scanning analyses was used to assess the spatial-temporal clustering of SFTS.
Results:
A total of 337 SFTS cases were reported in Huai'an City from 2011 to 2024, with the reported incidence rising from 0.17/100 000 to 1.88/100 000. There were 20 deaths, with an average annual mortality of 0.03/100 000, and a fatality rate of 5.93%. The incidence showed obvious seasonality, with a peak in May and June (148 cases, accounting for 43.92%). Spring and summer accounted for 107 cases (31.75%) and 159 cases (47.18%), respectively. The reported SFTS cases were mainly male, farmers, and individuals aged ≥41 years, accounting for 56.38%, 79.23%, and 96.74%, respectively. The population distribution of death cases was basically consistent with that of incident cases. Xuyi County was a high-incidence area, with a total of 332 reported cases, accounting for 98.52%. All death cases were reported in this county. Spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed a positive spatial correlation in SFTS incidence from 2019 to 2024, with Moran's I values ranging from 0.214 to 0.336 (all P<0.05). Heqiao Town, Tianquanhu Town, and Guiwu Town in Xuyi County were identified as high-high clustering areas. Spatio-temporal scanning analyses showed that cluster 1 was consistent with the high-high clustering areas, with an aggregation time from the second quarter of 2019 to the second quarter of 2022.
Conclusions
From 2011 to 2024, the reported incidence of SFTS in Huai'an City showed an upward trend, with a high incidence in spring and summer. Males, farmers, and the middle-aged and elderly population were the key populations for prevention and control. Xuyi County was the key area for prevention and control.
8.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Alleviates Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating PD-1/PD-L1-induced Osteoclast Formation
Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):72-79
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the action mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) by regulating programmed death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway-induced osteoclast formation. MethodsThirty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into the following groups (n=6 per group): normal control group, model group, low‑dose XZP group (31.5 g·kg-1), high‑dose XZP group (63 g·kg-1), and PD‑1 inhibitor (Niv) group. A bone cancer pain (BCP) model was established by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Mice in the normal control and model groups received topical application of a blank paste matrix at the wound site. Mice in the low‑ and high‑dose XZP groups were treated with XZP applied topically twice daily. Mice in the Niv group were topically administered the blank paste matrix and additionally received Niv via tail‑vein injection every two days. All interventions were continued for 21 days. During this period, behavioral tests were performed to assess mechanical, motor, and thermal nociceptive sensitivities. After 21 days, all mice were euthanized, and bone tissue from the operated side was collected for sectioning and preservation. Tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to evaluate osteoclast expression in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of Runt‑related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the expression of PD‑1 and PD‑L1 in the lesioned bone tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous paw flinching, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01), increased number of osteoclasts in the lesioned bone tissue (P<0.01), and reduced expression of Runx2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BCP mice in the XZP low-dose group, XZP high-dose group, and Niv group exhibited increased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, movement scores, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01). The XZP low-dose group showed no significant changes in osteoclast number or Runx2 expression, while the XZP high-dose group and Niv group demonstrated significantly reduced osteoclast numbers (P<0.01) and significantly increased Runx2 expression (P<0.01). In the lesioned bone tissue of BCP mice, the XZP low-dose group showed no significant decrease in the percentage of PD-1 expression, but a decrease in the percentage of PD-L1 expression (P<0.05). In contrast, both the XZP high-dose group and the Niv group exhibited significant reductions in the percentages of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionXZP alleviates the pain of mice with BCP by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.
9.Mechanism of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste in Alleviating Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating Microglial Pyroptosis Based on PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):80-90
ObjectiveThe paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) through regulating the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy-NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway to suppress microglial pyroptosis. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to establish an inflammation and pyroptosis model in microglial cells. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, LPS group, LPS+low-dose XZP group, LPS+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP group, LPS-ATP+low-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+XZP group, and LPS-ATP+XZP+CsA group. Techniques including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and confocal fluorescence staining were employed to assess the effects of XZP on microglial apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and mitophagy. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the LPS group exhibited significantly increased levels of microglial apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)(P<0.01), along with significantly upregulated protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the high-dose LPS-XZP group significantly reduced the level of apoptosis (P<0.01) and the content of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Both the low- and high-dose LPS-XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly upregulated expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-1/pro-Caspase-1, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N)/full-length gasdermin D (GSDMD-F), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), IL-1β precursor (pro-IL-1β), and mature IL-1β (P<0.01). The levels of pyroptotic factors IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and membrane pore formation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the expression of the aforementioned pyroptosis-related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). The low-dose LPS-ATP+XZP group reduced IL-1β levels (P<0.01), while the high-dose group reduced both IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01) Both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reduced membrane pore formation and intracellular ROS production (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly reduced expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and Parkin, and a decreased ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ(LC3Ⅱ) to LC3Ⅰ(P<0.01), while p62 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Mitochondrial ROS levels were significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reversed the expression of these proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial ROS levels (P<0.01). After treatment with the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA), the beneficial effects of XZP on mitochondrial function and its inhibitory effects on pyroptosis-related protein expression were significantly reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXZP reduces ROS levels by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis, which provides new molecular evidence for the mechanism by which XZP alleviates BCP.
10.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Relieves Bone Cancer Pain in Mice by Alleviating Activation of Microglia in Spinal Cord and Damage to Neurons via Blocking PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway
Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):91-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste (XZP) on bone cancer pain (BCP). MethodsThirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: a Sham group, a BCP group, a BCP+low-dose XZP group, a BCP+high-dose XZP group, and a BCP+high-dose XZP + protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) agonist GB-110 group. BCP mice model was constructed by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femoral cavity of the right leg, which was followed by being treated with XZP for 21 d. After 21 d, the mice were sacrificed. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the survival of spinal cord neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to localize ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) in spinal cord tissue, thereby assessing microglial activation and neuronal survival. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spinal cord tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels associated with M1/M2 polarization of microglia. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of proteins related to microglial polarization as well as those involved in the PAR2/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in the spinal cord. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the spinal cord neurons were damaged, the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the spinal cord tissue was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the rate of NeuN-positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The spinal cord microglia were activated, the inflammatory level of the spinal cord tissue was enhanced, and Iba1 staining was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue of the BCP mice was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the BCP group, high-dose XZP treatment significantly increased the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the BCP mice (P<0.01), significantly enhanced the rate of NeuN-positive cells in the spinal cord tissue, and significantly weakened Iba1 staining (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, while the levels of TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS were decreased, whereas those of cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206), arginase-1 (Arg-1), and YM1/2 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Low-dose and high-dose XZP treatment significantly decreased the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC, and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). These effects could all be significantly eliminated by the PAR2 agonist GB-110. ConclusionXZP can mitigate BCP in mice, which may be achieved through blocking the activated PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail