1.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
2.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
3.Analysis of distortion product otoacoustic emissions results of noise-exposed workers at a metal shipbuilding enterprise
Jieting ZHOU ; Jianyu GUO ; Hairu YANG ; Linyan SHU ; Zhixing FAN ; Jia TANG ; Xinqiang NIE ; Guoyong XU ; Hansheng LIN ; Bin XIAO
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):99-105
Objective To evaluate the role of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing in evaluating early hearing loss among noise-exposed workers. Methods A total of 174 noise-exposed workers in a metal shipbuilding enterprise were selected as the research subjects by the convenience sampling method. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), DPOAE and the level of noise exposure were conducted on the workers. The rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between DPOAE amplitude and PTA threshold. The multilevel model was used to analyze the effects of gender, age, noise exposure intensity, cumulative noise exposure (CNE), hearing loss classification and PTA threshold on DPOAE results. Results At the frequencies of 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, 4.00, 6.00 and 8.00 kHz, the DPOAE amplitude was negatively correlated with the PTA threshold (rank correlation coefficients were -0.12, -0.48, -0.47, -0.18, -0.23, -0.44, -0.19, respectively, all P<0.01). At the most frequencies, DPOAE amplitude was negatively correlated with age and CNE (all P<0.05). The results of multilevel model analysis showed that there were significant differences in DPOAE amplitudes at certain frequencies across gender, age, noise intensity, CNE, and hearing loss classification (all P<0.05). Significant differences in DPOAE responses were found among different CNE and hearing loss groups (all P<0.01). Conclusion DPOAE testing can objectively reflect the hearing status of noise-exposed workers and could be considered for inclusion in routine hearing monitoring to facilitate early detection of noise-induced hearing loss.
4.Network meta-analysis of the modeling effects of different factors on rabbit models of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head
Zhixing HU ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Luochangting FANG ; Wuqiong HOU ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunfang LIU ; Ya LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):976-984
OBJECTIVE:The rabbit model of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head is the most commonly used animal model of femoral head necrosis.The pathological changes of the femoral head are close to clinical practice,however,the conditions,methods and evaluation standards of animal models reported in and outside China are not uniform,which leads to the low scientific value of animal models and is difficult to popularize.This study aimed to clarify the influence of different mold-making conditions on the establishment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbit model and analyze the appropriate conditions for the successful model establishment. METHODS:We searched the CNKI,WanFang,VIP,CBM,WoS,PubMed and EMbsae databases for the literature on the modeling of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits up to April 1,2022,completed the screening of the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and literature quality evaluation,and extracted the outcome index data in the literature.RevMan Stata and ADDIS statistical software were used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included data. RESULTS:(1)A total of 82 articles with 1 366 rabbits were included in the study.The steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head modeling methods were divided into three types:steroid-alone method,steroid combined lipopolysaccharide method and steroid combined serum method.Among these,33 articles used steroid-alone method;20 articles used steroid combined lipopolysaccharide method;29 articles used steroid combined serum method.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that the three modeling methods significantly increased the rate of empty bone lacunae in the femoral head of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits(P<0.001),and significantly decreased the ratio of the trabecular bone area in the femoral head of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits(P<0.001).The order of empty bone lacunae rate of each modeling method was:steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method>steroid-alone method>steroid combined with serum method>normal group,and the order of trabecular bone area rate of each modeling method was:normal group>steroid combined with serum method>steroid-alone method>steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method.(3)The results of subgroup analysis suggested that the rate of empty bone lacunae in the rabbit model induced by steroid alone might be related to the rabbit variety and the type of steroid used for modeling(difference between groups P<0.05),in which the combined effect amount of New Zealand white rabbits was higher than that of Chinese white rabbits(P<0.05)and Japanese white rabbits,and the combined effect amount of dexamethasone was higher than that of other steroids.The rate of empty bone lacunae induced by steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide was related to the administration mode of lipopolysaccharide and the type of steroid(P<0.05),among which the combined effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate was significantly higher than that of other steroids(P<0.05),and the combined effect of prednisolone was significantly lower than that of other steroids(P<0.05).The combined effect of lipopolysaccharide 100 μg/kg×twice was significantly lower than 10 μg/kg×twice and 50 μg/kg×twice(P<0.05).The rate of empty bone lacunae in the model induced by steroid combined with serum was related to serum dose and steroid type(P<0.05),among which the combined effect amount of dexamethasone sodium phosphate was significantly higher than other steroid types(P<0.05),and the combined effect amount of dexamethasone was significantly lower than other steroid types(P<0.05);the combined effect amount of serum"10 mL/kg+6 mL/kg"combined dose was lower than other serum doses(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:(1)With the rate of empty bone lacunae and the ratio of trabecular bone area as the judgment standard for the successful establishment of the model,the three modeling methods can successfully construct the rabbit steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head model,of which the steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method is the best.(2)New Zealand white rabbits and dexamethasone are recommended when selecting the steroid-alone method.Methylprednisolone sodium succinate and low-dose lipopolysaccharide are recommended when selecting the steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method.Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is recommended when selecting the steroid combined with serum modeling method.
5.Relationship between serum CCL2,CCL18 and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in patients with glottic carcinoma
Chuanjun WU ; Zhaoxu YAO ; Zhixing FENG ; Haibin MA ; Lin LIU ; Xiaohui DUAN
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(9):554-558,579
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between serum CC type chemotactic factor 2(CCL2),CC type chemotactic factor 18(CCL18) and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of patients with glottic carcinoma. METHODS A total of 168 glottic carcinoma patients admitted to Handan Central Hospital and Hebei Engineering University Affiliated Hospital from August 2015 to December 2018 were selected as the research subjects. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off points for serum CCL2 and CCL18. Based on this,patients were divided into CCL2 high expression group and low expression group,CCL18 high expression group and low expression group. The relationship between levels of serum CCL2 and CCL18 and clinical pathological parameters of glottic carcinoma patients was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curve and Log Rank x2 test were used to analyze the 5-year disease-free survival rate of serum CCL2 high/low expression group and CCL18 high/low expression group. Cox regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of glottic carcinoma prognosis,and the relationship between serum CCL2,CCL18 expression and tumor recurrence/metastasis was analyzed. RESULTS The optimal cut-off points for CCL2 and CCL18 calculated based on the ROC curve were 100.81 and 218.99 pg/ml,respectively. Compared with the low expression groups of CCL2 and CCL18,the high expression groups of CCL2 and CCL18 showed a significant increase in the proportion of T3-T4a,N1-N3 stages,and tumor low differentiation(P<0.05). Of the 168 glottic carcinoma patients,there were 160 patients followed up for 5 years and 8 patients lost for follow-up. There were 67 patients experienced recurrence or metastasis,and 39 patients died due to recurrence or metastasis. The tumor recurrence or metastasis rate was 41.88%(67/160),and the disease-free survival rate was 58.13%(93/160). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the 5-year disease-free survival rate of the high expression group of serum CCL2 and CCL18 was significantly lower than that of the low expression group of serum CCL2 and CCL18(P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that elevated T staging,cervical lymph node recurrence,elevated N staging,local recurrence,high expression of CCL2 and CCL18 were risk factors for poor prognosis in glottic carcinoma(P<0.05). For analysis the relationship between serum CCL2 and CCL18 expression and tumor recurrence or metastasis,it was found that when both CCL2 and CCL18 were highly expressed,the recurrence or metastasis rate was significantly higher than when both CCL2 and CCL18 were lowly expressed,CCL2 was lowly expressed and CCL18 was highly expressed,and CCL2 was highly expressed and CCL18 was lowly expressed,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=10.450,P=0.015). CONCLUSION The high expression of serum CCL2 and CCL18 in patients with glottic carcinoma is significantly correlated with T stage,N stage,tumor low differentiation,and poor prognosis.
6.Efficacy of autofluorescence point-spectral analysis combined with the immune colloidal gold technique for the detection of ectopic microscopic parathyroid glands to guide surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism
Kun PENG ; Baozhong YAO ; Hongcun CHEN ; Jun ZHANG ; Wenzhong BAO ; Wenbo LI ; Weitao SONG ; Sailong SANG ; Li LIN ; Zhixing JIA ; Liang LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(20):2905-2912
Objective To evaluate the intraoperative identification of ectopic parathyroid tissue in the central neck region using autofluorescence point-spectral analysis(AFPSA)combined with immune colloidal gold technique(ICGT),for guiding total parathyroidectomy(TPTX)or clean parathyroidectomy(CPTX)in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism(SHPT).Methods Retrospectively collected and compared the clinical data of 64 patients with SHPT from October 2019 to June 2023.In the observation group,TPTX was performed as the initial procedure in 36 cases,followed by sampling of suspicious targets using AFPSA in the central neck area and subsequent detection through ICGT.CPTX was then conducted if a positive result was obtained.On the other hand,the control group consisted of 28 cases where only TPTX was performed without any additional tests during surgery.The surgical data,parathyroid hormone(PTH)levels,blood calcium levels,blood phosphorus levels,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels,regression of clinical symptoms,changes in parathyroid function and occurrence of hypocalcemia were compared between these two groups.Results In the observation group,there were 9 cases of AFPSA-ICGT positivity,including 2 left-sided cases,4 right-sided cases,and 3 thymic cases;among these posi-tive cases,there were a total of 10 locations with mildly hyperplastic or nonhyperplastic microscopic parathyroid tissue.The difference in the number of total parathyroid glands removed(including ectopic)between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).At both 3 and 6 months postoperatively,ALP levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.01 and P<0.001 respectively);at 6 months postoperatively,differences in PTH and blood phosphorus levels between the two groups were also statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.001 respectively).Joint bone pain and skin itching recurred in some patients within the control group at six months after surgery(P<0.05),whereas recurrence of SHPT was less frequent within the observation group compared to controls(P<0.05);however,no statistically significant differences were observed regarding postoperative hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism as well as hypocalcemia between either groups.Conclusion The AFPSA-ICGT intraoperative test can be utilized to guide surgery for SHPT,enabling accurate and efficient identification as well as safe targeting of parathyroid tissues that may not exhibit obvious hyperplasia in the central cervical region.
7.Meta-analysis of Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycoside Tablets Combined with Methotrexate and/or Leflunomide on Autoantibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chao YANG ; Zhixing HU ; Ruirui MING ; Tengteng XU ; Luochangting FANG ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Taixian LI ; Lin CHEN ; Chunfang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(5):39-48
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets (TWPT) combined with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) including methotrexate (MTX) and/or leflunomide (LEF) on autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. MethodPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang Data, and China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TWPT combined with MTX and/or LEF in the treatment of RA patients from database inception to December 1, 2021. Primary outcome indicators included rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), and secondary outcome indicators included immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and adverse drug events (ADE). ResultThirty-one RCTs, involving 2 643 adult patients, were included, including 20 RCTs of TWPT combined with MTX, 10 of TWPT combined with LEF, and one of TWPT combined with MTX and TWPT. The follow-up time ranged from two weeks to 13 months. Compared with csDMARDs alone, TWPT combined with other drugs significantly improved serum RF of RA patients [SMD=-2.45, 95% CI [-2.97, -1.93], P<0.000 01], anti-CCP [SMD=-1.41, 95% CI (-2.35, -0.48), P=0.003], IgM [SMD=-1.90, 95% CI (-3.03, -0.76), P=0.001], and IgA [SMD=-1.18, 95% CI (-2.23, -0.12), P=0.03]. There were no significant effects on IgG [SMD=-1.02, 95% CI (-2.04, 0.01), P=0.05] and ADE [RR=0.87, 95% CI (0.66, 1.15), P=0.32]. ConclusionThe results of this study show that compared with csDMARDs alone, TWPT combined with csDMARDs can effectively improve the levels of autoantibodies in RA patients without increasing the incidence of ADE. However, due to the limited quality and quantity of the included RCTs, the relevant conclusions are only used as a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of RA, and more high-quality studies are still needed to further confirm their efficacy.
8.Repair Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription on Vascular Injury in Alcohol-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Changting FANG-LUO ; Qianqian WANG ; Congcong SUN ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Zhixing HU ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(8):186-194
MethodIn the experiment, 46% vol Red Star Erguotou (10 mL·kg·d-1) was used to establish the AONFH rat model, and the intervention effect of JPHGP at different doses (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g·kg-1) was observed. Jiangusheng pill (JGS, 1.53 g·kg-1) was selected as the positive control. After 8 weeks of administration, the bone histomorphometry of the femoral head was analyzed by Micro-CT imaging, and the area of medullary microvessels in the femoral head was detected by ink perfusion. The pathological change was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The protein expressions of Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31), VEGF, VEGFR2, PI3K, phosphor-Akt (p-Akt) and phosphatase and Tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in the femoral head were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. ResultCompared with normal group, the model group presented the fracture and thinning of trabeculae in the femoral head, increased empty bone lacunae, and elevated number and diameter of adipocytes (P<0.01). Micro-CT imaging revealed a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular number (Tb.N) (P<0.05, P<0.01) while an increase in bone surface-to-volume ratio (BS/BV) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) (P<0.01). The results of ink perfusion showed that the area of medullary microvessels in the femoral head was reduced (P<0.01). Compared with model group, JPHGP lowered the empty bone lacunae rate as well as the number and diameter of adipocytes in the femoral head of AONFH rats. Micro-CT imaging indicated that JPHGP low-dose group had elevated BV/TV, Tb.Th and Tb.N (P<0.05, P<0.01) while decreased BS/BV (P<0.01), and there was an upward trend in BMD while a downward trend in Tb.Sp, but without statistical difference. In addition, JPHGP medium- and high-dose groups had a rise in BMD, BV/TV, Tb.Th and Tb.N (P<0.05, P<0.01), a decrease in BS/BV and Tb.Sp (P<0.05, P<0.01) and enlarged area of medullary microvessels in the femoral head (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of CD31, VEGF, VEGFR2, PI3K, p-Akt in the model group were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.01), and after medium and high doses of JPHGP treatment, the expressions of CD31, PI3K and p-Akt in the femoral head of rats were up-regulated (P<0.01) while the protein expression of PTEN was down-regulated (P<0.01). Moreover, JPHGP up-regulated the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can repair the vascular injury in AONFH, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study provides certain scientific basis and reference for the clinical application of JPHGP. ObjecctiveTo observe the repair effect of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) on vascular injury in experimental alcohol-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (AONFH), and to explore its mechanism based on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGFR2/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway.
9.Intervention of Osteoking in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Changting FANGLUO ; Ruirui MING ; Tengteng XU ; Chao YANG ; Wuqiong HOU ; Lili WANG ; Yini JIANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(24):19-29
ObjectiveTo clarify the intervention effect of Osteoking (OK) in rats with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and preliminarily explore the pharmacological mechanism of OK in relieving chronic pain from the perspective of anti-inflammatory disease. MethodThe 60 SD rats were divided into normal group, model group, low, medium, and high dose OK groups (0.66, 1.31, 2.63 mL·kg-1), and positive celecoxib group (21 mg·kg-1). The MPS rat model was established by beating combined with the centrifugal exercise method, and the OK and celecoxib were given at the same time. SMALGO paw pressure pain manometer detected the shock pain point tenderness threshold of rats, and the Von-Frey needle and acetone stimulation method detected the mechanical hyperalgesia threshold and cold hyperalgesia stimulation response respectively. Eight weeks and 10 weeks after modeling, the spontaneous discharge state and convulsion response of MPS rats were determined by electromyograph (EMG) instrument. The gait changes of MPS rats were detected using a CatWalk gait analyzer. The expression levels of interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), substance P (SP), and bradykinin (BK) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibiting protein α (IκBα), phosphorylates (p)- IκBα, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were detected in MPS rats by Western blot. The positive expression of p-NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group shows 100% positive rates for EMG signal and local convulsions response at both the 8th and 10th weeks. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold are significantly reduced. Cold hyperalgesia score is significantly increased, and gait is abnormal. The expression levels of serum and trigger points IL-1β, TNF-α, SP, BK, p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB p65, as well as the positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 are significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive rate of EMG detection and local convulsion response is significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups (P<0.05). The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold increase significantly in the medium and high dose OK groups, and the cold hyperalgesia score is significantly reduced in the high dose OK group (P<0.01). The standing time, swing time, and walking period are significantly increased. The swing speed, maximum contact area, and maximum contact intensity are significantly decreased in the high dose OK group (P<0.05). Moreover, the protein expression levels of p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 are significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups (P<0.05,P<0.01). The positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 is significantly decreased in the high dose OK group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of OK in relieving the pain in trigger points of MPS and improving gait abnormalities is related to the downregulation of the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and pain mediators in blood and trigger point tissue.
10.Mechanism of Osteoking in Improving Energy Metabolism in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome Based on cAMP/PKA/PGC1α Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Changting FANGLUO ; Zhixing HU ; Lili WANG ; Suya ZAHNG ; Xueting LIU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(24):54-62
ObjectiveFrom the perspective of energy metabolism, the mechanism of Osteoking (OK) in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) was revealed through systems biology prediction combined with holistic animal experimental validation methods. MethodFirstly, the key targets of MPS and their related molecular mechanisms were predicted by the systems biology method, and the core network targets were screened. Then, the network-predicted targets were verified by animal experiments. Specifically, 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, low, medium, and high dose OK groups (0.66, 1.31, 2.63 mL·kg-1), and positive celecoxib group (21 mg·kg-1). The MPS model was established by beating combined with a centrifugal exercise method for eight weeks. Except for two days after modeling, the intervention of OK or celecoxib was performed. After the completion of the model, the drug was administered for two weeks. The histopathological changes of trigger point muscle tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The content/activity of Na-K-ATP enzyme (Na+-K+-ATPase), Ca2+ pump (Ca2+ATPase), Ca2+, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH), malondialal (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), and protein kinase A (PKA) in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels of PKA and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in MPS rats were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of PKA, PGC1α, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in MPS rats were detected by Western blot. ResultThe network prediction results suggest that OK acts on the key target of energy metabolism related to the occurrence and development of MPS and may participate in the activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway. The experimental validation results show that compared with the normal group, contracture nodules and disordered arrangement of muscle fibers appear in the trigger point muscle tissue of MPS rats. Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase, SOD activity, Ca2+, and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue are significantly decreased (P<0.01). Both LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, PGC1α, and TFAM are significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, OK improves the histopathological morphology of trigger point muscle fibers in MPS rats, and after the intervention of OK, Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase, SOD activity, Ca2+, and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats are significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, PGC1α, and TFAM are significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of OK's intervention in MPS rats may be related to its effective activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway, thus promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism and trigger point muscle fiber damage repair in muscle cells.

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