1.Adra2a Regulates LPS-Induced Inflammation in Hepatocytes of Lbp-/- Mice via the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Sai LIU ; Bin FU ; Sidi LI ; Zhida CHEN ; Yue ZHANG ; Zhongkun GUO ; Yongan WANG ; Kezhou WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):212-221
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which adrenoceptor alpha 2A (Adra2a) regulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in primary hepatocytes from lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) knockout mice (Lbp-/-). MethodsPrimary hepatocytes from C57BL/6J and Lbp-/- mice were isolated using a two-step perfusion method. An in vitro inflammatory model was established by LPS stimulation, and an in vivo inflammatory mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The in vitro experiments were grouped as follows: Control group, LPS group, BRL+LPS group, OE-NC+LPS group, and OE-Adra2a+LPS group. The Control group served as the blank control. The LPS group involved stimulating primary hepatocytes with LPS. The BRL+LPS group involved pretreating primary hepatocytes with BRL-44408 maleate followed by LPS stimulation. The OE-NC+LPS group involved transfecting primary hepatocytes with an empty vector followed by LPS stimulation. The OE-Adra2a+LPS group involved transfecting primary hepatocytes with a lentivirus overexpressing Adra2a, followed by LPS stimulation. The in vivo experimental groups were divided into Control', LPS', BRL+LPS', OE-NC+LPS', and OE-Adra2a+LPS' groups. The Control' group served as the blank control. The LPS' group received intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The BRL+LPS' group received intraperitoneal injection of BRL-44408 maleate for pretreatment, followed by LPS injection. The OE-NC+LPS' group received intraperitoneal injection of empty vector for pretreatment, followed by LPS injection. The OE-Adra2a+LPS' group received intraperitoneal injection of a lentivirus overexpressing Adra2a for pretreatment, followed by LPS injection. Cell viability after Adra2a inhibition and overexpression was assessed via the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. RT-qPCR measured changes in gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) after Adra2a inhibition and overexpression. Western blotting was performed to detect Adra2a protein expression and phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) following LPS stimulation. ResultsIn vitro experiments revealed that LPS stimulation significantly decreased Adra2a protein expression in primary hepatocytes from C57BL/6J mice compared to the Control group (P<0.05), whereas it increased in primary hepatocytes from Lbp-/- mice (P<0.001). Compared to the LPS group, the BRL+LPS group exhibited significantly increased cell viability (P<0.01), reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β gene transcription levels (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001), and decreased phosphorylation levels of MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins ERK1/2, p38, and JNK (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001). Compared with the OE-NC+LPS group, the OE-Adra2a+LPS group showed significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.001), increased gene transcription levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β genes (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.001), and elevated phosphorylation levels of MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins ERK1/2, p38, and JNK (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.001). In vivo experiments showed that, compared with the LPS' group, the BRL+LPS' group exhibited significantly reduced phosphorylation levels of MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins ERK1/2, p38, and JNK (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.01). In the OE-Adra2a+LPS' group, the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK were significantly elevated compared to the OE-NC+LPS' group (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.01). ConclusionLPS stimulation can cause a significant increase in Adra2a protein expression in primary hepatocytes of Lbp-/- mice. Adra2a protein can regulate the level of LPS-induced inflammation in primary hepatocytes of Lbp-/- mice through the MAPK signaling pathway.
2.Analysis of Chemical Constituents and Blood-Absorbed Ingredients of Heihuang Chizhu Granules by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Yiwei HUANG ; Lijiao HUANG ; Junhua HU ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Chenfeng ZHANG ; Zhongkun XU ; Yat-ing LI ; Juan FU ; Wei XIAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):749-765
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents of Heihuang Chizhu Granules and the blood composition of rats af-ter administration by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.METHODS A Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(3 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm)was eluted with acetonitrile-0.1%formic acid as mobile phase,and the data were collected in electrospray ion source positive and neg-ative ion mode and then identified with the reference retention time,precise molecular weight,secondary fragment ions,and references to relevant literature.RESULTS A total of 104 chemical components were identified from Heihuang Chizhu Granules,including 26 flavonoids,24 organic acids,14 triterpenoids,8 terpenoids,7 phenylpropanoids,11 monoglycosides,and 14 other components(phe-nols,alkaloids,etc.).On this basis,39 blood-entering components were identified in the plasma of rats administered via gavage,in-cluding 28 prototypes and 11 metabolites.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents of Heihuang Chizhu Granules and the compo-nents entering the blood of rats are analyzed and identified for the first time in this study,and the results provide a scientific basis for the basic research of Heihuang Chizhu Granules and the establishment of process quality control standards.
3.Chrm3 regulates LPS-induced inflammation in peritoneal macrophages in Lbp-/-mice via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway
Zhida CHEN ; Bin FU ; Sidi LI ; Sai LIU ; Zhongkun GUO ; Yue ZHANG ; Kezhou WANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(4):69-78
Objective To investigate the role of cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3(Chrm3)in regulating lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation in peritoneal macrophages in lipopolysaccharide binding protein(LBP)-knockout(Lbp-/-)mice.Methods Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from wild-type and Lbp-/-mice to establish an LPS-induced inflammation model.Chrm3 expression in Lbp-/-mouse peritoneal macrophages was inhibited by 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide(4-damp)and small interfering(siRNA)and Chrm3 overexpression was achieved by lentivirus transfection.For 4-damp inhibition,cells were divided into control,LPS,and inhibitor groups,and for siRNA transfection,cells were divided into control,LPS,si-normal control group,and si-Chrm3 groups.For overexpression,cells were divided into control,LPS,negative control,and overexpression groups.Changes in Chrm3 in response to LPS stimulation were verified by Western blot.The effects of 4-damp,si-Chrm3,and lentivirus on cell inflammation and survival were confirmed by Cell Counting Kit-8,quantitative polymerase chain reaction,and Western blot assays.Results Chrm3 protein expression was significantly elevated in Lbp-/-peritoneal macrophages post-LPS stimulation(P<0.001),whereas there was no notable change in wild-type cells.The cell survival rate was significantly increased in the 4-damp and si-Chrm3 groups(P<0.05,P<0.01),and cell survival was significantly reduced in the overexpression group(P<0.01).Furthermore,4-damp and si-Chrm3 significantly reduced expression levels of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6(P<0.01,P<0.001),and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK)(P<0.01,P<0.001),which are associated with cell damage and inflammation.In contrast,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6(P<0.001),and p-ERK protein(P<0.001)were significantly elevated in the overexpression group.Conclusions LPS stimulation upregulated the expression of Chrm3 and proinflammatory cytokines in Lbp-/-peritoneal macrophages.Specific downregulation of Chrm3 by 4-damp and si-Chrm3 significantly decreased LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines in Lbp-/-peritoneal macrophages,while upregulation of Chrm3 using overexpressing lentivirus significantly elevated the expression of related inflammatory factors.Chrm3 is implicated in the regulation of the LPS-induced inflammation response in peritoneal macrophages in Lbp-/-mice.
4.Chrm3 regulates LPS-induced inflammation in peritoneal macrophages in Lbp-/-mice via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway
Zhida CHEN ; Bin FU ; Sidi LI ; Sai LIU ; Zhongkun GUO ; Yue ZHANG ; Kezhou WANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(4):69-78
Objective To investigate the role of cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3(Chrm3)in regulating lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation in peritoneal macrophages in lipopolysaccharide binding protein(LBP)-knockout(Lbp-/-)mice.Methods Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from wild-type and Lbp-/-mice to establish an LPS-induced inflammation model.Chrm3 expression in Lbp-/-mouse peritoneal macrophages was inhibited by 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide(4-damp)and small interfering(siRNA)and Chrm3 overexpression was achieved by lentivirus transfection.For 4-damp inhibition,cells were divided into control,LPS,and inhibitor groups,and for siRNA transfection,cells were divided into control,LPS,si-normal control group,and si-Chrm3 groups.For overexpression,cells were divided into control,LPS,negative control,and overexpression groups.Changes in Chrm3 in response to LPS stimulation were verified by Western blot.The effects of 4-damp,si-Chrm3,and lentivirus on cell inflammation and survival were confirmed by Cell Counting Kit-8,quantitative polymerase chain reaction,and Western blot assays.Results Chrm3 protein expression was significantly elevated in Lbp-/-peritoneal macrophages post-LPS stimulation(P<0.001),whereas there was no notable change in wild-type cells.The cell survival rate was significantly increased in the 4-damp and si-Chrm3 groups(P<0.05,P<0.01),and cell survival was significantly reduced in the overexpression group(P<0.01).Furthermore,4-damp and si-Chrm3 significantly reduced expression levels of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6(P<0.01,P<0.001),and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK)(P<0.01,P<0.001),which are associated with cell damage and inflammation.In contrast,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6(P<0.001),and p-ERK protein(P<0.001)were significantly elevated in the overexpression group.Conclusions LPS stimulation upregulated the expression of Chrm3 and proinflammatory cytokines in Lbp-/-peritoneal macrophages.Specific downregulation of Chrm3 by 4-damp and si-Chrm3 significantly decreased LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines in Lbp-/-peritoneal macrophages,while upregulation of Chrm3 using overexpressing lentivirus significantly elevated the expression of related inflammatory factors.Chrm3 is implicated in the regulation of the LPS-induced inflammation response in peritoneal macrophages in Lbp-/-mice.
5.Analysis of Chemical Constituents and Blood-Absorbed Ingredients of Heihuang Chizhu Granules by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Yiwei HUANG ; Lijiao HUANG ; Junhua HU ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Chenfeng ZHANG ; Zhongkun XU ; Yat-ing LI ; Juan FU ; Wei XIAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):749-765
OBJECTIVE To analyze the chemical constituents of Heihuang Chizhu Granules and the blood composition of rats af-ter administration by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.METHODS A Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(3 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm)was eluted with acetonitrile-0.1%formic acid as mobile phase,and the data were collected in electrospray ion source positive and neg-ative ion mode and then identified with the reference retention time,precise molecular weight,secondary fragment ions,and references to relevant literature.RESULTS A total of 104 chemical components were identified from Heihuang Chizhu Granules,including 26 flavonoids,24 organic acids,14 triterpenoids,8 terpenoids,7 phenylpropanoids,11 monoglycosides,and 14 other components(phe-nols,alkaloids,etc.).On this basis,39 blood-entering components were identified in the plasma of rats administered via gavage,in-cluding 28 prototypes and 11 metabolites.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents of Heihuang Chizhu Granules and the compo-nents entering the blood of rats are analyzed and identified for the first time in this study,and the results provide a scientific basis for the basic research of Heihuang Chizhu Granules and the establishment of process quality control standards.
6.Adra1a regulates LPS-induced inflammation in primary hepatocytes of Lbp-/-mice
Chuanliang MI ; Bin FU ; Sidi LI ; Zhida CHEN ; Zhongkun GUO ; Kezhou WANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(5):84-91
Objective To explore the role of Adra1a in regulating the LPS-induced inflammation response in primary hepatocytes of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein knockout(Lbp-/-)mice.Methods Primary hepatocytes were extracted from WT and Lbp-/-mice using a two-step perfusion method,and an inflammation model was established using LPS induction.Expression of Adra1a in primary hepatocytes of Lbp-/-mice was suppressed by administering the inhibitor prazosin and transfection with si-Adra1a.The cells were divided into three groups under inhibitor conditions:control group A,LPS group A,and prazosin group.For siRNA transfection,cells were also divided into groups:control group B,LPS group B,si-NC group,and si-Adra1a group.WT primary hepatocytes were divided into two groups:control group(blank)and LPS group(12 h stimulation).Changes in the Adra1a response to LPS stimulation were verified by Western blot.Other method ologies,such as CCK-8,qRT-PCR,and Western blot assays,were used to confirm improvements in cell inflammation and the survival rate by prazosin and si-Adra1a.Results Significant elevation in Adra1a protein expression in Lbp-/-primary hepatocytes was observed post-LPS stimulation(P<0.01),whereas no notable change was found in the wildtype.A remarkable increase in the cell survival rate was noted in prazosin and si-Adra1a groups(P<0.01,P<0.05).Furthermore,prazosin and si-Adra1a groups exhibited significantly reduced expression of proinflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-1 β(P<O.01),p-p38,p-ERK,and p-JNK(P<0.01),which are associated with cell damage and inflammation.Conclusions Following LPS stimulation,upregulation of Adra1a and proinflammatory cytokine expression was observed in Lbp-/-primary hepatocytes.Specific downregulation of Adra1a expression using prazosin and si-Adra1a significantly decreased LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines in Lbp-/-primary hepatocytes.Adra1a is implicated in the regulation of the LPS-induced inflammation response in primary hepatocytes of Lbp-/-mice.
7.Effects of Bifidobacterium Combined with L-carnitine on Intestinal Flora of Dysbacteriosis Diarrhea Model Rats
Chongjuan WANG ; Jinyan ZHOU ; Chongjing WANG ; Yueqin LIANG ; Yudan ZHU ; Xingxing WANG ; Zhongkun LI
China Pharmacy 2021;32(6):682-690
OBJECTIVE:To study the effect s of Bifidobacterium combined with L-carnitine on intestinal flora of dysbacteriosis diarrhea model rats. METHODS :Totally 30 SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group ,model group ,probiotics group(Bifidobacterium triple viable enteric coated capsules 70 mg/mL),L-carnitine group (L-carnitine injection 50 mg/mL)and L-carnitine+probiotics group (L-carnitine injection 50 mg/mL+Bifidobacterium triple viable enteric coated capsules 70 mg/mL). Except for blank control group ,the rats in other groups were given 50 mg/mL clindamycin phosphate intragastrically (2 mL/rat, once a day ,for 4 consecutive days )to establish the model of dysbacteriosis diarrhea. On the 5th day of the experiment ,the rats in administration groups were given corresponding drugs intragastrically ,blank control group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline intragastrically ;with the dosage volume of 1 mL/rat,once a day ,for consecutive 7 days. The general situation of rats in each group was observed during the experiment. The feces of normal control group and model group at the end of the modeling and the feces of the rats in administration group after the last administration were collected for genomic DNA extraction,polymerase chain reaction amplification ,library construction and high-throughput sequencing. After processing ,the effective data were analyzed by operational taxonomic unitsclustering and species annotation ,as well as Alpha and Beta diversity of compared with blank control group ,grade 1 feces and grade 2feces were found in model group. The diversity and richness of intestinal flora ,the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and zhongjuanwang7@163.com the abundance of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Ackermann were significantly decreased (P<0.05),while the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Enterococcus was significantly increased (P<0.05). At the end of the recovery period ,compared with model group ,the activity,fecal morphology and color of rats in probiotics group ,L-carnitine group and L-carnitine+probiotics group returned to normal,and the diversity and richness of intestinal flora had no significant difference (P>0.05). However ,the abundance of Lactobacillus in intestinal tract was increased to a certain extent ,and the abundance of Ackermann in intestinal tract of rats in L-carnitine+probiotics group was significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS :Although Bifidobacterium combined with L-carnitine have no significant effect on improving the diversity and richness of intestinal flora in dysbacteriosis diarrhea model rats,it could increase the abundance of probiotics to a certain extent.
8.Analysis of clinical features in pulmonary lymphoma
Lu LIU ; Hui LI ; Na XU ; Zhongkun LI ; Hong XIA ; Hongtao REN ; Hao YU ; Na LI ; Huizheng BAO
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2018;27(12):731-734,739
Objective To investigate the clinical features of pulmonary lymphoma and to get a better understanding of this disease. Methods Clinical data of 253 lymphoma patients in the Department of Lymphoma and Hematology in Jilin Cancer Hospital from October 2014 to March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 30 cases of pulmonary lymphoma (lung lymphoma group) and 223 cases of non-pulmonary lymphoma (the control group). Rate assay and latex turbidimetry was used to detect lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and β2macroglobulin (β2-MG) respectively. The expressions of programmed death 1 (PD-1), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) in peripheral blood CD4 +CD8 +T lymphocytes were detected by using flow cytometry. The count and measurement data of both groups were compared by using χ 2test and t test respectively. Results The patients in pulmonary lymphoma group showed secondary lesions. The proportion of smoking people in pulmonary lymphoma group was higher than that in the control group [43.3 % (13/30) vs. 24.2 % (54/223), χ 2= 4.964, P= 0.026]. The proportion of the patients in Ⅲ-Ⅳ stage in pulmonary lymphoma group was higher than that in the control group [93.3 % (28/30) vs. 57.0 % (127/223), χ2= 14.750, P < 0.001]. The proportion of the patients with higher international prognostic index (IPI) score in pulmonary lymphoma group was higher than that in the control group (χ2= 21.888, P < 0.001). The proportion of the patients with increased expression of β2-MG in pulmonary lymphoma group was higher compared with the control group [66.7 % (20/30) vs. 50.2 % (112/223), χ2=6.682, P =0.091]. The proportion of the patients with the increased LDH was higher compared with the control group [63.3 % (19/30) vs. 41.5 % (86/223)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ2= 6.682, P = 0.010). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the common pathological type in pulmonary lymphoma group (15 cases), followed by Hodgkin lymphoma (7 cases); imaging showed single mass or nodular type, multiple masses or nodular type, bilateral pulmonary infiltration, pleural effusion were 36.7 % (11/30), 30.0 % (9/30), 63.3 % (19/30) and 36.7 % (11/30), respectively. There were no statistical differences in the protein expression of immune check points such as PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in both groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions Pulmonary DLBCL should be considered a secondary disease, but not a primary lesion. Smoking history is a risk factor for lymphoma patients with pulmonary involvement. Pulmonary lymphoma is similar to other extra-nodal lymphoma with high IPI scores, advanced stage and elevated LDH.
9.Analysis of the Utilization of Pediatric Prescription Drugs in the Inpatient Department of Our Hospital during 2008-2014
Yueqin LIANG ; Feilong TANG ; Xi GU ; Heng WANG ; Zhongkun LI
China Pharmacy 2015;(32):4482-4484
OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for rational drug use in pediatric department. METHODS:The utilization of pe-diatric prescription drugs in inpatient department of our hospital during 2008 to 2014 was analyzed in respects of number,consump-tion sum,DDDs,etc. RESULTS:The consumption sum of antimicrobial drugs increased from 657 000 yuan in 2008 to 1 453 000 yuan in 2014. The consumption sum of creatine phosphate sodium increased from 384 000 yuan in 2012 to 889 000 yuan in 2014. The consumption sum of Lysine hydrochloride and sodium chloride injection entered the top 5 in 2014,reaching 205 000 yuan. The consumption sum of essential medicines changed greatly due to varieties. Top 5 antimicrobial drugs in the list of DDDs mainly wereβ-lactam,showing a descreasing trend on the whole. CONCLUSIONS:There are some problems in use of part drugs. It is need to strengthen propaganda and intervention of rational drug use.
10.Mechanism of Baicalin on High Altitude Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia on Mice
Yuanyuan LI ; Zhongkun REN ; Hui YANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2015;(8):1693-1699
This study was aimed to explore the mechanism of baicalin on high altitude cerebral hypoxia-ischemia on mice and its influence on related target protein expressions. Morris water maze was used to screen 50 Kunming mice, which were randomly divided into the model group, control group, the low dose (0.05 mg·kg-1), middle dose (0.20 mg·kg-1) and high dose (0.60 mg·kg-1) baicalin group, with 10 rats in each group. The space memory and learning ability of mice were tested. The animal cabin with low oxygen (simulating at 4 000 m altitude) was used to establish the stable high altitude cerebral hypoxia-ischemia mouse model. Changes on SOD content, GSH-PX activities and MDA content in hippocampal tissues of mice were detected. The expressions of different target proteins, including cleaved-caspase 3, P-AKT, GFAP, Bax and Bcl-2 in brain stem of mice were detected by western blot. The results showed that the latent period of the model group was obviously longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The latent period of high dose baicalin group was shorter than the model group with significant difference (P< 0.05). Therefore, the best effective dose of baicalin was 0.60 mg·kg-1. Compared with the control group, the content of MDA in the hippocampal tissues of mice in the model group was significantly increased; the SOD and GSH-PX activity were obviously reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the SOD and GSH-PX activity were obviously increased in the brain tissues of mice in the high dose baicalin group; and the content of MDA was obviously reduced (P < 0.05). From the level of protein changes, the stripes of cleaved-caspase 3, P-AKT, GFAP protein expressions in the model group were strengthened compared to the control group; the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was also obviously increased (P < 0.05). The expression of the baicalin group was lower than that of the model group (P < 0.05). Among them, the expression of the high dose baicalin group was the lowest. It had certain dose-response relationship. It was concluded that baicalin had protective effect on high altitude cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. Its mechanism may be related to its powerful oxidation resistance and its inhibition on expression of different target proteins, including cleaved-caspase 3, P-AKT, GFAP, Bax, Bcl-2 for the change of apoptotic pathway.

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