1.Ethical issues of brain data
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):151-158
With the rapid development and application of cutting-edge neurotechnology, the ethical issues of brain data have become a research hotspot. Brain data, which directly accesses humans’ thoughts and the “loss of control” state under intentional control, deconstructs the subjects’ exclusive right to access their own brain, thereby comprehensively challenging human privacy. The subjects cannot fully control which brain activity signals are collected, and the decoded results of brain data violate the subjects’ autonomy while applying brain data to unknown purposes, posing challenges to informed consent. Brain data describes who you are from a “super first-person” perspective, and it can even “forge” a real first-person perspective to describe who you are. The external presentation of brain data analysis results involves ethical issues in three dimensions, namely, what should be presented, how others treat the analysis results of brain data, and the ethical risks brought about by presenting information in brain data. The governance strategies on the ethical issues of brain data require improving the relevant laws of brain data supervision, refining the ethical principles for brain data applications, leveraging the leading role of the government, and strengthening international cooperation.
2.Influencing Factors of Urate Crystal Deposition in Patients with Hyperuricemia and Prediction Model of TCM Syndrome Types-inflammatory Indicators
Jiaqi XU ; Bin AI ; Chao LIN ; Qiaoxuan LIN ; Changning LI ; Jing CAI ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO ; Youxin SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):66-73
ObjectiveTo identify potential influencing factors of urate crystal deposition at ankle/foot in patients with hyperuricemia (HUA), and to analyze the predictive value of inflammatory indicators for urate crystal deposition in patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, so as to provide potential reference for clinical risk assessment and individualized TCM intervention. MethodsA retrospective study was carried out with the enrollment of 231 HUA patients from The Third Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2021 and December 2024. The enrolled patients were further divided into a crystal deposition-positive group (143 cases) and a crystal deposition-negative group (88 cases) according to the results of dual-energy computed tomography (CT). Sociodemographic data, living habits, serum uric acid levels, and inflammatory indicators of the enrolled patients were collcted, and TCM syndrome differentiation was performed. Furthermore, univariate analysis was used to compare inter-group differences in clinical characteristics. MMultivariate Logistic regression was applied to identify the influencing factors of urate crystal deposition. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive efficacy of inflammatory indicators for crystal deposition across different TCM syndromes. ResultsThere were statistically significant inter-group differences in the proportion of males, age, body mass index, proportion of mental labor, rate of low water intake, and rate of high-sugar beverage consumption (P<0.05),whereas no significant difference in low exercise intensity was found between the two groups. Furthermore, compared with the negative group, the positive group had higher serum uric acid level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), but lower systemic immune-inflammation index (SIRI) (P<0.05). Regarding the distribution of TCM syndromes, the positive group was dominated by the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome (55/143,38.46%), while the negative group was mainly characterized by the phlegm-turbidity obstruction syndrome (44/88,50.00%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that high-sugar beverage consumption, elevated NLR, and elevated PLR were risk factors for urate crystal deposition [odd ratio (OR) = 8.002, 5.377, 1.034, respectively; 95% CI 1.572-40.732, 2.179-13.270, 1.013-1.054,all P<0.05], while SIRI was a protective factor (OR = 0.869, 95% CI 0.778-0.971, P<0.05). In the positive group, patients with the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome exhibited the highest NLR, while the lowest PLR and SIRI, showing statistically significant differences with those of other syndromes (all P<0.05). In addition, ROC curve analysis indicated that for the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome, the combined "NLR + PLR" model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.901 (95% CI 0.850-0.951, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 79.5%; for the blood stasis-heat obstruction syndrome, the combined "NLR + PLR" model had an AUC of 0.880 (95% CI 0.825-0.934, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 67.3%; for the liver-kidney Yin-deficiency syndrome, the single PLR model had an AUC of 0.842 (95% CI 0.731-0.952, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 84.0%. ConclusionUrate crystal deposition in HUA patients exhibits intimate associations with high-sugar beverage consumption as well as elevated NLR and PLR levels. Meanwhile, TCM syndrome differentiation has potential correlation with inflammatory characteristics. The inflammatory indicator-based prediction model constructed based on TCM syndromes exhibits good predictive value.
3.Targeted fluorescent imaging probes for detecting the spatial distribution of VEGF in the retinas of rats with radiation retinopathy
Yunhe DING ; Bin WANG ; Feng LIU ; Zhiyang ZHANG ; Haibei DONG ; Wenwen GUO ; Haitao YIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):567-572
AIM: To detect the distribution and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in radiation retinopathy(RR)through fluorescence targeted imaging.METHODS:Covalent binding of fluorescein FITC with VEGF antibody ranibizumab to prepare targeted fluorescent imaging probe ranibizumab-FITC. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups based on the principle of weight balance: a normal control group(Con group), a low-dose radiation group(10 Gy group), and a high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group). Medical linear accelerators and lead blocks were used to locally irradiate the rat eyeballs for modeling. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of VEGF-A in each group and to screen for appropriate modeling dose. The inverted fluorescence microscope and the confocal microscope were used to observe the distribution of VEGF and imaging probes in the retinas of control and RR model group rats, and to verify the effectiveness of targeted probes.RESULTS:The expression level of VEGF-A in the retina of rats in the high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group)was higher than that in the normal control group(Con group). In early RR, VEGF expression was observed to be associated with microaneurysms and abnormal microvessels in the retina. VEGF accumulation was observed at the site of capillary wall damage. When retinal capillary endothelial damage occurred, targeted probes gathered on the outer surface of the vessel wall.CONCLUSION:The expression level of VEGF in the retina of RR model rats is elevated, and fluorescent targeted molecular imaging probes can detect the spatial distribution of VEGF at the microvascular lesions in the retina of RR rats.
4.Research progress of luteolin in ocular diseases
Sijie HE ; Bin GUO ; Wenjun JIANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):651-656
Natural flavonoids have attracted considerable attention owing to their favorable biosafety profiles and multiple pharmacological properties in recent years. Luteolin, a representative flavonoid compound, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and neuroprotective effects in multiple ocular disease models by modulating key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/HO-1, and AGE-RAGE. Accumulating experimental evidence supports the potential application of luteolin in various ocular diseases, including corneal and ocular surface diseases, inflammatory eye diseases, glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. However, clinical evidence remains limited. This review systematically summarizes research progress on luteolin in ocular diseases over the past five years, analyzes its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential, and discusses future directions,so as toprovide a theoretical basis for clinical translation.
5.Effect of Shaoyao Gancaotang on Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Rats with Limb Spasticity of Cerebral Apoplexy
Runbo WU ; Chunxue MENG ; Fei WANG ; Qianxi NA ; Bin GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):11-20
ObjectiveThis paper aims to analyze the damage degree of muscle tone in rats with spasticity of cerebral apoplexy (SCA) and the expression of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex, thereby investigating the action mechanism of different doses of Shaoyao Gancaotang on rats with SCA. MethodsThe rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a positive control group (baclofen, 5.25 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Shaoyao Gancaotang (2.1, 4.2, 8.4 g·kg-1), with nine rats in each group. A rat model with SCA was established by using a modified phrenic nerve block combined with intraventricular injection of anhydrous ethanol. Following behavioral scoring to confirm model validity, drug interventions were conducted. Neurological deficits and muscle tone were evaluated by behavioral assessments. The open field test was used to measure locomotor distance. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the synaptic structures. Skeletal muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase staining was used to analyze myofibrillar changes. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histomorphological changes. Immunohistochemistry, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot were employed to detect mRNA levels and protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), markedly elevated muscle tone scores (P<0.01), substantially reduced locomotor distance (P<0.01), prominent structural swelling and blurring, severe destruction of cerebral cortical cells, a significant increase in the proportion of skeletal muscle ATPase type Ⅰ fibers (P<0.01), a significant decrease in mRNA levels and protein expression of Nestin (P<0.01), and a significant increase in mRNA levels and protein expression of β-catenin (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyao Gancaotang group exhibited reduced neurological deficit scores and muscle tone scores in rats with SCA (P<0.01) and increased locomotor distance (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed clearer and more intact synaptic structures in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group, with increased vesicle numbers and improved morphology. HE staining revealed intact neuronal cell structures with regular arrangement and reduced vacuolated cells in the rats from Shaoyao Gancaotang. ATPase staining result indicated a decreased proportion of type Ⅰ muscle fibers in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Real-time PCR results demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated elevated protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in rats with SCA from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyao Gancaotang may improve neurological function impairment and limb spasticity in model rats with SCA by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the cerebral cortex M1 region.
6.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.
7.Impact of social capital, adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms on suicidal behavior among vocational high school students
YU Bin, YAN Jingyan, CHEN Xinguang, GUO Yan, LI Fang, YAN Hong, XIAO Chenchang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):506-511
Objective:
To explore the nonlinear dynamic effects of social capital, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depressive symptoms on suicidal behavior among vocational high school students, so as to provide theoretical basis and practical references for formulating suicide prevention strategies.
Methods:
A convenience sampling method was employed to include 668 students from a vocational high school from Wuhan in March 2023. Social capital was used as the asymmetry variable, while ACEs and depressive symptoms were used as bifurcation variables, a cusp catastrophe model was constructed to analyze the nonlinear changes in suicidal behavior among vocational high school students, and its fit was compared with linear and Logistic regression models.
Results:
Among students in the health vocational high school in Wuhan, only suicidal ideation accounted for 8.5%, only suicide attempt for 18.6%, neither accounted for 31.9%, and both for 41.0%. Gender, left behind experience, family economic status, parental parenting styles, depressive symptoms, social capital, and ACEs were all related factors influencing suicidal behavior among vocational high school students ( χ 2/H=19.03, 13.33, 21.11, 46.70, 144.38, 24.61, 118.77, all P <0.05). Violin plots showed a bimodal distribution of suicidal behavior, indicating nonlinear variation characteristics. The cusp catastrophe model results showed that social capital was negatively correlated with suicidal behavior, but the relationship was bifurcated by ACEs ( α social capital = -0.006 , β ACEs =0.075) and depressive symptoms ( α social capital =-0.013, β depressive =0.028) (all P <0.05). When both ACEs and depressive symptoms coexisted, the impact of ACEs was stronger ( β ACEs =0.077, β depressive =0.014) (both P <0.05). The cusp catastrophe model fitted ( R 2=0.886, 0.881, 0.882) better than the linear ( R 2=0.258, 0.219, 0.258) and Logistic regression models ( R 2= 0.242, 0.211 , 0.176). Gender stratified analysis results showed that bifurcation effect of ACEs was stronger in males than in females( β boys =0.224, β girls =0.086); in females, both ACEs and depressive symptoms had a bifurcation effect, with the former showing a stronger effect ( β ACEs =0.062, β depressive =0.015) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Suicidal behavior among vocational high school students exhibits nonlinear characteristics. Improving social capital to reducing ACEs and depressive symptoms may contribute to decreasing adolescent suicidal behaviors.
8.Finite element analysis of internal fixation with new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle for distal type A2 femur fractures
Xinlin YU ; Huiyu CHEN ; Yingying WANG ; Weizhong GUO ; Bin FENG ; Chengshou LIN ; Wang LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):546-552
BACKGROUND:Plate fixation is the mainstream method for the surgical treatment of distal femoral fractures.The intramedullary nailing has the advantages of minimally invasive,such as less soft tissue injury and bone blood supply destruction.At the same time,it is a central fixation and has better biomechanical effect.Therefore,retrograde intramedullary nailing has become another option for the internal fixation of distal femoral fractures.OBJECTIVE:The biomechanical characteristics of new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle,common femoral retrograde intramedullary nail,and lateral femur condyle anatomical locking plate for the treatment of A2-type distal femoral fractures were compared using finite element analysis,and the advantages of new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle was studied.METHODS:A new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle was designed,which was inserted into the bone cortex in front of the insertion point of the lateral collateral ligament of the lateral femoral condyle.A CT scan was performed on the lower limb bone of a male volunteer,and a three-dimensional model of the femur was established.The model was then segmented to create a three-dimensional model of a femoral distal A2-type fracture,The three-dimensional models of small(small group),standard type retrograde intramedullary nail on the lateral femoral condyle(standard group),common retrograde intramedullary needle(common group),and lateral femur condyle anatomical locking plate(plate group)were established respectively.The axial stresses of 600,1 800 N and the torsional load of 4 000,8 000 N·mm were applied to the models,and the displacement and stress of femur and the displacement,stress and shear force of internal fixators were observed in each group.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When subjected to axial load of 600 and 1 800 N,the femoral peak displacement,the femoral peak stress,and the peak stress of interal fixation in the standard group were the lowest among the four groups.(2)When subjected to torsional load of 4 000 and 8 000 N·mm,the femoral peak displacement and peak displacement of the internal fixation in the standard group were the lowest among the four groups.(3)Compared with femoral lateral condylar locking plate and common retrograde intramedullary needle,the new retrograde intramedullary needle on lateral femur condyle has mechanical advantages of reducing stress concentration and decreasing the risk of internal fixation failure.
9.Finite element analysis of internal fixation with new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle for distal type A2 femur fractures
Xinlin YU ; Huiyu CHEN ; Yingying WANG ; Weizhong GUO ; Bin FENG ; Chengshou LIN ; Wang LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):546-552
BACKGROUND:Plate fixation is the mainstream method for the surgical treatment of distal femoral fractures.The intramedullary nailing has the advantages of minimally invasive,such as less soft tissue injury and bone blood supply destruction.At the same time,it is a central fixation and has better biomechanical effect.Therefore,retrograde intramedullary nailing has become another option for the internal fixation of distal femoral fractures.OBJECTIVE:The biomechanical characteristics of new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle,common femoral retrograde intramedullary nail,and lateral femur condyle anatomical locking plate for the treatment of A2-type distal femoral fractures were compared using finite element analysis,and the advantages of new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle was studied.METHODS:A new retrograde intramedullary nail on lateral femur condyle was designed,which was inserted into the bone cortex in front of the insertion point of the lateral collateral ligament of the lateral femoral condyle.A CT scan was performed on the lower limb bone of a male volunteer,and a three-dimensional model of the femur was established.The model was then segmented to create a three-dimensional model of a femoral distal A2-type fracture,The three-dimensional models of small(small group),standard type retrograde intramedullary nail on the lateral femoral condyle(standard group),common retrograde intramedullary needle(common group),and lateral femur condyle anatomical locking plate(plate group)were established respectively.The axial stresses of 600,1 800 N and the torsional load of 4 000,8 000 N·mm were applied to the models,and the displacement and stress of femur and the displacement,stress and shear force of internal fixators were observed in each group.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When subjected to axial load of 600 and 1 800 N,the femoral peak displacement,the femoral peak stress,and the peak stress of interal fixation in the standard group were the lowest among the four groups.(2)When subjected to torsional load of 4 000 and 8 000 N·mm,the femoral peak displacement and peak displacement of the internal fixation in the standard group were the lowest among the four groups.(3)Compared with femoral lateral condylar locking plate and common retrograde intramedullary needle,the new retrograde intramedullary needle on lateral femur condyle has mechanical advantages of reducing stress concentration and decreasing the risk of internal fixation failure.
10.Mechanism of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome to improve renal damage in diabetic nephropathy db/db mice.
Yun-Jie YANG ; Bin-Hua YE ; Chen QIU ; Han-Qing WU ; Bo-Wei HUANG ; Tong WANG ; Shi-Wei RUAN ; Fang GUO ; Jian-Ting WANG ; Ming-Qian JIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2740-2749
This study aims to explore the mechanism through which Yishen Jiangtang Decoction(YSJTD) regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-mediated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome to improve diabetic nephropathy(DN) in db/db mice. Thirty db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group, YSJTD group, ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA) group, with 10 mice in each group. Additionally, 10 db/m mice were selected as the control group. The YSJTD group was orally administered YSJTD at a dose of 0.01 mL·g~(-1), the 4-PBA group was orally administered 4-PBA at a dose of 0.5 mg·g~(-1), and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of carboxylmethyl cellulose sodium. The treatments were administered once daily for 8 weeks. Food intake, water consumption, and body weight were recorded every 2 weeks. After the intervention, fasting blood glucose(FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), urine microalbumin(U-mALB), 24-hour urine volume, serum creatinine(Scr), and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) were measured. Inflammatory markers interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interleukin-18(IL-18) were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Renal pathology was assessed through hematoxylin-eosin(HE), periodic acid-Schiff(PAS), and Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(caspase-1), and gasdermin D(GSDMD) in kidney tissues. The results showed that compared to the control group, the model group exhibited poor general condition, increased weight and food and water intake, and significantly higher levels of FBG, HbA1c, U-mALB, kidney index, 24-hour urine volume, IL-1β, and IL-18. Compared to the model group, the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed improved general condition, increased body weight, decreased food intake, and lower levels of FBG, U-mALB, kidney index, 24-hour urine volume, and IL-1β. Specifically, the YSJTD group showed a significant reduction in IL-18 levels compared to the model group, while the 4-PBA group exhibited decreased water intake and HbA1c levels compared to the model group. Although there was a decreasing trend in water intake and HbA1c in the YSJTD group, the differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in BUN, Scr, and kidney weight among the groups. Renal pathology revealed that the model group exhibited more severe renal damage compared to the control group. Kidney sections from the model group showed diffuse mesangial proliferation in the glomeruli, tubular edema, tubular dilation, significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the interstitium, and increased glycogen staining and blue collagen deposition in the basement membrane. In contrast, the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed varying degrees of improvement in renal damage, glycogen staining, and collagen deposition, with the YSJTD group showing more significant improvements. TEM analysis indicated that the model group had extensive cytoplasmic edema, homogeneous thickening of the basement membrane, fewer foot processes, and widening of fused foot processes. In the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups, cytoplasmic swelling of renal tissues was reduced, the basement membrane remained intact and uniform, and foot process fusion improved.Western blot results indicated that compared to the control group, the model group showed upregulation of GRP78, CHOP, GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 expression. In contrast, both the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed downregulation of these markers compared to the model group. These findings suggest that YSJTD exerts a protective effect against DN by alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the inhibition of ERS, thereby improving the inflammatory response in db/db DN mice.
Animals
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Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*
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Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice
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Inflammasomes/drug effects*
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Male
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Kidney/pathology*
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Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP
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Humans
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Interleukin-18/genetics*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL


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