1.Intervention of Exercise Combined with Shenghui Tang in M1AChR Regulation of Mitochondrial Autophagy Improves Learning and Memory Ability of Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats
Xiaoxue TAO ; Min XIAO ; Kunyang TANG ; Bo WANG ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Rongxiang LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):120-130
ObjectiveTo make clear exercise combined with Shenghui Tang interferes in acetylcholine receptor (M1AChR) to improve mitochondrial autophagy and enhance cognition of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats through the adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Shenghui Tang group (9.3 g·kg-1), an exercise group, an exercise + Shenghui Tang group (9.3 g·kg-1), and a rapamycin group (1.5 mg·kg-1). Except for the blank group, the rat model of AD was constructed by injecting amyloid beta (Aβ1-42) into hippocampus stereotaxically. The exercise group received treadmill exercise for 4 weeks, while the Shenghui Tang group received intragastric administration for 4 weeks, and the exercise + Shenghui Tang group received treadmill exercise and intragastric administration of Shenghui Tang for 4 weeks simultaneously. After the intervention, the Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability. Spontaneous behavior was observed in the open field test. The pathological structure of hippocampal neurons was observed by NISSl staining. The expression level of M1AChR in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The autophagy ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The expression of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3β (LC3β) was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein expression of M1AChR, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR, Beclin1, LC3β, and chelate 1 (SQSTM1/p62) in hippocampus was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day (P<0.01) and significantly decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform (P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed obviously decreased (P<0.05). The arrangement of nerve cells in hippocampus CA1 region was dispersed, and the numbers of Nissl bodies and M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). The typical autophagic lysosomal structure decreased. The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the exercise + Shenghui Tang group exhibited obviously improved space exploration and positioning navigation ability (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed of movement significantly increased (P<0.01). The number of Nissl bodies significantly increased (P<0.01). The number of M1AChR positive cells in hippocampus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the exercise + Shenghui Tang group, the Shenghui Tang group and the exercise group showed significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day (P<0.01) and obviously decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed of movement significantly decreased (P<0.01). The number of Nissl bodies and the number of M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was obviously increased (P<0.05). Ultrastructure of the hippocampal region showed decreased autophagy level. The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus was obviously decreased in the Shenghui Tang group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). In the exercise group, the protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise combined with traditional Chinese medicine can enhance the expression of M1AChR in the hippocampus of AD model rats, induce autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.
2.Effect and Mechanism of Icariin on Improving Spermatogenesis in Exercise-induced Fatigue Model Mice Through Regucalcin
Kunyang TANG ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Xiaoxue TAO ; Yue ZOU ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):117-127
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group, model group, vitamin C group, icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses, and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group, with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group, all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four, the icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses received 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g·kg-1 icariin via gavage, respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment, body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular testosterone (T), testicular Ca2+/Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (micro-assay), and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the testicular morphometric score (TMS) was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin (RGN, SMP30), cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein (GKAP1) was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), and transition protein 1(TNP1) in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), significantly increased fatigue markers (LA, LDH, and BUN) and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01), reduced testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), decreased sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and downregulated the expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1. Compared with the model group, the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), reduced LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.01), upregulated testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), improved sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and enhanced STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group, the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01) and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice, thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1, thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.
3.Effect and Mechanism of Icariin on Improving Spermatogenesis in Exercise-induced Fatigue Model Mice Through Regucalcin
Kunyang TANG ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Xiaoxue TAO ; Yue ZOU ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):117-127
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group, model group, vitamin C group, icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses, and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group, with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group, all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four, the icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses received 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g·kg-1 icariin via gavage, respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment, body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular testosterone (T), testicular Ca2+/Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (micro-assay), and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the testicular morphometric score (TMS) was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin (RGN, SMP30), cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein (GKAP1) was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), and transition protein 1(TNP1) in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), significantly increased fatigue markers (LA, LDH, and BUN) and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01), reduced testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), decreased sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and downregulated the expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1. Compared with the model group, the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), reduced LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.01), upregulated testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), improved sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and enhanced STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group, the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01) and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice, thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1, thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.
4.Effects of parthenolide on systemic inflammation and intestinal injury in rats with acute pancreatitis
Yanan ZHAO ; Rui ZHANG ; Shuling WANG ; Chunchun YANG ; Yang WANG ; Mingyue YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):704-709
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of parthenolide (PLT) on systemic inflammation and intestinal injury in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP) by regulating the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. METHODS AP rat model was established by injecting 3.5% sodium taurine cholate solution (1 mL/kg) into the biliary pancreatic duct, and modeled rats were divided into AP group, PLT (300 µg/kg) group, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) group, inhibitor (11 mg/kg Nrf2 inhibitor ML385) group, and PLT+inhibitor group (300 µg/kg PLT+11 mg/kg ML385), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 rats were taken as a sham operation group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline via tail vein/intraperitoneal injection once. After 24 h, serum lipase and amylase levels, the levels of oxidative stress index [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] and inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] were detected. The histopathological changes in colon mucosa and pancreas were observed, and Chiu and Schmidt scores were performed. The cell apoptosis in colon mucosa and the protein expressions of Keap1, Nrf2 and HO-1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group, there was obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in colon mucosa and pancreatic tissue, cell shedding or tissue necrosis and severe bleeding; serum levels of lipase, amylase, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, Chiu and Schmidt scores, apoptotic rate and protein expression of Keap1 in colonic mucosa were significantly increased or up-regulated, while SOD level and protein expressions of Nrf2 20230993) and HO-1 were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the AP group, the above indexes in the PLT group and dexamethasone group were significantly improved, while those in the inhibitor group further deteriorated (P<0.05). Inhibitor could significantly reverse the improvement effect of PLT on the above indexes in AP rats (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS PLT inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in AP rats, alleviates intestinal damage, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting protein expression of Keap1 and activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
5.The clinical analysis of endoscopic pancreaticobiliary separation in the treatment of occult pancreaticobiliary reflux
Cheng ZHANG ; Yulong YANG ; Hai HU ; Gang ZHAO ; Meiju LIN ; Yuefeng MA ; Chunchun QI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2019;34(2):147-150
Objective To evaluate endoscopic pancreaticobiliary separation (EPBS) in patients with gallstone and occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (OPBR).Methods The clinical data of 47 cases with gallstone and OPBR from Oct 2013 to Oct 2016 was analyzed retrospectively.Results The mean gallbladder bile amylase (GBA) was (864 ± 575) U/L.40 cases have undergone the treatment of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.26 cases were diagnosed as duodenal papillitis,16 cases as periampullary diverticula,14 cases as long nipple,5 cases as atrophic papilla,3 cases as ampulla stone and 2 cases as papillary tumor.9 were diagnosed as pancreaticobiliary maljunction in the 14 patients with long nipple.33 cases were performed with EPBS.GBA was tested in 16 cases,and the GBA of 15 cases returned to normal level.The difference of GBA was statistically significant [(1 161 ±764) U/L vs.(47 ± 17) U/L,(t =5.641,P < 0.05)].Patients were followed up for 1 to 4 years,among 36 cases without cholecystectomy,there was no recurrence of cholecystolithiasis after EPBS in 27 cases,but 2 cases had recurrent gallstones in 9 cases without EPBS,and the difference of gallstone recurrence rate was statistically significant (x2 =21.340,P < 0.05).Conclusions Pancreaticobiliary junction diseases is an important cause for gallstone formation and OPBR.EPBS can avoid pancreaticobiliary reflux and reduce the recurrence rate of gallstone after choledochoscopic lithotomy.
6. The coping styles and its relationship with quality of life among 1 968 female breast cancer patients in Shanghai in 2014
Qinglong DENG ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Ruoyu HU ; Jiwei WANG ; Jinming YU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2017;51(8):686-691
Objective:
To study the coping styles and its relationship with quality of life among part of the female breast cancer patients in Shanghai in 2014.
Methods:
In August of 2014, 1-3 block groups affiliated to Shanghai Cancer Rehabilitation Club were selected from each of the 17 districts of Shanghai by convenient sampling method. Respondents were recruited from these block groups via putting up posters in the community or top three hospitals nearby. The inclusion criteria were as follows: female, aged from 18 to 80 years old; the initial diagnosis or primary tumor was breast cancer, and active treatments including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were finished; capable of basic reading and comprehension, and there was no communication disorder; daily activities were not limited, and with no mental disorder or dysgnosia. Totally 2 205 respondents were included. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the information of demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, result of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and result of the Ways of Coping Inventory-Cancer Version (WOC-CA). 1 968 valid questionnaires were withdrawn. The results of respondent characteristics and WOC-CA were under descriptive analysis, and the differences of coping styles among groups of different demographic characteristics were compared using
7.Discussion on cultivation and methodology of four-drug combination-induced differentiation in mouse preadipocytes 3T3-L1 cells
Huizhi SUN ; Derun TIAN ; Jie MENG ; Nan ZHAO ; Jie HAN ; Chunchun GAN ; Yong WANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2016;44(8):993-995
Objective To optimize and establish the methodology for culturing and inducing differentiation of mouse preadipocytes 3T3-L1. Methods The mouse cells 3T3-L1 were incubated in DMEM medium contained with 10%FBS, during which the incubation medium was refreshed every 2 to 3 days. Two methods were used to introduce differentiation, including three-drug combination group and four-drug combination group. The protocol of mediumⅠin three-drug combination group including insulin 10 mg/L, IBMX 0.5 mmol/L and DEX 1.0μmol/L. The protocol of mediumⅠin four-drug combination group including indometacin 0.1 mmol/L based on those of three-drug combination group. Both of them were incubated for 2 days and continuous for 2 times. And medium Ⅱ included insulin 10 mg/L for 2-day culturing and continuous for 2 times. Oil red O staining was used to observe the morphological changes of two groups of cells before and after treatment under inverted microscope. Results Mouse preadipocytes 3T3-L1 appeared in good conditions and grew in a paving stone fashion. These cells covered homogeneously the bottom of incubators, the culture medium refreshed every 2 days. The results of four-drug combination group were better than those of three-drug combination group. After three-drug combination induced differentiation, there was no significant change in cell morphology. Comparing with three-drug combination induced differentiation, four-drug combination was successfully achieved in over 90% of the cell inducing, which were round-shaped, with jacinth ester droplets by oil-red O staining. Conclusion We have optimized the method for culturing and inducing differentiation of mouse preadipocytes 3T3-L1 by adding indometacin on the basis of the three-drug combination induced differentiation.
8.The role and mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-α in the formation of chronic transplant renal interstitial fibrosis
Chunchun ZHAO ; Chuanjian SUO ; Min GU ; Ruoyun TAN
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2016;37(11):663-667
Objective To explore the role and mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the formation of chronic transplant renal interstitial fibrosis and to study Smurf2 expression change and role played in this process.Methods We collected 26 cases of normal renal tissues and 26 cases of renal allograft specimens from chronic allograft dysfunction patients to observe the degree of renal interstitial fibrosis by Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining.Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the expression and distribution of E-cadherin,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TNF-α,Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2).Furthermore,The HK2 cells were divided into five groups depending on different concentrations of TNF-α (0,10,20,50,and 100 ng/mL).After 48 h,we collected the cells to analyze the expression changes of Smurf2,E-cad,α-SMA by Western blotting.Results As compared with normal group,the degree of renal interstitial fibrosis in CAD group was aggravated according to the results of HE and Masson staining (P<0.01).Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the positive expression of E-cadherin was reduced,and that of α-SMA,TNF-α and Smurf2 increased greatly in CAD group as compared with normal group (P<0.01).The results of Western blotting also revealed that after treatment with different concentrations of TNF-α for 48 h,the expression of E-cadherin was downregulated,and that of α-SMA and smurf2 was up-regulated in HK2 cells (P<0.05).Conclusion TNF-α may promote the formation of allograft renal interstitial fibrosis via transdifferentiation of human tubular epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells by up-regulating the expression of Smurf2.

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