1.Design and Application of an Information Management System for Experimental Marmosets
Chen WANG ; Xuebo LI ; Donghua HE ; Liangtang CHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):231-241
The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a primate species belonging to the genus Callithrix in the family Callitrichidae, has multiple advantages including small body size, short reproductive cycle, early sexual maturity, 1-3 offspring per litter, and ease of experimental manipulation. It also exhibits behavioral characteristics such as vocal communication and strict monogamy. Common marmosets present unique advantages in neuroscience and brain disease research and are widely used in biomedical fields including neuroscience, gene editing, and ethology. Experimental common marmosets (hereinafter referred to as "experimental marmosets") require management of breeding and use to ensure traceable pedigrees and prevention of inbreeding. Existing management systems developed for rodents or Macaca often cannot effectively meet the practical needs of experimental marmoset management in key aspects such as pedigree tracking and inbreeding warning. To address this issue, the Laboratory Animal Center of the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as "the Center") designed and developed a second-generation information management system for marmosets in 2021 based on its first-generation information management system, and the second-generation system was launched in 2023. This second-generation system adopts a B/S architecture, is modular, and features front-end and back-end separation. It uses mainstream technical frameworks, including Spring Boot, MySQL, and Redis, and integrates 16 functional modules such as basic information, pedigree tree, breeding and experimental selection database, microchip identification management, and ethical supervision. Compared with the first-generation system, the second-generation system optimizes the pedigree tree and basic information modules. It also adds new functions, including purpose-based database partitioning, animal status tracking, abnormal alerts, automatic microchip identification task generation, inbreeding warning, ethical document upload and review, and record management. Together, these form a systematic and refined management and service system covering the entire breeding and experimental use of experimental marmosets. From 2023 to 2025, the practical application at the center shows that it has significantly improved the management efficiency and service level of the experimental marmoset management unit, and can provide a reference for the development of information management systems in other institutions using marmosets.
2.Association of 24 hour movement behaviors and physical fitness with serum C-reactive protein among female college students
WEN Xinfei, WANG Xiuqiang, WANG Chuanzhi, CHENG Shulin, LIU Jinyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):579-583
Objective:
To examine the associations between 24 hour movement behavior allocation patterns and physical fitness as well as serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels among female college students, providing evidence for developing personalized health promotion strategies.
Methods:
In September 2025, 48 female college students aged 18-22 years were recruited from a comprehensive university from Shanghai. Continuous 24 hour movement behaviors were monitored using a triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+). Serum hsCRP levels were measured (≥1 000 ng/mL was log grade inflammation), and physical fitness indicators including upper limb muscle strength, vital capacity, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) were assessed. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between variables. Compositional data analysis combined with multiple linear regression was employed to construct isotemporal substitution models, evaluating the effects of substituting 30 minutes of one behavior for another on hsCRP and VO 2max .
Results:
Female college students had the longest average daily sedentary behavior (SB) time (643.2±103.2)min, which was higher than sleep time (452.4±90.0)min, light physical activity (LPA) time (279.0±76.8)min and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time (66.0±21.6)min. Correlation analysis revealed that vigorous physical activity (VPA) was positively correlated with hsCRP levels among female college students ( r=0.47, P <0.05). Substituting 30 minutes of MVPA with sleep, SB or LPA significantly reduced predicted hsCRP levels among female college students ( β = -0.90, -0.90, -0.73), replacing 30 minutes of sleep with MVPA significantly increased predicted VO 2max levels ( β =5.12) (all P <0.05). The low grade inflammation group exhibited longer durations of high intensity activity participation and higher mean values for height, body weight, and grip strength compared to the normal group ( t =2.17, 2.52, 2.21, all P <0.05). Within the normal inflammation group, MVPA was positively associated with VO 2max ( β =0.18), while sleep was negatively associated ( β =-0.07) (both P <0.05). In contrast, no statistically significant associations were observed between any activity behavior and VO 2max in the low grade inflammation group (all P >0.05).
Conclusions
MVPA exerts bidirectional effects on the health of female college students. While it enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, it may concurrently elevate chronic low grade inflammation levels. To maximize health benefits, intervention programs focused on increasing MVPA should also give full consideration to the importance of restorative sleep.
3.A retrospective cohort study of the efficacy and safety of oral azvudine versus nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in elderly hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged over 60 years.
Bo YU ; Haiyu WANG ; Guangming LI ; Junyi SUN ; Hong LUO ; Mengzhao YANG ; Yanyang ZHANG ; Ruihan LIU ; Ming CHENG ; Shixi ZHANG ; Guotao LI ; Ling WANG ; Guowu QIAN ; Donghua ZHANG ; Silin LI ; Quancheng KAN ; Jiandong JIANG ; Zhigang REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1333-1343
Azvudine and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) are recommended for COVID-19 treatment in China, but their safety and efficacy in the elderly population are not fully known. In this multicenter, retrospective, cohort study, we identified 5131 elderly hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 32,864 COVID-19 patients admitted to nine hospitals in Henan Province, China, from December 5, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The primary outcome was all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was composite disease progression. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control for confounding factors, including demographics, vaccination status, comorbidities, and laboratory tests. After 2:1 PSM, 1786 elderly patients receiving azvudine and 893 elderly patients receiving Paxlovid were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses revealed that compared with Paxlovid group, azvudine could significantly reduce the risk of all-cause death (log-rank P = 0.002; HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.573-0.883, P = 0.002), but there was no difference in composite disease progression (log-rank P = 0.52; HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.877-1.260, P = 0.588). Four sensitivity analyses verified the robustness of above results. Subgroup analysis suggested that a greater benefit of azvudine over Paxlovid was observed in elderly patients with primary malignant tumors (P for interaction = 0.005, HR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.18-0.57) compared to patients without primary malignant tumors. Safety analysis revealed that azvudine treatment had a lower incidence of adverse events and higher lymphocyte levels than Paxlovid treatment. In conclusion, azvudine treatment is not inferior to Paxlovid treatment in terms of all-cause death, composite disease progression and adverse events in elderly hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
4.Investigation and analysis of prophylactic anti-infective drugs of liver transplantation in 13 liver transplantation centers in China
Yi LIU ; Donghua LIU ; Yan YAN ; Mingxing GUO ; Deli WANG ; Xiangli CUI
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(1):63-68
Objective:To investigate the current application status of prophylactic anti-infective drugs during the perioperative period in liver transplantation centers and provide data references for further standardizing prophylactic regimens.Methods:A questionnaire comprising 53 questions across 5 dimensions was designed and released using the WJX platform. The dimensions included basic information about medical institutions, perioperative pathogenic microorganisms, current status of empirical antibacterial prophylaxis, adjustments to prophylactic anti-infective strategies, and an overview of prophylactic measures against other pathogens. Based on the survey results, the types of common perioperative pathogens in liver transplantation, types of prophylactic antibacterial drugs, timing and duration of administration, upgraded prophylaxis strategies (such as escalation of antibiotic classes or extension of drug application duration), and prevention strategies for other pathogens were summarized.Results:A total of 13 completed questionnaires from pharmacists at liver transplantation centers were collected. The most common pathogens during the perioperative period were Gram-negative bacilli, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The most frequently used prophylactic antibacterial drugs were cefoperazone/sulbactam and piperacillin/tazobactam. Regarding the timing of administration, 9 centers administered drugs 0.5 to 1.0 hour before surgery, 3 within 0.5 hour, and 1 within 1 hour preoperatively. The prophylactic duration was within 7 days postoperatively for living donor liver transplantation in 10 centers, while for cadaveric donor liver transplantation, only 6 centers adhered to the 7-day duration. When donors had infections with sensitive bacteria, 9 centers upgraded prevention strategies: 2 centers escalated the antibiotic class or adjusted regimens, 5 centers extended the duration of prophylaxis, 2 centers implemented donor-specific susceptibility-guided antibacterial treatments regardless of colonization or infection, and 5 centers administered prophylaxis only in cases of colonization based on donor susceptibility results. When donors had multi-drug resistance bacterial infections, 11 centers upgraded prevention strategies: 7 escalated the antibiotic class or adjusted regimens, 4 extended prophylaxis duration, 6 implemented susceptibility-guided treatments irrespective of colonization or infection, 1 administered prophylaxis only for colonization based on donor susceptibility results, and 2 abandoned transplantations. 7 centers routinely applied antifungal prophylactic measures, including 1 for preoperative prophylaxis and 6 for postoperative prophylaxis, using caspofungin (4 centers), fluconazole (2 centers), posaconazole (1 center), and micafungin (1 center). 6 centers initiated antifungal prophylaxis in cases with donor or recipient fungal infection history or active fungal infections detected during liver procurement. Most antifungal prophylaxis was administered within 72 hours postoperative (11 centers), with durations mostly within 14 days (12 centers). For viral infections, 6 centers adopted routine postoperative prophylactic measures. Conclusions:Currently, the perioperative prophylactic anti-infective strategies in 13 liver transplantation centers are not standardized. High-quality multicenter clinical studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of different prophylactic regimens, aiming to further standardize the types and durations of prophylactic drug use.
5.Health Economics Evaluation of Urban Lung Cancer Screening in Anhui Province Based on Markov Modeling
Li WANG ; Huiting LIU ; Liting QIAN ; Donghua WEI ; Yanling MA ; Mingming ZOU ; Debin WANG ; Jing CHAI
China Cancer 2025;34(2):132-137
[Purpose]To analyze the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility conducted on the lung can-cer screening project in urban areas of Anhui Province,and to provide suggestions for the formu-lation of lung cancer screening policies in Anhui Province.[Methods]A Markov decision model for low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)lung cancer screening intervention was established based on on-site survey data and literature data.The development of the population under different interventions was simulated,using saved life years(LYS)and quality-adjusted life years(QALY)as effectiveness indicators,to conduct cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses of different screening strategies.Cost data were discounted at a 3%discount rate.[Results]The screening schemes of once a year,once every two years,once every three years,and once every five years all meet the cost-effectiveness principle for saving one LYS or QALY.Among them,the best screening strategy in terms of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility was the LDCT lung cancer screening strategy once every two years,with costs of 72 441.54 CNY and 71 050.24 CNY,respectively.[Conclusion]The LDCT lung cancer screening program demonstrates good cost-effectiveness,with strategies of dif-ferent screening frequencies being viable options.The optimal screening strategy is screening once every two years.
6.Experimental study on homeobox B8 in promoting metastasis of HGSOC by regulating H3K27me3 modification of KDM6B-mediated C/EBPα histone
Li XIANG ; Donghua WANG ; Ping WANG ; Shixiong GONG ; Yajun HU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(11):164-173
Objective:To research the mechanism of the regulation of homeobox B8(HOXB8)for lysine demethylase 6B(KDM6B)-mediated CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α(C/EBPα)axis on the metastasis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer(HGSOC),so as to provide references for the study of the pathogenesis of HGSOC patients.Methods:The tumor tissue samples and corresponding adjacent normal tissue samples of HGSOC patients admitted to Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from June to December 2024 were selected,and cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 of ovarian cancer were collected.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was adopted to detect the mRNA levels of KDM6B in HGSOC tumor tissues and its corresponding adjacent tissues.Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry were adopted to detect the expressions of KDM6B protein in the tissue.The A2780 cells of ovarian cancer were divided into the oe-HOXB8 group that was transfected by the HOXB8 overexpression vector,and the oe-NCHOXB8 group with the negative control(NC)vector.The SKOV3 cells of ovarian cancer were divided into the si-HOXB8 group that was transfected by the HOXB8 small interference sequence,and the si-NCHOXB8 group with negative control sequence.The transfected KDM6B was divided into the si-KDM6B group with small interference sequence and the oe-KDM6B group transfected with overexpression vector.The co-transfection HOXB8 and(or)KDM6B,C/EBPα were divided into si-HOXB8+si-KDM6B group and si-HOXB8+si-C/EBPα group of small interference sequence.The chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR(ChIP-qPCR)and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were used to verify the mechanism that HOXB8 transcript and regulate KDM6B in SKOV3 and A2780 cells of ovarian cancer.The effects of overexpression or silencing of HOXB8 in A2780 and SKOV3 cells on the proliferation,invasion,migration and KDM6B expression of ovarian cancer cells were detected.The effects of overexpression or silencing of KDM6B in SKOV3 cells on the trimethylation modification of lysine 27 at histone H3(H3K27me3)and the expression of C/EBPα were detected.The effects of silencing KDM6B and C/EBPα on HOXB8-induced cell proliferation,invasion and migration were analyzed through functional rescue experiments.Results:In tumor tissues,the mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM6B were 1.02±0.03 and 1.02±0.04,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the adjacent tissues,and the differences were statistically significant(t=62.440,38.737,P<0.01).The optical density value of proliferation,invasion rate and migration rate of A2780 cells in the oe-HOXB8 group that was transfected by the HOXB8 overexpression vector were respectively(1.74±0.15),(89.71±6.60)%and(85.33%±7.02)%,which were significantly higher than those in the oe-NCHOXB8 group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=7.778,7.353,4.759,P<0.01).The optical density value of proliferation,invasion rate and migration rate of SKOV3 cells in the si-HOXB8 group were respectively(0.54±0.06),(47.23±3.41)%and(43.20±3.12)%,all of which were significantly lower than those in the si-NCHOXB8 group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=9.400,8.615,9.040,P<0.01).The optical density value of proliferation,invasion rate and migration rate of SKOV3 cells in the si-HOXB8+si-KDM6B group were(1.04±0.09),(73.11±4.98)%and(68.65±4.45)%,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the si-HOXB8 group,and the differences were all statistically significant(t=6.875,6.852,7.562,P<0.01).The optical density value of proliferation,invasion rate and migration rate of SKOV3 cells in the si-HOXB8+si-C/EBPα group were respectively(0.97±0.07),(75.87±5.12)%and(70.59±4.81)%,all of which were significantly higher than those in the si-HOXB8 group,and the differences were all statistically significant(t=6.355,7.500,7.884,P<0.01).Conclusion:HOXB8 can inhibit the C/EBPα expression and promote the HGSOC metastasis by regulating and controlling H3K27me3 modification of KDM6B-mediated C/EBPα histone.
7.Exploring the Current Status of Research on the Mechanism of Acupuncture Intervention in Alzheimer's Disease in Animal Experiments Using Visual Analysis Methods
Jiheng ZUO ; Xuan YANG ; Donghua LI ; Zidong WANG ; Zhigang LI ; Huiling TIAN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(2):346-354
Objective In this paper,CiteSpace(V6.3.R1)was used to sort out and summarize the experimental study on the mechanism and development trend of acupuncture intervention in Alzheimer's disease(AD),so as to provide basis and suggestions for subsequent research.Methods Relevant literatures on the mechanism of acupuncture intervention in AD were retrieved from CNKI database from March 1997 to March 2024.CiteSpace(V6.3.R1)software was used to visually display keywords,draw corresponding maps,and discuss the hot spots of acupuncture intervention mechanism in AD.Results After screening,a total of 397 articles were included in this study.The mechanism of acupuncture intervention in AD mainly focuses on the regulation of synaptic plasticity,regulation of neurotransmitter release,regulation of neuroinflammation,regulation of apoptosis,influence on mitochondrial autophagy,anti-oxidative stress and so on.Conclusion Acupuncture intervention in AD has developed rapidly,involving Notch1/Hes signaling pathway,Shh signaling pathway,NF-κB signaling pathway,PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and other signaling pathways.The research heat of TCM acupuncture intervention in AD continues to rise,and various research teams have harvested rich research results,diversified research hotspots,and in-depth exploration of acupuncture treatment of AD has rich clinical value.
8.Surgical treatment and survival analyses of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Hui ZHANG ; Chenyu JIAO ; Changxian LI ; Feng ZHANG ; Feng CHENG ; Xiaofeng QIAN ; Ke WANG ; Liyong PU ; Chuanyong ZHANG ; Lianbao KONG ; Donghua LI ; Ping WANG ; Aihua YAO ; Xiaofeng WU ; Wei YOU ; Xuehao WANG ; Xiangcheng LI
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(4):322-330
Objective:To evaluate the survival benefit of surgical treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:This study is conducted based on the hepatobiliary tumor registry database. From May 2009 to December 2022,a total of 704 patients who were initially diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and underwent liver resection were consecutively enrolled at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them,there were 380 males and 324 females,aged ( M(IQR)) 61(15) years(range:27 to 88 years). Twenty-six (3.7%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) rates were estimated by life table method, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival difference among tumor-node-metastasis(TNM) staging or three periods. The OS and DFS differences among lymph node groups or adjuvant treatment groups were quantified as HR with 95% CI estimated using Cox proportional-hazards model with adjustment for prognostic factors. Results:Among the 704 patients,349 cases(49.6%) underwent major hepatectomy (≥3 segments),331(47.0%) had lymph node resection during surgery,and 524 cases(74.4%) achieved R0 resection. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ or higher complications was 16.5%(116/704),with a mortality rate of 3.0%(21/704) within 30 days post-surgery. The median OS time was 27.1 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5- and 10-year were 69.1%, 42.4%,34.1% and 24.5%,respectively. The median DFS time was 10.5 months,and the corresponding DFS rates were 46.0%,25.4%,21.9% and 16.9%,respectively. According to the 8 th edition of AJCC staging system, the 5-year survival rates for ⅠA,ⅠB,Ⅱ,ⅢA,ⅢB and Ⅳ were 68.4%, 43.2%, 30.3%,32.2%,14.0% and 0,respectively. The corresponding DFS rates were 55.8%, 28.1%,13.8%,21.2%,3.3% and 0,respectively. There were no statistically significant differences of OS or DFS between stage ⅠB and Ⅱ, stage ⅠB and ⅢA, or between stage Ⅱ and ⅢA(Log-rank test:all P>0.05),while there were significant differences of OS and DFS among other stages(Log-rank test:all P<0.05). Using Cox model with adjustment for prognostic factors, there were no statistically significant differences of OS and DFS between non-lymphadenectomy group or the biopsy-N0 group and dissection-N0 group(both P>0.05). However,the overall and disease-free survival of the biopsy-N1 group or dissection-N1 group were worse than those of dissection-N0 group(both P<0.05),with overall survival being better in dissection-N1 group than biopsy-N1 group( P=0.017). Overall survival in the period from 2019 to 2022 were significantly superior to that during the periods from 2009 to 2013 and 2014 to 2018(both P<0.01). Adjusting for prognostic factors, the disease-free and overall survival of the postoperative adjuvant therapy group were significantly better than those of the observation group in the period 2019 to 2022(both P<0.01). Conclusions:Surgery remains a milestone for achieving long-term survival for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Regional lymph node dissection is required for patients with lymph node metastasis. Adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce tumor recurrence and prolong overall survival.
9.Total Saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Down-regulating COX-2-mediated M1 Macrophage Reprogramming
Lin HUANG ; Shumin LIU ; Huijuan SUN ; Geyu DENG ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):200-207
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of total saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (TSDN) in treating gouty arthritis (GA) by regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsIn vivo experiment: 24 male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model (GA), TSDN, and celecoxib groups, with 6 rats in each group. After 7 days of administration, pathological changes in the ankle synovial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, COX-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1). In vitro experiment: The GA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSU induction, and the inhibitor concentration was screened by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RAW264.7 cells were allocated into blank, model, TSDN, dexamethasone, COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), and TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor groups. The levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and Arg-1 in the cell supernatant of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in each group were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the synovial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that TSDN lowered the serum levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, and CD80 (P<0.01) while increasing the serum levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN and inhibitor down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, cleaved IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor further reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the markers above (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TSDN and COX-2 inhibitor decreased the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01) and increased the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01) in cells. Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated CD206 and Arg-1 levels (P<0.01) in cells. ConclusionTSDN can alleviate GA by downregulating COX-2-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming and suppressing the inflammatory factors.
10.Total Saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Down-regulating COX-2-mediated M1 Macrophage Reprogramming
Lin HUANG ; Shumin LIU ; Huijuan SUN ; Geyu DENG ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):200-207
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of total saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (TSDN) in treating gouty arthritis (GA) by regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsIn vivo experiment: 24 male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model (GA), TSDN, and celecoxib groups, with 6 rats in each group. After 7 days of administration, pathological changes in the ankle synovial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, COX-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1). In vitro experiment: The GA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSU induction, and the inhibitor concentration was screened by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RAW264.7 cells were allocated into blank, model, TSDN, dexamethasone, COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), and TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor groups. The levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and Arg-1 in the cell supernatant of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in each group were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the synovial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that TSDN lowered the serum levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, and CD80 (P<0.01) while increasing the serum levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN and inhibitor down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, cleaved IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor further reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the markers above (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TSDN and COX-2 inhibitor decreased the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01) and increased the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01) in cells. Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated CD206 and Arg-1 levels (P<0.01) in cells. ConclusionTSDN can alleviate GA by downregulating COX-2-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming and suppressing the inflammatory factors.


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