1.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.
2.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
3.Effect and mechanism of folic acid-modified NK cell-derived exosomes delivering reovirus against ovarian cancer
YE Rui1,2 ; DAI Xiaofeng3 ; LIU Xiong1 ; CHEN Liang4 ; ZHANG Jing5 ; ZHANG Yingchun5 ; GUO Ting6 ; ZHAO Xing1,2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):120-131
[摘 要] 目的:开发新型溶瘤呼肠孤病毒(Reo)递送系统,以克服中和抗体对Reo的中和作用并提升其肿瘤靶向性。方法:通过切向流过滤联合超高速离心法制备自然杀伤细胞外泌体(NKexo),叶酸(FA)修饰后采用挤压法包载Reo,构建FA-NKexo-Reo递送系统;通过透射电镜(TEM)、纳米粒径分析、蛋白质印迹(WB)法、核磁共振氢谱及流式细胞术等技术表征其理化性质;采用CCK-8、流式细胞术、Transwell实验及激光共聚焦显微镜评估FA-NKexo-Reo递送系统体外细胞毒性及细胞摄取能力;通过人卵巢癌裸鼠皮下移植瘤模型评价FA-NKexo-Reo的肿瘤靶向性、疗效及安全性。结果:FA-NKexo-Reo粒径为(94.0 ± 28.5)nm,Zeta电位为(-21.26 ± 1.57)mV,包封率达(49.7 ± 15.6)%;在中和抗体的存在下,FA-NKexo-Reo对卵巢癌细胞SKOV3和A2780仍可表现出显著的细胞毒性(P < 0.01);荷瘤鼠活体成像显示FA-NKexo-Reo肿瘤靶向性显著优于NKexo组,肿瘤抑制率提升60%(P < 0.001)。结论:成功制备FA-NKexo-Reo递送系统,在中和抗体的存在下,FA-NKexo-Reo可保护并靶向递送Reo到高表达叶酸受体的卵巢癌细胞,从而增强Reo的抗肿瘤作用。
4.Mechanism of modified Lichong decoction on apoptosis of transplanted tumor cells in nude mice via Fas/FasL pathway and caspase apoptosis pathway
Guoshan SHI ; Tiexia HAO ; Zhe CHEN ; Xu LI ; Liwei MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):895-901
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of modified Lichong decoction (MLCD) on the apoptosis of transplanted tumor cells in nude mice. METHODS Human gastric cancer AGS cells were cultured, and a nude mice transplanted tumor model was established. The nude mice were divided into the model group and MLCD low-, medium- and high-dose groups (150, 300, 600 mg/kg). They were given distilled water or the corresponding drug solution by gavage once daily for four consecutive weeks. The size of transplanted tumors in nude mice was measured every six days, and the tumor volume was calculated. After the medication, the nude mice were sacrificed, and the transplanted tumor tissues were isolated. The contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the transplanted tumor tissues were detected, and the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed. The pathological morphological changes were observed. The enzymatic activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, as well as protein expressions of Fas and FasL and mRNA expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Fas and FasL in the transplanted tumor tissues, were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the volume of transplanted tumors in nude mice from all MLCD dose groups was reduced to varying degrees. The contents of LDH and ROS, as well as the enzymatic activities of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, were significantly increased/enhanced. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased. The protein expressions of Fas and FasL, and the mRNA expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Fas and FasL were significantly up-regulated. Most of these differences were statistically significant ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). Pathological results showed that with increasing doses of MLCD, the cellular density in the transplanted tumor tissues gradually decreased, and typical morphological features of apoptosis, such as loosening and increasing fragmentation, became more prominent. CONCLUSIONS MLCD can induce apoptosis in transplanted tumor cells of nude mice, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Fas/FasL pathway and the caspase apoptotic pathway.
5.Analysis of comparator selection strategies for pharmaceutical enterprises in the national reimbursement drug list access application
Qingwen WANG ; Qin AN ; Xiaoyan YUAN ; Yuzhi HAN ; Xi CHEN ; Hongyan WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):985-990
OBJECTIVE To analyze the selection and rationales of comparators for pharmaceutical enterprises in their medical insurance access application, so as to provide a reference for promoting communication and consensus between enterprises and medical insurance authorities in this process. METHODS The application materials for drugs outside the catalogue that passed formal review published by the National Healthcare Security Administration from 2021 to 2025 were extracted, and then content analysis was used to systematically sort out relevant information of the declared drugs and comparators; the specific situations and rationales of pharmaceutical enterprises’ selection of comparators were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 1 341 declared drug documents were collected. Data analysis showed that 1 035 (77.18%) were submitted with positive comparators and 306 (22.82%) used blank comparators; 58 drugs (4.33%) took combination therapy as the reference, and 5 drugs (0.37%) referred to non-pharmacological (or non-single pharmacological) treatment regimens. Among competitive drugs declared by multiple enterprises, 50.00% of the enterprises submitted different comparators. A total of 4 basic conditions and 39 additional conditions were extracted as the rationales for selecting positive comparators. For blank comparators, 12 drug-related factors, 2 administrative factors, and 1 other factor were identified. More than 10% of the drugs did not state the rationale for comparator selection, and over 44% of drugs using blank comparators provided only one justification. CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical enterprises mainly select comparators based on their own interests in the medical insurance access application, and there are deficiencies in the adequacy and standardization of their selection basis and reasoning. It is recommended that enterprises follow the principled requirements of medical insurance authorities, and fully and normatively explain the reasons for selecting comparators in combination with the characteristics of their own products. Meanwhile, it is advisable to change the current open-ended statement form of selection reasons into a closed-ended answering mode, so as to highlight the priority of selection, standardize the declaration behavior of enterprises, and reduce communication divergences between the two parties.
6.Role of Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence-induced Macrophage Pyroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Leiming MAO ; Gongzhen CHEN ; Tong YANG ; Genyan LIU ; Xingli SUN ; Jiangqin OU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):312-322
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), characterized primarily by persistent airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation, is a major chronic respiratory disease with persistently high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, macrophage pyroptosis, as an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, has been recognized as playing a key role in amplifying inflammatory responses and promoting tissue damage. According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, spleen failing to disperse essence constitutes an important pathological basis for various chronic diseases, clinically manifesting as impaired transportation and transformation, internal generation of phlegm-dampness, and accumulation of turbid toxins. Based on a review of classical TCM pathogenesis and modern molecular biological research, this study proposes that there may be a correlation between spleen failing to disperse essence and macrophage pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of COPD. Specifically, metabolic and immune disturbances such as glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and enterotoxicity may trigger macrophage pyroptosis through the advanced glycation end products(AGEs)/AGEs receptor(RAGE)/reactive oxygen species(ROS), fatty acids/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathways. Excessive pyroptosis, in turn, exacerbates metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory responses, forming a vicious cycle. Furthermore, TCM interventions such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, as well as resolving dampness and detoxifying, have demonstrated potential in modulating pyroptosis-related signaling pathways, including NF-κB, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and autophagy. In summary, this article explores the role of spleen failing to disperse essence-macrophage pyroptosis mechanism in COPD and highlights possible therapeutic strategies of TCM, providing new insights for integrated Chinese and western medical research and clinical practice.
7.Exploration on Mechanism of Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice with Portulacae Herba Based on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxue WANG ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiang PU ; Zhongzhao ZHANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO ; Xiangyan KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):115-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, compound dexamethasone acetate cream group (2.075×10-2 g·g-1), blank matrix cream group, low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.1 g·g-1), high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.2 g·g-1), and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group (0.2 g·g-1 + 30 mg·kg-1 ML385), with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment, the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group, the mice in the other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to establish an ACD model. After respective administration, the skin lesion of the mice was scored, and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score (P<0.01), severe pathological damage to skin tissue, increased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and decreased content of SOD (P<0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group, the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), reduced pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group, the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in the serum of mice (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
9.Mechanism of Modified Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Inflammation and Apoptosis in Acne via Regulating JNK/p38 MAPK Pathway
Gongzhen CHEN ; Yuqi YANG ; Xin LIU ; Ting TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):31-40
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of modified Danggui Shaoyaosan on acne based on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. MethodsA rat ear acne model was established in SD rats, and the rats were divided into a blank group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of modified Danggui Shaoyaosan (7.15, 14.30, 28.60 g·kg·d-1), with six rats in each group. After the administration for 14 consecutive days, morphological changes in the rats' auricles were observed, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the pathological changes in the acne-affected ear tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the ear tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of Caspase-3, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), JNK, and p38 MAPK in the ear tissue. Additionally, Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, JNK, and p38 MAPK in the ear tissue. The active components and key targets of modified Danggui Shaoyaosan in the treatment of acne were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Molecular docking was then employed to evaluate the interactions between the main active components and the key targets. ResultsThe results of the animal experiment demonstrated that compared with those in the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited redness, swelling, thickening, hardening, dryness, and roughness of the auricle. The surface showed sebaceous scales and desquamation, accompanied by acne-like lesions such as papule-like elevations or cysts. Histopathological changes included keratinization, epidermal thickening, dermal collagen fiber degeneration and necrosis, subcutaneous muscle degeneration and necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrous tissue proliferation. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, Caspase-3, Bax, JNK, and p38 MAPK were significantly increased (P<0.01), while those of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the modified Danggui Shaoyaosan groups showed marked improvement in acne-like lesions of the auricle, with varying degrees of histopathological damage reduction. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, Caspase-3, Bax, JNK, and p38 MAPK in the tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of Bcl-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the key compounds in modified Danggui Shaoyaosan responsible for its effects in treating acne may include acacetin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, wogonin, and baicalein. These compounds exerted their effects by modulating core targets such as TNF, IL-1β, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2, thereby alleviating inflammation and apoptosis and ultimately improving acne symptoms. ConclusionModified Danggui Shaoyaosan may exert its therapeutic effects on acne by inhibiting the activation of the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway, thereby alleviating inflammation and apoptosis.
10.Effect of Icariin on Myocardial Remodeling in Rats Based on Vitamin D Regulation of Dendritic Cell Phenotype
Qian LI ; Yujia CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Wen LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Huanzhen WANG ; Yunzhi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):76-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on the phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs) in heart tissue of the Dahl salt-sensitive myocardial remodeling model of rats and its regulation on the vitamin D system. MethodsMale Dahl salt-resistant rats were divided into a normal group, and male Dahl salt-sensitive rats were divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups (30, 60, 120 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Vitamin D group (3×10-5 mg·kg-1·d-1). In addition to the normal group, the other groups were given an 8% high salt diet to establish a myocardial remodeling model and received intragastric administration after successful modelling once a day for six weeks. The dynamic changes in tail artery blood pressure were monitored, and detection of cardiac ultrasound function in rats was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes in rat heart tissue. The phenotype of DCs and T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), forkhead frame protein 3 (FoxP3), solitaire receptor γt (RORγt), myocardial type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), and type collagen (ColⅢ) in heart tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed disordered arrangement and rupture of myocardial cells, nuclear condensation, significant edema of myocardial tissue, significant proliferation of collagen fibers in a network distribution, and a significant increase in tail artery blood pressure, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs was CD40, CD80, and CD86, and the levels of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHC-Ⅱ), Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt in the heart, as well as the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ, were significantly increased (P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWD) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs such as CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells, were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression of cardiac VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group significantly reduced myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation in rats. The high-dose ICA group and vitamin D group showed a small amount of myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation, improving myocardial fiber arrangement to varying degrees and significantly reducing myocardial fiber rupture and proliferation. The tail artery blood pressure, LVEDD, and LVESD were significantly decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05), and the phenotype of cardiac DCs including CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC-Ⅱ, Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt, and the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ in the heart were significantly decreased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). The LVEF, IVSD, and LVPWD of myocardial remodeling model rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The phenotypes of cardiac DCs including CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and the Vitamin D group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 in the heart were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). ConclusionICA can regulate tail artery blood pressure, cardiac structural and functional damage, and myocardial tissue fibrosis and inhibit phenotype and functional maturation of DCs in heart tissue in the myocardial remodeling model of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. It can also affect the gene and protein expression of VDR, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1, achieving its intervention in Th17/Treg balance in the immune process of myocardial remodeling possibly by regulating vitamin D/VDR in heart tissue.

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