1.Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasomes to Ameliorate Cognitive Impairment in Epilepsy
Xingdan ZHU ; Yinhua KAI ; Rong TIAN ; Xin YANG ; Jiayi HE ; Xiangxin GUO ; Yadong MU ; Cui JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):308-316
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism through which Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang ameliorates cognitive impairment in epileptic rats induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine by regulating the neuroinflammatory reaction mediated by NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, carbamazepine (0.125 g·kg-1·d-1), Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang (1.04 g·kg-1·d-1), and carbamazepine (0.125 g·kg-1·d-1) + Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang (1.04 g·kg-1·d-1) groups (n=12). After the modeling of epilepsy, rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 12 weeks. At the 6th and 12th week of the intervention, the rats’ hyper-excited behavior was evaluated by the stylus experiment, and at the 12th week of intervention, the cognitive function was evaluated by Barnes maze. At the same time, the seizure frequency and severity grade (Racine score) were recorded. The serum and hippocampus tissue samples were collected after anesthesia for the following tests. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the degree of neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 area. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus was determined by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical method was adopted to detect the expression of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a card (ASC) in the hippocampus. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze the protein levels of NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. ResultsThe model group showed increased stylus scores at the 6th and 12th week after modeling, a decreased Barnes maze strategy score at the 12th week, a prolonged incubation period (P<0.05), elevated serum levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.05), decreased neurons with scattered arrangement and large gaps in the hippocampus, increased content of MDA in the hippocampus (P<0.05), an increased positive expression of ASC, and up-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and BDNF (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the intervention with Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang for 12 weeks was accompanied by a decreased stylus score, epileptic seizures with a decreased score, a decreased number, and shortened duration, an increased Barnes maze strategy score, shortened escape latency (P<0.01), declined serum levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.05), regular morphology of hippocampal neurons, reduced MDA content in the hippocampus (P<0.05), a decreased positive expression of ASC, and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1, NLRP3, and BDNF (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, compared with the carbamazepine group, Banxia Baizhu Tianmatang + carbamazepine showed improved performance in controlling the seizure, improved the cognitive behavior score and morphology of hippocampal neurons, alleviated the oxidative stress products, lowered the levels of inflammatory factors, reduced the positive expression of ASC in the hippocampus, and down-regulated the expression of Caspase-1, NLRP3 and BDNF, with no significant differences. ConclusionBanxia Baizhu Tianmatang may reduce neuroinflammation, control epileptic seizures, and ameliorate cognitive impairment by inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes.
2.Treatment and prognostic analysis of esophageal cancer patients with pulmonary resection history
Liru CHEN ; Bin LI ; Chunguang LI ; Yang YANG ; Rong HUA ; Xiaolu WU ; Yifeng SUN ; Xufeng GUO ; Zhigang LI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(10):1280-1289
Objective:To investigate the treatment and prognosis of esophageal cancer patients with pulmonary resection history.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 58 esophageal cancer patients with pulmonary resection history who were admitted to Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital from May 2019 to April 2024 were collected. There were 52 males and 6 females, aged (69±3)years. Observation indicators: (1) surgical and postopera-tive conditions; (2) postoperative pathological examination results; (3) follow-up; (4) stratified analysis. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data between groups was conducted using the non-parametric rank sum test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curve and calculate survival rate, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Surgical and postoperative conditions. Of the 58 esophageal cancer patients, 49 patients underwent transthoracic approach (26 cases of ipsilateral approach and 23 cases of contralateral approach of pulmonary resection history), and 9 patients underwent mediastinoscopic-laparoscopic approach. There were 57 cases with R 0 resection and 1 case with R 2 resection because of tumor invading carina. The total operation time of 58 patients was (246±27)minutes, and the volume of intraoperative blood loss was (114±29)mL. There was no unplanned reoperation or perioperative death for all patients. The duration of postoperative hospital stay of 58 patients was (10.4±4.6)days, and time for intensive care unit stay was (1.4±0.5)days, and no patient readmitted to intensive care unit due to changes in conditions. The postoperative total incidence of complications of 58 patients was 41.4%(24/58). The Clavien-Dindo grading of complications for all patients was 1-2 grade. (2) Postoperative pathological examination results. Results of postoperative pathological examination showed there were 51 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 6 cases of adenocarcinoma, and 1 case of melanoma. Number of lymph node dissected of 58 patients was 27±6. The ratio of patient with positive lymph node was 37.9%(22/58). One patient may experience more than 1 region of positive lymph node metastasis. Results of postoperative pathological staging showed 5 cases of ⅠA stage, 2 cases of ⅠB stage, 13 cases of ⅡA stage, 15 cases of ⅡB stage, 4 cases of ⅢA stage, 16 cases of ⅢB stage, and 3 cases of ⅣA stage. Thirteen of the 58 patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy, with the pathological staging as 6 cases of Ⅰ stage, 4 cases of Ⅱ stage, 3 cases of ⅢB stage after therapy. Results of postoperative tumor regression grade for the 13 patients with neoadjuvant therapy showed 4 cases of grad 0, 3 cases of grade 1, 6 cases of grade 2. (3) Follow-up. All 58 patients were followed for 24 (4, 50)months, and no patient died within 90 days after surgery. During the follow-up period, 19 patients experienced tumor recurrence and metastasis and 17 patients died. Twenty-one patients underwent postoperative adjuvant therapy, including 7 cases with chemoradiotherapy, 7 cases with chemotherapy, 3 cases with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, 2 cases with immuno-therapy, 2 cases with radiotherapy. The postoperative 1-, 2-year overall survival rates of the 58 patients were 91.3%, 78.7%, respectively, of whom undergoing McKeown surgery and mediastinoscopic-laparoscopic surgery with postoperative 1-, 2-year overall survival rates as 89.2%, 83.1% and 85.7%, 53.6%, respectively. The postoperative 1-, 2-year esophageal cancer specific survival rates for patients undergoing McKeown surgery and mediastinoscopic-laparoscopic surgery were 94.4%, 87.9% and 85.7%, 71.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative 1-, 2-year overall survival rates and postoperative 1-, 2-year esophageal cancer specific survival rates between patients undergoing McKeown surgery and mediastinoscopic-laparoscopic surgery ( P>0.05). (4) Stratified analysis. Of the 49 patients underwent transthoracic approach for esophageal cancer, there were significant differences in surgical method, surgical type, time of chest surgery, cases with upper mediastinal lymph node dissection, and duration of postoperative hospital stay between patients with pulmonary resection history as ipsilateral approach and contralateral approach ( χ2=11.74, 11.68, t=-2.25, χ2=8.45, t=-2.17, P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in total operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, the number of lymph node dissected, post-operative total complications, and postoperative pathological TNM staging ( P>0.05). For patients with pulmonary resection history as ipsilateral approach and contralateral approach, the postopera-tive 1-, 2-year esophageal cancer specific survival rates were 95.5%, 95.5% and 81.4%, 71.1%, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=5.63, P<0.05). Conclusions:The transthoracic approach and mediastinoscopic-laparoscopic approach are safe and feasible for esophageal cancer patients with pulmonary resection history. Compared with patients with pulmonary resection history as contralateral approach, patients with pulmonary resection history as ipsilateral approach have a higher ratio of McKeown surgery, minimally invasive surgery and upper mediastinal lymph node dissection, shorter time of chest surgery and duration of postoperative hospital stay, better esophageal cancer specific survival rate. And there is no increase in perioperative risk.
3.Clinical application of T-cell therapy in bladder cancer:methods,advantages and limitations
Xuyang HAO ; Xiangyu WU ; Xin YANG ; Hongqian GUO ; Rong YANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(10):889-894
T-cell therapy,as an emerging strategy for bladder cancer treatment,primarily includes tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)therapy,T cell receptor-engineered T-cell(TCR-T)therapy,and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)therapy.TIL therapy involves extracting,expanding,and reinfusing tumor-infiltrating T cells,aiming to promote tumor regression,which has achieved initial progress in the field of bladder cancer.TCR-T therapy involves genetically modifying T cells to specifically recognize tumor antigens presented by MHC,with clinical trials targeting NY-ESO-1 and other targets progressing in an orderly manner.CAR-T therapy utilizes artificially designed CAR molecules to target bladder cancer-highly expressed antigens such as prostate-specific membrane antigen(PSMA)and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),with multiple studies confirming its potent cytotoxic effects.This article systematically summarizes the existing research,advantages and limitations of T-cell therapy in bladder cancer,so as to provide reference for exploring new options for the next-generation immunotherapy strategies of bladder cancer.
4.The rise,development and application of patient-derived immunocompetent organoid in the treatment of bladder cancer
Zihan ZHAO ; Xiangyu WU ; Hongqian GUO ; Rong YANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):621-626
In recent years,patient-derived tumor organoid(PDTO)models have rapidly emerged as important tools in cancer research,thanks to their unique ability to preserve the characteristics of primary tumors.These models provide a reliable preclinical research platform for screening individualized chemotherapy and targeted therapies for patients.However,traditional PDTOs lack immune cells and cannot replicate the tumor immune microenvironment,which restricts their utility in evaluating immunotherapies.To address this challenge,researchers have developed composite models that incorporate both tumor cells and immune cells,known as patient-derived immunocompetent tumor organoids(PDITOs).PDITOs have shown excellent performance in the preclinical evaluation of immunotherapies,particularly with PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors,with some studies reporting up to 100%accuracy in predicting patient responses to immunotherapy.As a common malignancy of the urinary system,bladder cancer has benefited from the application of PDITOs in drug screening and personalized immunotherapy evaluation,demonstrating significant potential.This paper aims to review the rise and development of PDITOs,and compare the advantages and limitations of using different methods to construct PDITOs,so as to explore their application in the treatment of bladder cancer.
5.Effect of HSYA on LCN2-induced iron death of HT22 cells and its mechanism based on SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Meng-wei RONG ; Cun-yan DAN ; Tian-qing XIA ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Chen-xiang JI ; Bao-guo XIAO ; Cun-gen MA ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2097-2105
Aim To explore the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on lipocalin 2(LCN2)-induced fer-roptosis in HT22 cells and the related mechanism.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlu-sion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model by the suture method.The rats were randomly divided into the Sham group,the MCAO/R group,and the MCAO/R+HSYA group.The infarct area was measured by TTC staining,and the degree of neurological deficit was evaluated by the Z-Longa scoring method.The expressions of LCN2 and 24P3R in brain tissues were detected by Western blot.LCN2 protein was added to HT-22 cells,and the cells were divided into the normal group,the LCN2 group,and the LCN2+HSYA group.The optimal con-centration of LCN2-induced neuronal ferroptosis was screened by LDH assay and Western blot,and the ex-pression levels of ferritin,FPN1,GPX4,SLC7A11,COX2,and 24P3R were detected.LCN2 was knocked down by siRNA transfection,and the expressions of GPX4 and ferritin were detected.The contents of glu-tathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),GPX4,and Fe2+were determined by colorimetry,and the expres-sion of GPX4 was detected by immunofluorescence.The binding force between HSYA and LCN2 was ana-lyzed by molecular docking technology.Results Ani-mal experiments showed that HSYA could reduce the cerebral infarction area and decrease the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats.Compared with the sham group,the levels of LCN2 and 24P3R increased in the MCAO/R group,while HSYA inhibited their ex-pressions.Cell experiments showed that the optimal concentration of LCN2 to induce ferroptosis in HT22 cells was 2 μmol·L-1.After knocking down LCN2 by siRNA transfection,compared with the LCN2 group,the expression levels of GPX4 and ferritin in the siLCN2 group increased significantly.Compared with the nor-mal group,the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH in the LCN2 group decreased signifi-cantly,while the concentration of Fe2+,and the expres-sions of MDA,COX2,and 24P3R increased.HSYA could increase the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH,reduce the contents of Fe2+and MDA,and inhibit the expressions of COX2 and 24P3R.Molecular docking showed that the binding en-ergy between HSYA and LCN2 was-8.0 kJ·mol-1.Conclusion HSYA can inhibit LCN2-induced ferrop-tosis in HT22 cells through the SLC7A11/GPX4 signa-ling pathway.
6.Research progress of airway epithelial cell senescence mechanism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Zhao-liang LI ; Lue-li WANG ; Qian YI ; Ruo-qiu MA ; Rong GUO ; Chang-li XU ; Xiao-hua DU ; Wei-min YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):805-810
As the first defense of respiratory system,airway epi-thelial cells(AECs)play an important role in separating the re-spiratory internal and external environment.They are essential for the natural immune function.Small airway lesions are an im-portant early pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),when AECs are exposed to harmful particles or gases for a long time,the epithelial barrier is damaged,and the signa-ling pathways which involved in differentiation,repair,and in-flammatory are disordered,resulting in epithelial cell cycle stag-nation and accelerated aging.A number of studies have sugges-ted that AECs of COPD patients express high levels of aging markers,suggesting that senescence of AECs is closely related to COPD.This review discusses the potential mechanisms of AECs senescence in COPD,the impact of AECs senescence on the de-velopment and severity of the disease,and highlights potential targets for modulating cellular senescence in airway epithelium as a therapeutic approach in COPD.
7.Exploring Mechanism of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in the Treatment of Epilepsy Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Xin YANG ; Jin FU ; Cui JIANG ; Yinhua KAI ; Jiayi HE ; Xiangxin GUO ; Rong TIAN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):776-791
Objective To analyze the target,signal pathway and potential mechanism of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in the treatment of epilepsy based on network pharmacology,and to verify it by molecular docking technology and animal experiments.Methods The active ingredients and drug targets of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction were screened by BATMAN and other databases.The targets of epilepsy-related diseases were obtained by GeneCards and other databases,and the intersection targets were taken.Constructing'drug-ingredient-target-disease'network and PPI network to screen the core targets.The core active ingredients were screened according to GO,KEGG functional enrichment analysis and'pathway-target-active ingredient'network.Molecular docking was used to verify the core targets and core active ingredients.In the animal experiment,the rat model of epilepsy was induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine,and 40 Wistar rats were divided into normal control group,model control group,carbamazepine group and Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction group.The seizures were observed by behavior.Nissl staining was used to observe neuronal damage in hippocampus.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of BAX,BCL-2 and Caspase-3 protein.Results A total of 1072 targets of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction were screened,1046 disease targets of epilepsy were screened,and 220 intersection targets of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction in the treatment of epilepsy were screened.The core targets AKT1,ALB,ACTB,INS and TNF of PPI network were obtained.KEGG pathway mainly involves TNF signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway,pathways of neurodegeneration-multiple diseases,serotonergic synapse and Dopaminergic synapse.The core active ingredients with the highest correlation in the'pathway-target-active component'network were Betulin,Ephedrine,Ergotamine and Thymol.Results of molecular docking indicated that the core target had satisfactory affinity with those active ingredients.Animal experiments showed that Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction could effectively reduce epileptic seizures in rats,improve hippocampal neuronal damage in rats,significantly reduce the percentage of neuronal apoptosis,significantly down-regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and Caspase-3,and up-regulate the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2.Conclusion Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction has the characteristics of multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway in the treatment of epilepsy.Inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and reducing hippocampal neuronal damage may be one of the important mechanisms for its treatment of epilepsy.
8.The research progress of bladder preservation strategies for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Xiangyu WU ; Zihan ZHAO ; Xin YANG ; Xiang DU ; Hongqian GUO ; Rong YANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(4):307-311
High-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and progression. The standard treatment involves intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation following transurethral resection of the bladder cancer. However, in cases of BCG unresponsiveness, radical cystectomy is typically recommended. Due to the high complication rates and significant impact on quality of life associated with this procedure, bladder-preserving treatment (BPT) strategies have emerged as an alternative. This review summarizes recent advances in BPT, including combined chemoradiotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, localized precision treatments, and novel immunomodulators. With ongoing technological and therapeutic innovations, BPT has become an effective alternative for patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery, reshaping the treatment landscape of HR-NMIBC.
9.Clinical effects of Yifei Tongluo Decoction combined with azithromycin on patients with childern severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia due to Toxic Heat Blocking Lung
Shu-ling WANG ; Yu-qing GUO ; Xiao-yang TANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yan-rong GUO ; Xiao-song CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1162-1167
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Yifei Tongluo Decoction combined with azithromycin on patients with childern severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia due to Toxic Heat Blocking Lung.METHODS One hundred and fifty-six patients were randomly assigned into control group(78 cases)for 7-day administration of azithromycin,and observation group(78 cases)for 7-day administration of both Yifei Tongluo Decoction and azithromycin.The changes in clinical effects,disappearance time of local symptoms,mycoplasmas,pulmonary imaging score,Toxic Heat Blocking Lung score,pulmonary function indices(PEF,VPTEF,MMF,TPTEF),inflammatory factors(sB7-H3,Cgp-39,sICAM-1,CCL5),immune function indices(RBC-C3bR,RBC-ICR,CD3+,CD4+)and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05),along with shorter disappearance time of local symptoms(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased mycoplasmas,pulmonary imaging score,Toxic Heat Blocking Lung score,inflammatory factors,RBC-ICR(P<0.05),and increased pulmonary function indices,RBC-C3bR,CD3+,CD4+(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No obvious difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with childern severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia due to Toxic Heat Blocking Lung,Yifei Tongluo Decoction combined with azithromycin can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve pulmonary functions,and reduce body inflammatory responses.
10.Effect of HSYA on LCN2-induced iron death of HT22 cells and its mechanism based on SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Meng-wei RONG ; Cun-yan DAN ; Tian-qing XIA ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Chen-xiang JI ; Bao-guo XIAO ; Cun-gen MA ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2097-2105
Aim To explore the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on lipocalin 2(LCN2)-induced fer-roptosis in HT22 cells and the related mechanism.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlu-sion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model by the suture method.The rats were randomly divided into the Sham group,the MCAO/R group,and the MCAO/R+HSYA group.The infarct area was measured by TTC staining,and the degree of neurological deficit was evaluated by the Z-Longa scoring method.The expressions of LCN2 and 24P3R in brain tissues were detected by Western blot.LCN2 protein was added to HT-22 cells,and the cells were divided into the normal group,the LCN2 group,and the LCN2+HSYA group.The optimal con-centration of LCN2-induced neuronal ferroptosis was screened by LDH assay and Western blot,and the ex-pression levels of ferritin,FPN1,GPX4,SLC7A11,COX2,and 24P3R were detected.LCN2 was knocked down by siRNA transfection,and the expressions of GPX4 and ferritin were detected.The contents of glu-tathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),GPX4,and Fe2+were determined by colorimetry,and the expres-sion of GPX4 was detected by immunofluorescence.The binding force between HSYA and LCN2 was ana-lyzed by molecular docking technology.Results Ani-mal experiments showed that HSYA could reduce the cerebral infarction area and decrease the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats.Compared with the sham group,the levels of LCN2 and 24P3R increased in the MCAO/R group,while HSYA inhibited their ex-pressions.Cell experiments showed that the optimal concentration of LCN2 to induce ferroptosis in HT22 cells was 2 μmol·L-1.After knocking down LCN2 by siRNA transfection,compared with the LCN2 group,the expression levels of GPX4 and ferritin in the siLCN2 group increased significantly.Compared with the nor-mal group,the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH in the LCN2 group decreased signifi-cantly,while the concentration of Fe2+,and the expres-sions of MDA,COX2,and 24P3R increased.HSYA could increase the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH,reduce the contents of Fe2+and MDA,and inhibit the expressions of COX2 and 24P3R.Molecular docking showed that the binding en-ergy between HSYA and LCN2 was-8.0 kJ·mol-1.Conclusion HSYA can inhibit LCN2-induced ferrop-tosis in HT22 cells through the SLC7A11/GPX4 signa-ling pathway.

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