1.Effects of Tongxinluo capsules on pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban in rats
Guosheng FU ; Jie SHEN ; Jiekai HUA ; Yupeng SHAO ; Wenna MA ; Wei LIU ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Xinnan CHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(23):2930-2934
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of Tongxinluo capsules on the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban in rats. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into rivaroxaban alone group (2.70 mg/kg), low-dose Tongxinluo capsules combined with rivaroxaban group (Tongxinluo capsules 0.28 g/kg+rivaroxaban 2.70 mg/kg), and high-dose Tongxinluo capsules combined with rivaroxaban group (Tongxinluo capsules 0.84 g/kg+rivaroxaban 2.70 mg/kg), with five rats in each group. Following seven consecutive days of gavage with normal saline or the corresponding doses of Tongxinluo capsules, the rats were subjected to a final gavage administration of rivaroxaban. Blood samples were collected at 0 h prior to the final administration and at 0.16, 0.33, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-final administration. The plasma concentration of rivaroxaban in rats was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters [peak concentration (cmax), half-life (t1/2), area under the drug concentration time curve (AUC), mean residence time (MRT), clearance (CL), apparent volume of distribution (Vd) and peak time (tmax)] of each group were calculated using a non-compartmental model of MonolixSuite 2023R1 pharmacokinetic software. RESULTS Compared with rivaroxaban alone group, AUC₀₋ₜ and AUC0-∞ of rivaroxaban in rats were increased significantly in high-dose Tongxinluo capsules+rivaroxaban group (P<0.05), while CL was decreased significantly (P<0.05); t1/2 and MRT were shortened, tmax was extended, cmax was increased, while Vd was decreased, but there was no statistical significance (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Rivaroxaban combined with Tongxinluo capsules significantly increases the plasma exposure of rivaroxaban in rats. Potential drug-drug interactions should be considered in clinical practice based on the co-administration conditions.
2.Mechanism of auraptene in improving acute liver injury induced by diquat poisoning in mice.
Renyang OU ; Shan HUANG ; Lihong MA ; Zhijie ZHAO ; Shengshan LIU ; Yuanliang WANG ; Yezi SUN ; Nana XU ; Lijun ZHOU ; Mei LI ; Manhong ZHOU ; Guosheng RAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(6):590-594
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Liver/pathology*
;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy*
;
Diquat/poisoning*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Apoptosis
;
Coumarins
3.Visualization of the current status and hotspots of sepsis-associated microRNA research
Wei YI ; Lijing ZHU ; Like ZHANG ; Ning SUN ; Zhi LI ; Ping FENG ; Yingying LIU ; Guosheng WU ; Zhaofan XIA
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(4):397-403
Objective To analyze the academic literature on sepsis-related microRNA(miRNA)at worldwide,and to dentify thematic hotspots and future research trends.Methods A bibliometric analysis was employed to retrieve the literature on sepsis-related miRNA published in the core collection of China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),and Web of Science(WOS)databases from January 1,2010,to January 1,2025,which met the article inclusion criteria,and used CiteSpace 6.3.1 software to perform the co-occurrence analysis of keywords,keyword emergence analysis,and cluster analysison;on the basis of these analyses,the keywords were sorted according to time to generate clustering time line figure to explore the current status and hotspot evolution process of sepsis-related miRNA.Results A total of 135 and 1 278 articles were retrieved from CNKI and the core collection of WOS databases,respectively.The frequency and centrality of keywords such as sepsis,prognosis,microRNA,acute lung injury,acute kidney injury,etc.were high in 135 documents in CNKI;in 1 278 documents in WOS core collection,the frequency and centrality of keywords such as expression,sepsis,inflammation,cells,micrornas,etc.were high;The top 10 keywords in the CNKI database in terms of burst intensity were:microRNA,inflammatory response,inflammatory factor,interleukin-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,acute respiratory distress syndrome,interleukin-35,septic shock,rat,tiny microRNA-155(miR-155);the top 10 keywords in the core collection of the WOS database in terms of burst intensity were:expression,NF-κB,microRNA,cells,induction,pathway,mechanisms,septic shock,mortality,cancer.Representative clustering tags in the CNKI are#0 prognosis,#1 miRNA,#2 septic shock;The representative clustering labels in the core collection of WOS database are#0 acute lung injury,#1 cancer,#2 septic shock,and so on.In CNKI and WOS core databases,the early keywords mainly revolve around the study of inflammatory factors and related mechanisms of sepsis,and the research center gradually shifts to the clinical physiological injuries as well as complications and mortality in the later stage,miRNA-126,AMP-activated protein kinase,interleukin-35 and other keywords have emerged.Among the top 10 most-cited English literature,researchers have paid particular attention to studying various miRNA as potential biomarkers of sepsis,including miR-146a,miR-223 and miR-146.Conclusions There are similarities and differences in the direction and hotspots of sepsis-related miRNA research in China and abroad.The research paradigm of sepsis has gradually shifted from the early clinical observation focusing on the overall complications and prognosis of patients to the basic research centered on the molecular mechanisms of inflammatory factors and signaling pathways.In this context,the study of miRNA as novel biomarkers for sepsis has been increasingly emphasized,and miRNA represent a promising direction for sepsis research,with potential applications both in basic research and clinical treatment.
4.Analysis of risk factors and development of a prediction model for acute kidney injury complicated by acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Lu LIU ; Caihua DUAN ; Guosheng XIA ; Juan LIU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2594-2599,2604
Objective To analyze the risk factors for acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)and establish a prediction model.Methods A total of 286 ANVUGIB patients admitted to our hospital from August 2021 to August 2024 were enrolled.Patients were divided into an observation group(with AKI,n=43)and a control group(without AKI,n=243).The influencing factors for AKI in ANVUGIB patients were analyzed,and a nomogram prediction model was con-structed to evaluate its predictive efficacy.Results Among 286 ANVUGIB patients,43 cases(15.03%)de-veloped AKI.Logistic regression analysis showed that platelet count had no significant effect on AKI compli-cation in ANVUGIB(P>0.05).Hemoglobin,albumin,and sodium were independent protective factors for AKI complication(P<0.05),while comorbid coronary heart disease,bleeding volume,blood transfusion,and risk grade were independent risk factors(P<0.05).The nomogram prediction model for AKI complication in ANVUGIB demonstrated good fit in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.ROC curve analysis revealed an AUC of 0.908(95%CI:0.868 to 0.939),with a sensitivity of 83.72%and specificity of 84.77%.The calibration curve showed a Brier score of 0.075 and calibration slope of 0.808,indicating good calibration.Conclusion Comorbid coro-nary heart disease,bleeding volume,blood transfusion,risk grade,hemoglobin,albumin,and sodium are signif-icant influencing factors for AKI complication in ANVUGIB.The nomogram model based on these factors shows favorable predictive performance and serves as a reliable tool for AKI risk stratification in ANVUGIB patients,supporting early clinical intervention decisions.
5.Endothelial cells nurture stem cell-like characteristics of osteosarcoma cells in a perivascular niche by CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway
Ya CAO ; Yang LIU ; Yang WANG ; Qiaonan GUO ; Yangfan LYU ; Guosheng ZHAO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(13):1463-1474
Objective To investigate the effect of endothelial cells in the perivascular niche on the stem cell-like characteristics of osteosarcoma cells and primarily explore the possible molecular mechanism.Methods A co-culture model was established in vitro using SV40T-human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC-T1)and osteosarcoma stem cells(OSCs)derived from the human osteosarcoma cell line 143B.Thus,there were 2 groups of cells,OSCs and co-cultured OSCs.The self-renewal capacity of OSCs between the 2 groups was assessed using a limiting dilution forming sphere assay.Flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of stem cell marker CD133 and stemness transcription factors SOX2 and NANOG.Fourteen female nude mice(4~6 weeks old,weighing 18~20 g)were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups of subcutaneous xenograft models:the control group(OSCs suspension)and the experimental group(OSCs+HUVEC-T1 mixed suspension).The tumor volume and mass were compared between the 2 xenograft groups.Immunofluorescence(IF)staining was used to verify the spatial proximity between endothelial cells and OSCs in vivo,while immunohistochemistry was employed to compare microvessel density(MVD)and CD133 expression level between the 2 groups.RNA-seq was performed to identify potential signaling pathways of endothelial cells affecting the stemness of OSCs.PCR and Western blotting were applied to confirm the RNA-seq findings.Exogenous protein treatment,IF staining,Western blotting and sphere formation assay were utilized to preliminarily validate the role of the identified pathway in regulating the stemness phenotype of OSCs.Results The in vitro co-culture model of HUVEC-T1 and OSCs was successfully established.Compared with the control group,the co-culture group exhibited significantly enhanced self-renewal ability of OSCs,laeger proportion of the stemness marker CD133+[(8.20±1.64)%vs(4.32±1.34)%,P<0.05],enhanced expression of CD117,SOX2 and NANOG(P<0.05),along with more sphere formation(P<0.05)and elevated SOX2/NANOG protein levels.The xenograft mice from the experimental group showed larger tumor volume(643.10±413.50 vs 247.90±93.66 mm3,P<0.05)and heavier tumor weight(0.52±0.27 vs 0.24±0.10 g,P<0.05)when compared the control group,correspondingly showing increased MVD(22.57±11.84 vs 11.43±5.38,P<0.05)and elevated CD133 expression(P<0.05).IF staining confirmed the adjacency of CD31-labeled endothelial cells and CD133-labeled OSCs in vivo.RNA-seq and functional experiments demonstrated that CXCR4 was highly expressed in co-cultured OSCs,CXCL12 was highly expressed in co-cultured endothelial cells,and exogenous CXCL12 promoted the sphere formation and expression levels of SOX2 and NANOG of OSCs(P<0.05).Conclusion Endothelial cells within the perivascular niche may promote the stemness phenotype of osteosarcoma cells via the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway.
6.Correlation between cardiac remodeling and acute renal function injury after percutaneous coronary intervention based on echocardiography evaluation
Xiaoxue LU ; Yan WANG ; Luping LIU ; Guosheng YUAN ; Huijuan YU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(19):103-107
Objective To explore the correlation between cardiac remodeling and the occurrence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury(CA-AKI)assessed by echocardiography.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)from March 2021 to March 2024.The patients were divided into CA-AKI group and non-CA-AKI group according to whether CA-AKI occurred.Baseline data and echocardiographic parameters,inclu-ding left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter index(LVIDDI),left ventricular end-systolic in-ternal diameter index(LVIDSI),and left ventricular mass index(LVMI),were collected and com-pared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to screen for independent influen-cing factors of CA-AKI occurrence.Results The level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)in the CA-AKI group was higher than that in the non-CA-AKI group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).Compared with the non-CA-AKI group,the CA-AKI group had higher levels of C-reactive protein and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),as well as a higher proportion of patients with diabetes and anemia,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Echocardiographic data showed that LVMI,LVIDDI,and LVIDSI in the CA-AKI group were all higher than those in the non-CA-AKI group,and the differences were statistically sig-nificant(t=2.057,3.429,2.975;P<0.05).The left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)level in the CA-AKI group was lower than that in the non-CA-AKI group,and the difference was statisti-cally significant(t=3.005,P=0.003).Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that diabe-tes,anemia,inflammation,NT-proBNP,HbA1c,LVMI,LVIDDI,LVIDSI,LVEF,ventricular hy-pertrophy,and ventricular dilation were significantly associated with the occurrence of CA-AKI(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that LVMI(OR=3.81;95%CI,1.04 to 8.50;P=0.045),LVIDDI(OR=4.21;95%CI,2.02 to 6.08;P<0.001),LVIDSI(OR=1.61;95%CI,1.27 to 2.03;P=0.024),ventricular hypertrophy(OR=3.42;95%CI,1.83 to 4.44;P=0.001),and ventricular dilation(OR=2.93;95%CI,1.43 to 3.74;P=0.033)were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of CA-AKI.Conclusion Cardiac remodeling is significantly correlated with the risk of CA-AKI in CAD patients.Clinicians should take protective measures timely for patients with abnormal cardiac structure to prevent the occurrence of CA-AKI.
7.Visualization of the current status and hotspots of sepsis-associated microRNA research
Wei YI ; Lijing ZHU ; Like ZHANG ; Ning SUN ; Zhi LI ; Ping FENG ; Yingying LIU ; Guosheng WU ; Zhaofan XIA
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(4):397-403
Objective To analyze the academic literature on sepsis-related microRNA(miRNA)at worldwide,and to dentify thematic hotspots and future research trends.Methods A bibliometric analysis was employed to retrieve the literature on sepsis-related miRNA published in the core collection of China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),and Web of Science(WOS)databases from January 1,2010,to January 1,2025,which met the article inclusion criteria,and used CiteSpace 6.3.1 software to perform the co-occurrence analysis of keywords,keyword emergence analysis,and cluster analysison;on the basis of these analyses,the keywords were sorted according to time to generate clustering time line figure to explore the current status and hotspot evolution process of sepsis-related miRNA.Results A total of 135 and 1 278 articles were retrieved from CNKI and the core collection of WOS databases,respectively.The frequency and centrality of keywords such as sepsis,prognosis,microRNA,acute lung injury,acute kidney injury,etc.were high in 135 documents in CNKI;in 1 278 documents in WOS core collection,the frequency and centrality of keywords such as expression,sepsis,inflammation,cells,micrornas,etc.were high;The top 10 keywords in the CNKI database in terms of burst intensity were:microRNA,inflammatory response,inflammatory factor,interleukin-10,tumor necrosis factor-α,acute respiratory distress syndrome,interleukin-35,septic shock,rat,tiny microRNA-155(miR-155);the top 10 keywords in the core collection of the WOS database in terms of burst intensity were:expression,NF-κB,microRNA,cells,induction,pathway,mechanisms,septic shock,mortality,cancer.Representative clustering tags in the CNKI are#0 prognosis,#1 miRNA,#2 septic shock;The representative clustering labels in the core collection of WOS database are#0 acute lung injury,#1 cancer,#2 septic shock,and so on.In CNKI and WOS core databases,the early keywords mainly revolve around the study of inflammatory factors and related mechanisms of sepsis,and the research center gradually shifts to the clinical physiological injuries as well as complications and mortality in the later stage,miRNA-126,AMP-activated protein kinase,interleukin-35 and other keywords have emerged.Among the top 10 most-cited English literature,researchers have paid particular attention to studying various miRNA as potential biomarkers of sepsis,including miR-146a,miR-223 and miR-146.Conclusions There are similarities and differences in the direction and hotspots of sepsis-related miRNA research in China and abroad.The research paradigm of sepsis has gradually shifted from the early clinical observation focusing on the overall complications and prognosis of patients to the basic research centered on the molecular mechanisms of inflammatory factors and signaling pathways.In this context,the study of miRNA as novel biomarkers for sepsis has been increasingly emphasized,and miRNA represent a promising direction for sepsis research,with potential applications both in basic research and clinical treatment.
8.Establishment of animal model of smoke inhalation injury combined with decompression sickness
Guosheng WU ; Honghao LAI ; Ruiyong CHEN ; Guangsheng LIU ; Min LIU ; Ying HE
Journal of Navy Medicine 2024;45(12):1261-1265
Objective To explore animal model and evaluation indices of inhalation injury combined with decompression sickness(DSC),so as to lay a foundation for the studies on damage effect,mechanism,prevention,and military medical service of this disease.Methods A total of 16 SD rats with similar physiological states were selected and randomly divided into four groups,including control group,DCS group,smoke inhalation injury(SII)group,and combined injury group(DCS after SII induced by a self-made device).Arterial blood gas,wet-dry ratio of lung tissue(W/D),and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)like interleukin(IL)-1β IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured at 24 hours after modeling.And pulmonary histopathological staining was performed.Results The partial pressure of oxygcn in the combined injury group was lower than those in the other groups,while the partial pressure of arterial oxygen in the combined injury group was higher than those in the other groups(P<0.05).The results of pulmonary histopathology showed the thickening of the interlobular septa and the leakage and massive accumulation of inflammatory cells.The symptoms of acute lung injury in the combined injury group were more severe than those in the DCS and SII groups.The W/D and inflammatory cytokines in the combined injury group were significantly higher than those in the DCS group and SII group(P<0.05).Conclusion The animal model of SII combined with DCS has been successfully established.Pulmonary injury in the combined injury model is more severe than that in the single injury models.
9.Analysis of short-term efficacy of one-stage posterior sparing laminectomy for single level thoracolumbar tuberculosis
Wei ZENG ; Guosheng ZHAO ; Lu LIN ; Yang LIU ; Yang WANG ; Wenyi ZHOU ; Zhenyong KE
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(4):508-511,516
Objective To explore the feasibility and short-term clinical efficacy of single segment thora-columbar tuberculosis treated with one-stage posterior approach lamina-sparing decompression.Methods A total of 11 patients with single segment thoracolumbar tuberculosis who underwent one-stage posterior ap-proach preservation of vertebral plate lesion removal,bone graft fusion,and internal fixation treatment in this hospital from September 2021 to June 2022 were selected.C-reactive protein(CRP)and erythrocyte sedimen-tation rate(ESR)were monitored to evaluate tuberculosis bacteremia and activity control,visual analogue scale(VAS)score and Oswestry disability index(ODI)were followed up to evaluate the improvement of clin-ical function,and the American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)injury scale was used to evaluate neurologi-cal function,and the correction of kyphosis was followed up.Results All 11 patients were fully followed up.The average surgical duration is(270.91±45.98)minutes,and the average surgical bleeding is(522.72± 194.11)mL.During the follow-up period,none of the 11 patients experienced tuberculosis recurrence,and all 11 patients achieved bone graft fusion.The fusion time was 6-9 months after surgery with an average of(7.36±1.12)months.Two patients with preoperative nerve damage recovered after surgery.During the fol-low-up period,11 patients did not experience any complications related to surgery.The average CRP,ESR,ODI score,and VAS score of postoperative patients decreased compared to preoperative levels,and further de-creased at 12 months after surgery;The patient's kyphosis caused by thoracolumbar tuberculosis was correc-ted,and no obvious angle loss was found at the last follow-up(P>0.05).Conclusion One-stage posterior ap-proach lamina-sparing decompression is a safe and effective method for treating single segment thoracolumbar tuberculosis.
10.The effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins through inhibiting JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway in calcific aortic valve disease
Hongzheng LI ; Tianjiao LIU ; Zucheng SHANG ; Mengfan LI ; Guosheng LIN ; Bin ZHANG ; Zikai YU ; Changgeng FU ; Yongjian WU ; Keji CHEN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1550-1561
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase(JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway activation to alleviate calcific aortic valve disease(CAVD)in mice.Methods Twenty-one male ApoE-/-mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into the model,PNS high-dose(60 mg/kg),and PNS low-dose(30 mg/kg)groups using the random number table method,with seven mice per group.Nine male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were used as the control group.Mice in the control group were fed a normal diet,whereas ApoE-/-mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks.After 12 weeks,three C57BL/6 and three ApoE-/-mice(one ApoE-/-mice from each group)were randomly selected to evaluate the CAVD modeling effect.After confirming successful modeling,the PNS high-and low-dose groups received daily intragastric PNS administration.The control and model groups were administered an equal volume of stroke-physiological saline solution by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks.The valve annulus diameter and peak velocity of the mice in each group were then detected using ultrasound.The degree of aortic valve calcification was evaluated using von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining.The serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical method.Inflammatory factor interleukin-4(IL-4),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-10(IL-10)levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of calcification markers,runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),and bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2)were detected using immunohistochemistry.Aortic valve cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining,and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway-related mRNA and mean fluorescence intensity were detected using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,the mice in the model group showed an increase in serum TC,TG,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,a decrease in IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in annulus diameter,an increase in peak flow velocity,and an increase in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas.Additionally,the model group showed an increase in aortic valve cell apoptosis rate,an increase in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,and an increase in JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,and TNF-α levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in positive area in Alizarin Red S staining.Furthermore,the PNS low-dose group showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2-positive rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).The PNS high-dose group showed an increase in HDL-C,IL-4 and IL-10 levels,a decrease in serum TC,LDL-C,TNF-α,and IL-1β levels,an increase in annulus diameter,a decrease in peak flow velocity,and a decrease in von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining-positive areas and cell apoptosis rate.The PNS high-dose group also showed a decrease in BMP2 and RUNX2 positive staining rates,JNK and c-Jun mRNA expression levels,and p-JNK/JNK and p-c-Jun/c-Jun(P<0.05).Conclusion PNS may reduce valvular cell apoptosis,alleviate inflammation,and protect against aortic valve calcification in mice by inhibiting the activation of JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.

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