1.Mechanism of Kechuanting granules in suppressing IL-33/ILC2s and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation
Nan-Ting ZOU ; Zhao WU ; Xiao-Dong YAN ; Chun-Fei ZHANG ; Hao-Hong ZHANG ; Qing-Yan MO ; Ming-Qian JU ; Jin-Zhu XU ; Chun-Ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1350-1357
Aim To investigate the mechanisms of Ke-chuanting granules(KCT)inhibiting the IL-33/ILC2s pathway and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation.Methods Network pharmacolo-gy was utilized to analyze the potential targets and mechanisms of KCT-treated asthma.Allergic asthma models were induced in mice using OVA.Lung histo-pathology was conducted to observe injury changes.ELISA and quantitative PCR were utilized to measure key inflammatory factors and their mRNA expression levels in Th2-type asthma.Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation levels of relevant proteins in the MAPK pathway.Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the proportions of ILC2s,Th1,Th 17,Th2 and Treg cells.Results Network pharmacology iden-tified 227 main active components and 143 key targets of KCT in treating asthma,primarily enriched in signa-ling pathways such as MAPK and IL-17.Further vali-dation experiments demonstrated that KCT significantly alleviated lung inflammatory injury in asthmatic mice,reduced the number of B cells,production of I L-4,TNF-α and TGF-β,downregulated JNK phosphoryla-tion levels in lung tissue,as well as mRNA levels of Il-33,Bcl11b,Rorα,Tcf-7,Jun,Mapk3 and Mapk14.KCT intervention reduced the numbers of ILC2s and Th 17 cells in lungs and spleens of mice,and inhibited Th2 cell infiltration in lungs.Conclusions KCT ex-hibits therapeutic effects on allergic airway inflamma-tion in asthma,closely associated with the inhibition of the IL-33/ILC2s pathway,pathogenic T cell subsets,and JNK-MAPK signaling pathway.
2. MW-9, a chalcones derivative bearing heterocyclic moieties, ameliorates ulcerative colitis via regulating MAPK signaling pathway
Zhao WU ; Nan-Ting ZOU ; Chun-Fei ZHANG ; Hao-Hong ZHANG ; Qing-Yan MO ; Ze-Wei MAO ; Chun-Ping WAN ; Ming-Qian JU ; Chun-Ping WAN ; Xing-Cai XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):514-520
Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of the MW-9 on ulcerative colitis(UC)and reveal the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a scientific guidance for the MW-9 treatment of UC. Methods The model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells was established. The effect of MW-9 on RAW264.7 cells viability was detected by MTT assay. The levels of nitric oxide(NO)in RAW264.7 macrophages were measured by Griess assay. Cell supernatants and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines containing IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were determined by ELISA kits. Dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC model in mice was established and body weight of mice in each group was measured. The histopathological damage degree of colonic tissue was assessed by HE staining. The protein expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was detected by Western blot. Results MW-9 intervention significantly inhibited NO release in RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 of 20.47 mg·L-1 and decreased the overproduction of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α(P<0.05). MW-9 had no cytotoxicity at the concentrations below 6 mg·L-1. After MW-9 treatment, mouse body weight was gradually reduced, and the serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly down-regulated. Compared with the model group, MW-9 significantly decreased the expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 protein. Conclusions MW-9 has significant anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying mechanism for the treatment of UC may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.
3.Analysis of hypothermia factors for elderly patients with malnutrition during proximal femoral nail antirota-tion internal fixation under general anesthesia
Qian-Nan FAN ; Zhi-Yong YAN ; Hao WU ; Jing-Ying LIU ; Ying GENG ; Ti-Jun DAI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(2):145-148
Objective To analyze the incidence and risk factors of hypothermia in elderly patients with malnutrition during proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA)internal fixation under general anesthesia.Methods A total of 139 elderly patients underwent PFNA internal fixation under general anesthesia were selected,and the nutritional status scores 1 day before surgery ranged from 0 to 11 points.Univariate and multivariate Logistic binary regression analysis was performed to analyze the related factors that may lead to intraoperative hypothermia.Results Among 139 elderly patients with preoperative nutritional scores of 0 to 11 points,79 cases(56.83%)developed intraoperative hypothermia.The results of univariate and multivariate Logistic binary regression analysis suggested that age≥75 years old,mini nutritional assessment short form(MNA-SF)nutritional score 0 to 7 points,BMI<18.5 kg/m2,duration of general anesthesia≥2 hours,intraoperative flushing fluid volume≥1 000 mL and intraoperative fluid volume≥1 000 mL were the risk factors for the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia in elderly patients(OR>1,P<0.05).The use of warm blanket insulation was the protective factor against the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia(OR<1,P<0.05).Conclusion The incidence of intraoperative hypothermia during PFNA internal fixation under general anesthesia in elderly patients with mainutrition before operation is high,and patients with poor nutritional status are more likely to develop intraoperative hypothermia.Patients with older age,poor nutritional status,lower BMI,longer duration of general anesthesia,and more intraoperative flushing fluid volume and intraoperative fluid volume are likely to lead to intraoperative hypothermia.The use of warm blanket can reduce the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia.
4.Exosomal miRNA-222 Alerts shRNA-PCSK9 Induction Brain Tau Hyperphosphorylation
Lei WANG ; Qian JIANG ; Hong WANG ; Ling YUAN ; Nan LYU ; Di HAO ; Xiaoxue CUI ; Zi WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(5):636-643
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the microRNA-222(miRNA-222) carried by plasma exosomes can serve as an early warning marker for cognitive impairment induced by shRNA-PCSK9.
METHODS
The high-fat diet(HFD) was used to prepare a hypercholesterolemic mouse model group. The model group mice were divided into HFD-shRNA control group and HFD-shRNA-PCSK9 group. The shRNA-PCSK9 was constructed, injected intravenously into the body, and the expression of PCSK9 mRNA was detected by real-time PCR(RT-PCR). Tau protein and phosphorylation in brain tissue were observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blotting was used to detect Tau protein and P-Tau protein. Serum amyloid Aβ1-42Ab levels were determined by ELISA. The kits extracted plasma exosomes step by step, identify the exosome morphology by negative staining electron microscopy, and determined the size of exosomes by NTA technology. RT-PCR technique was used to detect the expression level of miRNA-222 carried in plasma exosomes.
RESULTS
The model mouse were prepared by feeding HFD for 13 weeks, whose total cholesterol(TC) and low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C) contents in serum were significantly increased. At the same time, the expression of PCSK9 mRNA in the brain tissue of model group was significantly increased. After shRNA-PCSK9 lentivirus interference, PCSK9 mRNA expression was inhibited, and IHC observed that shRNA-PCSK9 induced abnormal expression and hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein in brain tissue, indicating that the pathological changes of neurofibrillary tangles had occurred. However, at this time, serum Aβ1-42Ab had not been significantly increased, and it had not yet been of significance for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment. The miRNA in plasma exosomes was extracted, and RT-PCR results showed that the expression of miRNA-222 carried in the exosomes of the HFD-shRNA-PCSK9 group was significantly lower than that of the HFD-shRNA control group.
CONCLUSION
Plasma exosomes carried miRNA-222 provides an early warning marker for shRNA-PCSK9- induced cognitive impairment.
5.Ten-year changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns of chronic hepatitis B in China: a CR-HepB-based real-world study.
Xiao Qian XU ; Hao WANG ; Shan SHAN ; Hong YOU ; Yue Min NAN ; Xiao Yuan XU ; Zhong Ping DUAN ; Lai WEI ; Jin Lin HOU ; Hui ZHUANG ; Ji Dong JIA ; Yuan Yuan KONG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2023;31(7):698-704
Objective: To understand ten-year changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns of chronic hepatitis B in China. Methods: Patients with chronic HBV infection:demographic, virologic, hematologic, blood biochemistry, and antiviral treatment data were extracted from the China Registry of Hepatitis B (CR-HepB) database between 2012 and 2022 for descriptive statistics and change trend analysis. Multiple group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal Wallis H test, while counting data was compared between groups using χ (2) test. Results: A total of 180 012 patients with chronic HBV infection were included, with a median age of 40 years old, and a male proportion accounting for 60.2%. The HBeAg positive rate was 43.3%. Over time, the median age of new patients each year increased from 39 to 47 years, while the HBeAg positive rate decreased from 51.3% to 32.8%. The initial diagnosis of patients was mainly CHB (71.4%), followed by hepatitis B cirrhosis (11.8%), inactive HBsAg carrier status (10.6%), and chronic HBV carrier status (6.2%). Among the newly registered patients every year from 2012 to 2022, the proportion of hepatitis B cirrhosis remained stable, but after 2019, the proportion of CHB increased and the proportion of other diagnoses decreased. The proportion of patients with cirrhosis increased with age in different age groups, with 3.5%, 19.3%, and 30.4% in the < 40, 40-69, and≥70 age groups, respectively. The proportion of women in patients with cirrhosis also increased with age, from 16.1% in those < 30 years old to 44.3% in those≥80 years old. From 2012 to 2022, the proportion of patients receiving first-line nucleos(t)ide analog antiviral treatment increased year by year, from 51.0% in 2012-2013 to 99.8% in 2022. Conclusion: The CR-HepB registration data reflect the changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns in patients with chronic HBV infection in China over the past ten years and can thus provide a reference to promote hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment practice, as well as scientific research.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Hepatitis B, Chronic/epidemiology*
;
Hepatitis B e Antigens
;
Hepatitis B/drug therapy*
;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
;
Hepatitis A
;
Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Registries
;
Hepatitis B virus/genetics*
;
DNA, Viral
6. Hypoxic Preconditioning Improves Hypoxic Survival and Proliferation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Modulating Lysine Crotonylation
Jia-Hao YE ; Chao-Yun LIU ; Zhao PENG ; Lei XIONG ; Shao-Heng ZHANG ; Shao-Heng ZHANG ; Peng-Zhen WANG ; Wen-Qian CAI
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2023;39(8):1180-1190
Hypoxic preconditioning could improve the survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ischemic or hypoxic environments, but its exact mechanism remains to be further explored. This study aims to determine the role of lysine crotonylation (Kcr) in regulating the survival and proliferation of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) in the hypoxic culture. PBMSCs were isolated and cultured from rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and their surface markers were identified by flow cytometry. PBMSCs were first subjected to hypoxic/ normoxic preconditioning: hypoxic (1% O
7.Mechanism of Xuebijing Injection in treatment of sepsis-associated ARDS based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiment.
Wei-Chao DING ; Juan CHEN ; Hao-Yu LIAO ; Jing FENG ; Jing WANG ; Yu-Hao ZHANG ; Xiao-Hang JI ; Qian CHEN ; Xin-Yao WU ; Zhao-Rui SUN ; Shi-Nan NIE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(12):3345-3359
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of Xuebijing Injection in the treatment of sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiment. The active components of Xuebijing Injection were screened and the targets were predicted by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). The targets of sepsis-associated ARDS were searched against GeneCards, DisGeNet, OMIM, and TTD. Weishengxin platform was used to map the targets of the main active components in Xuebijing Injection and the targets of sepsis-associated ARDS, and Venn diagram was established to identify the common targets. Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to build the "drug-active components-common targets-disease" network. The common targets were imported into STRING for the building of the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, which was then imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 for visualization. DAVID 6.8 was used for Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment of the common targets, and then Weishe-ngxin platform was used for visualization of the enrichment results. The top 20 KEGG signaling pathways were selected and imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 to establish the KEGG network. Finally, molecular docking and in vitro cell experiment were performed to verify the prediction results. A total of 115 active components and 217 targets of Xuebijing Injection and 360 targets of sepsis-associated ARDS were obtained, among which 63 common targets were shared by Xuebijing Injection and the disease. The core targets included interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β), IL-6, albumin(ALB), serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA). A total of 453 GO terms were annotated, including 361 terms of biological processes(BP), 33 terms of cellular components(CC), and 59 terms of molecular functions(MF). The terms mainly involved cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, negative regulation of apoptotic process, lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling pathway, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polyme-rase Ⅱ promoter, response to hypoxia, and inflammatory response. The KEGG enrichment revealed 85 pathways. After diseases and generalized pathways were eliminated, hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), Toll-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways were screened out. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of Xuebijing Injection had good binding activity with the core targets. The in vitro experiment confirmed that Xuebijing Injection suppressed the HIF-1, TNF, NF-κB, Toll-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, inhibited cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and down-regulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cells. In conclusion, Xuebijing Injection can regulate apoptosis and response to inflammation and oxidative stress by acting on HIF-1, TNF, NF-κB, Toll-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways to treat sepsis-associated ARDS.
Humans
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Network Pharmacology
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
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NF-kappa B
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Interleukin-6
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
;
Sepsis/genetics*
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NLR Proteins
8.Intervention of Gandou Fumu Decoction on Liver Fibrosis in Mice with Wilson's Disease Through JNK Signaling Pathway
Yue YANG ; Wen-ming YANG ; Tao-hua WEI ; Lu-lu TANG ; Wen-jie HAO ; Nan-nan QIAN ; Zhi-hong RAO ; Yu-long YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(12):119-126
ObjectiveTo identify the protective effect and possible mechanism of Gandou Fumu decoction (GDFMD) on liver fibrosis in mice with Wilson's disease. MethodA total of 50 homozygous TXJ mice were randomly divided into five groups, with 10 mice in each group. Ten wild-type mice were selected as a normal group. The GDFMD high, medium, and low-dose groups were given 13.92, 6.96, 3.48 g·kg-1 of GDFMD, respectively. The penicillamine group were given 0.1 g·kg-1 of penicillamine. The model group and the normal group were given the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was performed to detect serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Corresponding kits were used to detect the mitochondrial adenine triphosphate (ATP) content and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in liver tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of liver tissue, and transmission electron microscope was used to observe ultrastructural changes of liver tissues in mice. Western blot was used to detect the c-Jun N-terminal kinase, the phosphorylated protein, and the expressions of Caspase-3, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. ResultCompared with the normal group, MDA content increased and SOD activity decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, SOD activities in the GDFMD high-, medium-, and low-dose groups and the penicillamine group significantly increased (P<0.01), and MDA content significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, ATP content and Na+-K+-ATPase activity significantly decrease in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, ATP content and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in the GDFMD medium and high-dose groups and the penicillamine group significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of the pathological morphology of liver tissue showed that a large number of liver cells degeneration and necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, unclear liver lobule structure, and collagen fiber deposition were observed in the model group. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of mitochondria in liver tissues significantly reduced, the mitochondria were locally damaged, and the cristae of mitochondria were broken even disappear in the model group. The pathological morphology of liver tissue and mitochondrial structure recovered to varying degrees after medicinal intervention. The results of Western blot suggested that, compared with the normal group, the expression levels of phosphorylation-JNK (p-JNK), p-JNK/JNK, Caspase-3, and Bax in the liver tissues were up-regulated, while the expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated in the model group (P<0.05). The expression levels of p-JNK, p-JNK/JNK, Caspase-3 and Bax were down-regulated and the expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated in the GDFMD high and medium-dose groups and the penicillamine group (P<0.01). ConclusionGDFMD can alleviate oxidative stress damage and recover mitochondrial function of TXJ mice with liver fibrosis. The mechanism of GDFMD may be related to regulating the JNK signaling pathway and downstream factors and inhibiting cell apoptosis.
9.Etiology and Pathogenesis of Hepatolenticular Degeneration Caused by Latent Toxin Blocking Collaterals
Nan-nan QIAN ; Wen-ming YANG ; Tao-hua WEI ; Wei DONG ; Peng HUANG ; Wen-jie HAO ; Zhi-hong RAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(12):133-140
Hepatolenticular degeneration(HLD),also known as Wilson disease (WD), is a genetic disorder characterized by copper metabolism disorder caused by ATP7B gene mutation. Specifically, due to the ceruloplasmin synthesis disorder induced by gene mutation,copper cannot be excreted through bile,which results in pathological deposition of copper in various organs and damage to organs such as the brain and the liver. The incidence of WD in Chinese is significantly higher than that in the world. Copper chelating agents, such as D-penicillamine and dimercaptosuccinic acid, are used as the main therapeutic agents in western medicine. However, many clinical adverse events limit the application of these drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its characteristics in the treatment of WD. As confirmed by long-term research on TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment,MD has become TCM dominant disease. In spite of many views about the etiology and pathogenesis of WD,a consensus has not been reached so far. Based on the theory of latent pathogen in TCM and the pathological mechanism of excessive deposition of copper ions in the body,this study proposed that latent toxin is the key etiology of WD,and further elaborated that the latent toxin of WD was inherited from parents and occurred in children and adolescents,which was hidden in the liver and the kidney and damaged the brain. The latent toxin, Yang in nature and dispersing in property, is prone to transform into dampness-heat to block Qi movement and produce phlegm leading to stasis. Furthermore, this study determined latent toxin blocking collaterals as the basic pathogenesis of WD and revealed the complex clinical manifestations of latent toxin blocking collaterals such as liver collaterals,brain collaterals,kidney collaterals,spleen collaterals,stomach collaterals,lung collaterals,heart collaterals, and uterus collaterals. Treatment should follow the basic therapeutic principles of resolving pathogens,removing toxins, and dredging collaterals. This study is expected to provide a theoretical basis for syndrome differentiation and treatment of WD in TCM.
10.Preparation and in vitro evaluation of fused deposition modeling 3D printed compound tablets of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide.
Zhi Sheng LI ; Hao Nan QIAN ; Tian Yuan FAN
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2022;54(3):572-577
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the feasibility of preparing compound tablets for the treatment of hypertension by fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology and to evaluate the quality of the printed compound tablets in vitro.
METHODS:
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filaments were used as the exci-pient to prepare the shell of tablet. The ellipse-shaped tablets (the length of major axes of ellipse was 20 mm, the length of the minor axes of ellipse was 10 mm, the height of tablet was 5 mm) with two separate compartments were designed and printed using FDM 3D printer. The height of layer was 0.2 mm, and the thickness of roof or floor was 0.6 mm. The thickness of shell was 1.2 mm, and the thickness of the partition wall between the two compartments was 0.6 mm. Two cardiovascular drugs, captopril (CTP) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), were selected as model drugs for the printed compound tablet and filled in the two compartments of the tablet, respectively. The microscopic morphology of the tablets was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The weight variation of the tablets was investigated by electronic scale. The hardness of the tablets was measured by a single-column mechanical test system. The contents of the drugs in the tablets were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the dissolution apparatus was used to measure the in vitro drug release of the tablets.
RESULTS:
The prepared FDM 3D printed compound tablets were all in good shape without printing defects. The average weight of the tablets was (644.3±6.55) mg. The content of CTP and HCT was separately (52.3±0.26) mg and (49.6±0.74) mg. A delayed in vitro release profile was observed for CTP and HCT, and the delayed release time for CTP and HCT in vitro was 20 min and 40 min, respectively. The time for 70% of CTP and HCT released was separately 30 min and 60 min.
CONCLUSION
CTP and HCT compound tablets were successfully prepared by FDM 3D printing technology, and the printed tablets were of good qualities.
Captopril
;
Cytidine Triphosphate
;
Drug Liberation
;
Hydrochlorothiazide
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Tablets/chemistry*
;
Technology, Pharmaceutical/methods*


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