1.Empirical study of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations
Xiayao CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Xue DONG ; Zhongxiang MI ; Jun CHENG ; Aimin ZHANG ; Didi LU ; Jun WANG ; Jude LIU ; Qianmo AN ; Hui GUO ; Xiaochen LIU ; Zefeng YU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):83-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the present situation of input, output, outcome and impact of all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia in China, and analyze how the input predict the output, outcome and impact. MethodsFrom March 1st to April 30th, 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted on all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia, covering four dimensions: input, output, outcome and impact. A total of 1 365 questionnaires were distributed. The input included four items: laws and policies, human resources, equipment and facilities, and rehabilitation information management. The output included two items: technical paths and benefits/effectiveness. The outcome included three items: coverage rates, rehabilitation interventions and functional results. The impact included two items: health and sustainability. Each item contained several questions, all of which were described in a positive way. Each question was scored from one to five. A lower score indicated that the situation of the community-based rehabilitation station was more in line with the content described in the question. Regression analysis was performed using the total score of each item of input dimension as independent variables, and the total scores of the output, outcome and impact dimensions as dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean values of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations were 1.827 to 1.904, with coefficient of variation of 45.892% to 49.239%. The regression analysis showed that, rehabilitation information management, human resources, and laws and policies significantly predicted the output dimension (R² = 0.910, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, all four items in the input dimension predicted both the outcome (R² = 0.850, P < 0.001) and impact dimensions (R² = 0.833, P < 0.001). ConclusionInput, output, outcome and impact of the community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia were generally in line with the content of the questions, although some imbalances were observed. Additionally, the input of community-based rehabilitation stations could significantly predict their output, outcome and impact.
2.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
3.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
4.Surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: challenges and innovations
Pei ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yunfei FANG ; Hui YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Yanqiong MA ; Yu MENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):512-518
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
5.Analysis on the practical challenges and paths of “clown doctors” practice from the perspective of narrative medicine
Hui WANG ; Yutong PAN ; Liqun LU ; Can ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):215-222
Narrative medicine focuses on empathy, relevance, and emotion, precisely aligning with the elements of “clown doctor” such as compassion, interaction, and pain relief. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the practice of “clown doctors” not only focuses on the emotional changes of patients but also enhances their sense of belonging by recreating their experiences. The key element for the success of “clown doctors” lies in establishing a multi-dimensional trust relationship among medical workers, patients, colleagues, and society, while ensuring their practice adheres to medical ethics norms. “Clown doctors” should concentrate on dimensions such as concept dissemination, clinical application, social recognition, and ethical practice of narrative medicine. They should also constantly optimize narrative techniques, deepen the understanding of patients’ stories, and intervene in the medical process in a more delicate and comprehensive way, thereby fostering in-depth communication and understanding between doctors and patients.
6.Mechanisms of Liuwei Buqi Prescription in Regulating Macrophage Efferocytosis for Treatment of Lung-kidney Qi Deficiency Syndrome in COPD Based on Nrf2/MARCO Signaling Pathway
Jiankang JIANG ; Hui WANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zegeng LI ; Jiabing TONG ; Fan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):222-229
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Liuwei Buqi prescription (LWBQ) regulates alveolar macrophage efferocytosis and improves inflammatory responses in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency based on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) pathway. MethodsSuccessfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, low-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-L, 2.25 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-M, 4.5 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose LWBQ group (LWBQ-H, 9 g·kg-1·d-1), and aminophylline group (AMIN, 50 mg·kg-1·d-1), with 8 rats in each group. Another 8 healthy rats were included as the blank group. Except for the blank group, rats in the remaining groups were subjected to smoke exposure combined with forced swimming, intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation, and subcutaneous hydrocortisone injection to establish a COPD model with lung-kidney Qi deficiency. After successful modeling, rats were administered different doses of LWBQ or AMIN by gavage. Body weight, fur condition, and oral secretions were observed. Pulmonary function was measured using an animal lung function analyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum (SER). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to examine pathological changes in lung tissue. Giemsa staining was performed to detect eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils in BALF. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6), milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced food intake, nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and decreased body weight (P<0.01), decreased peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.01), increased forced vital capacity (FVC) (P<0.01), and decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s/forced vital capacity [FEV0.3/FVC (%)] (P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were increased (P<0.01). Lung tissue exhibited structural destruction, hyperplasia, inflammatory exudation, increased apoptotic cells, and increased mean optical density (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of GAS6, MFG-E8, and MARCO, as well as Nrf2 mRNA expression, were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LWBQ groups showed increased food intake, reduced nasal and oral secretions with sputum, and increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). PEF was increased (P<0.01). FVC was increased in rats treated with low- and medium-dose LWBQ (P<0.01), and FEV0.3/FVC (%) was increased in rats treated with medium- and high-dose LWBQ (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α in BALF and SER were decreased (P<0.01). Lung tissue structure was relatively intact, with improvement in hyperplasia and inflammatory exudation. The number of apoptotic cells in lung tissue was reduced, and mean optical density was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of efferocytosis-related proteins GAS6 and MFG-E8 and pathway-related proteins Nrf2 and MARCO were increased (P<0.01). ConclusionLWBQ can alleviate pulmonary and systemic inflammation, improve lung function, and reduce lung tissue damage in rats with COPD characterized by lung-kidney Qi deficiency. The mechanism may be related to enhancement of alveolar macrophage efferocytosis through regulation of the Nrf2/MARCO pathway.
7.Psychological Stress-induced Immune Dysregulation: The Key Factor Undermining Aerobic Exercise’s Antagonism Against Tumor Progression
Xin ZHOU ; Hua ZHANG ; Jing-Jing LIU ; Hui-Xin PAN ; Jing ZHANG ; Qing-Lu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1656-1671
Cancer is one of the most lethal and burdensome diseases worldwide. Its progression not only causes irreversible damage to the body, but also imposes a substantial psychological burden on patients due to its complex prognosis. Immune imbalance, a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME), accelerates tumor invasion and metastasis by impairing the function of effector immune cells, promoting the abnormal infiltration of immunosuppressive cells, and disrupting cytokine homeostasis, thereby constituting a major barrier to the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Compared with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, aerobic exercise has shown considerable potential in antagonizing tumor progression through relatively mild but effective immunomodulatory mechanisms. On the one hand, regular aerobic exercise enhances the number and activity of key effector immune cells, such as CD8+ T cells, thereby strengthening their ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells and alleviate immune imbalance. On the other hand, aerobic exercise promotes tumor vascular normalization, improves vascular maturity, and stimulates the secretion of irisin and other anti-inflammatory myokines, thereby remodeling the TME and relieving its immunosuppressive state to delay tumor progression. However, psychological stress following a cancer diagnosis can not only act as an independent disruptive factor that exacerbates immune imbalance within the TME, but also amplify the effects of other detrimental factors, such as reduced treatment adherence, thereby further weakening the antagonistic effect of aerobic exercise on tumor growth. Psychological stress, as a chronic stressor, promotes the excessive secretion of emotion-related hormones, including glucocorticoids (GCs) and norepinephrine (NE), which further suppress the activation and effector functions of antitumor immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, while facilitating the recruitment of protumor immune cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). These changes ultimately disrupt immune homeostasis in the TME, promote tumor immune evasion, accelerate tumor invasion and metastasis, and offset the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on tumor control. In addition, psychological stress induces hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and abnormal excitation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), thereby maintaining elevated levels of GCs, NE, and related stress hormones, suppressing inflammatory chemokine expression and immune cell recruitment, and further disturbing immune homeostasis in the TME, which accelerates tumor progression. More importantly, prolonged psychological stress can also disrupt the homeostasis of central neurotransmitters, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and glutamate (Glu). This not only directly inhibits the activation and effector functions of antitumor immune cells and promotes the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment, but also impairs cellular energy metabolism and continuously provides energy for tumor cells through metabolic reprogramming, thereby sustaining rapid tumor growth and adaptation to a hostile TME. Ultimately, these alterations contribute to the dysregulation of “neuro-endocrine-immune” axis and weaken the protective effect of aerobic exercise against tumor progression. Therefore, this review focuses on the interaction between psychological stress and the “neuro-endocrine-immune” axis, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms by which psychological stress induces immune imbalance and weakens the antagonistic effect of aerobic exercise on tumor progression. We further highlight the important role of psychological stress in tumor progression and propose that combining psychotropic interventions, aerobic exercise, and clinical antitumor immunotherapy may help restore the tumor-killing capacity of the immune system. Such a multimodal strategy may exert synergistic effects at multiple levels, including psychological stress relief, neuroendocrine regulation, and reconstruction of immune homeostasis, thereby providing new perspectives for identifying therapeutic targets in solid tumors, enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, and improving patient prognosis.
8.Effect and mechanism of the azo-podophyllotoxin derivative SU056 in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis
Qichao GE ; Rui CHEN ; Yufei YANG ; Yuecheng GUO ; Dihanjing ZHANG ; Hui DONG ; Lungen LU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1310-1320
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of SU056, an azo-podophyllotoxin derivative, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice and related mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 12 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group (CCl4+normal saline), and treatment group (CCl4+SU056), with 4 mice in each group. Mice were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 to establish a model of liver fibrosis, and during the middle stage of modeling, the mice in the treatment group were given daily intraperitoneal injection of SU056. Liver histopathological injury, collagen deposition, and liver function were assessed based on HE staining, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, the content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue, and the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the expression levels of smooth muscle actin α (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ, and Y-box binding protein 1 (YB1). The human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and primary mouse HSC were used, and CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell proliferation; Transwell assay was used to observe cell migration; quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ, collagen type Ⅲ, YB1, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated S6K, so as to validate the function of the YB1/mTOR signaling axis. The one-way or two-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, compared with the model group, the treatment group had significant alleviation of inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and pseudolobule formation in liver tissue and significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and the content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.01). Immunofluorescence assay showed that SU056 significantly inhibited the abnormal high expression of α-SMA, collagen type I, and YB1 in liver tissue (all P<0.01). In vitro experiments showed that SU056 inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1-induced proliferation of LX-2 cells (P<0.01), the migration of LX-2 cells (P<0.05), and the transcriptional up-regulation of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ (all P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, and SU056 could inhibit the spontaneous activation of primary HSC in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that transforming growth factor-β1 simultaneously upregulated the expression levels of YB1, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated S6K in LX-2 cells, and treatment with SU056 (10 and 20 µmol/L) could downregulate the protein expression levels of collagen type I, YB1, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated S6K. Specific knockdown of YB1 or administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin exerted a similar effect as SU056. SU056 also inhibited the co-upregulation of α-SMA and phosphorylated mTOR in liver tissue of model mice (P<0.01). ConclusionSU056 can effectively inhibit HSC activation, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production both in vivo and in vitro and thus delay the progression of liver fibrosis, by disrupting the YB1/mTOR positive feedback signaling axis.
9.Shaoyaotang Containing Serum Mediates Fas/FasL Pathway to Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis of Caco-2 Cells
Yuting YANG ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Nianjia XIE ; Bo ZOU ; Daguang CHEN ; Erle LIU ; Yi LU ; Zhaowen LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):62-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different concentrations of Shaoyaotang-containing serum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells by inhibiting apoptosis via activating the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were allocated into blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), Shaoyaotang-containing serum (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), and Fas inhibitor (KR-33493, 20 mmol·L-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were stimulated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h for the modeling of inflammation. After successful modeling, the blank, Fas inhibitor, and model groups were treated with blank serum, and the Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups were treated with the serum samples at corresponding concentrations for 24 h. The Fas inhibitor group was subjected to KR-33493 pretreatment for 1 h. Cell proliferation and viability were examined by the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group presented a decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the cell survival rate showed no significant change in the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group but increased in the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups (P<0.01). Since there was no statistical difference between the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group and the model group, 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing sera were selected for the follow-up study. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed risen levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Fas inhibitor group and the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups showed declined levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased apoptosis rates (P<0.01), down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and higher protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can reduce the content of inflammatory factors in Caco-2 cells, down-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax, and up-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 under the intervention of LPS by regulating the Fas/FasL pathway and inhibiting the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis.
10.Shaoyaotang Alleviates Damage of Tight Junction Proteins in Caco-2 Cell Model of Inflammation by Regulating RhoA/ROCK Pathway
Nianjia XIE ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuting YANG ; Bo ZOU ; Da ZHAO ; Yi LU ; Mingsheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):70-77
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shaoyaotang (SYD) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage of tight junction proteins in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell model of inflammation via the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were grouped as follows: Blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), SYD-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%), and inhibitor (Fasudil, 25 μmol·L-1). After 24 hours of intervention, the cell viability in each group was examined by the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of RhoA, ROCK2, claudin-5, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cells of each group. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showcased a marked reduction in the cell viability (P<0.01), elevations in the levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), declines in both mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.01), and rises in mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%) groups had enhanced cell viability (P<0.01), lowered levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Moreover, the inhibitor group and the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can lower the levels of LPS-induced increases in levels of inflammatory cytokines and endothelin to ameliorate the damage of tight junction proteins of the Caco-2 cell model of inflammation by regulating the expression of proteins in the RhoA/ROCK pathway.


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