1.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
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Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Prospective Studies
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Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
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Aged
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Follow-Up Studies
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Adult
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Mortality
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Cause of Death
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Obesity/mortality*
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Overweight/mortality*
2.The effect of PTEN overexpression on autophagy of mouse cardiac fibroblasts
Huanhuan He ; Shunxiang Jiang ; Hui Tao ; Wei Cao
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(5):877-883
Objective:
To investigate the effect of phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) overexpression on autophagy in mouse primary cardiac fibroblasts.
Methods:
Neonatal mice(1-3 days old) were purchased and subjected to cardiac tissue harvesting. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated through enzymatic digestion and cultured. After cellular adhesion, rapamycin(Rapa)-treated cardiac fibroblasts were used to establish an autophagy model. Following successful model construction, cells were transfected with eitherPTEN-overexpressing plasmid(PTENoverexpression group) or empty vector(control group), followed by 24-48 h incubation. The molecular expressions of PTEN, autophagy-related proteins [microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), Beclin1], and fibrotic marker collagen Ⅰ were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. Autophagic flux was assessed using mCherry-GFP-LC3 fluorescence staining to evaluate changes in autophagic activity. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) was employed to observe autophagosome formation in cardiac fibroblasts.
Results :
In the Rapa-induced cardiac fibroblast autophagy model, compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA levels of PTEN significantly decreased(P<0.05), while the expression of autophagy-related proteins(LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Beclin1) and fibrotic marker Collagen Ⅰ was upregulated at both protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05). Additionally, in PTEN-overexpressing cardiac fibroblasts, the expression levels of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Beclin1, and Collagen Ⅰ were markedly reduced compared to the empty vector group(P<0.05). mCherry-GFP-LC3 fluorescence staining demonstrated that autophagic activity was significantly attenuated in thePTENoverexpression group versus the empty vector group(P<0.05). TEM further revealed a decreased number of autophagosomes in PTEN-overexpressing cardiac fibroblasts(P<0.05).
Conclusion
The overexpression ofPTENsignificantly inhibits autophagy in cardiac fibroblasts, suggesting thatPTENmay be a key gene involved in regulating autophagy in cardiac fibroblasts.
3.Polysaccharide extract PCP1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting TLR4/NLRP3 pathway.
Xin ZHAN ; Zi-Xu LI ; Zhu YANG ; Jie YU ; Wen CAO ; Zhen-Dong WU ; Jiang-Ping WU ; Qiu-Yue LYU ; Hui CHE ; Guo-Dong WANG ; Jun HAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2450-2460
This study aims to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide extract PCP1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema in ameliorating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats through modulation of the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathway. In vivo, SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, model group, PCP1 group, nimodipine(NMDP) group, and TLR4 signaling inhibitor(TAK-242) group. A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) model was established, and neurological deficit scores and infarct size were evaluated 24 hours after reperfusion. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in ischemic brain tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) assessed ultrastructural damage in cortical neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-18(IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-10(IL-10), and nitric oxide(NO) in serum. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins. In vitro, a BV2 microglial cell oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R) model was established, and cells were divided into the control, OGD/R, PCP1, TAK-242, and PCP1 + TLR4 activator lipopolysaccharide(LPS) groups. The CCK-8 assay evaluated BV2 cell viability, and ELISA determined NO release. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, and downstream pathway-related proteins. The results indicated that, compared with the model group, PCP1 significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, infarct size, ischemic tissue pathology, cortical cell damage, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, and NO(P<0.01). It also elevated IL-10 levels(P<0.01) and decreased the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, in vitro results showed that, compared with the OGD/R group, PCP1 significantly improved BV2 cell viability(P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced cell NO levels induced by OGD/R(P<0.01), and inhibited the expression of TLR4-related inflammatory pathway proteins, including TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p-p65)/nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p65), NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18(P<0.05, P<0.01). The protective effects of PCP1 were reversed by LPS stimulation. In conclusion, PCP1 ameliorates cerebral I/R injury by modulating the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic effects.
Animals
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
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Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
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Male
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Polysaccharides/isolation & purification*
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Polygonatum/chemistry*
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Brain Ischemia/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice
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Humans
4.Textual study of Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis diffusa).
Dong-Min JIANG ; Chu-Chu ZHONG ; Pang-Chui SHAW ; Bik-San LAU ; Tai-Wai LAU ; Guang-Hao XU ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhi-Guo MA ; Hui CAO ; Meng-Hua WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4386-4396
Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis diffusa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the whole herb of H. diffusa and has been widely utilized in folk medicine. It possesses anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the frequently used herbs in TCM clinical practice. However, Shuixiancao(H. corymbosa) and Xianhuaercao(H. tenelliflora), species of the same genus, are often used as substitutes for Baihuasheshecao. To substantiate the medicinal basis of Baihuasheshecao, this study systematically reviewed classical herbal texts and modern literature, examining its nomenclature, botanical origin, harvesting, processing, properties, meridian tropism, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. The results indicate that Baihuasheshecao was initially recorded as "Shuixiancao" in Preface to the Indexes to the Great Chinese Botany(Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao). Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat description, it was identified as H. diffusa in the Rubiaceae family. Subsequent records predominantly refer to it as Baihuasheshecao as its official name. In most regions, Baihuasheshecao is recognized as the authentic medicinal material, distinct from Shuixiancao and Xianhuaercao. Baihuasheshecao is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and the dried whole plant, including its roots, is used medicinally. The standard processing method involves cutting. It is known for its effects in clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting diuresis to resolve abscesses. Initially, it was mainly used for treating appendicitis, intestinal abscesses, and venomous snake bites, and later, it became a treatment for cancer. The excavation of its clinical value followed a process in which overseas Chinese introduced the herb from Chinese folk medicine to other countries. After its unique anti-cancer effects were recognized abroad, it was reintroduced to China and gradually became a crucial TCM for cancer treatment. The findings of this study help clarify the historical and contemporary uses of Baihuasheshecao, providing literature support and a scientific basis for its rational development and precise clinical application.
Humans
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China
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Hedyotis/classification*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
5.Effect and Safety of Fuzheng Huazhuo Decoction against Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Clearance: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Wen ZHANG ; Hong-Ze WU ; Xiang-Ru XU ; Yu-Ting PU ; Cai-Yu CHEN ; Rou DENG ; Min CAO ; Ding SUN ; Hui YI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Bang-Jiang FANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(5):387-393
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect and safety of Chinese medicine (CM) Fuzheng Huazhuo Decoction (FHD) in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who persistently tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Shanghai New International Expo Center shelter hospital in China between April 1 and May 30, 2022. Patients diagnosed as COVID-19 with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results for ⩾8 days after diagnosis were enrolled. Patients in the control group received conventional Western medicine (WM) treatment, while those in the FHD group received conventional WM plus FHD for at least 3 days. The primary outcome was viral clearance time. Secondary outcomes included negative conversion rate within 14 days, length of hospital stay, cycle threshold (Ct) values of the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) and nucleocapsid protein (N) genes, and incidence of new-onset symptoms during hospitalization. Adverse events (AEs) that occurred during the study period were recorded.
RESULTS:
A total of 1,765 eligible patients were enrolled in this study (546 in the FHD group and 1,219 in the control group). Compared with the control group, patients receiving FHD treatment showed shorter viral clearance time for nucleic acids [hazard ratio (HR): 1.500, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.353-1.664, P<0.001] and hospital stays (HR: 1.371, 95% CI: 1.238-1.519, P<0.001), and a higher negative conversion rate within 14 days (96.2% vs. 82.6%, P<0.001). The incidence of new-onset symptoms was 59.5% in the FHD group, similar to 57.8% in the control group (P>0.05). The Ct values of ORF1ab and N genes increased more rapidly over time in the FHD group than those in the control group post-randomization (ORF1ab gene: β =0.436±0.053, P<0.001; N gene: β =0.415 ±0.053, P<0.001). The incidence of AEs in the FHD group was lower than that in the control group (24.2% vs. 35.4%, P<0.001). No serious AEs were observed.
CONCLUSION
FHD was effective and safe for patients with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200063956).
Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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Retrospective Studies
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
;
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
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SARS-CoV-2/drug effects*
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COVID-19/virology*
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Adult
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Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
6.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cemental tear.
Ye LIANG ; Hongrui LIU ; Chengjia XIE ; Yang YU ; Jinlong SHAO ; Chunxu LV ; Wenyan KANG ; Fuhua YAN ; Yaping PAN ; Faming CHEN ; Yan XU ; Zuomin WANG ; Yao SUN ; Ang LI ; Lili CHEN ; Qingxian LUAN ; Chuanjiang ZHAO ; Zhengguo CAO ; Yi LIU ; Jiang SUN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Li LIN ; Peihui DING ; Weilian SUN ; Jun WANG ; Jiang LIN ; Guangxun ZHU ; Qi ZHANG ; Lijun LUO ; Jiayin DENG ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Aimei SONG ; Hongmei GUO ; Jin ZHANG ; Pingping CUI ; Song GE ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiuyun REN ; Shengbin HUANG ; Xi WEI ; Lihong QIU ; Jing DENG ; Keqing PAN ; Dandan MA ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Dong CHEN ; Liangjun ZHONG ; Gang DING ; Wu CHEN ; Quanchen XU ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Lingqian DU ; Ling LI ; Yijia WANG ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Qiang CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Shaohua GE
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):61-61
Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans
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Dental Cementum/injuries*
;
Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
;
Tooth Fractures/therapy*
7.The Adoption of Non-invasive Photobiomodulation in The Treatment of Epilepsy
Ao-Yun LI ; Zhan-Chuang LU ; Li CAO ; Si CHEN ; Hui JIANG ; Chang-Chun CHEN ; Lei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):882-898
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease caused by abnormal synchronous discharge of the brain, which is characterized by recurrent and transient neurological abnormalities, mainly manifested as loss of consciousness and limb convulsions, and can occur in people of all ages. At present, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are still the main means of treatment, but their efficacy is limited by the problem of drug resistance, and long-term use can cause serious side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction and vital organ damage. Although surgical resection of epileptic lesions has achieved certain results in some patients, the high cost and potential risk of neurological damage limit its scope of application. Therefore, the development of safe, accurate and personalized non-invasive treatment strategies has become one of the key directions of epilepsy research. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained significant attention as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. PBM uses light of specific wavelengths to penetrate tissues and interact with photosensitive molecules within cells, thereby modulating cellular metabolic processes. Research has shown that PBM can enhance mitochondrial function, promote ATP production, improve meningeal lymphatic drainage, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the growth of neurons and synapses. These biological effects suggest that PBM not only holds the potential to reduce the frequency of seizures but also to improve the metabolic state and network function of neurons, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for epilepsy treatment. Compared to traditional treatment methods, PBM is non-invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. Its low risk of significant side effects makes it particularly suitable for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering new therapeutic options for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Furthermore, PBM’s multi-target mechanism enables it to address a variety of complex etiologies of epilepsy, demonstrating its potential in precision medicine. In contrast to therapies targeting a single pathological mechanism, PBM’s multifaceted approach makes it highly adaptable to different types of epilepsy, positioning it as a promising supplementary or alternative treatment. Although animal studies and preliminary clinical trials have shown positive outcomes with PBM, its clinical application remains in the exploratory phase. Future research should aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms of PBM, optimize light parameters, such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, and investigate potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PBM and ensuring its safety and consistency in clinical settings. This review summarizes the types of epilepsy, diagnostic biomarkers, the advantages of PBM, and its mechanisms and potential applications in epilepsy treatment. The unique value of PBM lies not only in its multi-target therapeutic effects but also in its adaptability to the diverse etiologies of epilepsy. The combination of PBM with traditional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and neuroregulatory techniques, holds promise for developing a more comprehensive and multidimensional treatment strategy, ultimately alleviating the treatment burden on patients. PBM has also shown beneficial effects on neural network plasticity in various neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamic remodeling of neural networks plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, and PBM’s multi-target mechanism may promote brain function recovery by facilitating neural network remodeling. In this context, optimizing optical parameters remains a key area of research. By adjusting parameters such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, researchers aim to further enhance the therapeutic effects of PBM while maintaining its safety and stability. Looking forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, optical engineering, and clinical medicine, will drive the development of PBM technology and facilitate its transition from laboratory research to clinical application. With the advancement of portable devices, PBM is expected to provide safer and more effective treatments for epilepsy patients and make a significant contribution to personalized medicine, positioning it as a critical component of precision therapeutic strategies.
8.Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis by Shaoyaotang via Inhibiting Glycolysis Through SIRT6/HIF-1α Pathway
Yiling XIA ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Erle LIU ; Yiwen WANG ; Shaijin JIANG ; Yiqian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):10-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein (SIRT6)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Mesalazine group (0.42 g·kg-1), a Shaoyaotang group (31.08 g·kg-1), an inhibitor group (OSS-128167, 50 mg·kg-1), and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (50 mg·kg-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg-1 Shaoyaotang). A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for mice in other groups for 7 d, except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline, Mesalazine, Shaoyaotang, inhibitor, and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang, respectively, for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region, and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in colon tissue, and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6, HIF-1α, and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group, disease activity index (DAI) scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened, and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated, and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 were significantly reduced in colon tissue (P<0.01). The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Mesalazine group, the Shaoyaotang group, and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury, significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6, significant increase in IL-10 (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group, the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased, and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). However, the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.
9.Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis by Shaoyaotang via Inhibiting Glycolysis Through SIRT6/HIF-1α Pathway
Yiling XIA ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Erle LIU ; Yiwen WANG ; Shaijin JIANG ; Yiqian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):10-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein (SIRT6)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Mesalazine group (0.42 g·kg-1), a Shaoyaotang group (31.08 g·kg-1), an inhibitor group (OSS-128167, 50 mg·kg-1), and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (50 mg·kg-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg-1 Shaoyaotang). A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for mice in other groups for 7 d, except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline, Mesalazine, Shaoyaotang, inhibitor, and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang, respectively, for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region, and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in colon tissue, and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6, HIF-1α, and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group, disease activity index (DAI) scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened, and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated, and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 were significantly reduced in colon tissue (P<0.01). The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Mesalazine group, the Shaoyaotang group, and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury, significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6, significant increase in IL-10 (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group, the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased, and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). However, the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.
10.Shaoyaotang Restores Th17/Treg Cell Balance by Regulating Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Shaijin JIANG ; Bo ZOU ; Dongsheng WU ; Youwei XIAO ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):78-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shaoyaotang on T helper cell 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg) cell balance in ulcerative colitis and decipher the intervention mechanism based on glucose metabolism reprogramming. MethodsThe mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established by the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal, model, Western drug control (mesalazine, 0.39 g·kg-1·d-1), Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1), inhibitor (2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor (2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1) + Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1) groups. Mice were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage for 7 days. The general conditions and the colon injury degree were observed 24 h after the last administration. The expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17 in the colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in the colon tissue. Th17/Treg cell differentiation was detected by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of lactic acid and glucose in the colon tissue and IL-10, IL-17, and IL-6 in the serum. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreases in body weight and disease activity index (DAI) (P<0.05), elevations in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and declines in the levels of of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the drug administration groups showed increases in body weight and DAI (P<0.05), declines in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and rises in levels of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Shaoyaotang+2-DG group had the most obvious effect. ConclusionShaoyaotang can relieve diarrhea and bloody stool in mice with ulcerative colitis by restoring the Th17/Treg cell balance via regulation of glucose metabolism reprogramming, thus playing a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.


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