1.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
2.Analysis of the causes of the abnormal increases in gross α and gross β activity concentrations in Nanbei Lake water
Xiang ZHANG ; Xiaoqiong WU ; Miaohua GE ; Yanqian WU ; Daming WU ; Yikang WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):18-22
Objective To investigate the causes of the abnormally elevated gross α and gross β activity concentrations in the water of Nanbei Lake located near the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant. Methods Water and sediment samples were measured according to GB/T
3.Clinical value of evaluation of anatomical position of inferior mesenteric artery and vein as well as left colic artery in laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal
Bo ZHANG ; Tao WU ; Shuai ZHOU ; Ling DANG ; Jiaxing HE ; Ying YANG ; Zhuo HAN ; Longlong ZHENG ; Nan WANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(6):754-761
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of laparoscopic evaluation of anato-mical position of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and left colic artery (LCA).Methods:The prospective one-arm study was conducted. The clinical data of 229 pati-ents who underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for left colon or laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from December 2022 to December 2023 were selected. The distance between the origin point of IMA and the origin point of the first branch (L1) as well as the distance from the origin point of LCA root to the junction of LCA and IMV (L2) were measured during the operation. IMA classification, the location relation-ship of LCA and IMV junction were recorded. Observation indicators: (1) situations of enrolled patients; (2) difference analysis between L1, L2 and clinical features; (3) distribution characteristics of the location relationship between LCA and IMV in different types of IMA. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups, Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and Dunn-Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was performed by chi-square test. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was conducted for correlation of continuous variables. Results:(1) Situations of enrolled patients. A total of 229 eligible patients were screened out, including 146 males and 83 females, aged 64(range, 55-71)years. The height of 229 patients was 168(range, 160-172)cm, the weight was 65.0(55.5,71.5)kg, the body surface area was (1.68±0.17)m 2, the tumor maximum diameter was 3.0(2.5,4.0)cm. The total number of lymph nodes dissected was 19(17,21), and the number of No.253 lymph node dissected was 4(3,5). The L1 was 3.50(1.20,8.00)cm, and the L2 was 2.20(0.50,7.30)cm. There were 58, 31, 32, 71, 22, 90, 26 and 212 patients with smoking, alcohol drinking, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, neoadjuvant chemo-therapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and preservation of the LCA, respectively. Among 229 patients, cases with BMI <18.5 kg/m 2, 18.5-23.9 kg/m 2 and >23.9 kg/m 2 were 11, 133 and 85, respectively. There were 153 cases in pathological stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and 76 cases in stage Ⅲ. There were 168 cases of Dixon operation, 6 cases of Miles operation and 55 cases of sigmoid colon resection. There were 135 cases of IMA type 1, 44 cases of IMA type 2, 23 cases of IMA type 3, 2 cases of IMA type 4, and 25 cases of IMA type unable to judge. (2) Difference analysis between L1, L2 and clinical features.Correlation analysis showed negative correlation between the height, body surface area and L1 ( r=-0.17, -0.15, P<0.05). The L1 was 3.20(2.68,4.00)cm for male patients and 3.60(3.00,4.20)cm for female patients, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-2.37, P<0.05). The L1 of patients with IMA type 1, 2, and 3 was 3.20(2.80,4.00)cm, 3.85(3.00,4.48)cm, and 3.20(2.50,4.30)cm, respectively, showing a significant difference among them ( H=7.54, P<0.05). Further pairwise com-parison showed that there was a significant difference in L1 between patients with IMA type 2 and those with IMA type 1 ( P<0.05). The L2 of smokers and non-smokers were 2.50(1.95,3.20)cm and 2.20(1.60,2.80)cm, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-2.24, P<0.05). (3)Distribution characteristics of the location relationship between LCA and IMV in different types of IMA. There was no significant difference in LCA distribution between the anterior and posterior positions of IMV among the three IMA types (type 1, 2, 3) ( χ2=1.63, P>0.05). Conclusions:Patients with greater height have larger body surface area and shorter L1. L1 is significantly longer in female patients than in male patients. L1 is significantly longer in patients with IMA type 2 than in those with type 1. L2 is significantly longer in smokers than in non-smokers. There was no significant difference in the distribution location between LCA and IMV among patients of IMA type 1, 2 and 3.
4.Identification of Potential Mechanisms of Jiangtang Tiaozhi Formula in Improving Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Xinyi FANG ; Mingzhe ZHANG ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Xiaolin TONG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2536-2552
Objective Jiangtang Tiaozhi Formula(JTTZF)is highly effective in improving glycolipid metabolism disorder.However,its exact mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated.This study aims to explore the potential targets and mechanisms of JTTZF in improving glycolipid metabolism disorder through network pharmacology,molecular docking,molecular dynamics simulations,and experimental validation.Methods Glycolipid metabolism disorder-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database,while the relevant action targets of the main active ingredients of JTTZF were obtained from the CTD and SwissTargetPrediction databases.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape.After selecting the potential key targets,Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis were conducted through the Metascape database,and a network map of"herb-active ingredient-target-pathway"was constructed.Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock vina and PyMOL software to verify the correlation between the main components of JTTZF and the core targets.Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for optimal core protein-compound complexes obtained by molecular docking.A mouse glycolipid metabolism disorder model was established,and the results of network pharmacology were verified by in vivo experiments.Results Topological analysis of the PPI network revealed ten core targets,including TNF,CTNNB1,AKT1,NF-κB1,ESR1,FN1,TP53,IL-1β,IL-6,and EGFR.GO functional enrichment analysis showed that these targets were mainly related to signal transduction and transcriptional regulation.KEGG pathway analysis showed that these targets were related to lipid and atherosclerosis pathway.Molecular docking results reported that the core active ingredient of JTTZF has a certain binding affinity with AKT1,FN1,and IL-6.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed good binding ability between lovastatin,coptisine,salvianolic acid B,and AKT1.Animal experiments showed that JTTZF may reduce blood glucose and blood lipid levels and improve glycolipid metabolism disorder by down-regulating the expression of AKT1,TP53,and inflammatory regulators in lipid and atherosclerotic pathway,inhibiting the expression of FN1 and EGFR,and increasing the expression of CTNNB1 and ESR1.Conclusion JTTZF participates in the regulation of lipid and atherosclerotic pathway,and comprehensively regulates glucose and lipid metabolism and improves atherosclerotic lesions,thereby preventing and treating the occurrence and development of glycolipid metabolism disorder and its complications.
5.Clinicopathological analysis of 14 cases of mantle cell lymphoma with aberrant ex-pression of CD10
Jiaxing CHEN ; Qiong ZHU ; Shuyi LU ; Chenyu WU ; Longfeng KE ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Yating QIU ; Gang CHEN ; Yanping CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(8):997-1003
Purpose To explore the clinicopathological features,diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma(MCL)with aberrant expression of CD10.Methods 14 cases of MCL with aberrant expression of CD10 were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin,immunohistochemical stains,in situ hybridization,and fluorescence in situ hy-bridization(FISH)techniques to observe the histological morphology,immunophenotype,and molecular genetic char-acteristics.The relevant literatures were reviewed.Results There were 11 males and 3 females,with a male-to-fe-male ratio of 11∶3.The age ranged from 49 to 80 years,with an average age of 64.4 years and a median age of 64 years.10 cases occurred in lymph nodes,1 case in the nasopharynx,1 case in the right colon,1 case in the right eye-lid,and 1 case in the right testis.According to the Ann Arbor staging system,8 cases were classified as stage Ⅳ and 5 cases as stage Ⅲ,and 1 case with undetermined staging.Histologically,there was diffuse effacement of the normal architecture by tumor cells infiltration.Transparent degenerate small blood vessels and scattered individual epithelial-like tissue cells could be observed in the background.Among them,8 cases(8/14,57.14%)were composed of uni-form small to medium-sized lymphocytes with slightly irregular nuclei,unevenly dispersed chromatin,inconspicuous nucleoli,and scant cytoplasm,along with observable mitotic figures.In 3 cases(3/14,21.43%),the tumor cells were large and markedly pleomorphic,with round or irregular nuclei,prominent nucleoli,frequent mitotic figures,and abundant pale cytoplasm.Tumor cells in 3 cases(3/14,21.43%)were resembling lymphoblasts,characterized by round nuclei,fine chromatin,inconspicuous nucleoli,frequent mitotic figures,and scant cytoplasm.Immunophenotyp-ically,CD21 staining showed residual follicular dendritic meshworks.The tumor cells were diffusely and strongly posi-tive for CD20(14/14),PAX5(7/7),CD5(14/14),Cyclin D1(14/14),SOX11(11/11),and BCL2(13/13),partially positive for BCL6(8/14,57.14%)and MUM1(6/9,66.67%),but negative for CD3(14/14)and CD23(14/14).Among 14 cases,10 cases were diffusely and strongly positive for CD10(10/14,71.43%),and 4 cases were partially positive for CD10(4/14,28.57%).The percentage of Ki67 index ranged from 10%to 90%.All cases were negative for EBER(8/8).FISH analysis was performed in 9 cases,among which 7 cases showed CCND1 gene rearrangement,another 2 cases failed to detect due to insufficient tissue samples.Bone marrow biopsy was performed in 13 cases,revealing involvement in 8 cases(8/13,61.54%)and no involvement in 5 cases(5/13,38.46%).Con-clusion MCL with aberrant expression of CD10 is very rare,which commonly exhibits a diffuse growth pattern and blastoid and pleomorphic variants.It often has a high Ki67 proliferation index and poorer prognosis,and should be dis-tinguished from other subtypes of CD1O-positive B-cell lymphomas.
6.Clinical value of evaluation of anatomical position of inferior mesenteric artery and vein as well as left colic artery in laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal
Bo ZHANG ; Tao WU ; Shuai ZHOU ; Ling DANG ; Jiaxing HE ; Ying YANG ; Zhuo HAN ; Longlong ZHENG ; Nan WANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(6):754-761
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of laparoscopic evaluation of anato-mical position of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and left colic artery (LCA).Methods:The prospective one-arm study was conducted. The clinical data of 229 pati-ents who underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy for left colon or laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from December 2022 to December 2023 were selected. The distance between the origin point of IMA and the origin point of the first branch (L1) as well as the distance from the origin point of LCA root to the junction of LCA and IMV (L2) were measured during the operation. IMA classification, the location relation-ship of LCA and IMV junction were recorded. Observation indicators: (1) situations of enrolled patients; (2) difference analysis between L1, L2 and clinical features; (3) distribution characteristics of the location relationship between LCA and IMV in different types of IMA. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups, Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and Dunn-Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was performed by chi-square test. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was conducted for correlation of continuous variables. Results:(1) Situations of enrolled patients. A total of 229 eligible patients were screened out, including 146 males and 83 females, aged 64(range, 55-71)years. The height of 229 patients was 168(range, 160-172)cm, the weight was 65.0(55.5,71.5)kg, the body surface area was (1.68±0.17)m 2, the tumor maximum diameter was 3.0(2.5,4.0)cm. The total number of lymph nodes dissected was 19(17,21), and the number of No.253 lymph node dissected was 4(3,5). The L1 was 3.50(1.20,8.00)cm, and the L2 was 2.20(0.50,7.30)cm. There were 58, 31, 32, 71, 22, 90, 26 and 212 patients with smoking, alcohol drinking, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, neoadjuvant chemo-therapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and preservation of the LCA, respectively. Among 229 patients, cases with BMI <18.5 kg/m 2, 18.5-23.9 kg/m 2 and >23.9 kg/m 2 were 11, 133 and 85, respectively. There were 153 cases in pathological stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and 76 cases in stage Ⅲ. There were 168 cases of Dixon operation, 6 cases of Miles operation and 55 cases of sigmoid colon resection. There were 135 cases of IMA type 1, 44 cases of IMA type 2, 23 cases of IMA type 3, 2 cases of IMA type 4, and 25 cases of IMA type unable to judge. (2) Difference analysis between L1, L2 and clinical features.Correlation analysis showed negative correlation between the height, body surface area and L1 ( r=-0.17, -0.15, P<0.05). The L1 was 3.20(2.68,4.00)cm for male patients and 3.60(3.00,4.20)cm for female patients, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-2.37, P<0.05). The L1 of patients with IMA type 1, 2, and 3 was 3.20(2.80,4.00)cm, 3.85(3.00,4.48)cm, and 3.20(2.50,4.30)cm, respectively, showing a significant difference among them ( H=7.54, P<0.05). Further pairwise com-parison showed that there was a significant difference in L1 between patients with IMA type 2 and those with IMA type 1 ( P<0.05). The L2 of smokers and non-smokers were 2.50(1.95,3.20)cm and 2.20(1.60,2.80)cm, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-2.24, P<0.05). (3)Distribution characteristics of the location relationship between LCA and IMV in different types of IMA. There was no significant difference in LCA distribution between the anterior and posterior positions of IMV among the three IMA types (type 1, 2, 3) ( χ2=1.63, P>0.05). Conclusions:Patients with greater height have larger body surface area and shorter L1. L1 is significantly longer in female patients than in male patients. L1 is significantly longer in patients with IMA type 2 than in those with type 1. L2 is significantly longer in smokers than in non-smokers. There was no significant difference in the distribution location between LCA and IMV among patients of IMA type 1, 2 and 3.
7.Identification of Potential Mechanisms of Jiangtang Tiaozhi Formula in Improving Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Xinyi FANG ; Mingzhe ZHANG ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Xiaolin TONG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2536-2552
Objective Jiangtang Tiaozhi Formula(JTTZF)is highly effective in improving glycolipid metabolism disorder.However,its exact mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated.This study aims to explore the potential targets and mechanisms of JTTZF in improving glycolipid metabolism disorder through network pharmacology,molecular docking,molecular dynamics simulations,and experimental validation.Methods Glycolipid metabolism disorder-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database,while the relevant action targets of the main active ingredients of JTTZF were obtained from the CTD and SwissTargetPrediction databases.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape.After selecting the potential key targets,Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis were conducted through the Metascape database,and a network map of"herb-active ingredient-target-pathway"was constructed.Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock vina and PyMOL software to verify the correlation between the main components of JTTZF and the core targets.Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for optimal core protein-compound complexes obtained by molecular docking.A mouse glycolipid metabolism disorder model was established,and the results of network pharmacology were verified by in vivo experiments.Results Topological analysis of the PPI network revealed ten core targets,including TNF,CTNNB1,AKT1,NF-κB1,ESR1,FN1,TP53,IL-1β,IL-6,and EGFR.GO functional enrichment analysis showed that these targets were mainly related to signal transduction and transcriptional regulation.KEGG pathway analysis showed that these targets were related to lipid and atherosclerosis pathway.Molecular docking results reported that the core active ingredient of JTTZF has a certain binding affinity with AKT1,FN1,and IL-6.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed good binding ability between lovastatin,coptisine,salvianolic acid B,and AKT1.Animal experiments showed that JTTZF may reduce blood glucose and blood lipid levels and improve glycolipid metabolism disorder by down-regulating the expression of AKT1,TP53,and inflammatory regulators in lipid and atherosclerotic pathway,inhibiting the expression of FN1 and EGFR,and increasing the expression of CTNNB1 and ESR1.Conclusion JTTZF participates in the regulation of lipid and atherosclerotic pathway,and comprehensively regulates glucose and lipid metabolism and improves atherosclerotic lesions,thereby preventing and treating the occurrence and development of glycolipid metabolism disorder and its complications.
8.Advances in the clinical effects of prefabricated myofunctional appliances
Yan ZHOU ; Jiaxing LIN ; Man ZHANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(7):556-560
Prefabricated myofunctional appliances are one of the recommended appliances for early orthodontic treatment or prevention of malocclusions during the growth and development stage of children.At the beginning of its invention,it was commonly used to treat Class Ⅱ,division 1 malocclusion with deep overjet in children,based on the principle of combining the effects of a functional appli-ance with the effects of a positioner.With the development of orthodontic treatment,the indications of prefabricated myofunctional ap-pliances have gradually expanded.Scholars have also conducted research on children's psychological changes,compliance,and other aspects when using this appliance.This narrative review seeks to conclude the clinical applications of prefabricated myofunctional appli-ances in existing literature,aiming to provide reference for clinicians when using this appliance.
9.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Antagonising Ectopic Endometrial Tissue Fibrosis Based on Cellular Pyroptosis Mediated by TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 Signaling Pathway
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Jiaxing WANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Bin YUE ; Zhirui ZHANG ; Yinan WANG ; Yaling YANG ; Dongqing WEI ; Cancan HUANG ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):19-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in antagonizing cellular pyroptosis and fibrosis in ectopic endometrial tissues of endometriosis through the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (n = 12) and a modeling group (n = 60). The rats in the sham-operated group underwent a caesarean section, while the rats in the modeling group were used to establish an endometriosis model through the auto-transplantation method. After successful modeling, the animals were randomly divided into the model group, progesterone group (0.25 mg·kg-1), and modified Shaofu Zhuyutang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with 12 animals in each group. After 4 weeks of drug administration, voluntary activity and heat pain latency were observed. The rats were sacrificed for tissue collection, and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the endometrial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression area of tumor necrosis factor-related factor 6 (TRAF6) and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the endometrial tissues. Western blot was employed to measure the relative expression of TRL4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), TRAF6, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLPR3 proteins in endometrial tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 in the endometrial tissues. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, rats in the model group showed reduced voluntary activity and shorter heat pain latency. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were elevated. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins were increased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD was enhanced. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and NLPR3 proteins, along with the expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA, were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in the progesterone group and the modified Shaofu Zhuyutang medium- and high-dose groups exhibited improved voluntary activity, longer heat pain latency, the fibrosis of endometrial tissue is alleviated. Serum levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β were decreased. The relative expression areas of TRAF6 and NLPR3 proteins decreased, and the relative fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1 and GSDMD weakened. The relative expression of TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-NF-κB p65, NLPR3 proteins, and TRL4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and NLPR3 mRNA expression were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may play a therapeutic role in endometriosis by interfering with key proteins in the TRL4/NF-κB/NLPR3 signaling pathway, reducing NLRP3 inflammasome-induced cellular pyroptosis, antagonizing the fibrosis process in ectopic endometrial tissues, improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the pelvic cavity, and alleviating pain.
10.Mechanism of Modified Shaofu Zhuyutang in Treatment of Endometriosis Based on EGFR/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yaling YANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Zuoliang ZHANG ; Xiangyu LIN ; Jiaxing WANG ; Cancan HUANG ; Xiujia JI ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):29-38
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang on key proteins of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in SD rats with endometriosis. MethodsAfter successful establishment of an endometriosis model in 60 female SD rats of SPF grade via the auto-transplantation method, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, modified Shaofu Zhuyutang high-, medium-, and low-dose groups, and a gestrinone group, with another 12 rats serving as a blank group. The blank and model groups were administered 10 mL·kg-1 normal saline, while the high-, medium-, and low-dose groups received 30, 15, and 7.5 g·kg-1 modified Shaofu Zhuyutang, respectively. The gestrinone group was administered 0.25 mg·kg-1 gestrinone suspension. After four weeks of treatment, uterine contractions were induced with 2 U of oxytocin, and the writhing response of rats was observed. After 24 h, the rats were euthanized, and the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in endometrial tissues, while the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate of endometrial tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the relative expression areas of the B-cell lymphoma-2 gene-associated promoter (Bad) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins in endometrial tissues. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and EGFR were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relative protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), Akt, and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in endometrial tissues were analyzed by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed endometrial thickening, glandular and mesenchymal hyperplasia, a significant decrease in the relative expression area of Bad in ectopic endometrial tissues, a significant increase in the relative expression area of Bcl-2, and a significant reduction in the apoptosis rate as indicated by TUNEL staining. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, EGF, and EGFR were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The relative protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt, as well as the mRNA expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt, were also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high- and medium-dose groups of modified Shaofu Zhuyutang and the gestrinone group exhibited reduced glandular and mesenchymal hyperplasia to varying degrees, with dilated glandular lumens. The number of writhing responses was significantly reduced, the latency to writhing response was significantly prolonged, and the weight and volume of ectopic endometrial tissue were significantly decreased. The relative expression area of Bad in ectopic endometrial tissue was significantly increased, the relative expression area of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis rate was significantly elevated as shown by TUNEL staining. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, EGF, and EGFR were significantly reduced, and the relative protein expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt, as well as the mRNA expression levels of EGFR, PI3K, and Akt, were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionModified Shaofu Zhuyutang may exert therapeutic effects on endometriosis by interfering with key proteins of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis in ectopic endometrial tissue.

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