1.Yishen Huashi Granules Protect Kidneys of db/db Mice via p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Kaidong ZHOU ; Sitong WANG ; Ge JIN ; Yanmo CAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):58-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell injury and relieving diabetic kidney disease by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsThe db/db mice of 12 weeks old were randomly assigned into model , dapagliflozin (1.6 mg·kg-1), and Yishen Huashi granules (4.7 g·kg-1), and db/m mice were used as the control group. The general conditions of mice were observed, and fasting blood glucose and 24-h urinary protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 of administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea (UREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Mallory staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) in the renal tissue of mice. The immunohistochemical assay was employed to examine the expression of p38, phospho-p38 (p-p38), MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of p-p38, p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice.HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were grouped as follows: negative control, high glucose(30 mmol·L-1), Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum, and SB203580. After 48 h of cell culture in each group, RNA were extracted and the levels of MCP-1, and CCR2 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR,proteins were extracted and the levels of p38, p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 were determined by Western blot. ResultsThe in vivo experiments showed that before treatment, other groups had higher body weight, blood glucose level, 24 h urinary protein, and ACR than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed improved general conditions, a decreasing trend in body weight, lowered levels of blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, and ACR (P<0.01), reduced SCr and UREA (P<0.01), and declined levels of TC, TG, and LDL (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed alleviated damage and interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue as well as reductions in glomerular foot process fusion and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. The cell experiment showed that compared with the high glucose group, the Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum group showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce 24 h urinary protein and ACR, improve the renal function, alleviate the renal tubule injury caused by high glucose, and protect renal tubule epithelial cells in db/db mice by reducing MCP-1/CCR2 activation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
2.Reconstruction of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery with Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap combined with grafting of contralateral great saphenous vein
Liang YANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Zefeng NIU ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Liping GUO ; Zhijing LIU ; Qianheng JIN ; Chengwei GE
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(2):149-155
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of combination of a Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap with a contralateral great saphenous vein grafting in reconstruction of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery.Methods:This retrospective study analysed the clinical data of 9 patients who were admitted in the Department of Wound Repair Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital between September 2021 and October 2023. All patients were diagnosed with Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury and met the predefined inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 45 (26-64) years. The mean of Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) was 8.2 points, with a range from 5 to 10 points. The wound area after debridement ranged from 15.5 cm×6.0 cm to 24.5 cm×12.5 cm, with the vascular occlusion or defect at 4.0-20.0 (mean, 6.3) cm in length. The size of the flap was 16.5 cm×7.0 cm-25.5 cm×13.5 cm. During surgery, segments of the great saphenous vein were excised in the length of 5.0-21.0 cm, at an approximately 6.5 cm in length. The Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap was employed to reconstruct the soft tissue defect and to establish vascular connections between the anterior or posterior tibial arteries and veins, with the vessels carried by the flap. Additionally, the contralateral great saphenous vein was taken to bridge the posterior or anterior tibial arteries and veins. Follow-ups were carried out by outpatient visits, telephone calls and WeChat interviews. The flap viability, limb blood circulation, wound healing at both donor and recipient sites, as well as functional recovery of the affected limbs was observed. Sensation recovery of the flap was assessed according to the rating standard established by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) , while the function recovery of foot and ankle was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.Results:All flaps successfully survived without vascular complication. Eight affected limbs were effectively cured, while a calf that had an infection and necrosis of a long segment of tibia and fibula was amputated below-the-knee in the stage-II surgery. One of the donor sites of flap was covered with a medium-thickness skin graft from lower abdomen due to the large size of the flap, while the other donor sites were directly sutured and healed at first intention. One patient developed postoperative bone infection, which was successfully treated through re-debridement and antibiotic bone cement filling. Another patient experienced partial necrosis at the distal hallux due to a prolonged limb ischemia, and a stump repair surgery was performed. All patients were entered into the postoperative follow-up for 15.3 (6-24) months. At the final follow-up visit, satisfactory colour and texture were observed on all flaps, although minor oedema was present. Donor sites healed well and the donor limb function was not affected. Sensory evaluation rated S 2 in 5 flaps and S 3 in 3 flaps according to BMRC. Functional assessment of foot and ankle of the affected limb yielded excellent in 2 patients, good in 5 patients and fair in 1 patient according to AOFAS. Conclusion:Flow-through anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap combined with a contralateral great saphenous vein grafting enables one-stage reconstruction for soft tissue defect and blood circulation of the affected limb. It is a good method in the treatment of Gustilo ⅢC foot and ankle injury in emergency surgery.
3.Clinical effects of free bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps in tandem in repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle
Liang YANG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jihui JU ; Zefeng NIU ; Zhongzheng LIU ; Liping GUO ; Zhijin LIU ; Qianheng JIN ; Chengwei GE ; Guiyang WANG ; Lin YANG ; Junnan CHENG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(1):61-69
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of free bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps in tandem in repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From April 2020 to June 2023, 12 patients with extensive wounds in the foot and ankle who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Wound Repair Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 8 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 65 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 27 cm×14 cm to 37 cm×20 cm. The bilateral perforator flaps pedicled with either oblique or descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery were designed and harvested based on the size and shape of the wounds. The individual flap incision area ranged from 16 cm×9 cm to 34 cm×12 cm. The non-homologous perforator of the flap on the one side was turbocharged by anastomosing it with the gross muscular branch or main vessel of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery from the flap. Subsequently, the proximal end of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein from the flap on the one side were connected end-to-end with either the anterior tibial artery and vein, posterior tibial artery and vein, or dorsal foot artery and vein in the recipient area, the distal end of the oblique or descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its accompanying vein from the flap on the one side were anastomosed end-to-end with a source vessel originating from flap on the other side. The wounds in the flap donor areas were sutured directly. The number and source of perforators carried by the flaps and the duration of the flap repair surgery were recorded. The survival of the flap, the occurrence of vascular crisis, and the wound healing at both donor and recipient areas were observed after surgery. The flap condition, appearance and function of the affected limb were observed during follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensory function of the flap was assessed using the British Medical Research Council's sensory rating standard, the foot and ankle function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring standard.Results:A total 24 flaps were successfully harvested, carrying 60 perforators, including 34 perforators from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, 24 perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, one perforator from the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and one perforator from the direct branch of the femoral artery. The duration of the flap repair surgery ranged from 4.2 to 9.0 hours. The flaps of 12 patients exhibited complete survival after surgery. A total of two flaps of two patients experienced venous crisis after surgery but survived through emergency exploration. One patient encountered undesirable wound healing at the donor area of flap on the one side after surgery, which healed after dressing change, debridement, and suturing. The remaining patients' donor area wounds healed. Two patients displayed impaired wound healing in the recipient area, which improved after dressing change and resection of residual sequestrum, and the wounds in the recipient area of other patients healed successfully. During the follow-up of 4-26 months, the flaps demonstrated favorable color and texture, slight edematous appearance, and partial sensory recovery, as well as good aesthetic and functional restoration of the affected limbs. At the last follow-up, the sensory function of the flap was assessed as grade S2 in 9 cases and grade S3 in 3 cases; the foot and ankle function of the affected limb was evaluated as excellent in two cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in one case.Conclusions:The bilateral turbocharged anterolateral thigh flaps have numerous sources of perforators. By implementing supercharging of non-homologous perforators within the flap, the vascular supply to the flap is turbocharged, thereby mitigating the risk of extensive flap necrosis. The flap is an effective approach for repairing extensive wounds in the foot and ankle, resulting in improved function of the affected limb after repair.
4.Expert consensus on intentional tooth replantation.
Zhengmei LIN ; Dingming HUANG ; Shuheng HUANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Qing YU ; Benxiang HOU ; Lihong QIU ; Wenxia CHEN ; Jiyao LI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Jinhua YU ; Jin ZHAO ; Yihuai PAN ; Shuang PAN ; Deqin YANG ; Weidong NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Shuli DENG ; Jingzhi MA ; Xiuping MENG ; Jian YANG ; Jiayuan WU ; Lan ZHANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Xiaoli XIE ; Jinpu CHU ; Kehua QUE ; Xuejun GE ; Xiaojing HUANG ; Zhe MA ; Lin YUE ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Junqi LING
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):16-16
Intentional tooth replantation (ITR) is an advanced treatment modality and the procedure of last resort for preserving teeth with inaccessible endodontic or resorptive lesions. ITR is defined as the deliberate extraction of a tooth; evaluation of the root surface, endodontic manipulation, and repair; and placement of the tooth back into its original socket. Case reports, case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of ITR in the retention of natural teeth that are untreatable or difficult to manage with root canal treatment or endodontic microsurgery. However, variations in clinical protocols for ITR exist due to the empirical nature of the original protocols and rapid advancements in the field of oral biology and dental materials. This heterogeneity in protocols may cause confusion among dental practitioners; therefore, guidelines and considerations for ITR should be explicated. This expert consensus discusses the biological foundation of ITR, the available clinical protocols and current status of ITR in treating teeth with refractory apical periodontitis or anatomical aberration, and the main complications of this treatment, aiming to refine the clinical management of ITR in accordance with the progress of basic research and clinical studies; the findings suggest that ITR may become a more consistent evidence-based option in dental treatment.
Humans
;
Tooth Replantation/methods*
;
Consensus
;
Periapical Periodontitis/surgery*
5.Expert consensus on orthodontic treatment of patients with periodontal disease.
Wenjie ZHONG ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Yuanyuan YIN ; Ge FENG ; Zhihe ZHAO ; Yaping PAN ; Yuxing BAI ; Zuolin JIN ; Yan XU ; Bing FANG ; Yi LIU ; Hong HE ; Faming CHEN ; Weiran LI ; Shaohua GE ; Ang LI ; Yi DING ; Lili CHEN ; Fuhua YAN ; Jinlin SONG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):27-27
Patients with periodontal disease often require combined periodontal-orthodontic interventions to restore periodontal health, function, and aesthetics, ensuring both patient satisfaction and long-term stability. Managing these patients involving orthodontic tooth movement can be particularly challenging due to compromised periodontal soft and hard tissues, especially in severe cases. Therefore, close collaboration between orthodontists and periodontists for comprehensive diagnosis and sequential treatment, along with diligent patient compliance throughout the entire process, is crucial for achieving favorable treatment outcomes. Moreover, long-term orthodontic retention and periodontal follow-up are essential to sustain treatment success. This expert consensus, informed by the latest clinical research and practical experience, addresses clinical considerations for orthodontic treatment of periodontal patients, delineating indications, objectives, procedures, and principles with the aim of providing clear and practical guidance for clinical practitioners.
Humans
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Consensus
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Orthodontics, Corrective/standards*
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Periodontal Diseases/complications*
;
Tooth Movement Techniques/methods*
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
6.NUP62 alleviates senescence and promotes the stemness of human dental pulp stem cells via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Xiping WANG ; Li WANG ; Linxi ZHOU ; Lu CHEN ; Jiayi SHI ; Jing GE ; Sha TIAN ; Zihan YANG ; Yuqiong ZHOU ; Qihao YU ; Jiacheng JIN ; Chen DING ; Yihuai PAN ; Duohong ZOU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):34-34
Stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining tissue regenerative capacity and homeostasis. However, mechanisms associated with stem cell senescence require further investigation. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) obtained from individuals of various ages. Our findings showed that the expression of NUP62 was decreased in aged HDPSCs. We discovered that NUP62 alleviated senescence-associated phenotypes and enhanced differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the knocking down of NUP62 expression aggravated the senescence-associated phenotypes and impaired the proliferation and migration capacity of HDPSCs. Through RNA-sequence and decoding the epigenomic landscapes remodeled induced by NUP62 overexpression, we found that NUP62 helps alleviate senescence in HDPSCs by enhancing the nuclear transport of the transcription factor E2F1. This, in turn, stimulates the transcription of the epigenetic enzyme NSD2. Finally, the overexpression of NUP62 influences the H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 modifications of anti-aging genes (HMGA1, HMGA2, and SIRT6). Our results demonstrated that NUP62 regulates the fate of HDPSCs via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Humans
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Dental Pulp/cytology*
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Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics*
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Cellular Senescence/genetics*
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Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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Cell Proliferation
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Cell Differentiation
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Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism*
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Cells, Cultured
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Cellular Reprogramming
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Cell Movement
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Proteomics
7.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*
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Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
;
Tooth Fractures/therapy*
8.Expert consensus on the treatment of oral diseases in pregnant women and infants.
Jun ZHANG ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Liwei ZHENG ; Jun WANG ; Bin XIA ; Wei ZHAO ; Xi WEI ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Xu CHEN ; Shaohua GE ; Fuhua YAN ; Jian ZHOU ; Kun XUAN ; Li-An WU ; Zhengguo CAO ; Guohua YUAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Zhu CHEN ; Lei ZHANG ; Yong YOU ; Jing ZOU ; Weihua GUO
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):62-62
With the growing emphasis on maternal and child oral health, the significance of managing oral health across preconception, pregnancy, and infancy stages has become increasingly apparent. Oral health challenges extend beyond affecting maternal well-being, exerting profound influences on fetal and neonatal oral development as well as immune system maturation. This expert consensus paper, developed using a modified Delphi method, reviews current research and provides recommendations on maternal and child oral health management. It underscores the critical role of comprehensive oral assessments prior to conception, diligent oral health management throughout pregnancy, and meticulous oral hygiene practices during infancy. Effective strategies should be seamlessly integrated across the life course, encompassing preconception oral assessments, systematic dental care during pregnancy, and routine infant oral hygiene. Collaborative efforts among pediatric dentists, maternal and child health workers, and obstetricians are crucial to improving outcomes and fostering clinical research, contributing to evidence-based health management strategies.
Humans
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Pregnancy
;
Female
;
Infant
;
Consensus
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Mouth Diseases/therapy*
;
Pregnancy Complications/therapy*
;
Oral Health
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Delphi Technique
;
Oral Hygiene
9.Effect of Shenkang Injection on Podocyte Apoptosis and GRP78/CHOP Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Yanmo CAI ; Sitong WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Ge JIN ; Kaidong ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Fengfeng ZHANG ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):81-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Shenkang injection in delaying diabetic kidney disease by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuating podocyte apoptosis through the Glucose regulated protein 78 ( GRP78 ) / transcription factor C / EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) signaling pathway (GRP78/CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the animal experiment, 10 12-week-old db/m mice were selected as a normal group, and 30 12-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a Shenkang injection group (15.6 mL·kg-1), and a dapagliflozin group (1.6 mg·kg-1). To observe the general condition of mice, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and 24 h urine protein quantification were detected in each group before drug administration. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, mice were tested for fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL), ACR, 24 h urine protein quantification, blood creatinine (SCr), and blood urea (UREA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathologic morphology in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nephroprotective marker protein (Nephrin), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in renal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and Nephrin proteins, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of Nephrin, GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNAs in renal tissue. ResultsBefore drug administration, compared with those in the normal group, the body mass of db/db mice was significantly increased, and blood glucose, 24 h urine protein quantification, and ACR were significantly elevated in the Shenkang injection group and Dapagliflozin group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of administration, compared with those in the model group, the general state of mice in the Shenkang injection group was significantly improved, and the body mass was decreased. The blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and blood lipids TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The 24 h urine protein quantification and ACR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and SCr and UREA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the pathologic results of the Shenkang injection group showed that proliferation of mesangial cells, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviation of renal tubular vacuolization and podocyte damage were observed in renal tissue of mice. Electron microscopy showed that fusion of the pedicle protruding and thickening of the basement membrane were reduced. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.01) in renal tissue of the Shenkang injection group. Western blot results showed that the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 in the Shenkang injection group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax mRNAs were down regulated in the Shenkang injection group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 mRNAs were up regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShenkang injection inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and podocyte apoptosis by regulating the GRP78/CHOP signaling pathway, which in turn ensures the integrity of glomerular filtration barrier, reduces the occurrence of proteinuria, improves renal function, and thus delays the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
10.Effect of Shenkang Injection on Podocyte Apoptosis and GRP78/CHOP Signaling Pathway in db/db Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Yanmo CAI ; Sitong WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Ge JIN ; Kaidong ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Fengfeng ZHANG ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):81-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Shenkang injection in delaying diabetic kidney disease by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuating podocyte apoptosis through the Glucose regulated protein 78 ( GRP78 ) / transcription factor C / EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) signaling pathway (GRP78/CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the animal experiment, 10 12-week-old db/m mice were selected as a normal group, and 30 12-week-old db/db mice were randomly divided into a model group, a Shenkang injection group (15.6 mL·kg-1), and a dapagliflozin group (1.6 mg·kg-1). To observe the general condition of mice, fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and 24 h urine protein quantification were detected in each group before drug administration. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, mice were tested for fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL), ACR, 24 h urine protein quantification, blood creatinine (SCr), and blood urea (UREA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathologic morphology in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of nephroprotective marker protein (Nephrin), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in renal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and Nephrin proteins, and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of Nephrin, GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNAs in renal tissue. ResultsBefore drug administration, compared with those in the normal group, the body mass of db/db mice was significantly increased, and blood glucose, 24 h urine protein quantification, and ACR were significantly elevated in the Shenkang injection group and Dapagliflozin group (P<0.01). After 12 weeks of administration, compared with those in the model group, the general state of mice in the Shenkang injection group was significantly improved, and the body mass was decreased. The blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and blood lipids TC, TG, and LDL were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The 24 h urine protein quantification and ACR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and SCr and UREA were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the pathologic results of the Shenkang injection group showed that proliferation of mesangial cells, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviation of renal tubular vacuolization and podocyte damage were observed in renal tissue of mice. Electron microscopy showed that fusion of the pedicle protruding and thickening of the basement membrane were reduced. Immunohistochemistry results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.01) in renal tissue of the Shenkang injection group. Western blot results showed that the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 in the Shenkang injection group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax proteins were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and Bax mRNAs were down regulated in the Shenkang injection group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Nephrin and Bcl-2 mRNAs were up regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShenkang injection inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress response and podocyte apoptosis by regulating the GRP78/CHOP signaling pathway, which in turn ensures the integrity of glomerular filtration barrier, reduces the occurrence of proteinuria, improves renal function, and thus delays the progression of diabetic kidney disease.

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