1.Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription Ameliorates Chemotherapy Resistance in Colon Cancer by Targeting FGF2 to Inhibit PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Xiaolan JIAN ; Kangwen NING ; Jiaxiang YANG ; Shenglan KOU ; Wanting KUANG ; Ziqi WANG ; Yuqin TAN ; Puhua ZENG ; Lingjuan TAN ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):120-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription (JPXA) in ameliorating the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of colon cancer. MethodsA HCT116/5-FU resistant cell line was established. Different concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%) of JPXA-containing serum and drug-free serum were used for intervention, and 10% fetal bovine serum (10% FBS), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor (AZD4547), and recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were set as the control groups. Sensitive HCT116 cells were used in the FGF2 group, while HCT116/5-FU cells were used in other groups. Drug resistance, the level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium, the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells, and the protein levels of FGF2/FGFR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) were determined. The drug-resistant cells were transplanted into the axilla of nude mice to establish a tumor model. The modeled mice were allocated into model, JPXA (15 g·kg-1), 5-FU (0.02 g·kg-1), JPXA+5-FU (15 g·kg-1+0.02 g·kg-1), AZD4547 (0.012 5 g·kg-1), and AZD4547+5-FU (0.012 5 g·kg-1+0.02 g·kg-1) groups. The tumor growth and the protein levels of FGF/FGFR and PI3K/Akt in each group were observed. ResultsThe survival rate of HCT116/5-FU cells decreased in all the JPXA groups with different concentrations. The cell survival rate was decreased most obviously in the 20% JPXA group. The level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium and the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells of each JXPA group decreased, and the decrease was the most significant in the 20% group (P<0.01). HCT116/5-FU cells showed up-regulated protein levels of FGF2 and phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (p-FGFR1), but down-regulated protein level of FGFR1 (P<0.01). JPXA down-regulated the expression of FGF2 and p-FGFR1 and up-regulated the expression of FGFR1 (P<0.05). In addition, JPXA down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), while up-regulating the expression levels of Akt and Bcl-2-asociated death promoter (Bad) (P<0.05). Animal experiments showed that the JPXA combined with 5-FU significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant tumors, reduced the protein levels of FGF2, p-FGFR1, phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-Akt, and p-mTOR, and increased the expression of Bad. It indicated that JPXA can inhibit the FGF2/FGFR1 signaling in colon cancer and regulate PI3K/Akt and downstream signaling pathways. ConclusionJPXA can ameliorate the chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer through down-regulating FGF2 expression and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Curcumin extraction and preparation and optimization of curcumin nanoparticles
Yuhang WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Chaojing ZHANG ; Xurong KOU ; Tongtong JING ; Rimei LIN ; Xinyu LIU ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):362-374
BACKGROUND:Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric and has significant medicinal value in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and other aspects.However,its poor water solubility,unstable chemical properties and easy decomposition lead to difficulty in extracting curcumin and low extraction yield.Therefore,it is particularly important to optimize the curcumin extraction method.OBJECTIVE:To enhance the extraction yield and utilization value of curcumin and optimize the curcumin extraction process and curcumin nanoparticle preparation process.METHODS:Curcumin was extracted from turmeric by ethanol extraction,ultrasonic extraction,ionic liquid extraction,enzyme extraction,and ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction.The curcumin extraction yield was detected by high performance liquid chromatography;the best extraction method was determined,and subsequent process optimization experiments were carried out.The curcumin extraction yield was the response value with the type of ionic liquid,reaction temperature,ultrasonic time,liquid-to-solid ratio,ionic liquid concentration,and enzyme-drug mass ratio as parameters.The optimal production process of ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment.The optimal process for preparing curcumin nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking method was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment with acetic acid concentration,chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio,stirring rate,curcumin mass concentration,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration,and chitosan mass concentration as parameters,and drug encapsulation efficiency as response value.Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared under the optimal process,and the particle size,polydispersity index,Zata potential value,drug loading,stability,hemolysis rate,and antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro of the nanoparticles were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among the five extraction methods,the curcumin yield of ionic liquid combined with ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction was the highest,and this method was selected as the curcumin extraction method for subsequent experiments.The results of single factor combined response surface experiment showed that the optimal process for curcumin extraction was:ionic liquid selected 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,reaction temperature 55 ℃,liquid-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g,ultrasound time 57 minutes,ionic liquid concentration 57%,enzyme-drug mass ratio 3.5:10,and the obtained turmeric extraction yield was 3.10%.The optimal preparation process of curcumin nanoparticles was:glacial acetic acid concentration 0.5%,chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio 5.0:1,stirring speed 150 r/min,curcumin mass concentration 2.23 mg/mL,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration 1.45 mg/mL,chitosan mass concentration 3.63 mg/mL,and the obtained drug encapsulation efficiency was 90.61%.(2)The drug loading of curcumin nanoparticles was(14.49±0.23)%,the average particle size was(76.95±1.65)nm,the polydispersity coefficient was 0.15±0.02,and the Zata potential value was(32.37±1.46)mV.The curcumin nanoparticles had good stability and blood compatibility,did not induce hemolysis,and had stronger antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro than free curcumin.(3)The results show that the process optimization not only solves the problems of low extraction yield,poor solubility,and low bioavailability of curcumin,but also enhances its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.
3.Curcumin extraction and preparation and optimization of curcumin nanoparticles
Yuhang WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Chaojing ZHANG ; Xurong KOU ; Tongtong JING ; Rimei LIN ; Xinyu LIU ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):362-374
BACKGROUND:Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric and has significant medicinal value in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and other aspects.However,its poor water solubility,unstable chemical properties and easy decomposition lead to difficulty in extracting curcumin and low extraction yield.Therefore,it is particularly important to optimize the curcumin extraction method.OBJECTIVE:To enhance the extraction yield and utilization value of curcumin and optimize the curcumin extraction process and curcumin nanoparticle preparation process.METHODS:Curcumin was extracted from turmeric by ethanol extraction,ultrasonic extraction,ionic liquid extraction,enzyme extraction,and ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction.The curcumin extraction yield was detected by high performance liquid chromatography;the best extraction method was determined,and subsequent process optimization experiments were carried out.The curcumin extraction yield was the response value with the type of ionic liquid,reaction temperature,ultrasonic time,liquid-to-solid ratio,ionic liquid concentration,and enzyme-drug mass ratio as parameters.The optimal production process of ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment.The optimal process for preparing curcumin nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking method was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment with acetic acid concentration,chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio,stirring rate,curcumin mass concentration,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration,and chitosan mass concentration as parameters,and drug encapsulation efficiency as response value.Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared under the optimal process,and the particle size,polydispersity index,Zata potential value,drug loading,stability,hemolysis rate,and antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro of the nanoparticles were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among the five extraction methods,the curcumin yield of ionic liquid combined with ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction was the highest,and this method was selected as the curcumin extraction method for subsequent experiments.The results of single factor combined response surface experiment showed that the optimal process for curcumin extraction was:ionic liquid selected 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,reaction temperature 55 ℃,liquid-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g,ultrasound time 57 minutes,ionic liquid concentration 57%,enzyme-drug mass ratio 3.5:10,and the obtained turmeric extraction yield was 3.10%.The optimal preparation process of curcumin nanoparticles was:glacial acetic acid concentration 0.5%,chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio 5.0:1,stirring speed 150 r/min,curcumin mass concentration 2.23 mg/mL,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration 1.45 mg/mL,chitosan mass concentration 3.63 mg/mL,and the obtained drug encapsulation efficiency was 90.61%.(2)The drug loading of curcumin nanoparticles was(14.49±0.23)%,the average particle size was(76.95±1.65)nm,the polydispersity coefficient was 0.15±0.02,and the Zata potential value was(32.37±1.46)mV.The curcumin nanoparticles had good stability and blood compatibility,did not induce hemolysis,and had stronger antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro than free curcumin.(3)The results show that the process optimization not only solves the problems of low extraction yield,poor solubility,and low bioavailability of curcumin,but also enhances its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.
4.Computer-simulated repositioning combined with pelvic reduction frame for treatment of anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures
Zhenyang GAO ; Xiuan ZENG ; Qibing YANG ; Xianshuai KOU ; Kejing WANG ; Meng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1870-1875
BACKGROUND:Pelvic fractures encompass a range of types,and the utilization of a pelvic reduction frame for restoration often lacks a systematic repositioning method.Instead,it relies on the operator's experience in conjunction with fluoroscopic findings,which can lead to uncertainty and non-reproducibility. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of combining computer-simulated repositioning techniques with a pelvic reduction frame for the treatment of anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 19 patients with anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures who underwent preoperative repositioning via computer simulation and intraoperative repositioning with the assistance of a pelvic reduction frame between January 2018 and December 2021.Among them,7 cases were fixed with double plate in anterior ring and 12 cases were fixed with single plate combined with anterior subcutaneous internal fixation(INFIX).All patients received posterior ring fixation with two sacroiliac screws.Operative duration,intraoperative reduction time,the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy use,blood loss,and follow-up duration were documented.These data were utilized to monitor fracture healing time and postoperative complications.Fracture reduction quality was evaluated according to the Matta scale,and the Majeed Pelvic Function Score was employed to assess patient function during the final follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Surgery was successfully completed in all 19 patients.The anterior ring was secured with double plates in 7 cases,while a single plate combined with INFIX was utilized in 12 cases.The posterior ring was stabilized with two sacroiliac screws,specifically targeting the S1 and S2 cones.(2)The operation duration ranged from 74 to 147 minutes,with a mean of(101.63±19.55)minutes.Intraoperative repositioning took place over a period of 26 to 41 minutes,with a mean of(38.11±3.31)minutes.The number of intraoperative fluoroscopies conducted ranged from 35 to 81,with a mean of(62.68±13.11)times.Intraoperative bleeding volumes varied from 60 to 130 mL,with a mean of(85.37±20.57)mL.(3)All the patients were diligently monitored for a duration of 12 to 26 months.Fracture healing was observed within a time frame of 12 to 20 weeks,with a mean of(16.37±2.50)weeks.(4)The evaluation according to Matta's criteria one day post-surgery revealed excellent outcomes in 14 cases and good outcomes in 5 cases.At the final follow-up,the Majeed function score indicated excellent results in 16 cases and good results in 3 cases.(5)Two patients experienced localized fat liquefaction phenomena,characterized by redness,swelling,and oozing at the incision site,which gradually resolved with proactive dressing changes.None of the patients encountered complications such as internal fixation loosening,loss of fracture reduction,or nerve injuries post-surgery.It is concluded that the combined approach of using computer-simulated repositioning techniques in conjunction with pelvic reduction frames for the treatment of anteroposterior compression-III pelvic fractures has advantages in enhancing repositioning efficiency and improving pelvic function.
5.Analysis of Quality Uniformity of Hengzhi Kechuan Capsules Based on HPLC-DAD-CAD
Qian MA ; An LIU ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Jun ZHANG ; Maoqing WANG ; Xiaodi KOU ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):168-174
ObjectiveTo establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules, to quantitatively analyze 10 index components, and to evaluate the quality uniformity of samples from different batches. MethodsThe fingerprints and quantitative analysis of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules were established by a combination method of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and charged aerosol detector(HPLC-DAD-CAD), adenosine, guanosine, vanillic acid, safflomin A, agarotetrol, naringin, hesperidin, militarine, ginsenoside Rb1, and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as quality attribute indexes. A total of 15 batches of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules from 2022 to 2024(3 boxes per batch) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the quality uniformity level of the manufacturers was characterized by parameters of intra-batch consistency(PA) and inter-batch consistency(PB). The homogeneity and difference of quality attribute indexes of samples from different years were analyzed by heatmap clustering analysis. ResultsHPLC fingerprints and quantitative method of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules were established, and the methods could be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of this preparation, which was found to be stable and reliable by method validation. The similarity of fingerprints of 15 batches of samples was 0.887-0.975, a total of 13 common peaks were calibrated, and 10 common peaks were designated, all of which were quality attribute index components. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of the above 10 ingredients in the samples were 0.038-0.078, 0.115-0.251, 0.007-0.018, 0.291-0.673, 0.122-0.257, 0.887-1.905, 1.841-3.364, 1.412-2.450, 2.207-3.112, 0.650-1.161, respectively. And the contents of ginsenoside Rb1 and glycyrrhizic acid met the limit requirements in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. For the samples from 15 batches, the PA values of the 10 index components were all <10%, indicating good intra-batch homogeneity, and the PB values ranged from 33.86% to 92.97%, suggesting that the inter-batch homogeneity was poor. Heatmap clustering analysis showed that the samples from different years were clustered into separate categories, and adenosine, guanosine, safflomin A, naringin, hesperidin and agarotetrol were the main differential components. ConclusionThe intra-annual quality uniformity of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules is good and the inter-annual quality uniformity is insufficient, which may be related to the quality difference of Pinellinae Rhizoma Praeparatum, Carthami Flos, Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum, Citri Fructus, etc. In this study, the fingerprint and multi-indicator determination method of Hengzhi Kechuan capsules was established, which can be used for more accurate and efficient quality control and standardization enhancement.
6.Research on the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness from the perspective of narrative medicine
Jingjing LI ; XiaoHui KOU ; Hui LYU ; Aling ZHANG ; Hui YANG ; Weijun MA ; Jiayi WANG ; Caiqin WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):718-726
Patients with sudden deafness encounter greater psychological challenges and communication barriers after experiencing sudden hearing loss, and traditional medical models often fail to adequately address their unique needs. This paper analyzed the current situation of emotional and behavioral changes in patients with sudden deafness, and the gap between their expectations and the reality of medical care. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the theory and characteristics of the reconstruction of the doctor-patient relationships in patients with sudden deafness were explored. The results showed that narrative medicine can enhance patients’ emotional resonance and understanding, improve the efficiency and quality of doctor-patient communication, promote the formulation of personalized treatment plans, and enhance treatment adherence and satisfaction. Based on these results, strategies and pathways for the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships for patients with sudden deafness were proposed, including building empathetic bridges and tapping into mechanisms of emotional resonance within narrative medicine; optimizing communication strategies and promoting the application of narrative techniques in doctor-patient dialogues; connecting narrative pathways and advocating the exploration of stories and strategies in personalized treatments; as well as facilitating treatment adherence and making full use of the psychodynamic effects of narrative medicine. Narrative medicine, as a patient-centered medical practice, can effectively promote the reconstruction of doctor-patient relationships, enhance treatment effectiveness, and offer a more humane treatment experience for patients.
7.Treatment of Asthma by Regulation of Intestinal Flora in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on "Lung-Intestinal Coordination Therapy"
Wei ZHANG ; Jie SHI ; Xishu TAN ; Yule KOU ; Fei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):307-314
Bronchial asthma (asthma) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by airflow limitation, airway remodeling, and recurrent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. Its prevalence is gradually increasing, and a portion of patients are still poorly controlled, leading to a serious social and medical burden. Modern studies have proposed the concept of the "lung-gut axis", which is based on the crosstalk between microorganisms and their metabolites in the lungs and large intestine, and have indicated that microbial dysbiosis in these organs may affect the onset and progression of asthma. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has found the phenomenon of lung-intestinal comorbidity and put forward the importance of "lung-intestinal coordination therapy" in the treatment of lung-related diseases. It has been found that intestinal flora and their metabolites can modulate immune responses through the lung-gut axis, demonstrating great potential for predicting asthma susceptibility, anticipating phenotypes, assessing asthma severity, and guiding treatment. TCM comopunds that embody lung-intestinal coordination therapy, including herbal formulas, single herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, acupoint application, and spinal pinching therapy, has been shown to regulate intestinal flora, improve metabolism, regulate immunity, alleviate lung inflammation, reduce mucus secretion, inhibit airway remodeling, effectively alleviate symptoms, and delay lung function decline. Based on "lung-intestinal coordination therapy", this paper used intestinal flora as the entry point to summarize the underlying mechanisms of TCM in asthma treatment and highlighted the pivotal role of intestinal flora in asthma, providing a new idea for its clinical treatment through the intestinal flora .
8.Dose analysis of eye lens and fingers of interventional radiology workers in Baoji City, China
Xinmei HU ; Zhongli WANG ; Zhigang JI ; Hui CHAO ; Guangping KOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):336-342
Objective To investigate the eye lens and hand dose levels of interventional radiology workers in Baoji City, China, and to provide data reference for radiation protection. Methods In two general hospitals, the eye lens and finger doses of 121 interventional radiology workers were monitored between 2021 and 2023. The average annual dose levels and dose distribution were analyzed based on years, job positions, surgical sites, and duties during surgery. Results The average annual dose to the eye lens was 3.36 mSv, with the highest dose of 16.36 mSv. The average annual dose to the fingers was 3.38 mSv, with the highest dose of 17.72 mSv. The average annual dose to the eye lens and fingers decreased from 2021 to 2023. The average annual dose to the eye lens of the interventional surgeons was higher than those of the technicians and nurses, while the average annual dose to the fingers of the interventional surgeons was higher than that of the technicians. The average annual doses to the eye lens and fingers of the first operator were similar to those of the second operator, but both were higher than other personnel involved in the interventional surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were linear regression relationships between the annual doses to the eye lens and fingers and the effective whole-body dose of the interventional radiology workers. A paired test was conducted on the annual dose to the eye lens and fingers of the interventional workers for different surgical sites. The cardiovascular and peripheral vascular interventional workers had higher average annual doses to the eye lens than to the fingers, the cerebrovascular interventional workers had a higher average annual dose to the fingers than to the eye lens, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion The annual doses to the eye lens and fingers of the interventional radiology workers in Baoji City were lower than the national limits. However, some workers showed eye lens annual doses close to the new international standard limit (20 mSv). Special attention should be given to interventional physicians, especially the first and second surgeons.
9.Analysis of incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer in China from 1992 to 2021 based on age-period-cohort model
Shuai KOU ; Yuping WANG ; Xiaoxia SUN ; Juanjuan REN
Practical Oncology Journal 2025;39(1):7-12
Objective The aim of this study was to explore the effects of age,period and cohort on the incidence and death of ovarian cancer in China from 1992 to 2021.Methods The incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer in China from 1992 to 2021 were analyzed using the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 database.The time trend of standardized incidence and standardized mortality of ovarian cancer from 1992 to 2021 was analyzed using Join Point 4.8.0.1 software,and the average annual change percent-age change(AAPC)was calculated.The age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the effects of age,period and birth cohort on the incidence and mortality trend of ovarian cancer.Results In 2021,the incidence(3.67/100,000)and mortality rate(2.18/100,000)of ovarian cancer in China increased by 61.85% and 66.06% ,respectively,compared with 1992.The trend analysis showed that the standardized incidence and standardized mortality of ovarian cancer in China decreased from 1992 to 2021,and the AAPC was-0.10% (95% CI:-0.40% -0.12% ,P>0.05)and-0.60% (95% CI:-0.80% --0.30% ,P<0.05),respectively.From 2014 to 2021,the standardized incidence and standardized mortality of ovarian cancer showed an increasing trend,with an average annual in-crease of 1.58% and 1.42% ,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of age-effect analysis showed that the overall incidence of ovarian cancer distributed by age in China from 1992 to 2021 increased first and then decreased,with a rapid increase trend at the age of 15 to 54,a fluctuating trend at the age of 55 to 69,and a downward trend after 70.The mortality showed an increasing trend between the ages of 15 to 74,and then a decreasing trend after the age of after 75.The results of period-effect analysis showed that from 1992 to 2021,the relative risk(RR)of ovarian cancer incidence risk in China showed an overall de-creasing trend.Taking the period from 2002 to 2006 as the reference group(RR=1.00),the incidence risk was the highest from 1997 to 2001(RR=1.09,95% CI:1.04-1.15).The period change of mortality risk for ovarian cancer showed a decreasing trend in RR values,with the reference group from 2002 to 2006(RR=1.00),and the highest mortality risk from 1992 to 1996(RR=1.15,95% CI:1.09-1.20).The results of cohort-effect analysis showed that people born later had a lower risk of occurring and dying from ovar-ian cancer.Conclusion Although the trend of standardized incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer in China decreased from 1992 to 2021,the trend of standardized incidence and standardized mortality of ovarian cancer increased from 2014 to 2021.The period effect shows that the risk of onset was highest from 1997 to 2001,and the risk of death was higher from 1992 to 1996.The cohort effect indicates that individuals born later are at a lower risk of occurring and dying from ovarian cancer.
10.Effect of Huqizhengxiao decoction on subcutaneous tumor in H22 hepatoma mice
Di LIU ; Yang YAO ; Minyue ZHANG ; Mengyin CHAI ; Buxin KOU ; Xiaoni LIU ; Xiaojun WANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(2):126-132
Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of Huqizhengxiao decoction (HQZXD) on subcutaneous tumor in H22 hepatoma-bearing mice and its potential mechanism.Methods:Twenty-five healthy male BALB/c inbred mice aged 4 to 6 weeks and weighing (20±2) g were taken. One of them was used for the amplification of H22 hepatoma cells. The amplified H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously at the left posterior axillary line of the remaining mice for modeling. After subcutaneous tumor formation, the mice were randomly divided into four groups: model group, HQZXD group, sorafenib group and combined (HQZXD+ sorafenib) group, with 6 mice in each group. Tumor inhibition rates, and serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were observed. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in tumor tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β in tumor tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA levels of IL-6, STAT3, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) in tumor tissues.Results:The general condition of mice in all treatment groups improved compared to the model group. Notably, the tumor weight (0.50±0.22) g and tumor volume (0.37±0.18) cm 3 in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the model group [tumor weight: (1.63±0.26) g, tumor volume: (0.98±0.83) cm 3] with statistical significance (both P<0.05). The tumor inhibition rates for the sorafenib, HQZXD, and combination groups were 35.4%, 48.6%, and 69.7%, respectively. Compared to the model group, serum levels of AST and ALT were reduced in all treatment groups, with the combined group showing the most significant decrease [AST: (48.81±2.82) U/L vs. (188.12±6.51) U/L; ALT: (34.14±1.25) U/L vs. (116.62±4.72) U/L], and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). The protein expression levels of IL-6, STAT3, p-STAT3, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NLRP3 in tumor tissues were reduced in all treatment groups compared to the model group, with the combined group showing the most marked reduction, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Similarly, the mRNA levels of IL-6, STAT3, and CXCL1 in tumor tissues were lower in all treatment groups compared to the model group, with the combined group showing lower levels than the single treatment groups, and these differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion:HQZXD can inhibit the activation of IL-6/STAT3 pathway, reduce inflammation in tumors, and consequently play a certain inhibitory effect on tumor.

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