1.Effects of cardiomyocyte-specific TSHR knockout on myocardial insulin resistance in mice with heart failure
Yanlong YANG ; Xiao LU ; Ziqi HAN ; Leyuan ZHANG ; Limin TIAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(5):411-416
Objective:To investigate the effects of cardiomyocyte-specific TSHR knockout on myocardial insulin resistance in a mouse model of heart failure.Methods:A cardiomyocyte-specific TSHR knockout(TSHR CKO) mouse model was generated by crossing TSHR flox/flox mice with α-MHC-Cre transgenic mice. F1 offspring(TSHR flox+ /-α-MHC-Cre+ mice) were interbred to obtain TSHR CKO mice, and littermate TSHR flox/flox mice served as controls. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured using a Roche glucometer, and fasting insulin levels were determined using a mouse insulin ELISA kit. Cardiac function and the expression of ANP, BNP, β-MHC, IRS-1, IRβ, GLUT-4, phosphorylated IRS-1, phosphorylated IRβ, and TSHR in myocardial tissues were assessed by echocardiography, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry(IHC). IHC was also used to evaluate the myocardial expression of IRS-1 and GLUT-4, while Masson′s trichrome staining was performed to assess the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Comparisons between groups were made using ANOVA. Results:The insulin resistance index indicated no systemic insulin resistance in all groups. Echocardiography revealed that compared with the FLOX group, the FLOX-ISO group exhibited significant reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS), left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV), and left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV), along with increases in heart weight-to-body weight(HW/BW), left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD). Compared with the FLOX-ISO group, the CKO-ISO group showed significantly increased LVEF and decreased LVESV, LVEDV, LVESD, and LVEDD. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that myocardial TSHR knockout increased the expression of IRS-1 and GLUT-4. Additionally, RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that ANP, BNP, and β-MHC expression levels were reduced, while IRS-1, IRβ, and GLUT-4 expression levels were elevated in TSHR CKO mice. Conclusion:Cardiomyocyte-specific TSHR knockout improves myocardial insulin resistance in mice with heart failure.
2.Effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts under high glucose treatment and its mechanism
Zheng GONG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xiaomei LI ; Zhimin YIN ; Limin BAI ; Jiaxi WANG ; Yujia HAN ; Shuangyi XU ; Lu YU ; Gang XU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(3):277-285
Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts (Fbs) under high glucose treatment and its mechanism, and to provide a basis for the treatment of diabetic wounds.Methods:The study was an experimental study. Mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group with conventional culture, high glucose group treated with glucose at final molarity of 30.0 mmol/L, and low baicalin group and high baicalin group pretreated with baicalin at final molarties of 5 and 10 μmol/L respectively and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rate was detected by the cell counting kit-8, the reactive oxygen species level in cells was detected by the fluorescent probe method, the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and ferrous ion in cells were detected by colorimetry, and the protein expression levels of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cells and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected by Western blotting. Another batch of mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group, high glucose group, high baicalin group, and high baicalin+ML385 group. The cells in the first three groups were treated as before, the cells in the last group were pretreated with baicalin and ML385 of Nrf2 inhibitor at final molarties of 10 μmol/L and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in cells and the protein expression level of Nrf2 in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected as before. Except that the sample number in detecting SLC7A11 and GPX4 was 4, the sample number in detecting other indexes was 3.Results:After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rates in control group, high glucose group, low baicalin group, and high baicalin group were (100.0±10.7)%, (70.0±5.0)%, (80.9±3.2)%, and (91.4±1.9)%, respectively. Compared with those in control group, the cell survival rate, the glutathione level, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly decreased in high glucose group ( P<0.05), and the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05). Compared with those in high glucose group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), the reactive oxygen species and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde level in cells in high baicalin group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with those in low baicalin group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). After 48 h of culture, compared with those in control group, the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high glucose group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly increased in high baicalin group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high baicalin group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased in high baicalin+ML385 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Baicalin can inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulating the expressions of proteins related to SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in Fbs in high glucose treatment, thus increasing the cell survival rate.
3.Chemotherapy-free induction therapy for a critically ill pregnant woman with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report and literature review
Meng GAO ; Yan XIE ; Ziyi LIU ; Peiqi LIANG ; Limin LIU ; Jie YIN ; Dong WANG ; Bing HAN ; Huiying QIU ; Jianhong FU ; Depei WU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(10):967-971
This report presents the management of a critically ill 36-year-old woman diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph +ALL) at 28 weeks of gestation. The patient rapidly deteriorated, developing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) , diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) , septic shock, and multi-organ dysfunction, necessitating admission to the hematological intensive care unit. Given her critical condition and advanced pregnancy, a chemotherapy-free induction regimen comprising imatinib and dexamethasone was initiated, alongside comprehensive supportive measures, including mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) , broad-spectrum antibiotics, and high-dose corticosteroids. During treatment, intrauterine fetal demise occurred, and a stillborn was delivered following obstetric intervention. With aggressive treatment, the patient's respiratory failure, DIC, and DAH gradually resolved, and she achieved complete remission. She subsequently received consolidation chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, achieving sustained complete molecular remission on long-term follow-up. This case demonstrates that for critically ill pregnant patients with Ph + ALL, a chemotherapy-free regimen of targeted therapy and corticosteroids, when combined with intensive supportive care, is a safe and effective approach that may offer a therapeutic option for similar cases.
4.Structural insights into the distinct ligand recognition and signaling of the chemerin receptors CMKLR1 and GPR1.
Xiaowen LIN ; Lechen ZHAO ; Heng CAI ; Xiaohua CHANG ; Yuxuan TANG ; Tianyu LUO ; Mengdan WU ; Cuiying YI ; Limin MA ; Xiaojing CHU ; Shuo HAN ; Qiang ZHAO ; Beili WU ; Maozhou HE ; Ya ZHU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(5):381-385
5.Gandou Bushen Decoction Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment in Wilson Disease Model TX Mice by Regulating Melatonin Synthesis via the SIRT3/FOXO3α Pathway
Luyao WANG ; Limin WU ; Tingting WANG ; Xinru FANG ; Zhenzhen JIANG ; Yike YUE ; Dan ZHAO ; Qianzhuo LIU ; Hui HAN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):102-111
Objective Melatonin has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.This study is aimed at observing the effects of copper deposition on cognitive function in a toxic milk(TX)mouse model of Wilson disease(WD),and investigating the effects and mechanisms of action of Gandou Bushen Decoction(GDBSD)on melatonin synthesis and pineal function in the WD model mice.Methods A total of 30 homozygous TX mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups(n=10 in each group),including a WD group,a GDBSD group,and a dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA)group.A total of 10 DL mice were included in the normal control(NC)group.The structure and copper content of pineal gland tissues,oxidative stress and apoptosis-related markers,and serum melatonin levels were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),flow cytometry,and Western blot.Results Compared with the NC group,the WD group exhibited decreased learning and cognitive abilities(P<0.05),damaged pineal gland structure,increased copper content,reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels,and mitochondrial damage rate in the pineal gland(P<0.01),altered levels of melatonin and oxidative stress-related markers(P<0.05),upregulated expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3,and decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2(P<0.01).After treatment with GDBSD and DMSA,the SIRT3/FOXO3α signaling pathway was activated,the copper content in the pineal gland was reduced,and oxidative stress and apoptosis-related damages were improved,leading to an improvement in learning and memory abilities(P<0.05).Conclusion GDBSD can alleviate cognitive impairments in WD mice caused by pineal gland copper deposition by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in the pineal gland.The underlying molecular mechanism is associated with the regulation of the SIRT3/FOXO3α signaling pathway.
6.Gandou Bushen decoction ameliorates ovarian injury in murine hepatolenticular degeneration via the AGE/RAGE/NF-κB pathway.
Pengyu JIANG ; Limin WU ; Hui HAN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;():1-15
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Chinese herb medicine Gandou Bushen decoction (GBD) on ovarian injury in murine hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) model.
METHODS:
The chemical constituents of GBD were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Forty female C3He-Atp7btx-J mice (6-week-old) were randomly divided into model, penicillamine (positive control), low-dose GBD, and high-dose GBD groups. Ten DL syngeneic female mice served as the normal control group. Body and ovarian weights were measured to calculate the ovarian coefficient. Ovarian copper content was detected by complexometric colorimetry. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A copper overload cell model was established in ovarian granulosa cells(iCell-0114a)by inducing them with copper sulfate. Cells were divided into normal control, model control, and low-, medium-, and high-dose GBD groups. The mRNA expression of FSH receptor (FSHR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured using a WST-1 assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using DCFH-DA fluorescence, and mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using JC-1 staining coupled with flow cytometry. Protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, advanced glycation end products (AGE), RAGE, and NF-κB was determined by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
A total of 1465 chemical components were identified in GBD. Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed decreased body weight, ovarian weight, and ovarian coefficient (all P<0.01). GBD treatment alleviated tissue copper deposition (P<0.01), improved ovarian histomorphology and ultrastructure, and increased serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone (all P<0.01). RNA sequencing identified 507 differentially expressed genes. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the mechanism underlying GBD's protective effects primarily involved the AGE/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway. In copper-overloaded granulosa cells, GBD dose-dependently increased the mRNA expression of FSHR, StAR, and IGF-1, reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, increased SOD activity, and decreased ROS levels (all P<0.01). The medium- and high-dose GBD groups showed a lower percentage of cells with mitochondrial depolarization (both P<0.01). All GBD dose groups showed decreased expression of Bax and caspase-3 (all P<0.05), while the medium- and high-dose groups showed increased Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, medium and high doses of GBD reduced the protein expression of AGE, RAGE, and NF-κB, and all doses downregulated the mRNA expression of RAGE and NF-κB (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
GBD ameliorates ovarian injury in HLD, and its mechanism of action is associated with the suppression of the AGE/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Distribution of Anopheles stephensi in China
Qingchi HAN ; Limin YANG ; Yunhai GUO ; Yi ZHANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):120-124
Anopheles stephensi is an important malaria vector in many Southeast Asian countries, and is also a widely distributed Anopheles species in parts of Asia. As a potential vector of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, Anopheles stephensi had a relative wide distribution in China. This review gives a brief overview of the morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of Anopheles stephensi, which has been reported in South China, Southwest China and East China, including but not limited to Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, Fujian and other provinces. Thanks to the continuous and effective disease surveillance and mosquito control strategies, the risk of malaria epidemic in China has been greatly reduced. However, Anopheles stepheni is highly invasive and adaptable, in addition to its rapid spread in global distribution, together with global climate anomalies and other factors, there still exists a certain transmission risk of the diseases related to Anopheles stepheni in some parts of China. In order to consolidate the achievements of malaria prevention and control, it is still necessary to conduct continuous monitoring of Anopheles stephensi and other malaria vectors, and to consolidate the implementation of malaria control measures in China.
8.Efficacy of implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation system on stress urinary incontinence model in female rats
Bohong LONG ; Chen LI ; Han DENG ; Haoyu SUN ; Limin LIAO ; Xing LI
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):438-441
Objective: To investigate the efficacy of implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation system on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) model in female rats. Methods: A total of 21 female infertile SD rats were randomly divided into the control,sham stimulation,and stimulation groups,with 7 rats in each group.All rats received vaginal dilation (VD) to simulate postpartum SUI.One week after VD,the control group was given normal feeding,stimulators were implanted in the pelvic floor muscles of the sham stimulation and stimulation groups.The sham stimulation group received normal feeding for 2 weeks,and the stimulation group received pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) for 2 consecutive weeks.The leak point pressure (LPP) of each rat was measured with cystometry before VD (baseline value),1 week after VD,and 2 weeks after PFES. Results: In the control group and sham stimulation group,LPP increased after 2 weeks of treatment compared with that after 1 week of VD,but it still did not return to the baseline level (P<0.001).In the stimulation group,after 2 consecutive weeks of PFES,LPP increased significantly compared with that 1 week after VD,and returned to the baseline value (P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the LPP baseline values and levels after 1 week of VD among the 3 groups (P>0.05).The LPP in the stimulation group after 2 weeks of PFES was significantly higher than that in the sham stimulation group and stimulation group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation system is effective in short-term intervention of SUI in female rats,the further studies are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of the system,the optimal stimulation sites,optimal stimulation parameters,and potential mechanisms of action.
9.Effects of astragaloside on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and excitation-inhibition balance in amygdala of mice with autism spectrum disorder
Gege LYU ; Yunjie HAN ; Yudong SHAN ; Caoyuan MA ; Limin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(4):289-295
Objective:To explore the effects of astragaloside (Ast) on phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and excitation-inhibition balance in amygdala of mice with autism spectrum disorder(ASD).Methods:The C57BL/6 pregnant mice in model group were intraperitoneally injected with sodium valproate(500 mg/kg) on days 12-13 of pregnancy, while the C57BL/6 pregnant mice in control group were given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl solution.The offspring mice were then divided into 5 groups according to the nest matching principle: the control+ normal saline group(Con+ NS group), the control+ Ast group (Con+ Ast group), the model+ normal saline group(Mod+ NS group), the model+ Ast group (Mod+ Ast group) and the Model+ Ast+ PI3K inhibitor LY294002 group (Mod+ Ast+ LY group), with 12 mice in each group. At the age of 14 days, the mice in the Con+ Ast group and the Mod+ Ast group were intraperitoneally injected with Ast (20 mg/kg, once a day for 7 consecutive days), the mice in the Mod+ Ast+ LY group were intraperitoneally injected with Ast (20 mg/kg) and LY294002(30 mg/kg), the mice in Con+ NS group and Mod+ NS group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of 0.9% NaCl solution.The depressive-like behavior and social function were evaluated by the marble-burying test (MBT), the three-chamber social interaction test(SIT), and the forced swimming test(FST). The expression levels of proteins related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the amygdala were detected by Western blot. The immunofluorescence method was employed to determine the levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in the amygdala region.Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 9.5.0 software, and one-way ANOVA test was utilized for comparisons among multiple groups.Results:(1)Behavioral results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the number of buried beads of the MBT, the social interaction index and social novelty preference index of the SIT, and the immobility time and first immobile state incubation period of the FST among the five groups( F=28.85, 89.23, 77.62, 91.70, 125.40, all P<0.05). The number of buried beads and immobility time in Mod+ NS group were higher than those in Con+ NS group, and first immobile state incubation period, the social interaction index and social novelty preference index were lower than those in Con+ NS group (all P<0.05). The number of buried beads and immobility time in Mod+ Ast group were lower than those in Mod+ NS group, and first immobile state incubation period, the social interaction index and social novelty preference index were higher than those in Mod+ NS group(all P<0.05). The number of buried beads and immobility time in Mod+ Ast+ LY group were higher than those in Mod+ Ast group, and first immobile state incubation period, the social interaction index and social novelty preference index were lower than those in Mod+ Ast group (all P<0.05).(2) Western blot results showed that there were statistically significant differences in p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT in amygdala among the five groups ( F=27.14, 25.50, both P<0.05). The expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in the amygdala of Mod+ NS group were lower than those of Con+ NS group(both P<0.05).The expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in amygdala of Mod+ Ast group((0.67±0.04), (0.52±0.09))were higher than those of Mod+ NS group((0.48±0.06), (0.34±0.06))(both P<0.05). The expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in the amygdala of Mod+ Ast+ LY group ((0.52±0.04), (0.36±0.10))were lower than those of Mod+ Ast group(both P<0.05). (3)Immunofluorescence results showed that the number of Glu- and GABA- positive cells in the amygdala region of the five groups were significantly different( F=41.84, 37.70, both P<0.05). The number of Glu-positive cells in the amygdala of Mod+ NS group was higher than that of Con+ NS group, and the number of GABA-positive cells in Mod+ NS group was lower than that of Con+ NS group( P<0.05). The number of Glu-positive cells in the amygdala of Mod+ Ast group((54.00±8.48)cells/mm 2)was lower than that of Mod+ NS group((82.17±7.36)cells/mm 2), and the number of GABA-positive cells in Mod+ Ast group((59.20±11.22)cells/mm 2)was higher than that of Mod+ NS group((41.33±7.11)cells/mm 2) ( P<0.05). The number of Glu-positive cells in the amygdala of Mod+ Ast+ LY group((75.67±9.15)cells/mm 2) was higher than that of Mod+ Ast group, and the number of GABA-positive cells in Mod+ Ast+ LY group((43.33±4.27)cells/mm 2)was lower than that of Mod+ Ast group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Astragaloside can ameliorate social deficits in ASD mice via modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and excitation-inhibition balance in the amygdala.
10.Chemotherapy-free induction therapy for a critically ill pregnant woman with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report and literature review
Meng GAO ; Yan XIE ; Ziyi LIU ; Peiqi LIANG ; Limin LIU ; Jie YIN ; Dong WANG ; Bing HAN ; Huiying QIU ; Jianhong FU ; Depei WU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(10):967-971
This report presents the management of a critically ill 36-year-old woman diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph +ALL) at 28 weeks of gestation. The patient rapidly deteriorated, developing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) , diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) , septic shock, and multi-organ dysfunction, necessitating admission to the hematological intensive care unit. Given her critical condition and advanced pregnancy, a chemotherapy-free induction regimen comprising imatinib and dexamethasone was initiated, alongside comprehensive supportive measures, including mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) , broad-spectrum antibiotics, and high-dose corticosteroids. During treatment, intrauterine fetal demise occurred, and a stillborn was delivered following obstetric intervention. With aggressive treatment, the patient's respiratory failure, DIC, and DAH gradually resolved, and she achieved complete remission. She subsequently received consolidation chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, achieving sustained complete molecular remission on long-term follow-up. This case demonstrates that for critically ill pregnant patients with Ph + ALL, a chemotherapy-free regimen of targeted therapy and corticosteroids, when combined with intensive supportive care, is a safe and effective approach that may offer a therapeutic option for similar cases.

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