1.Quality Evaluation of Naomaili Granules Based on Multi-component Content Determination and Fingerprint and Screening of Its Anti-neuroinflammatory Substance Basis
Ya WANG ; Yanan KANG ; Bo LIU ; Zimo WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Wei LAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Yi SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):170-178
ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-performance liquid fingerprint and multi-components determination method for Naomaili granules. To evaluate the quality of different batches by chemometrics, and the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of water extract and main components of Naomaili granules were tested in vitro. MethodsThe similarity and common peaks of 27 batches of Naomaili granules were evaluated by using Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint detection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to determine the content of the index components in Naomaili granules and to evaluate the quality of different batches of Naomaili granules by chemometrics. LPS-induced BV-2 cell inflammation model was used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the water extract and main components of Naomaili granules. ResultsThe similarity of fingerprints of 27 batches of samples was > 0.90. A total of 32 common peaks were calibrated, and 23 of them were identified and assigned. In 27 batches of Naomaili granules, the mass fractions of 14 components that were stachydrine hydrochloride, leonurine hydrochloride, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, calycosin,tanshinoneⅠ, cryptotanshinone, tanshinoneⅡA, ginsenoside Rb1, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, lactiflorin, and salvianolic acid B were found to be 2.902-3.498, 0.233-0.343, 0.111-0.301, 0.07-0.152, 0.136-0.228, 0.195-0.390, 0.324-0.482, 1.056-1.435, 0.271-0.397, 1.318-1.649, 3.038-4.059, 2.263-3.455, 0.152-0.232, 2.931-3.991 mg∙g-1, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and staphylline hydrochloride were quality difference markers to control the stability of the preparation. The results of bioactive experiment showed that the water extract of Naomaili granules and the eight main components with high content in the prescription had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the release of NO in the cell supernatant. Among them, salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rb1 had strong anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values of (36.11±0.15) mg∙L-1 and (27.24±0.54) mg∙L-1, respectively. ConclusionThe quality evaluation method of Naomaili granules established in this study was accurate and reproducible. Four quality difference markers were screened out, and eight key pharmacodynamic substances of Naomaili granules against neuroinflammation were screened out by in vitro cell experiments.
2.Analysis of the current situation of poor vision and wearing of glasses among junior high school students in Xi'an City
Hui GAO ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zhirong LIU ; Jiateng WANG ; Lu YE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):174-178
AIM:To investigate the prevalence of visual impairment and its correction status among junior high school students in Xi'an, so as to provide evidence for the development of targeted myopia prevention and control strategies.METHODS: A stratified cluster sampling design was adopted. From March to May 2025, students in grades 7-9 were recruited from three schools in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China: Dongfang Middle School, the Middle School Attached to Xi'an University of Technology, and the Xingqing Campus of the High School Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University. In total, 3 974 students were invited, including 1 726 in grade 7, 1 206 in grade 8, and 1 042 in grade 9. The visual acuity was measured monocularly using a 5 m standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, with the fellow eye occluded; the line corresponding to the smallest optotype that could be correctly identified was recorded as the visual acuity value. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction was performed with a desktop autorefractor to obtain spherical equivalent(SE)values for refractive error screening.RESULTS: This study initially included 3 974 students, of whom 32 did not participate in the vision test, resulting in 3 942 students being included in the final analysis. Among them, 3 067(77.80%)were identified with poor vision. The prevalence of myopia was 81.47%(1 746)in males and 87.55%(1 575)in females(P<0.01). A stratified analysis by grade showed myopia rates of 81.72%(1 386)in junior grade one, 84.47%(1 017)in junior grade two, and 88.10%(918)in junior grade three, demonstrating a significant upward trend with increasing grade level(χ2=19.8484, P<0.01). Among the 3 321 myopic students, 2 287 adopted corrective measures. The rates of full correction, under-correction, and non-correction among all myopic students were 48.15%(1 599), 20.71%(688), and 31.14%(1 034), respectively. The rate of non-correction was significantly higher in male students than in females(32.70% vs 29.40%, χ2=4.2222, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a high prevalence of visual impairment among junior high school students in Xi'an, coupled with suboptimal spectacle-wearing and full-correction rates. There is an urgent need for collaborative efforts across society, schools, and families to implement effective interventions to slow the onset and progression of myopia in this population.
3.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
4.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
5.Effect of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) Combined with Western Medicine on Clinical Effectiveness and Immune Function for Patients with Bronchial Asthma of Heat Wheezing Syndrome
Ying SUN ; Haibo HU ; Na LIU ; Fengchan WANG ; Jinbao ZONG ; Ping HAN ; Peng LI ; Guojing ZHAO ; Haoran WANG ; Xuechao LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):38-44
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction (清肺渗湿汤) combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome, and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine, and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group, 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness; secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, asthma control test (ACT) score, pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and immune function indices including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored, and electrocardiography, blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% (39/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (85.0%, 34/40, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores, IL-4, TNF-α, hs-CRP, and CD8+ levels, as well as increased ACT scores, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, FEV1, FVC, and PEF levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group, and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and clinical effectiveness, with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.
6.Research progress on antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Danna LIU ; Shuangshuang SONG ; Lu CHEN ; Yongqiang SUN ; Bo SUN ; Hanli ZHOU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tiandong KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):124-129
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a novel class of anti-tumor agents composed of a targeted monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker connecting the two. They combine the high specificity of antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high aggressiveness, elevated risks of recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis, largely due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the research progress of ADCs in the treatment of TNBC. It has been found that ADCs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (such as trastuzumab deruxtecan), trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (such as sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan), zinc transporter LIV-1 (such as ladiratuzumab vedotin), HER-3 (such as patritumab deruxtecan), epidermal growth factor receptor (such as AVID100), and glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (such as glembatumumab vedotin) have all demonstrated promising therapeutic effects against TNBC. Despite challenges including acquired resistance and treatment-related toxicities, ADCs are undoubtedly reshaping the therapeutic landscape for TNBC and are expected to occupy a more central position in TNBC treatment in the future.
7.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
8.Hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in Ningbo
Mingxi PENG ; Yiyu LIU ; Huyan MAO ; Dan LIN ; Lu XIN ; Ning SHU ; Jianfeng HAN ; Feng DING
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):7-12
[Objective] To investigate the infection status and characteristics of HEV among voluntary blood donors in Ningbo, and to provide a basis for improving the blood screening strategy. [Methods] A total of 12 227 blood samples from voluntary blood donors in Ningbo from June 2022 to May 2023 were tested for HEV serology, enzymology, and nucleic acid testing. Furthermore, HEV gene sequencing was performed for genotyping analysis, and donors with reactive nucleic acid testing results were followed up to confirm their infection status. [Results] The reactivity rate of HEV Ag, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG was 0.098%, 0.899% and 29.198%, respectively. There was no difference in the reactivity of anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG between genders, donation frequencies and donation types (P>0.05). The reactivity rate increased significantly with age (P<0.05). The rate of ALT disqualification (ALT>50U/L) was significantly higher than that in non-reactive samples (P<0.05). The HEV Ag reactivity rate (0.098%) was not correlated with gender, donation frequency, donation type or age. One HEV RNA positive case was found, with a positive rate of 0.008%(1/12 227). It was confirmed to be hepatitis E virus genotype 3 by sequencing analysis. Apart from HEV Ag reactivity, all other blood safety screening items were non-reactive, suggesting this case might be in the acute infection phase. The follow-up results showed that all indicators of the donor's previous blood donation were non-reactive. [Conclusion] Pre-donation ALT detection can reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) to a certain extent, and the effective way to prevent TT-HEV is to detect HEV RNA and serology of donor blood.
9.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
10.Effects of coal mine dust on lung function in rats
LIU Yang ; LI Meng ; LU Liyuan ; WANG Ru ; YANG He ; ZHANG Huifang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):96-101
Objective:
To explore the impacts of coal mine dust on lung function in rats, so as to provide the basis for the early prevention and treatment of coal worker's pneumoconiosis.
Methods:
Seventy-two SPF-grade 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the coal dust group, the coal-silica dust group, the silica dust group and the control group. The rats in the first three groups of rats were administered 1 mL corresponding dust suspension into the lungs using non-exposure tracheal instillation, while the rats in the control group were administered 1 mL normal saline. Respiratory rate (f), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn) were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months after dust exposure. Lung tissues were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels using corresponding ELISA kits and ATP assay kits, respectively. The relative mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The relative protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were detected using Western blotting.
Results:
There was no interaction between dust type and exposure duration on f (P>0.05), but there were interactions on FVC, PEF and Cdyn (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 6 months after dust exposure, the f of the rats in the silica dust group were increased, while the FVC and PEF of the rats in the coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased, and Cdyn of the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were decreased (all P<0.05). There were interactions between dust type and exposure duration on ROS and ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group at 3 and 6 months after dust exposure, the ROS levels in the rats in the coal dust, coal-silica dust and silica dust groups were increased, while the ATP levels, the relative mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α and TFAM were decreased (all P<0.05).
Conclusion
The lung function impairment in rats caused by different types of coal mine dust is related to PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction, which leads to increased ROS levels, decreased ATP and TFAM levels.


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