1.Gelian Tiaotang Pills Ameliorate Renal Fibrosis in db/db Mice via NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Pathway
Lihui FAN ; Zhigang WANG ; Xia YANG ; Xiaolong MEI ; Kun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):136-145
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Gelian Tiaotang pills on renal fibrosis in db/db mice based on the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsForty db/db mice were randomly assigned into model, positive control (0.001 3 g·kg·d-1 dapagliflozin suspension), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Gelian Tiaotang pills (3.12, 1.56, and 0.78 g·kg·d-1 suspension of Gelian Tiaotang pills, respectively) groups, with 8 mice in each group. Eight db/m mice were selected as the normal group. The normal group and model group were given equal volumes of pure water, while the drug interventions groups were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks. The general conditions of mice were observed daily. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body mass were measured every 4 weeks. Kidneys were weighed after sampling, and the kidney index was calculated. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The pathological changes, extracellular matrix deposition, and renal fibrosis degree were examined by hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-schiff (PAS), and Masson staining, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression of fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group generally had poor general states and increases in the body mass, kidney weight, kidney index, and levels of FBG, TG, TC, SCr, and BUN (P<0.01). In addition, glomerular pyknosis, increased matrix, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, and interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the model group (P<0.01), together with rises in the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissue (P<0.01) and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, fibronectin, and collagen Ⅰ in the renal tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, 12 weeks of drug interventions reduced the body mass, kidney weight, and kidney index and lowered the levels of FBG, TG, TC, SCr, and BUN in the serum and IL-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, drug interventions ameliorated the renal lesions and down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, fibronectin, and collagen Ⅰ in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). The high-dose group of Gelian Tiaotang pills had the best effects. ConclusionGelian Tiaotang pills may inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammatory responses by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway, thus delaying the process of renal fibrosis in diabetes.
2.Targeting effect and anti-tumor mechanism of folic acid-modified crebanine nanoparticles combined with ultra-sound irradiation on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo
Hailiang ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Jiahua MEI ; Rui PAN ; Junze TANG ; Kun YU ; Rui XUE ; Xiaofei LI ; Xin CHENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1730-1736
OBJECTIVE To investigate the targeting effect of folic acid-modified crebanine nanoparticles (FA-Cre@PEG- PLGA NPs, hereinafter referred to as “NPs”) combined with ultrasound irradiation on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo after administration, and explore the anti-tumor mechanism. METHODS CCK-8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation on the proliferation of M109 cells, and the best ultrasound time was selected. Using human lung cancer A549 cells as a control, the targeting of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation to M109 cells was evaluated by free folic acid blocking assay and cell uptake assay. The effects of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation on the migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of M109 cells were detected by cell scratch test, Transwell chamber test and flow cytometry at 1 h after 958401536@qq.com administration; the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed by fluorescence inverted microscope. A mouse subcutaneous tumor model of M109 cells was constructed, and the in vivo tumor targeting of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation was investigated by small animal in vivo imaging technology. RESULTS NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation could significantly inhibit the proliferation of M109 cells, and the optimal ultrasound time was 1 h after administration. The free folic acid could antagonize the inhibitory effect of NPs on the proliferation of M109 cells, and combined with ultrasound irradiation could partially reverse this antagonism. Compared with A549 cells, the uptake rate of NPs in M109 cells was significantly higher (P<0.01), and ultrasound irradiation could promote cellular uptake. NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation could inhibit the migration and invasion of M109 cells and block the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Compared with control group, the apoptosis rate of M109 cells and ROS level were increased significantly (P<0.01), while the MMP decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the different concentration (100, 200, 300 μg/mL) groups of M109 cells. Compared with the mice in non-ultrasound group, the fluorescence intensity and tumor-targeting index of the tumor site in the 0 h ultrasound group were significantly enhanced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation have a strong targeting effect on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo, the anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibiting cell migration and invasion, blocking cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis.
3.HAPLN1 secreted by synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis promotes macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype.
Chenggen LUO ; Kun HUANG ; Xiaoli PAN ; Yong CHEN ; Yanjuan CHEN ; Yunting CHEN ; Mang HE ; Mei TIAN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):413-419
Objective To investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan-linked protein 1 (HAPLN1) secreted by synovial fibroblasts (FLS) on the polarization of macrophages (Mϕ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were differentiated into Mϕ, which were subsequently exposed to recombinant HAPLN1 (rHAPLN1). RA-FLS were transfected separately with HAPLN1 overexpression plasmid (HAPLN1OE) or small interfering RNA targeting HAPLN1 (si-HAPLN1), and then co-cultured with Mϕ to establish a co-culture model. The viability of Mϕ was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and the proportions of pro-inflammatory M1-type and anti-inflammatory M2-type Mϕ were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results The viability of Mϕ was increased in the rHAPLN1 group compared to the control group. Furthermore, both the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor levels were elevated in the rHAPLN1 and HAPLN1OE groups. In contrast, the si-HAPLN1 group exhibited a decrease in the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor expression. Notably, the introduction of rHAPLN1 in rescue experiments further promoted Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Conclusion HAPLN1, secreted by RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS), enhances Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype.
Humans
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics*
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
Fibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Phenotype
;
Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics*
;
Proteoglycans/genetics*
;
Synovial Membrane/cytology*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
;
Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
;
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics*
;
Cell Differentiation
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Coculture Techniques
;
THP-1 Cells
4.Effects of MTHFR and GGH gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Lin-Xiao TENG ; Qi AN ; Lei WANG ; Nan WANG ; Qing-Ling KONG ; Rui HAN ; Yuan WANG ; Lu LIU ; Yan WANG ; Shu-Mei XU ; Kun-Peng SHI ; Fang-Shan QIU ; Xi-Xi DU ; Jin-Rui SHI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(7):802-807
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) rs11545078 gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
METHODS:
Children with ALL treated at the Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2021 to April 2024 were selected for this study. Genotypes of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MTX plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The relationships between MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes and both MTX plasma concentrations and associated toxicities were analyzed.
RESULTS:
In the low-risk ALL group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 72 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with the occurrence of reduced hemoglobin (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with the occurrence of thrombocytopenia (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Detection of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes can be used to predict increased MTX plasma concentrations and the occurrence of toxic reactions in high-dose MTX treatment of ALL, enabling timely interventions to enhance safety.
Humans
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Methotrexate/toxicity*
;
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics*
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/blood*
;
Male
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Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase/genetics*
;
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects*
;
Infant
;
Polymorphism, Genetic
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Adolescent
;
Genotype
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
5.Analysis of Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in Children with Repeated Blood Transfusion.
Li-Lan GAO ; Meng-Xing LYU ; Shu-Xia WANG ; Xiao-Hong JIN ; Jian-Xiang LIU ; Mei-Kun HU ; Ke-Xuan QU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):217-223
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize and analyze the characteristics of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in children, in order to provide a scientific basis for clinical prevention, and ensure the safety of children's blood transfusion.
METHODS:
The basic situation, clinical symptoms and signs, diagnosis time and disappearance time of alloantibody of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in children were retrospectively analyzed. The serological test, routine blood test, biochemical detection and urine analysis results were compared pre- and post-transfusion.
RESULTS:
Among 15 164 children with repeated blood transfusion, 23 cases occurred delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, with an incidence rate of 0.15%, and mainly children with thalassemia and acute leukemia. 39.13% of delayed hemolytic reactions occurred in children with more than 20 times of blood transfusions. Anemia was the main clinical symptom in 86.96% of children. 4.35% of children had hypotension and dyspnea. Serological test results showed that the positive rate of direct antiglobulin test was 91.30%, and that of erythrocyte homologous antibody test was 100%. Erythrocyte alloantibodies were common in Rh and Kidd blood group systems, accounting for 73.91% and 13.04%, respectively. Laboratory test results showed that hemoglobin, reticulocyte, spherocyte, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin and urine color were significantly different after transfusion compared with those before transfusion (all P <0.05). The average diagnosis time of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions was 18.56 days, and the average disappearance time of erythrocyte alloantibodies was 118.43 days.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction is high in children with repeated blood transfusion, and the disappearance time of erythrocyte homologous antibody is long. Blood matched ABO, Rh and Kidd blood group antigens should be transfused prophylactically. Once diagnosed, erythrocyte alloantibody corresponding to antigen-negative blood should be used throughout the whole process.
Humans
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Child
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Child, Preschool
;
Transfusion Reaction
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Male
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Female
;
Infant
;
Adolescent
;
Isoantibodies/blood*
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Blood Transfusion
6.Csde1 Mediates Neurogenesis via Post-transcriptional Regulation of the Cell Cycle.
Xiangbin JIA ; Wenqi XIE ; Bing DU ; Mei HE ; Jia CHEN ; Meilin CHEN ; Ge ZHANG ; Ke WANG ; Wanjing XU ; Yuxin LIAO ; Senwei TAN ; Yongqing LYU ; Bin YU ; Zihang ZHENG ; Xiaoyue SUN ; Yang LIAO ; Zhengmao HU ; Ling YUAN ; Jieqiong TAN ; Kun XIA ; Hui GUO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(11):1977-1990
Loss-of-function variants in CSDE1 have been strongly linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the precise role of CSDE1 in neurogenesis remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that knockout of Csde1 during cortical development in mice results in impaired neural progenitor proliferation, leading to abnormal cortical lamination and embryonic lethality. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Csde1 upregulates the transcription of genes involved in the cell cycle network. Applying a dual thymidine-labelling approach, we further revealed prolonged cell cycle durations of neuronal progenitors in Csde1-knockout mice, with a notable extension of the G1 phase. Intersection with CLIP-seq data demonstrated that Csde1 binds to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA transcripts encoding cell cycle genes. Particularly, we uncovered that Csde1 directly binds to the 3' UTR of mRNA transcripts encoding Cdk6, a pivotal gene in regulating the transition from the G1 to S phases of the cell cycle, thereby maintaining its stability. Collectively, this study elucidates Csde1 as a novel regulator of Cdk6, sheds new light on its critical roles in orchestrating brain development, and underscores how mutations in Csde1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Animals
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Neurogenesis/genetics*
;
Cell Cycle/genetics*
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Mice
;
Neural Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism*
;
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
3' Untranslated Regions
;
Cerebral Cortex/embryology*
;
RNA-Binding Proteins
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
8.Research Progress in the Function and Regulation of Sirtuin 3 in Sepsis-Related Diseases.
Jun-Jie LI ; Hong MEI ; Xin-Xin LIU ; Kun YU ; Bang-Hai FENG ; Bao FU ; Song QIN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(4):601-610
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection,with a high mortality rate.Sirtuin 3,a deacetylase within mitochondria,plays an important regulatory role in cellular metabolism,oxidative stress,and inflammatory responses.In recent years,significant progress has been made in the study of the function and regulatory role of sirtuin 3 in sepsis-related diseases.Research has shown that sirtuin 3 can alleviate organ damage caused by sepsis by regulating mitochondrial function,reducing oxidative stress,and inhibiting inflammatory responses.The specific mechanisms include the regulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics,activation of antioxidant enzyme systems,and inhibition of inflammatory mediator expression.In addition,sirtuin 3 plays a protective role in the pathological process of sepsis by interacting with multiple signaling pathways.This article summarizes the functions and regulatory mechanisms of sirtuin 3 in various sepsis-related diseases,aiming to provide new targets and strategies for the prevention and treatment of sepsis in the future.
Sepsis/metabolism*
;
Sirtuin 3/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
9.Contamination in refrigerators from ward treatment rooms of a tertiary first-class hospital
Li GUO ; Xing-Mei YANG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Kun FAN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):72-77
Objective To investigate the microbial contamination and management of refrigerators in the ward treatment rooms of a tertiary first-class hospital,and provide reference for strengthening the cleaning and disinfec-tion of medical refrigerators in the ward treatment rooms.Methods A total of 40 refrigerators in use from the treatment rooms of different wards in the hospital were randomly selected for microbial sampling,culture,and bac-terial identification.Forty nurses were randomly chosen from the corresponding wards for a questionnaire survey on the daily management of refrigerators.Results A total of 223 specimens were collected,with 142 microbial positive specimens and a positive rate of 63.68%.A total of 247 bacterial strains were detected,including 41.30%(n=102)Gram-positive bacteria,10.93%(n=27)Gram-negative bacteria,and 47.77%(n=118)fungi.Two strains of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the bottom and drainage tank of the same refrigerator from class-Ⅲ environment were detected,with a detection of multidrug-resistant organisms being 0.90%(2/223).The fre-quency and methods of routine cleaning and disinfection of refrigerators varied among different wards.Conclusion There are deficiencies in the cleaning and disinfection management of refrigerators in ward treatment rooms of medi-cal institutions.More attention should be paid to the cleaning and disinfection of refrigerators in wards.The health-care-associated infection management departments should strengthen corresponding supervision and management.
10.Challenges in the study of self-assembled aggregates in decoction of traditional Chinese medicine: A preliminary review
Qi WANG ; Xiao-meng GUO ; Qian-kun NI ; Mei-jing LI ; Rui XU ; Xing-jie LIANG ; Mu-xin GONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):94-104
Decoction is the most commonly used dosage form in the clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). During boiling, the violent movement of various active ingredients in TCM creates molecular forces such as hydrogen bonding,

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