1.The ubiquitin-proteasome system: A potential target for the MASLD.
Yue LIU ; Meijia QIAN ; Yonghao LI ; Xin DONG ; Yulian WU ; Tao YUAN ; Jian MA ; Bo YANG ; Hong ZHU ; Qiaojun HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1268-1280
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the most prevalent chronic liver condition globally, lacks adequate and effective therapeutic remedies in clinical practice. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the close connection between the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the progression of MASLD. This relationship is crucial for understanding the disease's underlying mechanism. As a sophisticated process, the UPS govern protein stability and function, maintaining protein homeostasis, thus influencing a multitude of elements and biological events of eukaryotic cells. It comprises four enzyme families, namely, ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2), ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3), and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). This review aims to delve into the array of pathways and therapeutic targets implicated in the ubiquitination within the pathogenesis of MASLD. Therefore, this review unveils the role of ubiquitination in MASLD while spotlighting potential therapeutic targets within the context of this disease.
2.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Haloperidol Combined with Auricular Point Pressing Therapy in Children with Tic Disorders
Qing LIU ; Guoyun CAO ; Xingyue LIU ; Rui PAN ; Jiaming HE ; Lei ZHANG ; Meijia QIAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2470-2475
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of haloperidol combined with auricular point pressing therapy in children with tic disorders.Methods A total of 120 pediatric patients diagnosed with tic disorders at the Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation,Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Hebei Province from March 2022 to March 2024 were enrolled.Participants were randomly divided into an observation group(n=60)and a control group(n=60)using a random number table.The control group received haloperidol alone,while the observation group received additional auricular point pressing therapy.Treatment duration was 12 weeks.After 3 months,clinical efficacy was assessed by comparing:Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS)scores,serum 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and dopamine(DA)levels,immune function markers(CD3+,CD4+),and incidence of adverse reactions between groups.Results(1)The overall efficacy rate in the observation group was 91.67%(55/60),while that in the control group was 76.67%(46/60).The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the YGTSS scores of children in both groups was significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group showed a significantly greater improvement in YGTSS scores than the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the levels of 5-HT and DA in both groups of children were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group showed a significantly greater improvement in 5-HT and DA levels than the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,CD3+and CD4+levels were significantly improved in both groups(P<0.05),and the observation group showed a significantly greater improvement in CD3+and CD4+levels than the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(5)There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion The combination of haloperidol and auricular point pressing therapy significantly improves clinical symptoms and immune function in children with tic disorders,demonstrating both efficacy and safety.
4.Effects of Kanxin Powder on Neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 Mice Based on WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yali YANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Yongming LIU ; Changbin YUAN ; Yetao JU ; Yuanyu LIANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Xiaoming HE ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):90-97
Objective To observe the effect of Kaixin Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice by regulating WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway;To explore its mechanism of intervening in Alzheimer disease(AD).Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group,donepezil hydrochloride group(0.66 mg/kg),and Kaixin Powder low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(1.625,3.25,6.5 g/kg),C57BL/6J mice were set as blank control group,with 8 mice in each group,and corresponding drug intervention was given to medicaction group for 24 weeks.Morris water maze,Y maze and novel object recognition experiments were conducted to assess the cognitive function and learning and memory abilities of mice,immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the deposition of β-amyloid protein(Aβ)in hippocampus,the morphology and Nissl bodies of hippocampal CA1 neurons were observed using HE staining and Nissl staining,ELISA was used to detect the serum contents of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17,IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),WDFY1,Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),Toll like receptor associated molecule(TRAM),TIR domain adapter protein(TRIF),NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF and NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group had significantly prolonged escape latency,reduced platform crossings,decreased autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),with increased deposition of Aβ in hippocampal tissue(P<0.01),damaged morphological structure of neurons,reduced number of neurons and Nissl bodies,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly increased,the expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 protein and WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF mRNA in hippocampal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Kaixin Powder groups and donepezil hydrochloride group had significantly shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings,autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),hippocampal Aβ deposition reduced in Kaixin Powder medium-,high-dosage groups and donepezil hydrochloride group,the morphological structure of neurons recovered,the number of neurons and Nissl bodies increased,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expressions of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM and TRIF in hippocampal tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Kaixin Powder can improve cognitive function and learning and memory abilities in AD model mice,alleviate hippocampal neuron damage and Aβ deposition,inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes,and thereby reduce serum inflammatory cytokine release.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit neuroinflammation.
5.Effects of Kanxin Powder on Neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 Mice Based on WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yali YANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Yongming LIU ; Changbin YUAN ; Yetao JU ; Yuanyu LIANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Xiaoming HE ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):90-97
Objective To observe the effect of Kaixin Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice by regulating WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway;To explore its mechanism of intervening in Alzheimer disease(AD).Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group,donepezil hydrochloride group(0.66 mg/kg),and Kaixin Powder low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(1.625,3.25,6.5 g/kg),C57BL/6J mice were set as blank control group,with 8 mice in each group,and corresponding drug intervention was given to medicaction group for 24 weeks.Morris water maze,Y maze and novel object recognition experiments were conducted to assess the cognitive function and learning and memory abilities of mice,immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the deposition of β-amyloid protein(Aβ)in hippocampus,the morphology and Nissl bodies of hippocampal CA1 neurons were observed using HE staining and Nissl staining,ELISA was used to detect the serum contents of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17,IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),WDFY1,Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),Toll like receptor associated molecule(TRAM),TIR domain adapter protein(TRIF),NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF and NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group had significantly prolonged escape latency,reduced platform crossings,decreased autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),with increased deposition of Aβ in hippocampal tissue(P<0.01),damaged morphological structure of neurons,reduced number of neurons and Nissl bodies,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly increased,the expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 protein and WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF mRNA in hippocampal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Kaixin Powder groups and donepezil hydrochloride group had significantly shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings,autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),hippocampal Aβ deposition reduced in Kaixin Powder medium-,high-dosage groups and donepezil hydrochloride group,the morphological structure of neurons recovered,the number of neurons and Nissl bodies increased,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expressions of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM and TRIF in hippocampal tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Kaixin Powder can improve cognitive function and learning and memory abilities in AD model mice,alleviate hippocampal neuron damage and Aβ deposition,inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes,and thereby reduce serum inflammatory cytokine release.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit neuroinflammation.
6.Clinical observation of Tuina plus electroacupuncture for migraine due to liver-Yang hyperactivity
Meijia KE ; Yanping HU ; Shenghua HE ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(6):482-488
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)plus electroacupuncture in treating migraine due to liver-Yang hyperactivity and the effects on the serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)and prostaglandin(PG)E2. Methods:A total of 122 patients with migraine due to liver-Yang hyperactivity were recruited and randomized into a control group and an observation group,each consisting of 61 cases.The control group was given Tong Nao Huo Luo acupuncture(acupuncture treatment for unblocking brain collaterals),and the observation group was Tuina treatment focusing on cervical Ashi points in addition to the intervention received by the control group.Both groups were treated once daily for 21 consecutive days.When the intervention finished,the two groups were observed for changes in the headache score,symptom and sign scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the severity of impact on life,and serum CGRP and PGE2 levels.The clinical efficacy was compared after 21 d of treatment. Results:The observation group had a higher total effective rate than the control group,90.2%versus 73.8%(P<0.05);after treatment,the headache and TCM symptom and sign scores decreased in both groups(P<0.05)and were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05);the migraine's impact on life was less severe in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05);the levels of serum CGRP and PGE2 dropped in the two groups(P<0.05)and were lower in the observation group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Tong Nao Huo Luo acupuncture can produce more significant efficacy in treating migraine due to liver-Yang hyperactivity when combined with cervical Tuina at Ashi points,better alleviating the headache,improving TCM symptoms and body signs,and reducing the impact of headache on life.The mechanism may be associated with inhibiting the expression of serum pain factors CGRP and PGE2.
7.A preliminary investigation on internal exposure dose of artificial radionuclides in nuclear medicine staff
Shuqiang YANG ; Xiaowen CHEN ; Meijia ZHAO ; Luqian ZHAO ; Hongran QIN ; Jingjing WANG ; Jiawei HE ; Xiaohua XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(3):258-261
ObjectiveTo tentatively understand the status of radioactive contamination in nuclear medicine personnel. MethodsA total of 34 radiation staff engaged in nuclear medicine diagnosis and treatment were selected from two hospitals in Shanghai as the survey subjects.Among the 34 medical staff, 8 were nuclear medicine doctors, 14 were nuclear medicine technicians and 12 were nuclear medicine nurses. After surface contamination monitoring was first carried out to confirm that they had no surface radioactivity contamination, whole body scanning was performed with a whole body counter to determine whether they were internally contaminated with artificial radionuclides. ResultsThe α surface contamination was not detected in the nuclear medical staff. The β surface contamination of the nuclear medicine doctors, technicians and nurses was (13.8±0.8), (14.1±0.8) and (14.0±0.7) times per second, respectively. There were 2, 2, and 4 nuclear medicine doctors who were contaminated with 18F, 99mTc and 131I, 3, 5, and 2 nuclear medicine technicians who were contaminated with 18F, 99mTc and 131I, and 6, 8, and 5 nuclear medicine nurses who were contaminated with 18F, 99mTc and 131I, respectively. The 18F activity of nuclear medicine technicians was 1 997‒9 401 Bq, and the 99mTc activity of nuclear medicine technicians and nurses was 3 699‒18 692 and 652‒388 22 Bq, respectively. One nuclear medicine nurse had a 99mTc activity of 35 389 Bq. According to the preliminary estimation of 131I internal irradiation dose, the maximum committed effective dose of nuclear medicine doctors, technicians and nurses could reach 0.370, 0.018 and 0.584 mSv, respectively. ConclusionThe nuclear medicine staff are exposed to radioactive contamination, and it is important to monitor and evaluate their internal radiation doses.
8.Deubiquitinase JOSD2 stabilizes YAP/TAZ to promote cholangiocarcinoma progression.
Meijia QIAN ; Fangjie YAN ; Weihua WANG ; Jiamin DU ; Tao YUAN ; Ruilin WU ; Chenxi ZHAO ; Jiao WANG ; Jiabin LU ; Bo ZHANG ; Nengming LIN ; Xin DONG ; Xiaoyang DAI ; Xiaowu DONG ; Bo YANG ; Hong ZHU ; Qiaojun HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2021;11(12):4008-4019
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has emerged as an intractable cancer with scanty therapeutic regimens. The aberrant activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are reported to be common in CCA patients. However, the underpinning mechanism remains poorly understood. Deubiquitinase (DUB) is regarded as a main orchestrator in maintaining protein homeostasis. Here, we identified Josephin domain-containing protein 2 (JOSD2) as an essential DUB of YAP/TAZ that sustained the protein level through cleavage of polyubiquitin chains in a deubiquitinase activity-dependent manner. The depletion of JOSD2 promoted YAP/TAZ proteasomal degradation and significantly impeded CCA proliferation
9.Influence of death receptor 3 gene deficiency on the intestinal mucosal inflammation and permeability in colitis mice
Yuefang YE ; Gang ZHOU ; Zhenjie ZHUANG ; Jinlong FU ; Sihui ZHU ; Yuqi ZHU ; Guodong LI ; Meijia HE ; Jinmiao YAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2021;05(4):334-341
Objective:To investigate the influence of death receptor 3 ( Dr3) gene deficiency on the intestinal mucosal inflammation in different mice colitis models, and explore the relationship of Dr3 gene deficiency and intestinal mucosal permeability. Methods:Nine female Dr3 gene deficiency ( Dr3-/-) mice and 9 wild type (WT) mice were collected and set as Dr3-/--DSS group and WT-DSS group. The mice of 2 groups received 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days and sterile water for 2 days as a cycle and 4 cycles were manipulated to construct a chronic colitis model of mice. The male WT and Dr3-/- mice were collected as donor mice and initial T lymphocytes from two types of donor mice were sorted respectively by immunomagnetic separation and flow cytometry. A enteritis model of mice induced by T cells adoptive transfer was constructed on the recipient mice including Rag1-/- (WT transfer group) and Dr3-/-Rag1-/- ( Dr3-/- transfer group) mice by the peritoneal injection of T lymphocytes from WT and Dr3-/- mice respectively. The body mass, stool property and occult blood of mice were observed, and the disease activity index (DAI) was calculated. The degree of intestinal mucosal injury and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice were observed under microscope, and the histological score of enteritis was calculated. The intestinal mucosal permeability of mice was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) -dextran serum fluorescence method. The differences of DAI score, histological score and FITC-dextran content between the two groups were compared. Results:The DAI scores of mice in Dr3-/--DSS group were significantly higher than those in WT-DSS group on the 12th, 19th and 26th day after establishing the model (all P<0.05) . The rectal histological score of WT-DSS group 4 weeks after establishing the model was significantly higher than that of cecum and colon (10.130 ± 1.540 vs. 3.667 ± 0.236 and 7.222 ± 1.199, all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of rectal inflammation in WT-DSS group was the most serious. The histological score of colon in Dr3-/--DSS group was significantly higher than that of cecum and rectum (11.330 ± 1.167 vs. 7.556 ± 1.519 and 9.500 ± 0.824, all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of colonic inflammation in Dr3-/--DSS group was the most serious. The histological scores of cecum and colon in Dr3-/--DSS group were significantly higher than those of WT-DSS group (cecum: 7.556 ± 1.519 vs. 3.667 ± 0.236, P = 0.022; colon: 11.330 ± 1.167 vs. 7.222 ± 1.199, P = 0.026) , but there was no significant difference in rectal histological score between the two groups ( P>0.05) , suggesting that Dr3 gene deficiency aggravated the inflammation of cecum and colon. The rectal histological score of WT transfer group 6 weeks after establishing the model was significantly higher than that of duodenum, jejunum, terminal ileum, cecum and middle colon (all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of rectal inflammation in WT transfer group was the most serious. The histological score of cecum in Dr3-/- transfer group was significantly higher than that of duodenum, jejunum, terminal ileum, middle colon and rectum (all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of cecal inflammation in WT transfer group was the most serious. Compared with WT transfer group, the scores of small intestine including duodenum, jejunum and terminal ileum in Dr3-/- transfer group were significantly higher (17.667 ± 0.943 vs. 14.667 ± 1.167, P<0.05) , and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in small intestine was more obvious (duodenum: 4.000 ± 0.289 vs. 3.222 ± 0.401, P = 0.135; jejunum: 4.000 ± 0.236 vs. 3.111 ± 0.309, P<0.05; ileum: 4.889 ± 0.309 vs. 3.889 ± 0.261, P<0.05) . It was suggested that Dr3 gene deficiency aggravated intestinal inflammation. The content of FITC-dextran in eye venous blood of Dr3-/- mice was significantly higher than that of WT mice (656.0 ± 60.9 vs. 403.8 ± 54.8, P<0.05) , the content of FITC-dextran in Dr3-/--DSS group was significantly higher than that of WT-DSS group (1176.4 ± 109.5 vs. 545.7 ± 97.8, P<0.05) , the content of FITC-dextran in Dr3-/-transfer group was significantly higher than that of WT transfer group (1270.5 ± 112.2 vs. 711.0 ± 71.5, P<0.05) , and the content of FITC-dextran in Dr3-/-Rag1-/- mice was significantly higher than that of Rag1-/- mice (714.5 ± 62.9 vs. 501.8 ± 59.8, P<0.05) , suggesting that the intestinal mucosal permeability of Dr3 gene deficient mice was higher. Conclusion:Dr3 gene deficiency in mice increases intestinal mucosal permeability, destroys intestinal mucosal barrier function, and aggravates intestinal proximal inflammation in experimental colitis, suggesting that Dr3 gene may play the protective role in intestinal inflammation by regulating intestinal mucosal permeability.
10.Influence of death receptor 3 gene deficiency on the intestinal mucosal inflammation and permeability in colitis mice
Yuefang YE ; Gang ZHOU ; Zhenjie ZHUANG ; Jinlong FU ; Sihui ZHU ; Yuqi ZHU ; Guodong LI ; Meijia HE ; Jinmiao YAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2021;05(4):334-341
Objective:To investigate the influence of death receptor 3 ( Dr3) gene deficiency on the intestinal mucosal inflammation in different mice colitis models, and explore the relationship of Dr3 gene deficiency and intestinal mucosal permeability. Methods:Nine female Dr3 gene deficiency ( Dr3-/-) mice and 9 wild type (WT) mice were collected and set as Dr3-/--DSS group and WT-DSS group. The mice of 2 groups received 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days and sterile water for 2 days as a cycle and 4 cycles were manipulated to construct a chronic colitis model of mice. The male WT and Dr3-/- mice were collected as donor mice and initial T lymphocytes from two types of donor mice were sorted respectively by immunomagnetic separation and flow cytometry. A enteritis model of mice induced by T cells adoptive transfer was constructed on the recipient mice including Rag1-/- (WT transfer group) and Dr3-/-Rag1-/- ( Dr3-/- transfer group) mice by the peritoneal injection of T lymphocytes from WT and Dr3-/- mice respectively. The body mass, stool property and occult blood of mice were observed, and the disease activity index (DAI) was calculated. The degree of intestinal mucosal injury and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice were observed under microscope, and the histological score of enteritis was calculated. The intestinal mucosal permeability of mice was detected by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) -dextran serum fluorescence method. The differences of DAI score, histological score and FITC-dextran content between the two groups were compared. Results:The DAI scores of mice in Dr3-/--DSS group were significantly higher than those in WT-DSS group on the 12th, 19th and 26th day after establishing the model (all P<0.05) . The rectal histological score of WT-DSS group 4 weeks after establishing the model was significantly higher than that of cecum and colon (10.130 ± 1.540 vs. 3.667 ± 0.236 and 7.222 ± 1.199, all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of rectal inflammation in WT-DSS group was the most serious. The histological score of colon in Dr3-/--DSS group was significantly higher than that of cecum and rectum (11.330 ± 1.167 vs. 7.556 ± 1.519 and 9.500 ± 0.824, all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of colonic inflammation in Dr3-/--DSS group was the most serious. The histological scores of cecum and colon in Dr3-/--DSS group were significantly higher than those of WT-DSS group (cecum: 7.556 ± 1.519 vs. 3.667 ± 0.236, P = 0.022; colon: 11.330 ± 1.167 vs. 7.222 ± 1.199, P = 0.026) , but there was no significant difference in rectal histological score between the two groups ( P>0.05) , suggesting that Dr3 gene deficiency aggravated the inflammation of cecum and colon. The rectal histological score of WT transfer group 6 weeks after establishing the model was significantly higher than that of duodenum, jejunum, terminal ileum, cecum and middle colon (all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of rectal inflammation in WT transfer group was the most serious. The histological score of cecum in Dr3-/- transfer group was significantly higher than that of duodenum, jejunum, terminal ileum, middle colon and rectum (all P<0.05) , suggesting that the degree of cecal inflammation in WT transfer group was the most serious. Compared with WT transfer group, the scores of small intestine including duodenum, jejunum and terminal ileum in Dr3-/- transfer group were significantly higher (17.667 ± 0.943 vs. 14.667 ± 1.167, P<0.05) , and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in small intestine was more obvious (duodenum: 4.000 ± 0.289 vs. 3.222 ± 0.401, P = 0.135; jejunum: 4.000 ± 0.236 vs. 3.111 ± 0.309, P<0.05; ileum: 4.889 ± 0.309 vs. 3.889 ± 0.261, P<0.05) . It was suggested that Dr3 gene deficiency aggravated intestinal inflammation. The content of FITC-dextran in eye venous blood of Dr3-/- mice was significantly higher than that of WT mice (656.0 ± 60.9 vs. 403.8 ± 54.8, P<0.05) , the content of FITC-dextran in Dr3-/--DSS group was significantly higher than that of WT-DSS group (1176.4 ± 109.5 vs. 545.7 ± 97.8, P<0.05) , the content of FITC-dextran in Dr3-/-transfer group was significantly higher than that of WT transfer group (1270.5 ± 112.2 vs. 711.0 ± 71.5, P<0.05) , and the content of FITC-dextran in Dr3-/-Rag1-/- mice was significantly higher than that of Rag1-/- mice (714.5 ± 62.9 vs. 501.8 ± 59.8, P<0.05) , suggesting that the intestinal mucosal permeability of Dr3 gene deficient mice was higher. Conclusion:Dr3 gene deficiency in mice increases intestinal mucosal permeability, destroys intestinal mucosal barrier function, and aggravates intestinal proximal inflammation in experimental colitis, suggesting that Dr3 gene may play the protective role in intestinal inflammation by regulating intestinal mucosal permeability.

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