1.The Regulatory Role of Glucose Transporter 1 on the Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Under Ischemia-hypoxic Conditions
Meiling LI ; Siqi GAO ; Zhefu LIU ; Huanyan LIAO ; Fanmao LIU ; Wenhao XIA ; Jun GUO ; Yan LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):444-455
Abstract: ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the effects and regulatory roles of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under ischemia-hypoxic conditions. MethodsIn vitro experiments were conducted to subject HUVECs to an ischemia-hypoxic-mimicking environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2). The biological characteristics of HUVECs under normoxic and ischemia-hypoxic conditions were compared by assessing cell viability, proliferation capacity, and examining the expression changes of GLUT1, HIF-1α, and VEGFA proteins under ischemia-hypoxia using Western blot technology. Further, GLUT1 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection and the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were evaluated through scratch assays, cell adhesion assays, and tube formation assays. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was detected by Seahorse metabolic analyzer to evaluate mitochondrial function. ResultsCompared with normoxic conditions, the ischemia-hypoxic environment significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell viability, migration, and adhesion capabilities of HUVECs and impaired their angiogenic potential. The expression levels of GLUT1, HIF-1α and VEGFA proteins were also markedly reduced. However, when GLUT1 expression was upregulated, the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were significantly improved, and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR were increased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ischemic-hypoxia leads to mitochondrial swelling and matrix damage, while GLUT1 overexpression significantly alleviates mitochondrial morphology abnormalities. OCR results suggest that GLUT1 overexpression may enhance oxidative phosphorylation of endothelial cells in ischemic-hypoxic environments to improve energy metabolism. These results suggest that GLUT1 may influence the function and angiogenic potential of HUVECs by regulating glucose metabolism and energy supply. ConclusionsThis study reveals the significant regulatory role of GLUT1 in the function of HUVECs under ischemia-hypoxic conditions, potentially through modulating cellular energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby affecting cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. These findings provide a new perspective on the role of GLUT1 in cardiovascular diseases and may offer potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
2.Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Multi-Target Intervention Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chenlei GENG ; Jinxia WEI ; Xia LI ; Yu YUAN ; Lulu YU ; Sijia LIU ; Xingxu YAN ; Jia SHAO ; Meiling CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2920-2927
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a chronic liver disease caused by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver.Its incidence rate is increasing year by year and has become an increasingly serious public healthy problem.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and has not been fully clarified at present.It is mainly related to multiple factors such as genetics,metabolism,intestinal flora and immune response.In order to explore the medication rules and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of NAFLD,and to provide references for the treatment of NAFLD with TCM and the research and development of new drugs,this article summarizes the TCM pathogenesis of NAFLD(such as"phlegm and blood stasis interlacing","liver depression and spleen deficiency",etc.)and modern etiology and pathogenesis(such as insulin resistance,lipid disorder,mitochondrial dysfunction,oxidative stress,etc.).The clinical research and experimental data at home and abroad in recent years were integrated to analyze the pathological process of NAFLD intervention by TCM through multiple targets,including improving insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders,inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,etc.TCM has shown unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.However,the depth of its mechanism analysis and the level of clinical research still need to be improved.In the future,it is necessary to deepen the mechanism research by combining multi-omics technology to accelerate the modernization development of TCM.
3.LBP3 promotes production of SCFAs to inhibit PMN-MDSC function and exert anti-tumor effects
Yanping CAI ; Meiling ZHANG ; Xuting XIE ; Junjie LIANG ; Ying ZHU ; Xiangliang DENG ; Yunliang CHEN ; Xia LUO ; Lian ZHOU ; Qing WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1543-1551
Objective:To explore whether LBP3 exerts anti-tumor effects by promoting production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)by intestinal microbiota and regulating function of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells(PMN-MDSC).Methods:A subcutaneous H22 liver cancer model was employed to assess anti-tumor activity of LBP3 and its regulatory effects on PMN-MDSC.Pseudo-sterile tumor-bearing mouse model was used to investigate role of intestinal microbiota in tumor suppression of LBP3.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)was conducted to explore immune regulatory role of LBP3-modulated flora.Serum SCFAs levels in tumor-bearing mice were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,and effect of SCFAs butyrate on arginase 1(Arg-1)expression was evaluated in vitro.Results:Both low-dose(125 mg/kg)and high-dose(250 mg/kg)LBP3 signifi-cantly inhibited tumor growth in H22 tumor-bearing mice,also led to a marked reduction in proportion of PMN-MDSC in both spleen and tumor,a reduced proportion of Treg in lymphoid tissues,a decrease in Arg-1 level within tumor,infiltration of CD8+T cells into tumor was significantly enhanced.However,these effects of LBP3 were did not observed in pseudo-sterile mice,while the above changes could be reproduced after fecal supernatant transplantation in high-dose LBP3 treatment group,suggesting a crucial role for gut microbiota.Furthermore,co-expression of Ly6G and SCFA receptor GPR43 in tumor was also observed.LBP3 treatment resulted in increased levels of SCFAs,particularly butyrate,in both blood and tumor tissues.In vitro,butyrate was shown to inhibit Arg-1 expression in MSC-2 cells,further supporting hypothesis that SCFAs mediate immune-modulatory effects of LBP3.Conclusion:LBP3 exerts its anti-tumor effects by promoting SCFA production,which subsequently inhibits function of PMN-MDSC.This highlights LBP3's potential as an immunomodulatory agent in cancer therapy.
4.Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Multi-Target Intervention Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chenlei GENG ; Jinxia WEI ; Xia LI ; Yu YUAN ; Lulu YU ; Sijia LIU ; Xingxu YAN ; Jia SHAO ; Meiling CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(10):2920-2927
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a chronic liver disease caused by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver.Its incidence rate is increasing year by year and has become an increasingly serious public healthy problem.The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and has not been fully clarified at present.It is mainly related to multiple factors such as genetics,metabolism,intestinal flora and immune response.In order to explore the medication rules and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of NAFLD,and to provide references for the treatment of NAFLD with TCM and the research and development of new drugs,this article summarizes the TCM pathogenesis of NAFLD(such as"phlegm and blood stasis interlacing","liver depression and spleen deficiency",etc.)and modern etiology and pathogenesis(such as insulin resistance,lipid disorder,mitochondrial dysfunction,oxidative stress,etc.).The clinical research and experimental data at home and abroad in recent years were integrated to analyze the pathological process of NAFLD intervention by TCM through multiple targets,including improving insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders,inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,etc.TCM has shown unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.However,the depth of its mechanism analysis and the level of clinical research still need to be improved.In the future,it is necessary to deepen the mechanism research by combining multi-omics technology to accelerate the modernization development of TCM.
5.Efficacy of RCA-PDCA in improving the rate of bladder filling before embryo transfer
Yaqin WANG ; Meiling XIA ; Longchang XU ; Maoling ZHANG ; Xianfeng SHI
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(6):65-70
Objective To enhance the qualified rate of preoperative bladder filling and improve the experience of embryo transfer by implementing a nursing intervention based on the root cause analysis and plan-do-check-act(RCA-PDCA)cycle.Methods A before-after comparative study was conducted among the patients who received embryo transfer at a Tire-ⅢA specialist hospital between January and April 2024.The patient who received embryo transfer between January and February 2024(n=130)were assigned to the control group with routine nursing.Those who received embryo transfer between March and April 2024 were assigned to the trial group(n=136)with nursing intervention based on RCA-PDCA.The two groups were compared in terms of the qualified rate of bladder filling,endometrial visualisation rate,instrument-assisted transfer rate and level of comfort.Results A total of 126 women in the control group and 131 in the trial group completed the study.The patient in the trial group demonstrated significantly higher qualified rate of bladder filling and endometrial visualisation rate in comparison with those in the control group(70.2%vs.38.1%,81.7%vs.51.6%,respectively).The trial group also had lower rates in both of the instrument-assisted transfer and the incidence of mild pain than those in the control group(2.3%vs.7.9%,32.1%vs.53.2%,respectively;P<0.05).Conclusion RCA-PDCA is effective in improving preoperative bladder filling and endometrial visualisation,reducing instrument-assisted transfer and enhancing preoperative bladder comfort in the women receiving embryo transfer.
6.Efficacy of RCA-PDCA in improving the rate of bladder filling before embryo transfer
Yaqin WANG ; Meiling XIA ; Longchang XU ; Maoling ZHANG ; Xianfeng SHI
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(6):65-70
Objective To enhance the qualified rate of preoperative bladder filling and improve the experience of embryo transfer by implementing a nursing intervention based on the root cause analysis and plan-do-check-act(RCA-PDCA)cycle.Methods A before-after comparative study was conducted among the patients who received embryo transfer at a Tire-ⅢA specialist hospital between January and April 2024.The patient who received embryo transfer between January and February 2024(n=130)were assigned to the control group with routine nursing.Those who received embryo transfer between March and April 2024 were assigned to the trial group(n=136)with nursing intervention based on RCA-PDCA.The two groups were compared in terms of the qualified rate of bladder filling,endometrial visualisation rate,instrument-assisted transfer rate and level of comfort.Results A total of 126 women in the control group and 131 in the trial group completed the study.The patient in the trial group demonstrated significantly higher qualified rate of bladder filling and endometrial visualisation rate in comparison with those in the control group(70.2%vs.38.1%,81.7%vs.51.6%,respectively).The trial group also had lower rates in both of the instrument-assisted transfer and the incidence of mild pain than those in the control group(2.3%vs.7.9%,32.1%vs.53.2%,respectively;P<0.05).Conclusion RCA-PDCA is effective in improving preoperative bladder filling and endometrial visualisation,reducing instrument-assisted transfer and enhancing preoperative bladder comfort in the women receiving embryo transfer.
7.Protective effects of Zhibai Dihuang Pills on neurons in mice with D-galactose cognitive dysfunction
Meiling JIN ; Ziyue ZHU ; Xue CHEN ; Qing LIU ; Tongtong CHEN ; Xia LEI ; Ning ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(1):44-50
Objective:To investigate the effects of Zhibai Dihuang Pills on neurons of cognitive dysfunction in D-galactose (D-gal) model mice.Methods:Totally 60 male mice were divided into four groups using a random number table method: control group, model group, donepezil group, and Zhibai Dihuang Pills group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the control group, the other groups were subcutaneously injected with D-galactose solution at a dosage of 125 mg/kg once a day for 8 weeks to prepare the aging model. Mice in the donepezil group were intragastrically administered donepezil solution at a dosage of 0.65 mg/kg, and those in the Zhibai Dihuang Pills group were intragastrically administered Zhibai Dihuang Pills solution at a dosage of 1.56 g/kg. The control group was intragastrically administered an equal volume of physiological saline once a day for 8 weeks. The object recognition test and Morris Water Maze were used to assess object recognition memory and spatial learning memory abilities of mice in each group, respectively. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were employed to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal region; Golgi staining was used to observe neuronal dendritic spines; Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin (SYP) in the hippocampus region; RT-qPCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt and GSK3β in the hippocampus region.Results:Compared with the model group, the recognition index in both the donepezil group and the Zhibai Dihuang Pills group increased ( P<0.05), the escape latency was shortened ( P<0.05), the platform crossings times and the target quadrant dwell time increased ( P<0.05), the number of nerve cells in the hippocampal region increased, arranged closely, the number of Nissl bodies increased, the morphology returned to normal, and the density of dendritic spines increased; the protein expressions of PI3K, PSD-95, and SYP in the hippocampal region and the ratio of p-Akt/Akt increased ( P<0.01), the mRNA level of PI3K increased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the protein and mRNA levels of GSK3β decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Zhibai Dihuang Pills can improve the learning and memory ability and rescue neuronal damage in D-gal model mice, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the restoration of synaptic connections.
8.LBP3 promotes production of SCFAs to inhibit PMN-MDSC function and exert anti-tumor effects
Yanping CAI ; Meiling ZHANG ; Xuting XIE ; Junjie LIANG ; Ying ZHU ; Xiangliang DENG ; Yunliang CHEN ; Xia LUO ; Lian ZHOU ; Qing WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1543-1551
Objective:To explore whether LBP3 exerts anti-tumor effects by promoting production of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)by intestinal microbiota and regulating function of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells(PMN-MDSC).Methods:A subcutaneous H22 liver cancer model was employed to assess anti-tumor activity of LBP3 and its regulatory effects on PMN-MDSC.Pseudo-sterile tumor-bearing mouse model was used to investigate role of intestinal microbiota in tumor suppression of LBP3.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)was conducted to explore immune regulatory role of LBP3-modulated flora.Serum SCFAs levels in tumor-bearing mice were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,and effect of SCFAs butyrate on arginase 1(Arg-1)expression was evaluated in vitro.Results:Both low-dose(125 mg/kg)and high-dose(250 mg/kg)LBP3 signifi-cantly inhibited tumor growth in H22 tumor-bearing mice,also led to a marked reduction in proportion of PMN-MDSC in both spleen and tumor,a reduced proportion of Treg in lymphoid tissues,a decrease in Arg-1 level within tumor,infiltration of CD8+T cells into tumor was significantly enhanced.However,these effects of LBP3 were did not observed in pseudo-sterile mice,while the above changes could be reproduced after fecal supernatant transplantation in high-dose LBP3 treatment group,suggesting a crucial role for gut microbiota.Furthermore,co-expression of Ly6G and SCFA receptor GPR43 in tumor was also observed.LBP3 treatment resulted in increased levels of SCFAs,particularly butyrate,in both blood and tumor tissues.In vitro,butyrate was shown to inhibit Arg-1 expression in MSC-2 cells,further supporting hypothesis that SCFAs mediate immune-modulatory effects of LBP3.Conclusion:LBP3 exerts its anti-tumor effects by promoting SCFA production,which subsequently inhibits function of PMN-MDSC.This highlights LBP3's potential as an immunomodulatory agent in cancer therapy.
9.Survival analysis of the effect of water intake on bladder filling time in embryo transfer patients: a randomized control trial
Meiling XIA ; Chunfang TANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Ming LUO ; Miaohong CHEN ; Lingling ZHONG ; Li HUANG ; Xiqian ZHANG ; Huinan WENG ; Maoling ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(5):505-509
Objective:To investigate the effect of water intake on bladder filling time before embryo transfer.Methods:A total of 189 patients were collected from February to June 2023 who were to undergo embryo transfer in Guangdong Women and Children Hospital. The patients were divided into group A ( n=61), group B ( n=64) and group C ( n=64) using a random number table and they were respectively given 300 mL, 500 mL and 700 mL water to drink. Abdominal ultrasound was performed every 15 min, a total of 1-5 times, from 45 min after drinking water until the bladder filling. The bladder filling time and bladder volume were collected. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the difference of bladder filling time among the three groups. The multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze factors of bladder filling time. Results:The cumulative bladder filling rates of group A, group B and group C at 105 min after drinking water were 57.4% (35/61), 90.6% (58/64) and 98.4% (63/64), respectively, and the median survival time (95% CI) of bladder filling was 105.0 (89.9-120.1) min, 60.0 (55.4-64.7) min and 60.0 (55.4-64.6) min, respectively. Pairwise comparison of Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the bladder filling time of group A was longer than that of group B and group C ( P<0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference between group B and group C ( P>0.05). The results of age-stratification analysis showed that the bladder filling time of younger patients in group A [90.0 (75.2-104.8) min] was longer than that in group B [60.0 (55.8-64.2) min, P<0.001] and group C [60.0 (55.1-64.8) min, P<0.001], and there was no statistical significance between group B and group C ( P>0.05); the bladder filling time of older patients in group C [60.0 (59.1-70.9) min] was shorter than that in group A [105.0 (89.9-120.1) min, P<0.001] and group B [75.0 (64.3-85.7) min, P=0.027], there was no statistical significance between group A and group B ( P>0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that taking group A as reference, the hazard ratio ( HR, 95% CI) of groups B and C were 2.71 (1.78-4.21) and 3.23 (2.10-4.96), both P<0.001. The HR (95% CI) of the elderly patients was 0.69 (0.49-0.99), P=0.044. Conclusion:Water intake and age are independent factors affecting bladder filling time in embryo transfer patients. Patients are recommended to drink 500 mL of water 75 min before embryo transfer and appropriately increase the amount of water or extend the bladder preparation time after drinking water for elderly patients.
10.Protective Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on Mitochondrial Damage in AD Model of Caenorhabditis Elegans
Jinfeng ZHANG ; Yuliang TONG ; Jiapeng WANG ; Ting SU ; Deping ZHAO ; Hao YU ; Kun ZUO ; Ziyue ZHU ; Meiling JIN ; Ning ZHANG ; Xia LEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):18-25
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of the extract of Liuwei Dihuangwan (LW) on mitochondrial damage in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). MethodC. elegans transfected with human β-amyloid protein (Aβ) 1-42 gene was used as an AD model. The rats were divided into blank group, model group, metformin group (50 mmol·L-1), and low, medium, and high dose (1.04, 2.08, 4.16 g·kg-1) LW groups. Behavioral methods were used to observe the sensitivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in nematodes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Aβ in nematodes. Total ATP content in nematodes was detected by the adenine nucleoside triphosphate (ATP) kit, and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by the JC-1 method. In addition, the mRNA expression of Aβ expression gene (Amy-1), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), mitochondrial transcription factor A homologous gene-5 (HMG-5), mitochondrial power-associated protein 1 (DRP1), and mitochondrial mitoprotein 1 (FIS1) was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultThe extract of LW could reduce the hypersensitivity of the AD model of nematodes to exogenous 5-HT (P<0.05) and delay the AD-like pathological characteristics of hypersensitivity to exogenous 5-HT caused by toxicity from overexpression of Aβ in neurons of the AD model of nematodes. Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of DRP1 and FIS1 increased (P<0.01), and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential decreased (P<0.05). The content of ATP decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the positive medicine group and medium and high dose LW groups, the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of DRP1 decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), and that of FIS1 decreased (P<0.01). The level of mitochondrial membrane potential increased (P<0.01), and the content of ATP increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe extract of LW may enhance the antioxidant ability of mitochondria, protect mitochondrial DNA, reduce the fragmentation of mitochondrial division, repair the damaged mitochondria, adjust the mitochondrial membrane potential, restore the level of neuronal ATP, and reduce the neuronal damage caused by Aβ deposition.

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