1.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Role and mechanism of DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by Echinococcus alveolar infection
Jin GAO ; Tao SUN ; Mulati MUKEXINA ; Xiaolong HE ; Jing SHI ; Liang LI ; Ning YANG ; Jin CHU ; Xue ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Guodong LYU ; Renyong LIN ; Xiaojuan BI ; Qingyong GUO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):298-304
To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P<0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P<0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P<0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P<0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.
4.Methods for enhancing medical equipment management in rehabilitation and recuperation institutions
Shu-cheng HE ; Ji-liang LIU ; Zheng LIU ; Jing LI ; Ning GUO
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):91-96
The current situation of the medical equipment allocation was introduced in some rehabilitation and recuperation institution.The problems of the medical equipment were analyzed in terms of allocation planning,demand plan submission,use management,risk management and quality control,and some measures for enhancing medical equipment management of rehabilitation and recuperation institutions were put forward in unit-based allocation planning,precision planning management,standardized use management,all-element risk management and systemic quality control.References were provided for improving medical equipment application and management in similar rehabilitation and recuperation institutions.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):91-96]
5.Predictive value of serum AMH for micro-TESE outcomes in patients with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome
Hang XIN ; Jinhao LIU ; Wenbin NIU ; Shanjun DAI ; Yu LIU ; Yudong GUAN ; Ning XU ; Yihong GUO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):372-379
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) on the outcome of microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS) of the clinical data and to identify effective predictors for successful micro-TESE.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted on the clinical data of 118 non-mosaic KS patients treated at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 2018 and September 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether sperm were successfully retrieved via micro-TESE: the sperm retrieved group ( n=45) and the no sperm retrieved group ( n=73). Differences between the two groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing sperm retrieval. Changes in testicular volume and sex hormone levels before and after surgery were also assessed. Results:The sperm retrieval rate was 38.1% (45/118). Patients in the sperm retrieved group were significantly younger [(26.93±3.80) years] than those in the no sperm retrieved group [(28.27±3.92) years, P=0.029], and the AMH level was significantly higher [0.44 (0.18, 1.13) μg/L] than that in the no sperm retrieved group [0.10 (0.03, 0.22) μg/L, P<0.001]. AMH was identified as an independent predictor of micro-TESE outcome in non-mosaic KS patients ( OR=7.867, 95% CI: 2.727-27.242, P=0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.802 (95% CI: 0.722-0.883), and the optimal reference threshold for AMH was ≥0.265 μg/L. Postoperatively, testosterone levels decreased significantly by a median of 0.27 μg/L ( P=0.019), while luteinizing hormone levels increased by a median of 2.08 U/L ( P=0.049), with a more significant decline in testosterone levels observed in the no sperm retrieved group by a median of 0.29 μg/L ( P=0.022). Conclusion:AMH can predict successful micro-TESE in non-mosaic KS patients, with higher AMH levels indicating a higher likelihood of success.
6.Establishment of genomic detection system for Alzheimer′s disease risk based on time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Yuyan KUANG ; Ting ZHANG ; Wenyan GE ; Huimin GUO ; Qingmin RAO ; Yongyin HE ; Qiang WANG ; Xiaomei ZHONG ; Yuping NING ; Yulong LIN ; Haiying LIU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(12):1571-1580
Objective:To establish a genomic nucleic acid mass spectrometry detection platform for allelic risk associated with Alzheimer's disease.Methods:Whole blood samples of 61 patients diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease in the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from December 28th, 2023 to 31st, March 2024 were collected and deoxynucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, including 22 males and 39 females, aged (67.36 ± 8.18) years old. After screening out 17 risk gene loci in Chinese population, multiplex polymerase chain reaction primers, single-base extension primers and Sanger sequencing primers were designed. Ten samples were used for primer optimization and debugging through Sanger sequencing and time-of-flight mass spectrometry to establish a detection system. The remaining samples were genotyped using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer and verified by Sanger sequencing for accuracy evaluation. Five samples were selected for gradient dilution and then subjected to time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection to evaluate the detection limit. Three clinical samples, one case of Escherichia coli and one case of Staphylococcus aureus genomic DNA samples were selected for cross-reaction research. The anti-interference ability of the detection system was evaluated against hemolysis, chylous substances and conventional anticoagulants in the samples. Two samples, one wild and one homozygous mutation sample with representative peak shapes, were selected to evaluate the anti-interference ability. Four samples containing the common genotypes of all gene loci in the system were selected and repeated 10 times to evaluate the precision.Results:The minimum intensity of single-base extension primers on mass spectrometry is greater than half of the maximum intensity. All 17 risk gene loci screened were successfully typed. The time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection results of 1,037 loci from 61 samples showed that the genotyping detection rate was 100%. The genotypes of the 20 DNA samples were completely consistent with the results of Sanger sequencing, with an accuracy rate of 100%. The mass spectrometry detection results of five samples after gradient dilution indicated that the low detection limit was 5 ng of DNA. The reaction system has a strong anti-interference ability against hemolysis of samples, chylous substances, conventional anticoagulants and DNA cross-contamination. Homologous allele interference and no cross-reaction between the bacterial genome and 17 gene loci do not affect the risk genome detection results. The results of 10 repeated mass spectrometry tests on 4 samples showed that the precision was 100%.Conclusion:The genomic detection system of Alzheimer's disease risk has been successfully established to provide an auxiliary mean for disease diagnosis and risk assessment.
7.Clinical features and early warning of the sepsis in immunocompromised host sepsis.
Yanqing CHEN ; Runjing GUO ; Xiao HUANG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Huanhuan TIAN ; Bingjie LYU ; Fangyu NING ; Tao WANG ; Dong HAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(3):245-250
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical features of the sepsis in immunocompromised hosts and establish an early warning equation.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted on sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Binzhou Medical University Hospital from October 2011 to October 2022. General information, infection site, etiology results and drug susceptibility, clinical symptoms, inflammatory indicators, acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), incidence of immune paralysis, and outcome during hospitalization were collected. Based on whether they met the diagnostic criteria for immunocompromised hosts, patients were divided into immunocompromised group and immune normal group. The clinical information of the two groups were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of patients with immunocompromised sepsis and the regression equation model was initially established. Omnibus test and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the model.
RESULTS:
A total of 169 patients with sepsis were included, including 61 in the immunocompromised group and 108 in the normal immune group. The top 3 infection sites in the immunocompromised group were bloodstream infection, pulmonary infection and abdominal infection. The top 3 infection sites in the normal immune group were pulmonary infection, bloodstream infection and abdominal infection. The infection rate of Gram-negative bacteria in the immunocompromised group was significantly lower than that in the normal group [49.2% (30/61) vs. 64.8% (70/108), P < 0.05]. The infection rate of Gram-positive bacteria [27.9% (17/61) vs. 13.9% (15/108)] and multidrug-resistant bacteria [54.1% (33/61) vs. 29.6% (32/108)] were significantly higher than those in normal immune group (both P < 0.05). In terms of clinical symptoms, the proportion of fever in the immunocompromised group was significantly lower than that in the immune normal group [49.2% (30/61) vs. 66.7% (72/108), P < 0.05]. Neutrophil count (NEU) and neutrophil percentage (NEU%) in the immunocompromised group were significantly lower than those in the normal immune group. Lymphocyte percentage (LYM%), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), APACHE II score, combined shock rate, incidence of immune paralysis, and mortality during hospitalization in the immunocompromised group were significantly higher than those in the normal immune group. Logistic regression analysis showed that NLR, CRP and PCT were risk factors for patients with immunocompromised sepsis (all P < 0.05). The above indicators were used as covariables to construct a Logistic regression equation, that was, Logit (P) = 0.025X1+0.010X2+0.013X3-2.945, where X1, X2 and X3 represent NLR, CRP and PCT respectively. Omnibus test and Hosmer-Lemeshow test show that the model fits well and has certain early warning value.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with immunocompromised sepsis have more intense inflammatory response, with Gram-negative bacteria being the predominant pathogen, and a higher incidence of Gram-positive bacterial infections and multi-drug resistant infections. The severity of the disease, in-hospital mortality, the incidence of shock and the incidence of immune paralysis after sepsis were significantly higher. NLR, CRP and PCT were independent risk factors for sepsis in immunocompromised hosts. The regression equation constructed based on this may have early warning significance for patients with immunocompromised sepsis.
Humans
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Sepsis/immunology*
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Immunocompromised Host
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Retrospective Studies
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Risk Factors
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Intensive Care Units
;
Logistic Models
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Male
;
APACHE
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
8.Current situation of clinical trial registration in acupuncture anesthesia: A scoping review.
Yue LI ; You-Ning LIU ; Zhen GUO ; Mu-En GU ; Wen-Jia WANG ; Yi ZHU ; Xiao-Jun ZHUANG ; Li-Ming CHEN ; Jia ZHOU ; Jing LI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(3):256-263
BACKGROUND:
Modern acupuncture anesthesia is a combination of Chinese and Western medicine that integrates the theories of acupuncture with anesthesia. However, some clinical studies of acupuncture anesthesia lack specific descriptions of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding processes, with subsequent systematic reviews indicating a risk of bias.
OBJECTIVE:
Clinical trial registration is essential for the enhancement of the quality of clinical trials. This study aims to summarize the status of clinical trial registrations for acupuncture anesthesia listed on the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).
SEARCH STRATEGY:
We searched the ICTRP for clinical trials related to acupuncture anesthesia registered between January 1, 2001 and May 31, 2023. Additionally, related publications were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Data. Registrations and publications were analyzed for consistency in trial design characteristics.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Clinical trials that utilized one of several acupuncture-related therapies in combination with pharmacological anesthesia during the perioperative period were eligible for this review.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:
Data extracted from articles included type of surgical procedure, perioperative symptoms, study methodology, type of intervention, trial recruitment information, and publication information related to clinical enrollment.
RESULTS:
A total of 166 trials related to acupuncture anesthesia from 21 countries were included in the analysis. The commonly reported symptoms in the included studies were postoperative nausea and vomiting (19.9%) and postoperative pain (13.3%). The concordance between the publications and the trial protocols in the clinical registry records was poor, with only 31.7% of the studies being fully compatible. Inconsistency rates were high for sample size (39.0%, 16/41), blinding (36.6%, 15/41), and secondary outcome indicators (24.4%, 10/41).
CONCLUSION
The volume of acupuncture anesthesia clinical trials registered in international trial registries over the last 20 years is low, with insufficient disclosure of results. Postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as postoperative pain, are the most investigated for acupuncture intervention. Please cite this article as: Li Y, Liu YN, Guo Z, Gu ME, Wang WJ, Zhu Y, Zhuang XJ, Chen LM, Zhou J, Li J. Current situation of clinical trial registration in acupuncture anesthesia: A scoping review. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 256-263.
Humans
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Acupuncture Analgesia
;
Acupuncture Therapy
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Anesthesia
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Clinical Trials as Topic
;
Registries
9.Sinisan, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, alleviates acute colitis by facilitating colonic secretory cell lineage commitment and mucin production.
Ya-Jie CAI ; Jian-Hang LAN ; Shuo LI ; Yue-Ning FENG ; Fang-Hong LI ; Meng-Yu GUO ; Run-Ping LIU
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(4):429-444
OBJECTIVE:
Ulcerative colitis is closely associated with intestinal stem cell (ISC) loss and impaired intestinal mucus barrier. Sinisan (SNS), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction, yet whether SNS can relieve acute experimental colitis by modulating ISC proliferation and secretory cell differentiation has not been studied. Our study tested the effect of SNS against acute colitis and focused on the mechanisms involving intestinal barrier recovery.
METHODS:
Network pharmacology analysis and blood entry component analysis of SNS were used to explore the underlying mechanism by which SNS affects the acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. RNA-sequencing was used to demonstrate the mechanism. Further, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed in vivo and in the colonic organoids to investigate the cell lineage differentiation-related mechanism of SNS. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS were predicted by network pharmacology analysis.
RESULTS:
SNS dramatically suppressed DSS-induced acute colonic inflammation in mice. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed downregulation of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes, and upregulation of lipid metabolism and proliferation-related genes, such as Irf7, Pparα, Clspn and Hspa5. Additionally, ISC renewal and intestinal secretory cell lineage commitment were significantly promoted by SNS both in vivo and in vitro in colonic organoids, leading to enhanced mucin expression. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS that mediated inflammation, lipid metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, stem cells and secretory cells were predicted using a network pharmacology approach.
CONCLUSION
Our study shed light on the underlying mechanism of SNS in attenuating acute colitis from the perspective of ISC renewal and secretory lineage cell differentiation, suggesting a of novel therapeutic strategy against colitis. Please cite this article as: Cai YJ, Lan JH, Li S, Feng YN, Li FH, Guo MY, et al. Sinisan, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, alleviates acute colitis by facilitating colonic secretory cell lineage commitment and mucin production. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 429-444.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Mice
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Colon/pathology*
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Mucins/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Male
;
Colitis/metabolism*
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Cell Lineage/drug effects*
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Dextran Sulfate
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Stem Cells/drug effects*
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Disease Models, Animal
10.Impact of SALL4 gene promoter methylation on trophoblast cell function
Mengxia XIE ; Zhaoyuan YANG ; Keji LI ; Jicong LU ; Shuangyu ZHANG ; Jing GUO ; Da XU ; Kanglu YAN ; Ning HAN ; Yuehua LIU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(5):395-402
Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=-4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=-7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=-13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.

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