Taxifolin (TAX) is a natural compound known for its liver protection effect, but the mechanism remains unknown. Phosphorylated proteomics analyses discovered that the phosphorylation level of NDRG1 at T328 was a key event of TAX-improved liver fibrosis. We established models with NDRG1 knockout (KO) in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating that NDRG1 KO attenuated the development of hepatocyte injury, and combining NDRG1 KO and TAX administration did not result in a reduction in protection against liver injury. Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasma resonance analysis showed that TAX directly binds to NDRG1 rather than its upstream kinase, subsequently demonstrating that TAX regulated phosphorylation of NDRG1 at T328 through binding to its C289 site. NDRG1 T328A (phosphorylated mutation) and T328E (mimic phosphorylation) in vivo and in vitro confirmed that pNDRG1_T328 exacerbates hepatocyte injury along with DNA damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. In contrast, TAX can inhibit the above pathological abnormalities and block hepatocyte injury-triggered HSCs activation and fibrosis. Overall, TAX is a potent liver protection drug primarily targeting NDRG1 and inhibiting pNDRG1_T328 in hepatocytes.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Zhiwei Fuwei Pills on mitochondrial apoptosis in the rat model of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC) based on the microRNA-21(miRNA-21)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) signaling pathway. Eighty-five 5-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were selected, of which 75 were fed with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG) for multifactorial modeling, and the PLGC model was established after 26 weeks. The rats were randomly grouped as follows: model, folic acid(0.002 g·kg~(-1)), low-dose(0.42 g·kg~(-1)) Zhiwei Fuwei Pills, medium-dose(0.84 g·kg~(-1)) Zhiwei Fuwei Pills, and high-dose(1.67 g·kg~(-1)) Zhiwei Fuwei Pills, with 15 rats in each group. Additionally, 10 rats were assigned to a blank group and administrated with an equivalent volume of normal saline by gavage. After four weeks of continuous drug administration, the gastric mucosal tissue was collected. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to reveal the pathological changes in the gastric mucosa. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) was employed to detect apoptosis in gastric mucosal epithelial cells. RT-PCR was adopted to determine the mRNA levels of miRNA-21, phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN), Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3(caspase-3). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PTEN, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect the positive expression of PTEN, Bcl-2, and Bax in the gastric mucosal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) was employed to observe the morphological and structural changes in mitochondria. The results showed that compared with model group, the drug administration groups showed alleviated pathological changes, with increased apoptotic cells, down-regulated mRNA levels of miRNA-21 and Bcl-2, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PTEN, Bax, and caspase-3, and down-regulated protein level of Bcl-2. In addition, the drug administration groups exhibited mitochondrial swelling and rupture and reduction of cristae, which indicated mitochondrial apoptosis. These findings suggest that Zhiwei Fuwei Pills can effectively improve mitochondrial apoptosis in PLGC cells by regulating the miRNA-21/Bcl-2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Male ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Stomach Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mitochondria/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Precancerous Conditions/drug therapy* ; Humans ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase/genetics*

Objective To explore the intervention effect and mechanism of Zhiwei Fuwei pills on precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)model rats based on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.Methods PLGC model rats were established by the combination of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and ammonia drinking,hunger and satiation disorder,ethanol gavage and ranitidine feeding,and were randomly divided into model group,control group and experimental-H,-M,-L groups,with 8 rats in each group.Another 8 healthy rats were selected as blank group.Experimental-H,-M,-L groups were given 1.67,0.84 and 0.42 g·kg-1 Zhiwei Fuwei pills solution by intragastric administration,respectively;control group was given 2.00 × 10-3g·kg-1 folic acid solution by intragastric administration;blank group and model group were given 0.9％NaCl by intragastric administration,once a day for 4 weeks.The structural changes of gastric microvessels were detected by transmission electron microscopy,and the expression levels of HIF-1α,VEGF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2(VEGFR-2)and Angiopoietin-2(Ang-2)were detected by western blot.Results Compared with the model group,the abnormality of gastric microvascular structure in experimental-H,-M,-L groups was improved to some extent,and the effect of high dose experimental group was the most obvious.The relative expression levels of HIF-1 α protein in experimental-H,-M groups and control group,model group and blank group were 0.43±0.03,0.66±0.04,0.77±0.01,0.80±0.02 and 0.37±0.02;the relative expression levels of VEGF protein were 0.97±0.06,1.21±0.06,1.51±0.07,1.54±0.05 and 0.88±0.02;the relative expression levels of VEGFR-2 protein were 1.03±0.06,1.18±0.04,1.37±0.05,1.45±0.02 and 0.70±0.02;the relative expression levels of Ang-2 protein were 0.51±0.03,0.61±0.02,0.71±0.01,0.78±0.03 and 0.34±0.01,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H,-M groups were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Zhiwei Fuwei pills may inhibit the abnormal activation of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway,improve hypoxia microenvironment,reduce angiogenesis,and then effectively interfere with the progression of PLGC.

Laminar organization is a hallmark of the mammalian neocortex, where the orderly arrangement of diverse neurons stereotypically forms into six distinct layers. The laminar structure provides a basis for the formation of precise neural circuits responsible for high-level cognitive functions. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying neocortical layer formation and cell assembly in the brain will provide a more comprehensive insight into mammalian and even human physiology and behavior. It will also enable the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. To achieve this, it is imperative to elucidate the molecular regulatory networks that determine the fate of neurons in the neocortex. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of 18-25 nucleotides in length that play important roles in the gene expression network. A large number of studies have reported that miRNAs are involved in various developmental processes within the nervous system. This review summarizes the progress of research on miRNAs that have been identified in recent years with regard to neocortical layer formation. We start with a comparative analysis of different Cre-line mediated conditional knockout mice for Dicer, a gene indispensable for the synthesis of almost all miRNAs. The results indicate that miRNAs are essential for the formation of neocortical layers, including the determination of the fate of projection neurons and the migration of these cells. Next, we summarize the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the coordinated execution of a series of developmental events that contribute to neocortical layer formation. First, the temporal patterning of neocortical neural progenitors is regulated by miRNAs. Two types of temporally opposite expression gradients and functionally antagonistic miRNAs modulate the competence of neural progenitors by changing their relative expression levels during neurogenesis, thereby shifting the progressive generation of neocortical neurons. Second, it is described that miRNAs influence lamination by regulating the fate of intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs). In particular, several miRNAs that are specifically expressed in multiple gyrencephalic species have been identified in recent years and are involved in regulating the generation of IPCs as well as the generation of upper layer neurons. Third, the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the migration of cortical projection neurons, including the multipolar to bipolar transition and other processes, were presented. Fourth, we described miRNAs that are expressed in postmitotic neurons but play roles in the further specification of different cortical projection neuron subtype identities, in particular the role of several miRNAs in the Mirg cluster in establishing different subtype identities of projection neurons in layer V, promoting corticospinal motor neuron (CSMN) identity but inhibiting callosal projection neuron (CPN) identity. Finally, we discussed current challenges in the study of miRNAs in neocortical layer formation and looked forward to future directions that deserve further exploration, such as the functions of a large number of newly discovered miRNAs, or whether miRNAs regulate the layer-dependent pattern of other neuronal cells with layer distribution features; the contribution of miRNAs in the rapid evolution of the neocortex, especially in the formation of characteristic structures in the primate neocortex; and the use of miRNAs as an entry point to explore finer regulatory networks.

Objective To study the effect of Hedysarum polysaccharides(HPS)on the expression of transforming growth factor-β,(TGF-β1),smad homologue 3 recombinant protein(smad3)and smad7 in renal tissue of db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods According to their body weight,6-week-old male db/db mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:model group(0.9％NaCl 0.2 mL·d-1),positive control group(22.75 mg·kg-1·d-1 irbesartan)and experimental-H,-M,-L groups(200,100,50 mg kg-1·d-1 HPS),with 10 mice in each group;another 10 SPF grade male C57BL/6 mice of the same week were selected as normal group(0.9％NaCl 0.2mL·d-1).The mice in the 6 groups were given intragastric administration once a day for 12 weeks.The blood glucose concentration of mice was measured before treatment and at the 4th,8th and 12th week after treatment.The expression levels of TGF-β1,smad3 and smad7 were detected by Western blotting.Results After treatment,the blood glucose levels of the model group was significantly higher than those of the normal group(all P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the levels of blood glucose in the experimental-H,-M groups decreased significantly,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The relative expression levels of TGF-β,protein in normal group,model group,positive control group and experimental-H,-M groups were 0.71±0.16,1.66±0.18,1.00±0.17,0.88±0.15 and 1.23±0.15;the relative expression levels of smad3 protein were 0.89±0.32,2.26±0.35,1.24±0.31,1.05±0.30 and 1.67±0.35;the relative expression levels of smad7 protein were 1.66±0.03,0.60±0.03,1.10±0.07,1.48±0.08 and 0.97±0.09;there were statistically significant differences between the experimental-H,-M groups and the model group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Hedysarum polysaccharides can improve renal fibrosis and delay the development of diabetic nephropathy by regulating the level of blood glucose,inhibiting TGF-β1,smad3 and increasing the expression of smad7.

Objective To investigate the satisfaction of patients with Crowe Ⅲ-Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH)after total hip arthroplasty and the related factors.Methods A retrospective study included 169 patients with Crowe type Ⅲ-Ⅳ DDH who underwent total hip arthroplasty between March 2013 and March 2018.Patients were surveyed through WeChat,covering overall satisfaction with the operation,satisfaction with ten daily functions,and the top five questions per-ceived to have a great impact on daily life.Preoperative and postoperative hip function was evaluated by Harris score.Results One hundred and forty-five questionnaires were received,with a follow-up period ranging from 1 to 5 years with an average of(3.23±1.22)years.Among these patients,118 patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes,while 27 patients were dissat-isfied,with the overall satisfaction rate of 81.38％(118/145).The top five problems affecting patient life were postoperative hip pain,limb length discrepancy,walking,stair climbing,and squatting.There were no statistical differences in age,sex,body mass index,preoperative Harris scores(P＞0.05).However,the dissatisfied group had lower postoperative Harris scores.Post-operative hip pain and limb length discrepancy were identified as direct factors contributing to postoperative surgical dissatis-faction.Conclusion Total hip arthroplasty for patients with Crowe type Ⅲ-Ⅳ DDH is challenging.Postoperative hip pain(mild or severe)and limb length discrepancy(＞2 cm)are independent risk factors for postoperative dissatisfaction.

Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)is a key pathological stage in the process of inflammation cancer transformation of the gastric mucosa.Early diagnosis and effective intervention in this stage have positive significance in preventing the occurrence of gastric cancer.Numerous studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can effectively intervene in PLGC by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis,regulating inflammatory response,anti angiogenesis,inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition,inhibiting glycolysis,antioxidant stress,combating helicobacter pylori,regulating autophagy levels,and regulating gut microbiota through various pathways.The article systematically elaborates on the research status of the intervention mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomers or extracts,and traditional Chinese medicine formulas in PLGC,aiming to provide reference for the clinical treatment of this disease and related drug development.

Objective To explore the intervention effect and mechanism of Zhiwei Fuwei pills on precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)model rats based on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway.Methods PLGC model rats were established by the combination of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and ammonia drinking,hunger and satiation disorder,ethanol gavage and ranitidine feeding,and were randomly divided into model group,control group and experimental-H,-M,-L groups,with 8 rats in each group.Another 8 healthy rats were selected as blank group.Experimental-H,-M,-L groups were given 1.67,0.84 and 0.42 g·kg-1 Zhiwei Fuwei pills solution by intragastric administration,respectively;control group was given 2.00 × 10-3g·kg-1 folic acid solution by intragastric administration;blank group and model group were given 0.9％NaCl by intragastric administration,once a day for 4 weeks.The structural changes of gastric microvessels were detected by transmission electron microscopy,and the expression levels of HIF-1α,VEGF,vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2(VEGFR-2)and Angiopoietin-2(Ang-2)were detected by western blot.Results Compared with the model group,the abnormality of gastric microvascular structure in experimental-H,-M,-L groups was improved to some extent,and the effect of high dose experimental group was the most obvious.The relative expression levels of HIF-1 α protein in experimental-H,-M groups and control group,model group and blank group were 0.43±0.03,0.66±0.04,0.77±0.01,0.80±0.02 and 0.37±0.02;the relative expression levels of VEGF protein were 0.97±0.06,1.21±0.06,1.51±0.07,1.54±0.05 and 0.88±0.02;the relative expression levels of VEGFR-2 protein were 1.03±0.06,1.18±0.04,1.37±0.05,1.45±0.02 and 0.70±0.02;the relative expression levels of Ang-2 protein were 0.51±0.03,0.61±0.02,0.71±0.01,0.78±0.03 and 0.34±0.01,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-H,-M groups were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Zhiwei Fuwei pills may inhibit the abnormal activation of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway,improve hypoxia microenvironment,reduce angiogenesis,and then effectively interfere with the progression of PLGC.

Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)is a key pathological stage in the process of inflammation cancer transformation of the gastric mucosa.Early diagnosis and effective intervention in this stage have positive significance in preventing the occurrence of gastric cancer.Numerous studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can effectively intervene in PLGC by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis,regulating inflammatory response,anti angiogenesis,inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition,inhibiting glycolysis,antioxidant stress,combating helicobacter pylori,regulating autophagy levels,and regulating gut microbiota through various pathways.The article systematically elaborates on the research status of the intervention mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomers or extracts,and traditional Chinese medicine formulas in PLGC,aiming to provide reference for the clinical treatment of this disease and related drug development.

This study aimed to explore the potentiating effect and mechanism of the extract of Jingfang Granules(JFG) on the activation of macrophages. The RAW264.7 cells were treated with JFG extract and then stimulated by multiple agents. Subsequently, mRNA was extracted, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to measure the mRNA transcription of multiple cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. The levels of cytokines in the cell supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). In addition, the intracellular proteins were extracted and the activation of signaling pathways was determined by Western blot. The results showed that JFG extract alone could not promote or slightly promote the mRNA transcription of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MIP-1α, MCP-1, CCL5, IP-10, and IFN-β, and significantly enhance the mRNA transcription of these cytokines in RAW264.7 cells induced by R848 and CpG in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, JFG extract also potentiated the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and IFN-β by RAW264.7 cells stimulated with R848 and CpG. As revealed by mechanism analysis, JFG extract enhanced the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, IRF3, STAT1, and STAT3 in RAW264.7 cells induced by CpG. The findings of this study indicate that JFG extract can selectively potentiate the activation of macrophages induced by R848 and CpG, which may be attributed to the promotion of the activation of MAPKs, IRF3, and STAT1/3 signaling pathways.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Plant Extracts/metabolism* ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Macrophages ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*