1.Bear Bile Powder Ameliorates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting CD14 Pathway and Improving Intestinal Flora: Exploration of "Fei (Lung)-Dachang (Large Intestine) Interaction" Theory.
Long CHENG ; Hui-Ling TIAN ; Hong-Yuan LEI ; Ying-Zhou WANG ; Ma-Jing JIAO ; Yun-Hui LIANG ; Zhi-Zheng WU ; Xu-Kun DENG ; Yong-Shen REN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):821-829
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the effect of bear bile powder (BBP) on acute lung injury (ALI) and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
The chemical constituents of BBP were analyzed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). After 7 days of adaptive feeding, 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups by a random number table (n=10): normal control (NC), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dexamethasone (Dex), low-, and high-dose BBP groups. The dosing cycle was 9 days. On the 12th and 14th days, 20 µL of Staphylococcus aureus solution (bacterial concentration of 1 × 10-7 CFU/mL) was given by nasal drip after 1 h of intragastric administration, and the mice in the NC group was given the same dose of phosphated buffered saline (PBS) solution. On the 16th day, after 1 h intragastric administration, 100 µL of LPS solution (1 mg/mL) was given by tracheal intubation, and the same dose of PBS solution was given to the NC group. Lung tissue was obtained to measure the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the lung wet/dry weight ratio and expressions of CD14 and other related proteins. The lower lobe of the right lung was obtained for pathological examination. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α ) and IL-1β in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the number of neutrophils was counted. The colonic contents of the mice were analyzed by 16 sRNA technique and the contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS).
RESULTS:
UPLC-MS revealed that the chemical components of BBP samples were mainly tauroursodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid sodium salt. BBP reduced the activity of MPO, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the expression of CD14 protein, thus suppressing the activation of NF-κB pathway (P<0.05). The lung histopathological results indicated that BBP significantly reduced the degree of neutrophil infiltration, cell shedding, necrosis, and alveolar cavity depression. Moreover, BBP effectively regulated the composition of the intestinal microflora and increased the production of SCFAs, which contributed to its treatment effect (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
BBP alleviates lung injury in ALI mouse through inhibiting activation of NF-κB pathway and decreasing expression of CD14 protein. BBP may promote recovery of ALI by improving the structure of intestinal flora and enhancing metabolic function of intestinal flora.
Animals
;
Acute Lung Injury/pathology*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Ursidae
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Bile/chemistry*
;
Lipopolysaccharide Receptors/metabolism*
;
Powders
;
Male
;
Lung/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Peroxidase/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
2.Salvianolic Acid B Exerts Antiphotoaging Effect on Ultraviolet B-Irradiated Human Keratinocytes by Alleviating Oxidative Stress via SIRT1 Protein.
Qiao-Ju ZHANG ; Xi LUO ; Yu-Wen ZHENG ; Jun-Qiao ZHENG ; Xin-Ying WU ; Shu-Mei WANG ; Jun SHI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):1021-1028
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the anti-photoaging properties of salvianolic acid B (Sal B).
METHODS:
The optimal photoaging model of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were constructed by expose to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The cells were divided into control, model and different concentrations of Sal B groups. Cell viability was measured via cell counting kit-8. Subsequently, the levels of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyproline (Hyp), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected using the relevant kits. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) protein level was detected using Western blot. The binding pattern of Sal B and SIRT1 was determined via molecular docking.
RESULTS:
Sal B significantly increased the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Sal B effectively scavenged the accumulation of ROS induced by UVB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, Sal B modulated oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular concentrations of Hyp and CAT and the activity of GSH-Px (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The Western blot results revealed a substantial increase in SIRT1 protein levels following Sal B administration (P<0.05). Moreover, Sal B exhibited good binding affinity toward SIRT1, with a docking energy of -7.5 kCal/mol.
CONCLUSION
Sal B could improve the repair of photodamaged cells by alleviating cellular oxidative stress and regulating the expression of SIRT1 protein.
Humans
;
Sirtuin 1/metabolism*
;
Ultraviolet Rays
;
Oxidative Stress/radiation effects*
;
Keratinocytes/metabolism*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Benzofurans/pharmacology*
;
Skin Aging/radiation effects*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Cell Survival/radiation effects*
;
HaCaT Cells
;
Hydroxyproline/metabolism*
;
Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism*
;
Catalase/metabolism*
;
Depsides
3.Expression of SLC7A11, GPX4 and ACSL4 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their correlation with radiotherapy resistance.
Donghui YAN ; Yanyan ZHENG ; Ningxiang ZENG ; Hongxun GONG ; Yanqiu HUANG ; Maoxin WANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(5):462-469
Objective:To explore the correlation between ferroptosis-related proteins SLC7A11, GPX4, ACSL4 and the radiosensitivity and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. And to investigate the potential of these proteins as molecular markers for predicting the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 52 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (nasopharyngeal carcinoma group) and 20 cases of chronic nasopharyngiti s(control group). The relevant clinical data were reviewed, and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were collected for study. The expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ACSL4 in pathological specimens were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expression differences of ferroptosis-related proteins between the nasopharyngeal carcinoma group and the control group were analyzed. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma group was further divided based on the protein expression levels into high and low expression subgroups for SLC7A11, GPX4, and ACSL4. Subsequently, a differential analysis of clinical data and survival analysis was conducted for each of these subgroups. Finally, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing radiotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Results:①The differential analysis revealed that, compared to the control group, the nasopharyngeal carcinoma group exhibited significantly higher expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4, and lower expression of ACSL4 (P<0.05). ②Notably, the proportion of patients displaying radioresistance was higher in the SLC7A11 and GPX4 high expression groups compared to their respective low expression groups (P<0.05). However, the proportion of radioresistance in the ACSL4 high expression group was lower than that in the ACSL4 low expression group (P<0.05). Survival analysis indicated that the 5-year overall survival rate was lower in the SLC7A11 and GPX4 high expression groups compared to their respective low expression groups(P<0.05). However, the 5-year overall survival rate of the ACSL4 high expression group was higher than that of the ACSL4 low expression group(P<0.05). ③logistic regression analysis showed that SLC7A11 and GPX4 was an independent risk factor for radioresistance in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(P<0.05). Conclusion:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues over-express SLC7A11, GPX4, and under-express ACSL4. Over-expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 are independent risk factors for radioresistance in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The inhibition of ferroptosis may be related to the occurrence, progression and radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Detection of the expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ACSL4 has guiding significance for the evaluation of radiosensitivity and prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Humans
;
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/radiotherapy*
;
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Coenzyme A Ligases/metabolism*
;
Radiation Tolerance
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Long-Chain-Fatty-Acid-CoA Ligase
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Ferroptosis
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
4.Catalpol reduces liver toxicity of triptolide in mice by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis through the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway: testing the Fuzheng Zhidu theory for detoxification.
Linluo ZHANG ; Changqing LI ; Lingling HUANG ; Xueping ZHOU ; Yuanyuan LOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):810-818
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the protective effect of catalpol against triptolide-induced liver injury and explore its mechanism to test the Fuzheng Zhidu theory for detoxification.
METHODS:
C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank control group, catalpol group, triptolide group and triptolide+catalpol group. After 13 days of treatment with the agents by gavage, the mice were examined for liver tissue pathology, liver function, hepatocyte subcellular structure, lipid peroxidation, ferrous ion deposition and expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins in the liver. In a liver cell line HL7702, the effect of catalpol or the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 on triptolide-induced cytotoxicity was tested by examining cell functions, Fe2+ concentration, lipid peroxidation, ROS level and the ferroptosis-related proteins.
RESULTS:
In C57BL/6J mice, catalpol significantly alleviated triptolide-induced hepatic injury, lowered the levels of ALT, AST and LDH, and reversed the elevation of Fe2+ concentration and MDA level and the reduction of GPX level. In HL7702 cells, inhibition of ferroptosis by Fer-1 significantly reversed triptolide-induced elevation of ALT, AST and LDH levels. Western blotting and qRT-PCR demonstrated that catalpol reversed abnormalities in expressions of SLC7A11, FTH1 and GPX4 at both the mRNA and protein levels in triptolide-treated HL7702 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
The combined use of catalpol can reduce the hepatotoxicity of triptolide in mice by inhibiting excessive hepatocyte ferroptosis through the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
Animals
;
Phenanthrenes/toxicity*
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Diterpenes/toxicity*
;
Epoxy Compounds/toxicity*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Hepatocytes/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Iridoid Glucosides/pharmacology*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control*
;
Male
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
5.Shuangshu Decoction inhibits growth of gastric cancer cell xenografts by promoting cell ferroptosis via the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
Xinyuan CHEN ; Chengting WU ; Ruidi LI ; Xueqin PAN ; Yaodan ZHANG ; Junyu TAO ; Caizhi LIN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1363-1371
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism of Shuangshu Decoction (SSD) for inhibiting growth of gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice.
METHODS:
Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the common targets of SSD and gastric cancer cell ferroptosis, and bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking were used to validate the core targets. In the cell experiment, AGS cells were treated with SSD-medicated serum, Fer-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor), or both, and the changes in cell viability, ferroptosis markers (ROS, Fe2+ and GSH), expressions of P53, SLC7A11 and GPX4, and mitochondrial morphology were examined. In a nude mouse model bearing gastric cancer xenografts, the effects of gavage with SSD, intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, or their combination on tumor volume/weight, histopathology, and expressions of P53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 levels were evaluated.
RESULTS:
The active components in SSD (quercetin and wogonin) showed strong binding affinities to P53. In AGS cells, SSD treatment dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation, increased ROS and Fe2+ levels, upregulated P53 expression, and downregulated the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4, but these effects were effectively attenuated by Fer-1 treatment. SSD also induced mitochondrial shrinkage and increased the membrane density, which were alleviated by Fer-1. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, gavage with SSD significantly reduced tumor size and weight, caused tumor cell necrosis, upregulated P53 and downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression in the tumor tissue, and these effects were obviously mitigated by Fer-1 treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
SSD inhibits gastric cancer growth in nude mice by inducing cell ferroptosis via the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Humans
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
6.Gandou Fumu Decoction improves liver steatosis by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis in mice with Wilson's disease through the GPX4/ACSL4/ALOX15 signaling pathway.
Mengying ZHANG ; Chenling ZHAO ; Liwei TIAN ; Guofang YU ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1471-1478
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism of Gandou Fumu Decoction (GDFMD) for improving Wilson's disease (WD) in tx-J mice.
METHODS:
With 6 syngeneic wild-type mice as the control group, 30 tx-J mice were randomized into WD model group, low-, medium- and high-dose GDFMD treatment groups, and Fer-1 treatment group. Saline (in control and model groups) and GDFMD (3.48, 6.96 or 13.92 g/kg) were administered by gavage, and Fer-1 was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 14 days. Oil red and HE staining were used to observe lipid deposition and pathological conditions in the liver tissue; ALT, AST, albumin, AKP levels were determined to assess liver function of the mice. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect hepatic protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4, ACSL4, ALOX15, FTH1, FLT, TFR1, FAS, SCD1, and ACOX1, and Fe2+, MDA, ROS, SOD, GSH and 4-HNE levels were analyzed to assess oxidative stress.
RESULTS:
The mouse models of WD showed obvious fatty degeneration in the liver tissue significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST and AKP, decreased albumin level, increased Fe2+, MDA, ROS, 4-HNE levels, decreased SOD and GSH levels (P<0.05), lowered protein expressions of ACOX1, GPX4, FTH1, FLT, FAS, and SCD1, and increased protein contents of TFR1, ACSL4 and ALOX15 in the liver. Treatment with GDFMD and Fer-1 improved liver histopathology and liver function of the mouse models, decreased the levels of Fe2+, MDA and ROS, increased SOD and GSH levels, and reversed the changes in hepatic protein expressions.
CONCLUSIONS
GDFMD improves liver steatosis in mouse models of WD possibly by inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4/ALOX15 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Hepatolenticular Degeneration/drug therapy*
;
Hepatocytes/metabolism*
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Fatty Liver/metabolism*
;
Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase/metabolism*
;
Coenzyme A Ligases/metabolism*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Male
7.Gastrodin inhibits ferroptosis to alleviate hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal mice by activating GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling.
Tao GUO ; Bolin CHEN ; Jinsha SHI ; Xianfeng KUANG ; Tengyue YU ; Song WEI ; Xiong LIU ; Rong XIAO ; Juanjuan LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2071-2081
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of gastrodin against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonatal mice and explore the role of GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling in mediating its effect.
METHODS:
Twenty-four 9- to 11-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into 4 groups for sham operation, HIBD modeling by right common carotid artery ligation and subsequent exposure to hypoxia for 1 h, or gastrodin treatment at 100 or 200 mg/kg before and at 1 and 2 days after modeling. The mice then underwent neurological assessment (Zea-Longa scores), and the cerebral cortical penumbra tissue were collected for HE and Nissl staining, detection of ferroptosis biomarkers and protein expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 with Western blotting and immunofluorescence co-localization, and observation of mitochondrial ultrastructure with electron microscopy. In cultured HT22 neuronal cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 2 h, the effects of pretreatments with 0.5 mmol/L gastrodin, 10 μmol/L RSL3 (a GPX4 inhibitor), alone or in combination, were analyzed on expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins, cellular Fe²⁺, ROS, lipid peroxidation, MDA, and GSH levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), and cell viability.
RESULTS:
Gastrodin treatment at the two doses both significantly ameliorated HIBD and neurological deficits of the mice, reduced mitochondrial damage and Fe²⁺, MDA and ROS levels, increased GSH level, and upregulated GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions. In HT22 cells, gastrodin pretreatment obviously attenuated OGD-induced ferroptosis and improved cell viability and mitochondrial function. Co-treatment with RSL3 potently abrogated the inhibitory effects of gastrodin on Fe²⁺, ROS, BODIPY-C11, and MDA levels and attenuated its protective effects on GSH level, cell viability, and mitochondrial membrane potential.
CONCLUSIONS
Gastrodin provides neuroprotective effects in neonatal mice with HIBD by suppressing neuronal ferroptosis via upregulating the GPX4/SLC7A11/FTH1 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/drug therapy*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Glucosides/pharmacology*
;
Animals, Newborn
;
Benzyl Alcohols/pharmacology*
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
8.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and oridonin synergistically induce ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by activating PIEZO1 via the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Bihang SUN ; Yujun GUO ; Yulin QI ; Dan YAO ; Wenzhi CHEN ; Nianzhi CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2160-2170
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the inhibitory effect of oridonin against proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and the mechanism underlying the synergistic effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS).
METHODS:
PANC-1 cells treated with different concentrations of oridonin were examined for changes in cell proliferation using CCK-8 assay and in MDA, GSH and ATP levels using flow cytometry. The protein expressions of GPX4, Nrf2 and HO-1 in the treated cells were detected with Western blotting. The effect of Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, on proliferation of oridonin-treated cells were assessed, and the effects of oridonin combined with LIPUS on PIEZO1 protein expression was evalauted using Western blotting. A C57BL/6J mouse model bearing pancreatic cancer cell xenograft was established and treated with oridonin, LIPUS, or both, and the histological changes in the tumor tissues and tumor cell proliferation were examined with HE staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki67; the changes in GPX4 expression in the tumor tissues were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
In PANC-1 cells, oridonin treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased intracellular Fe2+, ROS, and MDA levels, and decreased GSH and ATP levels. Oridonin also resulted in lowered GPX4 and increased HO-1 and Nrf2 protein expression levels in the cells. The combined treatment with LIPUS signficiantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of oridonin on PANC-1 cell viability in vitro and on xenograft growth in the mouse models, resulting also in more obvious reduction of the intensity of Ki67 staining and GPX4 protein expression and more pronounced increase of PIEZO1 protein expression in the tumor tissues in the mouse models.
CONCLUSIONS
LIPUS enhances the effect of oridonin to promote ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by activating PIEZO1 through the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Diterpenes, Kaurane/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Ion Channels/metabolism*
;
Ultrasonic Waves
;
Signal Transduction
9.Fexolone inhibits neuronal ferroptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway to alleviates sepsis-associated brain injury.
Rao SUN ; Jinyao ZHOU ; Yang JIAO ; Kaixuan NIU ; Cheng YUAN ; Ximing DENG
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(5):452-457
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the protective effect of Fisetin on sepsis-associated brain injury and explore its possible mechanism from the perspective of ferroptosis.
METHODS:
Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (6-8-week-old male) were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (Sham group), colonic ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis model group (CLP group) and Fisetin preprocessing group (CLP+Fisetin group), with 18 rats in each group (12 for observing survival rate and 6 for indicator testing). The CLP+Fisetin group was given Fisetin solution 50 mg×kg-1×d-1 by gavage continuously for 5 days before CLP, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solute, while Sham group and CLP group were given the same dose of DMSO. The model was established at 2 hours after the last gavage. The general condition of each group of rats were observed, and the 10-day mortality were record. The behavioral testing (new object recognition experiment, elevated cross maze experiment) were performed after 7 days of modeling. After 24 hours of modeling, nerve reflex scoring was performed, and then the rats were euthanized and brain tissue was collected. The pathological changes of brain tissue were observed under a microscope by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the deposition of iron ion in brain tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The content of iron in brain tissue was determined by tissue iron kit, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue was determined by colorimetry. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neuron damage marker S100β, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenases-1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were detected by Western blotting.
RESULTS:
On day 10 post-operation, 12, 3, and 7 animals survived in the Sham group, CLP group, and CLP+Fisetin group, respectively. Compared with the Sham group, rats in the CLP group showed significantly decreased nerve reflex score, new object discrimination index and open arm dwell time. HE staining showed arranged disorderly of neuronal cells, cytoplasm deep staining, nuclear condensation, unclear structures, neuron loss, and significant inflammation in the hippocampus in the hippocampus. Prussian blue staining showed iron ion deposition in the brain tissue. The contents of iron and MDA in brain tissue were elevated, and the expressions of TNF-α and S100β were up-regulated, while the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were down-regulated. Compared with the CLP group, the CLP+Fisetin group showed significantly increased neurological reflex score (7.33±1.15 vs. 4.67±1.53), improved new object discrimination index (0.44±0.02 vs. 0.32±0.04), and longer open arm dwell time (minutes: 78.33±9.29 vs. 41.15±9.64). Neuronal cells in the hippocampus were more organized, with less cytoplasmic staining, nuclear condensation, reduced neuronal loss, and fewer inflammatory cells. Iron ion deposition was reduced, and the contents of iron ions and MDA in brain tissue were decreased [iron ion (μg/g): 151.27±14.90 vs. 224.69±17.64, MDA (μmol/g): 470.0±44.3 vs. 709.3±65.4]. The expressions of TNF-α and S100β were significantly decreased (TNF-α/GAPDH: 0.651±0.060 vs. 0.896±0.022, S100β/GAPDH: 0.685±0.032 vs. 0.902±0.014), while the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly increased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 0.708±0.108 vs. 0.316±0.112, HO-1/GAPDH: 0.694±0.022 vs. 0.538±0.024, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.620±0.170 vs. 0.317±0.039). All differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Fisetin pretreatment can inhibit ferroptosis and reduce sepsis-associated brain injury by Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Animals
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Sepsis/complications*
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
;
Neurons/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Brain Injuries/metabolism*
;
Flavonols
;
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)
10.Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia.
Yan ZHANG ; Xin-Yue ZHAO ; Meng-Ting LIU ; Zhu-Chen ZHOU ; Hui-Bin CHENG ; Xu-Hong JIANG ; Yan-Rong ZHENG ; Zhong CHEN
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(2):169-181
OBJECTIVE:
Treating peripheral nerve injury (PNI) presents a clinical challenge due to limited axon regeneration. Strychni Semen, a traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used for numbness and hemiplegia. However, its role in promoting functional recovery after PNI and the related mechanisms have not yet been systematically studied.
METHODS:
A mouse model of sciatic nerve crush (SNC) injury was established and the mice received drug treatment via intragastric gavage, followed by behavioral assessments (adhesive removal test, hot-plate test and Von Frey test). Transcriptomic analyses were performed to examine gene expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) from the third to the sixth lumbar vertebrae, so as to identify the significantly differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression levels of superior cervical ganglia neural-specific 10 protein (SCG10). The ultra-trace protein detection technique was used to evaluate changes in gene expression levels.
RESULTS:
Strychni Semen and its active compounds (brucine and strychnine) improved functional recovery in mice following SNC injury. Transcriptomic data indicated that Strychni Semen and its active compounds initiated transcriptional reprogramming that impacted cellular morphology and extracellular matrix remodeling in DRGs after SNC, suggesting potential roles in promoting axon regeneration. Imaging data further confirmed that Strychni Semen and its active compounds facilitated axon regrowth in SNC-injured mice. By integrating protein-protein interaction predictions, ultra-trace protein detection, and molecular docking analysis, we identified myeloperoxidase as a potentially critical factor in the axon regenerative effects conferred by Strychni Semen and its active compounds.
CONCLUSION
Strychni Semen and its active compounds enhance sensory function by promoting axonal regeneration after PNI. These findings establish a foundation for the future applications of Strychni Semen and highlight novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets for axon regeneration. Please cite this article as: Zhang Y, Zhao XY, Liu MT, Zhou ZC, Cheng HB, Jiang XH, Zheng YR, Chen Z. Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 169-181.
Animals
;
Nerve Regeneration/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Peripheral Nerve Injuries/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Ganglia, Spinal/enzymology*
;
Axons/physiology*
;
Peroxidase/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Strychnine/pharmacology*

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