1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.A multicenter study evaluating the efficacy of bronchial artery chemoembolization combined with anlotinib for advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Chao LIANG ; Hao LI ; Donglin KUANG ; Daqian HAN ; Jiacheng WANG ; Yanji ZHANG ; Yifan ZHAI ; Mengkun LIU ; Huibin LU ; Dechao JIAO ; Jianzhuang REN ; Shenghai LIANG ; Chenguang PANG ; Shiqi ZHOU ; Yanliang LI ; Xinwei HAN ; Yong WANG ; Xuhua DUAN
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(11):1293-1301
Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) combined with anlotinib (BACE+A) versus BACE alone in patients with stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:A total of 94 patients with advanced NSCLC treated at six interventional centers between November 2020 and November 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into the BACE+A group ( n=46) and the BACE alone group ( n=48) based on treatment regimen. Baseline and perioperative clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups. Treatment response was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) at 1, 6, and 12 months after the first BACE procedure. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to compare median OS and PFS between groups. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing OS and PFS. Results:The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median OS was significantly longer in the BACE+A group (18.8 months, 95% CI 16.3-21.3) than in the BACE group (13.4 months, 95% CI 11.6-15.2) ( P=0.001). The median PFS was also significantly longer in the BACE+A group (9.0 months, 95% CI 7.3-10.7) compared to the BACE group (6.1 months, 95% CI 4.9-7.3) ( P=0.001). At 6 and 12 months post-first BACE, the ORR (43.5%, 40.0%) and DCR (89.1%, 83.3%) were significantly higher in the BACE+A group than in the BACE group (ORR: 20.8%, 14.8%; DCR: 66.7%, 59.3%) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression identified treatment with BACE+A ( HR=0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.72, P=0.002), tumor stage ( HR=1.80, 95% CI 1.05-3.07, P=0.031), presence of pre-existing complications requiring intervention ( HR=2.72, 95% CI 1.65-4.50, P<0.001), and >2 BACE procedures ( HR=0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.68, P=0.003) as independent factors influencing OS. Treatment with BACE+A ( HR=0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.76, P=0.001), tumor stage ( HR=1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77, P=0.025), multi-arterial tumor blood supply ( HR=2.76, 95% CI 1.76-4.31, P<0.001), and>2 BACE procedures ( HR=0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.71, P=0.002) were independent factors influencing PFS. There was no significant difference in BACE-related adverse events between the two groups (all P>0.05). Hypertension, fatigue, hand-foot syndrome, and anorexia were common anlotinib-specific adverse reactions in the combination group, but no grade 4 or higher adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions:BACE combined with anlotinib demonstrates superior efficacy compared to BACE alone in treating advanced NSCLC, significantly prolonging OS and PFS. The safety profile is manageable, with adverse events remaining within tolerable limits.
3.Safety and efficacy analysis of TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Daqian HAN ; Wenze XU ; Chao LIANG ; Hao LI ; Shuguang JU ; Manzhou WANG ; Jiacheng WANG ; Yang-yang NIU ; Xinwei HAN ; Jianzhuang REN ; Xuhua DUAN
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(7):503-509
Objective:To compare the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with donafenib and programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors and TACE combined with donafenib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).Methods:Clinical data of 148 patients with uHCC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 127 males and 21 females, aged (56.6±9.9) years. Patients were divided into two groups: the TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors group (TACE+ DP, n=73) and TACE combined with single donafenib (TACE+ D, n=75). The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and the occurrence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of the two groups of patients were observed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival assessment, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. The related factors affecting the prognosis of patients were indentified and analyzed. Results:The median PFS of patients in the TACE+ D group and the TACE+ DP group were 7.2 months (95% CI: 5.7-8.3 months) and 10.5months (95% CI: 8.9-11.3 months), respectively. The median OS was 13.2 months (95% CI: 12.3-13.7 months) and 16.9 months (95% CI: 15.1-19.8 months), respectively. All these differences were statistically significant ( χ2=17.81, 26.92, respectively, both P<0.001). The ORR and DCR of TACE+ DP group were both higher than those in TACE+ D group [53.4% (39/73) vs 36.0% (27/75), χ2=4.55, P=0.031; and 90.4% (66/73) vs 77.3% (58/75), χ2=4.66, P=0.044]. No grade 4 or above adverse events occurred in either the TACE+ DP or the TACE+ D group. The most common treatment-related adverse events in TACE+ D and TACE+ DP group were hand-foot syndrome [46.7% (35/75) vs 49.3% (36/73)], hypertension [26.7% (20/75) vs 30.1% (22/73)], fatigue [22.7% (17/75) vs 24.7% (18/73)], diarrhea [26.7% (20/75) vs 28.8% (21/73)], and thrombocytopenia [25.3% (19/75) vs 28.8% (21/73)]. There was no significant difference in the incidence and severity of TRAEs between the groups ( χ2=0.08, P=0.774). TACE+ DP treatment was a favorable prognostic factor for PFS ( HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.22-0.49, P<0.001) and OS ( HR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.11-0.33, P<0.001) of patients. Conclusion:Compared to TACE combined with donafenib, TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors, with good efficacy and safety, significantly improved the treatment response and survival in patients with uHCC.
4.Mechanism of action of D-limonene on steatosis in primary hepatocytes based on AMPK/ACC/CPT1A signaling pathway
Qian-jun REN ; Su LI ; Yu-qing CHEN ; Yin-ying LIAO ; Chun-ni LIANG ; Rui-chao FANG ; Xu-dong LIU ; Xiao-fang ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1665-1672
Aim To explore the effects of D-limonene on the steatosis of primary mouse hepatocytes and its potential mechanism of action.Methods Oleic acid-induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes was used as a model to observe the effects of D-limonene on cell viability,cellular lipid content,and intracellular expression of proteins such as AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1(ACC1),and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A(CPT1A).Results It was found that a low dose of D-limonene could effectively enhance the viability of primary mouse hepatocytes.When oleic acid at a con-centration of 300 μmol·L-1 successfully induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes,D-limonene re-duced the lipid content of the cells,and D-limonene up-regulated the cellular AMPK expression level,down-regulated the cellular ACC1 and fatty acid synthetase(FAS)expression levels,which in turn promoted the overexpression of CPT1A.Conclusions D-limonene has the effect of reducing lipid deposition in primary mouse hepatocytes,and the mechanisms may be related to the activation of AMPK,the inhibitions of ACC1 and FAS,and the up-regulation of CPT1A protein expres-sion level.
5.Current status of field(emergency)rapid inspection systems
Pei-pei WANG ; Yu-hong HUANG ; Jing LI ; Wen REN ; Shi-chao LIANG ; Yu-qi QIAN ; Yan-jiang LIU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(2):80-86
The field(emergency)rapid inspection systems involving in the backpack,chest,vehicle and shelter had their research advances introduced and characteristics and deficiencies analyzed,and some improvement suggestions were put forward accordingly.It's pointed out the backpack,chest,vehicle and shelter be combined effectively to enhance the mobility and flexibility of field(emergency)rapid inspection systems.References were provided for the future enhancement and effecient operation of field(emergency)rapid inspection systems.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(2):80-86]
6.Mechanism of action of D-limonene on steatosis in primary hepatocytes based on AMPK/ACC/CPT1A signaling pathway
Qian-jun REN ; Su LI ; Yu-qing CHEN ; Yin-ying LIAO ; Chun-ni LIANG ; Rui-chao FANG ; Xu-dong LIU ; Xiao-fang ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1665-1672
Aim To explore the effects of D-limonene on the steatosis of primary mouse hepatocytes and its potential mechanism of action.Methods Oleic acid-induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes was used as a model to observe the effects of D-limonene on cell viability,cellular lipid content,and intracellular expression of proteins such as AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1(ACC1),and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A(CPT1A).Results It was found that a low dose of D-limonene could effectively enhance the viability of primary mouse hepatocytes.When oleic acid at a con-centration of 300 μmol·L-1 successfully induced steatosis in primary mouse hepatocytes,D-limonene re-duced the lipid content of the cells,and D-limonene up-regulated the cellular AMPK expression level,down-regulated the cellular ACC1 and fatty acid synthetase(FAS)expression levels,which in turn promoted the overexpression of CPT1A.Conclusions D-limonene has the effect of reducing lipid deposition in primary mouse hepatocytes,and the mechanisms may be related to the activation of AMPK,the inhibitions of ACC1 and FAS,and the up-regulation of CPT1A protein expres-sion level.
7.An Epithelial Senescence Model Induced by Doxorubicin in MCF 10A Cells
Zeng-Sheng WANG ; Zu-Biao NIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Jia-Hui HAO ; Yi-Chao ZHU ; Rui-Gang YANG ; He REN ; Chen-Yu LIU ; Qiang SUN ; Li-Cheng REN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(1):147-155
This research aims to construct a stable epithelial cell senescence model for screening and e-valuation of senolytics.We explored the optimal conditions for doxorubicin-induced senescence of non-transformed epithelial cells MCF 10A,including the optimal induction concentration,the optimal inter-vention time,and the optimal senescence duration,and confirmed the feasibility of MCF 10A as an epi-thelial senescence model by multiple ways.The optimal condition for Doxorubicin-induced senescence of MCF 10A cells was treatment with 0.6 μmol/L Doxorubicin for 16 h to achieve the best senescence state on the 8th day.Under the optimal induction conditions,the positive rate of senescence-associated β-gal-actosidase(SA-β-gal)staining in the treated group reached 97%.At the same time,biochemical results of detecting the expression of mRNA,proteins,and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the expression levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),p16,p21 and p53 in the treated group were significantly higher than those in the control cells,and Lamin B1 was significantly decreased(P<0.001),which were consistent with the specific characteristics of senescence.In summary,an epithelial senescence model was successfully induced in MCF 10A cells by Doxorubicin in this study,which will promote the screening of senolytics for senescent epithelial cells.
8.Aging Inhibits Memory Immune Response of CD8+T Cells in Lungs of C57BL/6J Mice Against Influenza A(H1N1)Virus
Chao WANG ; Shun LI ; Xiaonan REN ; Hua YANG ; Lixiang CHEN ; Chunhua XU ; Xiaohui ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):515-523
Objective To compare functional differences of CD8+T cells in lung tissues between young and aged C57BL/6J mice during the contraction phase and memory immune response phase after infection with influenza A(H1N1)virus.Methods Lung tissues from young(3-month-old)and aged(24-month-old)C57BL/6J female mice without influenza virus infection were collected to prepare single-cell suspensions,which were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycin or cluster of differentiation(CD)3/CD28 antibodies(T-cell antigen receptor/co-stimulatory signals)respectively(non-specific antigens stimulation).Flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining(ICS)was performed on lung CD8+T cells to detect their secretion capacity of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ).Young and aged C57BL/6J mice were infected intranasally with 490 PFU PR8 influenza virus,and reinfected with homologous influenza virus 28 days later.Lung tissues were isolated on day 28(the contraction phase)and day 32(the memory immune response phase)after primary infection.Influenza virus-specific MHC-Ⅰ tetramer staining was used to detect the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells in lung tissue CD8+T cells,and ICS was used to analyze TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B expression in CD8+CD44high T cell subset.Results After non-specific antigen stimulation,TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion capacity in lung tissue CD8+T cells of aged group mice was significantly higher than that of young group(P<0.05).After virus-specific antigen stimulation,there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B between the two groups of mice during the contraction phase(P>0.05),while during the memory immune response phase,the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B in the aged group mice were significantly lower than those in the young group(P<0.05).Conclusion CD8+T cells in aged mice maintain normal immune-related factor expression function under non-specific antigen stimulation,but show impaired immune-related factor expression function during antigen-specific memory immune response phase,suggesting that aging leads to defects in the formation or maintenance of CD8+T cell immune memory.
9.Therapeutic Effects of Nanomaterials in Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Its Pathogenic Mechanisms
Kai-Li WANG ; Tao WU ; Chao-Xiu REN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):533-540
Alzheimer's disease(AD)has attracted widespread attention due to its extremely complex pathogenic mechanisms,multiple pathogenic factors,and its heavy burden on patients and the society.In recent years,several studies have revealed various pathogenic mechanisms of AD,and the AD treatments based on these mechanisms become research hotspot in nanomedicine.Nanomaterials with unique physi-cochemical properties show great potential in AD treatment.Nanomaterials possess good biocompatibility.Moreover,they can regulate and release therapeutic drugs continuously and steadily to ensure the ideal concentrations of drugs reach in the target site.Meanwhile,they can bind with the therapeutic targets precisely to treat AD.Therefore,the development of novel nanodrugs has become an important research area in AD treatment.This article reviews the main pathological features and pathogenic mechanisms of AD,including β-amyloid plaque aggregation,Tau protein hyperphosphorylation,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.Additionally,this review mainly discusses the therapeutic strategies of nanomaterials in clearing pathological proteins(such as β-amyloid and Tau proteins),inhibiting oxidative stress,and alleviating neuroinflammation.Finally,this review prospects the risks and challenges faced on current AD treatment strategies by nanomaterials,such as low drug delivery efficiency to the brain and potential side effects after treatment.We also provide suggestions for the future directions in this research field.This review aims to promote the clinical translation of nanomaterials in AD treatment by discussing the research status of this field.
10.Aging Inhibits Memory Immune Response of CD8+T Cells in Lungs of C57BL/6J Mice Against Influenza A(H1N1)Virus
Chao WANG ; Shun LI ; Xiaonan REN ; Hua YANG ; Lixiang CHEN ; Chunhua XU ; Xiaohui ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):515-523
Objective To compare functional differences of CD8+T cells in lung tissues between young and aged C57BL/6J mice during the contraction phase and memory immune response phase after infection with influenza A(H1N1)virus.Methods Lung tissues from young(3-month-old)and aged(24-month-old)C57BL/6J female mice without influenza virus infection were collected to prepare single-cell suspensions,which were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycin or cluster of differentiation(CD)3/CD28 antibodies(T-cell antigen receptor/co-stimulatory signals)respectively(non-specific antigens stimulation).Flow cytometry intracellular cytokine staining(ICS)was performed on lung CD8+T cells to detect their secretion capacity of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ).Young and aged C57BL/6J mice were infected intranasally with 490 PFU PR8 influenza virus,and reinfected with homologous influenza virus 28 days later.Lung tissues were isolated on day 28(the contraction phase)and day 32(the memory immune response phase)after primary infection.Influenza virus-specific MHC-Ⅰ tetramer staining was used to detect the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells in lung tissue CD8+T cells,and ICS was used to analyze TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B expression in CD8+CD44high T cell subset.Results After non-specific antigen stimulation,TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion capacity in lung tissue CD8+T cells of aged group mice was significantly higher than that of young group(P<0.05).After virus-specific antigen stimulation,there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B between the two groups of mice during the contraction phase(P>0.05),while during the memory immune response phase,the proportion of virus-specific CD8+T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α,IFN-γ,and granzyme B in the aged group mice were significantly lower than those in the young group(P<0.05).Conclusion CD8+T cells in aged mice maintain normal immune-related factor expression function under non-specific antigen stimulation,but show impaired immune-related factor expression function during antigen-specific memory immune response phase,suggesting that aging leads to defects in the formation or maintenance of CD8+T cell immune memory.

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