1.Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Lipid Peroxidation-Mediated Carbonyl Stress in Uranium-Intoxicated Kidney Cells via Nrf2/ARE Signaling.
Jia Lin LIU ; Min WANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Ji Fang ZHENG ; Xi Xiu JIANG ; Qiao Ni HU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):484-500
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of H 2S against lipid peroxidation-mediated carbonyl stress in the uranium-treated NRK-52E cells.
METHODS:
Cell viability was evaluated using CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry. Reagent kits were used to detect carbonyl stress markers malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and protein carbonylation. Aldehyde-protein adduct formation and alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, aldo-keto reductase, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) expression were determined using western blotting or real-time PCR. Sulforaphane (SFP) was used to activate Nrf2. RNA interference was used to inhibit CBS expression.
RESULTS:
GYY4137 (an H 2S donor) pretreatment significantly reversed the uranium-induced increase in carbonyl stress markers and aldehyde-protein adducts. GYY4137 effectively restored the uranium-decreased Nrf2 expression, nuclear translocation, and ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic Nrf2, accompanied by a reversal of the uranium-decreased expression of CBS and aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes. The application of CBS siRNA efficiently abrogated the SFP-enhanced effects on the expression of CBS, Nrf2 activation, nuclear translocation, and ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic Nrf2 and concomitantly reversed the SFP-enhanced effects of the uranium-induced mRNA expression of aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes. Simultaneously, CBS siRNA reversed the SFP-mediated alleviation of the uranium-induced increase in reactive aldehyde levels, apoptosis rates, and uranium-induced cell viability.
CONCLUSION
H 2S induces Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation, which modulates the expression of aldehyde-metabolizing enzymes and the CBS/H 2S axis. Simultaneously, the Nrf2-controlled CBS/H 2S axis may at least partially promote Nrf2 activation and nuclear translocation. These events form a cycle-regulating mode through which H 2S attenuates the carbonyl stress-mediated NRK-52E cytotoxicity triggered by uranium.
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
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Animals
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Hydrogen Sulfide/pharmacology*
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Rats
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects*
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Cell Line
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Uranium/toxicity*
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Antioxidant Response Elements
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Kidney/metabolism*
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
2.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.
3.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
4.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
5.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.
6.Application of a bedside ultrasound-guided intestinal cleaning program in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Xiaolei JIN ; Rui HUANG ; Xueying HUI ; Xiangyong GUO ; Yuezhong ZHANG ; Xiaohong HOU ; Qingqiang NI ; Wei FANG ; Yuping WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(13):1575-1580
Objective To investigate the application effect of a bedside ultrasound-guided intestinal cleaning program in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.Methods A total of 51 patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to the ICU of a tertiary A hospital in Shandong from March to September 2023 were selected by convenience sampling method,and they were divided into an experimental group and a control group according to random number table method.The experimental group was given the bedside ultrasound-guided intestinal cleaning program,and the control group was given the routine intestinal cleaning program.Acute gastrointestinal injury ultrasonography score,the incidence of grade Ⅲ acute gastrointestinal injury and intra-abdominal pressure were compared between the 2 groups before intervention,on the 3rd and 5th day.Results There was an interaction effect between time and group in the comparison of acute gastrointestinal injury ultrasonography scores in the 2 groups(F=7.478,P<0.001);simple effect analysis showed that acute gastrointestinal injury ultrasonography scores in the experimental group were lower than those in control group on the 3rd and 5th day,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The incidence of grade Ⅲ acute gastrointestinal injury in the experimental group(23%)was lower than that in the control group(60%),with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The intra-abdominal pressure had an interaction effect between the 2 groups(F=47.128,P<0.001);simple effect analysis showed that the intra-abdominal pressure in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group on the 3rd and 5th day,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion The bedside ultrasound-guided intestinal cleaning program can improve acute gastrointestinal injury and reduce intra-abdominal hypertension in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
7.Changing resistance profiles of Enterobacter isolates in hospitals across China:results from the CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program,2015-2021
Shaozhen YAN ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Yang YANG ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Yi XIE ; Mei KANG ; Fengbo ZHANG ; Ping JI ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Sufang GUO ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Xuesong XU ; Chao YAN ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Wen'en LIU ; Yanming LI ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Bin SHAN ; Yan DU ; Shanmei WANG ; Yafei CHU ; Yuxing NI ; Jingyong SUN ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Lianhua WEI ; Fengmei ZOU ; Yan JIN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Jihong LI ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Ruizhong WANG ; Hua FANG ; Fangfang HU ; Yunjian HU ; Xiaoman AI ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LÜ ; Hong ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yong ZHAO ; Ping GONG ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanping ZHENG ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Kaizhen WEN ; Yirong ZHANG ; Chunlei YUE ; Jiangshan LIU ; Wenhui HUANG ; Shunhong XUE ; Xuefei HU ; Hongqin GU ; Jiao FENG ; Shuping ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Bixia YU ; Jilu SHEN ; Rui DOU ; Shifu WANG ; Wen HE ; Longfeng LIAO ; Lin JIANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2024;24(3):309-317
Objective To examine the changing antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterobacter spp.isolates in 53 hospitals across China from 2015 t0 2021.Methods The clinical isolates of Enterobacter spp.were collected from 53 hospitals across China during 2015-2021 and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using Kirby-Bauer method or automated testing systems according to the CHINET unified protocol.The results were interpreted according to the breakpoints issued by the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2021(M100 31st edition)and analyzed with WHONET 5.6 software.Results A total of 37 966 Enterobacter strains were isolated from 2015 to 2021.The proportion of Enterobacter isolates among all clinical isolates showed a fluctuating trend over the 7-year period,overall 2.5%in all clinical isolates amd 5.7%in Enterobacterale strains.The most frequently isolated Enterobacter species was Enterobacter cloacae,accounting for 93.7%(35 571/37 966).The strains were mainly isolated from respiratory specimens(44.4±4.6)%,followed by secretions/pus(16.4±2.3)%and urine(16.0±0.9)%.The strains from respiratory samples decreased slightly,while those from sterile body fluids increased over the 7-year period.The Enterobacter strains were mainly isolated from inpatients(92.9%),and only(7.1±0.8)%of the strains were isolated from outpatients and emergency patients.The patients in surgical wards contributed the highest number of isolates(24.4±2.9)%compared to the inpatients in any other departement.Overall,≤ 7.9%of the E.cloacae strains were resistant to amikacin,tigecycline,polymyxin B,imipenem or meropenem,while ≤5.6%of the Enterobacter asburiae strains were resistant to these antimicrobial agents.E.asburiae showed higher resistance rate to polymyxin B than E.cloacae(19.7%vs 3.9%).Overall,≤8.1%of the Enterobacter gergoviae strains were resistant to tigecycline,amikacin,meropenem,or imipenem,while 10.5%of these strains were resistant to polycolistin B.The overall prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter was 10.0%over the 7-year period,but showing an upward trend.The resistance profiles of Enterobacter isolates varied with the department from which they were isolated and whether the patient is an adult or a child.The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant E.cloacae was the highest in the E.cloacae isolates from ICU patients.Conclusions The results of the CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program indicate that the proportion of Enterobacter strains in all clinical isolates fluctuates slightly over the 7-year period from 2015 to 2021.The Enterobacter strains showed increasing resistance to multiple antimicrobial drugs,especially carbapenems over the 7-year period.
8.Molecular epidemiology of spotted fever group rickettsiae infections in wild rodents from Fengshan County,Guangxi
Si-Si CHEN ; Fang-Ni WANG ; Ze-Yun XU ; Rui JIAN ; Jing XUE ; Wen-Ping GUO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(10):989-993
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsia(SFGR)in wild rodents collected from Fengshan County in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,and to determine their species.Wild rodents were captured in cages in Fengshan County,Hechi City,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.The rodents were identified according to morphological characteristics,and the findings were confirmed through molecular biology methods.Subsequently,spleen samples were collected,and DNA was extracted.The outer membrane protein A(ompA)gene was amplified with semi-nested PCR to determine the species of SFGR in captured wild rodents.After sequencing of the PCR products,homology and phylogenetic analyses of ompA gene sequences were performed.A total of 105 wild rodents belonging to seven species were captured.FGR was detected in six rodent species(Bandicota indica,Leopoldamys edwardsi,Mus caroli,Mus Pahari,Rat-tus andamanensis,and Rattus losea,but not Berylmys bower si),and the total positivity rate was 23.8%.Three Rickettsia species,Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis,Rickettsia raoultii,and Rickettsia sibirica,were identified from analysis of the ompA gene sequence.This study revealed the presence of three species of SFGR infecting wild rodents from Fengshan County,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,thus suggesting that Fengshan County is a natural focus of tick-borne spotted fever.This study highlights the need to strengthen monitoring and prevention measures for rickettsiosis.
9.Alteration of cognitive function in overweight and obese adolescents and its relationship with serum FGF21 levels
Rui HAN ; Qian WU ; Dan LIU ; Di CHENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jiacheng NI ; Piao KANG ; Anran CHEN ; Shujie YU ; Qichen FANG ; Huating LI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(1):87-97
Objective·To evaluate the changes in cognitive function in overweight and obese adolescents,and explore the association between cognitive function and fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21).Methods·A total of 175 adolescents from a senior high school in Shanghai were divided into normal weight group(n=50),overweight group(n=50)and obese group(n=75)based on their body mass index(BMI).General information,anthropometric data and laboratory testing indicators of the adolescents were collected and compared.The cognitive function of the three groups of adolescents was assessed by using the accuracy(ACC)and reaction time of Flanker task and n-back task.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the serum FGF21 level of the three groups of adolescents.Partial correlation analysis and multiple linear regression model were used to evaluate the correlation between cognitive task performance and anthropometric data and laboratory testing indicators.Results·Compared with the normal weight group,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and the levels of fasting plasma glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin and triacylglycerol in the obese group were higher(all P<0.05).Under congruent or incongruent stimulus conditions in the Flanker task,there was no significant difference in ACC between any two groups;compared with the normal weight and overweight groups,the reaction time of the adolescents in the obese group was prolonged(all P<0.05).In the n-back task,there were no significant differences in ACC between any two groups,while the obese group had longer reaction time in the 1-back and 2-back tasks compared to the normal weight and overweight groups(all P<0.05).Compared with the normal weight group,serum FGF21 levels of the adolescents in the obese group were higher(P=0.000).Partial correlation analysis showed that the reaction time of the adolescents in Flanker and n-back tasks was correlated with their BMI,body fat mass,waist circumference,waist-to-hip ratio and FGF21 level(all P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis further confirmed that BMI was associated with prolonged reaction time in cognitive-related behavioral tasks in the adolescents(all P<0.05),and FGF21 level was associated with ACC in the 2-back task(P=0.000)and reaction time in the incongruent stimulus condition(P=0.048).Conclusion·Overweight and obese adolescents have cognitive impairments,and BMI and serum FGF21 levels are associated with changes in their cognitive function.
10.Effects of flurochloridone on apoptosis and Nrf2/HO-1 and NFκB signaling pathways in mouse testis and TM4 cells
Shuqi ZHAO ; Yanna WANG ; Zhijing NI ; Fang TIAN ; Rui LI ; Jiming ZHANG ; Xiuli CHANG ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2023;40(6):673-680
Background Flurochloridone (FLC) is toxic to male reproduction and can induce apoptosis of testicular tissue and supporting cells under oxidative stress. Of particular concern is whether nuclear factor-erythrocyte 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway participate this process. Objective To observe apoptosis of testicular tissue and sertoli TM4 cells and alterations of Nrf2/HO-1 and NFκB signaling pathways in mice treated with FLC in vivo/in vitro. Methods (1) Animal experiment. Testis samples were harvested from male C57BL/6 mice after 28-day FLC (0, 3, 15, 75, and 375 mg·kg−1 per day) exposure via oral route. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in homogenate of testicular tissue were measured by colorimetry. Apoptosis of testicular tissue was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Expression and distribution of Nrf2 and NFκB were detected by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), NFκB, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (IKKβ), and phosphorylated recombinant inhibitory subunit of nuclear factor kappa-B alpha (P-IκBα) in testicular tissue homogenate were determined by Western blotting. (2) Cell experiment. TM4 cell lines were treated with 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 μmol·L−1 FLC for 6 h, and cell viability was detected by CCK-8. After 6 h exposure to 40, 80, and 160 μmol·L−1 FLC, the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry, and the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, NFκB, IKKβ, and IκBα were detected by Western blotting. Results (1) Animal experiment. Apoptosis occurred in the interstitial and basal parts of spermatogenic tubules in male C57BL/6 mice after 28 days of oral FLC exposure. Compared with the control group, the MDA level in testicular tissue of the 375 mg·kg−1 FLC-treated group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the SOD activity was significantly decreased (P<0.05). After 375 mg·kg−1 FLC exposure, apoptosis occurred in the interstitial and basal parts of spermatogenic tubules. The results of immunohistochemistry showed the expression of Nrf2 and NFκB in the interstitium and basal part of spermatogenic tubules of the treated groups. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of Nrf2, NQO1, P-IκBα, NFκB, and IKKβ in the 15, 75, and 375 mg·kg-1 groups were significantly increased (P<0.001), and the HO-1 protein level was significantly increased in the 375 mg·kg−1 group (P<0.001). (2) Cell experiment. Compared with the control group, the TM4 cell viabilities in the 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 μmol·L−1 FLC-treated groups significantly decreased (P<0.01). The apoptosis rates were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the apoptosis rates increased from 5.7% in the control group to 7.4%, 9.4%, and 11.7% in the 40, 80, and 160 μmol·L−1, respectively. The Nrf2 protein level in the 40 μmol·L−1 group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels significantly decreased in the 80 and 160 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.01). The HO-1 protein levels in the 40, 80, and 160 μmol·L−1 groups were significantly increased (P<0.01). The level of NQO1 protein in the 40 μmol·L−1 group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The NFκB protein levels were significantly increased in the 80 and 160 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.001). The IκBα protein levels were significantly decreased in all treated groups (P<0.001). The IKKβ protein had no significant change. Conclusion FLC induces testicular tissue apoptosis, and the process affects Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and NFκB signaling pathway. The in vitro study confirms that FLC could induce apoptosis of TM4 cells and activate Nrf2/HO-1 and NFκB signaling pathways.

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