1.Effect of sitravatinib on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and its mechanism
Huan ZHANG ; Xiangyu WU ; Qianwen ZHAO ; Fajuan RUI ; Nan GENG ; Rui JIN ; Jie LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):600-607
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of sitravatinib on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. MethodsA total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into control group, CCl4 model group, and low- (5 mg/kg), middle- (10 mg/kg), and high-dose (20 mg/kg) sitravatinib groups. All mice except those in the control group were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 4 consecutive weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and since the first day of modeling, the mice in the low-, middle-, and high-dose sitravatinib groups were given sitravatinib at the corresponding dose by gavage every day. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured for the mice in each group; hepatic hydroxyproline content was measured; HE staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver histopathological changes; quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1) in liver tissue. The therapeutic effect of sitravatinib was assessed based on the above results. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group had significant increases in the levels of TC, TG, and ALT (all P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in the levels of TC, TG, and ALT between the model group and the low-, middle-, and high-dose sitravatinib groups (all P>0.05). Hepatic hydroxyproline content decreased after sitravatinib intervention, with a significant difference between the middle-/high-dose sitravatinib groups and the CCl4 model group (both P<0.05). Histopathological staining showed that the sitravatinib treatment groups had a reduction in collagen deposition, along with thinning and fragmentation of fibrous septa, and in the high-dose sitravatinib group, 4 mice had a fibrosis stage of S0—S1 and 2 mice had a fibrosis stage of S2—S3, suggesting a certain degree of alleviation of liver fibrosis degree compared with the CCl4 model group (mainly S3—S4). The measurement of related molecules showed that sitravatinib downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA and Col1a1 (all P<0.05). ConclusionSitravatinib can effectively alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, possibly by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen synthesis.
2.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
3.The application strategies of non-uniform sampling in the structure elucidation of small molecule compounds—an instantiation using fuziline
Li-li ZHANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Chun-wang MENG ; Rui FENG ; Liang XIONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):218-224
Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) is a widely used technique for structural analysis of small molecular compounds. It can obtain information about the hydrogen-hydrogen correlation, hydrogen-carbon single bond correlation, hydrogen-carbon remote correlation, and hydrogen-hydrogen spatial arrangement of compounds. Thus, 2D NMR has an irreplaceable role in the structure elucidation of small molecular products. However, the sample amount of trace components in phytochemical research is very low, and the traditional sampling method (uniform sampling) has problems of poor spectral quality and too long measure time. Increasing the number of scans results in several hours of the acquisition time for a single two-dimensional spectrum, which in turn causes strain on the NMR machine. The non-uniform sampling (NUS) technique can shorten the acquisition time to a large extent and not affect the quality of 2D NMR data, which greatly improves the efficiency of 2D NMR acquisition. In this paper, fuziline, a small molecular compound in the lateral roots of
4.Design, synthesis and anti-Alzheimer's disease activity evaluation of cinnamyl triazole compounds
Wen-ju LEI ; Zhong-di CAI ; Lin-jie TAN ; Mi-min LIU ; Li ZENG ; Ting SUN ; Hong YI ; Rui LIU ; Zhuo-rong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):150-163
19 cinnamamide/ester-triazole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. Among them, compound
5.Intergenerational Effects on Metabolic Health: Perspectives on Maternal Nutrition and Exercise During Pregnancy
Jie LI ; Hai-Wang SHI ; Rui DUAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1605-1616
With the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in China, pediatric metabolic syndrome has emerged as a significant public health challenge. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory underscores the critical influence of early environmental factors on lifelong metabolic health. Consequently, maternal nutritional status and physical activity during pregnancy have become key modifiable factors that have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Research indicates exposure to a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy has long-term effects on offspring health, which may be transmitted through placental transit disorder, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Similarly, a high-protein diet (HPD) during pregnancy exhibits a dose- and time-dependent biphasic effect: excessive intake may lead to fetal growth restriction and an increased risk of preterm birth, whereas moderate supplementation may instead reduce the susceptibility of offspring to obesity. Interestingly, caloric restriction (CR) during pregnancy presents a double-edged sword: while it may impair the development of metabolic organs in offspring, moderate CR in metabolically compromised mothers can ameliorate maternal metabolic dysfunction and reprogram oocyte DNA methylation, significantly lowering the risk of metabolic disorders in offspring. Notably, metabolic abnormalities induced by a low-protein diet (LPD) during pregnancy demonstrate lifecycle-accumulative effects and transgenerational inheritance, with offspring exhibiting obesity phenotypes during weaning, insulin resistance in adulthood, and hepatic decompensation in old age, mediated through oocyte epigenetic reprogramming. Additionally, maintaining an optimal micronutrient balance is crucial for the metabolic homeostasis of offspring, as both deficiency and excess can lead to detrimental outcomes. Maternal exercise has been established as a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention that confers multigenerational metabolic benefits through diverse biological pathways. Maternal metabolic dysregulation represents a critical determinant of offspring metabolic disorders. Regular exercise during gestation exerts protective effects by attenuating maternal systemic inflammation and reducing the incidence of pregnancy-related complications, thereby effectively mitigating fetal overgrowth and metabolic dysfunction. This dual benefit for both mother and offspring underscores the pivotal role of gestational physical activity in promoting long-term metabolic health. The placenta, serving as the exclusive interface for maternal-fetal communication, mediates exercise-induced metabolic programming through enhanced secretion of key regulatory factors (including SOD3, Apelin, ADPN, and Irisin) and promotes the development of vascular networks, collectively optimizing nutrient transport efficiency. The intrauterine period represents a crucial window for epigenetic reprogramming, during which maternal exercise modulates DNA methylation patterns of critical metabolic genes (e.g., Ppargc-1α, Prdm16, Klf4, and Slc23a2) in offspring, thereby enhancing their capacity to resist metabolic disorders. Notably, the regulatory effects of maternal exercise extend beyond the gestational period. Postnatally, exercise-induced modifications in the bioactive components of breast milk and gut microbiota composition contribute to the sustained maintenance of metabolic homeostasis in offspring, establishing a continuum of metabolic protection from prenatal to postnatal stages. This review explores the potential of maternal combined nutrition-exercise interventions, suggesting that such strategies may synergistically enhance transgenerational health benefits through interactions within the metabolic-epigenetic network, thereby outperforming single interventions. Additionally, it examines current research limitations, including controversies surrounding transgenerational mechanisms, sex-specific responses, and undefined dynamic thresholds, while providing directions for future investigations. These findings pave the way for a theoretical foundation for early-life health interventions, potentially offering a more effective strategy for combatting intergenerational metabolic disorders.
6.Effect of lncRNA MANCR on Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-150-5p/GPNMB Axis
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):135-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mitotically-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA MANCR) on the proliferation,migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the microRNA-50-5p (miR-150-5p)/non-metastatic melanoprotein B (GPNMB) axis. MethodsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in 42 cases of GC tissue and adjacent tissue resected during surgery in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to September 2023 were detected by Real-time PCR. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 and human GC cells BGC-823 were cultured in vitro, and their lncRNA MANCR expression was detected. BGC-823 cells were randomly separated into control group (routine culture),sh-NC group (with sh-NC transfected),sh-MANCR group (with sh-MANCR transfected),sh-MANCR + anti-NC group (with sh-MANCR and anti-NC both transfected),and sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group (with sh-MANCR and anti-miR-150-5p both transfected). The mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in the BGC-823 cells of all groups were analyzed. EdU staining was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion of BGC-823 cells. The expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin, and GPNMB were detected by Western blot. The interactions between lncRNA MANCR and miR-150-5p and between miR-150-5p and GPNMB were analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. ResultsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB in GC tissue were higher than those in adjacent tissue,and the expression of miR-150-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissue (P<0.05). Compared with that in GES-1,lncRNA MANCR expression in BGC-823 cells was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-NC group and control group,the EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,the mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB, and the expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein in the BGC-823 cells in the sh-MANCR group were lower ,and the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin were higher (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-MANCR group and the sh-MANCR + anti-NC group,the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin in the sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group were decreased. The EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,mRNA expressions of GPNMB, and expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA MANCR could target the negative regulation of miR-150-5p,and miR-150-5p could target the negative regulation of GPNMB. ConclusionKnockout of lncRNA MANCR can inhibit the proliferation,migration, and EMT of GC cells by regulating the miR-150-5p/GPNMB axis.
7.Effect of lncRNA MANCR on Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-150-5p/GPNMB Axis
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):135-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mitotically-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA MANCR) on the proliferation,migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the microRNA-50-5p (miR-150-5p)/non-metastatic melanoprotein B (GPNMB) axis. MethodsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in 42 cases of GC tissue and adjacent tissue resected during surgery in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to September 2023 were detected by Real-time PCR. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 and human GC cells BGC-823 were cultured in vitro, and their lncRNA MANCR expression was detected. BGC-823 cells were randomly separated into control group (routine culture),sh-NC group (with sh-NC transfected),sh-MANCR group (with sh-MANCR transfected),sh-MANCR + anti-NC group (with sh-MANCR and anti-NC both transfected),and sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group (with sh-MANCR and anti-miR-150-5p both transfected). The mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in the BGC-823 cells of all groups were analyzed. EdU staining was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion of BGC-823 cells. The expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin, and GPNMB were detected by Western blot. The interactions between lncRNA MANCR and miR-150-5p and between miR-150-5p and GPNMB were analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. ResultsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB in GC tissue were higher than those in adjacent tissue,and the expression of miR-150-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissue (P<0.05). Compared with that in GES-1,lncRNA MANCR expression in BGC-823 cells was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-NC group and control group,the EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,the mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB, and the expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein in the BGC-823 cells in the sh-MANCR group were lower ,and the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin were higher (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-MANCR group and the sh-MANCR + anti-NC group,the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin in the sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group were decreased. The EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,mRNA expressions of GPNMB, and expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA MANCR could target the negative regulation of miR-150-5p,and miR-150-5p could target the negative regulation of GPNMB. ConclusionKnockout of lncRNA MANCR can inhibit the proliferation,migration, and EMT of GC cells by regulating the miR-150-5p/GPNMB axis.
8.Effects of LINC00894 regulating miR-205-5p/GPNMB axis on proliferation,migration,and invasion of gastric cancer cells
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(9):912-919
Objective:To investigate the effects of long intergenic non-coding RNA00894(LINC00894)on the malignant biological behaviors of gastric cancer(GC)cells via regulating the microRNA-205-5p(miR-205-5p)/glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B(GPNMB)axis.Methods:Twenty-five pairs of gastric cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected from patients undergoing surgical resection at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2022 and September 2023.BGC823 cells were routinely cultured and into control,sh-NC,sh-LINC00894,sh-LINC00894+anti-NC,and sh-LINC00894+anti-miR-205-5p groups,followed by corresponding plasmids transfection using transfection reagents.The mRNA expression of LINC00894,miR-205-5p,and GPNMB in BGC823 cells and cancer tissues of each group was detected using qPCR.Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and AGO2-RNA immunoprecipitation were used to verify the targeted binding relationships between LINC00894 and miR-205-5p,as well as between miR-205-5p and GPNMB.Colony formation assay,EdU staining,wound-healing assay,and Transwell assay were performed to detect cell proliferation,migration and invasion abilities.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of CDK1,MMP-2 and MMP-9 in each group of cells.A nude mouse xenograft model was established to determine the effect of LINC00894 knockdown on tumor growth,and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of GPNMB in xenograft tissues.Results:LINC00894 and GPNMB were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells,while miR-205-5p was downregulated(both P<0.05).LINC00894 negatively regulated miR-205-5p,while miR-205-5p negatively regulated GPNMB(all P<0.05).Knocking down LINC00894 promoted miR-205-5p expression and inhibited GPNMB expression in BGC823 cells(all P<0.05).Additionally,LINC00894 knockdown suppressed the proliferation,migration and invasion abilities of BGC823 cells,as well as the protein expression of CDK1,MMP-2,and MMP-9(all P<0.05).Inhibition of miR-205-5p reversed these effects(all P<0.05).Knocking down LINC00894 inhibited the growth of BGC823 cell-transplanted tumors,promoted miR-205-5p expression,and inhibited GPNMB protein expression(all P<0.05).Conclusion:LINC00894 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells,while miR-205-5p is downregulated.Knockdown of LINC00894 can regulate the expression of miR-205-5p/GPNMB pathway-related proteins in BGC823 cells,thereby inhibiting their malignant biological behaviors.
9.Pathogenomic surveillance of Bordetella pertussis clinical isolates in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province in 2024
Jinli JIA ; Jie CHE ; Lili ZHENG ; Jinzhong ZHANG ; Hong LIU ; Rui YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Xiaoshuang LU ; Hui YUAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(11):1848-1854
Objective:To analyze the molecular characteristics of prevalent Bordetella pertussis (Bp) isolates in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province in 2024. Methods:From March to August 2024, oropharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected pertussis cases at Liaocheng People′s Hospital in Shandong Province for Bp isolation. A total of 99 Bp isolates were obtained. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on all isolates, followed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), vaccine antigen-related gene typing (including ptxP, ptxA, ptxB, ptxC, ptxD, ptxE, fhaB, fim2, fim3, and prn), 23S rRNA gene typing, and phylogenetic analysis. To capture the differences between Bp isolates and vaccine strains in Liaocheng City, the international vaccine strain Tohama I and the Chinese vaccine strain CS were included in the analysis. Antimicrobial resistance testing against 11 agents was performed on 52 isolates. Results:The throat swabs of 99 Bp isolates were collected from patients aged 44 days to 42 years, and the median age of the patients was 7 (5, 8) years. All isolates ptxP were ptxP3 type. 74 isolates (74.75%) carried the prn150, while 21 isolates (21.21%) were prn-deficient. The predominant antigenic profile was ptxP3/ ptxA1/ ptxB1/ ptxC4/ ptxD1/ ptxE4/ fhaB1/ fim2-1/ fim3-1/ prn150, found in 72 isolates (72.73%). All 99 isolates carried the A2047G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the MICs of macrolides and clindamycin for all 52 Bp isolates were all >256 mg/L. However, the isolates showed low MIC for seven other antimicrobials tested, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. MLST typing revealed that 94 isolates (94.95%) were identified as ST-2, while 5 isolates (5.05%) belonged to a novel sequence type (ST-118). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all 99 Bp isolates were highly homologous but clustered in evolutionary branches distinct from vaccine strains. Conclusion:In 2024, Bordetella pertussis isolates in Liaocheng City exhibit distinct clonal epidemic characteristics, with the predominant antigenic genotype being ptxP3/ ptxA1/ ptxB1/ ptxC4/ ptxD1/ ptxE4/ fhaB1/ fim2-1/ fim3-1/ prn150. All isolates are resistant to macrolide antibiotics.
10.Effects of Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in a rat model of uremic cardiomyopathy
Yan-wen WANG ; Li-ming CHEN ; Rui NIU ; Jie QU ; Xiao-hui LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2213-2220
AIM To observe the protective effects and mechanism of Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula on cardiac function in a rat model of uremic cardiomyopathy(UCM).METHODS The successful UCM models established by 5/6 nephrectomy were randomly allocated into the model group,the valsartan group(8.33 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula groups(7.19,14.38,28.76 g/kg),in contrast to those of the sham operation group,followed by 8 weeks respective drug administration.Upon the completion of the pharmacological intervention,the rats had the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),ejection fraction(EF)and fractional shortening(FS)measured by echocardiography;the whole heart mass index(HMI)and left ventricular mass index(LVMI)detected;the renal function(serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen)and the hemoglobin concentration detected;the mitochondrial morphology analyzed by observation of cardiomyocyte ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy;the DNA damage in cardiomyocytes detected by TUNEL staining;the serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and BNP detected by ELISA;and the myocardial mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham operated controls,the model group demonstrated significant elevation of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen(P<0.01);decreased hemoglobin concentration(P<0.01);disorganized myocardial collagen fiber architecture,and pronounced mitochondrial swelling with ultrastructural damage;decreased EF and FS(P<0.05);increased LVEDD and LVESD(P<0.01);increased HMI and LVMI(P<0.01);increased levels of serum IL-1β,IL-18 and BNP(P<0.01);increased cardiomyocyte pyroptosis(P<0.01);and enhanced mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1 β(P<0.01).Compared to model group controls,the high-dose Shuli Jiantuo Formula intervention exhibited decreased levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen(P<0.01);increased hemoglobin concentration(P<0.01);reduced DNA fragmentation,alleviated mitochondrial swelling and mitigated ultrastructural damage;reduced LVEDD and LVESD(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased HMI and LVMI(P<0.01);downregulated levels of serum IL-1β,IL-18 and BNP(P<0.01);decreased cardiomyocyte pyroptosis(P<0.01);and inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula demonstrates dual cardiorenal protective effects in UCM rats through suppression of the left ventricular hypertrophy progression and inhibition of the adverse ventricular remodeling processess.The therapeutic efficacy primarily stems from targeted suppression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway activation and substantial attenuation of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis cascade.

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