1.Yinchenhao Tang Regulates Pyroptosis to Intervene in Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):55-62
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yinchenhao Tang intervenes in α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1) pyroptosis signaling pathway. MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, ursodeoxycholic acid, and Yinchenhao Tang groups. Except the blank group, other groups were treated with ANIT dissolved in olive oil for the modeling of cholestatic liver injury. Ursodeoxycholic acid (0.1 g·kg-1) and Yinchenhao Tang (9.23 g·kg-1) were administered by gavage. The blank group and the model group were administrated with the same amount of pure water, once a day for 3 days. The blood and liver tissue samples were collected, and the serum levels of liver function indicators were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the liver. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue were determined by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TGR5, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were assessed by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of TGR5, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), and total bilirubin (TBil) in the serum (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte swelling, and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation in the liver, raised levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-18 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), and NLRP3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid group showed declined levels of AST (P<0.01), TBA (P<0.01), TBil (P<0.01), and ALT (P<0.05) in the serum, lowered levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), IL-18 (P<0.05), and ASC (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Yinchenhao Tang group showed lowered levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBA, and TBil in the serum (P<0.01), declined levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β (P<0.01), NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), and IL-18 (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1 and GSDMD (P<0.05). The liver tissue of the administration groups showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced swelling of hepatocytes, and alleviated proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the hepatocyte pyroptosis mediated by the TGR5/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.
2.Investigation into Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang in Modulating Macrophage Activation to Combat Cholestatic Liver Injury
Jinghan ZHAO ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Ruixue MA ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):63-70
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang (YCHT) in regulating macrophage polarization to alleviate cholestatic liver injury,focusing on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway as the entry point. MethodsCholestasis was induced in Wistar rats through a single gavage of 100 mg·kg-1 α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) dissolved in olive oil. The animals were randomly divided into four groups:Model group,YCHT group,ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) group (n=10),and a blank group (n=10) that received only 5 mL·kg-1 olive oil. The YCHT group received 9.23 g·kg-1·day-1 of YCHT by gavage,and the UDCA group was treated with 0.1 g·kg-1·day-1 of UDCA suspension. Both the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline,all for three consecutive days. Serum liver function was assessed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver tissue morphology. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β),transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were quantified in liver homogenate supernatants via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis measured the relative protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),CD206,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86,and arginase-1 (Arg-1). The relative mRNA expression of TLR4/NF-κB,CD206,iNOS,CD86,and Arg-1 in liver tissue was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP),total bile acid (TBA),total bilirubin (TBil),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.01). There was a portal area expansion and pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly upregulated (P<0.01),and macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 showed positive expression. Protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of the related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the liver function indicators in the YCHT group showed significant decreases (P<0.05, P<0.01). The bile duct hyperplasia was significantly alleviated, and the tissue structure became more orderly. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of CD86 significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of CD206 significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of Arg-1 significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of CD206 significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionYCHT ameliorates cholestatic liver injury in rats by improving bile metabolism,reducing bile duct dilatation,and mitigating inflammation. These effects are achieved through the inhibition of M1 macrophage activation and the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization,likely via modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Intervention Effect and Regulation Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):71-80
Cholestatic liver injury refers to the bile production, secretion, and excretion disorder caused by various reasons. It induces liver injury, metabolic disorders, and dysfunction of the hepatobiliary system, which can further develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. At present, the preferred drug for clinical treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid, which, however, induces adverse reactions and is intolerant in some patients. Yinchenhao Tang is a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of jaundice due to Yang jaundice. It has the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and removing jaundice and has shown good therapeutic effect in long-term clinical application. Modern pharmacological studies have found that this prescription has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, bile acid balance-regulating, hepatocyte apoptosis-inhibiting and other liver-protecting effects. This paper reviews the relevant clinical and animal experimental studies on Yinchenhao Tang in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in recent years. Yinchenhao Tang can intervene in the progression of cholestatic liver injury by regulating bile acid metabolism and excretion, reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis, and protecting intestinal mucosal barrier. This paper systematically expounds the molecular mechanisms by which Yinchenhao Tang regulates cholestatic liver injury that are confirmed by current research, aiming to provide reference for the clinical application and in-depth study of Yinchenhao Tang.
4.Tuihuang Mixture improves α‑naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis in rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes via regulating farnesoid X receptor.
Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Yuchun YU ; Qingchun CAI ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):718-724
OBJECTIVES:
To study the therapeutic mechanism of Tuihuang Mixture against cholestasis.
METHODS:
Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomized equally into blank group, model group, ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tuihuang Mixture group. Except for those in the blank group, all the rats were given α‑naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) to establish rat models of cholestasis, followed by treatments with indicated drugs or distilled water. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL of the rats were determined, and hepatic expressions IL-1β, IL-18, FXR, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were detected using q-PCR, ELISA or Western blotting. Histopathological changes of the liver tissues were observed using HE staining.
RESULTS:
The rat models of cholestasis had significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL with increased mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18, decreased protein and mRNA expressions of FXR, and increased protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 and mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the liver tissue, showing also irregular arrangement of liver cells, proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells and inflammatory cells infiltration. Treatment of the rat models with Tuihuang Mixture significantly decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL, lowered IL-1β and IL-18 and increased FXR protein and mRNA expressions, and reduced NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins and NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA expressions in the liver tissue. Tuihuang Mixture also significantly alleviated hepatocyte injury, bile duct epithelial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of the rat models.
CONCLUSIONS
Tuihuang Mixture can effectively improve cholestasis in rats possibly by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatosome-mediated pyroptosis via regulating FXR.
Animals
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
;
Rats
;
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism*
;
Cholestasis/drug therapy*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
1-Naphthylisothiocyanate
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Male
;
Interleukin-18/metabolism*
;
Caspase 1/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Liver/metabolism*
5.The regulatory role and mechanism of microRNA in cholestasis
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2187-2194
As a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) can regulate gene expression and thereby intervene against the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of cholestasis is complex and is mainly associated with the metabolism and transport of bile acids, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and intestinal flora. Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid is the preferred drug for the clinical treatment of cholestasis, but it may cause adverse reactions and exhibit poor efficacy in some patients. Studies have shown that miRNA can intervene in the disease process of cholestasis through multiple mechanisms such as regulating bile acid metabolism and transport, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory response, improving cholangiocyte proliferation, and regulating intestinal flora. It can be used as a new biomarker and action target for cholestasis, with high research potential and value. Therefore, this article summarizes the role and mechanisms of miRNA in regulating cholestasis in recent years, in order to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of cholestasis by targeting miRNA.
6.Comparison of Efficacy Between Nab-Paclitaxel or Docetaxel Combined with Carboplatin as Neoadjuvant Therapy for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Xin HAO ; Chongzhu HU ; Ruixue YUE ; Tianpei MIAO ; Zhong LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(9):779-783
Objective To compare the efficacy of trastuzumab plus pertuzumab(HP)combined with either nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin or docetaxel plus carboplatin as neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer in real-world clinical practice.Methods Clinical data of HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant therapy with either HP combined with nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin or HP combined with docetaxel plus carboplatin and subsequently underwent surgery were retrospectively collected from 11 tertiary grade-A hospitals in Hebei Province from June 2019 to December 2021.The total pathological complete response(tpCR)rates of the two groups were compared.Results A total of 76 patients were included in the study,with 47 in the nab-paclitaxel group and 29 in the docetaxel group.The tpCR rate was significantly higher in the nab-paclitaxel group than that in the docetaxel group(72.3%vs.48.3%,χ2=4.463,P=0.035).Subgroup analysis indicated that patients older than 40 years,with cN2-3,cTNM stage Ⅲ,hormone receptor-positive status,and Ki67>30%had significantly higher tpCR rates in the nab-paclitaxel group than those in the docetaxel group(P<0.05).Conclusion In real-world clinical practice,the efficacy of HP combined with nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin as neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer is superior to that of HP combined with docetaxel plus carboplatin.
7.Effects of low frequency magnetic stimulation on myelin and inflammation in demyelinated mice
Xiaoying MIAO ; Bie ZHENG ; Lingling SU ; Renhong HE ; Jianzhong FAN ; Ruixue YIN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2021;43(10):865-870
Objective:To explore the effect of low frequency magnetic stimulation on myelin and inflammation in the callosum of demyelinated mice.Methods:Thirty-six 6 to 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a cuprizone (CPZ) group and a magnetic therapy group. The CPZ group and the magnetic therapy group had demyelination induced by feeding a mixed diet containing 0.3% CPZ for 6 weeks, while the control group was given conventional food. The magnetic therapy group was given 50Hz 10mT magnetic stimulation during the 6 weeks for 20min daily, 5 days a week. The body mass of each mouse was observed every 7 days. At the end of the 6th week elevated cross maze experiments were conducted to observe any anxiety state. The myelin sheath in the corpus callosum was observed using Luxol fast blue staining and myelin basic protein (MBP) immunohistochemistry Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the corpus callosum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results:After the 6 weeks of treatment, the average body mass of the mice in the magnetic therapy group had improved significantly compared with the CPZ group. The CPZ group′s times in the elevated cross maze experiments were significantly shorter than those of the control group and also shorter than those of the magnetic therapy group. The Luxol staining showed significant myelin loss in the corpus callosum of the CPZ group, but compared with the CPZ group the average loss of myelin in the magnetic therapy group was significantly less. This was further confirmed by the MBP immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the average expression of MBP in the CPZ group was significantly reduced, while in the magnetic therapy group it was significantly increased. Compared with the control group, the average TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the corpus callosum of the CPZ group increased significantly, but compared with the CPZ group the average levels in the magnetic therapy group had decreased significantly.Conclusions:Low frequency magnetic stimulation improves the body weight and anxiety state of mice. That is probably related to less myelin loss and inhibited inflammatory response in the corpus callosum.
8.Virulence of enterovirus 71 in infected neonatal mouse models
Yiyuan LI ; Heng CHEN ; Ruixue MIAO ; Weiran LI ; Yue CHENG ; Chaomin WAN ; Yu ZHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2018;26(3):335-342
Objective To explore the virulence of enterovirus 71 from infected children in neonatal mice. Methods Three strains of EV71 were isolated from the mild, severe and dead patients. Symptoms, weight and death of mice were recorded throughout 14 days. The mice were sacrificed on the first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth days post infection to gain the tissue virus load including the liver, spleen, lung, intestine, brain and muscle tissue which were used to detect the virus tilter by real-time RT-QPCR, and pathological lesions using HE staining. Results As to the severity of symptoms, no significant difference was found between the severe and mild groups (P=0. 693), which were more serious than that of the fatal group. (P=0. 000 < 0. 05/6, P=0. 000 < 0. 05/6). The survival rate of the mice with mild, severe and fatal virus infection was 77. 2%, 81. 7% and 97. 8%, respectively, and there was a significant difference among the three groups (P=0. 0010 < 0. 05, P=0. 001 < 0. 05, P=0. 0004 < 0. 05). Lung hemorrhage of the mild group was the most serious, and there were no significant differences in pathological lesions of the brain, muscle, spleen and intestine. Virus titer in the liver and muscle was higher than the other tissues and that in mild group of different tissues tended to be higher than the other two groups. Conclusions Neonatal mice infected with the mild strain of enterovirus 71 presents heaviest symptoms, which are not consistent with the outcomes of humans. It is considered to be related to the virus gene, host and other factors.
9.Analysis of clinical and pathological characteristics of five cases with intravenous leiomyoma
Lanfang MIAO ; Ruixue LEI ; Yufen YUAN ; Peihong SHEN
Clinical Medicine of China 2016;32(1):61-64
Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of uterine intravenous leiomyoma (IVL) , so as to improve the detection of the disease.Methods Five cases of IVL were retrospected, who were treated and diagnosed by clinical gross examination,morphologic features and immunohistochemical staining in Tumor Hospital of Anyang from 2011 to 2015.Results Symptoms of IVL were usually nonspecific, most patients experienced hypermenorrhea, abdominal pain or distension, and pelvic mass.Typical pathological changes were intravenous visible grey weblike or worm-formed nodules, which could be pulled out.Microscopically, the tumors were composed of mild spindle-shaped cells with rare mitotic figure and closely related to blood vessels.The tumors were positive for smooth muscle derived marker, progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, and negative for S-100, HMB45 and CD34.However CD34 can displayed vascular endothelial cells around the tumor.Conclusion Uterine IVL is a benign tumor with malignant biological behavior, which has different clinical pathological features of leiomyoma ordinary.Surgery is the main treatment method.A satisfactory therapeutic effect can be achieved by selecting the appropriate extent of surgery.Long term follow up of iVL patients after operation is important.
10.Advances in carbapenemase detection in Gram-negtive bacilli
Chenrui HOU ; Yun YANG ; Ziyang LI ; Ruixue WANG ; Chunyan GAO ; Lili DING ; Miao SU ; Chaojun LANG ; Jianrong RONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2016;9(3):248-254
With increasing use of carbapenem antibiotics , carbapenems-resistant gram-negative bacteria are spreading, and carbapenemase-producing is the main mechanism of carbapenems resistance . Rapid and accurate identification of carbapenemase and its type is of great importance to timely and effective treatment and control of infections .Chromogenic /Fluorogenic culture media, modified Hodge test and double disk synergy test are traditional methods for carbapenemase detection , but all are time-consuming. Biochemical method is more time efficient and with high sensitivity and specificity , but cannot be used to identify subtypes.Now matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization -time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been successfully applied in the identification of species , subtypes and detection of drug -resistant genes.And among various carbapenemase gene detection techniques , next generation sequencing (NGS) can also be used for the detection of integrons , transposons and plasmids, which is important in both epidemiology and resistant mechanism studies .This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various methods for phenotype and gene detection of carbapenemase .

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