1.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell nanovesicles fusion neutrophil apoptotic bodies promote skin wound healing in diabetic mice
Zhanpeng SUN ; Sen LIU ; Ling SHI ; Kaiyuan CHEN ; Meichen SONG ; Yan WU ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):34-42
BACKGROUND:Nanocell vesicles possess functions such as re-epithelialization,antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling.Meanwhile,apoptotic bodies have the immunomodulatory effects.Therefore,the combination of the two to form nanofusion vesicles can synergistically promote the healing of diabetic skin wounds.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the impact of nanofusion vesicles on skin wound healing in a diabetic murine model.METHODS:(1)Material preparation and characterization:The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of C57BL/6J neonatal mice and the neutrophil apoptotic bodies of C57BL/6J mice were isolated and extracted.The nanofusion vesicles were prepared by micro-extrusion mechanism.(2)In vitro experiment:MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative effect of different concentrations of nanofusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe was used to detect the antioxidant effect of nano-fusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide(H2O2).The inhibitory effect of nanofusion vesicles on RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolyside was detected by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR.(3)In vivo experiment:36 male C57BL/6J mice were employed to develop a murine model of diabetes mellitus.Following the successful induction of diabetes,two circular full-thickness wounds,each with a diameter of 6 mm,were created on either side of the diabetic mice's spine using a skin punch.The mice were divided into three groups by random number table method.The control group was injected with 0.1 mL of phosphate buffer solution.The nanovesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanovesicles(25 μg/mL).The nanofusion vesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanofusion(25 μg/mL)vesicles.After treatment for three consecutive days,the wound healing and histomorphological changes were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:nanofusion vesicles,when administered at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg/mL,exhibited no toxic effects and promoted the proliferation of NIH-3T3 and HUVEC cell lines.Notably,a concentration of 25 μg/mL nanofusion vesicle significantly enhanced the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells.Furthermore,the survival rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was observed to increase in correlation with escalating concentrations of nanofusion vesicles.Nanofusion vesicles had a good antioxidant effect.In comparison to the H2O2 group,the fluorescence signal indicative of reactive oxygen species was progressively diminished in both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group.Furthermore,nanofusion vesicles possessed anti-inflammatory capabilities,effectively mitigating the inflammatory response in macrophages triggered by lipopolysaccharide stimulation.(2)In vivo experiment:Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed that in comparison to the control group,both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group exhibited a significant increase in granulation tissue formation and collagen fiber deposition within the wounds by day 6.Notably,the nanofusion vesicle group displayed the most pronounced effects.On day 12,the wound of nanofusion vesicle group was significantly reduced,and the healing rate was significantly faster than that of other groups(P<0.01),and the effect of promoting wound healing was the most significant.Our findings demonstrated that nanofusion vesicles exhibited superior pro-cell proliferative,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties,thereby exerting a beneficial effect on the promotion of skin wound healing in diabetic mouse models.
2.Overview of Diagnosis,Treatment and Mechanism Research of Functional Dyspepsia by Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Shengsheng ZHANG ; Zhaohong SHI ; Xiaofang LU ; Luqing ZHAO ; Danyan LI ; Shu ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yudi ZHUO ; Nian WANG ; Fan LIU ; Shuangyi LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):397-403
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prioritized disease category where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates distinct therapeutic advantages. The current western medicine treatment for FD is mainly based on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents, with digestive enzymes, probiotics and antidepressants serving as adjuvant medication, yet such therapies still have certain limitations. TCM treatment for FD includes oral administration of Chinese herbal formulas and Chinese patent medicines, as well as external TCM therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion, acupoint application, hot medicinal compress therapy, rubbing with ointment, medicinal iontophoresis, auricular acupoint therapy and tui na (Chinese medical massage). The combined treatment of FD with integrated TCM and western medicine can significantly improve clinical effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions. The common mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both TCM and western medicine revolve around the core pathological processes of FD, mainly focusing on restoring gastrointestinal motility, regulating the levels of brain-gut peptides, modulating intestinal microecology, and ameliorating inflammatory status. The differential mechanisms lie in the precise targeting feature of western medicine versus the holistic-regulating and multi-target characteristics of TCM, and the two approaches exert a synergistic effect to enhance efficacy. This paper proposes to leverage the advantages of TCM in holistic regulation and the strengths of western medicine in targeted treatment, so as to provide personalized and comprehensive treatment regimens for FD patients.
3.Construction of Laboratory Animal Science and Technology Ethics Governance System in China and Its Preliminary Practice in Guangdong Province
Xiaoqin LI ; Wenlan YU ; Yizhu DUAN ; Zhonghua LIU ; Guodong WU ; Wenqi SHI ; Hongkun FU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):127-137
The welfare and ethics of laboratory animals are the ethical principles and behavioral norms that need to be followed in conducting animal-based scientific research, breeding and managing laboratory animals, and supervising and regulating such activities. The level of protection of laboratory animal welfare and ethics is closely related to the development of science and technology, which has become a widely recognized international consensus. At present, Guangdong Province is accelerating the construction of a high-level science and technology innovation province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Science and Technology Innovation Center. Guangdong Province should rely on its advanced governance capacity in the field of laboratory animal science and technology ethics to promote the high-quality development of its laboratory animal science and technology sector. Based on the management laws, regulations, and institutional mechanisms of laboratory animals in China, this paper explores the optimization of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system, which includes the institutional guarantees, responsibility systems, ethical review and supervision mechanisms, and education and outreach. Through methods such as literature research, questionnaire surveys, and interview investigations, an empirical study of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in Guangdong Province has been conducted. Analysis of literature and research results shows that Guangdong Province has basically established a laboratory animal management system, collaboration mechanism, supervision mechanism, and education and training system that meet the current requirements of the laboratory animal science and technology ethics governance system in China. However, there are still problems such as an incomplete laboratory animal science and technology ethics supervision mechanism, an underdeveloped operation mechanism of review institutions, insufficient attention paid by laboratory animal units to the ethical review of animal experiments, inconsistent ethical review standards, and a lack of professional ethical education and training for ethics review personnel. Therefore, optimization measures such as improving the laboratory animal science and technology ethics review system, strengthening supervision and inspection, further strengthening the accountability of responsible entities, formulating review norms, and enhancing hierarchical and classified education and training are proposed, to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the normalized and long-term governance of laboratory animal science and technology ethics in Guangdong Province.
4.Ancient and Modern Application and Key Information Analysis of Classic Formula Erchentang
Qing TANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Hejia WAN ; Chengxin LUO ; Bingqi WEI ; Yamin KONG ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):262-270
Erchentang is a classic formula widely used by medical practitioners throughout history. In this paper,ancient and modern literature of Erchentang were collected, and bibliometrics was employed to analyze its historic evolution,prescription meaning,herbs origin, processing method,preparation methods, and clinical application. A total of 84 pieces of data were collected, and 58 pieces of data involving 53 ancient medical Chinese books were screened, sorted, and processed. Combined with research of modern scholars,the research has found that the Erchentang originated from the Taiping Huimin Huiye Shijie Fang compiled by the Imperial Medical Bureau of the Song Dynasty. The basic information about the origin of the drugs is quite clear. Pinelliae rhizoma in the formula is the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata. Citri exocarpium rubrum is the dried mature peel of Citrus reticulata and its cultivated varieties, with the inner white membrane removed. Poria is the whitest dry sclerotia of Poria cocos; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of the Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The dosage is 5.70 g Pinelliae rhizome and Citri exocarpium rubrum, 3.43 g Poria, and 1.69 g Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma praeparata cum melle. During the decoction process, the above-mentioned herbs should be chopped, with 300 mL water, 7 g ginger in thick slices, and 2 g Mume fructus added, and it was then simmered together to 180 mL. After removing the medicinal residue, it can be taken warmly. Erchentang has the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, regulating Qi and harmonizing the middle. It can be used in treating the syndrome of phlegm and dampness,as well as symptoms such as frequent cough,white phlegm,fullness in chest and diaphragm,nausea and vomiting,limb drowsiness,anorexia,dizziness,palpitations,white and greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse. The above results provide reference for future research and development of Erchentang.
5.Effects of baicalin on insulin resistance in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus and its mechanism
Kewei SHI ; Xi CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Bo YANG ; Yunchun LIU ; Yueyue GAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):450-455
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of baicalin (BC) on insulin resistance in rats with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its underlying mechanism based on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39H1)/histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) axis. METHODS A GDM rat model was established by a combination of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. The successfully modeled rats were divided into the GDM group, BC low-dose group, BC high-dose group, and high-dose of BC+AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) group, with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 pregnant rats fed a normal diet served as the control group. Rats in each group were given corresponding drugs/normal saline intragastrically and/or intraperitoneally, once daily for 2 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), pancreatic function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)], blood lipid indexes (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), liver function indexes (alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, alkaline phosphatase), inflammatory indicators (C-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), metabolic regulatory protein [complement-C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3 (CTRP3)], insulin sensitivity related factors [glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), adiponectin], and oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA)] were measured. Pathological changes in liver tissue were observed, and the expressions of proteins related to the AMPK/SUV39H1/H3K9me3 axis in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the GDM group, rats in the BC low- and high-dose groups showed varying degrees of improvement in pathological changes such as disordered cell arrangement, vacuolar degeneration, lipid deposition, and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue. Their FBG and FINS levels, HOMA-IR, the levels of blood lipid indexes, liver function indexes, inflammatory indicators and MDA, and the expressions of SUV39H1 and H3K9me3 were significantly decreased or down-regulated, while metabolic regulatory protein, insulin sensitivity-related factors and AMPK protein phosphorylation levels were significantly increased ( P <0.05). The improvement was more significant in the BC high-dose group ( P <0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the ameliorative effects of high-dose BC on the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS BC can significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, increase serum levels of CTRP3, GLUT4 and adiponectin, thereby improving insulin resistance in GDM rats. These effects may be related to the activation of AMPK and inhibition of SUV39H1-mediated H3K9me3 modification.
6.Advances in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and its inhibitors in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Chuanyang LU ; Qiuni CHEN ; Yuye SHI ; Yuan DENG ; Tingting JI ; Zhengyuan LIU ; Chunling WANG ; Liang YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):682-688
Abnormal activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In recent years, inhibitors targeting JAK2 and STAT3 have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates in DLBCL. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety profiles of JAK2 inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib) and STAT3 inhibitors (direct small-molecule inhibitors, the antisense oligonucleotide, and proteolysis targeting chimeras, etc.) in preclinical models and clinical trials. Accumulating evidence indicates that JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors exhibit antitumor activity and are generally well tolerated in a subset of DLBCL patients. Meanwhile, the development of novel drug delivery systems has significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability of the compounds. Furthermore, JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors may exhibit synergistic effects when combined with other therapy strategies (such as combinations with B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitors, immunomodulators, or other targeted drugs). However, current clinical applications are still in their early stages. Future research should concentrate on precision treatment strategies based on the genetic subtyping of DLBCL, and further refine the delivery systems for inhibitors as well as combination drug regimens to improve clinical outcomes.
7.Mechanism of MEK/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway Modulated by Mimenghua Prescription on Inflammatory Response in Dry Eye Animal Model
Shi TAN ; Pei LIU ; Yuan ZHONG ; Sainan TIAN ; Pengfei JIANG ; Genyan QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):211-221
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of Mimenghua prescription in modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory responses in a dry eye animal model. MethodsA total of 60 C57BL/6J mice (eight weeks old, half male and half female) were used in the experiment. Ten mice were randomly selected as the blank control group, while the remaining 50 were exposed to a controlled dry system and received instillation of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the eyes for four weeks to establish a dry eye mouse model. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Mimenghua prescription groups with low dose (4.83 g·kg-1), medium dose (9.67 g·kg-1), and high dose (19.34 g·kg-1). The mice in the model group received an equal volume of normal saline via gavage for four weeks. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received instillation of sodium hyaluronate eye drops twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The tear secretion volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were evaluated once every two weeks. After four weeks of administration, mice were euthanized, and their lacrimal gland tissues and corneas were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess histopathological morphology. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the contents and expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, ERK, and interleukin (IL)-1β in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues of the mice in each group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. ResultsThe Mimenghua prescription groups and the sodium hyaluronate group exhibited significantly increased tear secretion volume (P<0.05) and prolonged TBUT (P<0.05) after treatment. Ocular surface damage of mice was visibly recovered. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal gland and corneal tissues were significantly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription group with high dose (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that IL-1β levels were highest in the model group but significantly reduced in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05). Both ELISA and Real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05), but markedly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05), suggesting that Mimenghua prescription can decrease the expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues. ConclusionMimenghua prescription can reduce inflammatory responses, increase tear secretion, prolong TBUT, and promote corneal recovery by inhibiting the MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK signaling pathways in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues.
8.Exploration on Scientific Connotation of "Removing Calyx" of Inulae Flos Based on Processing Experience of Old Medicine Workers
Qiao ZHOU ; Zhenni QU ; Menghan LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Benzheng SU ; Yanpeng DAI ; Dianhua SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):260-266
ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative quality analysis of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos and calyx of Inulae Flos, elucidating the scientific connotation of the "removing calyx" process in the traditional processing of Inulae Flos. MethodsInulae Flos decoction pieces were collected, and the fuzz and calyx of Inulae Flos were prepared according to the experiences of old medicine workers. Subsequently, according to the methods under the "Inulae Flos" item in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the appearance characteristics and thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification of these samples were tested, and the moisture content, total ash content, extract content were also measured. The characteristic fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), followed by similarity evaluation, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, and 1-O-acetyl britannilactone were determined to compare the quality differences of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos. ResultsThe moisture content of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos was all<10%. The determination results of total ash content were as follows:Calyx of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>fuzz of Inulae Flos, and the determination results of alcohol-soluble extract content were as follows:Fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. HPLC fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established, and 22 common peaks were identified. The similarity analysis and PCA showed that the overall quality of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos was similar, while the overall quality of calyx of Inulae Flos differed significantly from that of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos. PLS-DA results showed that Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos clustered into distinct groups, indicating significant differences among them. Cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid had relatively high contents in calyx of Inulae Flos, the contents of 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid in Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were higher than those in calyx of Inulae Flos. The order of 1-O-acetyl britannilactone content was determined as follows:fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. ConclusionThe scientific nature of "Removing Calyx" process in the cleansing of Inulae Flos by old medicine workers is demonstrated by the resulting fuzz of Inulae Flos decoction pieces exhibiting enhanced cleanliness and higher content of the index component 1-O-acetyl britannilactone. This study provides a reference basis for further improving and enhancing the processing method and quality control standards of Inulae Flos.
9.Evaluation of Taraxacum mongolicum Germplasm Resources Based on Characteristic Profiles and Chemical Markers
Lantian SHI ; Xiaojie LIU ; Xiaolin LI ; Yutong HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):267-275
ObjectiveBased on the established characteristic profiles, quantitative analysis of multiple components, and chemometric analysis of Taraxacum mongolicum, the quality of different T. mongolicum germplasms was evaluated at the chemical level, thereby providing a reference for the screening of high-quality germplasms and the rational utilization of wild resources. MethodsAn ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed to establish characteristic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were then adopted to screen and comprehensively rank marker compounds. ResultsThe UPLC fingerprint of T. mongolicum germplasm identified 13 chromatographic peaks corresponding to gallic acid, coumaric acid, neochlorogenic acid, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cichoric acid, luteoloside, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C. Combined with chemometric analysis such as PCA and PLS-DA, eight core markers (cichoric acid, luteoloside, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and isochlorogenic acid A) were screened for distinguishing wild and cultivated germplasms. Additionally, eight core markers (cichoric acid, caffeic acid, luteoloside, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, and neochlorogenic acid) were selected for the evaluation and screening of different T. mongolicum germplasms. ConclusionThis study establishes a UPLC analysis method capable of simultaneously determining 13 characteristic components in T. mongolicum, such as cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as their precursor compound contents in the biosynthetic pathway. Based on the above methods, three T. mongolicum germplasms (PGY-004, PGY-009, and PGY-010) with promising medicinal potential are selected for subsequent research on variety breeding. The present study provides a reference for quality control of Taraxacum mongolicum, germplasm screening, and the rational development and utilization of wild resources.
10.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.

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