1.Effect of maternal pyrethroid pesticides exposure during pregnancy on lymphocytes in 1-year-old children: A birth cohort study
Zhiye QI ; Xia XIAO ; Shuqi CHEN ; Dandan ZHAO ; Xiaoxiao SONG ; Yan LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):402-409
Background Pyrethroid pesticides (PYRs) can cross the placental barrier to cause intrauterine fetal exposure, which may lead to developmental immunotoxicity (DIT). However, the specific effect of maternal PYR exposure during pregnancy on the cellular immune function of 1-year-old children remains unclear. Objective To explore the effect of PYRs exposure throughout the entire pregnancy on peripheral blood lymphocytes in 1-year-old children and potential sensitive window period of PYRs exposure. Methods A birth cohort was established by enrolling pregnant women in their first trimester and following them and their infants until one year of age. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the levels of PYRs metabolites, including 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4F3PBA), and cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DBCA), in the urine of pregnant women during the first trimester (gestational weeks 6-12), the second trimester (gestational weeks 21-24), and the third trimester (gestational weeks 33-36). Peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were measured in children at 12 months of age using the Coulter principle combined with flow cytometry. Exposure levels of PYRs metabolites in each trimester were divided into low, moderate, and high exposure groups based on the 25th (P25) and 75th (P75) percentiles. Meanwhile, participants were classified as having repeated high or low exposure if their metabolite levels were > P75 or <P25 in at least two trimesters, respectively, while all others were categorized as having repeated moderate exposure. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the associations between trimester-specific and repeated PYRs metabolite exposure levels and the peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts in children aged 1 year. Results A total of 336 mother-child pairs were included in this study. For the pregnant women, the total detection rates of maternal urinary 3PBA, 4F3PBA, and cis-DBCA across the three trimesters of pregnancy were 80.5%, 100.0%, and 81.3%, respectively; and median creatinine-corrected concentrations were 0.24, 0.36, and 0.42 μg·g−1, respectively. In children aged 1 year, the mean WBC and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood were (8.9±2.0)×109·L−1 and (5.7±1.6)×109·L−1, respectively. The results of the generalized linear model analysis indicated that compared to the low exposure group, the high cis-DBCA exposure group during the third trimester of pregnancy had significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−0.87, 95%CI: −1.51, −0.23) and lymphocyte count (β=−0.64, 95%CI: −1.15, −0.13); and the repeated high-exposure group of cis-DBCA had significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−1.34, 95%CI: −2.34, −0.34) and lymphocyte count (β=−0.80, 95%CI: −1.60, −0.01) than the repeated low exposure group. Similarly, the repeated moderate-exposure group of cis-DBCA had a significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−0.83, 95%CI: −1.59, −0.07) than the repeated low exposure group. Conclusion High maternal exposure to PYRs with cis-DBCA as the major metabolite exposure is associated with decreased peripheral leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in children aged 1 year, and repeated high-level exposure throughout gestation appears to exacerbate DIT in offspring. The third trimester of pregnancy maybe a sensitive window for children's DIT induced by exposure to PYRs during pregnancy.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
3.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
4.Application of Insect and Vine Medicinal Pairs in the Treatment of Postoperative Recurrence and Metastasis of Bladder Cancer:from the Perspective of Blood Collaterals Theory
Canlin WANG ; Sijia LIU ; Xin CHEN ; Jianxin LU ; Yaqiang ZHANG ; Shuqi SONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1120-1124
Based on the theory of blood collateral, postoperative recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer are considered to arise primarily from the binding of stasis and toxin, which accumulate and hide within the blood collaterals. Accordingly, treatment should focus on clearing and resolving the deeply concealed stasis toxin retained in the blood collaterals. The paired use of insect and vine medicinals may exert synergistic effects by simultaneously searching out and eliminating pathogenic factors, guiding the action of herbs to the channels, and unblocking the collaterals. Drawing on clinical practice, the stasis-toxin pathogenesis of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer can be divided into four stages including stagnation and astringent of collateral qi, formation of fixed stasis nests, transformation of persistent stasis into toxin, and deficiency of healthy qi with lingering toxin. Accordingly, four herb pairs are proposed for each stage based on conventional treatment, which are Dilong (Pheretima)-Daxueteng (Caulis Sargentodoxae), Shuizhi (Hirudo)-Jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), Wugong (Scolopendra)-Luoshiteng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and Quanxie (Scorpio)-Qianjinteng (stephania). Their potential modern pharmacological mechanisms are further discussed.
5.A Comparative Study on the Application of 3D Visualization Combined With Ultrasound in Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangial Drainage for Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Qingshan CHEN ; Xinghua XIANG ; Shuqi LIU ; Chaogeng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(11):654-659
Objective To explore the application value of three dimensions(3D)visualization combined with ultrasound(US)in percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage(PTCD).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 44 PTCD procedures performed by our team between January 2020 and March 2025.Twenty-one cases before January 2023 underwent conventional US-guided PTCD(US group),while 23 subsequent cases received 3D visualization-assisted US-guided PTCD(3D+US group).Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics.For the3D+US group,preoperative upper abdominal CT(non-contrast+contrast-enhanced)data were imported into the open-source 3D software 3D Slicer 5.6.2 to reconstruct individualized 3D models for preoperative puncture planning.Outcomes including puncture success rate,procedure time,times of puncture,therapeutic efficacy,and complications were compared between the two groups.Results Compared with the US group,the 3D+US group required fewer puncture times(1/2/3 times:19/4/0 cases vs.10/9/2 cases,Z=-2.602,P=0.009)and shorter procedure time[(38.8±12.2)min vs.(56.6±14.8)min,t=-4.372,P=0.000].No significant differences were observed in puncture success rate[100.0%(23/23)vs.90.5%(19/21),P=0.222],therapeutic efficacy(markedly effective/effective/ineffective:13/9/1 cases vs.10/9/2 cases,Z=-0.688,P=0.492),or complication rate[8.7%(2/23)vs.19.0%(4/21),χ2=0.313,P=0.576].Conclusion 3D visualization combined with US guidance for PTCD is safe and effective,facilitating reduced procedure time and fewer puncture times.
6.Isolation,identification and biological characteristics of Aeromonas hydrophila from South China tiger
Yuqi LI ; Yali KANG ; Yubin ZHUO ; Lingshan HUANG ; Shuqi QIU ; Yuxi XUE ; Xiaop-ing WU ; Sisi FAN ; Yuting LIAO ; Weiye LIN ; Chan CHEN ; Kaixiong LIN ; Tengteng CHEN ; Xipan LIN ; Kewei FAN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(1):46-52,58
The aim of this study is to identify the cause of death of a South China tiger cub at the Meihuashan breeding institute of Fujian Province.Pathogenic bacteria were isolated and cultured from liver,spleen,lung and other tissue samples of the dead South China tiger aseptically.The iso-lated bacteria were identified through morphological observation,biochemical characterization,sequence analysis of housekeeping gene gyrB,virulence gene detection,animal pathogenicity test and drug sensitivity test.A pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila strain,designated FJ/Tiger-201809 was successfully isolated from the trachea of dead South China tiger.The nucleotide sequence ho-mology between the isolate and 11 strains of Aeromonas gyrB ranged from 91.2%to 99.1%,with the highest homology of 99.1%observed with Aeromonas hydrophila(AF208251.1).Genetic evo-lution analysis showed that the isolated strain FJ/Tiger-201809 was in the same evolutionary branch as other reference strains of Aeromonas hydrophila and was closely related.The pathoge-nicity test in mice showed artificial infection of mice with the strain resulted in varying degrees of lesions in several organs of the mice,and the median lethal dose(LD50)was 1 × 107.8 CFU/mL.Virulence gene test results showed that the isolate FJ/Tiger-201809 carried two virulence genes,aer and act.The results of drug sensitivity test showed that FJ/Tiger-201809 was highly sensitive to enrofloxacin and ampicillin among 18 commonly used antibiotics,relatively sensitive to penicil-lin G and doxycycline,and resistant to the other 14 antibiotics.In conclusion,this study isolated and identified a strain of Aeromonas hydrophila from a dead South China tiger with multiple drug resistance and strong pathogenicity,which provided an important reference for the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in South China tiger.
7.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.
8.Effects of Electroacupuncture at Baihui Point and Dazhui Point on Cognitive Impairment and ROCK2/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in 5xFAD Model Mice
Hao ZHEN ; Tong YIN ; Shuqi CHEN ; Rui MA ; Youcan PAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(11):2798-2806
Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui(GV20)point and Dazhui(GV14)point on cognitive function and potential mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease(AD)mice.Methods Forty-eight male five-transgenic familial Alzheimer's disease(5xFAD)mice were divided into four groups:empty vector group,knockdown group,empty vector+electroacupuncture group,and knockdown+electroacupuncture group.The knockdown group received Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2(ROCK2)knockdown via adeno-associated virus(AAV)microinjection technology.Knockdown efficiency was verified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and gene expression levels were confirmed by Western Blot.After 4 weeks of viral expression and transfection,electroacupuncture intervention at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints was administered for 4 weeks.Cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests.Pathological products,inflammatory markers[interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)],and changes in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were detected using immunofluorescence staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and Western Blot techniques.Results Compared with the empty vector group,the ROCK2 knockdown group showed significantly improved spatial and contextual memory(P<0.05 or P<0.01),reduced amyloid deposition and inflammatory indicators(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and increased expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B(P-AKT)and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(P-PI3K)(P<0.01),while the knockdown+electroacupuncture group exhibited more pronounced effects than knockdown group(P<0.05 orP<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Baihui point and Dazhui point can regulate ROCK2 to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,improve cognitive impairment in AD mice,reduce Aβ deposition,and alleviate inflammatory responses.
9.Medication safety assessment tools for clinical nurses: a scoping review
Shuqi LI ; Ping SHEN ; Juqing KE ; Xiaojuan SHENG ; Ling YUAN ; Yan CHEN ; Qiuju CHEN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(35):4862-4868
Objective:To summarize medication safety assessment tools for clinical nurses both domestically and internationally.Methods:Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology, a systematic search was conducted across CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Data. The search period was from the establishment of database to January 1, 2025. Medication safety assessment tools for clinical nurses were extracted, relevant content was systematically analyzed, and the retrieval results were reported in a standardized manner.Results:A total of 28 studies were included, involving 15 medication safety assessment tools for clinical nurses. Assessment methods employed multidimensional and graded self-assessment formats. Based on evaluation perspectives, these tools were categorized into six types, including operational standardization monitoring, cognitive bias calibration, environmental stress testing, capability threshold identification, reporting barrier analysis, and medication information systems. The assessment tools had high reliability and validity, multiple types, and diverse evaluation perspectives.Conclusions:Researchers should carefully select and use assessment tools based on research characteristics. It is necessary to enhance the autonomy of nursing research on medication safety, develop comprehensive and accurate clinical nurse medication safety assessment tools that are adapted to China's clinical context, and promote the improvement of nurse medication safety.
10.Role of SMYD3-mediated histone H3K4me3 modification in pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH-ASD rats
Shan LONG ; Shuqi WU ; Chang PENG ; Ting TANG ; Lianmei CHEN ; Li WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(9):1685-1693
AIM:To investigate the role of SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3(SMYD3)-mediated histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation(H3K4me3)dysregulation in pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model of pulmo-nary arterial hypertension associated with atrial septal defect(PAH-ASD).METHODS:The PAH-ASD rat model was created using transseptal puncture and radiofrequency ablation techniques.The rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups:normal,sham,PAH-ASD,PAH-ASD+vehicle(Veh),and PAH-ASD+BCI-121(SMYD3 inhibitor).Four weeks after modeling,lung tissues and pulmonary vessels were harvested for subsequent analysis.Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the protein levels of SMYD3,H3K4me3,transforming growth faction-β1(TGF-β1),and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ).The mRNA expression of TGF-β1 was quantified using RT-qPCR.Histological assessment of pulmonary vascu-lar fibrosis,vascular wall thickness and smooth muscle proliferation was executed through Masson's trichrome and HE staining.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)assay was performed to investigate the interactions among SMYD3,H3K4me3,and TGF-β1.Hemodynamic parameters,including mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),were quantified using a computerized physiological signal acquisition system.RESULTS:The Western blot analysis indicated a significant in-crease in the protein levels of SMYD3,TGF-β1,Col Ⅲ,and H3K4me3 in the PAH-ASD group compared with the sham group(P<0.05).RT-qPCR corroborated the elevation of TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).Furthermore,Masson's trichrome and HE staining techniques revealed more pronounced pulmonary vascular fibrosis,an augmented vascular wall area,and an elevated vascular area index within the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).Additionally,the right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)and mPAP were significantly elevated in the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).The administration of BCI-121 resulted in a significant reduction of SMYD3,TGF-β1,Col Ⅲ,and H3K4me3 levels(P<0.05),while also mitigating pulmonary vascular fibrosis,RVHI,mPAP,pulmonary vascular area,and area index(P<0.05).Co-IP confirmed direct interactions among SMYD3,H3K4me3,and TGF-β1.CONCLUSION:Histone methyl-transferase SMYD3-mediated histone H3K4me3 modification plays a role in the pulmonary vascular remodeling of PAH-ASD model rats.The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of pulmonary vascular proliferation and fibrosis me-diated by the overexpression of TGF-β1 and Col Ⅲ.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail