1.Electroacupuncture reduces the expression of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt and alleviates cell apoptosis after spinal cord injury by regulating the PPARγ-CD36 signaling pathway
Mingjiao LI ; Chenglin TANG ; Zhuxin YANG ; Hongdi ZHAO ; Jiapei WANG ; Kehan XING ; Siqin HUANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(3):311-321
Objective:To establish a mouse model of spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on cell apoptosis after acute SCI and its mechanism.Methods:Female C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of SCI,and after successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into SCI group,EA group,and Rosiglitazone group(R group);a sham-operation group(Sham group)was also established.After successful modeling,the mice in the EA group were given EA at bilat-eral Jiaji points and Zusanli once a day for 14 days,those in the R ture,and the number of surviving cells.The EA group and the R group had a significant reduction in the expression of caspase-3 and significant increases in the expression of PPARγ and CD36,and the EA group had significant reductions in the expression of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt.In addition,RNA-Seq and TMT/iTRAQ techniques,significant analysis,Venn analysis,and dual-omics analysis identi-fied Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt as the target genes of EA.The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that EA had a significant effect on the PPAR signaling pathway.Conclusion:By regulating the PPARγ-CD36 signaling pathway,EA can promote the clearance of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt after SCI,reduce the expression level of caspase-3,alleviate cell apoptosis,and facilitate the recovery of spinal cord nerve function.
2.Exploration on the Protective Effects and Mechanism of Xinkang Granules-Containing Serum in H9C2 Cardiomyocyte Injury Based on cGAS-STING Axis
Siqin TANG ; Liang LI ; Bing GUO ; Qihui XIE ; Qingqi YIN ; Qinliang WU ; Xi YIN ; Yilin MAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):99-105
Objective To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Xinkang Granules-containing serum in adriamycin-induced injury of cardiomyocytes H9C2 based on cGAS-STING signaling axis.Methods Adriamycin was used to induce the H9C2 cells injury model.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group.After 24 hours of intervention,the CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the content of cell reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry,ELISA was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in cell supernatant,colorimetry was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cells,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM),cyclic guanosine-adenylate synthetase(cGAS),stimulator of interferon genes(STING)and TNF-α mRNA,Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expressions of cGAS and STING.Results Compared with the normal group,cell survival rate in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),the ROS content was significantly increased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in the supernatant significantly increased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expression of cGAS and STING significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,cell survival rate in Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group significantly increased(P<0.01),the ROS content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in supernatant significantly decreased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expressions of cGAS and STING significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Xinkang Granules have a protective effect on adriamycin-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes,which may be related to the inhibition of cGAS/STING axis activation and the secretion of inflammatory factors.
3.Enhanced BBB penetration and microglia-targeting nanomodulator for the two-pronged modulation of chronically activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
Ya WEI ; Xue XIA ; Xiaorong WANG ; Wenqin YANG ; Siqin HE ; Lulu WANG ; Yongke CHEN ; Yang ZHOU ; Feng CHEN ; Hanmei LI ; Fu PENG ; Guobo LI ; Zheng XU ; Jintao FU ; Huile GAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1098-1111
Intervention in chronically activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a novel approach to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). The low permeability of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and non-selective distribution in the brain severely restrict AD drugs' disease-modifying efficacy. Here, an immunosuppressant TREM2-lowing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and resveratrol co-loaded cationic liposome is developed as an immune reprogramming nanomodulator modified by acid-cleavable BBB-targeting peptide and microglia-targeting peptide (Res@TcMNP/ASO) for AD management. Res@TcMNP/ASO can enter brain endothelial cells via D-T7 peptides. Then D-T7 undergoes an acid-responsive cleavage, facilitating the escape of Res@MNP/ASO from endo/lysosomes to cross the BBB. The detached Res@MNP/ASO specifically targets M1-phenotype microglia via exposed MG1 peptides to prompt the simultaneous delivery of two drugs into activated microglia. This nanomodulator can not only restore the immune function of microglia through TREM2-lowing ASO but also mitigate the immune stimulation to microglia caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) through resveratrol, thereby synergistically inhibiting the chronic activation of microglia to alleviate neuroinflammation in AD. Our results indicate that this combination treatment can achieve significant behavioral and cognitive improvements in late APP/PS1 mice.
4.Research advances in non-pharmaceutical interventions for pain in patients with Parkinson disease
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(1):77-82
Pain is one of the common non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease and is characterized by early onset, a high incidence rate, and diverse types of discomfort, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Based on the related concepts of pain in Parkinson disease and the current status of research in China, this article reviews the commonly used non-pharmaceutical interventions for alleviating pain in patients and their mechanisms, in order to provide a basis for developing pain management regimens.
Parkinson Disease
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Pain
5.Exploration on the Protective Effects and Mechanism of Xinkang Granules-Containing Serum in H9C2 Cardiomyocyte Injury Based on cGAS-STING Axis
Siqin TANG ; Liang LI ; Bing GUO ; Qihui XIE ; Qingqi YIN ; Qinliang WU ; Xi YIN ; Yilin MAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):99-105
Objective To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Xinkang Granules-containing serum in adriamycin-induced injury of cardiomyocytes H9C2 based on cGAS-STING signaling axis.Methods Adriamycin was used to induce the H9C2 cells injury model.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group.After 24 hours of intervention,the CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the content of cell reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry,ELISA was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in cell supernatant,colorimetry was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cells,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM),cyclic guanosine-adenylate synthetase(cGAS),stimulator of interferon genes(STING)and TNF-α mRNA,Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expressions of cGAS and STING.Results Compared with the normal group,cell survival rate in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),the ROS content was significantly increased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in the supernatant significantly increased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expression of cGAS and STING significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,cell survival rate in Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group significantly increased(P<0.01),the ROS content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in supernatant significantly decreased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expressions of cGAS and STING significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Xinkang Granules have a protective effect on adriamycin-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes,which may be related to the inhibition of cGAS/STING axis activation and the secretion of inflammatory factors.
6.Dual-responsive supramolecular photodynamic nanomedicine with activatable immunomodulation for enhanced antitumor therapy.
Siqin HE ; Lulu WANG ; Dongxu WU ; Fan TONG ; Huan ZHAO ; Hanmei LI ; Tao GONG ; Huile GAO ; Yang ZHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):765-780
A major challenge facing photodynamic therapy (PDT) is that the activity of the immune-induced infiltrating CD8+ T cells is subject to the regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), leaving the tumor at risk of recurrence and metastasis after the initial ablation. To augment the antitumor response and reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), a supramolecular photodynamic nanoparticle (DACss) is constructed by the host-guest interaction between demethylcantharidin-conjugated β-cyclodextrin (DMC-CD) and amantadine-terminated disulfide-conjugated FFVLGGGC peptide with chlorin e6 decoration (Ad-ss-pep-Ce6) to achieve intelligent delivery of photosensitizer and immunomodulator for breast cancer treatment. The acid-labile β-carboxamide bond of DMC-CD is hydrolyzed in response to the acidic TME, resulting in the localized release of DMC and subsequent inhibition of Tregs. The guest molecule Ad-ss-pep-Ce6 can be cleaved by a high level of intracellular GSH, reducing photosensitizer toxicity and increasing photosensitizer retention in the tumor. With a significant increase in the CTL/Treg ratio, the combination of Ce6-based PDT and DMC-mediated immunomodulation adequately achieved spatiotemporal regulation and remodeling of the TME, as well as improved primary tumor and in situ lung metastasis suppression with the aid of PD-1 antibody.
7.Correlation of serum HP and ADMA levels with prognosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction
Yangyang GAO ; Jiteng LI ; Ruixia LIU ; Siqin LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2024;26(2):184-187
Objective To investigate the changes in serum HP and ADMA levels in patients with ACI and the correlation of their levels with recanalization after venous thrombolysis and poor prognosis.Methods A total of 260 ACI patients undergoing venous thrombolysis in our hospital from January 2020 to March 2023 were retrospectively recruited,and were categorized into reper-fusion group(n=196)and non-reperfusion group(n=64)based on the efficacy of thrombolysis.After a 90-day follow-up,they were further divided into good prognosis group(n=159)and poor prognosis group(n=101)according to the results of a modified Rankin scale.Serum levels of HP and ADMA at admission were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for non-reperfusion and poor prognosis in ACI patients.ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of serum HP and ADMA levels for non-reperfusion and the diagnostic efficiency for poor prognosis in ACI patients.Results The non-reperfusion group exhibited notably elevated serum HP and ADMA levels than the reperfusion group(2.10±0.21 g/Lvs1.29±0.31 g/L,1.68±0.19 μmol/L vs 0.69±0.11 μmol/L,P<0.01).HP and ADMA were identified as significant risk factors for uncanalization after treatment(P<0.01).The AUC value of their combination in diagnosing uncanalization after venous thrombolys-is was 0.869(95%CI:0.830-0.908).Furthermore,significantly higher serum levels of HP and ADMA were observed in the poor prognosis group than the good prognosis group(2.27±0.19 g/L vs 1.15±0.34 g/L,1.72±0.21 μmol/L vs 0.64±0.10 μmol/L,P<0.01).HP and ADMA were also recognized as influencing factors for poor prognosis in 90 d after treatment(P<0.01).The AUC value was 0.816(95%CI:0.768-0.865)when their combination was used to predict poor prognosis in 90 d after treatment.Conclusion HP and ADMA are highly expressed in the se-rum of ACI patients with failed venous thrombolysis and poor prognosis.Their combined detec-tion can effectively predict both uncanalization and poor prognosis.
8.Biological scaffold materials and printing technology for repairing bone defects
Xiangyu KONG ; Xing WANG ; Zhiwei PEI ; Jiale CHANG ; Siqin LI ; Ting HAO ; Wanxiong HE ; Baoxin ZHANG ; Yanfei JIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(3):479-485
BACKGROUND:In recent years,with the development of biological scaffold materials and bioprinting technology,tissue-engineered bone has become a research hotspot in bone defect repair. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current treatment methods for bone defects,summarize the biomaterials and bioprinting technology for preparing tissue-engineered bone scaffolds,and explore the application of biomaterials and printing technology in tissue engineering and the current challenges. METHODS:Search terms were"bone defect,tissue engineering,biomaterials,3D printing technology,4D printing technology,bioprinting,biological scaffold,bone repair"in Chinese and English.Relevant documents published from January 1,2009 to December 1,2022 were retrieved on CNKI,PubMed and Web of Science databases.After being screened by the first author,high-quality references were added.A total of 93 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The main treatment methods for bone defects include bone transplantation,membrane-guided regeneration,gene therapy,bone tissue engineering,etc.The best treatment method is still uncertain.Bone tissue engineering technology is a new technology for the treatment of bone defects.It has become the focus of current research by constructing three-dimensional structures that can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and enhance the ability of bone formation.Biological scaffold materials are diverse,with their characteristics,advantages and disadvantages.A single biological material cannot meet the demand for tissue-engineered bone for the scaffold.Usually,multiple materials are combined to complement each other,which is to meet the demand for mechanical properties while taking into account the biological properties of the scaffold.Bioprinting technology can adjust the pore of the scaffold,build a complex spatial structure,and is more conducive to cell adhesion,proliferation and differentiation.The emerging 4D printing technology introduces"time"as the fourth dimension to make the prepared scaffold dynamic.With the synchronous development of smart materials,4D printing technology provides the possibility of efficient repair of bone defects in the future.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Chronic Heart Failure Progression by Regulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Kun LIAN ; Ying DENG ; Siqin TANG ; Lin LI ; Ting WANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):243-251
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome resulting from damage to the myocardium, leading to changes in the function or structure of the heart and causing reduced pumping and/or filling capacity. Its pathogenesis is complex, potentially involving myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis and autophagy of cardiomyocytes, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and myocardial remodeling. Our team believes that the fundamental pathogenesis of CHF is heart-Qi deficiency, with the disease location in the heart, which is closely related to other organs. Due to heart-Qi deficiency, blood circulation weakens, leading to blood stasis, which in turn generates water-dampness and phlegm turbidity that accumulate over time and become toxic. The interaction between water stasis, Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm toxicity further weakens the body, creating a vicious cycle (deficiency, stasis, water retention, and toxicity) that is difficult to resolve. Under physiological conditions, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway functions normally, maintaining vital activities and immune responses. However, in pathological states, the NF-κB signaling pathway becomes imbalanced, triggering inflammatory responses and other issues. Research has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway through multiple pathways, targets, and effects, effectively improving the progression of CHF. As a result, this has become a research hotspot for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Guided by TCM theory, this research group reviewed the literature to summarize the activation pathways of the NF-κB pathway and its interactions with other pathways. Additionally, the group summarized the research progress on the regulation of the NF-κB pathway in the treatment of CHF using Chinese medicines, their active ingredients, Chinese medicine compounds, and Chinese patent medicines. This study is expected to clarify the mechanisms and targets by which TCM treats CHF by regulating the NF-κB pathway, thereby guiding clinical treatment and drug development for CHF.
10.Correlation of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Albumin-Globulin Ratios With Outcomes in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy or Upfront Surgery
Shi Hui YANG ; Min Li TEY ; Siqin ZHOU ; Phyu NITAR ; Hanis MARIYAH ; Yirong SIM ; Grace KUSUMAWIDJAJA ; Wen Yee CHAY ; Wong Fuh YONG ; Ru Xin WONG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2024;27(2):105-120
Purpose:
Higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLRs) indicate a pro-inflammatory state and are associated with poor survival. Conversely, higher albumin-globulin ratio (AGRs) may be associated with improved prognosis. We aimed to investigate the association between NLR and AGR and prognosis and survival in patients with breast cancer.
Methods:
This retrospective study included all patients with stage I–III breast cancer between 2011 and 2017 in Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Center Singapore.Multivariate logistic regression analysis of NLR, AGR, age, stage, grade, and subtype was performed. Survival data between groups were compared using Cox regression analysis and log-rank tests.
Results:
A total of 1,188 patients were included, of whom 323 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and 865 underwent upfront surgery. In patients who underwent NACT, a higher AGR was significantly associated with a higher pCR rate (cut-off > 1.28; odds ratio [OR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–3.74; p = 0.020), better DFS (cut off > 1.55; hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16–0.85; p = 0.019), and better CSS (cut off > 1.46; HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.17–0.92; p = 0.031). Higher NLR was significantly associated with worse DFS (cut off > 4.09; HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.07–2.91; p = 0.026) and worse CSS (cut off > 4.09; HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.11–3.53; p = 0.021). In patients who underwent upfront surgery, higher AGR correlated with significantly better OS (cut off > 1.17; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36–0.82; p = 0.004) and higher NLR correlated with worse OS (cut off > 2.38; HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09–2.44; p = 0.018).
Conclusion
NLR and AGR are useful in predicting the response to NACT as well as prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Further studies are needed to explore their value in clinical decision making.

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