1.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa in Regulating LINC01134-CTCF-p21 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; He ZHUANG ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF, affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa (A-H) in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines (oe-NC and oe-LINC01134) were established using lentiviral transfection, and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134, CTCF, and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134, and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group, the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates (P0.01). Compared with the oe-Vector group, p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group (P0.01). Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 (P0.05), but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h (P0.05), inhibited malignant proliferation (P0.05), and reversed the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases (P0.01). Furthermore, compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb), and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (P0.01). ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G1/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle, accelerate cellular senescence, and inhibit malignant proliferation.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa in Regulating LINC01134-CTCF-p21 Axis to Inhibit Lung Adenocarcinoma Proliferation
Haipeng SUN ; He ZHUANG ; Xue LIU ; Siyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF, affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21) and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells, in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa (A-H) in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines (oe-NC and oe-LINC01134) were established using lentiviral transfection, and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134, CTCF, and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134, and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group, the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates (P0.01). Compared with the oe-Vector group, p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group (P0.01). Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 (P0.05), but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h (P0.05), inhibited malignant proliferation (P0.05), and reversed the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases (P0.01). Furthermore, compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group, the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E, CDK2, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb), and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) (P0.01). ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G1/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle, accelerate cellular senescence, and inhibit malignant proliferation.
3.Research progress on pharmacological activities and mechanisms of farrerol
Siyuan XI ; Yin MA ; Yingying LIANG ; Wenwen LIAN ; Bingzhi MA ; Jun HE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1768-1772
Farrerol is a dihydroflavone compound extracted from the dried leaves of Rhododendron dauricum belonging to the Ericaceae family. This article systematically reviews relevant research on farrerol both domestically and internationally, summarizes its pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, and finds that it exerts cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective effects by maintaining the homeostasis of vascular endothelial function and inhibiting vascular intimal hyperplasia; exerts renal protective effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to reduce renal damage; exerts liver protective effects by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, improving insulin resistance, and reducing lipid deposition in the liver; exerts neuroprotective effects by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4 and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathways to reduce neuroinflammatory damage; exerts bone protective effects by promoting tendon formation and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation; exerts antitumor effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and weakening tumor cell invasion and metastasis; and exerts antibacterial effects by downregulating α -toxin expression, interfering with β -lactamase/penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), and inhibiting PBP2a oligomerization. Currently, research on the pharmacological effects of farrerol is still mainly focused on animal and cell experiments. Further mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to provide theoretical basis for its new drug development and clinical application.
4.Research progress on pharmacological activities and mechanisms of farrerol
Siyuan XI ; Yin MA ; Yingying LIANG ; Wenwen LIAN ; Bingzhi MA ; Jun HE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1768-1772
Farrerol is a dihydroflavone compound extracted from the dried leaves of Rhododendron dauricum belonging to the Ericaceae family. This article systematically reviews relevant research on farrerol both domestically and internationally, summarizes its pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action, and finds that it exerts cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective effects by maintaining the homeostasis of vascular endothelial function and inhibiting vascular intimal hyperplasia; exerts renal protective effects by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to reduce renal damage; exerts liver protective effects by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, improving insulin resistance, and reducing lipid deposition in the liver; exerts neuroprotective effects by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4 and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathways to reduce neuroinflammatory damage; exerts bone protective effects by promoting tendon formation and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation; exerts antitumor effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and weakening tumor cell invasion and metastasis; and exerts antibacterial effects by downregulating α -toxin expression, interfering with β -lactamase/penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), and inhibiting PBP2a oligomerization. Currently, research on the pharmacological effects of farrerol is still mainly focused on animal and cell experiments. Further mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to provide theoretical basis for its new drug development and clinical application.
5.A diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome mouse model induced via sennae folium gavage combined with chronic restraint stress
Yanqiu LI ; Yue HE ; Yujun HOU ; Fangli LUO ; Xiangyun YAN ; Zhaoxuan HE ; Ying LI ; Siyuan ZHOU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(7):958-967
Objective This study sought to establish a diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)mouse model by gavage different mass concentrations sennae folium combined with chronic restraint stress,and to determine the appropriate mass concentration of sennae folium to establish IBS-D mouse model.Methods The mass concentration of sennae folium used for the IBS-D mouse model followed suggested amounts in the literature and on that basis,the mass concentration gradient was established prior to conducting the experiment.Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into a normal group(Group N),a low-dose group(Group L;0.25 g/mL sennae solution),a medium-dose group(Group M;0.50 g/mL sennae solution),and a high-dose group(Group H;1.0 g/mL sennae solution),with 10 mice per group.After 14 days,the defecation,diarrhea index,visceral sensitivity,and morphological changes in the colonic tissue in each group were observed and recorded to compare the differences among models established with varying mass concentrations of sennae folium.Results Compared with Group N(42.90±11.90)%,Group L(80.30±5.77)%,Group M(80.50±3.44)%,and Group H(81.90±2.68)%had significantly higher 6 h fecal water content(P<0.01).Compared with Group N(0.00±0.00),the diarrhea index of mice in Group L(0.57±0.16),Group M(0.62±0.23),and Group H(0.60,0.23)also increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with Group N(0.65(0.60,0.65)),Group M(0.32(0.24,0.39))and Group H(0.34(0.27,0.47))had significantly lower visceral pain threshold and higher visceral sensitivity(P<0.01).Additionally,the first blue stool time in Group M(98.15(93.41,100.44)min)was significantly shorter than that in Group N(186.81(109.28,192.05)min)(P<0.01),and the total number of stools in Group M(22.4±3.73)was significantly higher than that in Group N(17.90±4.48)(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with 0.25 and 1.0 g/mL,0.50 g/mL sennae folium gavage,combined with chronic restraint stress,can better simulate the clinical symptoms of IBS-D.
6.Jasurolignoside from Ilex pubescens exerts a therapeutic effect on acute lung injury in vitro and in vivo by binding to TLR4.
Shan HAN ; Chi Teng VONG ; Jia HE ; Qinqin WANG ; Qiumei FAN ; Siyuan LI ; Jilang LI ; Min LIAO ; Shilin YANG ; Renyikun YUAN ; Hongwei GAO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1058-1068
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease caused by viral infection that triggers an uncontrolled inflammatory response. This study investigated the capacity of jasurolignoside (JO), a natural compound, to bind to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and treat ALI. The anti-inflammatory properties of JO were evaluated in vitro through Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence staining, and co-immunoprecipitation. The investigation utilized a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI animal model to examine the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of JO in vivo. JO attenuated inflammatory symptoms in infected cells and tissues by modulating the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Molecular docking simulations revealed JO binding to TLR4 active sites, confirmed by cellular thermal shift assay. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) demonstrated direct interaction between JO and TLR4 with a Kd value of 35.1 μmol·L-1. Moreover, JO inhibited tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 secretion and reduced leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and macrophage infiltration in ALI-affected mice. JO also enhanced lung function and reduced ALI-related mortality. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated JO's ability to suppress TLR4 expression in ALI-affected mouse lung tissue. This study establishes that JO can bind to TLR4 and effectively treat ALI, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for clinical applications.
Toll-Like Receptor 4/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced*
;
Mice
;
Humans
;
Ilex/chemistry*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Male
;
NF-kappa B/immunology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
;
Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Disease Models, Animal
7.Construction of myeloid specific nuclear factor ⅠB conditional gene knockout mice and its intestinal inflammation manifestation
Manqiu HU ; Li ZHOU ; Siyuan CHEN ; Hongtao LIU ; Hao ZHANG ; Song HE ; Zhihang ZHOU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(2):215-222
Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of nuclear factor ⅠB(NFⅠB)in myeloid cells and intestinal inflammation by constructing NFⅠB conditional gene knockout(cKO)mice.Methods Human Protein Atlas database,Genotype-Tissue Expression database,and FANTOM5 database were used to investigate the expression of NFⅠB in inflammatory cells.NFⅠB-floxed mice were constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and hybridized with LyZ2-Cre transgenic mice.Myeloid specific NFⅠB cKO mice(NFⅠBfl/flLyz2-Cre)were obtained by self-crossing the progeny.After the genotype identification of mice by agarose gel electrophoresis,4 NFⅠB cKO mice of C57BL/6N strain were selected as experimental group,and 4 non-cKO mice were selected as control group.Both groups were induced with 2.5%dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS)under the same condition to establish a chronic colitis model,and the severity of colitis was evaluated by clinical manifestations and histopathology.Results Analysis showed that NFⅠB was expressed in both myeloid granulocytes and monocytes,and the highest expression was found in neutrophils.NFⅠB cKO mice were successfully constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and Cre-loxP system.DSS-induced enteritis NFⅠB cKO mice developed diarrhea,gross blood stools,reduced activity,and weight loss in a short time.The gross examination of the intestines showed that the colon of the NFⅠB cKO mice was significantly shorter than that of the non-cKO mice([8.23±0.35]cm vs[10.30±0.36]cm,P<0.01).Intestinal H-E staining showed changes in mucosal glandular structure and connective tissue hyperplasia with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in NFⅠB cKO mice.The histological score of NFⅠB cKO mice was significantly higher than that of non-cKO mice(4.25±0.50 vs 0.50±0.58,P<0.01).Intestinal immunohistochemical staining showed that more CD11b positive cells were recruited in NFⅠB cKO mice than non-cKO mice.Conclusion Myeloid specific NFⅠB cKO mice have been successfully constructed,and NFⅠB in myeloid cells can reduce infiltration of immune cells(granulocytes or/and monocytes)to inhibit intestinal inflammation.
8.Application of cell ablation in neurobiological and neurological system disease research
Chong CHEN ; Siyuan WANG ; Xiaoqiao HE ; Weidong ZHAO
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(7):648-652,669
Cell ablation has recently emerged as a valuable technique for investigating cell lineage and function during the development of organisms.The nervous system contains diverse cellular populations,whose roles under physiological and pathological conditions are still not fully understood.Various cell ablation methods have been reported to specifically ablate different types of cell populations in the nervous system and have also been used to study cellular functions under physiological conditions as well as the pathogenesis of neurologi-cal system diseases.In this article,we have summarized common cell ablation techniques and focus on their applications in neurobio-logical and neurological system disease research.
9.Clinical management and outcomes of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants <32 weeks′ gestation from the Chinese Neonatal Network from 2019 to 2023
Yue HE ; Xiao CHEN ; Lijiao ZU ; Zhicheng ZHU ; Jieru SHEN ; Jie YANG ; Siyuan JIANG ; Jianguo ZHOU ; Chao CHEN ; Lin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(8):870-878
Objective:To analyze the current status and trends in the clinical management and outcomes of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants <32 weeks′ gestation admitted to the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2023.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to January 2025 using the CHNN cohort of very preterm and extremely preterm infants. A total of 30 869 RDS infants with gestational age <32 weeks were admitted within 1 day after birth to CHNN centers from 2019 to 2023. Data on demographics, perinatal management, early complications within 7 days of age, and in-hospital outcomes were collected. Yearly groups were defined by admission year. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage trend test, linear regression model and median regression model.Results:The gestational age at birth of 30 869 RDS infant was 28.9 (27.1, 30.7) weeks and the birth weight was 1 259 (932, 1 586) g. Males account for 56.5% (17 363/30 757). From 2019 to 2023, the prevalence of RDS was 73.8% (5 503/7 461), 74.5% (5 490/7 368), 79.8% (5 884/7 372), 81.6% (6 435/7 889), and 86.0% (7 557/8 789), respectively, showing an increasing trend year by year ( P<0.001). The overall rate of pulmonary surfactant administration was 72.4% (22 359/30 869), fluctuating between 71.2% (5 381/7 557) and 74.3% (4 089/5 503) over the 5-year period. Antenatal corticosteroids were administered to 82.3% (24 357/29 597) mothers of RDS infants and 23.6% (7 218/30 565) RDS infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support in the delivery room, both showing a increasing trend over the 5 years (both P<0.001). The incidence of pneumothorax and the use rate of inhaled nitric oxide within 7 days of age were 1.3% (393/30 846) and 1.4% (436/30 869), respectively, both showing increasing trends over the 5 years (both P<0.001). The rate of complete course of antenatal corticosteroids administration was 64.6% (14 458/22 382), the rates of discharge against medical advice and mortality within 7 days of age were 5.3% (1 635/30 869) and 2.7% (724/26 803), respectively, all showing a decreasing trend over time (all P<0.05). Regarding in-hospital outcomes, mortality rate of RDS infants was 4.6% (1 228/26 803), showing a downward trend year by year ( P=0.005). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was 35.0% (9 417/26 919), and the combined incidence of death or BPD was 36.4% (9 763/26 803), both showing an increasing trend year by year (both P<0.001). Conclusions:RDS prevalence increased annually in preterm infants <32 weeks′ gestation from 2019 to 2023, with declining mortality but rising BPD rates. While antenatal steroid use and noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support application improved, full-course antenatal steroid compliance decreased. These findings highlight the need for standardized perinatal management protocols to improve the clinical management of RDS.
10.A new strategy for pharmacodynamic substance screening and research on gut microbiota pathway mechanisms based on UPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS and 16S rRNA
Zhiying Yu ; Tong Li ; Jie Yang ; Jianghua He ; Weijiang Zhang ; Siyuan Li ; Yunpeng Qi ; Yihui Yin ; Ling Dong ; Wenjuan Xu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):56-70
Objective:
To establish a progressive research strategy for “colonic components analysis - efficacy verification and mechanism exploration - gut microbiota”, screen pharmacodynamic substances, and investigate their mechanism via gut microbiota.
Methods:
The pharmacodynamics of Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) were assessed using a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer was used to identify the prototype and metabolic components of GQD in the colon during UC. To analyze the structure and function of characteristic genera of GQD and its active components, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed.
Results:
We identified 67 prototypic and 14 metabolic components of GQD in the UC colon. The primary prototype components are flavonoids and alkaloids, including puerarin (PUE), baicalin (BAI), and berberine (BER). The metabolism was predominantly sulfonation. Efficacy verification showed that the main active components, puerarin, baicalin, and berberine, had good therapeutic effects on UC. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that GQD improved UC by regulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The abundance of gut microbiota involved in the metabolism of the prototype components was influenced by the corresponding components. The function prediction results showed that PUE was the most comparable to GQD, with 24 consistent pathways. BAI and BER showed comparable gut microbiota regulation pathways. Characteristic pathways of BER include glucometabolic processes.
Conclusion
This study focused on the key issues in the gut microbiota pathway and developed a progressive research strategy to understand the transformation mechanisms of colonic components. This research systematically analyzed the active components and metabolic transformation of GQD in the colon during the pathological state of UC, as well as changes in the structure and function of the gut microbiota, clarified the mechanism of GQD and its active components in improving UC via the gut microbiota pathway.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail