1.Diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors
Minli MA ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Hongyan SONG ; Fang LIN ; Qi MA
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):511-517
AIM: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent surgical resection for eyelid tumors at our hospital between March 2018 and March 2023. Participants were categorized into benign and malignant groups based on tumor characteristics. Clinical data were collected. Genetic data for eyelid tumors were obtained from the GEO database, and differential gene analysis, including volcano plot visualization and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, was performed using the Sangerbox 3.0 platform. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX in tissue samples. Correlations with clinical features were analyzed using Spearman analysis, and prognostic factors were identified via Logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: This study included 69 patients with eyelid tumors(78 eyes), categorized into a benign group(37 patients, 41 eyes)and a malignant group(32 patients, 37 eyes)based on tumor characteristics. There were significant differences between the two groups in histological subtype, TNM staging, vascular invasion, differentiation status, and local infiltration(all P<0.05). Among benign tumors: pigmented nevi in 11 eyes(27%), hemangiomas in 9 eyes(22%), squamous cell papillomas in 5 eyes(12%), epidermoid cysts in 5 eyes(12%), seborrheic keratoses in 4 eyes(10%), neurofibromas in 3 eyes(7%), and both calcifying epithelioma and xanthelasma in 2 eyes each(5%); among malignant tumors: basal cell carcinoma in 18 eyes(49%), meibomian gland carcinoma in 8 eyes(22%), squamous cell carcinoma in 5 eyes(14%), sebaceous gland carcinoma in 4 eyes(11%), lymphoma and malignant melanoma each in 1 eye(3%). At the follow-up cutoff date of March 2025, the 2-year survival rate in the benign group(95%)was significantly higher than that in the malignant group(78%; P<0.05). Bioinformatics analysis identified 4 103 differentially expressed genes, including Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX, which were predominantly involved in pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway and calcium-related signaling. Spearman analysis revealed that local invasion(rs=0.71, P<0.05)and TNM stage(rs=0.73, P<0.05)correlated with Cyclin D1 expression; local invasion(rs=0.76, P<0.05)and histological subtype(rs=0.65, P<0.05)correlated with p53 expression. Logistic regression results indicated that Cyclin D1, p53, TNM staging, and local invasion were prognostic risk factors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of these four indicators had the highest predictive value for prognosis(AUC=0.83).CONCLUSION: High expression of cyclin D1 and p53 serves as molecular markers for distinguishing benign from malignant eyelid tumors and assessing prognosis. Combined detection of these markers with TNM staging and local invasion demonstrates high predictive value for prognosis.
2.Mechanistic study of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in improving nephrotic syndrome via regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 pathway
Yifan TAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xu WANG ; Chong ZHANG ; Ying SU ; Xidong JIA ; Haoran JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):602-606
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group (distilled water), prednisone group (10 mg/kg), and TWM high- and low-dose groups (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, blank group (distilled water) without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed; the levels of 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical indicators [albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cholesterol (CHOL), and triglyceride (TG)] in rats were determined; the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)] in kidney tissue of rats were determined; expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p)/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure, with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP, serum levels of SCr, BUN, CHOL and TG, MDA content, mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Serum level of ALB, SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury, with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
3.Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula(益气养阴活血方)on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Injury in Membranous Nephropathy Model Rats:Based on the NOX4-mediated SDF-1α/CXCR4 Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxiao GUO ; Chundong SONG ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN ; Haoran JIANG ; Ying DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1431-1439
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Formula (益气养阴活血方, YYHF) in the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN) based on the NOX4-mediated stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 42 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=6) and modeling group (n=36). The modeling rats were given a single injection of sheep antirat Fx1A (6 ml/kg) serum into the tail vein to establish MN model. Thirty-six rats with successful modeling were further divided into model group (normal saline, 10 ml/kg), benazepril group (10 mg·kg-1·d-1), the medium-dose YYHF group (11.0 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose YYHF group (22.0 g·kg-1·d-1), with 9 rats in each group. All groups received daily intragastric administration for 6 consecutive weeks. During the experimental period, the general condition of rats in each group was observed. After gavage administration finished, a fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical parameters, including albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and periodic acid-silver metheramine (PASM) staining were used to observe the histopathological changes of renal tissues in each group of rats. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal tissues were detected by ELISA. The protein expression levels of NOX4, SDF-1α, CXCR4, Nrf2, nuclear factor kappa B subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) and podocyte slit diaphragm protein nephrin in rat renal tissues were detected by Western Blotting. The mRNA expressions of NOX4, SDF-1α, CXCR4, Nrf2, NF-κB p65 and Nephrin in renal tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited typical features of MN, including lethargy, reduced activity, dull and coarse fur, marked edema, and massive proteinuria. Compared to the model group, these abnormal conditions were improved to varying degrees in all treatment groups. The high-dose YYHF group showed a level of improvement comparable to that of the benazepril group, with overall recovery superior to that of the medium-dose YYHF group. Compared to the blank group, the model group showed increased levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, TC and TG, decreased level of ALB, increased levels of MDA and protein and mRNA expressions of NOX4, SDF-1α, CXCR4 and NF-κB p65 in renal tissue, along with decreased levels of SOD and protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2, Nephrin (P<0.01), accompanied by severe renal pathological damage. Compared to the model group, the benazepril and the medium- and high-dose YYHF groups showed significant improvements in the above indicators (P<0.01), along with alleviation of renal pathological injury. The 24 h-UTP level in the high-dose YYHF group was lower than that in the medium-dose group (P<0.01), while no statistically significant difference was observed among the other treatment groups (P>0.01). ConclusionYYHF may alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by down-regulating the expression of NOX4 and inhibiting the SDF-1α/CXCR4-Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving podocyte damage and protecting renal function.
4.The pathological diagnostic efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy using a fork-tip needle
Bahetinuer JIASHAER ; Mei YING ; Baohui SONG ; Tianyin CHEN ; Yiqun ZHANG ; Yunshi ZHONG ; Pinghong ZHOU ; Mingyan CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(4):689-693
Objective To compare the pathological diagnosis rate, number of punctures, and applicability to different lesion locations between a fork-tip biopsy needle and a conventional needle. Methods A retrospective collection of data was conducted on 137 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy (novel needle group, n=12) or aspiration (conventional needle group, n=125) at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January to August 2023. After propensity score matching at a ratio of 1∶5, there were 12 patients in the novel needle group and 60 patients in the conventional needle group. The pathological diagnosis rate and number of punctures were compared between the two groups. The stratified analyses on the size and location of lesions were performed. Results After matching, the pathological diagnosis rate was 91.7% (11/12) in the novel needle group, with a median of 2 punctures; the rate was 61.7% (37/60) in the conventional needle group, with a median of 3 punctures. No statistically significant differences in pathological diagnosis rate and number of punctures were observed between the two groups. Subgroup analysis showed that for lesions ≥20 mm, there was no significant difference in the number of punctures between the novel and conventional needles. The novel needle achieved a significantly higher pathological diagnosis rate for subepithelial tumors compared with the conventional needle (100.0% vs 30.4%, P=0.019), whereas no significant differences were found for pancreatic masses or lymph node lesions. Conclusions Compared with EUS-guided aspiration using the conventional needle, EUS-guided biopsy using the novel fork-tip needle shows a trend toward a higher pathological diagnosis rate, with particular advantages in subepithelial tumors.
5.Investigation of the current status and related factors of vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Jie LI ; Ying ZHANG ; Danfei SONG ; Kunming PAN ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qianzhou LYU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2144-2149
OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence and outcomes of vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury (VA-AKI) in critically ill patients, to analyze the independent risk factors for the development of VA-AKI and renal function outcomes in VA-AKI patients, and to evaluate the predictive performance of vancomycin treatment duration for VA-AKI occurrence, so as to provide reference for the rational and safe use of this drug.METHODS Clinical data of critically ill patients who received vancomycin during hospitalization in the intensive care unit of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University,from January 2022 to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into the VA‑AKI group and the non‑AKI group according to the occurrence of VA‑AKI. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen for independent risk factors for VA‑AKI development and renal function outcomes in patients with VA‑AKI. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive performance of vancomycin treatment duration for VA‑AKI.RESULTS A total of 1 484 patients were enrolled, among whom 287 developed VA‑AKI, with an incidence of 19.3%. The overall median time to onset was 2.5 days after vancomycin administration. Complicated hypertension, cardiac or renal insufficiency, hospital‑acquired sepsis/bacteremia, multiple organ failure, invasive mechanical ventilation during hospitalization, vancomycin treatment duration ≥10 days, and concomitant use of carbapenems or tacrolimus were independent risk factors for VA‑AKI ( P <0.05). Concomitant use of vasopressors was an independent risk factor for renal function outcomes in patients with VA‑AKI ( P <0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the model using vancomycin treatment duration of predict the occurrence of VA-AKI was 0.624. At the optimal cut‑off value of 9.7 days, the sensitivity and specificity were 47.4% and 74.9%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS Critically ill patients have a relatively high incidence of VA-AKI, which mostly occurs in the early stage of vancomycin therapy. Patients with underlying cardiac-renal diseases, severe infection, requirement for mechanical ventilation, prolonged vancomycin therapy, and concomitant administration of carbapenems or tacrolimus are at high risk for VA-AKI. Concomitant vasopressor use affects renal function recovery in patients with VA-AKI. The predicted risk of acute kidney injury is higher when vancomycin treatment duration is ≥10 days.
6.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
7.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
8.Elevated TMCO1 expression in gastric cancer is associated poor prognosis and promotes malignant phenotypes of tumor cells by inhibiting apoptosis.
Bowen SONG ; Renjie ZHOU ; Ying XU ; Jinran SHI ; Zhizhi ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Zhijun GENG ; Xue SONG ; Lian WANG ; Yueyue WANG ; Lugen ZUO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2385-2393
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the impact of high expression of transmembrane and coiled helix structural domain 1 (TMCO1) on prognosis of gastric cancer and the possible mechanisms.
METHODS:
TMCO1 expression in gastric cancer and its effect on gastric cancer progression and prognosis were analyzed using publicly available databases and clinical data of patients undergoing radical surgery in our hospital, and its possible biological functions were explored using KEGG and GO analyses. In gastric cancer HGC-27 cells, the effects of lentivirus-mediated TMCO1 overexpression and TMCO1 silencing on cell apoptosis, proliferation, invasion and migration were examined.
RESULTS:
TMCO1 expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer tissues (P<0.05), and its high expression was positively correlated with cancer progression (P<0.001) and a lowered postoperative 5-year survival rate of the patients (P<0.05). Bioinformatic analyses suggested that TMCO1 may affect gastric cancer cell apoptosis via Wnt signaling. In HGC-27 cells, TMCO1 overexpression significantly promoted tumor cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell migration and invasion, whereas TMCO1 silencing produced the opposite effects. Western blotting showed that β-catenin levels were significantly upregulated in TMCO1-overexpressing cells and downregulated in cells with TMCO1 silencing.
CONCLUSIONS
TMCO1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, and its high expression promotes gastric cancer progression and affects long-term prognosis of the patients possibly by activating the Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.
Humans
;
Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Movement
;
Wnt Signaling Pathway
;
beta Catenin/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
9.Early assessment of responsive neurostimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy in China: A multicenter, self-controlled study.
Yanfeng YANG ; Penghu WEI ; Jianwei SHI ; Ying MAO ; Jianmin ZHANG ; Ding LEI ; Zhiquan YANG ; Shiwei SONG ; Ruobing QIAN ; Wenling LI ; Yongzhi SHAN ; Guoguang ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):430-440
BACKGROUND:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the first cohort of people in China treated with a responsive neurostimulation system (Epilcure TM , GenLight MedTech, Hangzhou, China) for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in this study.
METHODS:
This multicenter, before-and-after self-controlled study was conducted across 8 centers from March 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were undergoing responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The study was based on an ongoing multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Efficacy was assessed through metrics including median seizure count, seizure frequency reduction (SFR), and response rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships of basic clinical factors and intracranial electrophysiological characteristics with SFR. The postoperative quality of life, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety were evaluated as well.
RESULTS:
The follow-up period for the 19 participants was 10.7 ± 3.4 months. Seizure counts decreased significantly 6 months after device activation, with median SFR of 48% at the 6th month (M6) and 58% at M12 ( P <0.05). The average response rate after 13 months of treatment was 42%, with 21% ( n = 4) of the participants achieving seizure freedom. Patients who have previously undergone resective surgery appear to achieve better therapeutic outcomes at M11, M12 and M13 ( β <0, P <0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in patients' scores of quality of life, cognition, depression and anxiety following stimulation when compared to baseline measurements. No serious adverse events related to the devices were observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The preliminary findings suggest that Epilcure TM exhibits promising therapeutic potential in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, to further validate its efficacy, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are required.
REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200055247).
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy*
;
Adult
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
China
;
Adolescent
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Quality of Life
;
Single-Blind Method
;
Seizures
;
Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods*
10.Effect and mechanism of alkaloids from Portulacae Herba on ulcerative colitis in mice based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Jia-Hui ZHENG ; Ying-Ying SONG ; Tian-Ci ZHANG ; Wen-Ting WANG ; Zhi-Ping YANG ; Jin-Xia AI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):874-881
This study investigated the functions and regulatory mechanism of Portulacae Herba and its chemical components on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathway in the colon tissue of mice with dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC). A total of 35 mice were randomly divided into groups, including a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine group(0. 5 g·kg~(-1)), and low, medium,and high dose alkaloids from Portulacae Herba groups(9, 18, 36 mg·kg~(-1)), and a combination treatment group, with 5 mice in each group. The blank group was given purified water, while the other groups were continuously given a 3% DSS solution for 7 days to induce the UC model. From day 8 onwards, the treatment group received oral gavage according to the prescribed doses for 14 days. The overall condition, body weight, stool characteristics, and presence of blood in the stool were recorded daily. After the experiment, the disease activity index(DAI) was assessed for each group, and colon length was measured. Histopathological changes in colon tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β( IL-1β) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA). The protein and m RNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in colon tissue were measured using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR).Compared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant decrease in body weight, a notable increase in DAI scores, a significant shortening of colon length, and evident histopathological damage. The levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum were significantly elevated, and the protein and m RNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in colon tissue were significantly up-regulated. In contrast, the alkaloids from Portulacae Herba treatment groups significantly improved symptoms and reduced body weight loss in mice, decreased DAI scores, alleviated colon shortening, lowered serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β,significantly down-regulated the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB proteins and genes in colon tissue, as well as reduced histopathological damage. Therefore, the study suggests that alkaloids from Portulacae Herba can alleviate intestinal inflammation damage in DSS-induced UC mice, with its mechanism involving the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
;
Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Alkaloids/administration & dosage*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Colon/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail