1.Effects of peiminine B on Streptococcus pneumoniae-induced alveolar epithelial cell injury and its mechanism
Rui ZHANG ; Cuihong LI ; Youqin WANG ; Junyan GUAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):820-825
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of peiminine B (PEI) on Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP)-induced alveolar epithelial cell injury by regulating the Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 in nucleus accumbens (Rac1)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Human alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiC) were taken and randomly divided into the Control group, SP group (1×108 cfu/mL SP bacterial solution), low-, medium-, and high-concentration PEI groups (1×108 cfu/mL SP bacterial solution+0.05, 0.10, 0.20 mmol/L PEI), and high-concentration PEI+Akt activator group (P-H+SC79 group, 1×108 cfu/mL SP bacterial solution+0.20 mmol/L PEI+10 μmol/L SC79). Except for the Control group, the other groups of cells were treated with SP bacterial solution and/or corresponding drug solution. After 24 h of treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, -18, -1β) in the supernatant solution, the contents of oxidative stress indexes [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], apoptosis rate, as well as the expressions of proliferation/apoptosis-related proteins [cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), B cell lymphoma-2 related X protein (Bax)] and pathway-related proteins (Rac1, Akt, phosphorylated Akt, NF-κB and phosphorylated NF-κB) were detected in each group. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, the levels of inflammatory factors in supernatant solution, LDH and ROS contents, apoptosis rate, the protein expressions of Bax and Rac1 and the phosphorylation levels of Akt and NF-κB in the SP group were significantly increased or up-regulated, while SOD content and the protein expression of CDK1 were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the SP group, the above indexes in PEI groups were significantly improved in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). SC79 could significantly reverse the improvement effect of the high concentration of PEI (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PEI can alleviate SP-induced inflammation and oxidative stress damage of alveolar epithelial cells and inhibit apoptosis, which may be achieved by inhibiting Rac1/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Quality Evaluation of Clinical Guidelines for Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on AGREE Ⅱ
Shuyu GUAN ; Tianying CHANG ; Jiankang WANG ; Hang SHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Jiajuan GUO ; Yingzi CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):201-209
ObjectiveThis paper used the AGREE Ⅱ guideline evaluation tool to evaluate the quality of 14 clinical guidelines for acute myocardial infarction,aiming to provide reference for the formulation and improvement of the guidelines. MethodsClinical guidelines and expert consensus related to acute myocardial infarction were searched by web search. The search period ranges from January 1,2019 to November 1,2024 in CNKI,VIP,Wanfang Data,SinoMed,Web of Science,OVID, the International Guidelines Collaboration Network (GIN),the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE),Yimaitong, and other platforms. Three researchers independently screened the literature and used AGREE Ⅱ to score the screening results. After ensuring that the researchers have a consistent understanding of each guideline,the quality of the guidelines was evaluated. After that,the ratings were analyzed by layer according to the issuing agency,category,method of formulation,and funding situation and compared longitudinally by rating time. The clinical guidelines and expert consensus were compared in terms of content and evidence. ResultsA total of 14 guidelines and consensus were included. The results of AGREE Ⅱ in the six areas in descending order were scope and purpose (62.82%±10.43%),rigor (62.40%±12.77%),editorial independence (62.11%±22.26%),participants (61.42%±11.65%),clarity of expression (59.98%±9.62%),and application (52.94%±16.90%) . Eleven of the guidelines were at level B, and three were at level A. In the stratified analysis,the score of the guideline formulated by the Chinese Medical Doctor Association was lower. There was little difference between the scores of Chinese/Western and Western medicine guidelines. The average score of the guidelines was higher than the consensus. Funded guidelines and consensus scores were higher. In the longitudinal comparison,the highest number of guidelines were developed in 2020 and 2021,while those developed in 2023 scored the highest. In the differential comparison analysis,the content of the guidelines was more comprehensive, and the evidence level was higher,while the content of the consensus was more novel, and the evidence was less. ConclusionThe AGREE Ⅱ score of the clinical guidelines for acute myocardial infarction is generally moderate,and there is room for improvement in terms of applicability. At the same time,the content quality of expert consensus should be improved,and more efforts should be made to develop and apply Chinese medicine guidelines for complications such as heart failure and microcirculatory obstruction after acute myocardial infarction.
3.Clinical Research on Guizhi Fulingwan in Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: A Review
Muxin GUAN ; Jiaxing FENG ; Mengyi ZHU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaoke WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):296-303
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecological malignant tumor in clinical practice. In the early stage,it is often asymptomatic,while in the late stage,it mainly presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal distension,poor appetite,and dull abdominal pain. Some patients may also have cachexia such as weight loss and anemia. Early diagnosis is difficult,and the mortality rate ranks first among gynecological malignant tumors,making OC a major challenge in clinical treatment. The classic Chinese medicine formula Guizhi Fulingwan comes from the Jingui Yaolue and has the effects of promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis,and reducing abdominal lumps. In recent years,it has been widely used to treat OC with good results. This article summarized the clinical application of Guizhi Fulingwan in the treatment of OC from two aspects:The analysis of its basic prescriptions and clinical research. In terms of basic prescriptions,the formula has the ability to promote blood circulation,remove blood stasis,and reduce abdominal lumps. It can exert therapeutic effects considering both water and blood aspects and reduce abdominal lumps, with characteristics of simultaneous Yang warming and heat clearing and parallel supplementation and elimination. Through the methods of "circulation" and "supplementation", it strengthens the body,dispels evil,and eliminates underlying symptoms. In clinical studies,Guizhi Fulingwan can be applied to various stages of patients with OC,which not only promotes the recovery of the body after OC surgery but also can be combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to synergistically treat advanced OC and enhance treatment efficacy. In addition,the formula can also alleviate various adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy,with high safety,improve patients' quality of life,prolong survival,and optimize tumor control effects. Based on the above analysis,this article elaborated on the current clinical research status of Guizhi Fulingwan combined with Western medicine in the treatment of OC and proposed suggestions and improvements to address the shortcomings in current clinical research,so as to provide reference for the clinical application of this formula in the treatment of OC and the construction of a combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment model.
4.Clinical Research on Guizhi Fulingwan in Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: A Review
Muxin GUAN ; Jiaxing FENG ; Mengyi ZHU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaoke WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):296-303
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecological malignant tumor in clinical practice. In the early stage,it is often asymptomatic,while in the late stage,it mainly presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal distension,poor appetite,and dull abdominal pain. Some patients may also have cachexia such as weight loss and anemia. Early diagnosis is difficult,and the mortality rate ranks first among gynecological malignant tumors,making OC a major challenge in clinical treatment. The classic Chinese medicine formula Guizhi Fulingwan comes from the Jingui Yaolue and has the effects of promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis,and reducing abdominal lumps. In recent years,it has been widely used to treat OC with good results. This article summarized the clinical application of Guizhi Fulingwan in the treatment of OC from two aspects:The analysis of its basic prescriptions and clinical research. In terms of basic prescriptions,the formula has the ability to promote blood circulation,remove blood stasis,and reduce abdominal lumps. It can exert therapeutic effects considering both water and blood aspects and reduce abdominal lumps, with characteristics of simultaneous Yang warming and heat clearing and parallel supplementation and elimination. Through the methods of "circulation" and "supplementation", it strengthens the body,dispels evil,and eliminates underlying symptoms. In clinical studies,Guizhi Fulingwan can be applied to various stages of patients with OC,which not only promotes the recovery of the body after OC surgery but also can be combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to synergistically treat advanced OC and enhance treatment efficacy. In addition,the formula can also alleviate various adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy,with high safety,improve patients' quality of life,prolong survival,and optimize tumor control effects. Based on the above analysis,this article elaborated on the current clinical research status of Guizhi Fulingwan combined with Western medicine in the treatment of OC and proposed suggestions and improvements to address the shortcomings in current clinical research,so as to provide reference for the clinical application of this formula in the treatment of OC and the construction of a combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment model.
5.Analysis of red blood cell transfusion reactions in China from 2018 to 2023
Bo PAN ; Xiaoyu GUAN ; Jue WANG ; Yunlong PAN ; Liu HE ; Haixia XU ; Xin JI ; Li TIAN ; Ling LI ; Zhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):704-710
Objective: To analyze the demographic characteristics of patients with red blood cell transfusion reactions, the usage of red blood cell preparations, and the differences in the composition ratio of adverse reactions based on multi-center data from the Haemovigilance Network, in order to reveal the clinical characteristics of red blood cell transfusion and its underlying issues. Methods: Clinical data of patients who experienced transfusion reactions after red blood cell transfusion in the Haemovigilance Network from 2018 to 2023 were collected. The demographic characteristics of patients who experienced transfusion reactions with different types of red blood cell preparations, the utilization of these preparations, and the differences of the composition ratios of transfusion reactions were analyzed. Count data were expressed as numbers (n) or percentages (%), and comparisons between groups were performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Red blood cell transfusion reactions were more common in females (53.56%), with the majority of patients aged 50-69 years (35.54%). The Han polulation accounted for the vast majority of patients (92.77%), and patients in the hematology and obstetrics/gynecology departments had a relatively high proportion of transfusion reactions (13.26% and 14.26%, respectively). Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells and suspended red blood cells were the most common types of transfusion reactions reported among red blood cell preparations. Allergic reactions and non-hemolytic febrile reactions were the most common transfusion reactions, and there were significant differences in the composition ratios of allergic reactions (χ
=869.89, P<0.05) and non-hemolytic febrile reactions (χ
=812.75, P<0.05) across various types of red blood cell preparations. Conclusion: There are differences in the demographic characteristics and composition ratio of transfusion reactions among different red blood cell preparations. The management of red blood cell transfusion reactions should be tailored to patient characteristics and conditions, and the selection and use of blood products should be optimized to reduce or avoid the occurrence of transfusion reactions, such as considering the use of washed red blood cells for patients with a history of transfusion allergies or those prone to allergies.
6.Endovascular Treatment for Acute Posterior Circulation Tandem Lesions: Insights From the BASILAR and PERSIST Registries
Wei LI ; Mohamed F. DOHEIM ; Zhongming QIU ; Tan WANG ; Zhibin CHEN ; Wenjie ZI ; Qingwu YANG ; Haitao GUAN ; Hongyu QIAO ; Wenhua LIU ; Wei HU ; Xinfeng LIU ; Jinbo HUANG ; Zhongkui HAN ; Zhonglun CHEN ; Zhenqiang ZHAO ; Wen SUN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):75-84
Background:
and Purpose Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute posterior circulation tandem lesion (PCTL). This study aimed to explore the role of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenting in patients with PCTL stroke undergoing EVT.
Methods:
Individual patient data were pooled from the BASILAR (EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study) and PERSIST (Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) registries. Patients with PCTLs who underwent EVT were included in the present cohort and divided into the stenting and nonstenting groups based on the placement of extracranial VA stents. The primary efficacy outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days and 1 year. Safety outcomes included 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 1 year post-surgery.
Results:
A combined dataset of 1,320 patients with posterior circulation artery occlusion, including 263 (19.9%) with tandem lesions, of whom 217 (median age, 65 years; 82.9% male) met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The stenting group had 84 (38.7%) patients, while the non-stenting group had 133 (61.3%). After adjustment for the potential confounders, extracranial VA stenting was associated with favorable shifts in mRS scores at both 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–4.28; P<0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.04; 95% CI [1.05–3.97]; P=0.04), along with lower rate of mortality at both 90 days (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI [0.21–0.93]; P=0.01) and 1 year (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI [0.16–0.79]; P=0.01), with no significant difference in sICH incidence (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI [0.06–1.98]; P=0.24).
Conclusion
Extracranial VA stenting during EVT may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with PCTL strokes.
7.Naoqingtong Decoction Ameliorates Kidney Damage in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via NLRP3 Inflammasomes
Jiaxin JU ; Caocao CHENG ; Teng GE ; Yalong KANG ; Fang GUAN ; Haifang WANG ; Juanjuan TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):125-131
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Naoqingtong decoction (NQT) on the kidney damage and the inflammatory factors NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MethodsTwenty-four SHRs were randomized into a model group, a low-dose (12.9 g·kg-1·d-1) NQT (NQT-L) group, a high-dose (25.8 g·kg-1·d-1) NQT group (NQT-H), and a captopril (CTP, 20 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, with 6 rats in each group. In addition, 6 homozygous male Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as the control group. The control and model groups were administrated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage for 8 weeks. General behaviors of rats were observed during the intervention period, and the blood pressure was measured periodically. At the end of intervention, the body mass was weighed, and both kidneys were collected and weighed for the calculation of the renal index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the kidney tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in the kidney tissue. ResultsDuring the experiment period, the control group had normal mental status, food intake, and activity, while the model group showed thinning of hair, loss of luster, reduced activity, loss of appetite, fecal adhesion, and irritability, and some of the skin had scratches or blood scabs. The above symptoms were alleviated to different degrees after 8 weeks of NQT administration. An intelligent non-invasive sphygmomanometer was used to measure the tail artery pressure of rats, which showed that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of rats in the model group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, drug interventions lowered the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the model group showed severe pathological damage in the kidney tissue, which was alleviated in each drug intervention group. Compared with the control group, the model group showed up-regulated expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in the kidney tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed down-regulated expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in the kidney tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionNQT can lower the blood pressure in SHRs by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes, suppressing renal inflammation, and ameliorating hypertensive kidney damage.
8.Effect of Icariin on Myocardial Remodeling in Rats Based on Vitamin D Regulation of Dendritic Cell Phenotype
Qian LI ; Yujia CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Wen LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Huanzhen WANG ; Yunzhi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):76-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on the phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs) in heart tissue of the Dahl salt-sensitive myocardial remodeling model of rats and its regulation on the vitamin D system. MethodsMale Dahl salt-resistant rats were divided into a normal group, and male Dahl salt-sensitive rats were divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups (30, 60, 120 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Vitamin D group (3×10-5 mg·kg-1·d-1). In addition to the normal group, the other groups were given an 8% high salt diet to establish a myocardial remodeling model and received intragastric administration after successful modelling once a day for six weeks. The dynamic changes in tail artery blood pressure were monitored, and detection of cardiac ultrasound function in rats was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes in rat heart tissue. The phenotype of DCs and T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), forkhead frame protein 3 (FoxP3), solitaire receptor γt (RORγt), myocardial type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), and type collagen (ColⅢ) in heart tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed disordered arrangement and rupture of myocardial cells, nuclear condensation, significant edema of myocardial tissue, significant proliferation of collagen fibers in a network distribution, and a significant increase in tail artery blood pressure, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs was CD40, CD80, and CD86, and the levels of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHC-Ⅱ), Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt in the heart, as well as the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ, were significantly increased (P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWD) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs such as CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells, were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression of cardiac VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group significantly reduced myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation in rats. The high-dose ICA group and vitamin D group showed a small amount of myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation, improving myocardial fiber arrangement to varying degrees and significantly reducing myocardial fiber rupture and proliferation. The tail artery blood pressure, LVEDD, and LVESD were significantly decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05), and the phenotype of cardiac DCs including CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC-Ⅱ, Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt, and the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ in the heart were significantly decreased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). The LVEF, IVSD, and LVPWD of myocardial remodeling model rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The phenotypes of cardiac DCs including CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and the Vitamin D group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 in the heart were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). ConclusionICA can regulate tail artery blood pressure, cardiac structural and functional damage, and myocardial tissue fibrosis and inhibit phenotype and functional maturation of DCs in heart tissue in the myocardial remodeling model of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. It can also affect the gene and protein expression of VDR, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1, achieving its intervention in Th17/Treg balance in the immune process of myocardial remodeling possibly by regulating vitamin D/VDR in heart tissue.
9.Study on meal preferences of school aged children based on discrete choice experiment
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):45-49
Objective:
To explore the relative importance of different food attributes and levels in food decision making of school aged children, and to understand their meal preferences, so as to provide the evidence for formulating precise intervention strategies for dietary behaviours of school aged children.
Methods:
From May to June 2024, a total of 854 children aged 11 to 15 years old were selected from 2 middle schools (each school in urban and rural areas) in both Hubei Province and Anhui Province by stratified cluster random sampling method to conduct a D-optimal discrete choice experiment. The mixed Logit model was used to analyze children s preference for meal attributes and different levels, and to calculate the relative importance (RI) of attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) in meal choices.
Results:
The included five food attributes had statistical significance on meal choice of school aged children ( P <0.05). The relative importance of food attributes affecting the meal choices of school aged children in descending order were dining mode ( RI =31.26%), food varieties ( RI =30.56%), cooking method( RI =23.84%), taste( RI =8.06%) and price ( RI =6.27%). Among them, school aged children preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.74) (WTP=86.3 yuan),varied foods(grain/tubers+vegetables+fish, meat, eggs and beans) ( β =0.61) (WTP=71.9 yuan), fried/roasted cooking ( β =0.51) and spicy taste ( β =0.33).Price was negatively correlated with meal choices( β =-0.01) ( P <0.05). Based on residential area and body mass index (BMI), the stratified analysis showed that dining mode was highest in the relative importance for rural children with overweight and obese children ( RI =31.28%,34.17%), both of whom preferred home cooked meals ( β =0.76, 0.91), and meals containing fish, meat, eggs and beans with grain/tubers or grain/tubers and vegetables in terms of food choice (area: β =0.53, 0.53 ; BMI: β =0.55, 0.56) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
School aged children have different preferences for different attributes of meals. The quality of school meals should be improved,the cost of buying healthy meals should be reduced,targeted family health education should be carried out,and healthy cooking methods should be advocated.
10.Combination of Components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Affects RA-FLSs by Regulating NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways and Bcl-2/Caspase-3 Expression
Yongmei GUAN ; Zhiyan WAN ; Shuhui WANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Zhiyong LIU ; Cheng JIANG ; Zhenzhong ZANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):17-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the combination of components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) and the underlying mechanism. MethodsRA-FLSs were grouped as follows: blank control, positive control (methotrexate), Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components, Chuanxiong Rhizoma components, and components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to the cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondiadehyde (MDA) in cells were measured. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, phosphorylated inhibitory subunit of NF-κBα (p-IκBα), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NF-κB p65. ResultsThe cells in the groups of positive control, Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components, Chuanxiong Rhizoma components, and components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma were treated with 2.50 mg·L-1 methotrexate, 0.20 mg·L-1 triptolide + 0.20 mg·L-1 celastrol, 5.00 mg·L-1 ferulic acid + 20.00 mg·L-1 ligustrazine, 0.20 mg·L-1 triptolide + 0.20 mg·L-1 celastrol + 5.00 mg·L-1 ferulic acid + 20.00 mg·L-1 ligustrazine, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, drug administration reduced the proliferation and invasion and increased the apoptosis of cells (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3, Nrf2, and HO-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2, NF-κB p65, and p-IκBα (P<0.01). Compared with the Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components group, the combination of components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma inhibited the proliferation and invasion (P<0.05) and promoted the apoptosis of RA-FLSs, up-regulated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and protein levels of Nrf2 and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), and down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of components from Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma can inhibit the proliferation and invasion and promote the apoptosis of RA-FLSs and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and regulating the expression of Bcl-2/Caspase-3.


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