1.Exploring Biological Characteristics of Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation with Phlegm-heat and Blood Stasis Pattern Based on Metabolomics
Ailin HOU ; Yuxuan LIU ; Wenxi YU ; Xing JI ; Chan WU ; Dazhuo SHI ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):245-255
ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation(AF) that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis(TRYZ) pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups:the control group, the TRYZ+AF group,the AF group and the TRYZ group, with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide(LPS) injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride(Ach-CaCl2) via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration, echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function, fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and whole blood reduced viscosity, a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), thrombin time(TT), and fibrinogen(FIB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), galectin-3(Gal-3), Collagen Ⅰ, and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium, Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)], and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling, compared with the control group, rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight, dry faeces, elevated rectal temperature, dark red tongue, decreased RGB values on the tongue surface, and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels(P<0.05, P<0.01). The TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT, APTT and PT, along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB(P<0.05, P<0.01). Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm, markedly decreased heart rate, prolonged RR intervals, enlarged left atrium, and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction(P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MMP-9, Gal-3, Collagen Ⅰ, and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups compared to the control group, with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group, primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome, demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm, heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor, this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.
2.Mechanism of Huangqi Xiayuxue Decoction Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma via PI3K/Akt/FoxO Signaling Pathway
Xingru XING ; Yuanzhou SHI ; Jiawei WANG ; Di WU ; Yuyao ZHANG ; Yalin WU ; Du CHEN ; Zhen ZHANG ; Sha TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):131-141
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction against hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology, animal experiments, and cell experiments. MethodsThe active ingredients and corresponding targets of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction were screened via databases including the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Hepatocellular carcinoma-related targets were retrieved from the GeneCards database. The common targets shared by Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction and hepatocellular carcinoma were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma was prepared. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was adopted to observe the effects of different volume fractions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma on the proliferation of HepG2, MHCC-97H, Hepa1-6, and Huh-7 cells, and the concentration for subsequent experiments was determined. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the effects of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on the apoptosis of MHCC-97H cells. A mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft hepatocellular carcinoma was established. The model mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose (4.63, 9.25, 18.5 g·kg-1) Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction and sorafenib (20 mg·kg-1) groups. Body mass and tumor volume of mice were dynamically monitored during the intervention period. After 3 weeks of intervention, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe tumor morphology. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to detect cell apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was adopted to examine the expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the tumor tissue. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to verify the changes in apoptosis-related factors and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/forkhead box O1 (PI3K/Akt/FoxO1) signaling pathway. ResultsA total of 220 common targets shared by Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction and hepatocellular carcinoma were screened out by network pharmacology, among which tumor protein p53 (TP53), Akt1, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were the core targets. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the common targets were involved in cell apoptosis and proliferation, as well as the PI3K/Akt and FoxO signaling pathways. Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank plasma group, all volume fractions of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma inhibited the proliferation of HepG2, MHCC-97H, Hepa1-6, and Huh-7 cells (P<0.01). The proportion of early apoptotic cells in MHCC-97H cells was increased after treatment with different volume fractions of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma (P<0.01). Animal experiments revealed that Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction inhibited the growth of tumor volume, promoted tumor cell apoptosis in the high-dose group, up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax and Caspase-3, down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2, and reduced the phosphorylation level of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqi Xiayuxue decoction exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway and promoting hepatocellular carcinoma cell apoptosis.
3.Tengli Kangliu Prescription Inhibits Colorectal Adenoma Carcinoma Transition in Mice via Regulating STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Targeting M2 Type Macrophages
Fang LIU ; Kaiyue CHI ; Qingxiu WU ; Xing SHI ; Jiangmei ZOU ; Mingjun BAO ; Bo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):207-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of Tengli Kangliu prescription (TKP) on the carcinogenesis of colorectal adenoma (CRA) induced by azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice and decipher the potential mechanism through regulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway to target M2-type macrophages. MethodsA total of 55 male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into a blank group (n=10), a model group (n=15), a celecoxib (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) group (n=15), a TKP (42.43 g·kg-1·d-1) group (n=15). The mice in the model, TKP, and celecoxib groups were modeled for CRA lesions through the AOM/DSS three-cycle protocol. The intervention in each group began one week after free access to DSS and lasted for 12 weeks, and the blank group received 20 mL·kg-1·d-1 normal saline through gavage. Throughout the study period, changes in body mass and survival rate were recorded, alongside measurements of colorectal length and spleen mass. Histological changes of the colonic tissue were observed by HE staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to detect the positive expression of CD68 and CD11c in the colorectal tissue. Western blot was employed to assess the protein levels of STAT3, phosphorylated (p)-STAT3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the intestinal tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to analyze the mRNA levels of arginase 1 (Arg1), CD206, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the serum concentrations of Th2-type cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-13 in mice. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited symptoms including diarrhea, hematochezia, and body mass loss, accompanied by shortened colon length, mucosal damage, and multiple tumors. In addition, the model group showcased up-regulated protein levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, and Bcl-2, down-regulated protein level of Bax, increased positive expression of CD68 and CD11c, and up-regulated mRNA levels of Arg1, CD206, and VEGF in the colon tissue, together with elevated serum levels of IL-4, IL-13, and IL-6 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the above-mentioned indicators were partially reversed in both TKP group and celecoxib group, with superior effects observed in the TKP group (P<0.05). ConclusionTKP significantly improves the survival quality of the mouse model of AOM/DSS-induced CRA by reducing intestinal inflammation and decreasing colorectal tumor number and size. It may delay the progression of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumor-like lesions by inhibiting activation of the STAT3/p-STAT3 signaling pathway in the intestinal tissue, targeting regulation of M2-type macrophages, and improving the tumor microenvironment, thereby suppressing CRA carcinogenesis.
4.Mechanism of Huangqi Xiayuxue Decoction Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma via PI3K/Akt/FoxO Signaling Pathway
Xingru XING ; Yuanzhou SHI ; Jiawei WANG ; Di WU ; Yuyao ZHANG ; Yalin WU ; Du CHEN ; Zhen ZHANG ; Sha TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):131-141
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction against hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology, animal experiments, and cell experiments. MethodsThe active ingredients and corresponding targets of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction were screened via databases including the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). Hepatocellular carcinoma-related targets were retrieved from the GeneCards database. The common targets shared by Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction and hepatocellular carcinoma were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma was prepared. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was adopted to observe the effects of different volume fractions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma on the proliferation of HepG2, MHCC-97H, Hepa1-6, and Huh-7 cells, and the concentration for subsequent experiments was determined. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect the effects of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on the apoptosis of MHCC-97H cells. A mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft hepatocellular carcinoma was established. The model mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose (4.63, 9.25, 18.5 g·kg-1) Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction and sorafenib (20 mg·kg-1) groups. Body mass and tumor volume of mice were dynamically monitored during the intervention period. After 3 weeks of intervention, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe tumor morphology. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to detect cell apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was adopted to examine the expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the tumor tissue. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to verify the changes in apoptosis-related factors and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/forkhead box O1 (PI3K/Akt/FoxO1) signaling pathway. ResultsA total of 220 common targets shared by Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction and hepatocellular carcinoma were screened out by network pharmacology, among which tumor protein p53 (TP53), Akt1, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were the core targets. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the common targets were involved in cell apoptosis and proliferation, as well as the PI3K/Akt and FoxO signaling pathways. Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank plasma group, all volume fractions of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma inhibited the proliferation of HepG2, MHCC-97H, Hepa1-6, and Huh-7 cells (P<0.01). The proportion of early apoptotic cells in MHCC-97H cells was increased after treatment with different volume fractions of Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction-containing plasma (P<0.01). Animal experiments revealed that Huangqi Xiayuxue decoction inhibited the growth of tumor volume, promoted tumor cell apoptosis in the high-dose group, up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax and Caspase-3, down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2, and reduced the phosphorylation level of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqi Xiayuxue decoction exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway and promoting hepatocellular carcinoma cell apoptosis.
5.Kidney Gastrin/CCKBR Attenuates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Inhibiting SGLT2-Mediated Glucose Reabsorption through Erk/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xue ZHANG ; Yuhan ZHANG ; Yang SHI ; Dou SHI ; Min NIU ; Xue LIU ; Xing LIU ; Zhiwei YANG ; Xianxian WU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):194-209
Background:
Both sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) and Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) rely on a favorable Na-electrochemical gradient. Gastrin, through the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR), can induce natriuresis and diuresis by inhibiting renal NHEs activity. The present study aims to unveil the role of renal CCKBR in diabetes through SGLT2-mediated glucose reabsorption.
Methods:
Renal tubule-specific Cckbr-knockout (CckbrCKO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were utilized to investigate the effect of renal CCKBR on SGLT2 and systemic glucose homeostasis under normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD with a subsequent injection of a low dose of streptozotocin. The regulation of SGLT2 expression by gastrin/CCKBR and the underlying mechanism was explored using human kidney (HK)-2 cells.
Results:
CCKBR was downregulated in kidneys of diabetic mice. Compared with WT mice, CckbrCKO mice exhibited a greater susceptibility to obesity and diabetes when subjected to HFD.
6.Kidney Gastrin/CCKBR Attenuates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Inhibiting SGLT2-Mediated Glucose Reabsorption through Erk/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xue ZHANG ; Yuhan ZHANG ; Yang SHI ; Dou SHI ; Min NIU ; Xue LIU ; Xing LIU ; Zhiwei YANG ; Xianxian WU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):194-209
Background:
Both sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) and Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) rely on a favorable Na-electrochemical gradient. Gastrin, through the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR), can induce natriuresis and diuresis by inhibiting renal NHEs activity. The present study aims to unveil the role of renal CCKBR in diabetes through SGLT2-mediated glucose reabsorption.
Methods:
Renal tubule-specific Cckbr-knockout (CckbrCKO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were utilized to investigate the effect of renal CCKBR on SGLT2 and systemic glucose homeostasis under normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD with a subsequent injection of a low dose of streptozotocin. The regulation of SGLT2 expression by gastrin/CCKBR and the underlying mechanism was explored using human kidney (HK)-2 cells.
Results:
CCKBR was downregulated in kidneys of diabetic mice. Compared with WT mice, CckbrCKO mice exhibited a greater susceptibility to obesity and diabetes when subjected to HFD.
7.Kidney Gastrin/CCKBR Attenuates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Inhibiting SGLT2-Mediated Glucose Reabsorption through Erk/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xue ZHANG ; Yuhan ZHANG ; Yang SHI ; Dou SHI ; Min NIU ; Xue LIU ; Xing LIU ; Zhiwei YANG ; Xianxian WU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):194-209
Background:
Both sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) and Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) rely on a favorable Na-electrochemical gradient. Gastrin, through the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR), can induce natriuresis and diuresis by inhibiting renal NHEs activity. The present study aims to unveil the role of renal CCKBR in diabetes through SGLT2-mediated glucose reabsorption.
Methods:
Renal tubule-specific Cckbr-knockout (CckbrCKO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were utilized to investigate the effect of renal CCKBR on SGLT2 and systemic glucose homeostasis under normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD with a subsequent injection of a low dose of streptozotocin. The regulation of SGLT2 expression by gastrin/CCKBR and the underlying mechanism was explored using human kidney (HK)-2 cells.
Results:
CCKBR was downregulated in kidneys of diabetic mice. Compared with WT mice, CckbrCKO mice exhibited a greater susceptibility to obesity and diabetes when subjected to HFD.
8.Kidney Gastrin/CCKBR Attenuates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Inhibiting SGLT2-Mediated Glucose Reabsorption through Erk/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xue ZHANG ; Yuhan ZHANG ; Yang SHI ; Dou SHI ; Min NIU ; Xue LIU ; Xing LIU ; Zhiwei YANG ; Xianxian WU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):194-209
Background:
Both sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) and Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) rely on a favorable Na-electrochemical gradient. Gastrin, through the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR), can induce natriuresis and diuresis by inhibiting renal NHEs activity. The present study aims to unveil the role of renal CCKBR in diabetes through SGLT2-mediated glucose reabsorption.
Methods:
Renal tubule-specific Cckbr-knockout (CckbrCKO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were utilized to investigate the effect of renal CCKBR on SGLT2 and systemic glucose homeostasis under normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD with a subsequent injection of a low dose of streptozotocin. The regulation of SGLT2 expression by gastrin/CCKBR and the underlying mechanism was explored using human kidney (HK)-2 cells.
Results:
CCKBR was downregulated in kidneys of diabetic mice. Compared with WT mice, CckbrCKO mice exhibited a greater susceptibility to obesity and diabetes when subjected to HFD.
9.Effects of metformin on gut microbiota and short-/medium-chain fatty acids in high-fat diet rats.
Ying SHI ; Lin XING ; Shanyu WU ; Fangzhi YUE ; Tianqiong HE ; Jing ZHANG ; Lingxuan OUYANG ; Suisui GAO ; Dongmei ZHANG ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(5):851-863
OBJECTIVES:
Recent evidence suggests that the gut may be a primary site of metformin action. However, studies on the effects of metformin on gut microbiota remain limited, and its impact on gut microbial metabolites such as short-/medium-chain fatty acids is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of metformin on gut microbiota, short-/medium-chain fatty acids, and associated metabolic benefits in high-fat diet rats.
METHODS:
Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) Normal diet group (ND group), fed standard chow; 2) high-fat diet group (HFD group), fed a high-fat diet; 3) high-fat diet + metformin treatment group (HFD+Met group), fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, followed by daily intragastric administration of metformin solution (150 mg/kg body weight) starting in week 9. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed, and serum, liver, and colonic contents were collected for assessment of glucose and lipid metabolism, liver pathology, gut microbiota composition, and the concentrations of short-/medium-chain fatty acids.
RESULTS:
Metformin significantly improved HFD-induced glucose and lipid metabolic disorders and liver injury. Compared with the HFD group, the HFD+Met group showed reduced abundance of Blautia, Romboutsia, Bilophila, and Bacteroides, while Lactobacillus abundance significantly increased (all P<0.05). Colonic contents of butyric acid, 2-methyl butyric acid, valeric acid, octanoic acid, and lauric acid were significantly elevated (all P<0.05), whereas acetic acid, isoheptanoic acid, and nonanoic acid levels were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus abundance was negatively correlated with body weight gain and insulin resistance, while butyrate and valerate levels were negatively correlated with insulin resistance and liver injury (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Metformin significantly increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and promotes the production of short-/medium-chain fatty acids including butyric, valeric, and lauric acid in the colonic contents of HFD rats, suggesting that metformin may regulate host metabolism through modulation of the gut microbiota.
Animals
;
Metformin/pharmacology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*
;
Rats
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*
;
Fatty Acids/metabolism*
10.Comparison of neuroprotective effects of hUC-MSCs-Exos on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal mice by different administration modes
Xiao-Xia HU ; Yi-Pa SAI ; Xing-Xing CHEN ; Wei-Jing CUI ; San-Ping WANG ; Xuan LUO ; Shi-Li WU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(2):207-213
Objective To investigate the comparative neuroprotective effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs-Exos)administered via different routes on hypoxic ischemic brain damage(HIBD)in neonatal mice.Methods Healthy one-week-old SPF-grade BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:sham operation group(n=6),model group(n=6),exosome group 1(n=8),exosome group 2(n=8).HIBD was induced using the Rice-Vannucci method.Exosome group 1 and Exosome group 2 were intraperitoneal injection/intranasal drip of phosphate buffer(PBS)100 μl containing 10 μl exosomes within 24 h after successful modeling,respectively.Sham operation and model groups were intraperitoneal injection of PBS 100 μl.On the 7th day after the intervention,neuromotor function was assessed using the horizontal grid test and pole climbing test.On the 2nd day after the evaluation,all mice were killed and their brains were removed by decapitation.HE staining was used to observe the pathological injury of brain tissue,toluidine blue staining was used to observe the survival of neurons in cerebral cortex,and TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of cerebral cortex cells.Results Compared with sham operation group,model group,exosome group 1 and exosome group 2 exhibited increased hind limb drops in horizontal grid test and climbing scores(P<0.05).No significant difference was found in model group,exosome group 1 and exosome group 2 in these measures(P<0.05).Significant pathology was observed in model group,exosome group 1 and exosome group 2 compared to sham operation group(P<0.05),with significantly reduced damage in exosome group 1 and exosome group 2 compared to model group(P<0.05).Compared with sham operation group,Nissl body count was lower in model group and exosome group 1 and exosome group 2,with a higher count in exosome group 2 compared to exosome group 1(P<0.05).Compared with sham operation group,apoptotic cells were higher in model group and exosome group 1 and exosome group 2,with a significant reduction in exosome group 1 and exosome group 2 compared to model group,and the lowest in exosome group 2(P<0.05).Conclusions hUC-MSCs-Exos can improve the neuronal motor function,promote neuron repair and inhibit apoptosis in HIBD mice.Intranasal administration of hUC-MSCs-Exos is more effective than intraperitoneal administration for reducing neuronal apoptosis in HIBP neonatal mice,offering a convenient and rapid method suitable for clinical application.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail