1.Troxerutin modulates nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway to inhibit brain injury and neuronal apoptosis in cerebral infarction rats
Zhezhe LIU ; Meiqing YU ; Tingting WANG ; Min ZHANG ; Baiyan LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1137-1143
BACKGROUND:Troxerutin has been found to have a significant ameliorative effect on brain disorders,but there are fewer studies on the effects of troxerutin on the treatment of cerebral infarction and on neuronal cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which troxerutin regulates nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway to reduce brain injury and neuronal apoptosis in cerebral infarction rats. METHODS:Fifty clean grade rats were randomized into healthy group,model group,and troxerutin+nuclear factor-κB agonist group,troxerutin group,and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor group.Except for the healthy group,all other groups were used to establish a rat model of cerebral infarction by arterial ligation.The healthy and model groups were treated once a day with an equal amount of physiological saline by gavage.The troxerutin+nuclear factor-κB agonist group was intervened with 72 mg/kg troxerutin by gavage+20 mg/kg RANK intraperitoneally.The troxerutin group was treated with 72 mg/kg troxerutin by gavage.The nuclear factor κB inhibitor group was intervened intraperitoneally with 120 mg/kg nuclear factor κB inhibitor pyrrolidine disulfiram.Administration in each group was given once a day for 30 continuous days.Zea-longa was used to detect neurological damage in rats,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes,TUNEL was used to detect neuronal apoptosis,and immunoblotting and PCR were used to detect the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 and nuclear factor-κB p50 at protein and mRNA levels,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy group,the neurological function score,neuronal apoptosis rate,nuclear factor-κB p65,nuclear factor-κB p50 mRNA and protein expression levels were elevated in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the neurological function score,neuronal apoptosis rate,nuclear factor-κB p65 and nuclear factor-κB p50 mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased in the troxerutin+nuclear factor-κB agonist group(P<0.05).Compared with the troxerutin+nuclear factor-κB agonist group,the neurological function score,neuronal apoptosis rate,nuclear factor-κB p65 and nuclear factor-κB p50 mRNA and protein expression levels were reduced in the troxerutin group and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor group(P<0.05).In addition,there was no difference between the troxerutin group and the nuclear factor-κB inhibitor group(P>0.05).In the model group,there was a large number of cytoplasmic vacuolation,obvious edema and necrosis,and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrations.In the troxerutin+nuclear factor-κB agonist,the swelling of brain tissue was reduced,and reticulate structures and condensed cells were reduced,still with some edema.In the troxerutin group and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor group,brain tissue swelling,neuronal edema degeneration,cytoplasmic vacuolation and neuronal nucleus consolidation were reduced,and the inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly decreased.To conclude,troxrutin can reduce the expression of neurological impairment,inhibit neuronal apoptosis and improve the pathological injury of brain tissue in rats with cerebral infarction,and its mechanism of action may be related to the modulation of nuclear factor-κB expression and related signaling pathways.
2.Bibliometric analysis of research process and current situation of brain aging and exosomes
Liting LYU ; Xia YU ; Jinmei ZHANG ; Qiaojing GAO ; Renfan LIU ; Meng LI ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1457-1465
BACKGROUND:In recent years,with the rapid development of biomedicine,the study of brain aging and exosomes has attracted more and more attention,but there is no bibliometrics analysis in this field. OBJECTIVE:To objectively analyze domestic and foreign literature on brain aging and exosomes in the past 15 years,to summarize the research status,hot spots,and development trends in this field. METHODS:Using the core database of Web of Science as a search platform,we downloaded the literature on brain aging and exosomes published from the establishment of the database to December 28,2022,and analyzed the data from the aspects of country or region,institution,author,keywords,and co-cited literature using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 visualization software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1 045 research articles were included,and the number of publications on brain aging and exosomes research both domestically and internationally was showing an increasing trend year by year.The United States ranked first with 429 papers,and China ranked second with 277 papers.Louisiana State University ranked first with 16 articles.Professor Lukiw Walter J from Louisiana State University in the United States was the author with the highest number of publications,and Professor Bartel DP from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was the author with the most citations.The most prolific Journal was the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.Alzheimer's disease,microRNA,gene expression,extracellular vesicles,exosomes,oxidative stress,and biomarkers are the most relevant terms.According to the research on hot topics,biomarkers have become a new research hotspot.The above results indicate that the research on brain aging and exosomes has gradually increased in the past 15 years.The research direction has gradually shifted from the initial exploration of the expression of miRNAs in central nervous system diseases related to brain aging to the search for biomarkers that can identify and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.The study of exocrine miRNAs to protect central nervous system from damage has emerged as promising therapeutic strategy.
3.Clinical Safety Monitoring of 3 035 Cases of Juvenile Feilike Mixture After Marketing in Hospital
Jian ZHU ; Zhong WANG ; Jing LIU ; Jun LIU ; Wei YANG ; Yanan YU ; Hongli WU ; Sha ZHOU ; Zhiyu PAN ; Guang WU ; Mengmeng WU ; Zhiwei JING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):194-200
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical safety of Feilike Mixture (FLK) in the real world. MethodsThe safety of all children who received FLK from 29 institutions in 12 provinces between January 21,2021 and December 25,2021 was evaluated through prospective centralized surveillance and a nested case control study. ResultsA total of 3 035 juveniles were included. There were 29 research centers involved,which are distributed across 12 provinces,including one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital and 28 general hospitals. The average age among the juveniles was (4.77±3.56) years old,and the average weight was (21.81±12.97) kg. Among them,119 cases (3.92%) of juveniles had a history of allergies. Acute bronchitis was the main diagnosis for juveniles,with 1 656 cases (54.46%). FLK was first used in 2 016 cases (66.43%),and 142 juvenile patients had special dosages,accounting for 4.68%. Among them,92 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred,including 73 cases of gastrointestinal system disorders,10 cases of metabolic and nutritional disorders,eight cases of skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases,two cases of vascular and lymphatic disorders,and one case of systemic diseases and various reactions at the administration site. The manifestations of ADRs were mainly diarrhea,stool discoloration,and vomiting,and no serious ADRs occurred. The results of multi-factor analysis indicated that special dosages (the use of FLK)[odds ratio (OR) of 2.642, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.105-6.323],combined administration: spleen aminopeptide (OR of 4.978, 95%CI of 1.200-20.655),and reason for combined administration: anti-infection (OR of 1.814, 95%CI of 1.071-3.075) were the risk factors for ADRs caused by FLK. Conclusion92 ADRs occurred among 3 035 juveniles using FLK. The incidence of ADRs caused by FLK was 3.03%,and the severity was mainly mild or moderate. Generally,the prognosis was favorable after symptomatic treatment such as drug withdrawal or dosage reduction,suggesting that FLK has good clinical safety.
4.Monitoring results of mosquito-ovitraps placed in different orientations in multi-storey residential areas
Caixiong LIU ; Bin GE ; Haibing ZHANG ; Lin WANG ; Tao YANG ; Yujiao WEI ; Haiying XIE ; Yu ZHANG ; Hongxia LIU ; Juntao SHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):109-113
ObjectiveTo find out whether there is any difference in the monitoring results of mosq-ovitraps placed in different orientations in multi-storey residential areas, so as to provide a scientific basis for routine and emergency monitoring of Aedes albopictus with mosq-ovitraps in residential areas. MethodsFrom July 6th to October 26th 2023, one mosquito ovitrap was set up in each of the 4 orientations of east, south, west and north around the buildings in a multi-storey residential area in Jinhui Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai. Data was collected and recorded 72 hours after placement. The chi-square test was used to compare the mosquito ovitrap indices (MOIs) of two independent samples, and the Kruskal⁃Wallis H test was used to compare the MOIs of multiple independent samples. ResultsAfter 16 weeks of surveillance, 997 mosquito ovitraps were recovered, of which 211 were positive, with the mosquito ovitrap index (MOI) of 21.16% and the Aedes albopictus density index of 1.03 mosquitoes·ovitrap-1. The MOIs were higher in September (24.22%) and October (23.96%), and the MOIs in the west, south and north within the two months were all above 20.00%. From July to October, the MOIs in the east, west, south and north were 20.70%, 22.20%, 25.50% and 16.20%, respectively, and the difference in MOIs among the 4 orientations was not statistically significant (χ2=6.647, P=0.084). Stratified analysis by month showed that in August, the south side of the multi-storey residential areas had the highest MOI (31.30%), the north side had the lowest MOI (1.30%), and there was a statistically significant difference in MOI in the east, west, south and north (χ2=25.986, P<0.001). In October, the MOI in the west was the highest (33.30%) and the MOI in the east was the lowest (6.30%), the difference in MOIs of the 4 orientations was statistically significant (χ2=12.007, P=0.007). The MOIs in the south side of the building in the outskirts of the residential area from the 1st week in July to the 4th week in October was lower (19.20%) than that in the south side of the inner building (31.70%), and the difference in MOI was statistically significant (χ2=5.118, P=0.024). ConclusionThe study of MOI in different orientations in a multi-storey residential area is a preliminary exploration based on field work, and the results show that there is a difference in MOIs in different orientations during the peak breeding period of mosquitoes. Further indicators such as temperature, humidity and wind speed in different orientations can be collected to explore the influencing factors of MOIs.
5.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
6.Changes in hepatic bile acid profile in a mouse model of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis induced by a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-cholesterol diet combined with carbon tetrachloride
Jingjing WANG ; Jinghua PENG ; Yu LIU ; Feipeng XU ; Wei LIU ; Hailin YANG ; Ping LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):661-669
ObjectiveTo compare the hepatic bile acid profile between a mouse model of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) induced by a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-cholesterol diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and MASH cases in clinical practice, and to investigate the feasibility of this model in studying drug interventions on bile acid profile in MASH. MethodsA total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group and model group, with 15 mice in each group. The mice in the control group were given normal diet and drinking water and weekly injections of olive oil, and those in the model group were given a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-cholesterol diet, high-sugar drinking water, and weekly injections of CCl4+olive oil. At the end of weeks 8, 12, and 16, 5 mice were selected from each group to collect samples. Behavioral assessments were performed, and body weight and liver wet weight were measured; liver pathology and lipid deposition were evaluated by HE staining, SAF scoring, oil Red O staining, the semi-quantitative analysis of stained area, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver triglyceride (TG) content; Sirius Red staining was performed for liver tissue to assess liver fibrosis; ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and targeted metabolomics were used to measure the hepatic bile acid profile, including cholic acid (CA), glycocholic acid (GCA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group at the same time point, the model group had disheveled and dull fur, reduced activity, and relatively slow reactions at weeks 8, 12, and 16, as well as significant increases in liver wet weight (P<0.05), the serum level of ALT (P<0.05), the content of TG in the liver (P<0.05), and SAF score (P<0.05). As for the differentially expressed bile acids in liver tissue, compared with the control group at week 8, the model group had significantly higher levels of CA and CDCA and significantly lower levels of UDCA, TUDCA, HDCA, and GDCA (all P<0.05); compared with the control group at week 12, the model group had significantly higher levels of CA, GCA, CDCA, and GCDCA and significantly lower levels of UDCA and HDCA (all P<0.05); compared with the control group at week 16, the model group had significantly higher levels of CA, GCA, CDCA, GCDCA, and TUDCA and significantly lower levels of UDCA, HDCA, and GDCA (all P<0.05). As for the differentially expressed bile acids in the bile acid pool of liver tissue, compared with the control group at week 8, the model group had significantly higher levels of CA and CDCA and significantly lower levels of UDCA, TUDCA, GDCA, and HDCA (all P<0.05); compared with the control group at weeks 12 and 16, the model group had significantly higher levels of GCA and GCDCA and significantly lower levels of UDCA, GDCA, and HDCA (all P<0.05). ConclusionThere are significant changes in the hepatic bile acid profile in a mouse model of MASH induced by a high-fat, high-sugar, and high-cholesterol diet combined with CCl4, which are similar to the changes in bile acids in MASH cases in clinical practice, suggesting that this model can be used to explore the interventional effect of drugs on the bile acid profile in MASH.
7.Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis by Shaoyaotang via Inhibiting Glycolysis Through SIRT6/HIF-1α Pathway
Yiling XIA ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Erle LIU ; Yiwen WANG ; Shaijin JIANG ; Yiqian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):10-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein (SIRT6)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Mesalazine group (0.42 g·kg-1), a Shaoyaotang group (31.08 g·kg-1), an inhibitor group (OSS-128167, 50 mg·kg-1), and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (50 mg·kg-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg-1 Shaoyaotang). A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for mice in other groups for 7 d, except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline, Mesalazine, Shaoyaotang, inhibitor, and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang, respectively, for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region, and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in colon tissue, and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6, HIF-1α, and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group, disease activity index (DAI) scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened, and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated, and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 were significantly reduced in colon tissue (P<0.01). The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Mesalazine group, the Shaoyaotang group, and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury, significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6, significant increase in IL-10 (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group, the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased, and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). However, the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.
8.Total Saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Down-regulating COX-2-mediated M1 Macrophage Reprogramming
Lin HUANG ; Shumin LIU ; Huijuan SUN ; Geyu DENG ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):200-207
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of total saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (TSDN) in treating gouty arthritis (GA) by regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsIn vivo experiment: 24 male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model (GA), TSDN, and celecoxib groups, with 6 rats in each group. After 7 days of administration, pathological changes in the ankle synovial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, COX-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1). In vitro experiment: The GA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSU induction, and the inhibitor concentration was screened by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RAW264.7 cells were allocated into blank, model, TSDN, dexamethasone, COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), and TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor groups. The levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and Arg-1 in the cell supernatant of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in each group were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the synovial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that TSDN lowered the serum levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, and CD80 (P<0.01) while increasing the serum levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN and inhibitor down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, cleaved IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor further reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the markers above (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TSDN and COX-2 inhibitor decreased the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01) and increased the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01) in cells. Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated CD206 and Arg-1 levels (P<0.01) in cells. ConclusionTSDN can alleviate GA by downregulating COX-2-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming and suppressing the inflammatory factors.
9.Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis by Shaoyaotang via Inhibiting Glycolysis Through SIRT6/HIF-1α Pathway
Yiling XIA ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Erle LIU ; Yiwen WANG ; Shaijin JIANG ; Yiqian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):10-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein (SIRT6)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Mesalazine group (0.42 g·kg-1), a Shaoyaotang group (31.08 g·kg-1), an inhibitor group (OSS-128167, 50 mg·kg-1), and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (50 mg·kg-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg-1 Shaoyaotang). A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for mice in other groups for 7 d, except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline, Mesalazine, Shaoyaotang, inhibitor, and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang, respectively, for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region, and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in colon tissue, and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6, HIF-1α, and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group, disease activity index (DAI) scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened, and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated, and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 were significantly reduced in colon tissue (P<0.01). The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Mesalazine group, the Shaoyaotang group, and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury, significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6, significant increase in IL-10 (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group, the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased, and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). However, the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.
10.Total Saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma Alleviates Gouty Arthritis by Down-regulating COX-2-mediated M1 Macrophage Reprogramming
Lin HUANG ; Shumin LIU ; Huijuan SUN ; Geyu DENG ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):200-207
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of total saponins of Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (TSDN) in treating gouty arthritis (GA) by regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsIn vivo experiment: 24 male SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model (GA), TSDN, and celecoxib groups, with 6 rats in each group. After 7 days of administration, pathological changes in the ankle synovial tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to quantify the mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, COX-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the synovial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1). In vitro experiment: The GA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + MSU induction, and the inhibitor concentration was screened by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. RAW264.7 cells were allocated into blank, model, TSDN, dexamethasone, COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), and TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor groups. The levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, CD80, CD206, and Arg-1 in the cell supernatant of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in each group were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsIn vivo experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN reduced the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the synovial tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that TSDN lowered the serum levels of iNOS, IL-1β, CD86, and CD80 (P<0.01) while increasing the serum levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: compared with the model group, TSDN and inhibitor down-regulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α and the protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2, cleaved IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor further reduced the mRNA and protein levels of the markers above (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TSDN and COX-2 inhibitor decreased the levels of IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01) and increased the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 (P<0.01) in cells. Compared with TSDN alone, TSDN + COX-2 inhibitor reduced IL-1β, iNOS, CD80, and CD86 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated CD206 and Arg-1 levels (P<0.01) in cells. ConclusionTSDN can alleviate GA by downregulating COX-2-mediated M1 macrophage reprogramming and suppressing the inflammatory factors.

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