1.Analysis of Mechanism of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Regulating Ferroptosis Through SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway Against Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Guoting LI ; Changchao YANG ; Lin LIU ; Weikang LI ; Zixian ZHAO ; Quan SHEN ; Jingshan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):159-167
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ) based on solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4(SLC7A11/GPX4) pathway. MethodsPrimary rat thoracic aortic VSMCs were cultured by tissue explant method, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was used to determine the optimal concentration and time of AS-Ⅳ after Ang Ⅱ stimulation. The experiment was divided into blank group, model group, AS-Ⅳ group(40 μmol·L-1), Erastin group(0.5 μmol·L-1), Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group(0.5 μmol·L-1+40 μmol·L-1). The blank group was cultured in normal medium, the model group was cultured in medium containing Ang Ⅱ(0.1 μmol·L-1), and each administration group was cultured in medium containing Ang Ⅱ(0.1 μmol·L-1) and the corresponding doses of drug. CCK-8 and plate clone formation assay were used to detect the proliferation of cells in each group, Prussian blue staining was used to detect cell iron deposition, the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in cells was detected by fluorescence probe method, the content of malondialdehyde(MDA) was detected by thiobarbituric acid(TBA) method, and the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in each group were detected by Western blot. ResultsPrimary rat thoracic aortic VSMCs were successfully cultured by tissue explant method, and immunofluorescence detection showed that positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and negative expression of vimentin in the cells, identifying them as VSMCs. The optimal concentration and time of AS-Ⅳ determined by CCK-8 were 40 μmol·L-1 and 24 h, respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that compared with the blank group, the cell proliferation in the model group increased, the iron deposition in the cells increased, the contents of ROS and MDA increased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell proliferation of the AS-Ⅳ group was inhibited, the iron deposition in the cells was decreased, the contents of ROS and MDA were decreased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). While in the Erastin group, the cell proliferation was increased, the iron deposition was increased, ROS and MDA contents were increased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the AS-Ⅳ group, Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group showed increased cell proliferation, increased iron deposition in cells, increased ROS and MDA contents, and decreased expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins(P<0.05). Compared with the Erastin group, the cell proliferation in Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group was inhibited, the iron deposition was decreased, the contents of ROS and MDA were decreased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAS-Ⅳ can inhibit ferroptosis by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, so as to weaken the proliferation of VSMCs, thus playing a role in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
2.Determination of multi-component content and analysis of differential components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins
Qianying WU ; Dehong LIU ; Weikang CHEN ; Xi CHEN ; Yanyan ZHU ; Jie WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1071-1075
OBJECTIVE To determine the contents of 15 components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins (Citrus aurantium, C. junos, C. aurantium Linn., C. sinensis Osb., C. sinensis), screen differential components, and provide references for the quality evaluation of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus. METHODS HPLC method was adopted to determine the contents of synephrine, N-methyltyramine, 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-neohesperidoside, neoponcirin, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, naringenin, hesperetin, sinensetin, nobiletin, tangeretin, 5-demethylnobiletin, and auraptene in 46 batches of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins. The determination was performed on Waters Symmetry C18 column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid (gradient elution) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min; column temperature was set at 40 ℃ , detection wavelength was 284 nm, and sample injection volume was 5 μL. The differences between different origins of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus were analyzed by cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and differential components were screened. RESULTS The linear relationships of the aforementioned 15 components were all good within the tested mass concentration ranges (all r>0.999 0). The RSDs for precision, stability (24 h), and repeatability tests were all less than 2.00%. The average recovery rate ranged from 91.1% to 103.9% (all RSDs<3.10%). Cluster analysis, PCA, and OPLS-DA revealed that C. sinensis Osb. and C. sinensis were clustered into one category, while C. aurantium,C. junos and C. aurantium Linn. were clustered into another category. The variable importance projection values for neohesperidin, auraptene, naringin, neoponcirin, tangeretin, hesperidin, sinensetin, and 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-neohesperidoside were all greater than 1. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the contents of 15 components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins are determined, and 8 differential components, including neohesperidin, auraptene, naringin, and neoponcirin, are screened out.
3.Effects of LSS function deficiency on intestinal function in NAFLD model mice
Hongmei Bai ; Zhen Yang ; Weikang Hu ; Zihan Wang ; Wenjing Zhou ; Qingya He ; Jian Zhong ; Mingcong Li ; Li Liu ; Chaoyang Zhang ; Sumei Zhang ; Shengquan Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(9):1653-1660
Objective:
To investigate the effect of loss of function of lanosterol synthase( LSS) gene on intestinal function in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease( NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet.
Methods:
LSS gene heterozygous knockout C57 mice ( LSS + / -) were established using the CRISRP / Cas9 system.After being fed a high-fat diet with 60% fat content for 6 months,the fat deposition in liver tissues was detected by HE and Oil red O staining,the morphological changes of small intestine tissue were detected by HE staining.The changes in total cholesterol content in intestinal tissue were detected by kits.The gastrointestinal motility function of mice was detected by phenol red paste.The intestinal permeability was detected by Evans blue staining,and the expression of LSS,tight junction protein ( Claudin) -1,Claudin-5,cluster of differentiation 36 ( CD36) ,and Niemann-Pick type C1-like 1 protein ( NPC1L1) proteins in small intestinal tissues were detected by Western blot.
Results :
The results of HE and Oil red O staining of liver tissues showed that liver fat deposition in LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice was lower than that in wild-type mice in the high-fat diet group.The total cholesterol content in intestinal tis- sue of LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice decreased ( P <0. 01) ,but no morphological differences were ob- served between the two groups of mice by HE staining of intestinal tissues.The gastrointestinal motility function of LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice did not show significant changes.The intestinal permeability of LSS gene het- erozygous knockout mice in the high-fat diet group decreased as detected by Evans blue ( P<0. 05) .The expres- sion levels of Claudin-5 protein in the intestinal tissue of LSS gene heterozygous knockout mice in the high-fat diet group increased ( P <0. 05 ) ,while the expression of LSS protein in the intestinal tissues of LSS heterozygous knockout mice decreased ( P <0. 05) .
Conclusion
In the NAFLD model induced by a high-fat diet,LSS gene heterozygous knockout reduces liver fat deposition induced by a high-fat diet and improves intestinal barrier function by regulating cholesterol metabolism in intestinal tissues and up-regulating the expression of Claudin-5.
4.Nano-ITO induce pulmonary alveolar proteinosis through oxidative stress and activation of NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Yinqiao LIN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiaoyang CHEN ; Weikang LI ; Yujing NIU ; Xuefei WANG ; Nan LIU ; Gai LI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(2):81-90
Objective:To investigate the role of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) /nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the occurrence of lung tissue in the pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) model of rats induced by indium tin oxide nanoprticles (Nano-ITO) .Methods:In October 2019, 120 SD rats were divided into 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84 day Nano ITO exposure groups and corresponding time point control groups, with 10 rats in each group; the exposure group was treated with 6 mg/kg·bw Nano-ITO via non exposed tracheal injection, twice a week. Time-course studies were performed to examine the pulmonary toxicity induced by Nano-ITO. At the end of the experiment, cytokines levels and oxidative stress were analyzed in the bronchoalveolar lavaged fluid (BALF). Rat lung tissues were also harvested for staining with HE, PAS, Masson, and Oil Red O. Ultrastructure of lung tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscope. The localization and expression of NF-κB p65, IκB-α, IKK-β, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The comparison between the two groups was analyzed by independent sample T test, and the comparison between the multiple groups was analyzed by one-way ANOVA.Results:Nano-ITO intratracheal instillation caused pulmonary toxicity by inducing acute inflammation, granuloma (nodule) formation, and alveolar proteinosis. ELISA analysis showed that, compared with the corresponding time points control groups, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, total protein (TP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF of rats exposed to Nano ITO were all increased ( P<0.05) ; The protein expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB p65 was upregulated in rat lung tissue, while the protein expression of KK-β was increased ( P<0.01). Nrf2 and its downstream proteins NQO1 and HO-1 were highly expressed in Nano-ITO-induced PAP rat. Conclusion:NF-κB/Nrf2 signal pathway is involved in the process of Nano-ITO induced pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in rats.
5.Nano-ITO induce pulmonary alveolar proteinosis through oxidative stress and activation of NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Yinqiao LIN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiaoyang CHEN ; Weikang LI ; Yujing NIU ; Xuefei WANG ; Nan LIU ; Gai LI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(2):81-90
Objective:To investigate the role of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) /nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the occurrence of lung tissue in the pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) model of rats induced by indium tin oxide nanoprticles (Nano-ITO) .Methods:In October 2019, 120 SD rats were divided into 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84 day Nano ITO exposure groups and corresponding time point control groups, with 10 rats in each group; the exposure group was treated with 6 mg/kg·bw Nano-ITO via non exposed tracheal injection, twice a week. Time-course studies were performed to examine the pulmonary toxicity induced by Nano-ITO. At the end of the experiment, cytokines levels and oxidative stress were analyzed in the bronchoalveolar lavaged fluid (BALF). Rat lung tissues were also harvested for staining with HE, PAS, Masson, and Oil Red O. Ultrastructure of lung tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscope. The localization and expression of NF-κB p65, IκB-α, IKK-β, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The comparison between the two groups was analyzed by independent sample T test, and the comparison between the multiple groups was analyzed by one-way ANOVA.Results:Nano-ITO intratracheal instillation caused pulmonary toxicity by inducing acute inflammation, granuloma (nodule) formation, and alveolar proteinosis. ELISA analysis showed that, compared with the corresponding time points control groups, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, total protein (TP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF of rats exposed to Nano ITO were all increased ( P<0.05) ; The protein expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB p65 was upregulated in rat lung tissue, while the protein expression of KK-β was increased ( P<0.01). Nrf2 and its downstream proteins NQO1 and HO-1 were highly expressed in Nano-ITO-induced PAP rat. Conclusion:NF-κB/Nrf2 signal pathway is involved in the process of Nano-ITO induced pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in rats.
6.Application value of Nectin-4 targeting radiotracer 68Ga-N188 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Jianxin WANG ; Yongsu MA ; Weikang LIU ; Xueqi CHEN ; Yiran CHEN ; Yu ZHU ; Jixin ZHANG ; Jianhua ZHANG ; Xing YANG ; Xiaodong TIAN ; Yinmo YANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(5):746-753
Objective:To investigate the application value of nectin-4 targeting radiotracer 68Ga-N188 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods:The prospective study was conducted. The clinicopathologic data of 16 patients diagnosed as pancreatic cancer on enhanced computed tomography (CT) who were admitted to the Peking University First Hospital from August to December 2022 were collected. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged (62±8)years. All patients underwent 18F-flurodeoxyglucose ( 18F-FDG) and 68Ga-N188 positron emission tomography (PET)/CT examination. Observation indicators: (1) distribution of 68Ga-N188 in different tissues and tumor primary lesion of patients; (2) expression of Nectin-4 and uptake of 68Ga-N188 in pancreatic cancer; (3) comparison of examination results between 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages. Results:(1) Distribution of 68Ga-N188 in different tissues and tumor primary lesion of patients. Results of PET/CT examination showed that in 1 hour after injection, the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and mean standard uptake value (SUVmean) of 68Ga-N188 in fat, muscle, skin, and brain tissues of 16 patients were 0.40±0.16 and 0.25±0.09, 0.68±0.20 and 0.44±0.12, 0.39±0.14 and 0.28±0.11, 0.09±0.04 and 0.05±0.02, respectively. In the tissues of the esophagus, liver, spleen, and pancreas, the above indicators were 1.53±0.48 and 1.16±0.31, 1.49±0.45 and 0.91±0.30, 1.40±0.30 and 1.02±0.24, 1.24±0.31 and 0.96±0.25, respectively. In tumor primary lesion, the above indicators were 3.28±1.02 and 2.14±0.62, respectively, showing significant differences in SUVmax and SUVmean compared with pancreatic tissue ( t=8.03, 6.75, P<0.05). The tumor background ratio in tumor primary lesion based on SUVmax was 1.82±0.58. (2) Expression of Nectin-4 and uptake of 68Ga-N188 in pancreatic cancer. Results of immunohistochemical staining in 16 patients showed that there were 7 patients with high Nectin-4 expression and 9 patients with low Nectin-4 expression. Results of PET/CT examination showed that the SUVmax of 68Ga-N188 in tumor primary lesion of the 7 patients with high Nectin-4 expression and 9 patients with low Nectin-4 expression were 3.77±1.10 and 2.64±0.68, showing a significant difference between them ( t=2.64, P<0.05). The SUVmax of 18F-FDG in tumor primary lesion of the 7 patients with high Nectin-4 expression and 9 patients with low Nectin-4 expression were 6.73±3.24 and 6.43±3.45, showing no significant difference between them ( t=0.17, P>0.05). (3) Comparison of examination results between 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Of the 16 patients, cases with positive results of tumor primary lesion on 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 14 and 11, respectively, for the 14 pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed by postoperative histopathology. Among them, cases with positive results of tumor primary lesion on 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 3 and 1 for the 3 pancreatic cancer patients receiving evaluation for chemotherapy. The SUVmax of 18F-FDG in tumor primary lesion of the 3 patients with chemotherapy and the 11 patients without chemotherapy were 2.80±0.69 and 6.97±2.11, showing a significant difference between them ( t=3.29, P<0.05). The SUVmax of 68Ga-N188 in tumor primary lesion of the 3 patients with chemotherapy and the 11 patients without chemotherapy were 3.38±1.12 and 2.93±0.50, showing no significant difference between them ( t=0.66, P>0.05). Cases with positive results of lymph node metastases in 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 6 and 4, respectively, for the 6 pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed with lymph node metastases by postoperative histopathology, and the SUVmax of 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG in lymph node metastases were 2.25±1.12 and 4.02±1.27. Conclusion:68Ga-N188 PET/CT can be used for imaging diagnosis of tumor primary lesion and lymph node metastases of pancreatic cancer.
7.Research progress in surgical standards for biliary tract cancer
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2024;30(6):401-406
Surgery for biliary tract cancer (BTC) is characterized by technical difficulty, high morbidity, and poor prognosis. Establishing the surgical standards for BTC is crucial for a better quality of medical care, prolonged survival, and improved prognosis. The surgical standards for BTC consist of preoperative evaluation, preoperative management, and surgical procedures. In preoperative evaluation and management, the fashions of preoperative biliary drainage and the strategies for liver remnant enlargement remain controversial. In surgical procedures, the appropriate extent of liver resection, the management of bile duct margins, the indication of vascular resection and reconstruction, and the extent of lymphadenectomy remain debated. More insights into these controversies contribute to better surgical standards.
8.Common pathogenesis of gout and rheumatoid arthritis based on bioinformatics analysis
Zichen SHAO ; Huanan LI ; Xiaoyun ZHANG ; Weikang SUN ; Qipeng YUAN ; Jing LIU ; Ling CHENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(12):2478-2483,中插1-中插2
Objective:To study the common pathogenesis of gout and rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by bioinformatics analysis.Methods:Microarray expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in gout and RA were obtained from the GEO public da-tabase.R language and other tools were used to re-annotates the chip,and then the differential genes(DEGs)of the two were screened and the intersection was taken.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and topology analysis of common differential genes(CO-DEGs)were constructed by STRING database and Cytoscape software(including CytoNCA plug-in).The HubGene was screened and validated by ROC curve.Finally,the DAVID online analysis tool was used to perform GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis of HubGene.Results:There were 9 HubGene screened,they were TNF,RGS1,CD69,IL7R,DDX3X,SOCS3,IFIT1,IFIT3,CCL3.GO enrichment showed that HubGene was mainly involves the regulation of virus,STAT receptor signaling pathway and positive regu-lation of neuroinflammatory response.KEGG enrichment showed that HubGene was mainly involved in Toll like receptor signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,JAK-STAT signaling pathway,adipocytokine signaling pathway,RIG-Ⅰ-like receptor signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation.Conclusion:Using bioinformatics analysis,nine HubGene and related signaling pathways in-volved in the pathogenesis of gout and RA have been identified,which may serve as novel biomarkers and potential targets.
9.Mechanism of m6A methylation regulating bone metabolism for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Xiangshan CHEN ; Hua LIU ; Weikang SUN ; Huanan LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(28):4572-4577
BACKGROUND:The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is complex,and its essence is the weakening of bone formation and the enhancement of bone absorption caused by various reasons,resulting in the imbalance of bone metabolism.In recent years,N6-methyladenosine has been found(N6-methyladenosine,m6A)methylation can prevent and treat osteoporosis by regulating bone metabolism. OBJECTIVE:Taking the regulation of bone metabolism by m6A methylation as an entry point,to systematically sort out and summarize the research progress of m6A methylation in osteoporosis,so as to provide certain theoretical reference bases for the search of new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,MEDLINE,Nature,and Cochrane databases were retrieved for relevant literature published from database inception to 2023.The keywords were"osteoporosis,m6A methylation,bone metabolism,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts"in Chinese and English.Duplicates and obsolete non-referenced documents were excluded,and a total of 73 standard papers were included for further review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:m6A methylation can affect the activity and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts,and osteoclasts through various pathways to regulate bone metabolism and prevent osteoporosis.The regulatory process of m6A methylation is extremely complex,and its related proteins play different roles in different cells.Even in the same kind of cells,the same type of proteins may have radically different roles,regulating different physiological and pathological processes.
10.Health promotion measures for common allergic diseases
Shunan LIU ; Hongxiang CHEN ; Ying XIONG ; Guanghui LIU ; Weikang ZHOU
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(1):149-154
Allergic diseases seriously affect people's health,throughout the whole life cycle,from chil-dren to adults and then to the elderly allergy,can be lifelong onset,and need comprehensive prevention and treatment of the whole life cycle.Its occurrence and development have certain rules,it is usually first manifes-ted as atopic dermatitis in infants and young children,and then gradually develops into food allergy,allergic rhinitis(AR),and allergic asthma.Intervention in atopic dermatitis and or reducing the sensitization of food allergens can inhibit the allergic process and reduce the occurrence of AR and allergic asthma.Therefore,inter-vening and blocking the allergic processes is the key to the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.This article focuses on the comprehensive intervention measures of allergic diseases(including health education,al-lergen intervention,nutrition intervention,daily nursing,psychological intervention)and disease monitoring,in order to promote the development of the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.


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