1.Regulation of Rat Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang via miR-17-5P/MDM2/p53 Pathway
Haitao JIANG ; Hantao YUAN ; Wenting HUANG ; Rongrong YANG ; Xiaochun CHEN ; Baoqing YU ; Sibo LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):55-65
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang on the regulation of the microRNA-17-5P (miR-17-5P)/murine double minute 2 (MDM2)/p53 axis in the proliferation and apoptosis of rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells, and its potential molecular mechanism. MethodsIntervertebral disc annulus fibrosus tissues were obtained from 8-week-old SPF-grade male SD rats, and annulus fibrosus cells were isolated and obtained by enzyme digestion and mechanical dispersion. Annulus fibrosus cells were divided into 6 groups: Group C was the blank control group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were not treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) but were cultured in RPMI 1640 complete medium. Group β was the degeneration model group constructed by treating annulus fibrosus cells with 10 ng/mL IL-1β for 24 h. Group β+B was the IL-1β + blank serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% blank serum for 24 h. Group β+W was the IL-1β + Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum for 24 h. Group β+I was the IL-1β + miR-17-5P inhibitor group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then transfected with miR-17-5P inhibitor. Group β+I+W was the IL-1β + miR-17-5P inhibitor + Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then transfected with miR-17-5P inhibitor, and finally treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum for 24 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell survival rate. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-17-5P, MDM2 mRNA, and p53 mRNA in cells. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of MDM2 and p53 in cells. Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-17-5P and MDM2. ResultsCompared with Group C, Group β showed a significant decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.001), a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate (P<0.001), significantly increased expression of miR-17-5P, p53 mRNA, and p53 protein (P<0.001), and significantly decreased expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). Compared with Group β, Group β+W, Group β+I, and Group β+I+W showed significantly increased cell survival rate, significantly decreased apoptosis rate, significantly decreased expression of miR-17-5P, p53 mRNA, and p53 protein, and significantly increased expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). Moreover, changes in the above indicators were greater in Group β+I+W (P<0.001). Circular RNA Interactome predicted that miR-17-5P had specific binding sites with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of MDM2. Transfection of miR-17-5P mimic significantly reduced the luciferase expression level of co-transfected luciferase reporter plasmid containing wild-type MDM2 3'UTR (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on luciferase expression in cells co-transfected with luciferase reporter plasmid containing mutant MDM2 3'UTR (P>0.05). ConclusionYaoshu Zhuyu Fang down-regulates the expression of miR-17-5P, promotes the synthesis of MDM2 protein, thereby down-regulates p53, promotes proliferation, and inhibits the apoptosis of rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells.
2.Research progress on enhanced recovery after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Zhengliang SHI ; Yanlin LI ; Zhaohui RUAN ; Hongmai YANG ; Kaiquan LI ; Ping YUAN ; Wenting TANG ; Rui HAN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(12):1591-1599
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize research progress on enhanced recovery after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, clarify the core contradictions, effective intervention methods, and evaluation shortcomings in current clinical practice, and provide theoretical support for optimizing clinical rehabilitation strategies.
METHODS:
Relevant domestic and international literature in recent years was systematically searched. The key technologies and challenges for enhanced recovery after PCL reconstruction were analyzed from three aspects: the core issues of enhanced recovery after PCL reconstruction, treatment strategies, and the post-reconstruction effectiveness evaluation system.
RESULTS:
Enhanced recovery after PCL reconstruction mainly faces two core problems. First, there is a balance dilemma between graft tendon protection and knee joint function recovery: the tensile capacity of the graft tendon is weak in the early postoperative period, so excessive weight-bearing easily leads to relaxation, while overly conservative immobilization causes muscle atrophy and joint adhesion. Second, the return-to-sport rate is significantly affected by injury type and treatment method: patients with combined multiple ligament or meniscus injuries have a much lower return-to-sport rate than those with isolated PCL injury, and the risk of return-to-sport failure is higher. Current research mainly promotes rehabilitation from two aspects: physical therapy and surgical technology. Physical therapy runs through the perioperative period: preoperatively, muscle strength training, swelling control, and maintenance of joint range of motion are used to optimize surgical conditions; postoperatively, phased intervention is implemented. Surgical technology focuses on minimally invasive and anatomical approaches: arthroscopic surgery reduces injury, double-bundle reconstruction and internal tension-relief technology improve stability, and modified tunnel positioning and special surgical methods avoid the risk of "Killer Turn". Postoperative functional evaluation adopts multi-dimensional indicators: subjective evaluation relies on scales such as Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC); objective evaluation assesses stability through Telos stress test and posterior drawer test; imaging evaluation takes MRI as the core; psychological evaluation is assisted by the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11). However, there are obvious shortcomings, such as the lack of PCL-specific evaluation tools.
CONCLUSION
Enhanced recovery after PCL reconstruction requires the integration of precise surgery, individualized rehabilitation, and comprehensive subjective and objective evaluation. In the future, biomaterials and digital technologies should be integrated to optimize the full-cycle management of PCL reconstruction, thereby improving functional recovery and the effect of return to sports.
Humans
;
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/rehabilitation*
;
Posterior Cruciate Ligament/injuries*
;
Recovery of Function
;
Knee Joint/physiopathology*
;
Knee Injuries/rehabilitation*
;
Return to Sport
;
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
;
Tendons/transplantation*
;
Arthroscopy
3.Identification of endothelial cell key genes associated with pathogenesis and invasion of human venous malformations using single-nucleus RNA sequencing-based co-expression network analysis
Wenbo LIU ; Junjie LIN ; Meijuan ZHANG ; Chunjie YUAN ; Xiaojuan FENG ; Wenting JIAO ; Junbo QIAO ; Wenqiu WANG ; Bin FANG ; Changkuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(4):458-467
Objective:This study aimed to identify key genes in endothelial cell (EC) associated with the pathogenesis and progression of human venous malformations (VMs) through bioinformatics analysis, providing potential biomarkers for early screening and targeted therapy of VMs.Methods:A case-control study was conducted using surgically resected tissue specimens from VMs patients at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (from September 2021 to September 2023), with malformed venous tissues as the experimental group and distal normal venous tissues as controls. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was performed on paired experimental and control samples from four VM patients. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), combined with gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, identified critical genes. Validation experiments included 15 additional VM cases and controls using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot.Results:A total of 55 430 nuclei were captured using snRNA-seq, with 30 391 nuclei from the experimental group and 25 039 nuclei from the control group. Cluster analysis identified 22 distinct cell populations, which were annotated into 8 cell types. hdWGCNA revealed four modules associated with invasion, which were enriched in angiogenesis, integrin signaling, and cell adhesion according to GO analysis. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and focal adhesion are key regulatory mechanisms. PPI network analysis combined with cytoscape identified EGFL7, TEK, and FLT1 as key genes. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the relative mRNA expression levels of these three genes in the experimental group (6.66±2.31, 1.86±0.62, 3.49±0.58) were significantly higher than those in the control group (1.05±0.14, 1.00±0.14, 1.06±0.25), with statistically significant differences ( t=9.37, 4.27, 11.20, P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the relative protein expression levels of these three genes in the cytoplasm of the experimental group (0.84±0.15, 0.68±0.14, 0.85±0.12) were also significantly higher than those in the control group (0.19±0.05, 0.23±0.06, 0.30±0.05), with statistically significant differences ( t=16.62, 5.93, 11.68, P<0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed that the relative protein expression levels of these three genes in the experimental group (0.35±0.04, 0.36±0.09, 0.31±0.04) were significantly higher than those in the control group (0.19±0.01, 0.13±0.02, 0.14±0.04), with statistically significant differences ( t=7.05, 4.61, 5.93, P<0.05). Conclusion:EGFL7, FLT1, and TEK in EC may play crucial roles in the occurrence and invasion of VMs.
4.Current Status,Advantages and Strategies of TCM in the Prevention and Treatment of Malignant Tumors
Weichen YUAN ; Hongguang ZHOU ; Wenting LI ; Li LI ; Muhan LI ; Mianhua WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):707-720
This paper summarizes the current status of research on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and points out that TCM has the advantages of being based on the holistic view and advocating the preven-tive treatment of diseases.The strategies of TCM in preventing and treating malignant tumors are proposed:first,it is necessary to clar-ify the leading or auxiliary treatment role in different stages of tumors and give full play to its strengths and advantages;second,find the characteristics of the superior and inferior populations and microscopic markers of tumor diagnosis and treatment to promote accurate di-agnosis and treatment;third,improve the overall diagnosis and treatment level of tumors by grasping the core pathogenesis and ensure clinical efficacy;fourth,incorporate modern medical therapy factors into the TCM tumor diagnosis and treatment system in order to in-tercept the disease;fifth,add TCM psychological intervention on the basis of the four-in-one holistic syndrome differentiation view to achieve harmony between body and spirit;sixth,improve the rehabilitation and health care system of tumors combined with traditional Chinese and Western medicine through the use of multiple methods to promote the recovery of diseases.In this way,the clinical effica-cy of TCM in preventing and treating tumors can be continuously improved,and the great goal of TCM in preventing and treating tumors and benefiting all mankind can be truly realized.
5.Study on the Mechanism of Anti-Colorectal Cancer Effects of Anzheng Kangliu Decoction by Inhibiting Glycolysis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yuwei LIANG ; Hongli ZHOU ; Yupei ZHUANG ; Weichen YUAN ; Mingjun TANG ; Wenting LI ; Li LI ; Mianhua WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):730-741
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect mechanism of Anzheng Kangliu Decoction against colorectal cancer by suppressing glycolysis through regulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway.METHODS Human colorectal cancer SW620 cells were treated with Anzheng Kangliu De-coction,and cell proliferation and migration abilities were assessed.Forty-two BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into a blank control group,model group,5-fluorouracil(5-FU)group(0.025 g·kg-1),Anzheng Kangliu Decoction low-dose group(7.67 g·kg-1),medium-dose group(15.34 g·kg-1),and high-dose group(30.68 g·kg-1).The inhibitory effect of Anzheng Kan-gliu Decoction on subcutaneous xenograft tumors was evaluated by observing body weight,tumor volume,tumor mass,HE staining,im-munohistochemical staining of Ki67 and other indicators.High-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify differen-tially expressed genes and pathways in tumor tissues between the model group and the Anzheng Kangliu Decoction medium-dose group,elucidating the potential mechanism of Anzheng Kangliu Decoction against colorectal cancer.Glucose and lactate assay kits were used to measure glucose consumption and lactate production in SW620 cells and tumor tissues after Anzheng Kangliu Decoction intervention.Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR,hexokinase 2(HK2),and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)in SW620 cells and tumor tissues following Anzheng Kangliu Decoction treatment.RE-SULTS In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that,compared with the blank control group,Anzheng Kangliu Decoction intervention significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of SW620 cells(P<0.01),reduced glucose consumption and lactate production(P<0.05,P<0.01),and downregulated the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR,HK2,and LDHA(P<0.05,P<0.01).In vivo animal experiments revealed that,compared with the model group,Anzheng Kangliu Decoction suppressed the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors in nude mice(P<0.01),increased tumor tissue necrosis,decreased glucose consumption and lactate production in tumor tissues(P<0.05,P<0.01),and reduced the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR,HK2,and LDHA(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Anzheng Kangliu Decoction exerts an in-hibitory effect on colorectal cancer,and its mechanism may be associated with the suppression of glycolysis through regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
6.Study on the Effect of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula on Airway Inflammation in Mice with Acute Asthma by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome
Wenting CHEN ; Yingmei DONG ; Yiwen SHAN ; Chen YUAN ; Wenjun CHEN ; Jiabao WU ; Xia ZHAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(2):175-180
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula on airway inflammation in mice with acute asthma and explore its possible mechanism.METHODS A total of 36 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group,low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula,with 6 mice in each group.Except for the normal group,the other groups were given ovalbumin to establish the acute asthma attack mouse model.The normal group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage,and the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups were given Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula by gavage at the corresponding dose,once a day,for 5 consecutive days.Whole Body Plethysmography was used to measure the changes of enhanced respiratory interval(Pehn)of bronchial contraction parameters in mice.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in mice.ELISA method was adopted to detect the expression levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 18(IL-18)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in lung tissue homogenate of mice.Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expression level of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3)in lung tissue of mice.Western blot method was employed to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation-associated protein κ gene binding nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3),NIMA-associated kinase 7(NEK7),Caspase 1(Cleaved-Caspase 1)and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC)in lung tissue of mice.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the Penh level of mice in the model group was increased(P<0.001),and the pathological results of lung tissue showed that the number of inflammatory cells around the airway increased,the inflammatory score increased(P<0.001),the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate increased(P<0.001),and the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC proteins in lung tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the Penh level of mice in the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups and the dexamethasone group was reduced(P<0.05,P<0.001),the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue decreased,and the inflammatory score decreased(P<0.001);the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001);the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC pro-teins in lung tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula can improve lung function and airway inflammation in asthma model mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion.
7.Coinfection with coxsackievirus A6 and B1 in a Syrian hamster animal model
Jinghan HOU ; Suqin DUAN ; Hongjie XU ; Wenting SUN ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Lixiong CHEN ; Quan LIU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Fengmei YANG ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):30-40
Objective To establish an animal model of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)in Syrian hamsters coinfected with coxsackievirus A6(CVA6)and coxsackievirus B1(CVB1).Methods 42 Syrian hamsters were divided into a CVA6 infection group,CVB1 infection group,CVA6 and CVB1 coinfection group and control group.A HFMD model was established by nasal instillation of virus solution and phosphate-buffered saline.Clinical and physiological indicators and detoxification status were monitored and recorded for 15 d,and animals were selected on day 7(D7)after infection for histopathology and viral antigen and nucleic acid testing.Results Hamsters in the single-infection and coinfection groups showed clinical symptoms similar to human HFMD.White blood cell,neutrophil,and lymphocyte result were characteristic of viral infection.Both viral nucleic acids were detected in throat swabs,feces,blood,and tissues and both viruses were isolated from fecal samples.Pathological damage and positive co-localization of CVA6 and CVB1 viral antigen proteins and nucleic acids were found in brain and other tissues.Conclusions Nasal instillation of a CVA6 and CVB1 mixture can successfully coinfect Syrian hamsters,replicate herpes infection similar to human HFMD,and cause pathological viral myocarditis and encephalitis damage.The result showed that the coinfection group was more seriously affected than the single-infection group,with worse clinical symptoms,increased viral replication,and obvious tissue pathological damage.This study provides a reference for further basic and clinical research into human enterovirus coinfection.
8.Current Status,Advantages and Strategies of TCM in the Prevention and Treatment of Malignant Tumors
Weichen YUAN ; Hongguang ZHOU ; Wenting LI ; Li LI ; Muhan LI ; Mianhua WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):707-720
This paper summarizes the current status of research on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and points out that TCM has the advantages of being based on the holistic view and advocating the preven-tive treatment of diseases.The strategies of TCM in preventing and treating malignant tumors are proposed:first,it is necessary to clar-ify the leading or auxiliary treatment role in different stages of tumors and give full play to its strengths and advantages;second,find the characteristics of the superior and inferior populations and microscopic markers of tumor diagnosis and treatment to promote accurate di-agnosis and treatment;third,improve the overall diagnosis and treatment level of tumors by grasping the core pathogenesis and ensure clinical efficacy;fourth,incorporate modern medical therapy factors into the TCM tumor diagnosis and treatment system in order to in-tercept the disease;fifth,add TCM psychological intervention on the basis of the four-in-one holistic syndrome differentiation view to achieve harmony between body and spirit;sixth,improve the rehabilitation and health care system of tumors combined with traditional Chinese and Western medicine through the use of multiple methods to promote the recovery of diseases.In this way,the clinical effica-cy of TCM in preventing and treating tumors can be continuously improved,and the great goal of TCM in preventing and treating tumors and benefiting all mankind can be truly realized.
9.Study on the Mechanism of Anti-Colorectal Cancer Effects of Anzheng Kangliu Decoction by Inhibiting Glycolysis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yuwei LIANG ; Hongli ZHOU ; Yupei ZHUANG ; Weichen YUAN ; Mingjun TANG ; Wenting LI ; Li LI ; Mianhua WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):730-741
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect mechanism of Anzheng Kangliu Decoction against colorectal cancer by suppressing glycolysis through regulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway.METHODS Human colorectal cancer SW620 cells were treated with Anzheng Kangliu De-coction,and cell proliferation and migration abilities were assessed.Forty-two BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into a blank control group,model group,5-fluorouracil(5-FU)group(0.025 g·kg-1),Anzheng Kangliu Decoction low-dose group(7.67 g·kg-1),medium-dose group(15.34 g·kg-1),and high-dose group(30.68 g·kg-1).The inhibitory effect of Anzheng Kan-gliu Decoction on subcutaneous xenograft tumors was evaluated by observing body weight,tumor volume,tumor mass,HE staining,im-munohistochemical staining of Ki67 and other indicators.High-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify differen-tially expressed genes and pathways in tumor tissues between the model group and the Anzheng Kangliu Decoction medium-dose group,elucidating the potential mechanism of Anzheng Kangliu Decoction against colorectal cancer.Glucose and lactate assay kits were used to measure glucose consumption and lactate production in SW620 cells and tumor tissues after Anzheng Kangliu Decoction intervention.Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR,hexokinase 2(HK2),and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)in SW620 cells and tumor tissues following Anzheng Kangliu Decoction treatment.RE-SULTS In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that,compared with the blank control group,Anzheng Kangliu Decoction intervention significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of SW620 cells(P<0.01),reduced glucose consumption and lactate production(P<0.05,P<0.01),and downregulated the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR,HK2,and LDHA(P<0.05,P<0.01).In vivo animal experiments revealed that,compared with the model group,Anzheng Kangliu Decoction suppressed the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors in nude mice(P<0.01),increased tumor tissue necrosis,decreased glucose consumption and lactate production in tumor tissues(P<0.05,P<0.01),and reduced the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR,HK2,and LDHA(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Anzheng Kangliu Decoction exerts an in-hibitory effect on colorectal cancer,and its mechanism may be associated with the suppression of glycolysis through regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
10.Study on the Effect of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula on Airway Inflammation in Mice with Acute Asthma by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome
Wenting CHEN ; Yingmei DONG ; Yiwen SHAN ; Chen YUAN ; Wenjun CHEN ; Jiabao WU ; Xia ZHAO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(2):175-180
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula on airway inflammation in mice with acute asthma and explore its possible mechanism.METHODS A total of 36 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group,low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula,with 6 mice in each group.Except for the normal group,the other groups were given ovalbumin to establish the acute asthma attack mouse model.The normal group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage,and the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups were given Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula by gavage at the corresponding dose,once a day,for 5 consecutive days.Whole Body Plethysmography was used to measure the changes of enhanced respiratory interval(Pehn)of bronchial contraction parameters in mice.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in mice.ELISA method was adopted to detect the expression levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 18(IL-18)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in lung tissue homogenate of mice.Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expression level of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3)in lung tissue of mice.Western blot method was employed to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation-associated protein κ gene binding nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3),NIMA-associated kinase 7(NEK7),Caspase 1(Cleaved-Caspase 1)and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC)in lung tissue of mice.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the Penh level of mice in the model group was increased(P<0.001),and the pathological results of lung tissue showed that the number of inflammatory cells around the airway increased,the inflammatory score increased(P<0.001),the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate increased(P<0.001),and the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC proteins in lung tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the Penh level of mice in the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups and the dexamethasone group was reduced(P<0.05,P<0.001),the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue decreased,and the inflammatory score decreased(P<0.001);the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001);the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC pro-teins in lung tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula can improve lung function and airway inflammation in asthma model mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion.

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