1.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
2.Expression characteristics, targeted regulation, and synergistic mechanisms of IGF2BP3 and UXS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
DENG Yulong ; WEI Lianqing ; WU Xingchen ; XIE Xiaoting ; XIONG Dandan
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):66-76
[摘 要] 目的:探讨胰岛素样生长因子2 mRNA结合蛋白3(IGF2BP3)、尿苷二磷酸-葡萄糖醛酸脱羧酶1(UXS1)在肝细胞癌(HCC)中的表达特征、预后价值及两者协同作用的分子机制。方法:整合UALCAN、cBioPortal、ENCORI、TISCH2、GDSC等公共数据库的转录组数据,对IGF2BP3和UXS1进行表达、预后评估、功能富集及药物敏感性等分析。收集GEO数据库的单细胞RNA测序(scRNA-seq)数据,分析细胞通信、单细胞代谢评分,系统解析IGF2BP3-UXS1轴在HCC中的具体作用。结果:IGF2BP3、UXS1在HCC组织中均显著高表达,且高表达患者总生存期显著缩短(均P < 0.05)。采用CRISPP技术敲除IGF2BP3或UXS1后,多种HCC细胞的增殖能力受到明显抑制。scRNA-seq分析揭示了IGF2BP3、UXS1在肝细胞等细胞类型中的广泛表达分布,前者在细胞分化晚期上调,后者则在细胞分化早、中期高表达。IGF2BP3、UXS1高表达组均显著激活了MIF通路,同时IGF2BP3的高表达削弱了成纤维细胞的相互作用,而UXS1的高表达则增强了T细胞的信号转导功能。IGF2BP3与UXS1在表达相关性中存在显著的正相关(r = 0.432,P < 0.05)。沉默IGF2BP3结合位点会导致UXS1表达水平变化(F = 0.333)。功能富集分析提示,IGF2BP3与UXS1协同调控能量代谢、蛋白质翻译等生物学过程。在IGF2BP3或UXS1高表达的细胞亚群中,发现两者与多个糖代谢相关通路存在显著关联。IGF2BP3、UXS1高表达的患者对优普色替等药物表现出显著的敏感性,还对药物那维托克等表现出显著的耐药性。结论: IGF2BP3、UXS1在HCC中高表达,两者通过调控糖代谢重编程的协同作用促进HCC恶性生物学行为。
3.Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma Polysaccharides Ameliorate Hyperlipidemia in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota
Jingchen XIE ; Qianqian LIU ; Suhui XIONG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuexin LIU ; Ping WU ; Duanfang LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):84-92
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides on hyperlipidemia in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. MethodsNinety male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the following groups (n=15): control, model, simvastatin, low- (100 mg·kg-1), medium- (200 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (400 mg·kg-1) Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides groups. Other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat diet for the modeling of hyperlipidemia, and drug interventions lasted for 12 weeks. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes in the liver and epididymal fat were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and lipid accumulation in the liver was assessed by oil red O staining. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited an increase in body weight (P<0.01), along with marked elevations in serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05,P<0.01). Furthermore, the model group showcased increase in the liver index and epididymal fat coefficient (P<0.05), increased liver fat accumulation, enlargement of adipocytes in the epididymal fat, decreases in both alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota, and an increase in the relative abundance of Allobaculum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides suppressed the increase in body weight (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05,P<0.01), reduced the liver index and epididymal fat coefficient (P<0.05), alleviated liver fat accumulation, and decreased the size of adipocytes in the epididymal fat. Furthermore, it enhanced the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota in mice, reduced the relative abundance of Allobaculum, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Clostridium (P<0.01), and increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Blautia (P<0.01). ConclusionPolygonati Odorati Rhizoma polysaccharides can ameliorate hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet in mice by regulating the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota.
4.Cordycepin Inhibits Fat Infiltration after Rotator Cuff Tear Injury by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Qiu'en XIE ; Dengwen LIANG ; Shao WU ; Xuhui HAO ; Liguang LIANG ; Bangxiang JIAN ; Junhong DONG ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):98-106
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of cordycepin in inhibiting fat infiltration after rotator cuff injuries in rats by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of rotator cuff injuries. MethodsFifty SPF-grade female SD rats were used in this study, with 10 randomly selected as the blank group. A rotator cuff injury repair model was established by supraspinatus tendon and suprascapular nerve compression. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model and low-dose (20 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (40 mg·kg-1), and high-dose (80 mg·kg-1) cordycepin groups. After 6 weeks of treatment, the gait analysis was performed to assess the limb function in rats. Oil red O staining and Masson staining were employed to observe pathological changes in the muscle tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), which are markers of adipogenesis. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, and β-catenin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreases in stride length and paw print area (P<0.01), an increase in ratio of wet muscle mass reduction and a decrease in muscle fiber cross-sectional area (P<0.05), and decreased ratios of fat infiltration area and collagen fiber area (P<0.01). Additionally, the model group showed elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of PPARγ and C/EBPα (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, and β-catenin (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose cordycepin groups showed increases in stride length and paw print area (P<0.01), a decrease in ratio of wet muscle mass reduction and an increase in muscle fiber cross-sectional area (P<0.05), and increases in ratios of fat infiltration area and collagen fiber area (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, cordycepin lowered the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of PPARγ and C/EBPα (P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, and β-catenin (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionCordycepin can improve the limb function, alleviate rotator cuff muscle atrophy, fat infiltration, and fibrosis, and inhibit inflammation in rats by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
5.Improvement mechanism of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction on spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome
Liya MA ; Xingfei WU ; Liujun WU ; Yanduo SHEN ; Bingheng XIE ; Jiale ZHANG ; Jinhao HAO ; Meng YU ; Yumiko NAKAYAMA ; Minghao ZHANG ; Dawei ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):37-43
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction in the improvement of spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome by regulating the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. METHODS The binding activities of 13 main components in Pangshi antai zhixue decoction with NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein , containing a CARD (ASC), and caspase-1 precursor (pro- No.20-21ZY1053) caspase-1) were predicted by molecular docking. Sixty 1-day-old pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (0.002 g/kg), and Pangshi antai zhixue decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11.025, 22.05, 44.10 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Each group was given distilled water/corresponding medicinal solution intragastrically, once a day, for 12 consecutive days. Except for normal group, other groups were given traditional Chinese medicine for warming yang and mifepristone to establish a model of spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome. 24 h after the last medication, serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were all detected; the abortion rate and uterine coefficient were calculated; the pathological morphology of the pregnant uterus was observed; protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were detected. RESULTS The molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of 13 main components of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction with NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1 were all less than -5 kJ/moL. The animal experiment results showed that compared with normal group, the uterine coefficient and serum levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were decreased significantly in model group (P<0.05); the abortion rate and serum levels of T3, T4, IL-2 and IFN-γ as well as protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were increased significantly (P<0.05); there were abortion lesions in the pregnant endometrium. Compared with the model group, most of the quantitative indicators mentioned above were significantly reversed in Pangshi antai zhixue decoction groups (P<0.05), and the endometrial miscarriage lesions in pregnancy were improved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS Pangshi antai zhixue decoction influences the immune balance between mother and fetus by regulating the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-2, and up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, thereby improving spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome.
6.Urban-rural difference in adverse outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus comorbidity
FANG Zijian ; LI Qingchun ; XIE Li ; SONG Xu ; DAI Ruoqi ; WU Yifei ; JIA Qingjun ; CHENG Qinglin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):7-11
Objective:
To investigate the urban and rural differences in adverse outcomes of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus comorbidity (PTB-DM), so as to provide insights into improving the prevention and treatment measures for PTB-DM.
Methods:
Patients with PTB-DM who were admitted and discharged from 14 designated tuberculosis hospitals in Hangzhou City from 2018 to 2022 were selected. Basic information, and history of diagnosis and treatment were collected through hospital information systems. The adverse outcomes of PTB were defined as endpoints, and the proportions of adverse outcomes of PTB in urban and rural patients with PTB-DM were analyzed. Factors affecting the adverse outcomes of PTB were identified using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Results:
A total of 823 patients with PTB-DM were enrolled, including 354 (43.01%) urban and 469 (56.99%) rural patients. There were 112 (13.61%) patients with adverse outcomes of PTB. The proportions of adverse outcomes of PTB in urban and rural patients were 14.41% and 13.01%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified first diagnosed in county-level hospitals or above (HR=2.107, 95%CI: 1.181-3.758) and drug resistance (HR=3.303, 95%CI: 1.653-6.600) as the risk factors for adverse outcomes of PTB in urban patients with PTB-DM, while the treatment/observed management throughout the process (HR=0.470, 95%CI: 0.274-0.803) and fixed-dose combinations throughout the process (HR=0.331, 95%CI: 0.151-0.729) as the protective factors for adverse outcomes in rural patients with PTB-DM.
Conclusions
There are differences in influencing factors for adverse outcomes of PTB in urban and rural patients with PTB-DM. The adverse outcomes of PTB are associated with first diagnosed hospitals and drug resistance in urban patients, and are associated with the treatment/observed management and fixed-dose combinations throughout the process in rural patients.
7.Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice
Yifei ZHANG ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Jiayi WANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Xi GUO ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):21-33
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated.
Conclusion
Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Concept,Organizational Structure,and Medical Model of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Myocardial Infarction Unit
Jun LI ; Jialiang GAO ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Xinyuan WU ; Ji WU ; Zicong XIE ; Jingrun CUI ; Haoqiang HE ; Yuqing TAN ; Chunkun YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):873-877
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) myocardial infarction (MI) unit is a standardized, regulated, and continuous integrated care unit guided by TCM theory and built upon existing chest pain centers or emergency care units. This unit emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration and forms a restructured clinical entity without altering current departmental settings, offering comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services with full participation of TCM in the treatment of MI. Its core medical model is patient-centered and disease-focused, providing horizontally integrated TCM-based care across multiple specialties and vertically constructing a full-cycle treatment unit for MI, delivering prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation during the acute, stable, and recovery phases. Additionally, the unit establishes a TCM-featured education and prevention mechanism for MI to guide patients in proactive health management, reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction, and improve quality of life.
9.Shaoyaotang Containing Serum Mediates Fas/FasL Pathway to Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide Induced Inflammation and Apoptosis of Caco-2 Cells
Yuting YANG ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Nianjia XIE ; Bo ZOU ; Daguang CHEN ; Erle LIU ; Yi LU ; Zhaowen LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):62-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different concentrations of Shaoyaotang-containing serum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells by inhibiting apoptosis via activating the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were allocated into blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), Shaoyaotang-containing serum (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%), and Fas inhibitor (KR-33493, 20 mmol·L-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were stimulated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h for the modeling of inflammation. After successful modeling, the blank, Fas inhibitor, and model groups were treated with blank serum, and the Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups were treated with the serum samples at corresponding concentrations for 24 h. The Fas inhibitor group was subjected to KR-33493 pretreatment for 1 h. Cell proliferation and viability were examined by the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group presented a decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the cell survival rate showed no significant change in the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group but increased in the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups (P<0.01). Since there was no statistical difference between the 5% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group and the model group, 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing sera were selected for the follow-up study. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed risen levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Fas inhibitor group and the 10%, 15%, and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups showed declined levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01), decreased apoptosis rates (P<0.01), down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax (P<0.05, P<0.01), and higher protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can reduce the content of inflammatory factors in Caco-2 cells, down-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bax, and up-regulate the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 under the intervention of LPS by regulating the Fas/FasL pathway and inhibiting the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis.
10.Shaoyaotang Alleviates Damage of Tight Junction Proteins in Caco-2 Cell Model of Inflammation by Regulating RhoA/ROCK Pathway
Nianjia XIE ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yuting YANG ; Bo ZOU ; Da ZHAO ; Yi LU ; Mingsheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):70-77
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shaoyaotang (SYD) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage of tight junction proteins in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell model of inflammation via the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. MethodsCaco-2 cells were grouped as follows: Blank, model (LPS, 10 mg·L-1), SYD-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%), and inhibitor (Fasudil, 25 μmol·L-1). After 24 hours of intervention, the cell viability in each group was examined by the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of RhoA, ROCK2, claudin-5, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in cells of each group. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showcased a marked reduction in the cell viability (P<0.01), elevations in the levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), declines in both mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.01), and rises in mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum (10%, 15%, and 20%) groups had enhanced cell viability (P<0.01), lowered levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.01). Moreover, the inhibitor group and the 15% and 20% Shaoyaotang-containing serum groups had lower levels of ET-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1 and claudin-5 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and ROCK2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the 10% Shaoyaotang-containing serum group. ConclusionThe Shaoyaotang-containing serum can lower the levels of LPS-induced increases in levels of inflammatory cytokines and endothelin to ameliorate the damage of tight junction proteins of the Caco-2 cell model of inflammation by regulating the expression of proteins in the RhoA/ROCK pathway.


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