1.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying and Liver-regulating Cyclical Therapy and Formula in Improving Endometrial Receptivity during "Implantation Window" in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via miR-140-5p/VEGF Pathway
Quan LIU ; Yiqing HE ; Ying ZHANG ; Xi WANG ; Shuo YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):100-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy and its formula in regulating endometrial receptivity during the "implantation window" in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsSix rats were randomly selected from 36 SPF SD female rats as the normal group, and the remaining rats were administered letrozole to induce a PCOS model. By using a random number method, the rats were divided into the following groups: normal group, model group, Xiaoyaosan group (11.97 g·kg-1), Sanzi Yangmo decoction group (28.35 g·kg-1), cyclical therapy group (11.97/28.35 g·kg-1), and aspirin group (8 × 10-3 mg·kg-1). After 12 days of continuous administration by gavage (equivalent to three estrous cycles), female and male rats were co-housed. On the fifth day of pregnancy, the number of blastocyst implantation in each group was counted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of rat endometrial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in rat serum. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and integrin(ITG) αvβ3 in rat endometrial blood vessels. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-140-5 P, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PR, ER, AR, and ITGαvβ3 in rat endometrium. ResultsCompared with normal group, the estrous cycle of the rats in model group continued to be in the estrus interval and the estrous cycle lost regular changes. The endometrium was significantly thinner, the number of uterine glands and blood vessels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the pregnancy rate was significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, each drug group restored the regular estrous cycle to varying degrees, and the endometrial thickness and the number of blood vessels were significantly improved (P<0.01). The pregnancy rate of each drug group increased, and the effect of the cycle therapy group could reach the normal level. The results of molecular biology experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the levels of serum E2 and P in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of VEGF, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), the expression of AR protein was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the serum E2 level in the Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01).The levels of E2 and P in serum of rats in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, cycle therapy group and aspirin group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of AR protein in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF and ITGαvβ3 protein in Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, ER and PR protein in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group was increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, PR, ER and ITGαvβ3 protein in the cycle therapy group and the aspirin group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in each drug group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with Xiaoyaosan group and Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, the expression of miR-140-5P, VEGFR2, ER, PR, AR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in the cycle therapy group were significantly different (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy may reduce the activity of miR-140-5P, target the upregulation of VEGF expression, mediate angiogenesis, and promote endometrial angiogenesis, thereby playing a synergistic role in improving endometrial receptivity in PCOS-induced infertility. Its efficacy in increasing pregnancy rates surpasses that of Xiaoyaosan or Sanzi Yangmo decoction used alone.
2.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying and Liver-regulating Cyclical Therapy and Formula in Improving Endometrial Receptivity during "Implantation Window" in Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via miR-140-5p/VEGF Pathway
Quan LIU ; Yiqing HE ; Ying ZHANG ; Xi WANG ; Shuo YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):100-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy and its formula in regulating endometrial receptivity during the "implantation window" in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsSix rats were randomly selected from 36 SPF SD female rats as the normal group, and the remaining rats were administered letrozole to induce a PCOS model. By using a random number method, the rats were divided into the following groups: normal group, model group, Xiaoyaosan group (11.97 g·kg-1), Sanzi Yangmo decoction group (28.35 g·kg-1), cyclical therapy group (11.97/28.35 g·kg-1), and aspirin group (8 × 10-3 mg·kg-1). After 12 days of continuous administration by gavage (equivalent to three estrous cycles), female and male rats were co-housed. On the fifth day of pregnancy, the number of blastocyst implantation in each group was counted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of rat endometrial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in rat serum. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and integrin(ITG) αvβ3 in rat endometrial blood vessels. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-140-5 P, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PR, ER, AR, and ITGαvβ3 in rat endometrium. ResultsCompared with normal group, the estrous cycle of the rats in model group continued to be in the estrus interval and the estrous cycle lost regular changes. The endometrium was significantly thinner, the number of uterine glands and blood vessels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the pregnancy rate was significantly reduced. Compared with the model group, each drug group restored the regular estrous cycle to varying degrees, and the endometrial thickness and the number of blood vessels were significantly improved (P<0.01). The pregnancy rate of each drug group increased, and the effect of the cycle therapy group could reach the normal level. The results of molecular biology experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the levels of serum E2 and P in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of VEGF, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), the expression of AR protein was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the serum E2 level in the Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01).The levels of E2 and P in serum of rats in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, cycle therapy group and aspirin group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of AR protein in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF and ITGαvβ3 protein in Xiaoyaosan group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, ER and PR protein in Sanzi Yangmo decoction group was increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, PR, ER and ITGαvβ3 protein in the cycle therapy group and the aspirin group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of miR-140-5P and AR mRNA in each drug group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ER, PR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in each drug group increased to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with Xiaoyaosan group and Sanzi Yangmo decoction group, the expression of miR-140-5P, VEGFR2, ER, PR, AR and ITGαvβ3 mRNA in the cycle therapy group were significantly different (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe kidney-tonifying and liver-regulating cyclical therapy may reduce the activity of miR-140-5P, target the upregulation of VEGF expression, mediate angiogenesis, and promote endometrial angiogenesis, thereby playing a synergistic role in improving endometrial receptivity in PCOS-induced infertility. Its efficacy in increasing pregnancy rates surpasses that of Xiaoyaosan or Sanzi Yangmo decoction used alone.
3.Research advances in mechanism of salvianolic acid B in treating coronary heart disease.
Hong-Ming CAO ; Hui SUN ; Chang LIU ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1449-1457
Coronary heart disease is a cardiovascular disease that affects coronary arteries. It presents high incidence and high mortality worldwide, bringing a serious threat to human health and quality of life. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease. Salvianolic acid B is an active component in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma extracts, and studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptosis-and autophagy-regulating, anti-fibrosis, and metabolism-modulating effects. This article reviews the research progress regarding the therapeutic effect of salvianolic acid B on coronary heart disease in the recent decade. It elaborates on the role and mechanism of salvianolic acid B in treating coronary heart disease from multiple perspectives, such as the inhibition of thrombosis, improvement of blood circulation, reduction of myocardial cell injury, and inhibition of cardiac remodeling. This article provides a theoretical basis for the application of Chinese medicinal materials and TCM prescriptions containing salvianolic acid B in the treatment of coronary heart disease.
Humans
;
Benzofurans/administration & dosage*
;
Coronary Disease/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Depsides
4.Evaluation of nutritional value of three kinds of medicinal snakes based on content of 15 amino acids.
Xi WANG ; Ye-Yuan LIN ; Wen-Ting ZHONG ; Zhi-Guo MA ; Meng-Hua WU ; Hui CAO ; Ying ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2411-2421
A high-performance liquid chromatography method using pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate was developed to determine the content of 15 amino acids in the medicinal snakes Bungarus Parvus, Agkistrodon, and Zaocys. The results showed that the total amino acid(TAA) content ranged from 277.13 to 515.05 mg·g~(-1), with the top four amino acids in all three species being glutamic acid(Glu), glycine(Gly), aspartic acid(Asp), and lysine(Lys). The essential amino acid(EAA) content ranged from 74.56 to 203.94 mg·g~(-1), with Agkistrodon exhibiting the highest content. The non-essential amino acid(NEAA), semi-essential amino acid(semi-EAA), and medicinal amino acid(MAA) content ranged from 189.06 to 318.23, 12.89 to 33.53, and 179.83 to 342.33 mg·g~(-1), respectively, with Zaocys having the highest content in these categories. Amino acid nutritional value was evaluated using the amino acid ratio(RAA), amino acid ratio coefficient(RCAA), and amino acid ratio coefficient score(SRCAA), and the results indicated that all three medicinal snakes possessed good nutritional value. The amino acid composition was similar across the species, though significant differences in content were observed. Based on these differences, an orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) model was established, which could clearly distinguish between the three medicinal snake species. The key differences in amino acid content included Gly, tyrosine(Tyr), Glu, and serine(Ser), which may be related to the observed clinical application differences among the species. Further research into the mechanisms of these differential amino acids is expected to provide more insights into the clinical application disparities of these three medicinal snake species.
Amino Acids/chemistry*
;
Animals
;
Nutritive Value
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Snakes/classification*
;
Bungarus
5.Effects of Prognostic Nutritional Index and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index on Short-Term Efficacy and Prognosis in Patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.
Zi-Qing HUANG ; Yan-Hui LI ; Bin LYU ; Xue-Jiao GU ; Ming-Xi TIAN ; Xin-Yi LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiao-Qian LI ; Ying WANG ; Feng ZHU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1350-1357
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) for short-term efficacy and prognosis in newly treated patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).
METHODS:
The general data, laboratory indicators, disease stage and other clinical data of 91 newly treated PTCL patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2015 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cutoff values for PNI and SIRI were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the patients were stratified into groups based on these cutoffs to compare clinical features and short-term efficacy between the different groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors affecting overall survival (OS).
RESULTS:
The optimal cutoff values for PNI and SIRI were 45.30 and 1.74×109/L, respectively. Patients in different PNI groups showed statistically significant differences in age, Ann Arbor stage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, international prognostic index (IPI), prognostic index for PTCL-not otherwise specified (PIT), pathological subtypes, and complete response (CR) rate (P < 0.05). PTCL patients in different SIRI groups exhibited significant differences in Ann Arbor stage, LDH level, IPI score, PIT score, and CR rate (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥60 years old (OR =2.750), Ann Arbor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (OR =5.200), IPI score ≥2 (OR =7.650), low PNI (OR =3.296), and high SIRI (OR =3.130) were independent risk factors affecting treatment efficacy in PTCL patients (P < 0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that low PNI and elevated β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) levels were independent risk factors affecting OS (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
PNI and SIRI have certain application value in evaluating short-term efficacy and prognosis in patients with PTCL. Compared with SIRI, PNI demonstrates greater predictive value for patient prognosis.
Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Nutrition Assessment
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
ROC Curve
;
Inflammation
6.Salvianolic Acid B Exerts Antiphotoaging Effect on Ultraviolet B-Irradiated Human Keratinocytes by Alleviating Oxidative Stress via SIRT1 Protein.
Qiao-Ju ZHANG ; Xi LUO ; Yu-Wen ZHENG ; Jun-Qiao ZHENG ; Xin-Ying WU ; Shu-Mei WANG ; Jun SHI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):1021-1028
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the anti-photoaging properties of salvianolic acid B (Sal B).
METHODS:
The optimal photoaging model of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were constructed by expose to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The cells were divided into control, model and different concentrations of Sal B groups. Cell viability was measured via cell counting kit-8. Subsequently, the levels of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyproline (Hyp), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected using the relevant kits. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) protein level was detected using Western blot. The binding pattern of Sal B and SIRT1 was determined via molecular docking.
RESULTS:
Sal B significantly increased the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Sal B effectively scavenged the accumulation of ROS induced by UVB (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, Sal B modulated oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular concentrations of Hyp and CAT and the activity of GSH-Px (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The Western blot results revealed a substantial increase in SIRT1 protein levels following Sal B administration (P<0.05). Moreover, Sal B exhibited good binding affinity toward SIRT1, with a docking energy of -7.5 kCal/mol.
CONCLUSION
Sal B could improve the repair of photodamaged cells by alleviating cellular oxidative stress and regulating the expression of SIRT1 protein.
Humans
;
Sirtuin 1/metabolism*
;
Ultraviolet Rays
;
Oxidative Stress/radiation effects*
;
Keratinocytes/metabolism*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Benzofurans/pharmacology*
;
Skin Aging/radiation effects*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Cell Survival/radiation effects*
;
HaCaT Cells
;
Hydroxyproline/metabolism*
;
Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism*
;
Catalase/metabolism*
;
Depsides
7.SP7 transcription factor ameliorates bone defect healing in low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5)-dependent osteoporosis mice.
Yue XI ; Qifeng JIANG ; Wei DAI ; Chaozhen CHEN ; Yang WANG ; Xiaoyan MIAO ; Kaichen LAI ; Zhiwei JIANG ; Guoli YANG ; Ying WANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(3):254-268
Loss-of-function variants of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) can lead to reduced bone formation, culminating in diminished bone mass. Our previous study reported transcription factor osterix (SP7)-binding sites on the LRP5 promoter and its pivotal role in upregulating LRP5 expression during implant osseointegration. However, the potential role of SP7 in ameliorating LRP5-dependent osteoporosis remained unknown. In this study, we used mice with a conditional knockout (cKO) of LRP5 in mature osteoblasts, which presented decreased osteogenesis. The in vitro experimental results showed that SP7 could promote LRP5 expression, thereby upregulating the osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and β-catenin (P<0.05). For the in vivo experiment, the SP7 overexpression virus was injected into a bone defect model of LRP5 cKO mice, resulting in increased bone mineral density (BMD) (P<0.001) and volumetric density (bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV)) (P<0.001), and decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) (P<0.05). These data suggested that SP7 could ameliorate bone defect healing in LRP5 cKO mice. Our study provides new insights into potential therapeutic opportunities for ameliorating LRP5-dependent osteoporosis.
Animals
;
Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5/metabolism*
;
Osteoporosis/genetics*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Sp7 Transcription Factor/physiology*
;
Osteogenesis
;
Bone Density
;
Osteoblasts/metabolism*
;
Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
beta Catenin/metabolism*
8.Chinese expert consensus on the evaluation of allergen-specific immunotherapy outcomes(Wuhan, 2025).
Yuqin DENG ; Xi LUO ; Zhuofu LIU ; Shuguang SUN ; Jing YE ; Tiansheng WANG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Meiping LU ; Yin YAO ; Ying WANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Bei LIU ; Qingxiang ZENG ; Yuanteng XU ; Qintai YANG ; Yucheng YANG ; Feng LIU ; Chengli XU ; Yanan SUN ; Haiyu HONG ; Haibo YE ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Huabin LI ; Hongtian WANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Wenlong LIU ; Yu XU ; Hongfei LOU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1075-1085
Allergen-specific immunotherapy(AIT) remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis(AR). Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group(CRRCG) convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans
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Allergens/immunology*
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Desensitization, Immunologic
;
Immunoglobulin E
;
Quality of Life
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
East Asian People
9.Ablation of macrophage transcriptional factor FoxO1 protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced acute kidney injury.
Yao HE ; Xue YANG ; Chenyu ZHANG ; Min DENG ; Bin TU ; Qian LIU ; Jiaying CAI ; Ying ZHANG ; Li SU ; Zhiwen YANG ; Hongfeng XU ; Zhongyuan ZHENG ; Qun MA ; Xi WANG ; Xuejun LI ; Linlin LI ; Long ZHANG ; Yongzhuo HUANG ; Lu TIE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3107-3124
Acute kidney injury (AKI) has high morbidity and mortality, but effective clinical drugs and management are lacking. Previous studies have suggested that macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammatory response to AKI and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Emerging evidence has highlighted the importance of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) in mediating macrophage activation and polarization in various diseases, but the specific mechanisms by which FoxO1 regulates macrophages during AKI remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FoxO1 in macrophages in the pathogenesis of AKI. We observed a significant upregulation of FoxO1 in kidney macrophages following ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856-encapsulated liposome (AS-Lipo), mainly acting on macrophages, effectively mitigated renal injury induced by I/R injury in mice. By generating myeloid-specific FoxO1-knockout mice, we further observed that the deficiency of FoxO1 in myeloid cells protected against I/R injury-induced AKI. Furthermore, our study provided evidence of FoxO1's pivotal role in macrophage chemotaxis, inflammation, and migration. Moreover, the impact of FoxO1 on the regulation of macrophage migration was mediated through RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (ARHGEF1), indicating that ARHGEF1 may serve as a potential intermediary between FoxO1 and the activity of the RhoA pathway. Consequently, our findings propose that FoxO1 plays a crucial role as a mediator and biomarker in the context of AKI. Targeting macrophage FoxO1 pharmacologically could potentially offer a promising therapeutic approach for AKI.
10.Hippocampal Extracellular Matrix Protein Laminin β1 Regulates Neuropathic Pain and Pain-Related Cognitive Impairment.
Ying-Chun LI ; Pei-Yang LIU ; Hai-Tao LI ; Shuai WANG ; Yun-Xin SHI ; Zhen-Zhen LI ; Wen-Guang CHU ; Xia LI ; Wan-Neng LIU ; Xing-Xing ZHENG ; Fei WANG ; Wen-Juan HAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Sheng-Xi WU ; Rou-Gang XIE ; Ceng LUO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2127-2147
Patients suffering from nerve injury often experience exacerbated pain responses and complain of memory deficits. The dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), a well-defined region responsible for learning and memory, displays maladaptive plasticity upon injury, which is assumed to underlie pain hypersensitivity and cognitive deficits. However, much attention has thus far been paid to intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Emerging evidence has shown that nerve injury alters the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases ECM rigidity in the dHPC. Despite this, it remains elusive which element of the ECM in the dHPC is affected and how it contributes to neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits. Laminin, a key element of the ECM, consists of α-, β-, and γ-chains and has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed that peripheral nerve injury downregulates laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the dHPC. Silencing of hippocampal LAMB1 exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces cognitive dysfunction. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of hippocampal LAMB1 causes dysregulated Src/NR2A signaling cascades via interaction with integrin β1, leading to decreased Ca2+ levels in pyramidal neurons, which in turn orchestrates structural and functional plasticity and eventually results in exaggerated pain responses and cognitive deficits. In this study, we shed new light on the functional capability of hippocampal ECM LAMB1 in the modulation of neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits, and reveal a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified hippocampal LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and related memory loss.
Animals
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Laminin/genetics*
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Neuralgia/metabolism*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology*
;
Male
;
Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism*
;
Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
;
Integrin beta1/metabolism*
;
Pyramidal Cells/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction

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