1.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
2.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
3.Early results and indications of Stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion in lumbar lesions.
Zhong-You ZENG ; Xing ZHAO ; Wei YU ; Yong-Xing SONG ; Shun-Wu FAN ; Xiang-Qian FANG ; Fei PEI ; Shi-Yang FAN ; Guo-Hao SONG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(5):454-464
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the early clinical results and safety of Stand-alone OLIF application of lumbar lesions, and explored its surgical indications.
METHODS:
Total of 92 cases of lumbar spine lesions treated with Stand-alone OLIF at two medical centers from October 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 30 males and 62 females with an average age of (61.20±12.94) years old ranged from 32 to 83 years old. There were 20 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, 15 cases of lumbar disc degeneration, 11 cases of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, 6 cases of discogenic low back pain, 7 cases of giant lumbar disc herniation, 13 cases of primary lumbar discitis, 6 cases of adjacent vertebral disease after lumbar internal fixation surgery, and 14 cases of degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Pre-operative dual energy X-ray bone density examination 31 cases' T-values ranged from -1 to -2.4, 8 cases' T-values ranged from -2.5 to -3.5, and the rest had normal bone density. The number of fusion segments: 68 cases of single segment, 9 cases of two segment, 12 cases of three segment , and 3 cases of four segment. Fusion site:L1,2 1 case, L2,3 4 cases, L3,4 10 cases, L4,5 53 cases, L2,3-L3,4 3 cases, L3,4-L4,5 6 cases, L1,2L2,3L3,4 1 case, L1,2L3,4L4,5 1 case, L2,3L3,4L4,5 10 cases, L1,2L2,3L3,4L4,5 3 cases. The clinical results and imaging results of this group of cases were observed, as well as the complications.
RESULTS:
The surgical time ranged from 40 to 140 minutes with an average of (60.92±27.40) minutes. The intraoperative bleeding volume was 20 to 720 ml with an average of (68.22±141.60) ml. The patients had a follow-up period of 6 to 84 months with an average of (38.50±12.75) months. The height of the intervertebral space recovered from (9.23±1.94) mm in preoperative to (12.68±2.01) mm in postoperative, and (9.11±1.72) mm at the last follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference(F=6.641, P=0.008);there was also a statistically significant difference between the postoperative and preoperative height of the intervertebral space(t=9.27, P<0.000 1);and there was also a statistically significant difference (t=10.06, P<0.000 1) between the last follow-up and postoperative height of the intervertebral space. At the last follow-up, cage subsidence grading was as follows:level 0 in 69 cases (76 segments), levelⅠin 17 cases (43 segments), level Ⅱin 5 cases (14 segments), and level Ⅲ in 1 case (1 segment);according to the number of segments, normal subsidence accounts for 56.72%, abnormal subsidence accounts for 43.28%. Bone mineral desity of normal subsidence groups was -0.50±0.07 whinch was better than that the abnormal subsidence groups -2.10±0.43, and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=2.275, P=0.014). As well as there was a statistically significant difference in the patient's VAS of backache from (6.28±2.11) in preoperative to (1.48±0.59) in last follow-up(t=8.56, P<0.05). The ODI recovered from (36.30±7.52)% before surgery to (10.20±2.50)% at the last follow-up, with a statistically significant difference (t=7.79, P<0.000 1). Complications involved 4 cases of intraoperative vascular injury, 21 cases of endplate injury, and 4 cases of combined vertebral fractures. The incision skin has no necrosis or infection. There were 4 cases of left sympathetic chain injury, 4 cases of transient left hip flexion weakness, 2 cases of left thigh anterolateral numbness with quadriceps femoris weakness, and 1 case of incomplete intestinal obstruction;8 cases were treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation due to fusion cage settlement accompanied by stubborn lower back pain, and 6 cases were treated with fusion cage settlement and lateral displacement. According to the actual number of cases, there were 38 complications, with an incidence rate of 41.3%.
CONCLUSION
The application of Stand alone OLIF in lumbar spine disease fusion has achieved good early results, with obvious clinical advantages, but also there are high probability of complications. It is recommended to choose carefully. It is necessary to continuously summarize and gradually clarify and complete the surgical indications and specific case selection criteria.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Spinal Fusion/methods*
;
Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries*
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged, 80 and over
4.Comparison of outcomes between enhanced workflows and express workflows in robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty.
Xiang ZHAO ; Xiang-Hua WANG ; Rong-Xin HE ; Xun-Zi CAI ; Li-Dong WU ; Hao-Bo WU ; Shi-Gui YAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(10):987-993
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the differences in clinical efficacy between enhanced workflows and express workflows in robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty(THA).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 46 patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA between November 2020 and May 2021. They were divided into the enhanced workflows group and the express workflows group based on the surgical methods. There were 20 patients in the enhanced workflows group, including 11 males and 9 females;aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of (67.30±7.52) years old. The BMI ranged from 18.24 to 24.03 kg·m-2 with an average of(23.80±3.01) kg·m-2. There were 26 patients in the express workflows group, including 12 males and 14 females;aged from 57 to 84 years old with a mean age of (67.58±7.29) years old, and their BMI ranged from 19.72 to 30.08 kg·m-2 with an average of (24.41 ±2.92) kg·m-2. The operation time, hospital stay, and perioperative complications of the patients were recorded. The postoperative acetabular prosthesis anteversion angle, abduction angle, limb length, and offset distance data were measured. The Harris hip score at the latest follow-up was recorded.
RESULTS:
All patients completed the surgery as planned and were followed up, with the follow-up period ranging from 47 to 54 months with a mean of (49.78±1.85) months and the length of hospital stay ranging from 2 to 11 days with an average of (6.57±1.82 ) days. The operation time of enhanced workflows group was (93.41±16.41) minutes, which was longer than that of the express workflow groups (75.19±18.36) minutes, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In enhanced workflows group, the postoperative acetabular anteversion angle was (19.20±4.46)°, the limb length discrepancy was (-1.55±9.13) mm, and changes of the offset was (-5.15±6.77) mm. The corresponding values in express workflows group were (20.46±3.29)°, (2.19±4.39) mm, and (-2.39±4.34) mm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in these indicators between the two groups(P>0.05). One patient in the enhanced workflows group developed deep venous thrombosis after surgery. No cases of dislocation or periprosthetic infection. At the latest follow-up, all patients had well-positioned prostheses without loosening. Harris hip score was (90.50±1.67) points in enhanced workflows group and (90.73±2.36) points in the express workflows group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
The clinical efficacy of robot assisted total hip arthroplasty technology is satisfactory. The enhanced workflows will increase the surgical time. For patients with normal anatomical hip joint disease, this study did not find significant advantages in joint stability and functional scoring for the enhanced workflows.
Humans
;
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Middle Aged
;
Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Workflow
;
Treatment Outcome
5.Application of Third-Generation Sequencing Technology in RHD Genotyping of a Chinese Pedigree with Weak D Phenotype.
Ling MA ; Tai-Xiang LIU ; Li-Li SHI ; Chen-Chen FENG ; Ruo-Yang ZHANG ; Fang ZHAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(4):1199-1202
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the molecular mechanism of weak D phenotype in a Chinese family.
METHODS:
Routine Rh typing tests were performed first, and RHD exons 1-10 of the proband and his family members were sequenced by first-generation sequencing. RHD zygosity was also determined. Third-generation sequencing was used to analyze the haplotypes of the RHD gene.
RESULTS:
The proband showed a weak D serological phenotype. First-generation sequencing revealed a c.787G>A point mutation in exon 5. The family pedigree investigation showed that the proband and his younger sister had the same serological phenotype and molecular mechanism. His father carried this gene mutation, while his mother and younger brother were normal. Hybrid box was not detected, suggesting that all the family members did not have a haplotype with a complete deletion of the RHD gene. The results of third-generation sequencing showed that the proband and his sister inherited the weak D allele from their father and the non-functional allele RHD -CE(3-9)-D from their mother, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Third-generation sequencing technology enables haplotype analysis of the RHD gene and can detect complex genotypes such as genetic exchanges between RHD and RHCE combined with other mutations.
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Alleles
;
Exons
;
Genotype
;
Haplotypes
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Pedigree
;
Phenotype
;
Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
East Asian People/genetics*
6.Glutamine signaling specifically activates c-Myc and Mcl-1 to facilitate cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Meng WANG ; Fu-Shen GUO ; Dai-Sen HOU ; Hui-Lu ZHANG ; Xiang-Tian CHEN ; Yan-Xin SHEN ; Zi-Fan GUO ; Zhi-Fang ZHENG ; Yu-Peng HU ; Pei-Zhun DU ; Chen-Ji WANG ; Yan LIN ; Yi-Yuan YUAN ; Shi-Min ZHAO ; Wei XU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):968-984
Glutamine provides carbon and nitrogen to support the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise reason why cancer cells are particularly dependent on glutamine remains unclear. In this study, we report that glutamine modulates the tumor suppressor F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBW7) to promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. Specifically, lysine 604 (K604) in the sixth of the 7 substrate-recruiting WD repeats of FBW7 undergoes glutaminylation (Gln-K604) by glutaminyl tRNA synthetase. Gln-K604 inhibits SCFFBW7-mediated degradation of c-Myc and Mcl-1, enhances glutamine utilization, and stimulates nucleotide and DNA biosynthesis through the activation of c-Myc. Additionally, Gln-K604 promotes resistance to apoptosis by activating Mcl-1. In contrast, SIRT1 deglutaminylates Gln-K604, thereby reversing its effects. Cancer cells lacking Gln-K604 exhibit overexpression of c-Myc and Mcl-1 and display resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Silencing both c-MYC and MCL-1 in these cells sensitizes them to chemotherapy. These findings indicate that the glutamine-mediated signal via Gln-K604 is a key driver of cancer progression and suggest potential strategies for targeted cancer therapies based on varying Gln-K604 status.
Glutamine/metabolism*
;
Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Signal Transduction
;
Neoplasms/pathology*
;
F-Box-WD Repeat-Containing Protein 7/genetics*
;
Cell Survival
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Apoptosis
7.Associations of Exposure to Typical Environmental Organic Pollutants with Cardiopulmonary Health and the Mediating Role of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Crossover Study.
Ning GAO ; Bin WANG ; Ran ZHAO ; Han ZHANG ; Xiao Qian JIA ; Tian Xiang WU ; Meng Yuan REN ; Lu ZHAO ; Jia Zhang SHI ; Jing HUANG ; Shao Wei WU ; Guo Feng SHEN ; Bo PAN ; Ming Liang FANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(11):1388-1403
OBJECTIVE:
The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress.
METHODS:
A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators.
RESULTS:
Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cross-Over Studies
;
Female
;
Young Adult
;
Environmental Pollutants/toxicity*
;
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*
;
Biomarkers/blood*
;
Adult
;
Blood Pressure/drug effects*
;
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine*
;
Beijing
8.Correlation between lncRNA GAS5 and LHPP expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and clinical significance
Liping CHEN ; Qiang JI ; Yanhong CHEN ; Yongxing SHI ; Ping FENG ; Weijia LIN ; Baoli XIANG ; Jianqing ZHAO
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(3):301-307,313
Objective To investigate the correlation between the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid growth arrest specific 5(lncRNA GAS5),phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phos-phatase(LHPP)and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in cancer tissues of patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and its clinical significance.Methods Cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 90 patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection in the First Hospital Affiliated to Hebei North College from June 2018 to January 2020 were collected.The expressions of lncRNA GAS5,LHPP and EMT-associated pro-teins[E-calmodulin(E-Cad),N-calmodulin(N-Cad),and vimentin(VIM)]were detected by real-time fluores-cence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The relationship between lncRNA GAS5 and LHPP mRNA and clinicopathological features in cancer tissues of NSCLC patients was analyzed,and the correlation between ln-cRNA GAS5 and LHPP mRNA and EMT-associated proteins expression in cancer tissues of NSCLC patients was analyzed by Pearson correlation.Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curves of NSCLC pa-tients with different lncRNA GAS5 and LHPP mRNA expressions,and multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the prognostic factors of NSCLC patients.Results The expressions of lncRNA GAS5,LHPP mR-NA and E-Cad mRNA in cancer tissues of NSCLC patients were lower than those in adjacent tissues,while the expressions of N-Cad mRNA and VIM mRNA were higher than those in adjacent tissues,with statistical sig-nificance(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that lncRNA GAS5 in cancer tissues of NSCLC pa-tients was positively correlated with E-Cad mRNA expression(r=0.724,P<0.001),and negatively correla-ted with N-Cad mRNA and VIM mRNA expression(r=-0.699,-0.689).P<0.001);lncRNA GAS5 was positively correlated with LHPP mRNA expression(r=0.651,P<0.001).The mRNA expressions of ln-cRNA GAS5 and LHPP in cancer tissues of NSCLC patients with different degrees of differentiation,tumor TNM stage and lymph node metastasis were significantly different(P<0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival curve a-nalysis showed that the 3-year overall survival rate in the lncRNA GAS5 high expression group[68.18%(30/44)]was higher than that in the lncRNA GAS5 low expression group[36.96%(17/46)].The 3-year overall survival rate in the high LHPP mRNA expression group[67.39%(31/46)]was higher than that in the lowLHPP mRNA expression group[36.36%(16/44)],and the difference was statistically significant(x2=10.274,10.322,P<0.05).Low differentiation,TNM stage Ⅲ and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for death in NSCLC patients,and lncRNA GAS5≥1.32 and LHPP mRNA≥1.12 were independ-ent protective factors(P<0.05).Conclusion The low expression of lncRNA GAS5 and LHPP mRNA in cancer tissues of patients with NSCLC is related to EMT-associated proteins expression,differentiation de-gree,tumor TNM stage,lymph node metastasis and prognosis,and may become a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.
9.Licorice-saponin A3 is a broad-spectrum inhibitor for COVID-19 by targeting viral spike and anti-inflammation
Yang YI ; Wenzhe LI ; Kefang LIU ; Heng XUE ; Rong YU ; Meng ZHANG ; Yang-Oujie BAO ; Xinyuan LAI ; Jingjing FAN ; Yuxi HUANG ; Jing WANG ; Xiaomeng SHI ; Junhua LI ; Hongping WEI ; Kuanhui XIANG ; Linjie LI ; Rong ZHANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Xue QIAO ; Hang YANG ; Min YE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(1):115-127
Currently,human health due to corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been seriously threatened.The coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)spike(S)protein plays a crucial role in virus transmission and several S-based therapeutic approaches have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.However,the efficacy is compromised by the SARS-CoV-2 evolvement and mutation.Here we report the SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain(RBD)inhibitor licorice-saponin A3(A3)could widely inhibit RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants,including Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,XBB and BQ1.1.Furthermore,A3 could potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus in Vero E6 cells,with EC50 of 1.016 pM.The mechanism was related to binding with Y453 of RBD deter-mined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry(HDX-MS)analysis combined with quan-tum mechanics/molecular mechanics(QM/MM)simulations.Interestingly,phosphoproteomics analysis and multi fluorescent immunohistochemistry(mIHC)respectively indicated that A3 also inhibits host inflammation by directly modulating the JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)path-ways and rebalancing the corresponding immune dysregulation.This work supports A3 as a promising broad-spectrum small molecule drug candidate for COVID-19.
10.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Depression-like Behaviors by Regulating Activation of Hippocampal Microglia Cells in Rat Model of Juvenile Depression
Jiayi SHI ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Feng QIU ; Chang LEI ; Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Dong YANG ; Yuhong WANG ; Pengxiao GUO ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):46-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Baihuan Xiaoyao Decoction (Xiaoyaosan added with Lilii Bulbus and Albiziae Cortex) in alleviating depression-like behaviors of juvenile rats by regulating the polarization of microglia. MethodSixty juvenile SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, fluoxetine, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (5.36, 10.71, 21.42 g·kg-1, respectively) Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction groups. The rat model of juvenile depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The sucrose preference test (SPT) was carried out to examine the sucrose preference of rats. Forced swimming test (FST) was carried out to measure the immobility time of rats. The open field test (OFT) was conducted to measure the total distance, the central distance, the number of horizontal crossings, and the frequency of rearing. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to measure the escape latency and the number of crossing the platform. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, the polarization marker of M1 microglia) and CD206 (the polarization marker of M2 microglia). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD206, pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of iNOS and CD206 in the hippocampus. The levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in the hippocampus were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultCompared with the normal control group, the model rats showed a reduction in sucrose preference (P<0.05), an increase in immobility time (P<0.05), decreased motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and weakened learning and spatial memory (P<0.05). In addition, the model rats showed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction increased the sucrose preference value (P<0.05), shortened the immobility time (P<0.01), increased the motor and exploratory behaviors (P<0.05), and improved the learning and spatial memory (P<0.01). Furthermore, the decoction down-regulated the positive expression and protein level of iNOS, lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01), promoted the positive expression of CD206, and elevated the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.01) in the hippocampus of the high dose group. Moreover, the high-dose Baihuan Xiaoyao decoction group had higher sucrose preference value (P<0.01), shorter immobility time (P<0.01), longer central distance (P<0.01), stronger learning and spatial memory (P<0.01), higher positive expression and protein level of iNOS (P<0.01), lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lower positive expression and mRNA level of iNOS (P<0.05), and higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (P<0.05, P<0.01) than the fluoxetine group. ConclusionBaihuan Xiaoyao decoction can improve the depression-like behavior of juvenile rats by inhibiting the M1 polarization and promoting the M2 polarization of microglia in the hippocampus.

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