1.Role of TLR4-mediated NETs formation in isoproterenol-induced heart failure in aged mice
Huan LIU ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Zhilin WU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):699-705
ObjectiveTo examine the impact of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart failure (HF) in aged mice. MethodsThe mice were randomly divided into Control group, Model group, TAK-242 (TLR4 inhibitor) group, LPS (TLR4 agonist) group and LPS+DNaseⅠ (NETs inhibitor) group, with 8 mice in each group. The HF model was established by continuous infusion of ISO through an osmotic pump, and TAK-242, LPS, and LPS+DNaseⅠ interventions were administered during the last week of infusion for 7 consecutive days. ELISA was used to detect the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum and myocardial tissue myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA) and neutrophil elastase-DNA (NE-DNA) levels. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in myocardial tissue. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the colocalization of Ly6G and MPO in myocardial tissue. The protein expressions of TLR4, MPO, NE and cit-H3 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) in the Mode group significantly increased (P<0.01), fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the myocardial structure was significantly damaged. The myocardial collagen fiber precipitation, serum NT-pro BNP, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α contents, MPO-DNA and NE-DNA contents in serum and myocardial tissue significantly increased (P<0.01). The co-localization of Ly6G and MPO and the expression of TLR4, MPO, NE and cit-H3 proteins in myocardial tissue significantly increased (P<0.01). After TAK-242 intervention, the above indicators were significantly reversed, while the injury was further aggravated in LPS group. DNaseⅠ treatment could partially alleviate the deterioration of myocardial structure and function induced by LPS. ConclusionTLR4 and NETs are abnormally elevated in the myocardial tissue of aged HF mice. Treatment with the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 effectively suppresses NET formation, attenuates inflammatory responses, and enhances cardiac function in aged HF mice.
2.Effect and mechanism of Tangzhi formula in improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats
Jing CHEN ; Min BAI ; Fubin SHANG ; Runsheng YU ; Yan SU ; Jianfeng WANG ; Xiangdong ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2112-2118
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Tangzhi formula(TZF) on improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.METHODS Thirty SPF-grade SD rats were used to establish a T2DM rat model through high-fat diet feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, metformin group (positive control, 0.18 g/kg), and TZF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5, 10, and 20 g/kg), with 6 rats in each group. An additional 6 rats were selected as the blank group. The rats in each group were orally administered the corresponding volume of drug solution or saline, and continuous dosing was performed for 6 weeks, once daily. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-AUC), area under the curve of intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT-AUC), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to observe hepatic pathological morphology and lipid deposition. Differentially expressed proteins in liver tissues were screened by proteomics analysis, and key proteins in signaling pathways were verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the levels of FBG, OGTT-AUC, IPITT-AUC, LDL-C, TG, and TC in the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.05), while HDL-C level was significantly decreased ( P <0.05); the liver tissues showed disordered hepatic cords, punctate necrosis of hepatocytes, and significant lipid deposition, the NAFLD activity score and positive area of lipid droplets were significantly increased( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the above indicators in TZF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups and metformin group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05); hepatic pathological injury and lipid deposition were alleviated. Proteomics results showed that a total of 442 differentially expressed proteins were screened between the model group and the blank group, and 358 differentially expressed proteins were screened between the TZF high-dose group and the model group. Among these differentially expressed proteins, multiple proteins closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism showed a reversal trend after TZF intervention. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was significantly enriched. The validation experiment results showed that TZF could significantly up-regulate the expression of PPARα, PPARγ, and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) in rat liver tissues ( P <0.05), and down-regulate the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and perilipin 2 (PLIN2) ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS TZF can improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM rats; its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway and the regulation of downstream lipid metabolism-related proteins SCD1, PLIN2, and ApoA1.
3.PAGE5 in Promoting Breast Cancer Invasion and Hepatic Metastasis via Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/MMP1 Axis
Zenghui LIU ; Ying LU ; Xiaoli LIANG ; Wanna CHEN ; Xiangdong XU ; Hongbiao XU ; Zhen SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):833-842
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the specific molecular mechanism by which PAGE5 promotes breast cancer cell invasion and hepatic metastasis through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream effector, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). MethodsBioinformatics analysis using the TCGA database was performed to evaluate PAGE5 expression in metastatic breast cancer tissues. The effects of PAGE5 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of breast cancer cells were analyzed using CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing assays. A splenic injection hepatic metastasis model in NOD-SCID mice was employed to validate the impact of PAGE5 on breast cancer liver metastasis. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways regulated by PAGE5. Western blot was used to detect AKT phosphorylation levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied to screen and validate downstream target molecules of PAGE5. ResultsBioinformatic analysis revealed that PAGE5 expression was significantly upregulated in distant metastasis of breast cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that PAGE5 overexpression markedly enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells and promoted the formation of liver metastatic lesions, whereas PAGE5 knockdown suppressed breast cancer liver metastasis (P<0.000 1). Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PAGE5 significantly activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway (P=0.028 5). Western blot confirmed that PAGE5 upregulated p-AKT levels, which could be reversed by MK2206. The qPCR results confirmed that MMP1 is a key downstream effector of PAGE5, and its expression can be inhibited by MK2206 (P<0.000 1). ConclusionsThis study preliminarily demonstrates that PAGE5 can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and mediate the invasion and liver metastasis of breast cancer through MMP1.
4.PAGE5 in Promoting Breast Cancer Invasion and Hepatic Metastasis via Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/MMP1 Axis
Zenghui LIU ; Ying LU ; Xiaoli LIANG ; Wanna CHEN ; Xiangdong XU ; Hongbiao XU ; Zhen SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):833-842
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the specific molecular mechanism by which PAGE5 promotes breast cancer cell invasion and hepatic metastasis through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream effector, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). MethodsBioinformatics analysis using the TCGA database was performed to evaluate PAGE5 expression in metastatic breast cancer tissues. The effects of PAGE5 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of breast cancer cells were analyzed using CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing assays. A splenic injection hepatic metastasis model in NOD-SCID mice was employed to validate the impact of PAGE5 on breast cancer liver metastasis. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways regulated by PAGE5. Western blot was used to detect AKT phosphorylation levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied to screen and validate downstream target molecules of PAGE5. ResultsBioinformatic analysis revealed that PAGE5 expression was significantly upregulated in distant metastasis of breast cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that PAGE5 overexpression markedly enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells and promoted the formation of liver metastatic lesions, whereas PAGE5 knockdown suppressed breast cancer liver metastasis (P<0.000 1). Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PAGE5 significantly activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway (P=0.028 5). Western blot confirmed that PAGE5 upregulated p-AKT levels, which could be reversed by MK2206. The qPCR results confirmed that MMP1 is a key downstream effector of PAGE5, and its expression can be inhibited by MK2206 (P<0.000 1). ConclusionsThis study preliminarily demonstrates that PAGE5 can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and mediate the invasion and liver metastasis of breast cancer through MMP1.
5.Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction-Associated Dry Eye from the Perspective of "Promoting the Flow of Dampness to Moisten Dryness"
Dan WANG ; Wen LIU ; Peijuan WU ; Zhimin LIU ; Ling CAI ; Xiangdong CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(21):2339-2343
It is considered that although meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-associated dry eye is mainly manifested by signs of dryness such as ocular dryness and burning sensation, it may also be accompanied by signs of dampness, including thick meibomian secretions, epigastric and abdominal fullness, and a greasy tongue coating, thus presenting a pattern characterized by the coexistence of dryness and dampness. Based on LIU Wansu's theory of "promoting the flow of dampness to moisten dryness", this disease is understood from the perspectives of an imbalance between dryness and dampness in the middle jiao (焦) and abnormal distribution of body fluids. For dampness and turbidity constraint and stagnation, treatment should focus on diffusing the lung, fortifying the spleen, promoting the flow of dampness, and resolving turbidity, with modified Sanren Decoction (三仁汤) combined with Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) commonly used. For steaming of dampness-heat, treatment should focus on clearing heat, draining dampness, and moistening dryness with sweet and cool medicinals, with modified Jinzhi Qingmu Formula (金栀清目方) combined with Shashen Maidong Decoction (沙参麦冬汤) commonly used. For dryness-toxin damaging the physical form, treatment should focus on nourishing yin and blood, unblocking the collaterals, and resolving toxins, with modified Qiju Dihuang Pill (杞菊地黄丸) combined with Taohong Siwu Decoction (桃红四物汤) commonly used.
6.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.
7.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.
8.Asian consensus on normothermic intraperitoneal and systemic treatment for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis
Zhenggang ZHU ; Kitayama Joji ; Hyung-Ho Kim ; Jimmy Bok-Yan So ; Hui CAO ; Lin CHEN ; Xiangdong CHENG ; Jiankun HU ; Imano Motohiro ; Ishigami Hironori ; Ye Seob Jee ; Jong-Han Kim ; Yasuhiro Kodera ; Han LIANG ; Xiaowen LIU ; Sheng LU ; Yiping MOU ; Mingming NIE ; Won Jun Seo ; Yanong WANG ; Dan WU ; Zekuan XU ; Yamaguchi Hironori ; Chao YAN ; Zhongyin YANG ; Kai YIN ; Yonemura Yutaka ; Wei-Peng Yong ; Jiren YU ; Jun ZHANG ; Asian Gastric Cancer NIPS Treatment Collaborative Group ; Shanghai Anticancer Association, Committee of Peritoneal Tumor
Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice 2025;30(4):277-294
Gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis (GCPM) is a common and lethal manifestation of advanced gastric cancer, with a median survival of only 5-11 months. This consensus was developed by 30 experts from Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore) using the Delphi method and the GRADE evidence grading system. A total of 29 statements were formulated, covering the diagnosis and assessment of GCPM, indications for laparoscopic exploration and NIPS (normothermic intraperitoneal and systemic treatment), treatment regimens, prevention and management of complications, criteria for conversion surgery, and postoperative intraperitoneal therapy. The consensus aims to standardize clinical practice and improve the prognosis of patients with GCPM.
9.Identification of roots of Rubus parvifolius L. by UPLC-MS/MS and network pharmacology analysis
Xiaozhou JIA ; Han LIN ; Jiaying HE ; Chunlin ZHONG ; Yongxin LIANG ; Liye PAN ; Xiangdong CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(1):75-81
Objective:The components of Rubus parvifolius L. were analyzed based on UPLC-MS/MS technology and combined with network pharmacology analysis to explore the mechanism of action of Rubi Parvifolii Radix in treating inflammation, cough, fever, influenza and sore throat. Method:The chemical constituents of Rubi Parvifolii Radix were identified according to the information of mass spectrometry. The network pharmacology was used to analyze the corresponding targets and related pathways of its chemical components, and the "component-target-pathway" interaction diagram was drawn. PyMOL 2.5.7 software wasused to perform molecular docking between active components and key targets.Results:Twenty chemical components were identified by UPLC-MS/MS, and 15 components were screened out by network pharmacology, which can be used as quality markers of Rubi Parvifolii Radix, namely Azelaic acid, Procyanidol B3, Caprolactam, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Cryptochlorogenic acid, 3-O-Feruloylquinic, Ellagic acid, Aurantiamide acetate, 2 α,3 β,19 α,23-Tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, L-Epicatechin, (E)-3-Indoleacrylic acid, Euscaphic acid, Suberic acid, Diisononyl phthalate and Prodelphinidin T4. Molecular docking showed that 5 compounds compared with the reference substance could bind to the target proteins of disease well. Conclusions:The 15 active ingredients in Rubi Parvifolii Radix, including Caprolactam and (E)-3-Indoleacrylic acid, may play a therapeutic role in treating colds, high fever, sore throat, and inflammation by acting on targets such as AKT1 and TNF. This provides a certain reference for the clinical application of Rubi Parvifolii Radix.
10.Establishment of HPLC fingerprint of Gentiana rigescens and determination of four iridoid glycosides
Zhenyu LI ; Yueyi LIANG ; Jie YANG ; Tianrui XIA ; Fangping ZHANG ; Roushan CHEN ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Lin ZHOU ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(4):522-528
Objective:To establish HPLC fingerprint and methods for determining the contents of four iridoid glycosides of Gentiana rigescens; To evaluate the quality of Gentiana rigescens from different origins; To improve the quality control level of Gentiana rigescens medicinal materials.Methods:Using 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens from the main production areas and authentic production areas as raw materials, the common mode of HPLC fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens was established, and the chemical components of the common peaks were identified. Referring to the common mode of fingerprints, similarity analysis was conducted on the fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens from different origins. Using chemometric methods, cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (HCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed on 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens, with the common peak area of fingerprint as the variable. The contents of four types of iridoid glycosides in Gentiana rigescens were determined. Combined with the fingerprints and the content results of four types of iridoid glycosides, the quality of Gentiana rigescens from different origins was evaluated.Results:The fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens contained 9 common peaks, with 4 identified iridoid glycosides. The similarity of the fingerprints of 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens ranged from 0.962 to 0.999. HCA and PCA divided the 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens into two categories. OPLS-DA analyzed 3 significantly different components, namely gentiopicroside, peak 7, and loganic acid. The content determination results showed that the average contents of loganic acid, swertiamarin, and gentiopicroside in Gentiana rigescens from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and Yunnan Province were the highest, and the total amount of four iridoid glycosides was also significantly higher than that from other regions, indicating that the overall quality of Gentiana rigescens from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and Yunnan Province was relatively good.Conclusion:This method is simple, fast, accurate, and can provide reference for improving the quality standards of Gentiana rigescens.

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