1.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
2.Annual review of basic research on lung transplantation worldwide in 2025
Jier MA ; Kemeng SUN ; Xiaohan JIN ; Jiaqi LI ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Chama LOUJAINE ; Junmin ZHU ; Hengtao LIN ; Xiangyun ZHENG ; Junjie WANG ; Zengwei YU ; Yaling LIU ; Haoji YAN ; Dong TIAN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):582-593
Lung transplantation is a definitive treatment for end-stage lung disease and can significantly improve patient prognosis. However, postoperative complications such as infection, rejection, ischemia-reperfusion injury and chronic lung allograft dysfunction intertwine to form a complex pathological network, posing persistent challenges to long-term patient survival. In 2025, research teams worldwide have made systematic progress in the field of basic lung transplantation research. By integrating cutting-edge technologies including single-cell multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics and novel animal models, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the evolutionary dynamics of drug-resistant infections, molecular mechanisms of immune regulation, programmed cell death, optimization of donor lung protection strategies and early warning of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. This article systematically reviews the representative advances in basic lung transplantation research worldwide in 2025, and deeply analyzes the implications of mechanistic breakthroughs for optimizing diagnosis and treatment strategies, aiming to anchor the direction for innovative breakthroughs and clinical translation in basic lung transplantation research.
3.Correlation of iNK T cells and lipid metabolism in visceral adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed mice
Peipei ZHANG ; Junzhou XIN ; Fei CHEN ; Xiangyun CHANG ; Xiaoli WANG
Immunological Journal 2025;41(8):529-534
Objective To observe the changes of invariant natural killer T(iNK T)cells in visceral adipose tissue and blood lipids of high-fat diet-fed mice,and to analyze the correlation between iNK T cells and lipid metabolism.Methods Fifty-two C57BL/6 mice were selected as the high-fat diet group,and 51 C57BL/6 mice as the normal control group.The high-fat diet intervention lasted for 12 weeks.At weeks 1,4,8,and 12,the epididymal and perirenal fats of mice in both groups were collected and weighed to record the visceral fat mass(VFM),and the changes in body fat content(BFC)were calculated.Flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to detect the changes of invariant natural killer T(iNK T)cells in visceral adipose tissue.An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the lipid levels in mice,and the correlations of iNKT cells in visceral adipose tissue with VFM,BFC,and serum lipid levels were analyzed.Results At 12 weeks after high-fat diet feeding,the body weight,VFM,BFC,serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)increased significantly,while the content of invariant natural killer T(iNK T)cells in visceral adipose tissue decreased obviously in the high-fat diet group,as compared with the control group(P<0.01).The iNKT cell number in visceral adipose tissue of mice was negatively correlated with VFM,BFC,serum HDL-C and serum TG(r=-0.293,-0.289,-0.337,-0.199,P<0.05),and was not correlated with serum TC and LDL-C(r=-0.122,-0.082,P>0.05).Conclution VFM is increased and iNK T cell number is decreased in in adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed mice.The number of iNK T cells is negatively correlated with VFM,BFC,serum HDL-C and TG.
4.Correlation of iNK T cells and lipid metabolism in visceral adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed mice
Peipei ZHANG ; Junzhou XIN ; Fei CHEN ; Xiangyun CHANG ; Xiaoli WANG
Immunological Journal 2025;41(8):529-534
Objective To observe the changes of invariant natural killer T(iNK T)cells in visceral adipose tissue and blood lipids of high-fat diet-fed mice,and to analyze the correlation between iNK T cells and lipid metabolism.Methods Fifty-two C57BL/6 mice were selected as the high-fat diet group,and 51 C57BL/6 mice as the normal control group.The high-fat diet intervention lasted for 12 weeks.At weeks 1,4,8,and 12,the epididymal and perirenal fats of mice in both groups were collected and weighed to record the visceral fat mass(VFM),and the changes in body fat content(BFC)were calculated.Flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to detect the changes of invariant natural killer T(iNK T)cells in visceral adipose tissue.An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the lipid levels in mice,and the correlations of iNKT cells in visceral adipose tissue with VFM,BFC,and serum lipid levels were analyzed.Results At 12 weeks after high-fat diet feeding,the body weight,VFM,BFC,serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)increased significantly,while the content of invariant natural killer T(iNK T)cells in visceral adipose tissue decreased obviously in the high-fat diet group,as compared with the control group(P<0.01).The iNKT cell number in visceral adipose tissue of mice was negatively correlated with VFM,BFC,serum HDL-C and serum TG(r=-0.293,-0.289,-0.337,-0.199,P<0.05),and was not correlated with serum TC and LDL-C(r=-0.122,-0.082,P>0.05).Conclution VFM is increased and iNK T cell number is decreased in in adipose tissue of high-fat diet-fed mice.The number of iNK T cells is negatively correlated with VFM,BFC,serum HDL-C and TG.
5.Retrospects and prospects of hepatitis B prevention and control in China
Feng WANG ; Xiangyun FAN ; Qiudong SU ; Ke XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(4):510-517
Hepatitis B,an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus(HBV),poses a severe threat to health by inducing acute and chronic hepatitis,cirrhosis,and liver cancer,thereby imposing heavy disease burden and psychological pressure to patients. In 1992,the average positive rate of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)in China was 9.75%,classifying the country as a high-prevalence area for hepatitis B. Since the mid-1980s,China has implemented a comprehensive prevention and control strategy centered on hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. This strategy encompasses measures such as blocking mother-to-child transmission,blood screening,control of healthcare-associated infections,prevention and control among key populations,and public education and awareness campaigns. After nearly four decades of efforts,the 2020 national hepatitis B seroepidemiological survey revealed a significant decline in China's overall HBsAg positive rate to 5.86%,with the positivity rate among children aged 1-4 years plummeting to just 0.30%. Compared with 1992,they have decreased by 40% and 97% respectively. New HBV infections have significantly decreased,and the prevention and control measures have achieved remarkable economic and social benefits. However,China still confronts numerous challenges in eliminating hepatitis B. The number of chronic HBV carriers remains substantial,and the infection rates among childbearing-age populations and sexually active groups are still relatively high. New infections among adults continue to occur sporadically. Additionally,the vaccination rate for hepatitis B among high-risk adult populations is low,and the newborn immunization program is weak in some areas. The public's awareness of hepatitis B needs to be improved urgently. The rates of detection,diagnosis,and treatment for hepatitis B are relatively low. Moreover,there is currently no effective drug that can completely eliminate HBV. Against the backdrop of rapid advancements in internet and information technologies,as well as in detection and diagnostic methods,China should promptly develop a multi-department prevention and control plan,introduce supportive policies and safeguard measures,and implement a hepatitis B prevention and control strategy that is based on universal immunoprevention and is systematic,comprehensive,standardized,precise,and fully integrated. At the same time,it is essential to improve an information management system,explore the integration of medical care and disease prevention mechanisms,increase financial investment,and implement measures at all stages,including screening,diagnosis,referral,treatment,and care. Additionally,efforts should be made to mobilize the participation of the entire society in order to achieve the goal of eliminating the public health threat of hepatitis B as soon as possible.
6.Retrospects and prospects of hepatitis B prevention and control in China
Feng WANG ; Xiangyun FAN ; Qiudong SU ; Ke XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(4):510-517
Hepatitis B,an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus(HBV),poses a severe threat to health by inducing acute and chronic hepatitis,cirrhosis,and liver cancer,thereby imposing heavy disease burden and psychological pressure to patients. In 1992,the average positive rate of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)in China was 9.75%,classifying the country as a high-prevalence area for hepatitis B. Since the mid-1980s,China has implemented a comprehensive prevention and control strategy centered on hepatitis B vaccination for newborns. This strategy encompasses measures such as blocking mother-to-child transmission,blood screening,control of healthcare-associated infections,prevention and control among key populations,and public education and awareness campaigns. After nearly four decades of efforts,the 2020 national hepatitis B seroepidemiological survey revealed a significant decline in China's overall HBsAg positive rate to 5.86%,with the positivity rate among children aged 1-4 years plummeting to just 0.30%. Compared with 1992,they have decreased by 40% and 97% respectively. New HBV infections have significantly decreased,and the prevention and control measures have achieved remarkable economic and social benefits. However,China still confronts numerous challenges in eliminating hepatitis B. The number of chronic HBV carriers remains substantial,and the infection rates among childbearing-age populations and sexually active groups are still relatively high. New infections among adults continue to occur sporadically. Additionally,the vaccination rate for hepatitis B among high-risk adult populations is low,and the newborn immunization program is weak in some areas. The public's awareness of hepatitis B needs to be improved urgently. The rates of detection,diagnosis,and treatment for hepatitis B are relatively low. Moreover,there is currently no effective drug that can completely eliminate HBV. Against the backdrop of rapid advancements in internet and information technologies,as well as in detection and diagnostic methods,China should promptly develop a multi-department prevention and control plan,introduce supportive policies and safeguard measures,and implement a hepatitis B prevention and control strategy that is based on universal immunoprevention and is systematic,comprehensive,standardized,precise,and fully integrated. At the same time,it is essential to improve an information management system,explore the integration of medical care and disease prevention mechanisms,increase financial investment,and implement measures at all stages,including screening,diagnosis,referral,treatment,and care. Additionally,efforts should be made to mobilize the participation of the entire society in order to achieve the goal of eliminating the public health threat of hepatitis B as soon as possible.
7.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
8.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
9.Renal impairment and ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells due to severe blast injuries
Xiangyun CHENG ; Guangming YANG ; Zhaoxia DUAN ; Jian DONG ; Xiaohong HUANG ; Jianmin WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(7):963-968
Objective:To investigate renal impairment and ferroptosis due to severe blast injuries and related mechanism.Methods:The goats were placed 3 meters away from the center of an 8 kg TNT-equivalent explosive to carry out blast injury experiments.The physical parameters of blast waves were measured,and the pathological severity of blast injuries was graded and scored to assess the severity of injuries.Vital signs,blood gas parameters,and renal function markers were measured before injury and at 1,3,6,and 24 hours after injury.Renal tissue samples were collected at 24 hours after injury to prepare tissue sections,which were used to perform HE staining and measure the changes in the content of Fe2+and the expression of the ferroptosis-related marker proteins xCT and GPX4 in renal tissue,and Prussian blue staining was performed for renal tissue sections to investigate the mechanism associated with renal impairment and ferroptosis of renal cells.Results:Severe blast injuries accounted for the highest proportion of 47.2%in experi-mental goats,while mild,moderate,severe,and extremely severe injuries accounted for 2.8%,36.1%,47.2%,and 13.9%,respectively,and the pathologic severity score of blast injury was 2.56±0.15.For the goats after blast injury,there were significant increases in heart rate(F=12.750,P<0.01)and respiratory rate(F=6.500,P<0.01)and significant reductions in anal temperature(F=3.496,P<0.05),partial pressure of blood oxygen(F=24.630,P<0.01),and blood oxygen saturation(F=18.560,P<0.01),as well as significant increases in the levels of blood uric acid(F=22.320,P<0.01),serum creatinine(F=15.350,P<0.01),and blood urea nitrogen(F=22.310,P<0.01).Compared with the control group,swelling of renal tubular epithelial cells and narrowing of tubular lumen were observed at 24 hours after blast injury,with a significant increase in the content of Fe2+in renal tissue(t=5.933,P<0.01),significant reductions in the relative expression protein levels of GPX4(t=7.924,P<0.01)and xCT(t=4.483,P<0.01)in renal tissue,and deposi-tion of a large amount of iron ions in renal tubular epithelial cells.Conclusion:Experimental goats placed 3 meters away from the cen-ter of an 8 kg TNT-equivalent explosive can cause severe blast inju-ries,resulting in the onset of hypoxia,renal impairment,and ferrop-tosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.
10.Effect of Dachaihu decoction on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis and liver injury and its association with gut microbiota modulation in mice
Qingqing XIANG ; Feng LAI ; Hong XIAO ; Zhengjia PU ; Lingli MA ; Xiangyun LIU ; Shihui LI ; Shengmin MAO ; Jiarui FAN ; Yuchen LI ; Ankang LI ; Yang WANG ; Qunhua BAI
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(8):1084-1095
Objective:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Dachaihu decoction(DCD)on dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)and liver injury in mice,as well as the association between DCD benefits and gut microbiota modulation.Methods:Mice were treated with DCD(20.10 and 10.05 g/kg)for 2 weeks,with free access to drinking water containing 3%DSS in the second week to induce UC.Histopathological examination,RT-qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to investigate the effect of DCD on UC mice.Results:DCD pretreatment significantly alleviated weight loss,bloody diarrhea with mucus,histopathological abnormalities of the colon,and colon shortening in mice with DSS-induced UC.In addition,DCD pretreat-ment significantly upregulated the levels of Occludin,ZO-1,and MUC-2 in the colon and protected the intestinal barrier of mice.DCD pretreatment also alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon and the liver and significantly reduced the expression levels of the proinflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,iNOS,COX-2,and NLRP3,thereby exerting a protective effect against UC and liver injury.It should be noted that DCD corrected gut micro-biota imbalance in UC mice by enriching probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reducing harmful bacteria such as Norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae and Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusion:DCD can alleviate DSS-induced UC and exert a liver-protecting effect by protecting intestinal barrier,inhibiting inflam-mation,and regulating gut microbiota.

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