1.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
2.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
3.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
4.Activation of α7nAChR optimises thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue of obese mice
Wencheng TIAN ; Sutong WANG ; Hesong FAN ; Yan LI ; Ping JIANG ; Xiao LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1191-1199
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which activation of α7nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) optimizes brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis in obese mice. MethodsObesity was induced in C57BL/6J mice via a high-fat diet. Fifty 8-week-old mice were randomly assigned to five groups: low-fat diet (Control), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet plus a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist (HFD+β3), high-fat diet plus a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist and an α7nAChR selective agonist (HFD+β3+GTS-21), and high-fat diet plus a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist and an α7nAChR selective antagonist (HFD+β3+α-BGT). Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate BAT morphology. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to assess mitochondrial number and lipid droplet morphology in adipocytes. ELISA was used to measure levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and norepinephrine (NE). RT-qPCR was conducted to determine mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), arginase 1 (Arg1), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), PR domain-containing protein 16 (PRDM16), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in BAT. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect macrophage markers (CD31, CD86, and CD206). Protein expression levels of UCP1, α7nAChR, nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the HFD group showed enlarged lipid droplets and reduced mitochondrial numbers in adipocytes, accompanied by increased TNF-α and IL-1β and decreased IL-10, TGF-β, Arg1, and VEGF-A (all P<0.01). Compared with the HFD+β3 group, the HFD+β3+GTS-21 group showed a smaller lipid droplet area and a higher mitochondrial number, along with reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors, NOS2, and NF-κB p65, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory factors, Arg1, and phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 (all P<0.01). ConclusionActivation of α7nAChR in combination with a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist effectively enhances thermogenesis, alleviates local adipose tissue hypoxia, and shifts the local inflammatory phenotype toward an M2-like state, thereby reducing inflammation in brown adipose tissue and improving its thermogenic capacity.
5.Contamination levels of perfluorinated compounds in water bodies of key river basins in the Yangtze River Delta Region in 2023
Jingxian ZHOU ; Yu’e JIN ; Jinjing MA ; Yuanjie LIN ; Liming XUE ; Hailei QIAN ; Yangyang REN ; Ping XIAO ; Guoquan WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):536-542
ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a scientific basis for the safety management of drinking water by assessing the contamination levels of 21 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water samples collected from the Yangtze River Delta region. MethodsSolid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed to determine 21 PFASs in 6 source water samples, 20 treated water samples, and 60 tap water samples collected from 5 administrative districts in the Yangtze River Delta region across four seasons in 2023. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare differences in PFAS concentrations among the three types of water samples, followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Removal efficiencies of target compounds were also calculated. ResultsAmong the 86 samples, 14 PFASs were detected, with 7 compounds detected in 100% of samples. The total concentrations of PFASs in source water, treated water, and tap water ranged from 63.85 to 190.54 ng·L-¹, 55.75 to 774.36 ng·L-¹, and 40.72 to 689.80 ng·L-¹, respectively. The compounds with the highest median concentrations were perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) (40.19, 15.20, and 14.05 ng·L-¹), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (29.69, 32.62, and 34.24 ng·L-¹), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (17.65, 39.45, and 36.83 ng·L-¹), and potassium perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (16.99, 24.38, and 23.89 ng·L-¹). Notably, concentrations of PFOA (7.71‒71.63 ng·L-¹) and PFOS (
6.Banxia Shumitang plus Zhizichi Tang Regulates PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy to Prevent and Treat Insomnia with Depression
Chunfeng XIAO ; Peishuai GONG ; Yini ZHANG ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):33-46
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Banxia Shumitang plus Zhizichi Tang (BZ) on PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway in regulating mitochondrial autophagy in preventing insomnia with depression. MethodsSeventy-two 6-week-old male Kunming mice were randomized into a normal group, a model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BZ groups (BZ-L, BZ-M, BZ-H, 2.92, 5.85, 11.7 g·kg-1), and an estazolam (0.21 mg·kg-1) group. Insomnia model was established on days 1 to 3. p-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 400 mg·kg-1 into mice of the model group and administration groups for 3 consecutive days. Then, the classic depression model was established with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 28 consecutive days. Administration and modeling were performed simultaneously. After gavage, 24 h spontaneous activity test was performed to test sleep state, and sugar preference test and open field test were performed to evaluate anxiety-like state. The morphological changes of the hypothalamus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the number of Nissl bodies was observed by Nissl staining. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit (JC-1) was used to examine the mitochondrial function, and a biochemical assay kit was used to measure the ATP content in the hypothalamus. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the immunofluorescence assay, and the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), noradrenalin (NE), and cortisol (CORT) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the expression of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and isolator protein 1 (p62) at protein and mRNA levels, respectively. ResultsThe 24 h spontaneous activity test showed that compared with the normal group, the model group did not exhibit circadian rhythm characteristics in their spontaneous activity time, while the circadian rhythm characteristics were restored in each treatment group (P<0.05). The sucrose preference test indicated that compared with that in the normal group, the sucrose preference rate in the model group reduced (P<0.01), and compared with that in the model group, the sucrose preference rate in each treatment group increased (P<0.01). The open field test revealed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased movement distance, average speed, frequency of visits to the central area, and time spent in the central area (P<0.01), and compared with those in the model group, these parameters in each treatment group increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited disarrangement of neurons in the hypothalamus, enlarged intercellular space, and severe nuclear condensation, while the degree of hypothalamic neuronal damage in each treatment group was alleviated. Nissl staining indicated that compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated aggravated neuronal damage and increased damaged cells (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the number of damaged cells in each treatment group decreased (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited mitochondrial swelling and rupture in the hypothalamus, with visible autophagic lysosomes in the cytoplasm. Compared with those in the model group, only a few autophagic lysosomes were observed in the BZ-L group, and the degree of mitochondrial swelling and rupture was alleviated in the other treatment groups. ROS immunofluorescence assay showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed enhanced red fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial ROS (P<0.01), which was attenuated in each treatment group (P<0.01). Mitochondrial membrane potential assay showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had declined mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), which was recovered in each treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The biochemical assay of ATP levels indicated that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased ATP content (P<0.01), which rebound in each treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased 5-HT content and increased NE and CORT content (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed increased 5-HT content (P<0.01) and reduced NE content (P<0.01) and CORT content (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot of the hypothalamus showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited downregulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.01) and upregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed upregulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited downregulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.01) and upregulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed upregulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.01) and downregulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). ConclusionBZ can ameliorate the insomnia and anxiety state of mice by regulating PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to improve the mitochondrial function, enhance mitochondrial autophagy, protect neurons, and repair damaged nerve cells.
7.Banxia Shumitang plus Zhizichi Tang Regulates PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy to Prevent and Treat Insomnia with Depression
Chunfeng XIAO ; Peishuai GONG ; Yini ZHANG ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):33-46
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Banxia Shumitang plus Zhizichi Tang (BZ) on PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway in regulating mitochondrial autophagy in preventing insomnia with depression. MethodsSeventy-two 6-week-old male Kunming mice were randomized into a normal group, a model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BZ groups (BZ-L, BZ-M, BZ-H, 2.92, 5.85, 11.7 g·kg-1), and an estazolam (0.21 mg·kg-1) group. Insomnia model was established on days 1 to 3. p-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 400 mg·kg-1 into mice of the model group and administration groups for 3 consecutive days. Then, the classic depression model was established with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 28 consecutive days. Administration and modeling were performed simultaneously. After gavage, 24 h spontaneous activity test was performed to test sleep state, and sugar preference test and open field test were performed to evaluate anxiety-like state. The morphological changes of the hypothalamus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the number of Nissl bodies was observed by Nissl staining. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit (JC-1) was used to examine the mitochondrial function, and a biochemical assay kit was used to measure the ATP content in the hypothalamus. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the immunofluorescence assay, and the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), noradrenalin (NE), and cortisol (CORT) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to determine the expression of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and isolator protein 1 (p62) at protein and mRNA levels, respectively. ResultsThe 24 h spontaneous activity test showed that compared with the normal group, the model group did not exhibit circadian rhythm characteristics in their spontaneous activity time, while the circadian rhythm characteristics were restored in each treatment group (P<0.05). The sucrose preference test indicated that compared with that in the normal group, the sucrose preference rate in the model group reduced (P<0.01), and compared with that in the model group, the sucrose preference rate in each treatment group increased (P<0.01). The open field test revealed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased movement distance, average speed, frequency of visits to the central area, and time spent in the central area (P<0.01), and compared with those in the model group, these parameters in each treatment group increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited disarrangement of neurons in the hypothalamus, enlarged intercellular space, and severe nuclear condensation, while the degree of hypothalamic neuronal damage in each treatment group was alleviated. Nissl staining indicated that compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated aggravated neuronal damage and increased damaged cells (P<0.01). Compared with that in the model group, the number of damaged cells in each treatment group decreased (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited mitochondrial swelling and rupture in the hypothalamus, with visible autophagic lysosomes in the cytoplasm. Compared with those in the model group, only a few autophagic lysosomes were observed in the BZ-L group, and the degree of mitochondrial swelling and rupture was alleviated in the other treatment groups. ROS immunofluorescence assay showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed enhanced red fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial ROS (P<0.01), which was attenuated in each treatment group (P<0.01). Mitochondrial membrane potential assay showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had declined mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), which was recovered in each treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The biochemical assay of ATP levels indicated that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased ATP content (P<0.01), which rebound in each treatment group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased 5-HT content and increased NE and CORT content (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed increased 5-HT content (P<0.01) and reduced NE content (P<0.01) and CORT content (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot of the hypothalamus showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited downregulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.01) and upregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed upregulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Real-time PCR showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited downregulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.01) and upregulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed upregulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 (P<0.01) and downregulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). ConclusionBZ can ameliorate the insomnia and anxiety state of mice by regulating PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to improve the mitochondrial function, enhance mitochondrial autophagy, protect neurons, and repair damaged nerve cells.
8.Correlation between estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis based on fecal microbiota transplantation
Na PAN ; Xue-ping QI ; Hui-jie SHENG ; Xiao-yu LYU ; Lu-yao GAO ; Hao-yang CHEN ; Yan-yan YIN ; Jia-jia WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1508-1516
Aim To study the correlation between es-trogen metabolism function of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis disease phenotype and differential intestinal bacteria by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Methods C57BL/6J male mice were divided into normal group(Control-M),liver fibrosis Model group(Model),FMT-1 group(normal mice fecal microbiota transplantation from liver fibrosis mice),and FMT-2 group(liver fibrosis mice fecal microbiota transplanta-tion from female mice).The model group was induced by high fat and high glucose combined with low dose of CCl4 for 16 weeks.In the FMT group,the bacteria were destroyed by mixed antibacterial solution and then the corresponding fecal microbiota solution was given.The model group was established in the FMT-2 group and the model group at the same time.Liver function(ALT,AST)was detected by biochemical methods;liver inflammation(IL-1α,IL-6)was detected by ELISA;liver pathology was detected by HE and Mas-son methods;the expressions of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,estrogen receptor ERα,ERβ and GPER were detected by Western blot;estrogen metabolic enzymes β-glucu-ronidase and β-glucosidase in intestinal flora were de-tected by double antibody sandwich assay;gut microbi-ota was detected by 16S rDNA method;the correlation between estrogen metabolic enzymes,estrogen receptors and disease phenotypes and disease-related differential bacteria was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results Liver function,inflammation and fibrosis in-dices were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control-M group and significantly lower in the FMT-2 group than in the model group;estrogen metabolic enzymes of the intestinal flora significantly increased in the model group compared to the control-M group and significantly decreased in the FMT-2 group compared to the model group;the model group showed a significant increase in ERβ and GPER and a significant decrease in ERα compared to the control-M group,while the FMT-2 group showed a significant de-crease in ERβ and GPER and a significant increase in ERα compared to the model group;the FMT-2 group increased the enterobacterial abundance and diversity reduced by modelling;estrogen metabolic enzymes,es-trogen receptor ERβ and GPER were all positively cor-related with the disease phenotype,while the opposite was true for ERα;estrogen metabolic enzymes were positively correlated with Allobaculum,Ruminococcus and Alistipes,and negatively correlated with Akkerman-sia,Lactobacillus and Prevotella.Conclusions Fecal microbiota transplantation in female mice can alleviate liver fibrosis in male mice,which is related to the im-provement of estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora.
9.Clinical trail of vericiguat combined with sacubitril valsartan sodium in the treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Miao-jun WANG ; Shi-ping XU ; Xiao-jin PAN ; Zhi-dong YE ; Yu-fang LIAN ; Jun QIU ; Shao-tang LU ; Sheng-jie ZHOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):6-10
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of vericiguat tablets combined with sacubitril valsartan sodium(Sac/Val)tablets in the treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF).Methods The HFrEF patients were divided into control group and treatment group according to the cohort method.The control group was treated with Sac/Val tablets 200 mg per time,bid,orally.On the basis of control group,the treatment group was treated with vericiguat tablets 2.5 mg per time,qd,taken with meal.Two groups were treated for 3 months.The clinical efficacy,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic dimension(LVEDD)and end-systolic diameter(LVESD),levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),interleukin-6(IL-6),nitric oxide(NO),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and serum creatinine(SCr),and safety were compared between the two groups.During follow-up,the heart failure rehospitalization rates and major adverse cardiovascular events were compared between the two groups.Results Treatment group was enrolled 53 patients,control group was enrolled 53 patients.After treatment,the total effective rates of treatment and control groups were 94.34%(50 cases/53 cases)and 81.13%(43 cases/53 cases)with statistical significant difference(P<0.05).After treatment,the LVEF of treatment and control groups were(48.02±5.20)%and(43.02±4.33)%,the LVEDDs were(52.85±6.30)and(55.63±6.88)mm,the LVESDs were(41.64±6.40)and(44.22±5.85)mm,the levels of hs-CRP were(10.22±2.63)and(14.60±2.98)mg L-1,the levels of IL-6 were(14.48±2.40)and(17.36±2.52)pg·mL-1,the levels of NO were(102.60±20.16)and(92.16±16.33)μmol·L-1,the levels of NT-proBNP were(898.74±102.20)and(1315.60±182.64)ng·L-1,the levels of BUN were(12.02±2.28)and(13.45±2.33)mmol·L-1,the levels of SCr were(82.22±5.89)and(85.64±6.03)μmol·L-1,the heart failure rehospitalization rates were 5.66%and 13.21%,respectively;the differences were statistical significant between two groups(all P<0.05).The adverse drug reactions of treatment group were hyperkalemia,hypotension,renal dysfunction,dizziness and headache,while those in control group were renal dysfunction,hyperkalemia,and hypotension.The major adverse cardiovascular events of treatment group were angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction,while those in control group were angina pectoris,acute myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation.The incidences of total adverse drug reactions in treatment and control groups were 13.21%and 7.55%,the incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events were 5.66%and 13.21%,respectively,without statistically significant differences(all P>0.05).Conclusion Vericiguat tablets combined with Sac/Val tablets have a definitive clinical efficacy in the treatment of HFrEF patients,which can improve cardiac and endothelial function,reduce inflammatory response and readmission times,without increasing the incidences of adverse drug reactions.
10.Experimental study on alternative method of local lymph node assay using bromodeoxyuridine with flow cytometry(LLNA:BrdU-FCM)for skin sensitization evaluation of cosmetics
Xiao-jun LYU ; Ju ZHANG ; Sen WU ; Xiao-ling XU ; Meng-ting SHI ; Jin-jing XU ; Wang-ping PAN ; Jia-te SHEN ; Kai-yong HE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):793-799
Aim To establish and evaluate an alternative meth-od for detecting skin sensitization of cosmetics based on local lymph node assay using bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)with flow cytometry(FCM).Methods(1)25%hexyl cinnamic alde-hyde(HCA)was chosen as a positive control with an acetone:olive oil(4∶1,V/V,AOO)mixture as a vehicle control for the experiment.The dorsal sides of both ears of mice were treated with test solutions on day 1,day 2,and day 3.Brdu solution was injected inter-peritoneally on day 5.On day 6,the bilateral ears and mandibular lymph nodes were excised,and the number of Brdu positive cells was measured by flow cytometry.The stim-ulation index(SI)was calculated to identify whether it was ≥3,in order to establish the method of LLNA:Brdu-FCM.(2)BrdU-FCM test was conducted using a blind method with the fif-teen reference substances listed in OECD TG429 whose skin sensitization potentials were known.The test substances were dissolved in AOO,N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF)or dimeth-yl sulfoxide(DMSO)at three different concentrations.Tests were performed the same as above.SI and EC2.7 were calculat-ed to evaluate whether the test substance was categorized as a skin sensitizer.The reliability and accuracy of the method were validated by comparing the classification of test substances with that in OECD TG429.Results The SI for 25%HCA was 3.9,showing positive in the skin sensitization test.It demonstrated that the LLNA:Brdu-FCM test method was properly implemen-ted.Nine test substances(2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene,4-pheny-lenediamine,cobalt chloride,2-mercaptobenzothiazole,hexyl-cinnamaldehyde,eugenol,phenyl benzoate,cinnamic alcohol,imidazolidinyl urea)were positive,and six test substances(methyl methacrylate,chlorobenzene,isopropanol,lactic acid,methyl salicylate,salicylic acid)were negative.The method was evaluated with sensitivity of 90%,specificity of 100%,positive prediction rate of 100%,negative prediction rate of 83%,false positive rate of 0%,false negative rate of 17%and accuracy of 93%.The LLNA:BrdU-FCM assay could correctly categorize the test substances that were skin sensitizers or non-sensitizers.Conclusion The LLNA:BrdU-FCM assay appears to be a relia-ble predictor of skin sensitization protential of chemicals,and it is expected to an alternative method for identifying skin sensitization as a supplementary in safety evaluation of cosmetic ingredient.

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