1.Exploration on Mechanism of Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice with Portulacae Herba Based on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxue WANG ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiang PU ; Zhongzhao ZHANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO ; Xiangyan KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):115-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, compound dexamethasone acetate cream group (2.075×10-2 g·g-1), blank matrix cream group, low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.1 g·g-1), high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.2 g·g-1), and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group (0.2 g·g-1 + 30 mg·kg-1 ML385), with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment, the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group, the mice in the other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to establish an ACD model. After respective administration, the skin lesion of the mice was scored, and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score (P<0.01), severe pathological damage to skin tissue, increased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and decreased content of SOD (P<0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group, the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), reduced pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group, the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in the serum of mice (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Effects of Portulaca oleracea cream on skin pruritus and barrier function in allergic contact dermatitis mice
Xiaoxue WANG ; Xia CHEN ; Xiang PU ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiangyan KONG ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1352-1357
OBJECTIVE To study the effects and mechanism of Portulaca oleracea cream on skin pruritus and barrier function in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice. METHODS Low-concentration and high-concentration P. oleracea creams were prepared, with the P. oleracea extract solution (1 g/mL, calculated by crude drug) concentrations of 10% and 20%. Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into blank group, model group, Mometasone furoate cream group (positive control), blank matrix cream group, P. oleracea low-concentration and high-concentration cream groups. Except for blank group, ACD model was induced in each group using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene solution. The blank group and model groups received normal saline, while the remaining groups were treated with their respective creams, once a day, at a dose of approximately 0.5 g per application, continuously for 14 days. At 24 h post-final administration, skin lesions of mice were observed and scored; pathological changes of skin tissue were observed; serum levels of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified. mRNA expression of MAS-related G protein-coupled receptors (including MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was assessed; while protein expressions of skin barrier function-related proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin in skin tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with blank group, mice in the model group exhibited severe skin damage, characterized by loss of epidermal architecture, hyperkeratosis of the skin tissue, and the infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. The skin injury scores, as well as the serum levels of IgE and TNF-α, and the mRNA expression levels of MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD in DRG, were all significantly elevated compared to the blank group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); in contrast, the protein expression levels of Claudin-1 and Occludin in the skin tissue were markedly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with model group, mice in P. oleracea low-concentration and high- concentration cream groups demonstrated significant alleviation of skin damage, as evidenced by reduced epidermal hyperplasia, mitigated spongiosis in the dermis, and decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells; these quantitative indicators were almost significantly reversed (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the aforementioned skin injuries, pathological alterations, or quantitative indicators between the blank matrix cream group and the model group. CONCLUSIONS P. oleracea may ameliorate skin lesions and restore skin barrier function of ACD mice, the mechanism of which may be associated with downregulating mRNA expressions of MrgprA3, MrgprC11 and MrgprD in DRG, and up-regulating the protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin in skin tissue.
3.Association Between Low Birth Weight and Dementia Risk:A Large-scale Prospective Study
Xinyue YU ; Qingping XUE ; Jingyi LI ; Peiqi ZHANG ; Qingqing OUYANG ; Xiaoxue LUO ; Qian HE ; Yongliu WANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiangwang HE ; Fan LI ; Yunhaonan YANG ; Xiongfei PAN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):697-710
Objective To investigate the association between birth weight and dementia risk and the mediating roles of chronic diseases,and to assess potential biological pathways underlying the birth weight-associated dementia risk based on large-scale proteomics.Methods We used data from 279 743 participants aged 40 to 69 years enrolled in the UK Biobank.Birth weight was categorized into low birth weight(≤2 500 g),normal birth weight(2 500-3 999 g),and macrosomia(≥4 000 g).Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the associations between birth weight categories and all-cause dementia and its subtypes(Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia).Proteomics analyses were conducted to identify proteins and the potential pathways involved.Results Low birth weight was associated with higher risks for all-cause dementia and its subtypes.The hazard ratios were 1.18(95%CI,1.08-1.30)for all-cause dementia,1.14(95%CI,1.00-1.31)for Alzheimer's disease,and 1.22(95%CI,1.01-1.48)for vascular dementia.A non-linear relationship was observed between birth weight and dementia risk(P for nonlinearity<0.001).Certain cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged adults,such as diabetes,stroke,hypertension,and dyslipidemia,played a significant mediating role in the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk,with the mediation proportion being 6.3%to 15.8%.Proteomic analyses identified 21 proteins linked to both low birth weight and all-cause dementia risk,which were significantly enriched in the pathways for viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,adipocytokine signaling,and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.Conclusion Low birth weight is positively associated with dementia risk.Cardiometabolic diseases in middle-aged adults may mediate the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk.A number of proteins and the associated pathways underscore the relationship between low birth weight and dementia risk.
4.Metabolic regulation of exogenous lactate on obese mice induced by high fat diet
ZHANG ZHANG ; Xiaoxue HUANG ; Ziliang ZHANG ; Yu LUO ; Junqian LIN ; Tao WANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2023;54(5):614-625
This study investigates the metabolic regulatory effects of exogenous lactate on obesity mice induced by high-fat diet.We established obesity and metabolic disorder C57 mice model using a synthetic high-fat forage containing 60% fat.Some mice were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks to establish the model, being given 500 mg/(kg?d) lactate with ip for 4 weeks at the same time; the others were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish the model, being given 500 mg/(kg?d) lactate 4 weeks after 4 weeks of modeling.During the trial period, the change of body weight and food intake, as well as serum glucose, lactate, triglycerides, insulin, and liver glycogen levels of both groups of mice were measured.Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were used to assess glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in the body.At the end of the experiment, adipose tissue was dissected for weighing and histopathological examination.The expression of lipid synthesis and lipolysis genes in adipose tissue was detected by real-time PCR.The results showed that: (1) in the 4-week preventive medication trial, lactate had no significant effect on the body weight of normal and high-fat diet (HFD) mice, yet it increased the subcutaneous fat/visceral fat weight ratio; lactate could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose and liver glycogen levels in HFD mice while increasing blood lactate levels, significantly improving impaired glucose tolerance in HFD mice; lactate could improve the size and arrangement of adipocytes in the HFD group while significantly down-regulating the expression of fatty acid synthesis and lipolysis genes in adipose tissue; (2) in the 8-week treatment, both routes of lactate administration could partially reduce body weight in HFD group mice and reduce food intake, with the improvement trend for fat weight; both routes of lactate administration could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in HFD mice, while significantly improving glucose and insulin tolerance, with some improvement of fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance index; both routes of lactate administration showed different degrees of improvement effect on adipocyte morphology in obese mice while significantly down-regulating lipolysis gene expression in adipose tissue.Therefore, for high-fat diet-induced obese mice with metabolic imbalance, exogenous lactate can stimulate glucose metabolism, inhibit adipose tissue lipolysis, and prevent adipocyte hypertrophy, thereby improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and reducing sugar-lipid metabolic disorder.
5.The Influence of Different Traction Hooks on Tooth Movement During Distalization of the Lower Dentition: A Finite Element Analysis
Xiaoxue WU ; Haibo LIU ; Chen LUO ; Zuolin JIN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2022;37(4):E663-E668
Objective To study stress distributions of lower dentition distally moved with miniscrews in external oblique line area when the traction hooks with different lengths were placed at different positions by the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method. Methods Based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data from a patient, traction hooks with the heights of 2 mm and 7 mm were constructed and fixed between the lateral incisors and the canine brackets, as well as between the canines and the first premolar brackets. Four kinds of 3D finite element models of full dentition distally moved with miniscrews were constructed. The 3 N traction force was loaded between the traction hook and the miniscrews. The maximum von Mises stress and initial displacement of the mandibular teeth and dentition under four working conditions were analyzed. ResultsWhen the traction hook with 7 mm-height was placed between the lateral incisor and the canine, the lower central incisor rotated clockwisely, with the crown moving labially and the root moving lingually. But under the other three working conditions, the central incisor rotated counterclockwisely, and the crown and root moved lingually. When the traction hook with 7 mm-height was placed between the canine and the first premolar, the lower canine crown moved proximally. But under the other three working conditions, both the crown and root moved distally. Under four working conditions, the mandibular molars all rotated counterclockwisely,with the crown and root moving distally. Conclusions Through 3D finite element analysis, biomechanical mechanism of the effect of different traction hooks on mandibular tooth movement during distalization of the lower dentition was elucidated.With full understanding of the biomechanical mechanism, proper selection for length and placement of the traction hook can achieve distal movement of the entire mandibular dentition more efficiently.
6.The value of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominoscrotal hydrocele
Yufang SUN ; Tianhua LUO ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Jiwen WANG ; Qingming MENG ; Xiaoxue ZHANG ; Baifeng CHEN ; Chenxin MENG ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2021;42(12):935-936
Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is rare in clinic. In the past, routine examination and diagnosis were difficult, easy to be misdiagnosed. The daily operations were mostly completed through the groin area or abdominal incision, the wound is large. The application of laparoscopy can clearly diagnose the abdominoscrotal hydrocele through "springing back ball" sign, and can cure the disease by laparoscopic resection of interperitoneal mass and closure of the internal ring. It is worthy of clinical application. In this article, we summarized and analyzed the clinical experience of 15 cases of children with abdominoscrotal hydrocele diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy, to explore the value of the laparoscopic technology in the diagnosis and treatment of the abdominoscrotal hydrocele.
7.Progress of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 receptor in glioma
Xiaoxue LIU ; Jianrui LI ; Zhongqiang LUO ; Guangming LU ; Zhiqiang ZHANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2021;33(9):702-705
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 receptor (EphA2) is the most common subtype in the largest subfamily of the receptor tyrosine kinase superfamily, and is considered as a key factor in the regulation of malignant tumor progression. EphA2 is highly expressed in glioma, which plays an important role in the development and progression of glioma. This article reviews the structure, function, expression of EphA2 in glioma, and its role in glioma cell migration, maintenance of glioma stem cells, angiogenesis and targeted therapy.
8.Content Determination of Related Substances in Paracetamol Tablets by HPLC
Li YANG ; Yong MEI ; Tao LONG ; Lei LUO ; Xiaoxue CHEN
China Pharmacy 2020;31(10):1233-1238
OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for content determination of related substances in Paracetamol tablets. METHODS:HPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed on Agilent 5HC-C8 column with mobile phase A consisted of methanol-water-glacial acetic acid (50 ∶ 950 ∶ 1,V/V/V)and mobile phase B consisted of methanol-water-glacial acetic acid(500 ∶ 500 ∶ 1,V/V/V)(gradient elution )at the flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm,and column temperature was 40 ℃. The sample size was 5 μL. RESULTS:Under the chromatographic condition ,the resolutions of main component (paracetamol),6 known impurities (p-aminophenol,p-chloroacetanilide,impurity A ,B,D,F),3 specific excipients(methyl hydroxybenzoate ,ethyl hydroxybenzoate ,propyl hydroxybenzoate )and 1 unknown impurity were all higher than 1.5. The linear range of 6 known impurities were 0.539-1.617,0.026-0.384,0.237-17.799,0.257-19.271,0.239-17.955, 0.246-18.462 μg/mL(r≥0.999 8),respectively. Correction factors of impurity A ,B,D,F were 2.9,1.0,1.2,6.2. The limits of detection were 0.009 6,0.024 2,0.164 0,0.051 1,0.055 9,0.422 0 ng;the limits of quantitation were 0.032 0,0.080 6,0.546 0,0.170 0,0.186 0,1.406 0 ng. Average recoveries were 95.96%-111.09%(RSDs were 0.05%-2.42%). The RSDs precision test were low than 15%,and the durability were good. p-aminophenol(all were 0.006%),impurity B (0.016%-0.017%)and unknown impurity(0.002 0%-0.002 1%)were detected in 3 batches of sample. p-choroacetanilide,impurity A ,D and F were not detected. CONCLUSIONS:The method is specific ,accurate and suitable for the determination of related substance in Paracetamol tablets.
9.Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the individualized treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma adjacent to danger areas
Xiaoxue CHENG ; Zhentao ZHOU ; Ke LUO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2019;21(8):1139-1142
Objectives To investigate the efficiency and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) adjacent to danger areas.Methods The 106 patients with HCC treated by ultrasound-guided MWA were retrospectively included in our study.There were 149 lesions in total,including 8 lesions adjacent to gallbladder,33 lesions adjacent to grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ bile duct,39 lesions adjacent to diaphragm,28 lesions adjacent to gastrointestinal tract and 41 lesions adjacent to hepatic capsule.The mean diameter of the tumors was (2.04 ±0.92)cm.Individualized treament strategies for different sites of the tumors were conducted.The early complete ablation rate of the tumors was assessed by enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) one month later and followed up regularly.Results The total inactivation rate was 89.9%.The early complete ablation rates of adjacent gallbladder,adjacent grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ bile duct,adjacent diaphragm,adjacent gastrointestinal tract and adjacent hepatic capsule were 100%,84.8%,89.7%,92.9%,90.2% respectively.The local progression rates were 0,15.2%,10.3%,7.1%,9.8%,respectively.The 1-,2-and 3-year survival rates were 91.6%,85.8% and 74.5%.Total cases were ablated 149 times.Serious complications accounted for 6.6%,including diaphragm injury,needle implantation,abdominal hemorrhage,severe infection,bile tumors.Conclusions Our study presented a novel individualized treament strategies using MWA in HCC patients.The individualized scheme effectively boosted the complete ablation rate of tumors and significantly improve the clinical outcome of HCC patients.
10.Simultaneous Determination of the Content of Berberine Hydrochloride,Baicalin and Osthole in Jinchan Zhiyang Capsules by HPLC
Chuanjun HUANG ; Yong MEI ; Li YANG ; Lei LUO ; Bocheng ZENG ; Tao LONG ; Kaichao YUAN ; Zhiwen QIAO ; Xiaoxue CHEN
China Pharmacy 2018;29(12):1621-1624
OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for simultaneous determination of the content of berberine hydrochloride, baicalin and osthole in Jinchan zhiyang capsules. METHODS:HPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed in Hypersil BDS C18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid-three triethylamine(50∶30∶19∶1, V/V/V/V) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelengths were set at 265 nm (berberine hydrochloride),280 nm (baicalin)and 322 nm(osthole). The column temperature was set at 30 ℃,and sample size was 10 μL. RESULTS:The linear range of berberine hydrochloride,baicalin and osthole were 80-800 ng(r=0.999 8),60-600 ng(r=0.999 9),60-600 ng(r=0.999 6),respectively. RSDs of precision,stability and reproducibility tests were all lower than 2.0%. The limits of quantitation were 80,60,60 ng,respectively,and the limits of detection were 24,20,20 ng,respectively. The recovery rates were 97.4%-98.3%(RSD=0.33%,n=6),98.4%-99.6%(RSD=0.42%,n=6)and 96.9%-99.0%(RSD=0.92%,n=6),respectively. RSDs of durability tests were all lower than 1.2%. CONCLUSIONS:The method is simple, accurate, precise, stable, reproducible and durable. It can be used for simultaneous determination of berberine hydrochloride,baicalin and osthole in Jinchan zhiyang capsules.

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