1.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
2.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
3.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
4.Mechanism of Paeoniflorin Regulating TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 Inflammation-insulin Signaling Axis to Improve Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease Combined with Insulin Resistance
Luyu LI ; Yiming FAN ; Wenlong YU ; Yiteng ZHANG ; Yaorui HU ; Huanxin DING ; Chuxuan LIU ; Xin JIN ; Hongyu ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Guangyong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):146-156
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) combined with insulin resistance (IR), and to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB-insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) inflammation-insulin signaling axis. MethodsMASLD mouse model was established using a 60% high-fat diet. Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group, a MASLD model group, and paeoniflorin groups (low dose: 25 mg·kg-1·d-1, medium dose: 50 mg·kg-1·d-1, high dose: 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), receiving intragastric administration for consecutive 12 weeks. Concurrently, a palmitic acid/oleic acid (PA/OA)-induced lipid deposition model was established in HepG2 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to determine the optimal concentrations of PA/OA and paeoniflorin for intervention. Mice body weight, liver index, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, while an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate glucose metabolism. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and oil red O staining was used to evaluate lipid droplet deposition in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. Potential targets were screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of HSP90AA1, TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, p-IRS1, and p-Akt proteins in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the MASLD model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, liver index, and serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, and TC, as well as markedly elevated FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR, and impaired glucose tolerance (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked hepatic steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, while oil red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplet deposition. Compared with the MASLD model group, after intervention with various doses of paeoniflorin, the increase in body weight and liver index was reduced, serum ALT, AST, TG, and TC levels decreased, and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR were significantly lowered, with glucose tolerance markedly improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing a certain dose-dependent trend. HE and oil red O staining results showed a marked reduction in hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, compared with the control group, PA/OA treatment significantly induced increased lipid deposition in HepG2 cells. Compared with the model group, paeoniflorin intervention significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplets, and lipid deposition showed a dose-dependent decreasing trend. Mechanism studies indicated that, compared with the normal control group, the MASLD model group exhibited significantly elevated expression of TLR4, HSP90AA1, and p-NF-κB p65, while p-IRS1 (Ser307) expression was elevated and p-Akt (Ser473) expression was reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of the aforementioned proteins was significantly reversed in all treatment groups following intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPaeoniflorin significantly alleviates lipid deposition and insulin resistance in MASLD mice. Its mechanism of action may involve targeting HSP90AA1, TLR4, and NF-κB1 to regulate the TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 inflammation-insulin signaling axis. This regulation suppresses inflammatory responses and restores insulin signaling, thereby ameliorating abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.
5.Mechanism of Paeoniflorin Regulating TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 Inflammation-insulin Signaling Axis to Improve Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease Combined with Insulin Resistance
Luyu LI ; Yiming FAN ; Wenlong YU ; Yiteng ZHANG ; Yaorui HU ; Huanxin DING ; Chuxuan LIU ; Xin JIN ; Hongyu ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Guangyong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):146-156
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of paeoniflorin on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) combined with insulin resistance (IR), and to elucidate its regulatory mechanisms on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB-insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) inflammation-insulin signaling axis. MethodsMASLD mouse model was established using a 60% high-fat diet. Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group, a MASLD model group, and paeoniflorin groups (low dose: 25 mg·kg-1·d-1, medium dose: 50 mg·kg-1·d-1, high dose: 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), receiving intragastric administration for consecutive 12 weeks. Concurrently, a palmitic acid/oleic acid (PA/OA)-induced lipid deposition model was established in HepG2 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to determine the optimal concentrations of PA/OA and paeoniflorin for intervention. Mice body weight, liver index, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) levels were measured, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, while an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate glucose metabolism. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue, and oil red O staining was used to evaluate lipid droplet deposition in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. Potential targets were screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of HSP90AA1, TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, p-IRS1, and p-Akt proteins in liver tissue and HepG2 cells. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the MASLD model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, liver index, and serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, and TC, as well as markedly elevated FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR, and impaired glucose tolerance (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked hepatic steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, while oil red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplet deposition. Compared with the MASLD model group, after intervention with various doses of paeoniflorin, the increase in body weight and liver index was reduced, serum ALT, AST, TG, and TC levels decreased, and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR were significantly lowered, with glucose tolerance markedly improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing a certain dose-dependent trend. HE and oil red O staining results showed a marked reduction in hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, compared with the control group, PA/OA treatment significantly induced increased lipid deposition in HepG2 cells. Compared with the model group, paeoniflorin intervention significantly reduced intracellular lipid droplets, and lipid deposition showed a dose-dependent decreasing trend. Mechanism studies indicated that, compared with the normal control group, the MASLD model group exhibited significantly elevated expression of TLR4, HSP90AA1, and p-NF-κB p65, while p-IRS1 (Ser307) expression was elevated and p-Akt (Ser473) expression was reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of the aforementioned proteins was significantly reversed in all treatment groups following intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPaeoniflorin significantly alleviates lipid deposition and insulin resistance in MASLD mice. Its mechanism of action may involve targeting HSP90AA1, TLR4, and NF-κB1 to regulate the TLR4/NF-κB-IRS1 inflammation-insulin signaling axis. This regulation suppresses inflammatory responses and restores insulin signaling, thereby ameliorating abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.
6.Effects of Yunpi Tongchang Formula on intestinal mucosal barrier damage via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with opioid-induced constipation of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Lu-mei ZHANG ; Zhi-ming ZHANG ; Zhong-yang SONG ; Xin WANG ; Qian XU ; Xia YANG ; Xin-yu LI ; Yan-yun SHEN ; Hai-hong ZHAO ; Zhi-gang WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2205-2212
AIM To investigate the effects of Yunpi Tongchang Formula on intestinal mucosal barrier damage in rats with opioid-induced constipation(OIC)of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome.METHODS In contrast to the 10 rats of the blank group,the 50 rats of the modeling group were induced into models of OIC of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern by 7 days consecutive administration of both subcutaneous loperamide injection and alternating gavage of activated carbon ice water and vinegar.Following successful modeling,rats were randomly allocated into the model group,the mosapride citrate tablet group(1.35 mg/kg),and the high-dose,medium-dose,and low-dose Yunpi Tongchang Formula groups(15.12,7.56,3.78 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group.Upon the completion of the 14 days treatment,the rats had their TCM Syndrome scores assessed;their fecal water content,initial black stool excretion time,and small intestine propulsion rate measured;their colon tissue morphology observed by HE staining;their serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β detected by ELISA;their expressions of occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)in colon tissues detected by immunohistochemistry;their mRNA expressions of MyD88,TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues detected by RT-qPCR;and their protein expressions of MyD88,TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the blank group,the model group had higher TCM Syndrome scores(P<0.01);lower fecal water content and small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);longer initial black stool excretion time(P<0.01);more mucosal edema in colon tissue,obvious inflammatory infiltration,and glandular disorder;increased serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1 β(P<0.05);decreased colon expressions of ZO-1 and occludin(P<0.01);and increased mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,both the medium-dose Yunpi Tongchang Formula group and the mosapride citrate tablet group demonstrated effectively reduced TCM syndrome scores(P<0.01);increased fecal water content and small intestine propulsion rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);and shorter initial black stool excretion time(P<0.01);improved colon mucosal edema and inflammatory infiltration;decreased serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);upregulated protein expressions of ZO-1 and occludin(P<0.01);and downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yunpi Tongchang Formula significantly ameliorates constipation symptoms in OIC rat models of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome because of its efficacy in attenuating intestinal inflammation and preserving the integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier structure,with its mechanistic action in downregulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.
7.Mechanism of silencing METTL3-mediated mitophagy in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells of mice with sepsis
Bo LIN ; Xin-yi YE ; Yu-qian LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(6):465-470
Objective To explore the regulatory effect of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)on m6A methylation of Sigma-1 receptor(Sigma-1R)mRNA and mitophagy in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells of sepsis mice.Methods Twelve adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the Sham group(without cecal ligation or puncture)and the sepsis group(received cecal ligation and puncture),with 6 mice in each group.m6A methylation levels,and relative expression of METTL3 and Sigma-1R mRNA and protein in cerebral micro-vascular tissues were detected by m6A Dot blot,RT-qPCR,and Western blot,respectively.The bEnd.3 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group(normal culture),model group[lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced in vitro sepsis],si-NC group(LPS treat-ment combined with si-NC transfection),and si-METTL3 group(LPS treatment combined with si-METTL3 transfection).m6A Dot blot was used to detect m6A methylation levels of cells in each group;RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of METTL3 and Sigma-1R;and Western blot was used to detect the expression of METTL3,Sigma-1R,and autophagy-related proteins of Bnip3,LC3B,and Beclin1.m6A chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR was used to detect m6A methylation level of Sigma-1R of cells in each group.JC-1 probe was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential,and the ATP assay kit was used to detect the mitochondrial ATP content.Results Compared with the Sham group,the sepsis group showed increased m6A methylation level and METTL3 expression(P<0.05),and decreased Sigma-1R expression in cerebral microvascular tissues(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,m6A methylation level,METTL3 expression and m6A methylation level of Sigma-1R mRNA increased,the expression of Sigma-1R,the normal rate and increase rate of mitochondrial membrane potential,and the ATP content decreased,and the protein expression of Bnip3,LC3B and Beclin1 downregulated in the model group and the si-NC group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with the si-NC group,m6A methylation level,METTL3 expression and m6A methylation level of Sigma-1R mRNA decreased,the expression of Sigma-1R,the normal rate and increase rate of mitochondrial membrane potential elevated,the ATP content increased,and the protein expression of Bnip3,LC3B and Beclin1 upregulated in the si-METTL3 group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Silencing METTL3 can inhibit m6A methylation of Sigma-1R mRNA and promote the mitophagy in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells of septic mice.
8.The role of pyroptosis in rat articular cartilage injury induced by T-2 toxin
Hexuan DONG ; Xin ZHANG ; Haonan LI ; Fang QI ; Qian YU ; Hong JIANG ; Buyi LIN ; Jun YU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(1):10-16
Objective:To investigate the role of pyroptosis in T-2 toxin induced articular cartilage injury.Methods:A total of 145 SPF grade male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group ( n = 45), solvent control group ( n = 45), and T-2 toxin group ( n = 55) based on body weight (50 - 70 g). The T-2 toxin group and the solvent control group were given 100 ng·g -1·d -1 T-2 toxin and an equal amount of anhydrous ethanol by gavage, respectively; the blank control group was fed routinely. Fifteen rats from each group were euthanized at 6, 12, and 24 weeks of intervention, and bilateral knee joints of the rats were collected. Pathological changes in rat knee articular cartilage were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect chondrocyte injury. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of gasdermin D (GSDMD), cleaved N-terminal of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), NOD like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 18 (IL-18), and apoptosis-associated spike-like protein containing CARD (ASC). Results:At 6, 12, and 24 weeks of intervention, the T-2 toxin group rats showed varying degrees of damage to the knee articular cartilage tissue, including a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and death. At 24 weeks of intervention, the TUNEL staining positivity rates of chondrocytes in the blank control group, solvent control group, and T-2 toxin group were (1.28 ± 0.45)%, (0.73 ± 0.27)%, and (4.01 ± 2.37)%, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the groups ( F = 6.11, P = 0.036); and the T-2 toxin group was higher than the blank control group ( P < 0.05). At 24 weeks of intervention, there were statistically significant differences in the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β proteins among the blank control group, solvent control group, and T-2 toxin group ( F = 3.81, 11.81, 6.74, 3.71, 155.49, P = 0.044, 0.003, 0.023, 0.036, 0.001); and the T-2 toxin group was higher than the blank control group ( P < 0.05). At different intervention cycles, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression levels of ASC and IL-18 proteins among the groups ( F = 0.78, 0.93, 3.73, 2.26, 0.88, 0.11, P > 0.05). Conclusion:The NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway mediated pyroptosis is involved in T-2 toxin induced articular cartilage injury in rats.
9.Intermittent fasting alleviates insulin resistance through autophagy in a polycystic ovary syndrome mouse model
Zhouying TAN ; Yu LI ; Dingyan LUO ; Jiaoyang FENG ; Yan DENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Qian WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Xiaoying YUAN ; Xin LIAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):482-492
Objective:To investigate whether intermittent fasting alleviates insulin resistance in a polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) mouse model through the regulation of autophagy.Methods:Fifty 3-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into the following groups using a random number table: normal control(NC) group( n=10), maintained on a standard chow diet; high-fat diet(HFD) group( n=10) fed a diet with 60% of calories derived from fat; and PCOS model group( n=30), established by combining a HFD with dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) administration. Successful modeling was confirmed by disrupted estrous cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The PCOS model mice were further divided into three groups: PCOS group( n=9), PCOS with intermittent fasting group(PCOS+ IF, n=9), and PCOS with intermittent fasting plus the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA) group(PCOS+ IF+ 3-MA, n=9). Autophagy levels were assessed by detecting markers LC3 and p62 and observing autophagosomes via transmission electron microscopy. Glucose tolerance test(GTT) and insulin tolerance test(ITT) were performed, and the area under the curve(AUC) was calculated to evaluate insulin resistance. Western blotting was used to detect phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and p70S6 kiase(p70S6K). Results:Compared with the NC group, the PCOS model group showed absent estrous cycles, significantly elevated serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels( P<0.001), and polycystic ovarian changes on hematoxylin-eosin staining, confirming successful model establishment. Immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blotting demonstrated that autophagy levels were increased in the PCOS+ IF group compared with the PCOS group, while 3-MA administration reduced the intermittent fasting - induced autophagy. The AUC values for both GTT and ITT were significantly lower in the PCOS+ IF group than those in the PCOS group( P<0.001, P=0.003), but increased in the PCOS+ IF+ 3-MA group compared to the PCOS+ IF group( P<0.001, P=0.020). Western blotting analysis showed that phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K were significantly decreased in the PCOS+ IF group compared with the PCOS group( P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.001, and P<0.001, respectively), and increased in the PCOS+ IF+ 3-MA group compared with the PCOS+ IF group( P=0.021, P=0.041, P=0.047, and P=0.024, respectively). Conclusions:Intermittent fasting alleviates insulin resistance in a PCOS mouse model through inhibitiing PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoting autophagy.
10.Application of predictive nursing to the rehabilitation of patients after endoscopic surgery for prostate under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery
Qian MENG ; Lei YU ; Xin WANG ; Meng-ling WU ; Xiu-qin YE
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(9):823-826
Objective:To explore the efficacy of predictive nursing on the recovery of patients after endoscopic surgery for prostate under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS).Methods:A total of 82 patients with benign prostatic hyper-plasia who underwent surgery from February 2022 to February 2023 were divided into control group(n=41)with traditional care and the observation group(n=41)with predictive care based on the difference in nursing methods.And the clinical data of the two groups were compared.Results:The observation group showed lower incidence rates than the control group for all individual complications(urinary tract infection[2.44%vs 4.88%],hemorrhage[2.44%vs 7.32%],bladder spasm[0%vs 4.88%],and hypostatic pneumonia[0%vs 2.44%]),though none reached statistical significance(P>0.05).However,the total complication rate was sig-nificantly lower in the observation group(4.88%vs 19.51%,P<0.05).Notably,the observation group demonstrated significantly lower IPSS scores(5.49±1.53 vs 10.35±1.77,P<0.05)and shorter hospital stays([5.26±0.38]dvs[9.95±0.84]d,P<0.05).Additionally,nursing satisfaction was markedly higher in the observation group(92.68%vs 78.95%,P<0.05).Conclusion:Theapplication of ERAS-guided anticipatory nursing in postoperative rehabilitation for patients with benign prostatic hy-perplasia can significantly improve quality of life,reduce complication rates,shorten hospital stays,and enhance patient satisfaction.

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