1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
2.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.Application of digital health technologies in upper limb motor function rehabilitation after stroke from 2015 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Rui LIU ; Zhenmei GAO ; Xingyu ZHOU ; Qi ZHANG ; Jianlin WU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):534-549
ObjectiveTo analyze the current research status, hotspots and future trends of the application of digital health technology (DHT) in the rehabilitation of upper limb motor function after stroke. MethodsRelevant literature on the application of DHT in upper limb motor rehabilitation for stroke patients published between January, 2015 and December, 2025 was retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI and Wanfang database. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 was used for visualized bibliometric analysis. ResultsA total of 1 295 publications were included, comprising 454 in Chinese and 841 in English. The annual number of publications generally showed an upward trend. China ranked first in publication output in English literature. The institutions with the highest numbers of publications were Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Both Chinese and English keywords formed ten clustering groups. Chinese clusters mainly involved occupational therapy, neural mechanisms and home-based rehabilitation, whereas English clusters focused on virtual reality, brain-computer interfaces and machine learning. High-frequency keywords included virtual reality, brain-computer interface, machine learning and deep learning. Chinese keywords with a strong burst included rehabilitation training, while deep learning showed a strong burst in English keywords. Stroke was the most frequently cited journal. Highly cited journals covered multiple disciplines, including rehabilitation medicine, neuroscience and computer science, reflecting the interdisciplinary characteristics of this field. ConclusionResearches on DHT for upper limb motor function rehabilitation in stroke are increasing annually, focusing on core interaction technologies, neural mechanism and artificial intelligence. Future research trends may include inter-disciplinary integration of artificial intelligence with core rehabilitation technologies, neuroimaging-guided targeted interventions, optimisation of home-based rehabilitation systems, and development of multidimensional quantitative assessment models.
4.Disease-syndrome Combination Animal Models in Andrology of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review and Prospects
Jigang CAO ; Jianxiong LIU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Aidi LIANG ; Xingyu JIANG ; Yanyan ZHOU ; Xiaoming YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):303-314
The disease-syndrome combination animal model in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) andrology serves as an important bridge linking TCM theory with modern medical research, providing a key experimental platform for elucidating the 'syndrome-disease' correlation mechanism in male-specific diseases and for screening effective prescriptions. This article reviews recent progress in animal model research on common TCM andrological diseases, including prostatic diseases, sexual dysfunction, and male infertility, with a focus on analyzing the application, advantages, and disadvantages of various modeling strategies, such as immune induction, hormonal intervention, and multi-factor combination across different syndrome types. However, despite breakthroughs in model construction techniques, current research still faces several challenges, including insufficient standardization of syndrome differentiation and difficulties in quantifying TCM-specific indicators. Future studies need to optimize model evaluation systems by integrating modern technologies, in order to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM andrology research.
5.TAZ WW Domain-Mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Hongxiang HUANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Xingyu TAO ; Peiyuan ZHONG ; Yanqiu MENG ; Sujuan PENG ; Wanying LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Shuai LUO ; Xie ZHU ; Zhihui LU ; Li CHEN ; Yangyang LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):267-287
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Methods:
TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Results:
TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression.
Conclusion
TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.
6.Influence of occupational hazard factors on incidence of hypertension in calcium carbide plant: Historical cohort study
Meng LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Qi ZHUANG ; Xingyu PENG ; Jinling LIU ; Tiantian CHEN ; Hongmei GU ; Shu GUO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):565-570
Background The high work intensity and possible subsequently increased susceptibility to occupational hazards of calcium carbide plants may lead to hypertension in workers, but there are few studies on the relationship between occupational hazard exposure and hypertension in workers involving the production process of calcium carbide. Objective To explore the influence of occupational hazards on the incidence of hypertension in calcium carbide plants. Methods Using historical cohort design, the employees of a calcium carbide factory in the western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected as research subjects. According to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population comprised an exposure group of 377 employees (including furnace workers, inspection workers, and maintenance workers) exposed to dust, noise & carbon monoxide, and a control group of 388 employees (including central control workers, electricians, and administrative personnel) without above-mentioned exposure. The total sample size was 765 participants. The follow-up period was from April 2011 to October 2022, and the study endpoint was defined as the conclusion of the follow-up period or diagnosed hypertension in annual occupational health examination. Information on general demographic characteristics, living habits, and work status was collected from all study subjects. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association between occupational hazard exposure and the risk of hypertension among the calcium carbide plant employees. Results The average age, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proportion of males, smoking rate, and alcohol consumption rate in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to baseline, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels increased in the exposure group and the control group at the end of the follow-up (P<0.05). At the end of the follow-up, the average differences between systolic/ diastolic blood pressure and baseline values in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 223 cases of hypertension occurred, with a total follow-up of
7.Machine learning model based on contrast enhanced CT images for predicting mitotic index in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a dual-center study
Wenjun DIAO ; Xiaobo CHEN ; Ximing WANG ; Hexiang WANG ; Xingyu CHEN ; Yanqi HUANG ; Zaiyi LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(5):549-557
Objective:To develop and validate machine learning-based radiomics models using preoperative CT images for individualized prediction of mitotic index (MI) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).Methods:The study was a case-control study. The data of 348 GIST patients confirmed by pathology were retrospectively collected from two independent medical centers: the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (center 1) and Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (center 2), covering the period from January 2013 to June 2018. Patients from center 1 were divided into a training cohort (176 cases) and an internal validation cohort (75 cases) at a ratio of 7∶3 using random sampling. Patients from center 2 served as an independent external validation cohort (97 cases). The primary endpoint was MI, categorized into high MI (145 cases) and low MI (203 cases) groups. Radiomic features were extracted from the portal venous phase images of preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scans. Five machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, decision tree, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost),were employed to construct MI prediction models. The optimal model was identified using receiver operating characteristic curves. An individualized prediction model was developed by integrating the the optimal machine learning model combined with selected independent clinical factors, and the importance of features was visualized using Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) analysis. Patients were followed up, and Kaplan-Meier curves along with log-rank tests were used to evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS) differences between the predicted high MI and low MI groups.Results:Among the five constructed machine learning models, the XGBoost model demonstrated the best predictive performance, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.809 (95% CI 0.738-0.872), 0.693 (95% CI 0.571-0.809), and 0.718 (95% CI 0.605-0.822) in the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively. An individualized prediction model combining the XGBoost model with independent clinical factors (tumor location and tumor size) was developed. The model achieved AUC of 0.843 (95% CI 0.785-0.899), 0.791 (95% CI 0.680-0.894), and 0.777 (95% CI 0.678-0.861) in the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively. SHAP analysis indicated that radiomic features had the highest predictive impact. In both the training cohort and internal validation cohort, the RFS of patients predicted to be in the high MI group was lower than that of the low MI group, with statistically significant differences ( χ2=14.58, 9.52, both P<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in RFS in the external validation set ( χ2=6.18, P=0.080). Conclusions:The optimal XGBoost model based on radiomic features extracted from preoperative portal venous phase CT images, when combined with clinical factors, can effectively predict the MI of GIST patients.
8.Clinical characteristics of congenital atresia of the oval window
Jiayu PAN ; Meixin CHEN ; Yang WANG ; Xingyu HUANG ; Xiaoxi CHEN ; Zhaohui LIU ; Chunlin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(10):1252-1258
Objective:To investigate the clinical features of patients with congenital atresia of the oval window (CAOW).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 7 cases (8 ears) of surgically confirmed CAOW treated at our department from July 2018 to July 2024. Among the cases, 1 patient had bilateral CAOW, and 4 patients had unilateral CAOW combined with other types of ossicular chain malformations in the contralateral ear. We collected and analyzed the clinical data, audiological features, and temporal bone HRCT results of all patients.Results:The 7 patients were diagnosed at ages ranging from 8 to 19 years, with a mean age of (13.2±6.9) years. None of the patients exhibited significant auricular deformities. All presented with conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss predominantly of the conductive type, with an intact tympanic membrane. The diagnosis of CAOW was confirmed via endoscopic tympanotomy, revealing a concave oval window area on the medial wall of the tympanic cavity, sealed by a bony plate. All 8 ears exhibited additional ossicular chain deformities. Stapes absence was present in all 8 ears. Partial absence of the incus long process was observed in 3 ears, while, abnormal bony connections between the incus long process and the promontory were seen in 4 ears, 1 ear had a short malleolar handle, 1 ear had a smaller than normal malleus volume. In addition, facial nerve deformities were found in 6 ears, with 4 ears showing bifurcation of the facial nerve and 2 ears showing facial nerve obscuration of the oval window. Pure-tone audiometry revealed that 62.5% (5/8 ears) of patients had air conduction (AC) thresholds≥60 dB preoperatively, with a mean pure-tone average (PTA) of (69.0±11.8) dB HL and a mean air-bone gap (ABG) of (52.0±7.0) dB. The mean AC threshold and ABG were higher in the low-frequency (125-1 000 Hz) range compared to the high-frequency (2 000-8 000 Hz) range (both P<0.05). Preoperative HRCT showed abnormalities in all patients, with 7 ears being diagnosable as CAOW. Although the remaining 1 ear could not be diagnosed as CAOW, stapes and incus long process absence were detected. Conclusion:CAOW is rare in clinical, as the patients with non-progressive conductive hearing loss (AC≥60 dB, ABG≥50 dB) since childhood, intact tympanic membrane without malformations of auricle and external auditory canal, and thick bony plate covered the oval window of the HRCT imaging, CAOW should be highly suspected, which could be confirmed by the exploratory tympanotomy.
9.Study on the Mechanism of Tongluo Baoshen Decoction in Regulating Gprc5b/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway to Improve Podocyte Injury in IgA Nephropathy Rats
Yongfang LIU ; Li ZHOU ; Huiyang LIU ; Jianfeng DAI ; Yinghua LIU ; Bangming CHEN ; Xuefei LIN ; Taiwang YANG ; Xingyu LIU ; Yi FU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):112-120
Objective To explore the mechanism of Tongluo Baoshen Decoction in improving podocyte injury in rats with IgA nephropathy based on Gprc5b/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.Methods Totally 130 SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=20)and a modeling group(n=110).The IgA nephropathy model was established using a compound modeling method,and 100 modeling rats were randomly divided into model group,losartan potassium group(5 mg/kg),and Tongluo Baoshen Decoction low-,medium-,and high-dosage groups(5.3,10.6,21.2 g/kg),with 20 rats in each group.The administration group was given the corresponding dosage of medication by gavage,while the normal group and model group were given an equal amount of distilled water by gavage once a day.After 4 and 8 weeks of administration,urine samples were collected for 24 hours,and blood and kidney tissue specimens were collected.24-hour urinary protein quantification(24 h-UTP),urinary Nephrin,serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and blood uric acid(BUA)contents were detected;RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of G protein coupled receptor C-family 5b(Gprc5b),nuclear factor(NF)-κB p50,NOD like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),Caspase-1,interleukin(IL)-1β,Nephrin mRNA and protein in renal tissue,respectively;HE,PAS,PASM,Masson staining were used to observe the morphology of renal tissue,immunofluorescence was used to observe IgA deposition in the mesangial area of renal tissue,and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of podocytes.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group rats showed significantly increased contents of 24 h-UTP,urinary Nephrin and BUA(P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of Gprc5b,NF-κB p50,NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β in renal tissue were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nephrin were significantly decreased(P<0.01),with mild to moderate proliferation of mesangial cells in the glomerulus,increased mesangial matrix,and immunofluorescence showed clustered and linear deposition of IgA in the mesangial area,electron microscopy showed partial fusion of the foot processes.Compared with the model group,the 24 h-UTP and urinary Nephrin contents in different dosage groups of Tongluo Baoshen Decoction and the losartan potassium group after 4 and 8 weeks administration significantly decreased(P<0.01),with a decrease in BUA content in Tongluo Baoshen Decoction high-dosage group(P<0.05),the mRNA and protein expressions of Gprc5b,NF-κB p50,NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β in renal tissue of Tongluo Baoshen Decoction groups and losartan potassium group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nephrin increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),with the proliferation of mesangial cells,the increase of mesangial matrix,the deposition of IgA in the mesangial area,and the fusion of foot processes in renal tissue were alleviated to varying degrees in different dosage groups of Tongluo Baoshen Decoction,with the most significant improvement observed in the high-dosage group.Compared with the 4-week administration,Tongluo Baoshen Decoction high-dose group showed further reductions in 24 h-UTP and urinary Nephrin contents after 8 weeks of administration(P<0.01),further decreases in the mRNA and protein expressions of Gprc5b,NF-κB p50,NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β in renal tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01),and further increases in the mRNA and protein expressions of Nephrin(P<0.01).Conclusion Tongluo Baoshen Decoction can reduce proteinuria,alleviate renal tissue lesions and improve podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy rats,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Gprc5b/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in renal tissue.
10.Study on the Mechanism of Tongluo Baoshen Decoction Intervening IgA Nephropathy Rats
Yongfang LIU ; Rui HUANG ; Huiyang LIU ; Jianfeng DAI ; Yinghua LIU ; Xingyu LIU ; Zhiying FENG ; Tiantian YIN ; Li ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):105-113
Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of Tongluo Baoshen Prescription on IgA nephropathy rats;To explore its mechanism.Methods Totally 130 SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(20 rats)and a modeling group(110 rats).After establishing the IgA nephropathy model,the modeling group was further randomly divided into the model group,losartan potassium group and Tongluo Baoshen Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosage groups,with 20 rats in each group.Tongluo Baoshen Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosage groups were administered at dosages of 5.3,10.6 and 21.2 g/kg respectively,the losartan potassium group was given with the dosage of 5 mg/kg,the normal group and model group were given an equivalent amount of distilled water by gavage once daily.Blood,urine and kidney tissue samples were collected after 4 and 8 weeks of administration.The hemoglobin content was detected,urinary IL-1β,integrin α3β1 and serum albumin contents were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p52,NF-κB p65,Rel B,c-Rel and Desmin in renal tissue were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot,the apoptosis of renal tissue at 8 weeks of administration was detected by TUNEL staining,the expression of C3c in renal tissue was detected by immunofluorescence,the co-expression of Gprc5b,Caspase-1,NLRP3 and Nephrin were detected by immunofluorescence double labeling,the expression of Gprc5b and Nephrin in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group rats showed significantly increased contents of urinary IL-1β and integrin α3β1(P<0.01),with further increases in urinary integrin α3β1 over time(P<0.05);the mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p52,NF-κB p65,Rel B,c-Rel and Desmin in renal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the proportion of apoptosis-positive cells in renal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),immunofluorescence results revealed that C3c exhibited granular and clumpy high-intensity deposition in the mesangial area and capillary loops of the glomeruli(P<0.01),immunofluorescence double labeling showed that the expression of Gprc5b,Caspase-1 and NLRP3 in renal tissue increased(P<0.01),while Nephrin expression significantly decreased(P<0.01),immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the positive expression of Gprc5b in renal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),while Nephrin significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the urinary IL-1β and integrin α3β1 contents in the losartan potassium group and Tongluo Baoshen Prescription groups reduced after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment(P<0.05,P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p52,NF-κB p65,Rel B,c-Rel and Desmin in renal tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the proportion of apoptosis-positive cells in renal tissue decreased(P<0.05),the C3c deposition in renal tissue was diminished(P<0.05,P<0.01),immunofluorescence double labeling showed that the expression of Gprc5b,Caspase-1 and NLRP3 in renal tissue were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while Nephrin expression increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the positive expression of Gprc5b in renal tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while Nephrin expression increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Tongluo Baoshen Prescription has a protective effect on the kidney of IgA nephropathy rats,and it can improve podocyte injury.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the Gprc5b/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail