1.Expression characteristics, targeted regulation, and synergistic mechanisms of IGF2BP3 and UXS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
DENG Yulong ; WEI Lianqing ; WU Xingchen ; XIE Xiaoting ; XIONG Dandan
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):66-76
[摘 要] 目的:探讨胰岛素样生长因子2 mRNA结合蛋白3(IGF2BP3)、尿苷二磷酸-葡萄糖醛酸脱羧酶1(UXS1)在肝细胞癌(HCC)中的表达特征、预后价值及两者协同作用的分子机制。方法:整合UALCAN、cBioPortal、ENCORI、TISCH2、GDSC等公共数据库的转录组数据,对IGF2BP3和UXS1进行表达、预后评估、功能富集及药物敏感性等分析。收集GEO数据库的单细胞RNA测序(scRNA-seq)数据,分析细胞通信、单细胞代谢评分,系统解析IGF2BP3-UXS1轴在HCC中的具体作用。结果:IGF2BP3、UXS1在HCC组织中均显著高表达,且高表达患者总生存期显著缩短(均P < 0.05)。采用CRISPP技术敲除IGF2BP3或UXS1后,多种HCC细胞的增殖能力受到明显抑制。scRNA-seq分析揭示了IGF2BP3、UXS1在肝细胞等细胞类型中的广泛表达分布,前者在细胞分化晚期上调,后者则在细胞分化早、中期高表达。IGF2BP3、UXS1高表达组均显著激活了MIF通路,同时IGF2BP3的高表达削弱了成纤维细胞的相互作用,而UXS1的高表达则增强了T细胞的信号转导功能。IGF2BP3与UXS1在表达相关性中存在显著的正相关(r = 0.432,P < 0.05)。沉默IGF2BP3结合位点会导致UXS1表达水平变化(F = 0.333)。功能富集分析提示,IGF2BP3与UXS1协同调控能量代谢、蛋白质翻译等生物学过程。在IGF2BP3或UXS1高表达的细胞亚群中,发现两者与多个糖代谢相关通路存在显著关联。IGF2BP3、UXS1高表达的患者对优普色替等药物表现出显著的敏感性,还对药物那维托克等表现出显著的耐药性。结论: IGF2BP3、UXS1在HCC中高表达,两者通过调控糖代谢重编程的协同作用促进HCC恶性生物学行为。
2.Huoxue Shufeng Granule alleviates central sensitization in chronic migraine mice via TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.
Xiaotao LIANG ; Yifan XIONG ; Xueqi LIU ; Xiaoshan LIANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei XIE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):986-994
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Huoxue Shufeng Granules (HXSFG) for alleviating central sensitization in a mouse model of chronic migraine (CM).
METHODS:
We analyzed the main chemical components of HXSFG through literature review and explored their pharmacological mechanisms by bioinformatics analyses. In a male C57BL/6J mouse model of CM established by intraperitoneal injections of nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg) every other day (5 injections), the effects of gavage with low, and high doses of HXSFG or intraperitoneal injections of topiramate for ameliorating central sensitization were evaluated using Von Frey test and a hot plate apparatus; the changes in expressions of inflammatory factors, the proteins in the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway, and activation of c-Fos and CGRP were detected using RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the main active components in HXSFG for alleviating CM included formononetin, paeoniflorin, quercetin, and tanshinone. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 492 GO entries, comprising 366 biological processes, 46 cellular components, and 80 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the Toll-like receptor and NF‑κB signaling pathways were crucial in mediating the therapeutic effects of HXSFG on CM. In the mouse models of CM, both topiramate and HXSFG treatments alleviated the symptoms of central sensitization, evidenced by improved mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the mice. HXSFG significantly reduced the expression of c-Fos and CGRP, improved inflammatory markers, and downregulated the expressions of TLR4, p-NF‑κB, IL-1β, and TNF‑α proteins in the mouse models.
CONCLUSIONS
HXSFG effectively alleviates central sensitization in CM mice by modulating the inflammatory pathways and inhibiting the TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for CM.
Animals
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
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NF-kappa B/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Mice
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Migraine Disorders/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Inflammation
3.Modified Chaihu Guizhi Decoction alleviates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Xiaotao LIANG ; Xiaoshan LIANG ; Yifan XIONG ; Shiru XIE ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei XIE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2146-2159
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the mechanisms of Modified Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (MCGD) for ameliorating anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).
METHODS:
The main chemical constituents of MCGD were identified through literature review, and network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the potential pharmacological mechanisms of MCGD. For in vivo validation, male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, CUMS model group, fluoxetine (FLX) treatment group, and low- and high-dose MCGD treatment groups (n=15), and in all but the control group, CUMS models were established by daily exposure to two randomized stressors for 28 consecutive days. Starting from 3 days prior to modeling, MCGD and fluoxetine treatments were administered daily via gavage and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. Depression- and anxiety-like behaviors of the mice were assessed using sucrose preference test, forced swim test, open field test and elevated plus maze test. The changes in mRNA expressions of the clock genes and inflammatory markers and expressions of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling proteins were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect microglia activation in the mice.
RESULTS:
The key active compounds in MCGD identified by network pharmacology analysis included quercetin, acacetin, formononetin, nobiletin, and baicalein. GO analysis identified 607 enriched pathways, and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed significant involvement of the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In the mouse models of CUMS, treatment with both fluoxetine and MCGD significantly alleviated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. MCGD treatment significantly reduced Iba1 expression, improved the inflammatory markers, reversed the decrease in clock gene circadian rhythm amplitude, and obviously downregulated the expressions of JAK2, p-STAT3, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6 proteins.
CONCLUSIONS
MCGD effectively alleviates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice by modulating the inflammatory pathways and inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Animals
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Janus Kinase 2/metabolism*
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STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Depression/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Anxiety/drug therapy*
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Stress, Psychological
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Disease Models, Animal
4.Chromatin landscape alteration uncovers multiple transcriptional circuits during memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
Qiao LIU ; Wei DONG ; Rong LIU ; Luming XU ; Ling RAN ; Ziying XIE ; Shun LEI ; Xingxing SU ; Zhengliang YUE ; Dan XIONG ; Lisha WANG ; Shuqiong WEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jianjun HU ; Chenxi QIN ; Yongchang CHEN ; Bo ZHU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Xia WU ; Lifan XU ; Qizhao HUANG ; Yingjiao CAO ; Lilin YE ; Zhonghui TANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):575-601
Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation
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Chromatin/immunology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Immunologic Memory
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Gene Regulatory Networks
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Enhancer Elements, Genetic
5.Application of a novel zipper device in wound healing after incision and drainage of cutaneous abscesses in children
Bingting WEI ; Chen YANG ; Mingjing XIE ; Yang XIONG ; Tingting WU ; Xuebing ZHANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(5):674-681
Objective:To investigate the application effect of a novel zipper device in wound healing after incision and drainage of cuta-neous abscesses in children,and to explore its optimal intervention timing.Methods:A total of 50 children who attended the outpatient service of Department of Pediatric surgery from September 2023 to September 2024 were enrolled and divided into two groups accord-ing to the parity of the date of visit.The 26 children with the odd date of visit were enrolled as experimental group,and the 24 children with the even date of visit were enrolled as control group.The same anti-infective dressings were used for wound dressing in both groups after incision and drainage,and when there was a significant reduction in wound exudate and the fresh granulation tissue emerged at wound base,the zipper device was used for the children in the experimental group,and dressing change was performed for the children in the control group until the wound was completely healed.The two groups were compared in terms of wound healing time,healing rate,and the total costs of dressing change,and the multiple linear regression model and the restricted cubic spline(RCS)model were used to analyze the association between the in-tervention time of the zipper device and wound healing time.Re-sults:Compared with the control group,the experimental group had a significantly shorter wound healing time,a significantly higher wound healing rate,and significantly lower total costs of dressing change(P<0.001).The multiple linear regression model showed that the infection size of skin abscess and the intervention time of the zipper device were strongly associated with wound healing time(P<0.05).After adjustment for infection size,the RCS model analysis showed a significant linear dose-response relationship between intervention time and wound healing time(Pnonlinear=0.406),and wound healing time shortened with the reduction in intervention time(P<0.001).Conclusion:The application of the novel zipper device can help with the healing of cutaneous abscesses in children,and it is recommended to apply the device as early as possible after control of wound infection,in order to promote early wound healing.
6.β-glucan attenuates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by promoting glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion
Wei WANG ; Ben HAN ; Lihua SUN ; Huichao XIE ; Xiong ZENG ; Weidong XIAO ; Jian WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(2):112-121
Objective To investigate the protective effect of β-glucan(BG)against intestinal ischemia reperfusion(II/R)injury by regulating the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1).Methods Male C57BL/6 mice(6~8 weeks old)were subjected,and finally,the experiments had sham group,II/R group,II/R+BG group(0.1 mg/mL BG in drinking water for 2 weeks before modeling),II/R+liraglutide(LLT,GLP-1 analogue)group(0.2 μg/g LLT injected every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days before modeling),and II/R+BG+Ex9-39(GLP-1 R antagonist)group(intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/g Ex9-39 1 h before modeling).After modeling,HE staining was used to observe intestinal morphological changes,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting were employed to evaluate the molecules(Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-1)related to intestinal barrier damage.The effect of 0.1 mg/mL BG treatment on the GLP-1 level in the serum and intestinal tissues of normal mice was determined with ELISA and immunofluorescence assay,respectively,and RT-PCR for the molecules related to GLP-1 expression(Gcg,Pcsk1/2,GIP and Foxa2).The effects of LLT and Ex9-39 pretreatment on intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier damage were also determined by morphological observation and expression levels of related molecules.Results II/R induced significant decreases in the mRNA levels of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-1 and increase in Chiu's score when compared with sham control mice(P<0.05).While,the mRNA levels of the 3 molecules were obviously higher and the Chiu's score was lower in the II/R+BG group than the II/R group(P<0.05).BG pretreatment induced notably enhanced secretion of GLP-1 in the serum and intestinal tract of normal mice,and improved the mRNA expression of GLP-1-related molecules(P<0.05).The intervention of GLP-1 analogue LLT could attenuate the II/R damage and decreased Chiu's score,with statistical difference in comparison with the II/R group(P<0.05).GLP-1 receptor antagonist Ex9-39 reversed the protective effects of BG pretreatment against II/R damage,with notably differences in the expression of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-1 and Chiu's score(P<0.05).Conclusion BG can attenuate intestinal mucosal and functional injury after II/R by promoting intestinal GLP-1 secretion.
7.Desflurane general anesthesia for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease patients
Yuanyuan TONG ; Wei XIONG ; Xiangjiahui LI ; Liang CHEN ; Yifang FAN ; Ruquan HAN ; Sining XIE
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(7):952-957
Objective Feasibility application of microelectrode recording(MER)during sub thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation(STN-DBS)implantation under desflurane general anesthesia(GA)in patients with Par-kinson's disease(PD).Methods A prospective cohort of 20 PD patients undergoing STN-DBS under desflurane general anesthesia were enrolled.Intraoperative MER quality,pos-operative acute pain,cognitive function,anxi-ety/depression status,quality of life,and clinical efficacy of DBS were evaluated.Results Among the patients,14 were male with average PD duration of(8.1±3.6)years.Hoehn-Yahr staging averaged 2.8±0.5 in"on"state and 2.3±0.5 in"off"state.The mean DBS surgery duration was 87.4 minutes.Highly normalized root-mean-square(NRMS)signals were successfully recorded in all cases,with remedial measures applied in 4 pa-tients to achieve satisfactory MER signals.Post-operative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)pain scores on days 1,2,and 3 were 3.7±2.2,2.8±1.6,and 1.8±2.0,respectively.Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)scores showed no statistical difference during hospitalization as compared to pre-operative values,but significantly de-creased at 6-month follow-up(24.3±4.1 vs.21.5±3.5,P<0.05).All patients demonstrated significant reduc-tion in Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD),and Parkinson's disease Questionnaire-39(PDQ-39)scores at 6-month follow-up.The unified Parkinson's disease rating scale(UPDRS-Ⅲ)improvement rates were 51.4%±39.2%(medication-on)and 61.6%±26.8%(medication-off)respectively with Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose(LEDD)improvement rate of 48.6%±23.0%.Conclusions Desflurane general anesthesia is safe and feasible for electrods implantation in STN-DBS of PD patients,without interfering with intra-operative MER or postoperative outcomes.
8.Effects of carbamazepine on BDNF expression in trigeminal ganglia and serum in rats with trigeminal neuralgia
Yufeng SONG ; Min ZHOU ; Jiawen XIONG ; Ruoyu HUANG ; Wenhao SHEN ; Ting ZHAN ; Yuting XIE ; Yun GAO ; Wei XIONG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(1):11-20
Objective:Trigeminal neuralgia(TN)is a severe chronic neuropathic pain that mainly affects the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve with limited treating efficacy.There are numerous treatments for TN,but currently the main clinical approach is to suppress pain by carbamazepine(CBZ).Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)is closely related to chronic pain.This study aims to determine the effects of CBZ treatment on BDNF expression in both the trigeminal ganglion(TG)and serum of TN via a chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve(ION-CCI)rat model. Methods:The ION-CCI models were established in male Sprague-Dawley rats and were randomly divided into a sham group,a TN group,a TN+low-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group),a TN+medium-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group),and a TN+high-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group).The mechanical pain threshold in each group of rats was measured regularly before and after surgery.The expressions of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB)mRNA in TGs of rats in different groups were determined by real-time PCR,and the expression of BDNF protein on neurons in TGs was observed by immunofluorescence.Western Blotting was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF,TrkB,extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK),and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases(p-ERK)in TGs of rats in different groups.The expression of BDNF in the serum of rats in different groups was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results:The results of mechanical pain sensitivity showed that there was no significant difference in the mechanical pain threshold in the right facial sensory area of the experimental rats in each group before surgery(all P>0.05).From the 3rd day after operation,the mechanical pain threshold of rats in the TN group was significantly lower than that in the sham group(all P<0.01),and the mechanical pain threshold of rats in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 CBZ mg/kg group was higher than that in the TN group(all P<0.05).The BDNF and TrkB mRNA and protein expressions in TGs of rats in the TN group were higher than those in the sham group(all P<0.05),and those in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than the TN group(all P<0.05).The p-ERK levels in TG of rats in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were significantly decreased compared with the TN group(all P<0.05).The BDNF and neuron-specific nuclear protein(NeuN)were mainly co-expressed in neuron of TGs in the TN group and they were significantly higher than those in the sham group(all P<0.05).The co-labeled expressions of BDNF and NeuN in TGs of the TN+ 80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than those in the TN group(all P<0.05).The results of ELISA showed that the level of BDNF in the serum of the TN group was significantly higher than that in the sham group(P<0.05).The levels of BDNF in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than those in the TN group(all P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the BDNF level in serum was negatively correlated with mechanical pain threshold(r=-0.650,P<0.01). Conclusion:CBZ treatment can inhibit the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the TGs of TN rats,reduce the level of BDNF in serum of TN rats and the phosphorylation of ERK signaling pathway,so as to inhibit TN.The serum level of BDNF can be considered as an indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of TN.
9.Prokaryotic expression and immunogenicity analysis of latent infection antigen Rv2628c-Rv1737c fusion protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Jian-Hui XIE ; Kun LI ; Wei-Guo SUN ; Xiong HE ; Yan ZHU ; Ling-Xia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(1):7-14
According to the codon characteristics of the prokaryotic system,we synthesized the optimized Rv2628c-Rv1737c nucleic acid sequence and constructed the expression plasmid pET24a-Rv2628c-Rv1737c.After sequencing,expression in E.coli was induced.The fusion protein was found in inclusion bodies.After renaturation and affinity chromatography purifi-cation,the Rv2628c-Rv1737c recombinant protein,with a molecular weight of 57 kDa and a purity exceeding 90%,was ob-tained.The recombinant protein was used to stimulate PBMC cells from different patients,and the differences in IFN-γ mRNA expression were analyzed with q-PCR.The Rv2628c-Rv1737c fusion protein stimulated patients with TB,particularly latent TB infection(LTBI).The level of IFN-γ mRNA in PBMC cells was higher than that in healthy controls(P<0.05).Mice immu-nized with BCG+Rv2628c-Rv1737c/DMT showed significant induction of high levels of IgG antibodies.Rv2628c-Rv1737c re-combinant protein,as a latent infection antigen,is recognized by PBMCs cells infected with TB,with strong immunogenicity,and thus may serve as a potential TB subunit vaccine target antigen.This protein may be used to prevent TB infection,particu-larly latent infection,and to perform laboratory diagnosis.
10.Saikosaponin a alleviates pentylenetetrazol-induced acute epileptic seizures in mouse models of depression by suppressing microglia activation-mediated inflammation
Yifan XIONG ; Xiaoshan LIANG ; Xiaotao LIANG ; Weipeng LI ; Yixiao QIAN ; Wei XIE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):515-522
Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of saikosonin a(SSa)on pentylenetetrazol-induced acute epilepsy seizures in a mouse model of depression and explore the mechanism mediating this effect.Methods Male C57BL/6J mouse models of depression was established by oral administration of corticosterone via drinking water for 3 weeks,and acute epileptic seizures were induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of pentylenetetrazole.The effect of intraperitoneal injection of SSa prior to the treatment on depressive symptoms and epileptic seizures were assessed using behavioral tests,epileptic seizure grading and hippocampal morphology observation.ELISA was used to detect blood corticosterone levels of the mice,and RT-qPCR was performed to detect the pro-and anti-inflammatory factors.Microglia activation in the mice was observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results The mouse model of corticosterone-induced depression showed body weight loss and obvious depressive behaviors with significantly increased serum corticosterone level(all P<0.05).Compared with those with pentylenetetrazole-induced epilepsy alone,the epileptic mice with comorbid depression showed significantly shorter latency of epileptic seizures,increased number,grade and duration of of seizures,reduced Nissl bodies in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons,increased number of Iba1-positive cells,and significantly enhanced hippocampal expressions of IL-1β,IL-10,TNF-α and IFN-γ.Pretreatment of the epileptic mice with SSa significantly prolonged the latency of epileptic seizures,reduced the number,duration,and severity of seizures,increased the number of Nissl bodies,decreased the number of Iba1-positive cells,and reduced the expression levels of IL-1β,IL-10,TNF-α,and IFN-γ in the hippocampus(P<0.05).Conclusion Depressive state aggravates epileptic seizures,increases microglia activation,and elevates inflammation levels.SSA treatment can alleviate acute epileptic seizures in mouse models of depression possibly by suppressing microglia activation-mediated inflammation.

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