Objective:To explore the mechanisms of action of Huanglian Jiedu decoction combined with Xijiao Dihuang decoction (HLJDT-XJDH) in regulating fibroblasts in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods:A mouse model of psoriasis was established by topical application of imiquimod 5% cream on the shaved back; HLJDT-XJDH at different doses of 7.7 and 30.6 g/kg was administered via gavage for intervention, and methotrexate (2 mg/kg) served as a positive control; after 7 days, the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), while histopathological changes of skin tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Baker scoring. For in vitro experiments, fibroblasts were divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose (5% drug-containing serum) intervention group, and a high-dose (20% drug-containing serum) intervention group; cells in the control group were cultured with 20% normal rat serum for 24 hours; in the model group, cells cultured with 20% normal rat serum were stimulated with 5 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and 50 ng/ml interleukin (IL) -17A for 24 hours to mimic fibroblasts during the occurrence of psoriasis; cells in the low- and high-dose intervention groups received the same stimulation as the model group, and were cultured for 24 hours with 5% and 20% HLJDT-XJDH-containing serum, respectively, but not with the 20% normal rat serum. After the above treatment, these cells were co-cultured with keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) using a Transwell system. In addition, on the basis of the control group, fibroblasts were divided into the model group, 20% drug-containing serum intervention group, and 20% drug-containing serum intervention + OE-SFRP2 group; TNF-α and IL-17A were used to stimulate the cells to simulate the psoriatic state; the treatment in the 20% drug-containing serum intervention group was carried out as previously described; in the 20% drug-containing serum intervention + OE-SFRP2 group, cells were transfected with the vector for 48 hours to establish an overexpression model, followed by culture with 20% drug-containing serum for 24 hours, without co-culture with HaCaT cells.. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to assess cell viability, flow cytometry to measure apoptosis rates, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) as well as chemokine ligand (CXCL) 1 and CXCL12 in mouse serum or cell culture supernatant, qPCR to determine the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, cell cycle- and proliferation-related factors, as well as SFRP2 in mouse skin tissues or cells, and Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of SFRP2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in fibroblasts. One-way analysis of variance was employed for intergroup comparisons, and post-hoc analysis was conducted using Tukey's test. Results:In vivo mouse experiments showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited typical psoriatic characteristics in skin morphology, including significant inflammatory infiltration in skin tissues and marked epidermal thickening; compared with the normal control group, the serum levels of TNF-α (531.16 ± 28.27 pg/ml vs. 239.58 ± 10.39 pg/ml), IL-1β (111.40 ± 5.16 pg/ml vs. 80.35 ± 3.87 pg/ml), and IL-6 (109.17 ± 4.84 pg/ml vs. 71.73 ± 2.04 pg/ml) significantly increased in the model group, along with their mRNA expression levels in mouse skin tissues (all P < 0.001) ; compared with the model group, the treatment group showed alleviated psoriatic manifestations, and significant reductions in the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α (low-dose, high-dose, and positive control groups: 420.80 ± 29.30 pg/ml, 322.33 ± 9.40 pg/ml, 322.97 ± 12.16 pg/ml, respectively), IL-1β (98.69 ± 4.49 pg/ml, 89.02 ± 1.56 pg/ml, 88.88 ± 2.08 pg/ml, respectively), and IL-6 (94.07 ± 3.76 pg/ml, 80.54 ± 3.30 pg/ml, 83.21 ± 3.18 pg/ml, respectively), as well as in their mRNA expression levels (all P < 0.001). In in vitro fibroblast experiments, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significant elevation in the supernatant levels of IL-1β (126.42 ± 3.56 pg/ml vs. 34.81 ± 0.44 pg/ml), IL-6 (459.44 ± 9.35 pg/ml vs. 115.51 ± 7.26 pg/ml), CXCL1 (2 434.88 ± 127.63 pg/ml vs. 762.85 ± 30.60 pg/ml) and CXCL12 (3 542.14 ± 35.86 pg/ml vs. 2 095.86 ± 45.12 pg/ml), the expression levels of their mRNAs (all P < 0.001), as well as the protein expression levels of SFRP2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin; after intervention with HLJDT-XJDH-containing serum, all the above indices significantly decreased (all P < 0.001). However, when 20% drug-containing serum intervention was administered simultaneously, the expression of inflammatory factors and chemokines in fibroblasts was significantly higher in the SFRP2 overexpression group than in the non-overexpression group (all P < 0.01). When fibroblasts were co-cultured with HaCaT cells, the model group showed significantly increased cell viability but a decreased apoptosis rate of HaCaT cells compared with the control group, while the low- and high-dose intervention groups showed significantly decreased cell viability but increased apoptosis rates of HaCaT cells compared with the model group (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:HLJDT-XJDH may exert therapeutic effects in psoriasis by downregulating the SFRP2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting fibroblast activation and inflammatory process, which subsequently suppresses the proliferation of keratinocytes and the activation of inflammatory cells.

Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.

Notum, a negative feedback regulator of the Wnt signaling, has emerged as a promising target for treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). This study showcases an efficient strategy for discovering the anti-Notum constituents from herbal medicines (HMs) as novel anti-GIOP agents. Firstly, a rapid-responding near-infrared fluorogenic substrate for Notum was rationally engineered for high-throughput identifying the anti-Notum HMs. The results showed that Bu-Gu-Zhi (BGZ), a known anti-osteoporosis herb, potently inhibited Notum in a competitive-inhibition manner. To uncover the key anti-Notum constituents in BGZ, an efficient strategy was adapted via integrating biochemical, phytochemical, computational, and pharmacological assays. Among all identified BGZ constituents, three furanocoumarins were validated as strong Notum inhibitors, while 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MP) showed the most potent anti-Notum activity and favorable safety profiles. Mechanistically, 5-MP acted as a competitive inhibitor of Notum via creating strong hydrophobic interactions with Trp128 and Phe268 in the catalytic cavity of Notum. Cellular assays showed that 5-MP remarkably promoted osteoblast differentiation and activated Wnt signaling in dexamethasone (DXMS)-challenged MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In dexamethasone-induced osteoporotic mice, 5-MP strongly elevated bone mineral density (BMD) and improved cancellous and cortical bone thickness. Collectively, this study constructs a high-efficient platform for discovering key anti-Notum constituents from HMs, while 5-MP emerges as a promising anti-GIOP agent.

Osteosarcoma (OS), chondrosarcoma (CS), and Ewing sarcoma (ES) represent primary malignant bone tumors and pose significant challenges in oncology research and clinical management. Conventional research methods, such as two-dimensional (2D) cultured tumor cells and animal models, have limitations in recapitulating the complex tumor microenvironment (TME) and often fail to translate into effective clinical treatments. The advancement of three-dimensional (3D) culture technology has revolutionized the field by enabling the development of in vitro constructed bone tumor models that closely mimic the in vivo TME. These models provide powerful tools for investigating tumor biology, assessing therapeutic responses, and advancing personalized medicine. This comprehensive review summarizes the recent advancements in research on 3D tumor models constructed in vitro for OS, CS, and ES. We discuss the various techniques employed in model construction, their applications, and the challenges and future directions in this field. The integration of advanced technologies and the incorporation of additional cell types hold promise for the development of more sophisticated and physiologically relevant models. As research in this field continues to evolve, we anticipate that these models will play an increasingly crucial role in unraveling the complexities of malignant bone tumors and accelerating the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Bone Neoplasms/pathology* ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma/pathology* ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology* ; Chondrosarcoma/pathology* ; Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques/methods* ; Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional/methods* ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective: To establish anin vitromodel of ferroptosis induced by Erastin and RAS-selective lethal 3(RSL3) in hepatoma cells, and to provide theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HCC. Methods: Hepatoma cells(HCCLM3, HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5) in logarithmic growth phase were treated with Erastin(0-40 μmol/L) and RSL3(0-10 μmol/L) at double concentrations respectively. After 24 h, CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability, draw growth curve, calculate IC50, and HCC cells sensitive to inducers were selected for follow-up experiments. The effect of inducer on the state of hepatoma cells was observed under light microscope, and immunoblotting and flow cytometry were used to verify whether the ferroptotic modelin vitrowas successfully constructed. Results: Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells were sensitive to Erastin and RSL3, but HCCLM3 and PLC/PRF/5 were insensitive to Erastin and RSL3. When the concentration of Erastin and RSL3 reached the maximum, the survival rate was still above 65%. Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells were selected for subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, the expression of Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), a ferroptotic marker, was down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. In Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells, lipid reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels significantly increased after 24 h treatment with 10 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L Erastin, respectively; in Huh7 cells, lipid ROS levels significantly increased after 24 h treatment with 0.5 μmol/L and 1 μmol/L RSL3, respectively; in Hep3B and HepG2 cells, lipid ROS levels significantly increased after 24 h treatment with 1 μmol/L and 2 μmol/L RSL3, respectively, compared with control group. Conclusion Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells are highly sensitive to Erastin and RSL3. Huh7, Hep3B and HepG2 cells treated with 10 μmol/L Erastin for 24 h are good models for simulating ferroptosis induced by Erastinin vitro, Huh7 cells treated with 0.5 μmol/L RSL3 for 24 h and Hep3B and HepG2 cells treated with 1 μmol/L RSL3 for 24 h are good models for simulating ferroptosis induced by RSL3in vitro.

Objective:To explore the mechanisms of action of Huanglian Jiedu decoction combined with Xijiao Dihuang decoction (HLJDT-XJDH) in regulating fibroblasts in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods:A mouse model of psoriasis was established by topical application of imiquimod 5% cream on the shaved back; HLJDT-XJDH at different doses of 7.7 and 30.6 g/kg was administered via gavage for intervention, and methotrexate (2 mg/kg) served as a positive control; after 7 days, the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), while histopathological changes of skin tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Baker scoring. For in vitro experiments, fibroblasts were divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose (5% drug-containing serum) intervention group, and a high-dose (20% drug-containing serum) intervention group; cells in the control group were cultured with 20% normal rat serum for 24 hours; in the model group, cells cultured with 20% normal rat serum were stimulated with 5 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and 50 ng/ml interleukin (IL) -17A for 24 hours to mimic fibroblasts during the occurrence of psoriasis; cells in the low- and high-dose intervention groups received the same stimulation as the model group, and were cultured for 24 hours with 5% and 20% HLJDT-XJDH-containing serum, respectively, but not with the 20% normal rat serum. After the above treatment, these cells were co-cultured with keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) using a Transwell system. In addition, on the basis of the control group, fibroblasts were divided into the model group, 20% drug-containing serum intervention group, and 20% drug-containing serum intervention + OE-SFRP2 group; TNF-α and IL-17A were used to stimulate the cells to simulate the psoriatic state; the treatment in the 20% drug-containing serum intervention group was carried out as previously described; in the 20% drug-containing serum intervention + OE-SFRP2 group, cells were transfected with the vector for 48 hours to establish an overexpression model, followed by culture with 20% drug-containing serum for 24 hours, without co-culture with HaCaT cells.. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to assess cell viability, flow cytometry to measure apoptosis rates, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) as well as chemokine ligand (CXCL) 1 and CXCL12 in mouse serum or cell culture supernatant, qPCR to determine the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, cell cycle- and proliferation-related factors, as well as SFRP2 in mouse skin tissues or cells, and Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of SFRP2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in fibroblasts. One-way analysis of variance was employed for intergroup comparisons, and post-hoc analysis was conducted using Tukey's test. Results:In vivo mouse experiments showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited typical psoriatic characteristics in skin morphology, including significant inflammatory infiltration in skin tissues and marked epidermal thickening; compared with the normal control group, the serum levels of TNF-α (531.16 ± 28.27 pg/ml vs. 239.58 ± 10.39 pg/ml), IL-1β (111.40 ± 5.16 pg/ml vs. 80.35 ± 3.87 pg/ml), and IL-6 (109.17 ± 4.84 pg/ml vs. 71.73 ± 2.04 pg/ml) significantly increased in the model group, along with their mRNA expression levels in mouse skin tissues (all P < 0.001) ; compared with the model group, the treatment group showed alleviated psoriatic manifestations, and significant reductions in the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α (low-dose, high-dose, and positive control groups: 420.80 ± 29.30 pg/ml, 322.33 ± 9.40 pg/ml, 322.97 ± 12.16 pg/ml, respectively), IL-1β (98.69 ± 4.49 pg/ml, 89.02 ± 1.56 pg/ml, 88.88 ± 2.08 pg/ml, respectively), and IL-6 (94.07 ± 3.76 pg/ml, 80.54 ± 3.30 pg/ml, 83.21 ± 3.18 pg/ml, respectively), as well as in their mRNA expression levels (all P < 0.001). In in vitro fibroblast experiments, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significant elevation in the supernatant levels of IL-1β (126.42 ± 3.56 pg/ml vs. 34.81 ± 0.44 pg/ml), IL-6 (459.44 ± 9.35 pg/ml vs. 115.51 ± 7.26 pg/ml), CXCL1 (2 434.88 ± 127.63 pg/ml vs. 762.85 ± 30.60 pg/ml) and CXCL12 (3 542.14 ± 35.86 pg/ml vs. 2 095.86 ± 45.12 pg/ml), the expression levels of their mRNAs (all P < 0.001), as well as the protein expression levels of SFRP2, Wnt3a, and β-catenin; after intervention with HLJDT-XJDH-containing serum, all the above indices significantly decreased (all P < 0.001). However, when 20% drug-containing serum intervention was administered simultaneously, the expression of inflammatory factors and chemokines in fibroblasts was significantly higher in the SFRP2 overexpression group than in the non-overexpression group (all P < 0.01). When fibroblasts were co-cultured with HaCaT cells, the model group showed significantly increased cell viability but a decreased apoptosis rate of HaCaT cells compared with the control group, while the low- and high-dose intervention groups showed significantly decreased cell viability but increased apoptosis rates of HaCaT cells compared with the model group (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:HLJDT-XJDH may exert therapeutic effects in psoriasis by downregulating the SFRP2/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting fibroblast activation and inflammatory process, which subsequently suppresses the proliferation of keratinocytes and the activation of inflammatory cells.

Objective To compare the differences of baseline characteristics of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)who achieved platelet(PLT)response after arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment.Methods Totally 72 MDS patients were selected from 12 outpatient departments and wards,such as Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Dongfang Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to October 2024.Among them,45 patients received arsenic-containing TCM compounds combined with Western medicine treatment,27 patients received Western medicine treatment.The blood routine[white blood cell(WBC)count,hemoglobin,PLT,neutrophil count],TCM syndrome scores,safety indicators,and adverse events were observed before and after three courses of treatment.The efficacy of all patients was evaluated,and the baseline characteristics of patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group and the Western medicine treatment group were compared.Results Comparing the differences of baseline characteristics of the two groups,it was found that the patients who achieved PLT response in the arsenic-containing TCM compounds group were compared with those in the Western medicine treatment group:Age<60 years old(P=0.038),longer disease duration(P=0.012),lower WBC(P=0.017),lower reticulocyte percentage(P=0.037),lower blood urea nitrogen(P=0.046),lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(P=0.014),and lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(P=0.034),abnormal electrocardiogram(P=0.013),high blasts(P=0.009),grade 0 reticular fiber staining(P<0.01),normal chromosome karyotype(P<0.01),gene mutation(P<0.01)and high TCM syndrome scores(P=0.013)were found.Conclusion Arsenic-containing TCM compounds consisting of Qinghuang Powder and Bushen Jianpi Decoction combined with Western medicine is used to treat MDS.Patients with age<60 years old,long disease duration,low WBC count,low reticulocyte percentage,low blood urea nitrogen,low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,abnormal electrocardiogram,high blasts,grade 0 reticular fiber staining,normal chromosome karyotype,gene mutation and high TCM syndrome score are more likely to obtain PLT response.

OBJECTIVE To study the chemical composition and the function of solid excipients in relieving the "nourishing and spleen-impairing" effect of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying Rehmanniae Radix(RR) by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique. METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to collect the data of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR, and UNIFI platform and self-built database were used for the rapid qualitative analysis and identification of the chemical components of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR. The effect of solid excipients on the function of RR "nourishing and spleen-impairing" was investigated by establishing a mouse model of low gastric motility and measuring its gastric residual rate and small intestine propulsion rate. RESULTS The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UNFI platforms identified 76 chemical components in nine steaming nine sun-dying RR, including 9 iridoid glycosides, 11 phenylethyl glycosides, 31 flavonoids, 6 saccharides and 19 other compounds; the results of gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion experiments on mice showed that Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR had gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion effects. CONCLUSION This method can be used for the rapid identification and analysis of nine steaming nine sun-dying RR, which has solid excipients Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Amomi Fructus to alleviate the "nourishing and spleen-impairing" function of RR. This study can provide a reference for quality control and elucidation of the material basis of the medicinal effects of specialty beverage of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR.

Objective: To investigate the expression of the Y chromosome gene lysine-specific demethylase 5D(KDM5D) in male bladder cancer and its effects on cancer progression, thereby explaining gender-related prognostic differences in bladder cancer. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identifyKDM5Das a differentially expressed Y chromosome gene with prognostic significance in bladder cancer based on data from the TCGA database. The expression ofKDM5Din bladder cancer cell lines, collected clinical bladder cancer tissues, and adjacent normal epithelial tissues were examined using quantitative Real-time PCR(qPCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, tumor microenvironment analysis, and bioinformatics pathway analysis. The effects ofKDM5Don bladder cancer cell proliferation and migration were validated through cell experiments followingKDM5Dknockdown and overexpression. Additionally, clinical data onKDM5Dexpression in bladder cancer tissue arrays were statistically analyzed in relation to metastasis and recurrence. Results: KDM5Dwas generally downregulated in male bladder cancer but exhibited variable expression in different bladder cancer cell lines and between recurrent and non-recurrent bladder cancers. Overexpression ofKDM5Dinhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration, and lowerKDM5Dexpression was associated with higher recurrence and metastasis rates. Bioinformatics analysis suggested thatKDM5Dmight influence tumor metastasis or recurrence by affecting immune cell aggregation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Conclusion KDM5Dis a protective gene specific to male bladder cancer and may be associated with the generally better prognosis observed in male compared to female bladder cancer patients.