2.Anti-Hyperuricemic and Anti-Gouty Arthritis Effects of Xiezhuo Qutong Formula and Its Network Pharmacology Mechanism
Shulin CHEN ; Lianjie LIU ; Xiaolu GAO ; Xuehong KE ; Changsong LIN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(11):2807-2816
Objective To observe the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Xiezhuo Qutong Formula on gout.Methods(1)Animal experiments:A hyperuricemia(HUA)model was established in SD rats using hypoxanthine combined with potassium oxonate,and an acute gouty arthritis(AGA)model was induced by monosodium urate.The efficacy and safety of Xiezhuo Qutong Formula in reducing serum uric acid levels and exerting anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated.(2)Network pharmacology:The main active components and potential targets of Xiezhuo Qutong Formula were collected,along with gout-related disease targets.The intersection of these targets yielded potential therapeutic targets.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.Results Xiezhuo Qutong Formula effectively reduced serum uric acid levels in HUA model rats without observed hepatorenal toxicity.It also decreased joint inflammation index,joint swelling degree,and inflammatory cytokine levels in AGA model rats.Network pharmacology analysis identified 156 overlapping targets between the drug and disease,among which TP53,STAT3,PIK3CA,BCL2,PIK3CD,PIK3CB,JUN,HDAC1,ESR1,and RELA may be key targets of Xiezhuo Qutong Formula in treating gout.Combined with GO and KEGG enrichment analyses,the main involved pathways include PI3K/AKT,JAK2/STAT3,and NF-κB signaling pathways.Conclusion Xiezhuo Qutong Formula exerts uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of gout,and its potential mechanism involves the PI3K/AKT,JAK2/STAT3,and NF-κB signaling pathways.
3.Inhibitory Effects of the Deep Underground Low Background Radiation Environment on the Proliferation and Migration of NP69 Human Nasopharyngeal Epithelial Cells and the Underlying Mechanisms
Zhizhen HAO ; Can LI ; Ling WANG ; Yuhao ZOU ; Jirui WEN ; Jiang WU ; Xuehong WAN ; Feng LIU ; Jifeng LIU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1336-1343
Objective To investigate the effects of low background radiation environments in deep underground settings on the biological behavior of NP69 human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells(NP69 cells)and the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods A parallel control experimental design was adopted and NP69 cells were synchronously cultured in settings of three underground depths at the China in situ Deep-Underground Facility&Life Observatory(DeUFO)—ground level(DeUFO-0 m),1 000 m underground(DeUFO-1 000 m),and 1 500 m underground(DeUFO-1 500 m).Changes in cell proliferation and migration capabilities were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay and scratch assay,respectively.High-throughput RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)was performed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs were performed using the Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)databases.Results CCK-8 assay revealed that,after 72 h of culture,the absorbance value of the DeUFO-0 m group was 1.35 times and 1.27 times those of the those of the DeUFO-1 000 m and DeUFO-1 500 m groups,respectively(both P<0.000 1).After 96 h of culture,the absorbance value of the DeUFO-0 m group was 1.52 times and 1.41 times those of the DeUFO-1 000 m and DeUFO-1 500 m groups,respectively(both P<0.000 1).Colony formation assays revealed that the number of cell colonies in the DeUFO-0 m group was 1.59 times and 1.27 times those in the DeUFO-1 000 m group and DeUFO-1 500 m group,respectively(both P<0.001).The scratch assay revealed that the 36-hour wound healing rate of the DeUFO-0 m group was 2.22 times and 4.00 times those of the DeUFO-1 000 m group and DeUFO-1 500 m group,respectively(both P<0.000 1).Transwell assays revealed that the number of migrating cells in the DeUFO-0 m group was 2.08 times and 2.56 times those in the DeUFO-1 000 m group and DeUFO-1 500 m group,respectively(both P<0.000 1).Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed consistent upregulation of CELF2,CELF4,CGB8,GRHL2,and DMRTA2 genes in the DeUFO-1 000 m and DeUFO-1 500 m groups.Pathway enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling-associated pathways and gene expression regulation pathways in the experimental groups(false discovery rate[FDR]<0.05).Conclusion The low background radiation environment in deep underground settings suppresses the proliferation and migration activities of NP69 cells by mediating ECM remodeling and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms through the regulation of target genes such as the CELF family.This study provides experimental evidence for establishing a dose-response relationship between environmental radiation and cellular effects.
4.Exploring the causal relationship between extensive perivascular space burden and ischemic stroke and its subtypes and transient ischemic attack based on Mendelian randomization
Xuehong CHU ; Yingjie SHEN ; Yaolou WANG ; Xiao DONG ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Yan FENG ; Miaowen JIANG ; Ming LI ; Xunming JI ; Chuanjie WU
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(1):22-33
Objective To investigate the association between extensive perivascular space(EPVS)burden in different locations and ischemic stroke(IS),its subtypes,and transient ischemic attack(TIA)through Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.Methods The summary data from large-scale Genome-wide Association Studies(GWAS)and various MR methods were employed.We applied multivariable MR to mitigate potential confounding factors and conduct sensitivity analyses to enhance result robustness.Subsequently,meta-analysis was utilized to integrate causal relationships between EPVS burden in different locations and IS from various sources.Additionally,reverse MR was employed to observe the impact of various IS types on EPVS burden.Finally,linkage disequilibrium score regression was conducted to assess genetic correlations between exposures and outcomes.Results EPVS burden in both the white matter(OR=1.12,95%CI:1.01-1.25;P=0.04)and basal ganglia(OR=1.57,95%CI:1.30-1.89;P<0.01)are significant risk factors for IS.EPVS burden in the basal ganglia is also a risk for IS(small-vessel)(OR=4.56,95%CI:2.57-8.27;P=5.95× 10-7).After IS and TIA there seems to be a potential increase in extensive basal ganglia perivascular space burden.Conclusions Extensive white matter perivascular space burden and extensive basal ganglia perivascular space burden may serve as important indicators to predict IS.
5.Exploring the causal relationship between extensive perivascular space burden and ischemic stroke and its subtypes and transient ischemic attack based on Mendelian randomization
Xuehong CHU ; Yingjie SHEN ; Yaolou WANG ; Xiao DONG ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Yan FENG ; Miaowen JIANG ; Ming LI ; Xunming JI ; Chuanjie WU
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(1):22-33
Objective To investigate the association between extensive perivascular space(EPVS)burden in different locations and ischemic stroke(IS),its subtypes,and transient ischemic attack(TIA)through Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.Methods The summary data from large-scale Genome-wide Association Studies(GWAS)and various MR methods were employed.We applied multivariable MR to mitigate potential confounding factors and conduct sensitivity analyses to enhance result robustness.Subsequently,meta-analysis was utilized to integrate causal relationships between EPVS burden in different locations and IS from various sources.Additionally,reverse MR was employed to observe the impact of various IS types on EPVS burden.Finally,linkage disequilibrium score regression was conducted to assess genetic correlations between exposures and outcomes.Results EPVS burden in both the white matter(OR=1.12,95%CI:1.01-1.25;P=0.04)and basal ganglia(OR=1.57,95%CI:1.30-1.89;P<0.01)are significant risk factors for IS.EPVS burden in the basal ganglia is also a risk for IS(small-vessel)(OR=4.56,95%CI:2.57-8.27;P=5.95× 10-7).After IS and TIA there seems to be a potential increase in extensive basal ganglia perivascular space burden.Conclusions Extensive white matter perivascular space burden and extensive basal ganglia perivascular space burden may serve as important indicators to predict IS.
6.Interpretation of the Interim Measures for the Management of Surplus Drugs in Medical Institutions in Hubei Province
Guangxin DU ; Wei FU ; Xuehong ZHOU ; Dong LIU ; Juan LI ; Ping LONG
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(9):1376-1380
This article introduced the background,drafting process,and main content of the Interim Measures for the Management of Surplus Drugs in Medical Institutions of Hubei Province(referred as the Measures).It focused on explaining the definition of surplus drugs and analyzing the requirements for drug dismantling,surplus drug billing,recovery and use procedures,special fund management,and duties and responsibilities of management departments.This paper aimed to guide readers to learn the Measures,understand the Measures and implement the Measures.It would help to improve the efficiency of medical resources,ensure medication safety,reduce patients'medication burden,and promote the rational use of medical insurance funds.
7.Role of Notch 1 signaling and glycolysis in the pathogenic mechanism of adenomyosis
Xiaohui WEN ; Shiya HUANG ; Xuehong LIU ; Kunyin LI ; Yongge GUAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(8):1599-1604
Objective To investigate the expressions of glycolysis-related factors and changes in Notch1 signaling in endometrial tissues of adenomyosis(AM)and Ishikawa cells to explore the pathogenesis of AM.Methods Eutopic endometrial tissues were collected from 8 patients with AM and 8 patients with uterine fibroids matched for clinical characteristics(control group).The expressions of Notch1 signaling proteins and glycolysis-related factors in the collected tissues were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting,and the levels of glucose and lactic acid were determined.An Ishikawa cell model with lentivirus-mediated stable Notch1 overexpression was established for assessing cell survival rate with CCK-8 assay,cell migration and invasion abilities with Transwell migration and invasion assays,and glycolytic capacity by determining the extracellular acidification rate.Results Compared with those in the control group,the endometrial tissues in AM group showed significantly increased expression level of carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),increased mRNA expression levels of Notch1,HK2 and PDHA and protein expressions of Notch1,GLUT1,HK2,PKM and PDHA,lowered glucose level and increased lactate level.The Ishikawa cell models with stable Notch1 overexpression exhibited significantly increased cell survival rate with attenuated cell migration and invasion abilities and decreased glycolysis capacity and reserve.Conclusion The Notch1 signaling pathway participates in the pathogenesis of AM possibly by regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion and glycolysis of endometrial cells.
8.LONP1 ameliorates liver injury and improves gluconeogenesis dysfunction in acute-on-chronic liver failure
Muchen WU ; Jing WU ; Kai LIU ; Minjie JIANG ; Fang XIE ; Xuehong YIN ; Jushan WU ; Qinghua MENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(2):190-199
Background::Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe liver disease with complex pathogenesis. Clinical hypoglycemia is common in patients with ACLF and often predicts a worse prognosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that glucose metabolic disturbance, especially gluconeogenesis dysfunction, plays a critical role in the disease progression of ACLF. Lon protease-1 (LONP1) is a novel mediator of energy and glucose metabolism. However, whether gluconeogenesis is a potential mechanism through which LONP1 modulates ACLF remains unknown.Methods::In this study, we collected liver tissues from ACLF patients, established an ACLF mouse model with carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and D-galactose (D-gal), and constructed an in vitro hypoxia and hyperammonemia-triggered hepatocyte injury model. LONP1 overexpression and knockdown adenovirus were used to assess the protective effect of LONP1 on liver injury and gluconeogenesis regulation. Liver histopathology, biochemical index, mitochondrial morphology, cell viability and apoptosis, and the expression and activity of key gluconeogenic enzymes were detected to explore the underlying protective mechanisms of LONP1 in ACLF. Results::We found that LONP1 and the expressions of gluconeogenic enzymes were downregulated in clinical ACLF liver tissues. Furthermore, LONP1 overexpression remarkably attenuated liver injury, which was characterized by improved liver histopathological lesions and decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in ACLF mice. Moreover, mitochondrial morphology was improved upon overexpression of LONP1. Meanwhile, the expression and activity of the key gluconeogenic enzymes were restored by LONP1 overexpression. Similarly, the hepatoprotective effect was also observed in the hepatocyte injury model, as evidenced by improved cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, and improved gluconeogenesis level and activity, while LONP1 knockdown worsened liver injury and gluconeogenesis disorders.Conclusion::We demonstrated that gluconeogenesis dysfunction exists in ACLF, and LONP1 could ameliorate liver injury and improve gluconeogenic dysfunction, which would provide a promising therapeutic target for patients with ACLF.
9.Role of Notch 1 signaling and glycolysis in the pathogenic mechanism of adenomyosis
Xiaohui WEN ; Shiya HUANG ; Xuehong LIU ; Kunyin LI ; Yongge GUAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(8):1599-1604
Objective To investigate the expressions of glycolysis-related factors and changes in Notch1 signaling in endometrial tissues of adenomyosis(AM)and Ishikawa cells to explore the pathogenesis of AM.Methods Eutopic endometrial tissues were collected from 8 patients with AM and 8 patients with uterine fibroids matched for clinical characteristics(control group).The expressions of Notch1 signaling proteins and glycolysis-related factors in the collected tissues were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting,and the levels of glucose and lactic acid were determined.An Ishikawa cell model with lentivirus-mediated stable Notch1 overexpression was established for assessing cell survival rate with CCK-8 assay,cell migration and invasion abilities with Transwell migration and invasion assays,and glycolytic capacity by determining the extracellular acidification rate.Results Compared with those in the control group,the endometrial tissues in AM group showed significantly increased expression level of carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),increased mRNA expression levels of Notch1,HK2 and PDHA and protein expressions of Notch1,GLUT1,HK2,PKM and PDHA,lowered glucose level and increased lactate level.The Ishikawa cell models with stable Notch1 overexpression exhibited significantly increased cell survival rate with attenuated cell migration and invasion abilities and decreased glycolysis capacity and reserve.Conclusion The Notch1 signaling pathway participates in the pathogenesis of AM possibly by regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion and glycolysis of endometrial cells.
10.Research advances on the relationship between Sirtuins family and reproductive aging
Xuechan LI ; Xiaojuan DU ; Lijun LIU ; Zhenjuan WANG ; Jing WANG ; Xuehong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(3):315-319
With the postponement of human reproductive time, studying how to intervene in reproductive system aging has become a globally significant topic. Sirtuins are NAD +-dependent histone deacetylases that play key roles in gene regulation, apoptosis, energy metabolism, age-related diseases, and the reproductive system. Current evidence suggests that deletion of the Sirtuins gene leads to developmental disorders and reproductive aging in both males and females, and that pharmacological intervention in Sirtuins expression can affect aging-induced decline in reproductive function. This review provides a comprehensive review of the effects and mechanisms of Sirtuins on male and female reproductive aging, and lists some natural drugs that can modulate Sirtuins activity, providing ideas for further studies on the regulation of reproductive aging at the molecular level.

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