1.Effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen Formula in regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling axis on pyroptosis in rats with diabetic kidney disease
Shujuan Hu ; Xuhua Li ; Yao Peng ; Lili Chen ; Rong Yu ; Yajun Peng
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):379-388
Objective:
To investigate the effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen Formula (左归降糖益肾方, ZGJTYSF) in regulating the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling axis on pyroptosis in rats with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Methods:
Fifty male specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (12 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet for one month to establish an early DKD model. Model establishment was confirmed when fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol/L and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. The successfully modeled early DKD rats were randomly divided by random number table into five groups (n = 10 per group): model group; dapagliflozin group (1.0 mg/kg, by gavage, served as positive control); and low-, medium-, and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups (4.9, 9.9, and 19.9 g/kg, respectively, by gavage). Age-matched male SPF Wistar rats (n = 10) served as control group. Rats in control and model groups were gavaged with equivalent volumes of distilled water. Treatment lasted 12 weeks. Changes in uACR, FBG, and renal function were observed in all groups. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were used to observe renal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the localization and expression of caspase-1, GSDMD, and NLRP3 in rat renal tissues. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was utilized to detect pyroptosis in renal tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18.
Results:
Compared with model group, all doses of ZGJTYSF showed reductions in FBG, with medium- and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups demonstrating significant decreases at week 8 and 12 (P < 0.05). For uACR, all doses of ZGJTYSF groups exhibited a decreasing trend, with high-dose of ZGJTYSF group being significantly lower than low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups at week 12 (P < 0.05) and showing no significant difference from dapagliflozin group (P > 0.05). No significant differences in renal function parameters (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid) were observed among groups (P > 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed milder glomerular and tubular lesions in both ZGJTYSF groups and dapagliflozin group, with renal pathological changes in high-dose of ZGJTYSF group resembling those in dapagliflozin group. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significantly reduced expression of caspase-1, GSDMD, and NLRP3 in renal tissues of dapagliflozin group and high-dose of ZGJTYSF group compared with model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while the differences in low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). TUNEL assay showed significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells in renal tissues of dapagliflozin and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups (P < 0.01), indicating a marked reduction in pyroptotic cells. Molecular analysis revealed that compared with model group, both dapagliflozin and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups showed significantly downregulated mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissues (P < 0.01), while low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups showed downward trends without statistical significance (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
ZGJTYSF may inhibit renal pyroptosis by regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling axis, thereby preventing and treating early renal injury in DKD and delaying the onset and progression of DKD.
2.Targeting the JAK2-STAT3-UCHL3-ENO1 axis suppresses glycolysis and enhances the sensitivity to 5-FU chemotherapy in TP53-mutant colorectal cancer.
Haisong XIN ; Zitong ZHAO ; Shichao GUO ; Ruoxi TIAN ; Liying MA ; Yang YANG ; Lianmei ZHAO ; Guanglin WANG ; Baokun LI ; Xuhua HU ; Yongmei SONG ; Guiying WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2529-2544
Approximately 60% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients exhibit TP53 mutations, which are strongly associated with tumor progression, chemotherapy resistance, and an unfavorable prognosis. However, targeting p53 has historically been challenging, and currently, there are no approved p53-based therapeutics for clinical use worldwide. In this study, we discovered that ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3) plays a crucial role in high-level glycolysis, enhanced stem-like properties, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemoresistance in TP53-mutant CRC by exerting its deubiquitinating enzyme activity to stabilize α-enolase (ENO1) protein. Notably, we identified a newly Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, pacritinib, that potently suppresses UCHL3 expression by blocking the janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in TP53-mutant CRC. Furthermore, Pacritinib was demonstrated to effectively inhibit glycolysis and improve the sensitivity to 5-FU chemotherapy in TP53-mutant CRC. Our findings suggest that targeting the JAK2-STAT3-UCHL3-ENO1 axis is a promising strategy to suppress glycolysis and enhance the efficacy of 5-FU chemotherapy in TP53-mutant CRC. Pacritinib shows potential for clinical application in the treatment of TP53-mutant CRC.
3.Exploration on the diuretic mechanism of Zhuling Decoction on ADRN mice from CDK18/STUB1/AQP2 pathway
Wenfeng XU ; Fan WU ; Yajun PENG ; Qun TANG ; Xuhua LI ; Hua HU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(5):624-629
Objective:To observe the diuretic effects of Zhuling Decoction on mice with adriamycin nephropathy (ADRN); To explore its mechanism.Methods:Totally 32 SPF male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a blank group of 7 mice and a model group of 25 mice using a random number table method. ADRN model was prepared by single tail vein injection of 0.01 g/kg of amphotericin. Two weeks later, the successfully modeled mice were divided into a model group (7 mice), a furosemide group (8 mice), and a Zhuling Decoction group (8 mice). The blank group and model group mice were given equal volumes of injection water by gavage. The furosemide group was given 2.6 mg/kg of furosemide by gavage, and the Zhuling Decoction group was given 6.5 g/kg of Zhuling Decoction by gavage, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. Changes in body weight and urine output of mice were observed. A biochemical analyzer was used to detect 24-hour urinary protein quantification and blood potassium and SCr levels in mice. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in mouse kidneys, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the homology of cyclin dependent kinase 18 (CDK18), STIP1, and the expressions of U-box protein 1 (STUB1) and aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in mouse kidney tissue cells.Results:Compared with the model group, both the furosemide and Zhuling Decoction groups exhibited increased 24-hour urine output ( P<0.05); compared with the model group and furosemide group, Zhuling Decoction group showed reduced average optical density values and protein expressions of CDK18 and AQP2 ( P<0.05) and increased STUB1 average optical density value and protein expression ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Zhuling Decoction can increase 24-hour urine output in ADRN mice, and the mechanism may be related to down-regulation of CDK18 and AQP2 protein expressions and up-regulation of STUB1 protein expression, thereby modulating the CDK18/STUB1/AQP2 pathway and reducing water reabsorption.
4.Efficacy and safety of bronchial arterial chemoembolization combined with tislelizumab for advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Chao LIANG ; Hao LI ; Daqian HAN ; Jiacheng WANG ; Wenze XU ; Manzhou WANG ; Donglin KUANG ; Jianzhuang REN ; Xinwei HAN ; Xuhua DUAN
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(2):148-153
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of bronchial arterial chemoembolization(BACE)combined with tislelizumab for advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods A total of 30 patients in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ NSCLC from December 2021 to August 2022 were enrolled in this study.All the patients received BACE,which was followed by 200 mg tislelizumab once every 3 weeks until the disease progressed,or the patient developed intolerable adverse effects,or the investigator decided to terminate this drug treatment.The primary study endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS),and the secondary study endpoints included overall survival(OS),objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR),safety,and quality of life(QoL).Results The median follow-up time was 12 months(range of 1.5-12 months),the median PFS was 10.5 months(95%CI:7.8-13.2 months),and the median OS was not available.The 3-month,6-month,and 12-month ORRs were 63.3%(95%CI:43.9%-80.1%),56.7%(95%CI:37.4%-74.5%),and 30.4%(95%CI:13.2%-52.9%)respectively.The 3-month,6-month,and 12-month DCRs were 80%(95%CI:61.4%-92.3%),76.7%(95%CI:57.7%-90.1%),and 47.8%(95%CI:26.8%-69.4%)respectively.The expression ratio of PD-L1 ≥50%(HR=0.29,P=0.039),tumor having a single feeding artery(HR=0.35,P=0.028),and completion of>10 cycles of tislelizumab therapy(HR=0.42,P=0.064)were the protective factors for PFS.No ≥grade Ⅲ treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs)occurred.The common below grade Ⅱ TRAEs were nausea,fever,and cough.After one cycle of treatment,the patient's QoL,including overall quality of life,physical functioning,and emotional functioning,was significantly improved.Conclusion For the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC,BACE plus tislelizumab has satisfactory clinical efficacy and safety.
5.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
6.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
7.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
8.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
9.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
10.Treating primary hypotension using the tonifying qi and ascending yang method based on the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory
Xuhua JIAO ; Yufeng LI ; Min XIAO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1591-1596
Primary hypotension is a common and frequently occurring blood vessel disease,characterized by insidious onset,lingering condition,complex etiology,and diverse symptoms.Its pathogenesis is primarily characterized by deficiency,and its onset involves multiple zang-fu organs.The"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up body"theory is derived from the Huangdi Neijing.This theory summarizes the fundamental laws of the movement and changes in yin and yang.From this perspective,the paper hypothesizes that the basic pathogenesis of primary hypotension stems from an insufficiency of yang in transforming qi and a malfunction of yin in shaping up body.The essence of the condition lies in an overall yang deficiency that fails to provide warmth and transformation,coupled with qi deficiency,which cannot control and regulate bodily functions.This leads to poor blood circulation and inadequate protection,causing yin to malfunction in forming the physical components of the body.As a result,normal physiological functions of the zang-fu organs are disrupted,the production of beneficial physiological substances is obstructed,and metabolic waste products accumulate.The primary therapeutic approach should be focused on tonifying qi and ascending yang;tonifying qi will provide the impetus for blood circulation,whereas ascending yang will facilitate yang transformation qi.The zang-fu organs should also be protected and nourished to ameliorate the internal environment of yang deficiency and yin excess,as well as to eliminate pathological product accumulation to dredge the channels of blood circulation.Using the"yang transforming qi and yin shaping up the body"theory to guide the treatment of primary hypotension can help deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and broaden the clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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