1.Inhibitory effects of different concentrations of auranofin on M1 macrophage function and its therapeutic potential in diabetic wound healing
Hongfei PAN ; Zhenbing ZHUANG ; Baiyun XU ; Zhangyang YANG ; Kairui LIN ; Bingqing ZHAN ; Jinghan LAN ; Heng GAO ; Nanbo ZHANG ; Jiayu LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1390-1397
BACKGROUND:During diabetic wound healing,the sustained activation of M1 macrophages exacerbates the inflammatory response and hinders wound repair.Auranofin,an anti-inflammatory drug,has not been clearly studied for its effects on M1 macrophages and its potential role in diabetic wound healing.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different concentrations of auranofin on the biological function of M1 macrophages and evaluate its potential application in diabetic wound healing.METHODS:RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were used as research models.M1 polarization was induced using different concentrations of interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide.M1 macrophages were treated with 1 and 2 μmol/L auranofin.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to evaluate the effect of auranofin on cell viability.Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.ELISA was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α in the supernatant.Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of nuclear factor-κB(p65),phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK),and total MAPK proteins.Additionally,6-8-week-old male C57BL/6J and db/db diabetic mice were used for wound healing experiments,with the mice divided into C57 control,db/db control and auranofin treatment groups,each containing six animals.Dorsal skin defect modeling and treatment with intraperitoneal injection of auranofin were performed to observe wound healing in mice.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiments showed that co-treatment with interferon-y(10 ng/mL)and lipopolysaccharide(100 ng/mL)significantly induced M1 polarization in RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells,resulting in increased mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.Treatment with auranofin(1 and 2 μmol/L)reduced the mRNA expression of these inflammatory factors in the cells and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant.(2)Auranofin treatment significantly suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB(p65)and phosphorylated MAPK signaling pathways.(3)Animal experiments showed that auranofin promoted wound healing in db/db diabetic mice,suggesting that auranofin has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may facilitate the healing of wounds in diabetic mice.
2.In vitro biocompatibility of graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia
Qiya ZHANG ; Yixiang TONG ; Shijiao YANG ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Ling DENG ; Wei WU ; Yao XIE ; Jian LIAO ; Ling MAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):443-450
BACKGROUND:In previous studies,glass materials were infiltrated into 5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia by a double sintering method to prepare 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia materials that can maintain high transparency and high flexural strength.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia materials.METHODS:(1)Glass materials were infiltrated into 5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia by double sintering to prepare 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia.5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia(or 5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia,3Y-TZP transparent zirconia)was placed in DMEM culture medium containing 10%fetal bovine serum for 12,24 and 72 hours,and the surface area ratio of culture medium to sample was 3 mL/cm2,and the 12-,24-and 72-hour material extracts were obtained.(2)After culturing mouse fibroblast L929 for 24 hours,the original culture medium was discarded and divided into 7 groups for culture:the control group was replaced with DMEM culture medium containing 10%fetal bovine serum by volume,and the other 6 groups were replaced with 24-hour extract of 3Y-TZP transparent zirconia,24-hour extract of 5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia,24-hour extract of 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia,72-hour extract of 3Y-TZP transparent zirconia,72-hour extract of 5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia,and 72-hour extract of 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia.After 1,3,and 5 days of culture,cell growth was observed under a microscope,and the cell proliferation rate was obtained by CCK-8 assay to determine cytotoxicity.(3)Human anticoagulated blood was mixed with 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia,5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia,and 3Y-TZP transparent zirconia,and the hemolysis rate was detected after 0.5 hours.Human anticoagulated blood was mixed with 12-hour extract of 3Y-TZP transparent zirconia,12-hour extract of 5Y-PSZ ultra-translucent zirconia,and 12-hour extract of 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia,and the hemolysis rate was detected after 0.5 hours.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Under the microscope,it could be seen that the number of cells in each group increased with the extension of culture time,and the cell morphology of each experimental group was basically the same as that of the control group.The cytotoxicity grade of the 24-hour extract of 3Y-TZP transparent zirconia group on the first day of culture was grade 0,and the cytotoxicity grade of the other experimental groups at each time period was grade 1.(2)Neither the material nor the material extract caused obvious hemolytic reaction,and the hemolytic rate was less than 5%.(3)The results showed that 5Y-PSZ-YGI graded glass infiltrated ultra-translucent zirconia had no significant effect on the growth and proliferation of mouse fibroblasts L929,and did not cause hemolytic reaction with human blood,and had good in vitro biocompatibility.
3.Potential target genes for spondylolisthesis:drugable genome analysis based on the European population-based biodatabase
Qingfeng ZHANG ; Chaoyi WANG ; Jingyan YANG ; Hanyu LI ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Huatao HAO ; Dong YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1592-1601
BACKGROUND:Spondylolisthesis is a common disease,and there is a lack of effective drugs to treat it.There is still a need to further define the pathogenesis and screen out more suitable therapeutic targets for spondylolisthesis.Mendelian randomization analysis can be used to explore the drugable genes associated with spondylolisthesis and provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.OBJECTIVE:To explore potential therapeutic targets and effective drugs for spondylolisthesis by means of pharmaceutically available genome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:Using the Finnish database,eQTLGen consortium,drug signature database,drug-gene interaction database,protein-protein interaction database,organic small molecule biological activity database and protein structure database,which contains genome and health information of half a million Finns,data on druggable genes were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and co-localization analysis with data from genome-wide association studies of spondylolisthesis to identify genes highly associated with spondylolisthesis.In addition,GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,protein network construction,drug prediction and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic agents.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In this study,we identified 34 potential drug target genes that were significantly associated with spondylolisthesis,particularly the gene APOBEC3G.This gene showed a significant association with spondylolisthesis outcomes through Mendelian analysis and co-localization analysis,suggesting that APOBEC3G may be a priority therapeutic target.As for other potential mechanisms and drugs,we still need to conduct more in-depth research to determine their roles.This study used a database from a European population,which can be used as a reference for the study of population genetics in China.
4.Aging-related dysregulation of glucose metabolism:crossroads of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Huan LIU ; Shaopeng ZENG ; Jun CHEN ; Linqian HE ; Ying YANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1527-1538
BACKGROUND:Epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with neurodegenerative diseases exhibit a comparatively lower risk of developing the majority of cancers.Although the precise mechanisms underlying this inverse correlation remain unclear,it is noteworthy that aberrant glucose metabolism,a pathological factor common to both conditions,may significantly contribute to this association.OBJECTIVE:To review the potential relationship between cancers and neurodegenerative diseases in glucose metabolism.METHODS:PubMed was searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"cancer,neurodegenerative diseases,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,metabolic reprogramming,glucose metabolism,aerobic glycolysis,neuroprotection,aging,"and 136 articles were finally included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Cancer and neurodegenerative diseases exhibit a profound pathological correlation at the level of glucose metabolism imbalance associated with aging.Cancer cells promote uncontrolled proliferation,invasion,and metastasis through the persistent activation of aerobic glycolysis,whereas neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a reduction in aerobic glycolysis.Restoring aerobic glycolysis may confer neuroprotective effects and delay disease progression.The key nodes of glucose metabolism demonstrate a bidirectional regulatory pattern:metabolic regulators,which are significantly upregulated or aberrantly activated in cancer,are inhibited or functionally inactivated in neurodegenerative diseases.Mitochondria play a crucial role in mediating the aging process through the regulation of reactive oxygen species homeostasis and mitochondrial autophagy.They establish regulatory networks that connect cancer and neurodegenerative diseases,and maintaining their functional homeostasis is of paramount importance for disease prevention and treatment.
5.Endoscopic lumbar canal decompression for upper lumbar spinal stenosis:a comparison of biomechanical stability of three surgical models
Jingbo MA ; Guangnan YANG ; Jiang LIU ; Qiang JIANG ; Hanshuo ZHANG ; Jiaheng HAN ; Yu DING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):577-585
BACKGROUND:Upper lumbar spinal stenosis is a multifactorial degenerative disorder of the spine.For narrowing of the spinal canal in the upper lumbar region(L1-L4),surgical decision-making is particularly complex.Existing minimally invasive surgeries each have their own advantages and limitations.Currently,there are few reports on biomechanical comparison and finite element analysis of different surgical methods for the treatment of high lumbar spinal stenosis.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the biomechanical impact of endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression,transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression,and cross-overtop decompression in the treatment of upper lumbar spinal stenosis using endoscopy,and to verify the reliability and effectiveness of these three surgical techniques in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis,providing a biomechanical basis for clinical decision-making.METHODS:The CT images of the lumbar spine of a healthy volunteer were selected,and the finite element model M0 of the normal lumbar L1-L5 segments was established using Mimics,Geomagic,Solid works,and Ansys software.The L2-L3 segment,representing upper lumbar characteristics,was chosen.Based on this model,the surgical models for endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression(M1),transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression(M2),and cross-overtop decompression(M3)were established.Using software,the changes in the range of motion of the entire lumbar segment and the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs were simulated and evaluated for each group of models under six loading conditions:flexion,extension,left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with model MO,the range of motion in M1,M2,and M3 increased under all six conditions,with M1 showing a greater increase.(2)M1 and M2 demonstrated significant increases in range of motion under forward bending,extension,and right rotation,while the increase under other conditions remained below 7%.(3)Compared with model M3,model M1 exhibited slightly increased overall joint range of motion during extension and left bending,while no significant changes were observed in other aspects,and the L1-L5 lumbar segments did not reach an unstable state.(4)In model M1,the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs increased most significantly under flexion and extension loading conditions.However,under left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation loading conditions,the increase did not exceed 5%.(5)These findings suggest that due to the sagittal anatomical characteristics of the facet joints,the unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression technique,while decompressing,involves resection of more facet joints,which impacts overall segmental stability.The transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression technique is suitable for patients with foraminal stenosis but cannot achieve complete decompression for those with severe ventral central stenosis.The Cross-Overtop technique effectively enlarges the volume of the central canal and lateral recess,optimizing decompression,and shows unique advantages in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis.
6.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
7.A visualized analysis of research hotspots in high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation from the macroscopic perspective
Zeyu YANG ; Liang ZHI ; Jia WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Qingfang ZHANG ; Yulong WANG ; Jianjun LONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1320-1330
BACKGROUND:High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has garnered significant attention due to its potential non-invasive benefits in modulating brain function.However,no studies have comprehensively analyzed the current research landscape and development trends of this field from a macroscopic perspective.OBJECTIVE:To explore research hotspots,current trends,and emerging frontiers in the field of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation through visualized analysis.METHODS:Data were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database from January 1,2014 to November 15,2024.CiteSpace was used for analyzing publication volume,collaborations among countries/regions,institutions and authors,citation analysis of journals and co-cited literature,as well as disciplinary distribution.Additionally,keyword co-occurrence,clustering,and burst analyses were conducted,and visualized knowledge maps were generated.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 860 articles were included.The publication volume of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation showed an overall upward trend from 2014 to 2022,followed by a decline from 2022 to 2024.China had the highest publication volume,while Ghent University ranked as the most productive institution.Universities acted as the most high-output institutions.Chris Baeken from Ghent University was identified as the most prolific author.Collaboration among leading authors and institutions worldwide remained limited.The main research hotspots in this field were associated with keywords such as depression,stroke,neuropathic pain,and Parkinson's disease.Burst keywords focused on mild cognitive impairment,reflecting a diversification in research directions.The overall research activity in high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation continues to rise,with primary focuses on its clinical applications for psychiatric and neurological disorders,as well as explorations of its underlying mechanisms.Future research may focus on optimizing treatment parameters for targeting different brain regions in clinical applications and expanding its applications and mechanisms across various domains.
8.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
9.Erjingwan Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis in Skeletal Muscle Cells of Sarcopenia via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Long SHI ; Yang LI ; Hongyu YAN ; Tianle ZHOU ; Zhiwen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):57-66
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the classical Chinese medicine compound prescription Erjingwan on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells in a mouse model of sarcopenia and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57/BL6 male mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, and groups with different doses of Erjingwan (8,16,32 g·kg-1). The mouse model of sarcopenia was established by D-gal-induced skeletal muscle senescence. The body weight and grip strength of mice treated with different doses of Erjingwan were examined to evaluate their physiological functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes and fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum samples of mice, and biochemical tests were conducted to quantify the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of drug intervention, the model group exhibited significant reductions in body weight and grip strength (P0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, all doses of Erjingwan increased the body weight in mice at week 8 (P0.01) and grip strength from week 6 (P0.01). HE staining revealed clear muscle fiber structure in the control group, muscle fiber rupture and atrophy in the model group, and dose-dependent repair of muscle fiber structure in the Erjingwan groups. Masson staining showed minimal collagen fibers and mild fibrosis in the control group, collagen fiber proliferation and severe fibrosis in the model group, and collagen proliferation with dose-dependent inhibition of fibrosis in the Erjingwan groups. ELISA results showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in the model group compared with those in the control group (P0.01). After intervention, the low-dose Erjingwan group exhibited a decreased TNF-α level (P0.05), while the medium and high-dose groups showed decreases in both TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P0.01). Biochemical assays revealed that the model group had decreased SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and an increased MDA level (P0.01) compared with the control group. The medium and high-dose Erjingwan groups exhibited increases in SOD and GSH levels (P0.01) and decreases in MDA level (P0.01), compared with the model group. WB and Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the model group presented down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in the muscle tissue (P0.01) and up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01). Compared with the model group, Erjingwan at different doses up-regulated the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01) and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax (P0.01) in the muscle tissue. Low-dose Erjingwan elevated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P0.05, P0.01), and medium and high-dose Erjingwan up-regulated the mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1, and Bcl-2 (P0.01). ConclusionErjingwan reduced the content of inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle cells, improved the antioxidant capacity, and attenuated pathological changes and fibrosis in the muscle of the mouse model of sarcopenia by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammatory response, and apoptosis network.
10.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.

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