1.Ameliorative effect and mechanism of Forsythia suspensa-Lonicera japonica herb pair on acute lung injury via regulating serum exosomal miRNA
Zhaohua CHEN ; Shumin XIE ; Wanshun CHANG ; Yuqing HAN ; Yanwen CHEN ; Yanhui ZHU ; Mingzhuo CAO ; Haiying HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):305-310
OBJECTIVE To study the ameliorative effect and mechanism of Forsythia suspensa-Lonicera japonica herb pair on acute lung injury (ALI) based on serum exosomal microRNA (miRNA). METHODS The rats were randomly divided into a blank group (normal saline), model group (nomal saline), and F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair group (2.55 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were used to establish an ALI model by intratracheal dripping of 5 mg/ mL lipopolysaccharides. After modeling, each group was given relevant medicine/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 3 consecutive days. After the last medication, the pathological status of lung tissue was observed; lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and leukocyte counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10] in BALF were determined. Exosomes were isolated from rat serum, and high- throughput sequencing technology was employed to screen differentially expressed miRNA within the exosomes, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Based on the screened differentially expressed miRNA and the enriched KEGG pathways, in vitro cellular experiments were conducted for validation. RESULTS The animal experimental results demonstrated that after intervention with the F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair, the wet-to-dry weight ratio, the number of leukocytes in BALF, as well as the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF of ALI rats were all significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the level of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results of high-throughput sequencing experiments revealed that the F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair could significantly up-regulate the expressions of miR-345-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-653-5p, and others in exosomes. Among them, the KEGG pathways involved in the target genes of differentially expressed miRNA included the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway, among others. The results of cellular E-mail:huang.haiying@126.com validation experiments showed that overexpressed miR-345-3p could significantly elevate the level of IL-10 in the cell supernatant (P<0.01), while significantly reducing the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of protein kinase B1, phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase, and HIF-1α (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS F. suspensa-L. japonica herb pair can alleviate inflammatory responses and thereby exert a therapeutic effect in improving ALI by up-regulating the expression of miR-345-3p in serum exosomes and inhibiting the activity of the HIF-1 signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyutang in Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitochondrial Function and Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ping ZHANG ; Lijuan YANG ; Shenghui CHEN ; Wenliang YAO ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Ling MA ; Huiying WU ; Yanwen XU ; Ziyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):46-55
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang (YJZYT) on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7) and a model group (n=35). Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX (90 mg·kg-1) to establish the DOR model. After modeling, estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days, and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling, rats were divided into groups for intervention: estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and YJZYT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (19.98, 9.99, 5.00 g·kg-1). The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state, body weight, and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded, and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, obviously reduced body weight, and decreased ovarian index (P<0.05). Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning, loose structure, and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles (P<0.01). Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue (P<0.01), ROS expression increased, MDA levels rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM were obviously downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT (P<0.05), serum E2 and AMH levels increased, while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated, ROS and MDA levels decreased, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups, with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). Granulosa cells were neatly arranged, indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial function, and alleviating oxidative stress damage.
3.Exploring on Mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus-Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in Treatment of Acute Lung Injury Based on Serum Metabolomics
Wanshun CHANG ; Kang LI ; Zhaohua CHEN ; Yuqing HAN ; Yanwen CHEN ; Yanhui ZHU ; Zhenyu CHENG ; Haiying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):117-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus-Lonicerae Japonicae Flos(FF) in the treatment of acute lung injury(ALI) by investigating the effects of FF on serum metabolomics of rats with ALI. MethodsThirty male SD rats were acclimated for 1 week, and 6 rats were randomly selected as the blank group. The other 24 rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) solution by tracheal drip to establish an ALI model. After successful model establishment, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, the FF low-dose group(3.0 g·kg-1), the FF high-dose group(6.0 g·kg-1), and the dexamethasone group(5 mg·kg-1), with six rats in each group. The FF low- and high-dose groups and the dexamethasone group were received daily oral administration of the corresponding drug solution, and the blank group and the model group were gavaged with an equal amount of saline, treatment was administered continuously for 3 d. The pathological conditions of rat lung tissues were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, wet/dry mass ratio(W/D) of the lung tissues, and protein concentration in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). Metabolomic analysis of rat serum was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), combined with multivariate statistical analysis, the potential biomarkers of FF in treating ALI were screened by variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1, P<0.05 from t-test, and log2fold change(FC)>1 or log2FC<-1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) database combined with MetaboAnalyst were used for pathway analysis of the screened differential metabolites. The protein expression levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B1(Akt1), and phosphorylated Akt1(p-Akt1) were examined by Western bolt. The expression levels of interleukin(IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in BALF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group showed ALI pathological features such as alveolar lumen dilatation, interstitial hemorrhage and massive inflammatory cell infiltration, and the protein concentration in BALF and W/D of the lung tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose groups of FF as well as the dexamethasone group exhibited reduced pulmonary bronchial hemorrhage in rats, and the protein concentration in BALF and W/D were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the lung injury was significantly alleviated. Analysis of rat serum metabolomics revealed that FF downregulated 38 biomarkers. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that FF primarily exerted therapeutic effects through 7 key metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, and retinol metabolism. The results of Western bolt and ELISA showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated expression levels of S1P, PI3K, Akt1 and p-Akt1 proteins in the lung tissues, as well as increased expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in BALF(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of the aforementioned indicators were significantly downregulated in the low- and high-dose FF groups as well as the dexamethasone group(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFF may play a role in ALI by regulating amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of S1P/PI3K/Akt1 signaling pathway to attenuate the inflammatory response caused by ALI.
4.Canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling in the nongenetic resistance of cancer: distinct and concerted control.
Xianzhe HUANG ; Wenwei CHEN ; Yanyan WANG ; Dmytro SHYTIKOV ; Yanwen WANG ; Wangyi ZHU ; Ruyi CHEN ; Yuwei HE ; Yanjia YANG ; Wei GUO
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):23-52
Therapeutic resistance in cancer is responsible for numerous cancer deaths in clinical practice. While target mutations are well recognized as the basis of genetic resistance to targeted therapy, nontarget mutation resistance (or nongenetic resistance) remains poorly characterized. Despite its complex and unintegrated mechanisms in the literature, nongenetic resistance is considered from our perspective to be a collective response of innate or acquired resistant subpopulations in heterogeneous tumors to therapy. These subpopulations, e.g., cancer stem-like cells, cancer cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug-tolerant persisters, are protected by their resistance traits at cellular and molecular levels. This review summarizes recent advances in the research on resistant populations and their resistance traits. NOTCH signaling, as a central regulator of nongenetic resistance, is discussed with a special focus on its canonical maintenance of resistant cancer cells and noncanonical regulation of their resistance traits. This novel view of canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling pathways is translated into our proposal of reshaping therapeutic strategies targeting NOTCH signaling in resistant cancer cells. We hope that this review will lead researchers to study the canonical and noncanonical arms of NOTCH signaling as an integrated resistant mechanism, thus promoting the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
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Disease Resistance/physiology*
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Signal Transduction/physiology*
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Humans
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology*
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Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods*
5.Effect of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma on Short-chain Fatty Acids and Intestinal Barrier in Mice with Slow-transit Constipation
Kang YIN ; Keli CHEN ; Yanwen LIU ; Songlin LIU ; Zilong HE ; Lichao YANG ; Xin CHEN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):66-74
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) in the treatment of slow-transmission constipation(STC) by observing the effects of AMR on short-chain fatty acids and intestinal barries in STC mice. MethodForty-eight male KM mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, AMR low-, medium-, high-dose groups(2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1) and mosapride group(2.5 mg·kg-1). Except for the blank group, all groups were gavaged with loperamide suspension(5 mg·kg-1) twice daily for 14 d to construct the STC mouse model. At the same time, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drug by gavage for consecutive 14 d, the blank and model groups were gavaged with equal volume of distilled water. The effects of the treatment of AMR on body mass, defecation frequency, fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of mice were observed, the pathological changes of mouse colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining, the levels of gastrin(GAS) and motilin(MTL) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) was used to detect the contents of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in mouse feces, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the colon of mice. ResultCompared with the blank group, the body mass, defecation frequency, fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of mice in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the arrangement of colonic tissues was disordered, and the number of goblet cells was reduced, the levels of GAS and MTL in serum were significantly decreased(P<0.01), and the levels of SCFAs in the feces were on a decreasing trend, with the contents of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid and valeric acid were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 in the colonic tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The above results suggested that STC mouse model was successfully constructed. Compared with the model group, the body mass, defecation frequency, fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of mice in AMP administration groups all increased significantly(P<0.05, P<0.01), the mucosal layer of the colonic tissues was structurally intact without obvious damage, and the number of goblet cells increased, serum levels of GAS and MTL were significantly increased(P<0.01), the contents of SCFAs in the feces were all on a rising trend, with the contents of acetic, propionic, butyric and isobutyric acids rising significantly(P<0.05, P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 in the colonic tissues were significantly increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAMR is able to improve the constipation symptoms in STC mice, and its mechanism may be related to increasing the contents of SCFAs in the intestine as well as promoting the mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 in the colon.
6.Mendelian randomization study on the causal relationship between gut microbiota and primary open angle glaucoma
Wen YAO ; Yuan CAO ; Yanwen FENG ; Fang CHEN
International Eye Science 2024;24(8):1291-1296
AIM: To investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota(GM)and primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG)based on a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.METHODS: The exposure data was derived from the Genome-Wide Association Studies(GWAS)of GM at the University of Bristol, while the outcome data for POAG was sourced from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)Open GWAS database. In this study, inverse variance weighted(IVW), MR Egger, weighted median(WM), Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode were analyzed to investigate the potential causal relationships between GM and POAG. IVW was used as the primary method for this study, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of the MR analysis.RESULTS: The IVW analysis revealed that Butyrivibrio(OR=1.170, 95%CI: 1.057-1.295, P=0.002), Howardella(OR=1.188, 95%CI: 1.043-1.355, P=0.010), and LachnospiraceaeUCG001(OR=1.229, 95%CI: 1.016-1.485, P=0.033)were correlated with the risk of POAG. Conversely, Candidatus Soleaferrea(OR=0.810, 95%CI: 0.670-0.981, P=0.031), Ruminococcustorquesgroup(OR=0.656, 95%CI: 0.453-0.950, P=0.026), and RuminococcaceaeUCG013(OR=0.770, 95%CI: 0.598-0.990, P=0.041)were protective factors for POAG. Sensitivity analysis showed that there were no heterogeneity and pleiotropy among the instrumental variables.CONCLUSION: The MR study indicated a causal relationship between GM and POAG. Given the sight-threatening characteristic of POAG, early identification and intervention in the relative factors was significant for the prognosis of POAG.
7.Spatial-temporal characteristics of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, in 2016-2021
Min XU ; Lili CHEN ; Yixing ZHANG ; Yanwen CUI ; Shihong LI ; Shaotan XIAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(4):41-44
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal distribution of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Pudong New Area from 2016 to 2021 and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Methods The data of tuberculosis patients in Pudong New Area from 2016 to 2021 were collected through the Tuberculosis Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The geographic information database was established by ArcGIS software and the vector map of Pudong New Area for trend surface analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis . Results From 2016 to 2021, a total of 3916 patients with etiological positive tuberculosis were found to be drug resistant with the drug resistance rate of 13.13%. The drug resistance rate of each year showed a decreasing trend (χ2trend=14.917, P<0.001). The rates of drug resistance of male, retiree, age 50~<60 years old, 60~<70 years old and recurrent patient were higher. From 2016 to 2021, the incidence of drug-resistant TB showed no spatial aggregation.In the south - north direction, the north is higher than the south generally. In the east - west direction, the west is higher than the east generally. Conclusion Drug resistance screening should be strengthened for men, retirees, over 50 years old, and recurrent TB patients,. Prevention and control measures should be strengthened in street towns with dense population and large floating population.
8.A study of strategies to improve the management of the operative limb in patients undergoing coronary intervention through radial artery puncture
Xiaofang FENG ; Yanwen TENG ; Xuemeng ZHU ; Wenyu LI ; Mingming LI ; Shuyi LAI ; Dongxue CHEN ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Caixia SUN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(13):1568-1574
Objective Improving the limb management strategy for patients undergoing coronary intervention through radial artery puncture and observe the application effect,and to provide scientific basis for the prevention of limb complications.Methods From March 2023 to February 2024,patients who underwent coronary intervention in the Cardiovascular Department of a Tertiary A hospital in Wenzhou City were selected.They were randomly di-vided into an experimental group of 241 cases and a control group of 236 cases using a random number table method.After surgery,they were all treated with a rotary hemostatic device for compression hemostasis.The experi-mental group implement improvement strategies for surgical limb management,specifically underwent a reverse Bar-beau test upon returning to the ward after surgery to achieve non-occlusive compression,followed by decompression every hour.The compression intensity of the control group was guided by palpating the distal radial artery pulsa-tion,and the first decompression was performed 1 hour after surgery,followed by decompression at intervals of every 2 hours.The main evaluation indicators are the incidence of surgical limb complications and simplified Chinese version of General Comfort Questionnaire(GCQ)scores in 2 groups of patients,while the secondary evaluation indi-cators are the duration of compression and the number of decompression times in both groups.Results The inci-dence of postoperative complications in the experimental group was 14.11%,which was statistically significant com-pared to 44.49%in the control group(χ2=53.308,P<0.001).The GCQ score of the experimental group was(77.71±5.43)points,which was higher than(74.66±5.83)points in the control group,and the difference was statistically signif-icant(t=-3.354,P=0.001).The compression duration of(172±52)minutes and decompression frequency of 2(2,3)in the experimental group were lower than(289±60)minutes and 4(3,4)in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion The non-occlusive compression method of the radial artery based on the reverse Barbeau test can significantly reduce limb complications in patients undergoing coronary inter-vention,shorten the duration of hemostatic compression,reduce the number of depressions,and improve patient com-fort.It provides objective basis for nursing staff to evaluate the intensity of hemostatic compression and the timing of decompression.
9.Analysis of dyslipidemia associated with myelodysplastic syndrome
Yanwen SUN ; Cong WANG ; Shiliang CHEN ; Ranran ZHANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(8):872-876
Objective To analyze blood lipid levels in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)and further explore the factors associated with abnormal blood lipids.Methods Eighty-eight newly diagnosed MDS patients were selected as the study group,and 100 healthy subjects were selected as the control group.Fasting blood lipid levels,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1)and ApoB were detected before treatment in the study group and the control group.The differences of serum lipid levels in MDS patients with different WHO-MDS classification,modified International Prognostic Score System(IPSS-R)karyotype,risk stratification and TP53 mutation were investigated.The correlation between ApoA1 level and clinical indicators of MDS patients was analyzed,and clinical indicators of different ApoA1 level groups were compared.Results The levels of TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoA1 and ApoB were significantly lower in the study group than those in the control group(P<0.01).There were no significant differences in TG,TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoA1 and ApoB levels between different subgroups.The ApoA1 level was lower in the IPSS-R high-risk stratification group than that of the IPSS-R low-risk stratification group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in lipid levels between the different karyotype groups.The level of ApoA1 was lower in the TP53 mutant group than that in the non-TP53 mutant group(P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that ApoA1 level was positively correlated with body mass index(BMI,P<0.05),and negatively correlated with patient age,percentage of bone marrow original cells,IPSS-R karyotype grouping,IPSS-R risk grouping and TP53 gene mutation(P<0.05).The BMI level was lower in the low ApoA1 group than that of the high ApoA1 group(P<0.05).The percentage of bone marrow original cells and TP53 gene mutation rate of MDS patients were higher in the low ApoA1 group than those in the high ApoA1 group(P<0.05).Conclusion The plasma lipid level in MDS patients is significantly lower than that of healthy controls,and levels of ApoA1 varied significantly in different disease states,which may be associated with TP53 gene mutation.
10.Effects and mechanisms of 2.5T terahertz radiation exposure on testis injury in mice
Qinlong MA ; Min LIN ; Peng GAO ; Lingling YANG ; Yonghui LU ; Yanwen ZHANG ; Zhengping YU ; Chunhai CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(19):2197-2207
Objective To investigate the effects of terahertz(THz)radiation on mouse testicular tissue and its potential molecular mechanisms.Methods A total of 125 male C57BL/6J mice(6~8 weeks old)were randomly divided into control group and low-,medium-and high-radiation power groups.The mice of the latter 3 groups were exposed to THz radiation at a frequency of 2.5 T,with an average power density of 38,115,or 318 mW/cm2,for 5 or 10 min.The detection time was immediately or 24 h after exposure.HE staining was used to observe pathological damage.ELISA was employed to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in testicular tissue.RNA-seq was utilized to detect the global changes of gene expression.The differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were screened and bioinformatics was used to cluster them.The screened genes were further analyzed with RT-qPCR to determine the time-dependent and dose-dependent relationships of the expression with THz exposure.Finally,sperm quality was evaluated morphologically using a microscope.Results Three doses of THz radiation exposure did not cause significant pathological damages to mouse testicular tissue.TNF-α expression was increased immediately after exposure at average power density of 115 mW/cm2(P<0.01),and the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α were both increased when the dose reached 318 mW/cm2(P<0.01).However,all the 3 factors returned to normal levels in 24 h after exposure.RNA-seq results showed that THz radiation exposure caused abnormal expression of 56 genes.Cluster analysis indicated that these DEGs were mainly enriched in immune and inflammatory responses,enzyme activity,sperm development and capacitation functions.Then for 5 selected key genes,Crisp1,Adam7,Ltf,Rnase9,and Bsph1,the expression of Crisp1 and Rnase9 was decreased immediately after exposure to 115 mW/cm2 THz radiation,the dose of 318 mW/cm2 resulted in obvious changes in the expression of the 5 genes(P<0.05),and their expression returned to normal levels in 24 h after exposure.Morphological observation displayed that exposure to all the 3 doses of THz had no influence on sperm quality.Conclusion THz radiation exposure causes temporary inflammatory response in testicular tissue and abnormal expression of sperm functions-related genes.However,these changes return to normal 24 h after exposure,and additionally,do not impair sperm quality.


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