1.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.Modified Laparoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Penile Cancer under Guidance of Layer Surgery Concept
Yi XIA ; Yao QIN ; Yuhao ZHANG ; Xinning WANG ; Wei JIAO
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(4):722-729
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and efficacy of modified video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (M-VEIL), guided by the layer surgery concept, in reducing postoperative complications in patients with penile cancer. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 27 patients with penile cancer who underwent bilateral laparoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between March 2018 and March 2022. All patients had undergone prior penile surgery. M-VEIL followed a standardized four-step procedure guided by fascial planes to achieve compartment-oriented resection, with deep lymphatic trunks ligated by silk sutures and endoscopic compression suture of the skin to the muscle layer using 4-0 absorbable threads. ResultsPreoperative physical examinations and imaging findings revealed bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy, and no distant metastases were detected in any patient. Among the 27 patients, 12 underwent traditional video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (T-VEIL; mean age 61.08±12.75) years and 15 underwent M-VEIL (mean age 54.47±14.64) years. All 27 operations were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes retrieved, or lymph node positivity rate (all P >0.05). Drain removal time was significantly shorter in the M-VEIL group (15.93±6.89 days vs. 23.33±10.42 days; P<0.05). Lymphatic leakage (2 vs. 8 patients) and surgical site infection (1 vs. 6 patients) occurred less frequently in the M-VEIL group (both P <0.05). No significant differences were found in lymphocele, flap necrosis, lymphedema, or lower limb edema between the two groups (all P >0.05). During postoperative follow-up for 1-3 years, 2 patients developed pelvic lymph node metastases, while the remaining 25 showed no evidence of local or pelvic recurrence. ConclusionCompared with T-VEIL, M-VEIL appears to reduce postoperative complications and shorten drain removal time in patients undergoing inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer, while providing favorable clinical outcomes. Preliminary evidence suggests that M-VEIL is a safe and feasible modified procedure.
4.Association between health behaviors and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Heilongjiang Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1293-1297
Objective:
To examine the association between health behaviors and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide evidence for combined behavioral interventions targeting adolescent mental health.
Methods:
From September to November 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to recruit 104 834 junior and senior high school students from all 13 prefecture level cities (124 districts/counties) in Heilongjiang Province, China. Multivariable Logistic regression models, as well as multiplicative and additive interaction analyses were employed to analyze the associations between health behaviors and depressive symptoms, and Chi-square tests for trend were conducted to explore ,the changing tendency in the risk of depressive symptoms with increasing numbers of health behaviors among junior and senior high school students.
Results:
Healthy diet ( OR =0.66, 95% CI =0.63-0.68), healthy physical activity ( OR =0.47, 95% CI =0.45-0.49), healthy outdoor activity ( OR =0.55, 95% CI =0.52-0.57), healthy sleep ( OR =0.72, 95% CI =0.69-0.75), and healthy screen use ( OR =0.79, 95% CI =0.76-0.82) were independently associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms (all P <0.01). The risk of depressive symptoms decreased progressively with an increasing cumulative number of health behaviors ( χ 2 trend =996.73, P <0.01). Except for the interaction between healthy diet and healthy sleep, significant additive interactions were observed among the remaining health behaviors( RERI =0.07-0.23,all P <0.05). The probability of depressive symptoms was lower among girls with 2-3 healthy behaviors than among boys ( Z =2.51, 2.65), lower among urban students with 2-3 healthy behaviors than among suburban county students ( Z =-2.36, -2.04), and lower among senior high school students with 2-4 healthy behaviors than among junior high school students ( Z =2.17, 2.10, 2.04) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Health behaviors are significantly associated with depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students. The probability of depressive symptoms is lower among girls, urban students, and senior high school students who engage in multiple healthy behaviors. Implementing combined interventions targeting multiple health behaviors in these populations may yield greater benefits.
5.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
6.Analysis of short-term efficacy of intermediate-risk and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treated with intravesical instillation of domestic BCG
Xiangyu PANG ; Yu YAO ; Yi YUAN ; Lijiang SUN ; Guiming ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(4):250-256
Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy, safety and factors affecting recurrence of intermediate-risk and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with intravesical instillation of domestic Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infusion.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. We collected the data of 163 patients with NMIBC treated with domestic BCG after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) from October 2016 to October 2020 in the Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. There were 140 males and 23 females, the age was(67.3±10.3) years old. 23 cases had only been received BCG and 140 cases received other chemotherapy drugs before. The induction scheme of instillation was started after the TURBT at once a week for 6 consecutive weeks, continue instillation at every two weeks for 3 doses, then maintenance instillation once a month for 10 consecutive times, for a total of 19 instillations. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate recurrence-free survival. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze factors and stepwise regression (backward method) was employed to identify independent risk factors for recurrence after BCG instillation. The incidence of adverse reactions was recorded. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s), measurement data with skewed distribution were expressed as M( Q1, Q3), and count data were expressed as frequency and percentage(%). Results:A total of 23 cases experienced recurrence within the 13-month of instillation, of which 7 cases were found to have progressed by pathological biopsy, and the cumulative recurrence-free rate was 85.9%. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the history of re-TURBT ( P=0.010) was an independent predictor for recurrence after BCG intravesical instillation. Adverse events occurred in 110 cases. The main symptoms of the 65 cases were urgency of urination, pollakiuria and dysuria with urinary irritation, urinary tract infection in 15 cases, hematuria in 10 cases, and other symptoms in 20 cases. Instillation was terminated in 7 cases due to side effects, no serious adverse events such as spread of tuberculous bacteria were observed in the cases. Conclusions:Patients with NMIBC treated with intravesical instillation of domestic BCG have significant short-term efficacy, while patients who have previously received re-TURBT is an independent predictor for recurrence. The domestic BCG have the characteristic of slight side effect, good efficacy and safety.
7.Clinical application of computed tomography angiography and venography three-dimensional reconstruction of axillary artery and axillary vein and their distribution
Yu WEI ; Yao-Ke MAO ; Jia-Yi GONG ; Le ZHANG ; Peng-Ao WU ; Wei CHEN ; Hui ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):214-222
Objective To explore the relationship between axillary artery and axillary vein by combining computed tomography angiography computed tomography angiography(CTA)and computed tomography venography(CTV),and to provide imaging data for establishing an effective blood circulation pathway for vascular injury in clinical transaxillary surgery.Methods The image data of 30 patients who underwent left upper limb and axillary CTA and CTV at the same time were collected.After three-dimensional reconstruction of the images by GE AW4.6 workstation,the course,branch type and variation of axillary artery,the course of axillary vein,the reflux of subordinate branches and the relationship between axillary artery and axillary vein were observed.The length of the whole segment,the length of segment and the inner diameter of the starting point of each segment were measured and statistically analyzed.Results According to the number of branches from the main trunk,the axillary artery was divided into 7 types.According to the variation of the number of blood vessels,the axillary vein was divided into 5 types;The unknown vein branches converge into 32 branches,of which the first segment accounted for 37.5%,the second segment accounted for 46.9%,and the third segment accounted for 15.6%.According to the absence of arterial branches,the relationship between axillary artery and axillary vein was divided into 2 types.Conclusion There are many types of branches of axillary arteries and branches of axillary veins,and the variation types are complex.The changes of branches of axillary arteries affect the distribution of branches of axillary veins.Combined with CTA and CTV images,the relationship between axillary vessels can be reflected clearly and intuitively,which can provide imaging reference for the establishment of new ways of blood supply and reflux in clinical axillary treatment.
8.Effects of dihydroartemisinin on cognitive behavior,β-amyloid and autophagy proteins in brain and retina of 5×FAD mice
Yi-Wei HOU ; Yu YANG ; Zhi-Xin WANG ; Li YI ; Hang ZHOU ; Bei-Han LI ; Hong-Bo YAO ; Han GAO ; Yu-Chun WANG ; Ke-Shuang ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(3):270-276
Objective To explore the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by examining the effects of dihydroartemisinin(DHA)on cognitive behavior,hippocampal,cerebral cortex and retinal cell morphology,β-amyloid(Aβ)and autophagy-related proteins in 5×FAD mice.Methods Twenty 5×FAD mice and 5 wild type(WT)mice were selected,all of which were female.The 5×FAD mice were randomly divided into model(M)group,donepezil(D)group,low-dose DHA(DHA-L)group,and high-dose DHA(DHA-H)group.The WT and M groups were not treated,and the D group was given donepezil 0.1 mg/kg per day.DHA-L group and DHA-H group were given 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg DHA per day,respectively.Group D,group DHA-L and group DHA-H were given intragastric administration once a day for 3 months.The changes of in cognitive behavior were measured by Morris experiment.HE staining was used to observe the arrangement and morphology of nerve cells in cerebral cortex,hippocampus and retina.The expressions of Aβ protein in cerebral cortex,hippocampus and retina were detected by immunohistochemistry.Western blotting detected the expression of autophagy related proteins(LC3-Ⅰ,LC3-Ⅱ,Beclin-1,P62,β-actin).Results The DHA-H group and the D group exhibited more frequent adoption of both linear and trending exploration routes.Compared to the model group,significant differences in the contents of Aβ in the hippocampal CA1,cerebral cortex S1,and retinal were observed(P<0.0001)in the other four groups.The analysis also showed significant differences in autophagy-associated proteins between the DHA-L,DHA-H,and model groups(P<0.01).Conclusion DHA improves cognitive function and increases the number of nerve cells in mice.It also reduces Aβ content in the cerebral cortex,hippocampus,and retina,along with improving autophagy-associated protein deposition in mice.
9.Research progress on the impact of internet gaming disorder on adolescent brain structure and function
Hong-Yao YI ; Xiao-Fan YUAN ; Rong-Lan ZHANG ; Hong CHEN ; Fan YANG ; Jian LI ; Hong CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(3):364-370
With the rapid development of the Internet,the problem of internet gaming disorder(IGD)among adolescents has gradually become prominent.IGD has caused serious harm to their physical and mental health,and it is difficult to withdraw and treat.In 2019,the World Health Organization(WHO)officially listed Gaming Disorder(GD)in the diagnostic category and included it in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases.In China,the number of adolescent internet users has approached 200 million,and the number of IGD patients is relatively large.It is urgent to make breakthroughs in the cognition and treatment of IGD.Domestic and foreign studies have shown that IGD's physical and psychological harm to adolescents is related to the abnormal activation and functional connection damage of structures such as the prefrontal lobe,limbic system,and striatum,which in turn causes neurocognitive disorders,executive dysfunction,difficulty in emotional regulation,abnormal reward and punishment feedback,behavioral abnormalities and other functional disorders;therefore,this article aims to systematically review the research literature on IGD in recent years,and use neurophysiological imaging research method to sort out the changes in the brain structure and function of adolescents with IGD,in order to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease,and assist in further clinical diagnosis,treatment,application and research design.
10.Therapeutic role of miR-26a on cardiorenal injury in a mice model of angiotensin-II induced chronic kidney disease through inhibition of LIMS1/ILK pathway.
Weijie NI ; Yajie ZHAO ; Jinxin SHEN ; Qing YIN ; Yao WANG ; Zuolin LI ; Taotao TANG ; Yi WEN ; Yilin ZHANG ; Wei JIANG ; Liangyunzi JIANG ; Jinxuan WEI ; Weihua GAN ; Aiqing ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Bin WANG ; Bi-Cheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):193-204
BACKGROUND:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD.
METHODS:
We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Angiotensin II/toxicity*
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Mice
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Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced*
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Mice, Knockout
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Disease Models, Animal
;
Male
;
Signal Transduction/genetics*
;
LIM Domain Proteins/genetics*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Cell Line
;
Humans


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