1.Shashen Maidong Tang Enhances Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Mouse Model of Lewis Lung Cancer by Modulating JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Lin YU ; Yaoyao WANG ; Limin LIU ; Zuowei HU ; Yanping ZHOU ; Shang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):1-10
ObjectiveTo predict the mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer via network pharmacology and validate the prediction results in animal experiments. MethodsThe potential mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer was predicted by network pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and molecular docking methods. C57/BL6 mice were assigned into normal, model, cisplatin, and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups. In addition to the normal group, the remaining groups were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of 1×107 cells·mL-1 Lewis lung cancer cells to establish the Lewis lung cancer model. The daily gavage dose of Shasheng Maidong Tang was 3.58 g·kg-1, and the concentration of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected on every other day was 2 mg·kg-1. Drugs were administered for 14 d. The changes in the tumor volume and the rate of tumor suppression were monitored, and the tumor histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels in peripheral blood. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify the mRNA levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the tumor tissue of mice. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of JAK2, STAT3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), and Pim-1 proto1 (PIM1) in the tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of Bcl-2 and PIM1 in the tumor tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacological predictions indicated that Shasheng Maidong Tang might enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer by regulating nitrogen metabolism, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, cancer pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The experimental results demonstrated that tumor volume in the cisplatin group and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group was reduced compared with the model group, with statistically distinct differences observed on days 14, 17, 20 post modeling (P<0.05). Notably, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin therapy further decreased tumor volume compared with the cisplatin group, showing marked reductions on days 17 and 20 (P<0.05), consistent with trends visualized in tumor volume comparison charts. The Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited higher tumor inhibition rate than the cisplatin group (P<0.05). Histopathological analysis via HE staining revealed that the tumors in the model group displayed frequent nuclear mitosis, densely arranged cells, hyperchromatic nuclei, and no necrosis. Cisplatin treatment induced partial necrosis and vacuolization, while the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited extensive necrotic regions, maximal vacuolization, disarranged tumor cells, and minimal mitotic activity. Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed elevated level of IFN-γ (P<0.01) and declined level of IL-6 (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Compared with the cisplatin group, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented elevated level of IFN-γ (P<0.01) and lowered level of IL-6 (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level STAT1 (P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin group, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level of STAT1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 (P<0.01), Bcl-2 (P<0.01), PIM1 (P<0.01), and STAT3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin group, Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 (P<0.01), Bcl-2 (P<0.01), PIM1 (P<0.01), STAT3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 (P<0.01). The Bcl-2 and PIM1 expression results obtained by immunohistochemistry were consistent with those of Western blot. ConclusionShasheng Maidong Tang may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in the mouse model of Lewis lung cancer by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
2.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.
3.Differential Improvement in Memory and Executive Functions:Personalized Exercise versus Acupuncture for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Stroke-prone Individuals
Yaoyao XING ; Haoran HU ; Qingping MA ; Jianjun YANG ; Xin WANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):67-83
Objective:
This study compared the effects of personalized exercise versus acupuncture on multidimensional cognitive function in individuals at high risk for stroke with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial enrolled 200 stroke-risk adults aged 50−80 years. Ninety participants diagnosed with MCI (MMSE, HIS, CDR criteria) were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 30), acupuncture (n = 30), or control (n = 30) groups. Interventions lasted 6 months. Cognitive outcomes (MMSE, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Animal Fluency, Rey-Osterrieth test, Stroop test) were assessed before and after intervention. Multivariate regression identified risk factors for MCI. ANOVA was used for group comparisons.
Results:
Hypertension (aOR = 1.5) and diabetes (aOR = 1.3) were significant risk factors for MCI. After intervention, the exercise group showed the largest MMSE improvement (Δ = 5.0), compared with acupuncture (Δ = 3.0) and control (Δ = 1.0) (p < 0.001). Exercise produced greater gains in non-verbal reasoning (31.8% vs. 26.1% in acupuncture, p < 0.01). Acupuncture more effectively enhanced processing speed and attention (DSST: Δ = 26 vs. Δ = 20 in exercise, p = 0.03) and executive function (Stroop interference time: Δ = 16 vs. Δ = 15 seconds in exercise, p = 0.04). Both interventions significantly improved verbal fluency (p < 0.001), with larger benefits in those with baseline MMSE ≤ 20.
Conclusion
Hypertension and diabetes are key risk factors for MCI in stroke-prone individuals. Exercise yields greater improvement in global cognition and memory, whereas acupuncture is more effective for enhancing attention and executive function. Both modalities benefit verbal fluency, particularly in lower-functioning participants.
4.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.
5.Analysis of Clinical and Phenomics Characteristics of Patients with Phlegm-Stasis Binding Syndrome and Its Accompanied Patterns in Stable Angina Pectoris of Coronary Heart Disease
Chongchai LI ; Han LI ; Zheng LI ; Zeng LI ; Yushi ZHOU ; Yuhan AO ; Shuang XU ; Xue WANG ; Yaoyao SUN ; Dongning WU ; Hongcai SHANG ; Mingxue ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1514-1522
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical and phenomics characteristics of patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns in stable angina pectoris (SAP) of coronary heart disease (CHD). MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 300 patients with SAP of CHD were enrolled and classified into 120 cases of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome, 125 cases of qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, 38 cases of qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome, and 17 cases of toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns. Data of patients with different TCM patterns were collected, including general condition, TCM symptoms, blood lipids, coagulation function, immune indicators, and serum metabolomics. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was used to compare differences in phenomics characteristics among groups. Metabolites with variable importance in projection (VIP) ≥1 and fold change (FC) ≥2 were considered as representative differential metabolites. ResultsPatients in each TCM pattern type were most commonly in the 60-75 years age group, with a relatively high proportion of males. Regarding TCM symptoms, patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome most commonly presented with wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and chest tightness; in patients with qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, fatigue, chest pain, and weak pulse were most common; in patients with qi stagnation-accompanied sydnrome, wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and symptoms that increase or decrease with emotional changes, belching, or flatulence were most common; in patients with toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome, bitter taste in the mouth, chest tightness, irritability, restlessness or manic delirium, and dry and hard stools or foul-smelling diarrhea were most common. Comparisons among the different TCM patterns showed statistically significant differences in coagulation parameters (P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in blood lipid levels and immune indicators (P>0.05).Metabolomics analysis suggested that disorders of glycerophosphate metabolism and valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism are characteristic features of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The representative differential metabolites between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome were 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (FC = 3.58) and oxypurinol (FC = 124.50). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome were cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (FC = 2.62) and D-mannosamine (FC = 2.99). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome were anserine (FC = 7.83) and canrenone (FC = 8.94). ConclusionThere are certain differences in the clinical characteristics and phenomics characteristics among patients with SAP due to CHD exhibiting phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The phenomics characteristics mainly involve biological alterations such as lipid metabolism disorders, amino acid metabolism abnormalities, and multiple immune indicators activation, which may provide a reference for precise differentiation and treatment of SAP of CHD in TCM clinical practice.
6.Analysis of Clinical and Phenomics Characteristics of Patients with Phlegm-Stasis Binding Syndrome and Its Accompanied Patterns in Stable Angina Pectoris of Coronary Heart Disease
Chongchai LI ; Han LI ; Zheng LI ; Zeng LI ; Yushi ZHOU ; Yuhan AO ; Shuang XU ; Xue WANG ; Yaoyao SUN ; Dongning WU ; Hongcai SHANG ; Mingxue ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1514-1522
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical and phenomics characteristics of patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns in stable angina pectoris (SAP) of coronary heart disease (CHD). MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study design was adopted. A total of 300 patients with SAP of CHD were enrolled and classified into 120 cases of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome, 125 cases of qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, 38 cases of qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome, and 17 cases of toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns. Data of patients with different TCM patterns were collected, including general condition, TCM symptoms, blood lipids, coagulation function, immune indicators, and serum metabolomics. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was used to compare differences in phenomics characteristics among groups. Metabolites with variable importance in projection (VIP) ≥1 and fold change (FC) ≥2 were considered as representative differential metabolites. ResultsPatients in each TCM pattern type were most commonly in the 60-75 years age group, with a relatively high proportion of males. Regarding TCM symptoms, patients with phlegm-stasis binding syndrome most commonly presented with wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and chest tightness; in patients with qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome, fatigue, chest pain, and weak pulse were most common; in patients with qi stagnation-accompanied sydnrome, wiry-choppy or wiry-slippery pulse, chest pain, and symptoms that increase or decrease with emotional changes, belching, or flatulence were most common; in patients with toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome, bitter taste in the mouth, chest tightness, irritability, restlessness or manic delirium, and dry and hard stools or foul-smelling diarrhea were most common. Comparisons among the different TCM patterns showed statistically significant differences in coagulation parameters (P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in blood lipid levels and immune indicators (P>0.05).Metabolomics analysis suggested that disorders of glycerophosphate metabolism and valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism are characteristic features of phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The representative differential metabolites between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi deficiency-accompanied syndrome were 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (FC = 3.58) and oxypurinol (FC = 124.50). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and qi stagnation-accompanied syndrome were cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (FC = 2.62) and D-mannosamine (FC = 2.99). Those between phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and toxin accumulation-accompanied syndrome were anserine (FC = 7.83) and canrenone (FC = 8.94). ConclusionThere are certain differences in the clinical characteristics and phenomics characteristics among patients with SAP due to CHD exhibiting phlegm-stasis binding syndrome and its accompanied patterns. The phenomics characteristics mainly involve biological alterations such as lipid metabolism disorders, amino acid metabolism abnormalities, and multiple immune indicators activation, which may provide a reference for precise differentiation and treatment of SAP of CHD in TCM clinical practice.
7.Return intention and behavior among young lapsed blood donors: a study from the ethical perspective of “benevolence-righteousness-virtue”
Huahua HU ; Chunyu MA ; Yan YAN ; Yaoyao XU ; Xiuyong WANG ; Lingling PAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1090-1098
Objective: To explore factors associated with return intention and behavior among young lapsed blood donors from three psychological dimensions: blood donation values, moral identity and internalized responsibility, and to provide a contextualized interpretation of these psychological factors within the traditional Chinese ethical framework of “benevolence-righteousness-virtue”. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed among 732 young lapsed blood donors in Hangzhou, China, recruited via stratified random sampling. At baseline, participants completed measures of blood donation values, moral identity and identified regulation. Six months later, return intention was assessed among 344 participants who completed the follow-up survey, while actual return behavior was determined from blood center records for all 732 participants at baseline. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the predictive effects of these psychological variables on return intention and behavior. Results: Blood donation motivations varied significantly across participants with different educational levels (P<0.05). Among the 344 participants who completed the follow-up survey, blood donation values, moral identity, and identified regulation were each significantly associated with return intention (P<0.05). These associations remained significant after adjustment for demographic factors (P<0.01). When the three psychological factors were simultaneously entered into the model, only identified regulation remained independently associated with return intention (OR=1.95, 95%CI:1.35-2.82, P<0.001). Among all 732 participants, the three psychological factors were each significantly associated with actual return behavior in univariate and adjusted analyses;however, none remained independently associated with actual return behavior when entered simultaneously into the model (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Identified regulation may be an important psychological factor underlying the formation of return intention among young lapsed blood donors. From the perspective of the “benevolence - righteousness - virtue” ethical framework, blood donation values, identified regulation, and moral identity represent distinct dimensions of donation motivation, with the dimension of “righteousness” reflected in internalized responsibility, showing a relatively prominent role in return intention. The translation of psychological motivation into actual return behavior may additionally depend on other factors and warrants further investigation.
8.Study of the effect of self-perceived hearing status on depression in middle-aged and older people in the community
Yaoyao HUANG ; Dahui WANG ; Chenxi MAO ; Yang YI ; Geyao HUANG ; Shihao JIANG ; Yuchen ZHOU ; Hongkun CHEN ; Yuhuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(9):1154-1162
Objective:Hearing loss can seriously affect mental health status, and this study aims to investigate the influence of hearing health status on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older individuals in the community.Methods:From June to December 2023, a stratified random sampling method was employed to select 1 238 community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 years and above from four cities (Hangzhou, Shanghai, Baoding, and Zhengzhou) as research subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the subjects′ basic information, hearing health status [assessed by the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults-Screening Version (HHIA-S)], and depressive symptoms [assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15)]. T-tests, rank-sum tests and chi-square tests were used for univariate analysis, while, multiple linear regression and binary Logistic regression were applied to analyze the relationship between hearing health status and depressive symptoms.Results:A total of 1 183 community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 years and above were included in the final analysis (464 males and 719 females, aged from 45 to 96 years). The detection rate of hearing loss was 35.3%(418/1 183), while, the detection rate of depressive symptoms was 9.89%(117/1 183). Age, level of interaction with children, self-rated health, perceived loneliness, and hearing health significantly influenced depressive symptoms among older adults residing in the community ( P<0.05). Individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss ( β=2.04, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.62) exhibited higher GDS-15 scores compared to those without hearing impairment. Furthermore, after correcting for sex, age, marital status, monthly per capita family income, education, residence, smoking status, alcohol use, use of psychotropic medication (anxiolytic or depressant), number of illness, self-health assessment, and autonomy, middle-aged and older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss ( OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.76, 4.88) and severe hearing loss ( OR=5.79, 95% CI: 3.05, 11.01) demonstrated an increased likelihood of experiencing depression. Conclusions:The degree of hearing loss in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly individuals is closely associated with the risk of depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance hearing health screening and to provide mental health support to individuals with hearing loss, in order to mitigate the onset and progression of depressive symptoms.
9.Mechanism of acupuncture on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway in rat models.
Qi WANG ; Ziwen HOU ; Yaoyao LIU ; Dan WEI ; Qingjie KONG ; Xia CHEN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1099-1110
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) in the rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) based on the p53 protein (p53)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway.
METHODS:
Of 102 male Wistar rats, 20 rats were randomly collected as a sham-operation group. Using a modified external carotid artery filament insertion method, CIRI models were prepared by occluding the middle cerebral artery in the rest rats. After modeling and excluding 1 non-successfully modeled rat and 1 dead one, the other modeled rats were randomized into a model group, an agonist group, an acupuncture group, and an acupuncture + agonist group, 20 rats in each one. Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy was delivered in the rats of the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The acupoints included "Shuigou" (GV26), bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6), and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side. Electroacupuncture was attached to "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side, with dense-disperse wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz and intensity of 1 mA. The intervention was delivered twice daily, 20 min each time and for 7 consecutive days. In the agonist group and acupuncture+agonist group, p53 agonist, COTI-2 was intraperitoneally injected (15 mg/kg), once daily for 7 consecutive days. Neurological deficit was evaluated using Zausinger's six-point scale. Cerebral infarction volume was quantified by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Iron deposition was assessed by Prussian blue staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in the ischemic cortex was examined under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum iron (Fe2+) was measured with chromometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the ischemic hippocampus were determined using thiobarbituric acid and microplate assays, respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ischemic cortex was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and p53 in the ischemic hippocampus were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited the decrease in neurological deficit score (P<0.01), and the increase in cerebral infarction volume percentage (P<0.01). The changes of brain tissue were presented in extensive cellular necrosis, pyknotic and deeply-stained nuclei, and vacuolar degeneration. The iron deposition was elevated in cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane density increased, the cristae was broken or reduced, and the outer membrane ruptured. The levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were elevated (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was reduced (P<0.01), while that of p53 rose (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the agonist group, the neurological deficit score was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of infarction volume was higher (P<0.01), the histopathological damage was further exacerbated, and the percentage of iron deposition increased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial quantity decreased, the membrane density increased, the mitochondrial cristae were broken or reduced, and the outer membrane was ruptured. The levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were higher (P<0.01, P<0.05) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while that of p53 was elevated (P<0.01). Besides, in comparison with the model group, the neurological deficit score was higher in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01), the pathological damage of brain tissue was alleviated in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group, and the percentage of iron depositiondecreased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial structure was relatively clear, the mitochondrial cristae were fractured or reduced mildly in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were lower (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was higher (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group. The mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture + agonist group. The mRNA expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was elevated (P<0.01) and that of p53 was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05) in either the acupuncture group or the acupuncture + agonist group; the protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 rose (P<0.05, P<0.01) and that of p53 was dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group; and the protein expression of p53 was also lower in the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.05). When compared with the agonist group, in the acupuncture + agonist group, neurological deficit score increased (P<0.01), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.01), the pathological brain tissue damage was reduced, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was relatively clear and the cristae broken or reduced slightly; the levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01), while the level of GSH increased (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01). In comparison with the acupuncture + agonist group, in the acupuncture group, the neurological deficit score increased (P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.05), the pathological brain tissue damage was alleviated, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was normal in tendency; the levels of Fe2+ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were reduced (P<0.05), while the level of GSH rose (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can alleviate neurological damage in CIRI rats, which is obtained probably by inhibiting ferroptosis through p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
Animals
;
Reperfusion Injury/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Rats
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics*
;
Brain Ischemia/metabolism*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Signal Transduction
;
Humans
;
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics*
10.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Oxidative Stress to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis: A Review
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):277-285
Osteoporosis is a common bone metabolic disease, which is mainly characterized by the decrease in the number of bone trabeculae and the destruction of bone tissue microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risks. This disease is common in postmenopausal women, elderly men, diabetes patients, and obese people. Due to the lack of awareness to prevent bone losses and the limitations of bone mass measurement methods, osteoporosis is only concerned when there are serious complications, which imposes a heavy burden on both patients and medical resources. Oxidative stress refers to the excessive production of highly active molecules such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen in the body subjected to harmful stimuli, leading to the imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant systems and causing oxidative damage. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can increase the generation and activity of osteoclasts and inhibit the differentiation of osteoblasts, thus playing a role in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered an effective antioxidant that can alleviate oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis by regulating a variety of signaling pathways. Studies have shown that TCM can alleviate oxidative stress and promote bone angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor-kappa B, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathways. TCM alleviates oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis by regulating the Nrf2, PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, and secreted glycoprotein Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In addition, TCM regulates NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway to alleviate excessive bone resorption induced by oxidative stress. This paper systematically summarizes the literature on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by TCM or its active ingredients via the above-mentioned signaling pathways to reduce oxidative stress in recent years. It briefs the possible molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress regulation-related signaling pathways to cause osteoporosis. In addition, this paper discusses the effects and mechanisms of TCM on bone angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone resorption by reducing oxidative stress through the regulation of related signaling pathways, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the research and clinical treatment of osteoporosis.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail