1.Influencing Factors of Urate Crystal Deposition in Patients with Hyperuricemia and Prediction Model of TCM Syndrome Types-inflammatory Indicators
Jiaqi XU ; Bin AI ; Chao LIN ; Qiaoxuan LIN ; Changning LI ; Jing CAI ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO ; Youxin SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):66-73
ObjectiveTo identify potential influencing factors of urate crystal deposition at ankle/foot in patients with hyperuricemia (HUA), and to analyze the predictive value of inflammatory indicators for urate crystal deposition in patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, so as to provide potential reference for clinical risk assessment and individualized TCM intervention. MethodsA retrospective study was carried out with the enrollment of 231 HUA patients from The Third Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2021 and December 2024. The enrolled patients were further divided into a crystal deposition-positive group (143 cases) and a crystal deposition-negative group (88 cases) according to the results of dual-energy computed tomography (CT). Sociodemographic data, living habits, serum uric acid levels, and inflammatory indicators of the enrolled patients were collcted, and TCM syndrome differentiation was performed. Furthermore, univariate analysis was used to compare inter-group differences in clinical characteristics. MMultivariate Logistic regression was applied to identify the influencing factors of urate crystal deposition. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive efficacy of inflammatory indicators for crystal deposition across different TCM syndromes. ResultsThere were statistically significant inter-group differences in the proportion of males, age, body mass index, proportion of mental labor, rate of low water intake, and rate of high-sugar beverage consumption (P<0.05),whereas no significant difference in low exercise intensity was found between the two groups. Furthermore, compared with the negative group, the positive group had higher serum uric acid level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), but lower systemic immune-inflammation index (SIRI) (P<0.05). Regarding the distribution of TCM syndromes, the positive group was dominated by the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome (55/143,38.46%), while the negative group was mainly characterized by the phlegm-turbidity obstruction syndrome (44/88,50.00%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that high-sugar beverage consumption, elevated NLR, and elevated PLR were risk factors for urate crystal deposition [odd ratio (OR) = 8.002, 5.377, 1.034, respectively; 95% CI 1.572-40.732, 2.179-13.270, 1.013-1.054,all P<0.05], while SIRI was a protective factor (OR = 0.869, 95% CI 0.778-0.971, P<0.05). In the positive group, patients with the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome exhibited the highest NLR, while the lowest PLR and SIRI, showing statistically significant differences with those of other syndromes (all P<0.05). In addition, ROC curve analysis indicated that for the dampness-heat accumulation syndrome, the combined "NLR + PLR" model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.901 (95% CI 0.850-0.951, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 79.5%; for the blood stasis-heat obstruction syndrome, the combined "NLR + PLR" model had an AUC of 0.880 (95% CI 0.825-0.934, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 67.3%; for the liver-kidney Yin-deficiency syndrome, the single PLR model had an AUC of 0.842 (95% CI 0.731-0.952, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 84.0%. ConclusionUrate crystal deposition in HUA patients exhibits intimate associations with high-sugar beverage consumption as well as elevated NLR and PLR levels. Meanwhile, TCM syndrome differentiation has potential correlation with inflammatory characteristics. The inflammatory indicator-based prediction model constructed based on TCM syndromes exhibits good predictive value.
2.Pathogenesis Evolution and Stage-based Treatment of Gout: An Exploration Based on Theory of ''Endogenous Dampness Leading to Bi Syndrome''
Yingjie ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ruifang YANG ; Zhuoming ZHENG ; Siwei PENG ; Yan XIAO ; Peng CHEN ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):74-83
Gout is a crystal-associated arthropathy caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals and is closely related to purine metabolic disorders and impaired uric acid excretion. It is clinically characterized by hyperuricemia, recurrent joint swelling and pain, and tophus formation. The disease course is divided into three stages: The hyperuricemia stage, acute attack stage, and chronic gouty arthritis stage. Modern medicine has reached a consensus on its pathology, but traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lacks a systematic stage-specific understanding of gout pathogenesis and its underlying mechanisms, making it difficult to guide precise syndrome differentiation and treatment. By integrating classical TCM theory, clinical practice, and modern medical understanding, and drawing upon descriptions of Bi syndrome caused by endogenous dampness and turbidity in classical texts such as Huangdi Neijing·Ling Shu and Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, our team proposes the pathogenic concept of gout as ''endogenous dampness leading to Bi syndrome'' and the core pathogenesis of ''spleen deficiency with internal retention of dampness-turbidity''. We systematically elucidate the evolution of pathogenesis across different stages and corresponding therapeutic strategies. This study posits that metabolic byproducts such as urate fall under the category of ''endogenous pathogenic dampness-turbidity''. When genetic or dietary factors lead to metabolic abnormalities, it manifests as ''spleen deficiency with impaired transport and transformation'', resulting in ''internal retention of pathogenic dampness-turbidity''. When damp-turbidity stagnates in the blood vessels, serum uric acid levels rise. When it stagnates in the viscera and limbs, monosodium urate crystals deposit in the joints. Triggered by precipitating factors, this leads to gout attacks—the core pathological process of ''endogenous dampness leading to Bi syndrome''. Based on this theory, the stage-specific pathogenic characteristics of gout are proposed: The hyperuricemia stage is characterized by ''spleen deficiency with impaired transport and transformation, internal retention of pathogenic dampness-turbidity'', the acute attack stage is primarily marked by ''dampness-turbidity and static heat obstructing the limbs and joints'', while the chronic stage is defined by ''spleen deficiency with internal retention of pathogenic dampness-turbidity, intermingled with phlegm-stasis binding''. The treatment principle centers on ''strengthening the spleen and draining dampness'' throughout all stages. During the hyperuricemia stage, treatment focuses on ''strengthening the spleen, draining dampness, and eliminating turbidity''. In the acute attack stage, the treatment should "strengthen the spleen, drain dampness, clear heat, eliminate turbidity, alleviate swelling, and relieve pain''. In the chronic stage, the treatments emphasizes to ''strengthen the spleen, drain dampness, transform turbidity, clear heat, resolve phlegm, and activate blood circulation''. This approach has yielded favorable therapeutic outcomes in clinical practice. This theoretical system clarifies the nature of gout as ''spleen deficiency being the root, dampness-turbidity being the secondary manifestation'' and systematically analyzes its pathogenesis evolution process and characteristics. The constructed stage-based treatment protocol has been validated through clinical and basic research, providing systematic theoretical guidance and a practical framework for the precise TCM management of gout, thereby promoting the modernization of TCM pathogenesis theory related to gout.
3.Analysis of Chronic Gouty Arthritis Animal Models Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yan XIAO ; Siyuan LIN ; Fan YANG ; Qianglong CHEN ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Meiling WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiali LUO ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):84-92
ObjectiveBased on the clinical characteristics of chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) in both traditional Chinese and western medicine, this study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing CGA animal models, providing recommendations for establishing animal models that align with the pathological characteristics of CGA and the manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. MethodsBy comprehensively retrieving Chinese and international databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and PubMed, all relevant literature on CGA animal models was collected. Based on the guidelines, the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine were summarized and organized. The evaluation indicators for the CGA model were constructed with reference to existing evaluation modes, and the CGA animal models were analyzed to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing models. ResultsThe current methods used to construct CGA animal models mainly include monosodium urate crystal induction, high-protein diet induction (poultry lack urate oxidase), and high-fat diet combined with urate oxidase inhibitors and joint injection. Based on 11 pieces of included literature, the traditional Chinese and western medicine scoring data of each model were extracted, and the average scoring values of all models were ultimately calculated. The results show that the average clinical concordances of existing CGA animal models in both traditional Chinese and western medicine are 43.33% and 64.44%, respectively. Among them, the model with the highest clinical concordance rate is the one with a high-fat diet combined with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia plus joint injection, achieving 83.33% clinical concordance in western medicine and 60% in traditional Chinese medicine. This model aligns well with the pathogenic characteristics and pathological changes of clinical CGA. ConclusionAlthough current CGA animal models can simulate some pathological characteristics of CGA, they struggle to comprehensively reflect the complex pathological processes of CGA and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to establish the CGA animal models that incorporate the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and formulate the uniform model evaluation criteria, providing more precise tools for CGA mechanism research and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Mechanism of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Presciption in Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Improving Low-grade Inflammation in Rats with Chronic Gouty Arthritis
Yuwan LI ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Siyuan LIN ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Qianglong CHEN ; Fan YANG ; Jun LIU ; Bingyan CHEN ; Peng CHEN ; Jiemei GUO ; Youxin SU ; Yan XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):93-104
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Huazhuo SanJie Chubi presciption (HSCD) on chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) rats with low-grade inflammation and to explore the underlying mechanism with a focus on macrophage polarization. MethodsThe 41 male 6-week-old SD rats were randomly allocated, using the random number table, to a normal group (n=8) and a model group (n =33). CGA with low-grade inflammation was induced in the model group by daily gavage of potassium oxonate (250 mg·kg-1·d-1) and hypoxanthine (300 mg·kg-1·d-1), combined with intra-articular injection of a monosodium urate (MSU) crystal suspension (50 μL, 25 g·L-¹) into the left ankle twice weekly. After 4 weeks of modeling, 3 rats were randomly selected from each group for model validation. The remaining successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an HSCD group (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1, gavage once daily), an M1 polarization agonist group (L-methionine sulfoximine, 300 mg·kg-1, subcutaneous injection every other day), an M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group, an M2 polarization inhibitor group (PD0325901, 10 mg·kg-1·d-1, gavage once daily), and M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group. The corresponding drug or drug combination was administered according to group assignment, whereas rats in the normal and model groups received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na) vehicle (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1, gavage once daily). All interventions were continued for four weeks. During the intervention period, except for the normal group, potassium oxonate (250 mg·kg⁻¹) and hypoxanthine (300 mg·kg-1) were co-administered by gavage every other day to maintain the model. At the end of treatment, serum uric acid (SUA), ankle joint diameter and joint swelling index were measured. The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 (S100A8/A9), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in serum and joint fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High-frequency ultrasound was used to assess MSU deposition in the ankle joint. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate synovial histopathological changes. Quantitative Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the M1 macrophage polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the M2 macrophage polarization marker scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 protein M130 (CD163) in synovial tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated SUA level and joint swelling index, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, CCL2, and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid (P<0.05), accompanied by MSU deposition and synovial inflammation in the ankle joint. The mRNA and protein expression levels of macrophage polarization M1/M2 markers iNOS and CD163 in synovial tissues were also significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with model group, rats in HSCD group had significantly lower SUA levels, attenuated joint swelling, reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid, accompanied with alleviated MSU deposition and synovial inflammation (P<0.05). HSCD markedly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of M1 marker iNOS (P<0.05), whereas it had no significant effect on the expression of M2 marker CD163. Compared with the M1 polarization agonist group, the M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group showed significantly reduced joint swelling, lower serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid (P<0.05). In addition, synovial inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis were attenuated, and iNOS mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 polarization inhibitor group, the M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group exhibited reduced joint swelling, decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid and ameliorated synovial inflammation (P<0.05), whereas the levels of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, Arg-1) and CD163 mRNA and protein expression were not significantly increased. ConclusionHSCD alleviates low-grade inflammation in CGA rats, at least in part, by inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype.
5.Effect and Action Mechanism of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Prescription on Gouty Bone Erosion Model Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Zhuoming ZHENG ; Jun LIU ; Meiling WANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Yuwan LI ; Siwei PENG ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Ruifang YANG ; Youxin SU ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):105-117
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the effect of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi prescription (HSCD) on the gouty bone erosion model rats and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsThirty-six two-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group with nine rats and the modeling group with 27 rats. The rats in the modeling group were administered hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1·d-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1·d-1, combined with intra-articular injection of 200 μL monosodium urate (MSU) crystal suspension at 25 g·L-1 into the right ankle joint (joint injection once every three days), so as to induce the gouty bone erosion model. After four weeks of modeling, three rats were selected from these two groups to validate the model. The modeled 24 rats were randomly divided into the model group, HSCD group (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1), allopurinol group (20 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor group (LY294002, 10 mg·kg-1·d-1), with six rats per group. Except for the blank group, rats in all other groups continued to receive hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1 via gavage concurrently with administration to maintain modeling intervention. The rats in the HSCD group and allopurinol group received administration by gavage at the above doses. The rats in the inhibitor group received an intraperitoneal injection at the above dose. The rats in the blank group and model group received saline (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage for four consecutive weeks. After administration, ankle joint swelling of the rats in all groups was observed, and the diameters were measured. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone surface area to bone volume (BS/BV) were observed and quantitatively analyzed by Micro-CT. Histopathological changes in the ankle joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining. The uric acid in the rats' serum was determined by enzyme colorimetry. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in ankle joint tissues of rats were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of the proteins related to the bone erosion, including RANKL, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
6.Research on Development Path and Strategy of Human Use Experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Bibliometrics and Thematic Analysis
Yundan WU ; Qun CHEN ; Jie CHEN ; Yuhang OU ; Jindong WU ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO ; Jing CAI ; Youxin SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):118-128
ObjectiveThe development trend and knowledge structure of the research on human use experience (HUE) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were systematically reviewed, and the core challenges and future directions were identified. This study aims to provide reference for the construction of a scientific and feasible research and development framework and evidence transformation system. MethodsLiterature related to "human use experience" published from January 1, 2019 to July 31, 2025 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and PubMed databases. Bibliometric visualization was conducted using Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace, followed by in-depth reading and thematic summarization of core literature. ResultsA total of 181 papers were included for bibliometric analysis, with 45 articles used for in-depth thematic mining. The analysis showed that the number of publications on HUE research has increased in a stepwise manner over the past five years. Yang Zhongqi (24 times) was the core of the author network, the journal with the highest number of publications was China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, the institutions publishing the most articles were mainly research institutions, regulatory agencies, hospitals, and universities, high-frequency keywords included "new TCM drugs", "real-world studies", and "clinical comprehensive evaluation", keyword clustering analysis formed three major clusters: Policy orientation, application fields, and methodological approaches. Thematic analysis reveals that HUE-based evaluation should be integrated throughout the research and development process, encompassing three dimensions: TCM theory, clinical value, and pharmaceutical fundamentals, with toxic herbs and compatibility contraindications being key foci. Data collection primarily relies on empirical data, while real-world data constitute the primary source for clinical research, with efficacy and safety as the shared core. Data management emphasizes quality control and statistical analysis; however, the management of bias and confounding remains a critical bottleneck in evidence transformation. In practice, HUE-based approaches have successfully supported the registration and evaluation of multiple categories of new TCM drugs. ConclusionThe research on HUE of TCM has formed a policy-driven pattern characterized by, rapid development and close link with regulatory practice. A technical framework covering the whole chain of research and development has been constructed with clinical value as the core, which provides methodological basis and strategy reference for the scientific transformation of HUE of TCM from "experience" to "evidence".
7.Correlation analysis of airborne pollen concentration and allergic diseases in Chengde from 2020 to 2022
Qinghua LI ; Jian LI ; Youxin GUO ; Yunhua ZHAO ; Liping SUI ; Jiahua ZHENG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2024;31(8):506-509
OBJECTIVE To discuss the relationship between the main concentration of air-borne pollen and the number of visits for allergic diseases in Chengde City. METHODS The daily airborne pollen concentration and species in Chengde City,Hebei Province were monitored by gravity sedimentation method from March 1 to October 15,in 2020-2022. The number of visits of patients with allergic rhinitis,asthma and conjunctivitis in department of otorhinolaryngology,respiratory and ophthalmology were counted by HIS system in the hospital computer center,furthermore,the correlation between pollen concentration and the number of visits of the above diagnosed patients was analyzed. RESULTS The pollen concentration in Chengde showed two peaks each year,which were in May in spring and August in autumn. The main pollen sources in spring were Pinaceae,ash,birch,ulmaceae,Cupressaceae,Moraceae and Rosaceaceae,accounting for 82.6% of the total annual pollen(78.2%,83.5%,and 86.1% in 2020-2022,respectively). In autumn,artemisia and humulus were the main sources of pollen,accounting for 9.94% of the total annual pollen(11.4%,6.3%,12.11%,in 2020-2022,respectively). The number of outpatient visits patients with allergic rhinitis,asthma and conjunctivitis were higher in May and August than in other months,and the number of patients with allergic rhinitis in August was significantly increased compared with other months(P<0.05). The total monthly visits of the three departments and the visits of the three allergic diseases were positively correlated with pollen concentration. CONCLUSION The pollen concentration in the spring and autumn seasons of Chengde City has a direct impact on allergic diseases. Monitoring and broadcasting pollen concentration can provide early warning for doctors and patients,and provide effective information for early intervention,protection,and reasonable treatment of diseases.
8.Characteristics of cortical activation in older adults under cognition-balance dual tasks
Chaojie KAN ; Chuan GUO ; Shizhe ZHU ; Youxin SUI ; Qinglei WANG ; Ren ZHUANG ; Ayan GENG ; Tong WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2023;29(10):1189-1194
ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of balance and cortical activation in older adults when performing cognition-balance dual tasks. MethodsFrom January to April, 2023, 20 healthy older adults were non-targeted recruited. They completed six tasks of close eyes & fixed platform (CF), close eyes & fixed platform & cognitive task (CFc), open eyes & sway-referenced platform (OS), open eyes & sway-referenced platform & cognitive task (OSc), close eyes & sway-referenced platform (CS), and close eyes & sway-referenced platform & cognitive task (CSc) on the Balance SD, wearing functional near-infrared spectroscopy caps. The overal stability index (OSI) was measured with Balance SD. The premotor cortex (PMC), sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were as regions of interest (ROIs), and the β values were calculated. ResultsThe OSI was more as CFc than as CF (Z = -2.014, P < 0.05), and was less as CSc than as CS (Z = -2.063, P < 0.05). The β values of bilateral ROIs were all more as CFc than as CF (|Z| > 2.464, |t| > 3.733, P < 0.05), and as OSc than as OS (|t| > 2.308, P < 0.05); the β value of the right SMC was more as CSc than as CS (t = -2.912, P < 0.05). The number of correct counts was less as CSc than as CFc and OSc (|Z| > 3.643, P < 0.001). ConclusionBalance has been impaired under dual tasks for older adults, while activation of cerebral cortex increases. However, for more difficult balance task, older adults would preferentially maintain postural balance under dual tasks, while cognitive performance decreases, which may be the results from no more activation of cerebral cortex under dual tasks.
9.Effects of Tongfengning(痛风宁) on Intestinal Flora and Intestinal Uric Acid Metabolism in Model Mice of Hyperuri⁃cemia of Spleen Deficiency with Exuberance of Dampness Syndrome
Yingjie ZHANG ; Xiao MAO ; Yan XIAO ; Tangyan CAI ; Jiemei GUO ; Peng CHEN ; Peng ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Mengting QIU ; Youxin SU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;64(21):2232-2240
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Tongfengning (痛风宁, TFN) in treating hyperuricemia (HUA) of spleen deficiency with exuberance of dampness syndrome. MethodsTen of 60 mice were randomly selected, and were fed with regular diet as the control group, while the remaining 50 mice were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with excessive exercise and potassium oxonate-allopurinol suspension to establish an HUA animal model of syndrome of spleen deficiency with exuberance of dampness. After the successful modeling, in order to better observe the effects of TFN on the intestinal microbiota of the model mice, a mixed antibiotic suspension was administered by gavage to induce further dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota in the model mice. Fifty sucessfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group, TFN group, allopurinol group, probiotics group, and an allopurinol + probiotics group, 10 in each group. The TFN group was administered TFN liquid at a dosage of 19.11 g/(kg·d) by gavage. The allopurinol group was administered allopurinol suspension at a dosage of 78 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The probiotics group was administered live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets suspension at a dosage of 3 g/(kg·d) by gavage. The allopurinol + probiotics group was administered allopurinol at a dosage of 78 mg/(kg·d) and live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets suspension at a dosage of 3 g/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and model group were administered normal saline at a dosage of 19.11 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. The interventions were continued for 21 days. In order to maintain a stable high blood uric acid state, all groups but the control group continued modeling while receiving drug intervention. The changes in spleen deficiency syndrome scores, blood uric acid levels, microbial community structure, acetic acid and butyric acid content in intestinal lavage fluid, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) content in small intestine tissue, as well as ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) protein and mRNA expression in the small intestine tissue were compared among the groups of mice. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increased spleen deficiency syndrome scores, blood uric acid levels, relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, abundance of Bacteroides genus, Klebsiella genus, and Enterococcus genus, acetic acid content in intestinal lavage fluid, ADA and XOD content in small intestine tissue, as well as GLUT9 protein and mRNA expression (P<0.05). The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of intestinal microbiota, relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum, abundance of Lactobacillus genus and uncultured Bacteroides genus, butyric acid content in intestinal lavage fluid, and ABCG2 protein and mRNA expression in small intestine tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the group treated with TFN, probiotics, and allopurinol + probiotics, the spleen deficiency syndrome score, blood uric acid level, relative abundance of Firmicutes, acetic acid content in intestinal lavage fluid, ADA and XOD content in small intestine tissue, GLUT9 protein and mRNA expression significantly decreased. The number of gut microbiota OTUs, relative abundance of proteobacteria, butyric acid content in intestinal lavage fluid, ABCG2 protein and mRNA expression in small intestine tissue significantly increased (P<0.05). In the probiotics group, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes decreased. In the TFN group, the abundance of Lactobacillus and uncultured Bacteroidetes significantly increased, while the abundance of Parabacteroides, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the TFN group, allopurinol group and the probiotics group showed elevated blood uric acid levels, abundance of Bacteroidetes, ADA and XOD levels in intestinal tissue, and GLUT9 mRNA expression. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, abundance of lactobacilli, and ABCG2 mRNA expression significantly decreased. The probiotics group showed elevated GLUT9 protein expression in intestinal tissue. The probiotics group and the allopurinol plus probiotics group showed significantly higher scores for spleen deficiency syndrome in mice, and lower levels of butyric acid in mouse intestinal lavage fluid. The allopurinol group showed decreased numbers of OTUs in mouse intestinal flora, decreased abundance of proteobacteria, and butyric acid levels in intestinal lavage fluid. The allopurinol group also showed decreased ABCG2 protein expression in intestinal tissue, increased acetic acid levels in intestinal lavage fluid, increased abundance of Klebsiella, and significantly elevated GLUT9 protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe treatment of HUA with TFN may be associated with the regulation of intestinal probiotics (such as lactobacilli) and pathogenic bacteria (such as Klebsiella), as well as the production of bacterial metabolites such as acetic acid and butyric acid. It may also involve reducing the expression of ADA and XOD in the intestines, decreasing intestinal uric acid production, upregulating the expression of intestinal epithelial urate transporter ABCG2, downregulating GLUT9 expression, and promoting intestinal uric acid excretion. These factors are related to the syndrome of spleen deficiency with exuberance of dampness.
10.Effects of hyperthermia on biological behavior of human laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cisplatin-resistant cell line
Yunhua ZHAO ; Haitao LU ; Baogang CHEN ; Youxin GUO ; Zhihong MA ; Jian LI ; Yanli TANG ; Zhihong HU
Cancer Research and Clinic 2022;34(1):26-32
Objective:To investigate the effects of hyperthermia on the biological behavior of human laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cisplatin-resistant (Hep-2/CDDP) cell line and its possible mechanism.Methods:Hep-2/CDDP cell line was induced by high impact combined with increasing concentration method. Cell count method was used to detect the cell proliferation ability of Hep-2 parental cell group (Hep-2 cells without cisplatin-resistance and the cells were cultured with RPMI 1640 cultured medium without cisplatin), Hep-2/CDDP cell group and Hep-2/CDDP+cisplatin group (using RPMI 1640 cultured medium including 4 mg/L cisplatin). Hep-2/CDDP cell group and Hep-2 parental cell group were treated with cultured medium including 0, 0.004, 0.04, 0.4, 4, 40 mg/L cisplatin, respectively. The sensitivity of Hep-2/CDDP cells to cisplatin, vincristine and 5-fluorouracil was determined by using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The half inhibitory concentration ( IC50) and resistance index (RI) were also calculated. Hep-2/CDDP cell group was divided into 4 subgroups: the cells in the control group were cultured for 24 h at 37 ℃; the cells in hyperthermia group were treated at 43 ℃ for 2 h and then re-cultured at 37 ℃ for 22 h; the cells in cisplatin group were cultured at 37 ℃ for 24 h in cultured medium containing 4 mg/L cisplatin. The cells in hyperthermia combined with cisplatin group were cultured in cultured medium containing 4 mg/L cisplatin, treated at 43 ℃ for 2 h and then re-cultured at 37 ℃ for 22 h. The effects of hyperthermia combined with cisplatin on the proliferation and early apoptosis of Hep-2/CDDP cells were detected by using MTT and flow cytometry. The interaction of hyperthermia combined with cisplatin on the proliferation and early apoptosis of HEP-2/CDDP cells was observed by using factorial analysis. Western blotting was used to detect the effect of hyperthermia combined with cisplatin on the expressions of wild-type p53 and PI3K in Hep-2/CDDP cells. Hep-2/CDDP cells were divided into 4 groups: the control group (Hep-2/CDDP cells were cultured for 24 h at 37 ℃); chemotherapy group was treated with 12 mg/L vincristine or 9 mg/L 5-fluorouracil; in the hyperthermia group, Hep-2/CDDP cells were treated at 43℃ for 2 h and then re-cultured at 37 ℃ for 22 h; in hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy group, the cells were cultured in a medium containing 12 mg/L vincristine or 9 mg/L 5-fluorouracil, treated at 43 ℃ for 2 h and then re-cultured at 37 ℃ for 22 h. MTT method was used to detect the effect of hyperthermia combined with vincristine and 5-fluorouracil on the proliferation of Hep-2/CDDP cells. Results:Hep-2/CDDP cell line was successfully established. There were no significant differences in the number of cells in Hep-2/CDDP cell group, Hep-2 parental cell line group and Hep-2/CDDP + cisplatin cell group at different time points (all P > 0.05), and the doubling time was 43.8, 40.6 and 43.5 h, respectively. The IC50 of Hep-2 parental cell line group and Hep-2/CDDP cell group to cisplatin was 4.771 mg/L and 42.749 mg/L, respectively, and the RI was 8.960. Hyperthermia combined with cisplatin could inhibit the proliferation of Hep-2/CDDP cells ( F = 327.91, P < 0.05) and promote the early apoptosis of Hep-2/CDDP cells ( F = 724.63, P < 0.05). Factorial analysis showed that hyperthermia combined with cisplatin had an interaction effect on the proliferation and early apoptosis of Hep-2/CDDP cells ( F = 185.68, 472.51, all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed that the relative expression levels of wild-type p53 protein and PI3K protein in the control group, hyperthermia group, cisplatin group and hyperthermia combined with cisplatin group were significantly different ( F = 547.76, 404.44, all P < 0.01). Hyperthermia combined with vincristine or 5-fluorouracil could inhibit the proliferation of Hep-2/CDDP cells ( F = 33.06, 34.61, all P < 0.05). Factorial analysis showed that hyperthermia combined with vincristine and 5-fluorouracil had no interaction effect on the proliferation of Hep-2/CDDP cells ( F = 0.64,0.60, all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Hyperthermia may reverse the resistance of Hep-2/CDDP cell line to cisplatin by upregulating wild-type p53 expression and inhibiting the PI3K pathway. Hep-2/CDDP cell line has cross-resistance to vincristine and 5-fluorouracil. Hyperthermia can increase the sensitivity of Hep-2/CDDP cell line to vincristine and 5-fluorouracil.

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