1.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
2.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
3.Overexpression of PP2Cm alleviates atorvastatin-induced insulin resistance
Shi-han ZHAO ; Cai-lin TANG ; Yu CHEN ; Wei-kang HUANG ; Feng-rong LUO ; Xue BAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1273-1282
Aim To investigate the potential role and related mechanisms of protein phosphatase 2Cm(PP2Cm)overexpression in atorvastatin-induced insu-lin resistance.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice,fibro-blast growth factor 21 knockout(FGF21-KO)mice,and wildtype(WT)mice were raised for 12 weeks to construct models.Groups included atorvastatin,con-trol,atorvastatin+PP2Cm overexpression(OE),FGF21-KO+vehicle,FGF21-KO+PP2Cm OE,WT+vehicle,WT+PP2Cm OE.Body weight,fasting blood glucose levels,fasting insulin levels,and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests(IPGTT)were measured in 4,8 and 12 weeks.The concentrations of branched-chain a-mino acids(BCAA)in cells,tissues and serum,as well as the mRNA and protein expression of BCAA cat-abolic enzymes,were determined by qRT-PCR,Western blot and ELISA after atorvastatin treatment.Further-more,the effects of PP2Cm overexpression on these in-dicators were explored,and the FGF21 was verified in vivo and in vitro.Results Atorvastatin induced insu-lin resistance in mice,altered insulin,glucose tolerance and increased BCAA levels.PP2Cm overexpression mitigated these changes.In the Atorvastatin+PP2Cm OE group,FGF21 mRNA,protein and concentration were all significantly upregulated.Regardless of PP2Cm overexpression,the knockout of FGF21 signifi-cantly increased BCAA expression levels,both fasting insulin and blood glucose levels were significantly high-er than those in WT group.Conclusions FGF21 may be an important regulator of PP2Cm involved in atorv-astatin-induced insulin resistance.PP2Cm overexpres-sion alleviates the effects of atorvastatin-induced insulin resistance by regulating FGF21.
4.Preliminary efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma
Yu SI ; Yan HUANG ; Dian LIU ; Maojin LIANG ; Wenting DENG ; Yuexin CAI ; Yuebo CHEN ; Yanfang YE ; Li LING ; Zhigang ZHANG ; Suijun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(11):1399-1406
Objective:To evaluate the safety of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in patients with advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC), and its impact on tumor response rate and disease-free survival (DFS).Methods:This prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study enrolled patients with advanced (Stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ) TBSCC from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. Patients received 2-3 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab, 5-FU, and cisplatin, followed by definitive surgery. Postoperatively, patients received 6 cycles of pembrolizumab combined with radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and safety indicators. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AE) were assessed using the National Cancer Institute′s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, version 22.0.Results:From August 2021 to April 2024, 16 patients with advanced TBSCC were enrolled (13 males and 3 females), with a median age of 54 years and a median follow-up time of 2.32 years. Following neoadjuvant therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) was 64.3% (9/14), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 92.9% (13/14). The 2-year DFS rate was 86.6%. Common treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) included leukopenia (56.3%, 9/16), nausea and vomiting (50.0%, 8/16), diarrhea, oral mucositis, and elevated liver function tests (25.0%, 4/16). One patient (6.25%) experienced a grade 3 adverse event.Conclusion:Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab-chemotherapy significantly enhances objective response rate and disease-free survival in advanced TBSCC.
5.Mechanism of action for the treatment of Cong Rong San in the Alzheimer's disease based on PERK-eIF20e-NF-κB signaling pathway
Xi WANG ; Qing-hua LONG ; Yuan-qin CAI ; Zheng-yu WANG ; Xian-bing CHEN ; Chu-hua ZENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):80-87
Aim To explore the mechanism of Cong Rong San on AD model rats based on protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Sixty mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Cong Rong San groups(4.62,9.24,18.48 g·kg-1)and donepezil group,with 10 mice in each group.All groups of rats received bilateral hippocampal injections of Aβ1-42 to establish the AD model,except the normal group.After the intragastric administration,the Morris water maze behavior test was performed for rats to test-ed the learning and memory abilities.Nissl staining was detected the quantity and Nissl bodies of nerve cells.To detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by immu-nofluorescence.To observe the ultrastructure of endo-plasmic reticulum by Transmission electron microsco-py.ELISA for Aβ1-42 and inflammatory cytokines quantification.Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression level of protein in the hippocampus in PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The morris water maze results showed that Cong Rong San im-proved the escape latency time,increased the number of platform crossings,and prolonged the time spent in the target quadrant in AD rats.(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Nissl staining shows the neuronal cells are ar-ranged neatly,nucleus are present and the number of Nissl bodies was numerous and the number of neurons was increased in various doses of Cong Rong San.Im-munofluorescence showed that the expression of NF-κB in the nucleus of rats was decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The shape of endoplasmic reticulum was neat,no significantly expanded,and the structure was normal in various doses of Cong Rong San.The levels of Aβ1-42,IL-1,TNF-α and the ratio of p-PERK/PERK,p-eIF2α/eIF2α,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in hippo-campus of Cong Rong San group was significantly de-creased in ELISA and Western blot test(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Cong Rong San can alleviates the immune inflammatory response of neuronal cells in the ERS state for improve the learning and memory a-bility of AD rats,the mechanism of action may through restraint the activation of PERK-eIF2α-NF-κB signa-ling pathway.
6.Proteomics study of lethal arrhythmias in rats
Yuebing HUANG ; Hai QIU ; Wen CHEN ; Zilin MENG ; Yu CAI ; Xia YUE ; Dongfang QIAO
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(4):444-449
Objective To identify key proteins associated with sudden cardiac death(SCD)caused by lethal arrhythmia and to explore their potential molecular mechanisms through integrated proteomic analysis,data mining,and bioinformatics.Methods A lethal arrhythmia model was established in 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats,which were divided into an arrhythmia group and a control group.Proteomic techniques were applied to identify and quantify proteins in left ventricular myocardial tissue,and differentially expressed proteins related to arrhythmia were screened.Key proteins were further identified through comparison with target proteins in databases combined with joint analyses.Bioinformatics methods were then used to investigate potential molecular mechanisms.Results A total of 356 differentially expressed proteins were identified,including 189 upregulated and 167 downregulated.Association analysis with target gene proteins identified 71 key proteins,and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that these key proteins were primarily involved in ion channel dysfunction,enhanced oxidative stress,and autonomic nervous system imbalance.Conclusion This study,through the integration of proteomics,data mining,and bioinformatics,revealed critical molecular mechanisms underlying SCD associated with lethal arrhythmia.These findings provide new perspectives and potential biomarkers for forensic identification and research on the mechanisms of death.
7.Analysis of application of laparoscopic surgery in splenic aneurysm
Yong YANG ; Siyuan XU ; Haipeng YIN ; Jing CHEN ; Yu YANG ; Huihua CAI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(11):842-845
Objective:To explore the feasibility and adaptability of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of splenic aneurysm.Methods:The data of 28 patients with splenic aneurysms who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2010 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males and 15 females, with the age of (57.3±7.7) years. All patients underwent laparoscopic splenic aneurysm resection, and whether to perform splenic artery anastomosis or splenectomy was determined based on the intraoperative situation. Collect the long diameter and location of splenic aneurysms, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative complications (bleeding, pancreatic fistula, splenic infarction, and splenic vein and portal vein thrombosis), postoperative hospital stay and hospitalization expenses of the patients.Results:All patients successfully underwentlaparoscopic surgery for splenic aneurysms. Aneurysms were located at the origin of the splenic artery in 3 cases (10.7%), in the middle in 8 cases (28.6%), and at the tail in 17 cases (60.7%). The long diameter of the aneurysms was (3.1±1.7) cm. Among the 28 patients, 18 cases (64.3%) underwent splenic aneurysm resection alone, 5 cases (17.9%) underwent splenic aneurysm resection combined with end-to-end anastomosis of the splenic artery, and 5 cases (17.9%) underwent splenic aneurysm resection combined with splenectomy. The operation time of 28 patients was (124.3±55.1) min, the intraoperative blood loss was 100.0 (50.0, 162.5) ml, the postoperative hospital stay was (10.9±3.8) days, and the hospitalization cost was (3.7±1.2) wanyuan. Among the 28 patients, 5 cases (17.9%) developed pancreatic fistula, 1 case (3.6%) had partial splenic infarction, and 1 case (3.6%) had portal vein and splenic vein thrombosis after the operation.Conclusion:Laparoscopic surgery for splenic aneurysm is safe and feasible, with less surgical trauma and quick postoperative recovery.
8.Transient Peripheral Carotid Inflammation Syndrome Diagnosed by Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound:A Case Report
Chunlei PAN ; Ying WANG ; Yahong WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Zhitong GE ; Yu CHEN ; Sheng CAI ; Hongyan WANG ; Xiao YANG ; Jianchu LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):785-789
Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery(TIPIC)syndrome is a relatively rare disease,and ultrasound is the first screening method for initial diagnosis of the disease.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)has unique advantages in the follow-up of patients with TIPIC syndrome.This paper reports a patient with TIPIC syndrome who was treated with acute left neck pain.The inflammation was significantly re-lieved and subsided after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.The ultrasound changes of carotid artery lesions in this patient during follow-up were analyzed,and the application value of CEUS in the follow-up diagnosis of this disease was summarized,in the hope of providing clinical reference.
9.Preliminary efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma
Yu SI ; Yan HUANG ; Dian LIU ; Maojin LIANG ; Wenting DENG ; Yuexin CAI ; Yuebo CHEN ; Yanfang YE ; Li LING ; Zhigang ZHANG ; Suijun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(11):1399-1406
Objective:To evaluate the safety of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in patients with advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC), and its impact on tumor response rate and disease-free survival (DFS).Methods:This prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study enrolled patients with advanced (Stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ) TBSCC from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. Patients received 2-3 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab, 5-FU, and cisplatin, followed by definitive surgery. Postoperatively, patients received 6 cycles of pembrolizumab combined with radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and safety indicators. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AE) were assessed using the National Cancer Institute′s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, version 22.0.Results:From August 2021 to April 2024, 16 patients with advanced TBSCC were enrolled (13 males and 3 females), with a median age of 54 years and a median follow-up time of 2.32 years. Following neoadjuvant therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) was 64.3% (9/14), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 92.9% (13/14). The 2-year DFS rate was 86.6%. Common treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) included leukopenia (56.3%, 9/16), nausea and vomiting (50.0%, 8/16), diarrhea, oral mucositis, and elevated liver function tests (25.0%, 4/16). One patient (6.25%) experienced a grade 3 adverse event.Conclusion:Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab-chemotherapy significantly enhances objective response rate and disease-free survival in advanced TBSCC.
10.Analysis of application of laparoscopic surgery in splenic aneurysm
Yong YANG ; Siyuan XU ; Haipeng YIN ; Jing CHEN ; Yu YANG ; Huihua CAI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(11):842-845
Objective:To explore the feasibility and adaptability of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of splenic aneurysm.Methods:The data of 28 patients with splenic aneurysms who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2010 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Among them, there were 13 males and 15 females, with the age of (57.3±7.7) years. All patients underwent laparoscopic splenic aneurysm resection, and whether to perform splenic artery anastomosis or splenectomy was determined based on the intraoperative situation. Collect the long diameter and location of splenic aneurysms, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative complications (bleeding, pancreatic fistula, splenic infarction, and splenic vein and portal vein thrombosis), postoperative hospital stay and hospitalization expenses of the patients.Results:All patients successfully underwentlaparoscopic surgery for splenic aneurysms. Aneurysms were located at the origin of the splenic artery in 3 cases (10.7%), in the middle in 8 cases (28.6%), and at the tail in 17 cases (60.7%). The long diameter of the aneurysms was (3.1±1.7) cm. Among the 28 patients, 18 cases (64.3%) underwent splenic aneurysm resection alone, 5 cases (17.9%) underwent splenic aneurysm resection combined with end-to-end anastomosis of the splenic artery, and 5 cases (17.9%) underwent splenic aneurysm resection combined with splenectomy. The operation time of 28 patients was (124.3±55.1) min, the intraoperative blood loss was 100.0 (50.0, 162.5) ml, the postoperative hospital stay was (10.9±3.8) days, and the hospitalization cost was (3.7±1.2) wanyuan. Among the 28 patients, 5 cases (17.9%) developed pancreatic fistula, 1 case (3.6%) had partial splenic infarction, and 1 case (3.6%) had portal vein and splenic vein thrombosis after the operation.Conclusion:Laparoscopic surgery for splenic aneurysm is safe and feasible, with less surgical trauma and quick postoperative recovery.

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