1.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
2.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
3.Influencing factors for cognitive function among aluminum workers based on a quantile regression model
XIN Yulu ; LI Mujia ; DING Xiaohui ; LU Yang ; LI Wenjing ; WANG Linping ; LU Xiaoting ; SONG Jing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):382-385,389
Objective:
To investigate the influencing factors for cognitive function among aluminum workers, so as to provide the basis for intervention and prevention of cognitive function among aluminum-exposed populations.
Methods:
From July to August 2019, male aluminum workers in the electrolytic aluminum workshop of an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province were selected using the cluster sampling method. Demographic information, prevalence of chronic diseases, lifestyle behaviors, night shifts, and sleep quality were collected through questionnaire surveys. Blood aluminum levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Cognitive function was investigated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Factors affecting cognitive function among aluminum workers were analyzed by a quantile regression model.
Results:
A total of 142 aluminum workers were surveyed, including 57 workers aged 20 to <40 years (40.14%) and 85 workers aged 40 to 60 years (59.86%). The median blood aluminum level was 38.23 (interquartile range, 21.82) μg/L. The median cognitive function score was 24.00 (interquartile range, 3.00) points. Quantile regression analysis revealed that older age (βQ5=-0.186, 95%CI: -0.269 to -0.102), lower educational level (βQ5=1.933, 95%CI: 1.029 to 2.838; βQ10=1.743, 95%CI: 0.480 to 3.006; βQ50=1.038, 95%CI: 0.141 to 1.935; βQ75=1.006, 95%CI: 0.437 to 1.575; βQ90=1.111, 95%CI: 0.291 to 1.930), smoking (βQ5=-2.056, 95%CI: -3.264 to -0.849), alcohol consumption (βQ5=-1.821, 95%CI: -3.247 to -0.396) and higher blood aluminum level (βQ5=-0.075, 95%CI: -0.110 to -0.040; βQ10=-0.078, 95%CI: -0.127 to -0.029; βQ50=-0.075, 95%CI: -0.110 to -0.040; βQ75=-0.057, 95%CI: -0.079 to -0.035; βQ90=-0.067, 95%CI: -0.099 to -0.035) were associated with cognitive function decline among aluminum workers.
Conclusions
Educational level and blood aluminum level are the main factors affecting the cognitive function among aluminum workers. Among those with lower cognitive function scores, age, smoking and alcohol consumption are also associated with cognitive function.
4.Role of telomerase in the onset and treatment of gastric cancer.
Gang CHEN ; Minmin ZHANG ; Yulu WANG ; Yumin LI ; Junmin ZHU
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(2):259-265
China is a high-incidence region for gastric cancer globally. The disease is characterized by a high morbidity rate, low early diagnostic rate, and poor long-term outcomes, imposing a significant burden on both patients and society. Therefore, exploring the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, developing novel therapeutic strategies, and identifying new drug targets is of great importance. Telomerase expression is broadly associated with cancer cell targeting, and its up-regulation is one of the key factors driving the initiation and progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, telomerase is intricately involved in the regulation of autophagy and autophagy-associated cell death. While autophagy can induce chemoresistance, excessive autophagy may lead to cell death, which also constitutes one of the mechanisms of chemotherapy. Telomerase not only directly contributes to gastric cancer pathogenesis but also indirectly influences its development and treatment by modulating autophagy and autophagic cell death. Therefore, telomerase holds promise as a novel therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Humans
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Stomach Neoplasms/genetics*
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Telomerase/genetics*
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Autophagy/physiology*
5.Research Progress of Glioma in China in 2024
Xiaoman KANG ; Junlin LI ; Wenlin CHEN ; Shanmu JIN ; Yilin LI ; Jiahui LIU ; Yulu GE ; Wenbo WU ; Jiaheng LI ; Yiming LIAN ; Yu WANG ; Wenbin MA
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1437-1448
Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Despite the standard treatment of surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for high-grade glioma patients remains poor, highlighting the urgent need to further explore its pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the research progress in the field of glioma in China in 2024, covering tumorigenesis mechanisms, tumor immune microenvironment composition, advances in imaging techniques and novel imaging agents, improvements in surgical approaches, mechanisms of radio- and chemoresistance, and explorations of new therapeutic modalities. These studies provide a solid theoretical foundation for advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment of gliomas and may offer new opportunities to improve patient outcomes.
6.Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its influencing factors among male workers in an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province
Mujia LI ; Yulu XIN ; Yang LU ; Xiaohui DING ; Linping WANG ; Xiaoting LU ; Jing SONG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1358-1363
Background Some studies have suggested that exposure to multiple metals is closely linked to the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the populations, but the effect of aluminum exposure on MS remains unclear. Objective To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of MS among employees with aluminum exposure in Shanxi Province. Methods Cluster sampling was employed to survey male frontline workers in an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province. Data on general demographic information, lifestyle, occupational history, medical history, and family history of chronic diseases were collected through questionnaires. The concentration of fasting blood glucose was determined using the glucose oxidase technique, and blood lipid levels were determined using the peroxidase method. Serum aluminum levels were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and blood biochemical indicators were measured using the peroxidase method. Based on the China's 2020 diagnostic criteria for MS, the participants were and divided into an MS group anda non-MS group. Variables with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included to construct a logistic regression model. Results A cohort of 312 workers participated in this research, with 84 individuals diagnosed with MS, yielding a prevalence rate of 26.92%. The logistic regression model revealed that body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg·m−2 (OR=1.967, 95%CI: 1.057, 3.659), alcohol consumption (OR=1.883, 95%CI: 1.063, 3.336), experiencing major life event (OR=3.886, 95%CI: 1.509, 10.008), family history of hypertension (OR=2.112, 95%CI: 1.162, 3.837), serum aluminum concentration (OR=1.024, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.035), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (OR=1.032, 95%CI: 1.011, 1.054), and white blood cell (WBC) count (OR=1.210, 95%CI: 1.001, 1.465) were significant influencing factors for MS. Conclusion BMI≥24.0 kg·m−2, alcohol consumption, experiencing major life event, family history of hypertension, elevated serum aluminum concentration, increased ALT level, and elevated WBC count are risk factors for MS among occupationally aluminum-exposed workers.
7.Effect of Qingfei Paidu Decoction on Acute Lung Injury Model Mice Based on TRPV1/TRPA1 Heat-sensitive Channel
Yulu YUAN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Wei DING ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):95-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism and effect of Qingfei Paidu decoction on transient receptor potential vanilloid-1/Transient receptor potential ankyrin1 (TRPV1/TRPA1) based on heat-sensitive channel and inflammatory response. MethodAccording to body weight, 80 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (5 mg·kg-1), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Qingfei Paidu decoction (14.865, 29.73, 59.46 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. In addition to the normal group, the other groups were administered 20 μL (1×10-3 g·kg-1) to each mouse by airway infusion to establish the acute lung injury (ALI) model. In the administration group, the drug was given 1 h after modeling and again after an interval of 24 h. The lung tissue was taken 36 h after modeling. Double lung wet/dry weight ratio(W/D), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot were used to observe and detect the pathological changes of lung tissue, expression levels of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and expressions of TRPV1 and TRPA1 proteins in heat-sensitive channel, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) in inflammatory pathway, and phosphorylated proteins. The phosphorylated protein/total protein ratio was calculated. ResultCompared with that in the normal group, the lung tissue of mice in the model group was seriously damaged, and pulmonary capillary permeability increased. Alveolar capillary congestion and dilation destroyed the complete structure of the alveolar, and the alveolar wall thickened. A large number of inflammatory cells and red blood cells were infiltrated, and pulmonary edema was significantly aggravated. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, TRPV1, TRPA1, phosphorylated NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, and phosphorylated IκBα/IκBα were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the whole lung W/D was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the dexamethasone group and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Qingfei Paidu decoction could significantly improve pulmonary edema. TNF-α, IL-6, TRPV1, TRPA1, lung tissue NF-κB p65, and IκBα phosphorylated protein/total protein ratio decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The whole lung W/D also decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQingfei Paidu decoction has anti-inflammatory and protective effects on LPS-ALI mice, which can effectively reduce inflammation, induce diuresis, and alleviate edema. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of TRPA1 and TRPV1 and the inhibition of the activation of the NF-κB pathway.
8.Bibliometric and visual analysis of in vitro-in vivo extrapolation in risk assessment
Yulu HU ; Yue LI ; Tao YU ; Chunhui NI ; Huanqiang WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(11):1232-1239
Background In vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) is an approach utilizing in vitro experimental data to predict in vivo phenomena. It is a promising tool for chemical risk assessment. Objective To learn the hotspots, evolution path, and trend of IVIVE in risk assessment by literature search and bibliometric analysis, and provide reference and data support for subsequent research. Methods PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection were selected as foreign databases to search for literature about IVIVE applied in risk assessment published by December 31, 2023. The number of relevant documents in CNKI and Wanfang database was too small, so the Chinese databases were not included in this study. This study employed bibilometric analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace for visualizing networks categorized by author, institution, country, journal, keyword, and co-citation. Results A total of 189 articles were included in this study. The first article was published in 2006, and since then the number of publications overall showed an upward trend and increased significantly after 2016. The institution with the most publications was the United States Environmental Protection Agency (28 articles). The United States was the most productive country (87 articles), and had a close cooperation with the United Kingdom. The journal with the most publications and the highest number of citations per article was Archives of Toxicology (19 articles). The keyword co-occurrence analysis suggested that research on IVIVE in risk assessment mainly studied the methods and models of IVIVE and prediction of chemical toxicity, and toxicity, in vitro, and models were the research hotspots in this field. Keyword timeline cluster analysis suggested that the assessment objects gradually expanded from drugs to environmental chemicals, organic chemicals and food additives. The co-citation analysis suggested that articles about IVIVE in risk assessment mostly cited journals in the environment, food, and drug fields, and these articles were mainly methodological studies followed by literature reviews. Conclusion The research of IVIVE in risk assessment has developed rapidly. With the improvement of prediction models and the expansion of application scope, animal experiments in risk assessment may be greatly reduced and the efficiency of risk assessment can be increased. At present, the United States has a leading position in this field, while China has few relevant studies and needs to actively carry out international cooperation to improve the level of applied research of IVIVE. In the future, it is hoped that the IVIVE method can be further refined to improve its application and expand its research fields.
9.Exploring the Mechanism of Baihe Dihuang Decoction in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Animal Experiment
Ru JIA ; Xiaoru ZHOU ; Yan CHEN ; Shuling ZHANG ; Zhaokai LAI ; Yulu WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(8):1027-1037
OBJECTIVE
To explore the mechanism of Baihe Dihuang decoction in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and animal experiment.
METHODS
TCMSP were used to predict the active components and targets of Baihe Dihuang decoction and disease-related targets were collected from GeneCards, OMIM and DRUGBANK databases, respectively. Target protein interactions were analyzed with STRING database and biological function and pathway were analyzed with Metascape database. Lastly relevant results were analyzed with Cytoscape 3.8.0. AutoDock vina software was used for molecular docking to analyze the binding energy of the active components and key targets of Baihe Dihuang decoction. PyMOL software were used to visualize the optimal docking results. ICR male mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, Rolipram group, low, medium and high dose group of Baihe Dihuang decoction. After 14 days of administration, the neurobehavioral scores of mice in each group were collected, and the expression of related proteins in brain tissue was detected, ELISA and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of the key protein cAMP, PKA, p-CREB and BDNF. At last, the adverse reaction of Baihe Dihuang decoction was observed by vomiting experiment.
RESULTS
A total of 13 active components and 39 key targets were collected from network pharmacology. The docking results showed that the first 10 core targets all performed well and their effects were closely related to PRKACA. Compared with the control group, the model group mice's recognition rate of new objects and the spontaneous alternation reaction rate were significantly reduced, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, and the target quadrant stay time, the number of crossing platforms were significantly reduced; cAMP, PKA, p-CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus of mice was significantly decreased. Baihe Dihuang decoction could reverse the behavior of AD mice and the expression of cAMP, PKA, p-CREB and BDNF. In the vomiting experiment, the anesthesia recovery time of the Rolipram group was significantly prolonged, while that of the Baihe Dihuang decoction group was not significantly affected.
CONCLUSION
The mechanism of Baihe Dihuang decoction in the treatment of AD may be related to its influence on cAMP-PKA and regulation of cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signal pathway, and the adverse reactions are milder than those of clopramide.
10.Chlorfenapyr poisoning:mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies
Cheng JI ; Chen YULU ; Wang WEIDONG ; Zhu XUEQI ; Jiang ZHENLUO ; Liu PENG ; Du LIWEN
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;15(3):214-219
BACKGROUND:Chlorfenapyr is used to kill insects that are resistant to organophosphorus insecticides.Chlorfenapyr poisoning has a high mortality rate and is difficult to treat.This article aims to review the mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies for chlorfenapyr poisoning. DATA RESOURCES:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed,Web of Science,and SpringerLink from their beginnings to the end of October 2023.The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,retrospective studies,and case reports on chlorfenapyr poisoning that focused on its mechanisms,clinical presentations,and treatment strategies.The references in the included studies were also examined to identify additional sources. RESULTS:We included 57 studies in this review.Chlorfenapyr can be degraded into tralopyril,which is more toxic and reduces energy production by inhibiting the conversion of adenosine diphosphate to adenosine triphosphate.High fever and altered mental status are characteristic clinical presentations of chlorfenapyr poisoning.Once it occurs,respiratory failure occurs immediately,ultimately leading to cardiac arrest and death.Chlorfenapyr poisoning is difficult to treat,and there is no specific antidote. CONCLUSION:Chlorfenapyr is a new pyrrole pesticide.Although it has been identified as a moderately toxic pesticide by the World Health Organization(WHO),the mortality rate of poisoned patients is extremely high.There is no specific antidote for chlorfenapyr poisoning.Therefore,based on the literature review,future efforts to explore rapid and effective detoxification methods,reconstitute intracellular oxidative phosphorylation couplings,identify early biomarkers of chlorfenapyr poisoning,and block the conversion of chlorfenapyr to tralopyril may be helpful for emergency physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.


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