ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of the Bawei Chenxiang Wan （BCW） against myocardial ischemic injury. MethodsMyocardial ischemia in vivo was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol （ISO）， and ex vivo ischemia was established by coronary artery ligation in isolated rat hearts. The effects of BCW， alcohol extracts and its polar extracts were evaluated on ST segment on electrocardiogram （ECG）， myocardial damage， hemodynamic parameters， and infarct size. The phosphorylation level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins， and the content of Cu²⁺ in myocardial tissue were detected. The regulatory relationship of the signaling pathway was verified using an oxygen-glucose deprivation （OGD） myocardial cell injury model， combined with PI3K agonists and inhibitors. ResultsBCW ameliorated ST-segment elevation on electrocardiograms（P＜0.01）， reduced serum levels of myocardial injury markers， improved hemodynamic parameters， upregulated PI3K phosphorylation（P＜0.01）， and decreased Cu²⁺ accumulation in rats with myocardial ischemia（P＜0.01）. Moreover， BCW reduced the myocardial infarct size. In the isolated rat heart model of ischemia， both the ethanol extract and various solvent fractions of BCW exerted protective effects and reduced Cu²⁺ content， among which the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most potent activity（P＜0.01）. Specifically， the n-butanol fraction upregulated PI3K phosphorylation（P＜0.01） and downregulated the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins， including ferredoxin reductase 1（FDX1）（P＜0.05）， lipoic acid synthetase（LIAS）， and dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase（DLAT） oligomerization（P＜0.05）. In the OGD-induced cardiomyocyte injury model， treatment with a PI3K agonist inhibited DLAT oligomerization（P＜0.05）， whereas co-administration of a PI3K inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of the n-butanol fraction on DLAT oligomer formation（P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe n-butanol fraction of BCW exerts a significant protective effect against myocardial ischemic injury， and its mechanism may involve activation of the PI3K and inhibition of cuproptosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of the Bawei Chenxiang Wan （BCW） against myocardial ischemic injury. MethodsMyocardial ischemia in vivo was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol （ISO）， and ex vivo ischemia was established by coronary artery ligation in isolated rat hearts. The effects of BCW， alcohol extracts and its polar extracts were evaluated on ST segment on electrocardiogram （ECG）， myocardial damage， hemodynamic parameters， and infarct size. The phosphorylation level of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins， and the content of Cu²⁺ in myocardial tissue were detected. The regulatory relationship of the signaling pathway was verified using an oxygen-glucose deprivation （OGD） myocardial cell injury model， combined with PI3K agonists and inhibitors. ResultsBCW ameliorated ST-segment elevation on electrocardiograms（P＜0.01）， reduced serum levels of myocardial injury markers， improved hemodynamic parameters， upregulated PI3K phosphorylation（P＜0.01）， and decreased Cu²⁺ accumulation in rats with myocardial ischemia（P＜0.01）. Moreover， BCW reduced the myocardial infarct size. In the isolated rat heart model of ischemia， both the ethanol extract and various solvent fractions of BCW exerted protective effects and reduced Cu²⁺ content， among which the n-butanol fraction exhibited the most potent activity（P＜0.01）. Specifically， the n-butanol fraction upregulated PI3K phosphorylation（P＜0.01） and downregulated the expression of cuproptosis-related proteins， including ferredoxin reductase 1（FDX1）（P＜0.05）， lipoic acid synthetase（LIAS）， and dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase（DLAT） oligomerization（P＜0.05）. In the OGD-induced cardiomyocyte injury model， treatment with a PI3K agonist inhibited DLAT oligomerization（P＜0.05）， whereas co-administration of a PI3K inhibitor attenuated the inhibitory effect of the n-butanol fraction on DLAT oligomer formation（P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe n-butanol fraction of BCW exerts a significant protective effect against myocardial ischemic injury， and its mechanism may involve activation of the PI3K and inhibition of cuproptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment of "biaoben acupoint combination" on cardiomyocyte mitochondrial fission in the rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) and explore its mechanism. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group, an EA pretreatment group, an EA pretreatment + Compound C group and an EA pretreatment+ML385 group, 10 rats in each group. In the EA pretreatment, the EA pretreatment + Compound C group and the EA pretreatment+ML385 group, EA was delivered at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6), "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) for 20 min, with continuous wave and 2 Hz of frequency, 1 mA of current, once daily for consecutive 7 days. On day 8, in the EA pretreatment + Compound C group and the EA pretreatment+ML385 group, 30 min before model preparation, the intraperitoneal injection with Compound C (0.3 mg/kg) and ML385 (30 mg/kg) was administered respectively. Except in the sham-operation group, the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed to prepare MIRI rat model in the rest groups. In the sham-operation group, the thread was not ligated. After modeling, the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ischemic area was measured by flow cytometry, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was detected using xanthine oxidase method, and malondialdelyde (MDA) was detected using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) chromatometry. The morphology of myocardial tissue in the ischemic area was observed with HE staining, and the mitochondria ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes observed under transmission electron microscopy. Using immunofluorescence analysis, the positive expression of mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), mitochondrial fission 1 protein antibody (Fis1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) was detected; and with immunohistochemical method used, the protein expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor E2-associated factor2 (Nrf2) and Drp1 in the ischemic area was detected. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the content of ROS and MDA in the myocardial tissue of the ischemic area, and the positive expression of MFF, Fis1 and Drp1 increased in the model group (P<0.01); the content of SOD and the protein expression of AMRK and Nrf2 decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of Drp1 elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of ROS and MDA in the myocardial tissue of the ischemic area, and the positive expression of MFF, Fis1 and Drp1 were dropped in the EA pretreatment group (P<0.01); the content of SOD and the protein expression of AMRK and Nrf2 rose (P<0.01), and the protein expression of Drp1 declined (P<0.01); and in the EA pretreatment+Compound C group and the EA pretreatment+ML385 group, the positive expression of MFF, Fis1 and Drp1, and the protein expression of Drp1 were all reduced (P<0.01). When compared with the EA pretreatment + Compound C group and the EA pretreatment+ML385 group, the content of ROS and MDA in the myocardial tissue of the ischemic area, and the positive expression of MFF, Fis1 and Drp1 were dropped in the EA pretreatment group (P<0.01); the content of SOD and the protein expression of AMRK and Nrf2 rose (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the protein expression of Drp1 decreased (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, the EA pretreatment+Compound C group and the EA pretreatment+ML385 group, the cardiac muscle fiber rupture, cell swelling and mitochondrial disorders were obviously alleviated in the EA pretreatment group. The morphological changes were similar among the model group, the EA pretreatment+Compound C group and the EA pretreatment+ML385 group. CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture pretreatment of "biaoben acupoint combination" attenuates myocardial injury in MIRI rats, probably through promoting the phosphorylation of AMPK and Nrf2, inhibiting the excessive mitochondrial fission induced by Drp1, and reducing mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolation.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/physiopathology* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology* ; Rats ; Acupuncture Points ; Mitochondrial Dynamics ; Humans ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3)regulates microglial inflammation through nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),providing novel mechanistic insights into microglial involvement in Parkinson's disease(PD)pathogenesis.Methods ① Ten male C57BL/6 mice(12 weeks old,weighing 20～25 g)were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg MPTP to establish a PD model.Rotarod test was used to assess motor function.Western blotting was employed to detect the protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA-1)in the substantia nigra.RT-qPCR was utilized to measure the mRNA level of SOCS3 in the substantia nigra.Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess NF-κB p65 subunit expression.The expression of SOCS3,NF-κB and p-NF-κB was measured with Western blotting.② Microglial cell line BV2 was stimulated with 1 000 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide(LPS)for 6 h to establish an inflammatory model.Subsequently,SOCS3 was knocked down.NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 was used to treat the cells.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to measure the expression of SOCS3 at mRNA and protein levels.Western blotting was also applied to detect the expression of NF-κB and p-NF-κB,and ELISA was conducted to measure TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the culture supernatant.Immunofluorescence assay was carried out to localize NF-κB(nuclear vs cytoplasmic).③ A co-culture system of BV2 microglia and N2a neuroblastoma cells was established to investigate the regulatory effects of microglia on neuronal cells.MTT assay and TUNEL staining were used respectively to determine cell viability and apoptosis of N2a cells.Results ① Compared to the control mice,the PD mouse model exhibited reduced rotarod fall latency,down-regulation in TH and SOCS3(P<0.01),up-regulation in IBA-1 and increased p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio(P<0.01).② In BV2 cells,LPS stimulation increased TNF-α,IL-1β,and p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio(P<0.01),while down-regulated SOCS3 expression(P<0.01).SOCS3 knockdown in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells further increased the p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio(P<0.01),increased nuclear localization of NF-κB,and elevated TNF-α and IL-1β levels(P<0.01).BAY 11-7082 treatment in these SOCS3-knockdown,LPS-stimulated cells resulted in reduced p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio,TNF-α,and IL-1β(P<0.01),and decreased NF-κB nuclear distribution.③ LPS-stimulated BV2 cells reduced cell viability and increased cell apoptosis in N2a cells(P<0.01).SOCS3 knockdown in BV2 cells exacerbated the reduction in N2a cell viability(P<0.01)and the increase in cell apoptosis in N2a cells(P<0.01).BAY 11-7082 treatment of these SOCS3-knockdown BV2 microglia attenuated the reduction in N2a cell viability and decreased apoptosis in N2a cells(P<0.01).Conclusion SOCS3 inhibits microglia inflammatory response through down-regulation of NF-kB activity,and in turn attenuates neuronal cell death and ameliorates PD nerve injury.

Objective To demonstrate that neferine(Nef)alleviates Parkinson's disease(PD)by inhibiting microglial pyroptosis mediated through the reactive oxygen species(ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/Caspase-1 pathway.Methods BV2 microglial cells were divided into:control group,lipopolysaccharides(LPS)-adenosine triphosphate(ATP)group,and LPS-ATP+Nef group.Pyroptosis was induced by 1 μg/mL LPS+5 mmol/L ATP,with 2 mmol/L Nef pretreatment.Eighteen 10-12-week-old male C57BL/6 mice(22～25 g)were randomly assigned to:control(n=6),1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)(n=6),and MPTP+Nef(n=6)groups.Detection methods included:flow cytometry for pyroptosis,Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)for viability,2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)for ROS,commercial kits for malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH),ELISA/Western blot for interleukin-1β(IL-1β)/IL-18,immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry for NLRP3/Caspase-1,tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)immunohistochemistry,hematoxylin-eosin staining for neuropathology,and modified neurological severity score(mNSS).Results Versus control,LPS-ATP group showed decreased viability(P=0.002),increased pyroptosis(P<0.001),elevated ROS(P<0.001)/MDA(P<0.001)/IL-1β(P<0.001)/IL-18(P<0.001),upregulated NLRP3(P<0.001)/Caspase-1(P<0.001),and reduced GSH(P<0.001)/SOD(P<0.001).Nef treatment reversed these effects(all P<0.05).According to the results of murine studies,compared with the control group,the MPTP group had increased mNSS(P<0.001)/tissue ROS(P<0.001),downregulated TH(P<0.001),upregulated NLRP3(P<0.001)/Caspase-1(P<0.001).Nef treatment significantly attenuated the MPTP-induced deleterious effects(P<0.05).Histopathological analysis revealed that control group exhibited uniformly distributed hippocampal neurons with distinct nuclear morphology;MPTP group showed neuronal swelling,interstitial edema,and nuclear atrophy;MPTP+Nef group demonstrated ameliorated neuronal damage.Conclusion Nef inhibits microglial pyroptosis via ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis,ameliorating PD neuroinflammation and pathology.

ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue. Results: Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated. Conclusion Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective To understand the current situation of the management of patients'self-provided infusion drugs in secondary and above general hospitals in China,and to provide a theoretical and practical basis for improving the management system.Methods The annual pharmacy professional quality control work survey conducted by the National Pharmaceutical Management Professional Quality Control Center was used to obtain information on the management of patients'self-provided infusion drugs in secondary and above general hospitals in 31 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government)and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps of Chinese mainland from 2020 to 2022,and was summarized and calculated using data-processing software.Results The total number of secondary and above general hospitals included in the analysis from 2020 to 2022 is 4 786,5 063 and 6 041,respectively.In 2022,compared with 2020,the percentage of hospitals allowing patients to use self-provided infused drugs decreased from 55.08％to 48.54％,the percentage of hospitals that have established a system for managing patients' self-provided drugs increased from 81.54％to 98.09％,and the percentage of hospitalized patients' use of self-provided drugs that are all documented in their medical orders increased from 79.76％to 90.72％.The types of drugs that hospitals allow patients to use for self-provided infusion are mainly antitumor drugs,the places where self-provided infusion drugs are dispensed are mainly clinical departments(wards),and the main source of self-provided infusion drugs is self-pickup by patients.Conclusion Hospitals should establish a management system for patients'self-provided drugs,strengthen the information management of self-provided infusion drugs,and ensure drug supply and medication safety for patients.

Objective:To investigate the operation opportunity for vascular rings in infants and assess the impact of prenatal and postnatal integrated management strategies on treatment outcomes.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 75 infants with vascular rings who underwent surgical treatment at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to December 2023. Among them, 54 were males and 21 were females, with a median age at surgery of 1.7 (0.7-6.9) months and a median weight of 5.3 (3.5-8.0) kg. Vascular rings malformation was diagnosed by real-time three-dimensional color doppler echocardiography during pregnancy in 51 cases. Preoperatively, 28 cases presented with respiratory or digestive system-related symptoms, and 26 cases had a history of hospitalization due to related symptoms. All patients underwent preoperative cardiac CTA+ CTVE and three-dimensional reconstruction examinations, and 56 cases showed varying degrees of airway compression and stenosis on imaging. Among them, 10 patients presented with preoperative stridor and respiratory distress; fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed after anesthesia induction confirmed significant tracheal compression/stenosis. One patient was ventilator-dependent preoperatively, and bronchoscopy revealed main bronchomalacia. The cohort included: Complete vascular rings (62 cases of double aortic arch, 10 cases of right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and left-sided ductus arteriosus/ligamentum) and incomplete vascular rings (3 cases of pulmonary artery sling). Additionally, 5 cases had associated Kommerell’s diverticulum, and 12 had intracardiac malformation. All patients successfully completed surgery, and those with intracardiac malformation underwent extracorporeal circulation and primary radical surgery concurrently. Based on prenatal diagnosis and implementation of prenatal and postnatal integrated management, patients were divided into an observation group (prenatal and postnatal integrated management group) and a control group (postnatally diagnosed group). The perioperative data of the two groups were compared to analyze the surgical outcomes and the advantages of prenatal and postnatal integrated treatment.Results:All 75 patients successfully completed surgery. Preoperatively, 56 cases (74.66%) presented with varying degrees of tracheal stenosis. Except for 1 case that died after abandoning treatment and 1 case that underwent tracheal surgery due to repeated failed ventilator weaning, all other patients were successfully discharged from the hospital. The overall mortality rate was 1.33%, and the rate of tracheal surgery was 1.35%. The age and weight at surgery in the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05), and the proportion of preoperative hospitalization history was lower in the observation group ( P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of tracheal compression and stenosis, postoperative monitoring time, operation time, ventilator time, and risk of postoperative complications ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Tracheal stenosis is a common complication in children with vascular rings. Early surgical intervention is recommended for complete vascular rings and pulmonary artery slings (as an incomplete ring). Timely prenatal diagnosis of vascular ring anomalies combined with the implementation of an integrated prenatal-postnatal management strategy can significantly reduce the risk of preoperative hospitalization due to related symptoms and may lower the risk of subsequent tracheal surgery, potentially improving long-term prognosis.

T helper cells (Th cells) play an important role in periodontitis. During the progression of periodontitis, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as INF-γ and IL-17, which are produced by Th1 and Th17 cells, are elevated, while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and TGF-β, which are secreted by Th2 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), are diminished. Interventions using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or their exosomes can alter the dynamics of helper T cell populations and their associated cytokine profiles, thereby mitigating the bone loss associated with periodontitis or even promoting bone regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) have been shown to directly modulate Th cell activity through the proteins and microRNAs they transport. Recent studies indicate that MSC-exos carry immune-suppressive protein molecules: PD-L1 and IDO contribute to regulating the balance between Th17 and Tregs; TGF-β inhibits the proliferation of T lymphocytes while facilitating differentiation into Tregs by sustaining forkhead box protein O3 (FOXP3) and Smad expression; and CD73 catalyzes the conversion of monophosphate adenosine into adenosine, which interacts with A2A receptors on Th1 cells to induce apoptosis in Th1 cells. In addition, microRNAs exhibit immunoregulatory functions: periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosomes contain miRNA-155-5p, which targets sirtuin-1 to suppress Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, evidence in rat models of periodontitis suggests that these exosomes may also carry miR-205-5p targeting XBP1 to restore the balance between Th17 and Tregs. Dental pulp stem cell-derived exosomes reestablish this balance via the miR-1246/Nfat5 axis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes harbor miR-1246, which targets ACE2 to promote differentiation towards Tregs. Moreover, MSC-exos can indirectly enhance the differentiation of Tregs through interactions with other immune entities, such as antigen-presenting cells or macrophages. This article reviews the changes and roles of helper T cells in periodontitis, as well as the regulatory role of exosomes on helper T cells, hoping to provide new ideas for immunotherapy in the treatment of periodontitis.