1.Inhibitory effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment
Zeqian WANG ; Yanzhe DUAN ; Yige WU ; Dong MA ; Jianjun HUANG ; Yuqing YAN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4044-4051
BACKGROUND:Hydroxy safflower yellow A has anti-ischemia,anti-oxidation,anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects.Whether it affects neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis and its mechanism. METHODS:HT22 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into five groups:normal group,model group,hydroxy safflower yellow A group,colivelin group,and colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.HT22 cells were treated with glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation to establish neuronal pyroptosis model,and then treated with STAT3 agonist Colivelin and hydroxy safflower yellow A.JC-1 probe was employed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.Reactive oxygen species kit was used to determine the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.GSDMD/TUNEL staining was conducted to observe cell pyroptosis.Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect STAT3 and GSDMD protein expression.RT-PCR was utilized for assessing mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1.Western blot assay was utilized to measure the protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the number of pyroptotic cells increased in HT22 cells in the model group along with a significant increase in protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,Cleaved-caspase-1,GSDMD,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the model group,the number of pyroptotic cells reduced,and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins significantly decreased in the hydroxy safflower yellow A group.(2)In comparison with the model group,pyroptosis worsened in the colivelin group where mitochondrial membrane potential decreased along with elevated reactive oxygen species content and increased mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1,as well as increased protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the Colivelin group,above indexes were improved in the colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.These results suggest that hydroxy safflower yellow A plays a neuroprotective role through STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit HT22 pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Heart and Brain Protection of Bukan Yilidan on a Rat Model of Perimenopausal Psycho-cardiac Disease Based on Mitochondrial Autophagy
Ningyang XU ; Xiande MA ; Lu REN ; Yuqing HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):48-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Bukan Yilidan on perimenopausal psycho-cardiac disease by mitochondrial autophagy mediated by dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)/phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, western medicine group(isosorbide mononitrate 7.2 mg·kg-1+sertraline hydrochloride tablets 18 mg·kg-1), Bukan Yilidan low, medium and high dose groups(2.59, 5.18, 10.35 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the rat model of perimenopausal psycho-cardiac disease was prepared by ovariectomy(OVX) combined with high-fat feeding, chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) and subcutaneous multi-point injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride. After successful modeling, the general state and tongue image of rats were observed. The depression status of rats in vivo was evaluated by open field test, sucrose preference test, forced swimming immobility time and grip strength value, and the cardiac function of rats was evaluated by electrocardiogram and echocardiography. The levels of serum norepinephrine(NE), dopamine(DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and biochemical detection was used to assess myocardial injury by measuring serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological status of hippocampus and myocardial tissue in rats, the status of mitophagosomes in hippocampus and myocardium was observed by transmission electron microscope(TEM), and Western blot was used to detect the contents of Drp1, mitochondrial fusion protein 2(Mfn2), optic atrophy protein 1(OPA1), PINK1, Parkin, p62 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B(LC3B) in hippocampus and myocardium. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the food intake and water intake of rats in the model group decreased, the hair was dark yellow, the gloss and smoothness decreased, the spirit was depressed, the tongue was light purple or dark purple, accompanied by petechiae or ecchymosis, the sublingual collaterals were purple and black, and the tongue coating was white and smooth. The indexes of open field test, grip strength and sucrose preference of rats decreased significantly, and the immobility time of forced swimming increased significantly(P<0.01). Electrocardiogram and echocardiography showed that ST segment was significantly depressed, and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological observation showed that the number of hippocampal neurons and myocardial cells decreased, and the structural damage was obvious. The levels of serum TC, TG, LDL-C, CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALT increased, while the levels of HDL-C, 5-HT, DA and NE decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). TEM showed obvious mitochondrial damage in hippocampus and myocardial tissue. The protein expressions of Drp1, PINK1, Parkin and p62 in hippocampus and myocardium were increased, while the protein expressions of OPA1, Mfn2 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mental state, body curling up, fear of cold and other symptoms of rats in each administration group were improved, and the degree of pale purple or dark purple tongue was reduced. The scores of open field test, grip strength, sucrose preference, LVFS and LVEF were increased, and the immobility time of forced swimming was shortened(P<0.05, P<0.01). The ST segment of electrocardiogram had a significant recovery(P<0.01), pathological observation showed that the damage of nerve cells and myocardial tissue was improved. The levels of serum TC, TG, LDL-C, CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALT decreased, while the levels of HDL-C, 5-HT, DA and NE increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). TEM showed that mitochondrial damage was reduced in hippocampal neurons and cardiomyocytes with visible mitochondrial autophagosomes. The protein expressions of Drp1, PINK1, Parkin and p62 in hippocampus and myocardium were decreased, while the protein expressions of OPA1, Mfn2 and LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBukan Yilidan can alleviate depression, lipid metabolism disorder and myocardial ischemia injury in rats with perimenopausal psycho-cardiac disease, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting Drp1/PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway and enhancing mitochondrial autophagy.
3.Analysis of components migrating to blood and metabolites of Polygonum cuspidatum in rats with acute gouty arthritis
Caiyi KE ; Meng SHEN ; Li JI ; Xuechun WANG ; Yuqing ZHU ; Xi CHEN ; Chengweiqi WANG ; Qun MA
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1581-1586
OBJECTIVE To analyze the components migrating to blood and metabolites of Polygonum cuspidatum in rats with acute gouty arthritis (AGA). METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group and P. cuspidatum group (10 g/kg, by raw material), with 6 rats in each group. Except for blank group, AGA model was induced in the remaining groups by injecting potassium oxonate and sodium urate; meanwhile, they were administered corresponding drug solutions or water intragastrically, once a day, for 10 consecutive days. The histopathological morphology of the knee joint tissues in rats was observed;rat serum samples were collected, and the components migrating to blood and metabolites of P. cuspidatum were analyzed by using UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. RESULTS Following the intervention with P. cuspidatum, the histopathological morphology of the knee joint synovial tissue in AGA rats showed significant improvement, with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperplasia, and the preservation of the honeycomb-like structure integrity. In both positive and negative ion modes, a total of 67 chemical components were detected in the serum of rats from P. cuspidatum group, including 25 prototype components and 42 metabolites. The involved compound types encompassed stilbenes, anthraquinones, naphthols, and flavonoids, among others. The metabolic reactions identified included methylation, acetylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation. Notably, compounds such as polydatin, resveratrol and emodin were capable of entering the bloodstream in their prototype forms and undergoing in vivo metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Compounds such as polydatin, resveratrol and emodin are likely to be the active components responsible for the anti-AGA effects of P. cuspidatum.
4.Analysis of Current Status and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Responding to Public Health Emergencies Under Healthy China Strategy: Taking Major Emerging Epidemics as an Example
Yuqing CAO ; Xinyu JI ; Xiyu SHANG ; Qiujie CAI ; Yipin FAN ; Yanping WANG ; Yan MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):222-232
Under the background of the Healthy China strategy, the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into the public health emergency response system has become an important measure to enhance the capacity for coping with public health emergencies. In recent years, the role of TCM in responding to such emergencies has become increasingly prominent. Taking major emerging epidemics as an example, TCM has developed a rich theoretical system and practical experience in epidemic prevention and treatment over thousands of years, and has played a significant role in successive outbreaks with its unique advantages. Based on the concept of ''preventing disease before its onset'' and the theoretical framework of treatment based on syndrome differentiation, TCM has achieved remarkable results through early intervention and full participation in the integrated model of TCM and Western medicine, from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19), in improving clinical symptoms and outcomes, reducing adverse reactions, and promoting recovery. From the perspective of the Healthy China strategy, this paper systematically reviews the historical development of TCM in epidemic prevention and treatment, with particular attention to recent epidemics such as SARS, influenza A (H1N1), and COVID-19. It further examines the similarities and differences between TCM and Western medicine in responding to major emerging epidemics, as well as relevant policies related to TCM in epidemic prevention and control. In addition, it summarizes the existing problems in TCM's role in the prevention and treatment of major emerging epidemics, and explores measures to improve its rapid response capacity under the Healthy China strategy. This study not only provides a ''Chinese solution'' for the prevention and control of newly emerging infectious diseases worldwide, but also offers theoretical and practical references for strengthening the public health emergency response system, carrying strategic significance for promoting the modernization and internationalization of TCM.
5.Progress in autophagy effect on the progression of SLE pathogenesis by regulating the immune system.
Tianzhen MA ; Honghui TANG ; Xuan CHEN ; Yuqing GUO ; Liping ZHANG ; Baiqing LI ; Jin XI ; Yuanyuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(7):649-654
Autophagy is a fundamental biological metabolic process involved in immune defense, material metabolism, and homeostasis and closely linked to immune regulation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a widespread connective tissue disorder primarily resulting from immune system imbalance. Due to the immune system's failure to recognize its own substances, it generates autoantibodies that can affect various tissues and organs, leading to diverse clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis and treatment of SLE are currently under extensive investigation. In normal metabolic processes, autophagy engages in both innate and adaptive immunity, regulates the immune response, and is crucial for maintaining normal immune function and the body's internal homeostasis. Research has indicated that SLE patients exhibit immune dysfunction and altered autophagy levels. Modulating autophagy expression can influence immune system functionality and alleviate SLE symptoms. Additionally, autophagy aids in the innate immune response and adaptive immunity by clearing metabolites and regulating the life cycle of immune cells. Studies suggest that drugs targeting autophagy can positively influence the progression of SLE. This article reviews advancements in research regarding the impact of autophagy on the pathogenesis of SLE through the regulation of immune system functions.
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology*
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Autophagy/immunology*
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Humans
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Animals
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Immunity, Innate
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Adaptive Immunity
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Disease Progression
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Immune System/immunology*
6.Expression efficiency of three DNA plamids and their mRNAs expressing foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) antigenic proteins.
Lixin JIANG ; Haiyun LIU ; Yifan LIU ; Yuqing MA ; Shiqi SUN ; Zezhong ZHENG ; Huichen GUO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2623-2633
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the major animal infectious diseases in the world. All cloven-hoofed animals are susceptible to FMD. Vaccination is still the first choice for the prevention and control of FMD. mRNA vaccines can be rapidly designed, synthesized, and produced on a large scale in vitro, and they can induce effective protective immune responses, demonstrating the advantages of rapid development, easy preparation, and low biosafety risks. The design of untranslated regions is a key to enhancing the expression and efficacy of mRNA vaccines. In order to generate an efficient FMD mRNA vaccine, we designed three FMD P12A3C expression vectors with different untranslated regions and synthesized corresponding mRNAs. By comparing expression efficiency of these vectors and their mRNAs at different time points and in different cell lines, we found that the mRNA P12A3C-UTR3 had the best expression and universality. This study laid a foundation for the development of mRNA vaccines against FMD and provided a theoretical basis for the optimal sequence design of efficient mRNA.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus/genetics*
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Animals
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RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis*
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Foot-and-Mouth Disease/immunology*
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Antigens, Viral/biosynthesis*
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Viral Vaccines/biosynthesis*
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Genetic Vectors/genetics*
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Cell Line
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Vaccines, DNA/immunology*
7.Advantages and potential ecological risks of genetically modified crops.
Qingjie CHEN ; Yuqing CHENG ; Yu MA ; Ning XU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3891-3906
Genetically modified (GM) crops, as a pivotal innovation in modern agriculture, exhibit significant advantages such as pest and disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, stress tolerance, and yield enhancement. However, their widespread adoption has been associated with potential ecological risks, including weediness of transgenic plants, gene flow, emergence of novel viral strains in virus-resistant crops, impacts on non-target organisms and soil ecosystems, and evolution of target pest resistance. This review focuses on the dual characteristics of GM crops, systematically examining their agronomic benefits and the underlying mechanisms of ecological risks. This review provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing the development of GM crops and ecological risk management, facilitating sustainable agricultural practices.
Plants, Genetically Modified/growth & development*
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Crops, Agricultural/growth & development*
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Ecosystem
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Ecology
8.Influence of hepatic osteodystrophy on the prognosis of liver transplantation
Yibo WANG ; Yubo ZHAO ; Yanbo MA ; Yuqing SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2429-2434
Hepatic osteodystrophy is a common complication in patients with chronic liver disease and is influenced by various risk factors, and it has become one of the important influencing factors for the prognosis of liver transplantation. By analyzing the influencing factors for bone health and bone metabolism during the perioperative period of liver transplantation, this article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment of bone health and necessary interventions at this stage, with an aim to reduce the risk of postoperative complications and improve the long-term prognosis of patients. A deeper exploration of the association between hepatic osteodystrophy and the prognosis of liver transplantation can help to reveal the key influencing factors for postoperative outcomes, thus providing a theoretical basis for optimizing postoperative management strategies. Furthermore, advances in this research field will offer new insights into the treatment of patients receiving liver transplantation, and it is expected to further improve quality of life and long-term survival rate.
9.WIN55212-2 alleviates acute kidney injury in septic mice by regulating the AKT/mTOR/PFKFB3 signaling pathway
Xupeng DONG ; Qianwen DUAN ; Yuan MA ; Che LIU ; Yu GONG ; Yuqing MA
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(10):1100-1106
Objective To investigate the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonist,WIN55212-2(WIN),on acute kidney injury(AKI)in mice with sepsis and its underlying mechanism.Methods Twenty-four healthy male mice were divided into(n=6):Control group,sepsis group(LPS group),sepsis+WIN55212-2 group(LPS+WIN group)and sepsis+WIN55212-2+mTOR activator MHY1485 group(LPS+WIN+MHY group).The sepsis model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of LPS.After the tissue and blood samples were harvested in 24 h after modeling,ELISA was used to determine the contents of IL-1β,IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)in the renal tissues,as well as Scr,kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1)and lactic acid(LA)in the serum.HE staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of kidney tissue and Paller score was calculated.The expression of p-AKT,p-Mtor and 6-phosphofructokinase-2/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3(PFKFB3)in the renal tissues was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the Control group,the LPS group had obvious kidney tissue damage,increased Paller score(P<0.05),increased serum contents of lactic acid,Scr and KIM-1(P<0.05),up-regulated contents of LDHA,IL-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissues(P<0.05),and elevated expression levels of p-AKT,p-Mtor and PFKFB3 in the renal tissues(P<0.05).Milder pathological injury in kidney tissue,decreased Paller score(P<0.05),reduced contents of lactic acid,Scr and KIM-1(P<0.05),decreased contents of LDHA,IL-1β and IL-18(P<0.05),and lower expression of p-AKT,p-Mtor and PFKFB3 were observed in the LPS+WIN group than the LPS group(P<0.05).The LPS+WIN+MHY group had notably higher Paller score(P<0.05),raised contents of lactic acid,Scr and KIM-1(P<0.05),increased contents of LDHA,IL-1β and IL-18(P<0.05),and up-regulated expression of p-AKT,p-Mtor and PFKFB3(P<0.05)when compared with the LPS+WIN group.Conclusion WIN can alleviate AKI in sepsis,and it may reduce the level of glycolysis in renal tissue,and alleviate inflammation through inhibiting AKT/Mtor/PFKFB3 signaling pathway.
10.Ameliorative effect of rare ginsenosides on reproductive injury induced by cyclophosphamide in female rats: based on metabonomics
Feiyan TAO ; Huagang MA ; Yuqing CAO ; Xueying JI ; Linmeng SONG ; Peng XUE
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;59(5):391-400
Objective:To investigate the effect of rare ginsenosides (RGS) on reproductive injury induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in female rats.Methods:Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups [normal control (NC), RGS, CP, and CP+RGS group] with 6 rats in each group. CP group (the model group) and CP+RGS group (the treatment group) were intraperitoneally injected with CP 30 mg/kg for 5 days for modeling, and CP+RGS group was given RGS intragastric intervention. General growth status of rats in each group was observed, the organ index was calculated, and the pathological changes of ovary, uterus, liver and kidney were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum levels of estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α were detected. The urine samples were collected after RGS treatment for metabonomics analysis. Metabolomic profiling based on ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was used to analyze and determine the urine metabolites of rats in each group.Results:Compared with NC group, the ovary index of CP group [(0.054±0.015) %] was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the uterus index [(0.293±0.036) %] and estradiol level [(62.9±6.4) pmol/L] were significantly decreased (all P<0.01), serum levels of FSH, LH, IL-6 and IL-1β [(20.4±1.0) U/L, (29.0±3.0) U/L, (185.4±28.6) ng/L, (72.9±2.0) ng/L, respectively] were significantly increased (all P<0.01). Compared with CP group, the ovary index in CP+RGS group [(0.075±0.010) %] was significantly increased ( P<0.05), serum estradiol level [(122.1±16.2) pmol/L] was significantly increased ( P<0.01), serum FSH, IL-1β and IL-6 levels [(16.7±1.0) U/L, (111.8±17.4) ng/L, (60.1±2.2) ng/L, respectively] were significantly decreased (all P<0.01). Metabonomics analysis results showed that, a total of 352 metabolites were detected in urine, of which 12 were found to be potential markers associated with reproductive injury according to the screening standard. After treatment with RGS, differential metabolites were improved in the direction of NC group. Pathway enrichment suggests that the therapeutic effect of RGS was related to multiple metabolic pathways, including purine metabolism and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Conclusion:RGS might reduce inflammation and thus ameliorate the damage caused by CP to the reproductive system of female rats by affecting purine metabolism and other pathways.

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