1.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
2.Occupational health literacy level and its influencing factors among key industry groups in Huangshan City from 2022 to 2023
Yongguo ZHAN ; Min WANG ; Qian WU ; Tingwei WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):208-213
Background Occupational groups are facing a "dual health threat". Research indicates that enhancing the occupational health literacy (OHL) of workers is crucial for safeguarding their health and well-being. However, at present, the research on OHL in China is still in its infancy and there is an urgent need to carry out systematic studies. Objective To analyze the OHL level and influencing factors of key industry groups in Huangshan City, and to provide a basis for targeted intervention activities. Methods From 2022 to 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 621 frontline workers from 20 companies in four industries: non-metallic mineral mining and dressing, textile and apparel, rubber and plastic products, and non-metallic mineral products in Huangshan City. The participants were asked to anonymously complete the National Key Population Occupational Health Literacy Monitoring Survey Personal Questionnaire. The overall and 4 dimension levels of OHL were calculated according to the "2022 Calculation Standards for Occupational Health Literacy Levels of Key Populations". The OHL level was defined as the proportion of the target population possessing adequate OHL (indicated by an overall or dimension-specific score rate ≥80% on the questionnaire). Results A total of 621 workers were surveyed during the study period, with 597 valid questionnaires collected, resulting in an effective rate of 96.14%. The participants were mainly frontline workers in small enterprises, presenting the pattern of "three lows and one long". The male-to-female ratio was 1.16∶1. The overall OHL level of the participants was 45.06% during the study period. The dimension-specific levels of occupational health legal knowledge, basic knowledge, basic skills, and healthy working methods and behaviors were 50.25%, 73.53%, 30.49%, and 60.13%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the overall OHL level and the four dimension-specific levels among workers across different industries (P<0.05), with the lowest overall OHL level in the textile and apparel industry (32.06%). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those with a monthly income of less than
3.Evaluation of Pulmonary Air-Blood Barrier Damage in Ulcerative Colitis Inflammatory Cancer Transformation Model Mice:Based on the "Lung-Intestine Correlation" Theory
Huiyan XU ; Haimei ZHANG ; Xinyu ZHAN ; Fanwu WU ; Yongsen JIA ; Chenxi WU ; Lingyu KONG ; Xin YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):776-783
ObjectiveTo dynamically observe and evaluate the damage to the pulmonary air-blood barrier in mice during the inflammatory cancer transformation process of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on the "lung-intestine correlation" theory. MethodsSixty-five C57BL/6 mice were divided into a normal group (n=25) and a model group (n=40) using a random number table. Azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) method was used to establish a mouse model of UC inflammation cancer transformation in the modeling group. According to the tissue collection time points at 5, 8, 11, 13, and 15 weeks, the normal group mice were randomly divided into the normal 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. The model group mice, 10 mice of which died after the first cycle of DSS administration, were randomly divided into model 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. During the experiment, the general condition of the mice was observed daily, and their body weight was measured weekly. At the corresponding tissue collection time points, the colon length of each group was measured. Histopathology of mouse lung and colon tissues was examined using HE staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect changes in the positive expression of tight junction protein (ZO-1), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and cytoskeletal protein (F-actin) in lung and colon tissues. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), and Cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3) in lung tissues. Western Blot was employed to measure protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin in lung tissues. ResultsCompared to the normal group at the same time point, the mice in the model group at each time point generally had poorer conditions, with weight loss and shortened colon length (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the model 5w group, there was significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon tissue; in the model 8w group, there was mild atypical hyperplasia; in the model 11w group, the crypt structure was disordered, and moderate to severe atypical hyperplasia occurred; in the model 13w and 15w groups, tumors appeared. Pulmonary interstitial lesions, inflammation, vasculitis, and fibrosis were observed at all stages of UC inflammation cancer transformation. The protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin, as well as Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA increased; the expressions of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in colon tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared to the model 5w group, the ZO-1 and F-actin protein levels and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue in the other model groups increased in the atypical hyperplasia period and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA decreased; the expression of ZO-1 protein in colon tissue increased in the canceration period, and the expression of VE-cadherin protein decreased in the atypical hyperplasia period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). ConclusionIn the process of "inflammatory response-atypical hyperplasia-carcinogenesis" in UC inflammatory cancer transformation mice, there were damage to air-blood barrier.
4.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
5.α-ketoglutarate ameliorated arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition in offspring via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shuangrui BAO ; Hongyan WU ; Ying SUN ; Tong ZHAN ; Qian YANG ; Xinru LIANG ; Zhiyan WAN ; Wenyi CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):225-231
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males, and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, arsenic group, α-KG group, arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 (GD0-GD16), the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ,15 mg/L) in drinking water everyday, and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG (2 g/kg) everyday. On GD16, pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver, and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides (TGs) and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis, transport, and degradation, and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver; body weight and crown-rump length were reduced (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.05); oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of PI3K, AKT decreased(PTuKey<0.05). Compared with the arsenic group, the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05), the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased (PTuKey<0.05). Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Combination with Chinese Herbal Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Retrospective Study and A Meta-analysis
Chenguang ZHAN ; Shengqin YANG ; Xin LI ; Yu WEN ; Peng ZHANG ; Xingrui YAN ; Haifang DU ; Maojie WANG ; Xiaodong WU ; Liyan MEI ; Xiumin CHEN ; Yanlin LI ; Runyue HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):534-543
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors combined with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MethodsClinical data from 169 RA patients were retrospectively collected. Among them, 71 cases received JAK inhibitors as the control group, while 98 cases received JAK inhibitors plus CHM as the observation group, both treated for 24 weeks. The rheumatoid factor (RF), cyclic citic peptide antibody (anti-CCP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) were recorded before and after treatment. Databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception till August 31st, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the combined use of JAK inhibitors and CHM for RA. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed for RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP, 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), overall clinical effective rate, and incidence of adverse events. Sensitivity analysis were also performed. ResultsThe retrospective study demonstrated that after treatment, ESR, CRP, and anti-CCP levels decreased in the observation group, while ESR and CRP levels decreased in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, ESR and RF levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). A total of 9 RCTs involving 770 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the JAK inhibitors plus CHM group was superior to the JAK inhibitors group in reducing RF (MD=-8.97, 95%CI -15.01 to -2.94, P=0.004), CRP (MD=-3.34, 95%CI -3.82 to -2.86, P<0.001), ESR (MD=-5.33, 95%CI -7.98 to -2.69, P<0.001), and DAS28 score (MD=-0.54, 95%CI -0.74 to -0.34, P<0.001), as well as in improving the overall clinical effective rate (OR=4.53, 95%CI 2.55 to 8.03, P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in anti-CCP levels (SMD=-2.08, 95%CI -4.41 to 0.24, P=0.080) or incidence of adverse events (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.55 to 1.57, P=0.790). ConclusionThe combination of JAK inhibitors and CHM demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating RA, contributing to improved disease activity and reduced inflammatory markers with a favorable safety profile.
7.4-Phenylbutyrate ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced bile acid metabolism disorder in maternal mice
Xinru LIANG ; Ying SUN ; Shuangrui BAO ; Tong ZHAN ; Hongyan WU ; Wenkang TAO ; Lun ZHANG ; Jianqing WANG ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1183-1190
ObjectiveTo explore the ameliorative effect of the endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) on bile acid metabolism disorders induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in late-pregnant mice, and to clarify the regulatory mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). MethodsTwenty-four pregnant mice were divided into control group, LPS group, 4-PBA group, and LPS+4-PBA group. On the 16th day of pregnancy, the LPS group received intraperitoneal injection of LPS (200 μg/kg) and the 4-PBA group received injection of 4-PBA (150 mg/kg). In the LPS+4-PBA group, 4-PBA was intraperitoneally injected first, followed by LPS administration 1 h later. Serum total bile acid (TBA), liver injury markers, bile acid profiles, and the expression of key genes and proteins were detected 6 h after LPS treatment. ResultsLPS exposure increased serum TBA levels in pregnant mice(P<0.05), activated ERS markers and inflammatory factors, and downregulated bile acid transporters and the expression of the rate limiting enzyme CYP7A1(all P<0.05). 4-PBA intervention effectively inhibited ERS, reduced TBA levels(P<0.05), and upregulated Ntcp, Bsep, Mdr3, and Mrp3 gene expression(all P<0.05). ConclusionERS plays an important role in LPS interference with the homeostasis of bile acid metabolism during pregnancy. Inhibiting ERS can improve bile stasis by regulating bile acid transporters, providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of ICP.
8.Effects and Efficacy of Wenyang Huayin Yangxin Prescription on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Combined With Diuretic Resistance
Jiali WU ; Dan XIAO ; Tao ZHAN ; Yi YUAN ; Yun ZHAN ; Hong LIU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):94-101
Objective To study the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes of patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)combined with diuretic resistance by using the Wenyang Huayin Yangxin Prescription,and to observe its therapeutic efficacy.Methods A total of 68 CHF patients complicated with diuretic resistance and who had Yangqi deficiency and presenting blood stasis syndrome combined with Tanyin were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group.The control group was given intravenous furosemide(≥ 80 mg/d)via infusion pump in addition to standard Western medical treatment,while the observation group was given intravenous furosemide(<80 mg/d)via infusion pump along with the Wenyang Huayin Yangxin Prescription(30 g Astragalus,15 g Poria,15 g Baizhu,15 g Chuanxiong,10 g Danfu tablet,10 g Cassia,10 g Alisma,and 10 g Zhimu).The quantitative index of diuretic resistance was used as the primary outcome measure.In addition,the differences between the two groups in TCM syndromes,cardiac function-related indicators,incidence of endpoint events,and readmission rate were compared.Results After 2 weeks of treatment,the filtration sodium excretion fraction(FENa)in the observation group was(0.18±0.04)%,while that of the control group was(0.16±0.03)%,showing a statistically significant difference(P=0.037).The 24-hour urine volume and urine Na+/K+ratio in the observation group increased significantly from baseline levels and were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The differences in the changes of 24-hour urine volume,urine sodium,FENa,and urine Na+/K+ratio between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The TCM syndrome scores decreased in both groups after 2 weeks of treatment,with the observation group showing a significantly greater reduction compared with the control group(P<0.001).The differences in the changes of TCM syndrome scores between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.001).After 2 weeks of treatment,the observation group showed significant improvements in palpitations,shortness of breath,facial and limb edema,spontaneous sweating,chest tightness(pain),asthma,and oliguria compared with the baseline data(P<0.05),while the control group showed improvements only in facial and limb edema,asthma,and oliguria(P<0.05).Except for the asthma syndrome after 2 weeks of treatment,the observation group showed better outcomes in spontaneous sweating,chest tightness(pain),asthma,and oliguria at various time points after treatment compared with the control group(P<0.05).After 2 weeks of treatment,the observation group had significantly better cardiac output(CO)and stroke volume(SV)compared with those of the control group(P<0.05).The differences in the changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),SV,and CO between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).After 24 weeks of follow-up,no significant differences in the incidence of end-point events or readmission rates between the two groups were observed.Conclusion The Wenyang Huayin Yangxin Prescription,combined with low-dose intravenous furosemide administered through an infusion pump,can improve the TCM syndromes of patients with Yangqi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome combined with Tanyin in addition to CHF complicated by diuretic resistance.This treatment improves the patients'heart function and diuretic resistance,reduces the intravenous dosage of diuretic,and enhances clinical efficacy.This approach should be more widely applied in clinical settings.
9.Protective effect of N- acetylcysteine on liver damage caused by α -amanita toxin poisoning by regulating mitochondrial dynamic imbalance
Yun CHEN ; Jin WU ; Yuanlan LU ; Yu NI ; Jie HU ; Jiangshan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(10):1396-1402
Objective:To investigate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against α-amanitin (α-AMA)-induced liver injury via regulation of mitochondrial dynamic imbalance.Methods:Thirty-two ICR mice were randomly (random number) assigned to four groups ( n = 8 per group): normal control, NAC control, α-AMA poisoning, and α-AMA + NAC treatment group. After modeling, behavioral changes were observed and survival curves were plotted. Liver function markers and oxidative stress indicators were measured using ELISA. Pathological damage in liver tissue was examined, and mitochondrial ultrastructural changes were observed via transmission electron microscopy, followed by mitochondrial injury scoring. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. One-way ANOVA was used for intergroup comparisons, followed by pairwise comparisons. Results:Compared with the control group, α-AMA intoxication significantly reduced survival rates and increased serum ALT and AST levels ( P < 0.05). Liver tissues exhibited disordered hepatic cord arrangement, cytoplasmic loosening, and edema. Mitochondria showed moderate to severe swelling, cristae fragmentation, matrix dissolution, and vacuolation, along with increased injury scores ( P < 0.05). Oxidative markers MDA and ROS were elevated, while antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT were decreased (all P < 0.05). Mitochondrial activity was impaired, expression of fusion proteins OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2 was downregulated, and fission protein DRP1 was upregulated (all P < 0.05). Compared with the α-AMA group, NAC treatment significantly improved survival, reduced ALT and AST levels ( P < 0.05), alleviated pathological and mitochondrial ultrastructural damage, decreased MDA and ROS, increased SOD and CAT (all P < 0.05), enhanced mitochondrial activity, upregulated OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2, and downregulated DRP1 (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the normal and NAC control groups. Conclusions:NAC may attenuate α-AMA-induced acute liver injury by maintaining mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis.
10.DUSP26 inhibits proliferation,migration,and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by suppressing the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway
Fengheng LUO ; Min WU ; Shan ZHOU ; Yanan XIAO ; Zhiqiang ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(7):738-745
Objective:To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of dual-specificity phosphatase 26(DUSP26)in the proliferation,migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)A549 cells.Methods:The expression profile of DUSP26 was retrieved from the GEPIA2 tumor database,and its differential expression in LUAD tissues and normal human lung tissues were analyzed.Twelve pairs of LUAD tissue and paracancerous tissue surgically resected at Pingxiang People's Hospital between October 2022 and October 2023 were collected.The difference in DUSP26 expression between LUAD tissues and paracancerous tissues was analyzed using immunohistochemical(IHC)staining and Western blotting(WB).Additionally,the expression of DUSP26 in four LUAD cells(A549,SK-LU-1,Calu-3,H1299)and two normal bronchial epithelial cells(BEAS-2B,HBEC)was detected using WB method.A549 cells stably overexpressing DUSP26(DUSP26-OE)or corresponding negative control(DUSP26-OENC)were constructed via lentiviral transfection.The effects of DUSP26 overexpression on cell proliferation,migration and invasion were detected using colony formation,scratch assay,and Transwell chamber assay,respectively.The expression levels of TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 pathway-and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins were detected using WB method,and the expression levels of Ki-67 and cyclin D1 in cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining.Rescue experiments were conducted by adding 5 ng/mL recombinant TGF-β1.A nude mouse xenograft model was established using A549 cells to observe the effect of DUSP26 overexpression on the in vivo growth of transplanted tumors.The expression levels of TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 pathway-and EMT-related proteins in transplanted tumor tissues were assessed using WB method,and the expression levels of Ki-67 and cyclin D1 in transplanted tumor tissues were detected using immunofluorescence staining.Results:DUSP26 expression was downregulated in both LUAD tissues and cells(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001 or P<0.000 1).Compared with the DUSP26-OENC group,the DUSP26-OE group showed significantly reduced proliferation,migration and invasion of A549 cells(P<0.01 or P<0.001).Furthermore,the protein levels of TGF-β1,p-SMAD2/3,vimentin,N-cadherin,snail,Ki-67,and cyclin D1 were significantly reduced(P<0.01,P<0.001 or P<0.000 1),while E-cadherin level was increased in the DUSP26-OE group(P<0.000 1).The addition of 5 ng/mL TGF-β1 recombinant protein partially reversed the effects of DUSP26 overexpression in vitro experiments.The nude mice A549 cell xenograft model was successfully constructed.The growth rate of transplanted tumors was significantly slower in the DUSP26-OE group,with reduced volume and mass(all P<0.001).The protein levels of TGF-β1,p-SMAD2/3,vimentin,N-cadherin,snail,Ki-67,and cyclin D1 in the transplanted tumor tissues were all reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.001),while E-cadherin level was increased(P<0.000 1).Conclusion:DUSP26 is downregulated in both LUAD tissues and cells.Upregulation of DUSP26 suppresses the proliferation,migration and invasion of A549 cells by inhibiting the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.

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