1.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid alleviates inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway
Huihui JI ; Xu JIANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yunhong XING ; Liangliang WANG ; Na LI ; Yuting SONG ; Xuguang LUO ; Huilin CUI ; Ximei CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1220-1229
BACKGROUND:Rev-erbα is involved in the regulation of inflammation,but pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.To reduce the relevant risk,an exploration on SR9009,a Rev-erbα agonist,combined with other drugs to relieve inflammation in skeletal myoblasts was conducted,laying the theoretical foundation for the treatment of inflammation-associated skeletal muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of SR9009,indolepropionic acid and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS:(1)C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL).RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analysis were used to study signaling pathways.(2)C2C12 myoblast viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,cells were categorized into control group,lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)group,SR9009(10 μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,indolepropionic acid(80μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,and SR9009+indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of interleukin-6 in the cultured supernatant.Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Western blot assay were employed to measure protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65.(3)After Rev-erbα was knocked down by siRNA,knockdown efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR.And mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were also measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,lipopolysaccharide time-dependently inhibited myofibroblast fusion to form myotubes,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated,and the level of interleukin-6 in the cell supernatant was significantly increased.The results of KEGG pathway showed that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by lipopolysaccharide.Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of C2C12 myoblasts viability when its concentration exceeded 80 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid and SR9009 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby played an anti-inflammatory role,and suppressed the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression were downregulated.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid notably reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,further downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.The ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression was significantly lower than that in the SR9009+lipopolysaccharide group or indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.Rev-erbα increases time-dependently with lipopolysaccharide induction.The knockdown efficiency of Rev-erbα by siRNA reached over 58%,and lipopolysaccharide was added after Rev-erbα was successfully knocked down.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated.These results conclude that Rev-erbα may act as a promising pharmacological target to reduce inflammation.SR9009 targeted activation of Rev-erbα combined with indolepropionic acid significantly inhibits the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and attenuates the inflammatory response of C2C12 myofibroblasts.Moreover,the combined anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of the intervention alone.
2.Application of ultra-wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic kidney disease
Zhutao LIU ; Beibei HAN ; Wen YU ; Na LI ; Tian ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):819-825
AIM: To analyze the clinical utility and value of the ultra-wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography(UWF-SS-OCTA)technique in changes of blood flow density and thickness in the central and peripheral regions of the retina and choroid in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)with or without diabetic kidney disease(DKD).METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Totally 50 cases(50 eyes)of diabetes mellitus(DM)that visited our hospital between June 2023 and June 2024 were included. They were divided into three groups: NPDR combined with DKD group(DKD group, n=20), NPDR without DKD group(NDKD group, n=20), and DM without retinopathy group(DM group, n=10, which served as control). In order to investigate the impact of DKD on ocular microangiopathy in NPDR patients, the retina and choroid within 24 mm×20 mm of the scan were separated into central and peripheral areas using the 3×3 nine-grid partition option that comes with UWF-SS-OCTA, and the parameters were then quantitatively assessed.RESULTS:The central and peripheral blood flow density of the choroidal capillary layer(CCP)was statistically significant between the DM group and the DKD group(t=3.93, P=0.0003; t=3.34, P=0.0016), and between the NDKD group and the DKD group(t=-3.06, P=0.003; t=-2.55, P=0.013), but there was no statistically significant difference between the DM group and the NDKD group(t=1.44, P=0.157; t=1.26, P=0.21). The mid-large choroidal vessel(MLCV)showed a progressive decline in central and peripheral blood flow density in the DM, NDKD, and DKD groups(F=13.74, 19.03, all P<0.0001). The DM, NDKD, and DKD groups saw a progressive decrease in central and peripheral choroidal thickness(CT; F=10.72, P=0.0001; F=13.12, P<0.001).CONCLUSION:CCP, MLCV, and CT can be used as visual indicators to identify impaired renal function in patients with NPDR. UWF-SS-OCTA can support the development of precise and noninvasive monitoring and treatment technology for diabetic ocular microangiopathy, while also offering a scientific foundation for the joint management of DR and DKD.
3.Effects of isorhamnetin on the development of gastric cancer by up-regulating SLC25A25-AS1
Yang ZHANG ; Jing WANG ; Lisha NA ; Aoran ZENG ; Bowen PANG ; Yulin LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):932-938
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of isorhamnetin on the development of gastric cancer through up-regulation of solute carrier family 25 member 25 antisense RNA 1(SLC25A25-AS1). METHODS Using BALB/c nude mice as the subjects, the xenograft tumor model was established by subcutaneously inoculating human gastric cancer MKN28 cells into the axillary region. The effects of low and high doses of isorhamnetin (20 and 40 mg/kg) on the tumor volume and mass in nude mice were investigated. MKN28 cells were selected and divided into control group, isorhamnetin group (70 μmol/L, similarly hereinafter), isorhamnetin+knocking down negative control group, isorhamnetin+knocking down SLC25A25-AS1 group, isorhamnetin+ overexpression negative control group and isorhamnetin+overexpressing SLC25A25-AS1 group. Effects of knocking down/ overexpressing SLC25A25-AS1 on viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion ability of isorhamnetin-treated cells were detected. After verifying the targeting relationships between microRNA-212-3p (miR-212-3p) and SLC25A25-AS1, as well as phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), the effects of knocking down/overexpressing SLC25A25-AS1 on the expression of miR-212-3p, PTEN mRNA, and PTEN protein in isorhamnetin-treated cells were investigated. RESULTS Compared with the model control group, tumor volume and mass of nude mice in the isorhamnetin low-dose and high-dose groups were reduced significantly, and the isorhamnetin high-dose group was significantly lower than the isorhamnetin low-dose group (P<0.05). miR-212-3p had targeting relationships with SLC25A25-AS1 and PTEN. Compared with the control group, the cell viability (intervened for 24, 48 h), migration number, invasion number and miR-212-3p expression of cells in the isorhamnetin group, isorhamnetin+knocking down negative control group and isorhamnetin+overexpressing negative control group were significantly reduced or decreased or down-regulated, while the apoptosis rate, mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with isorhamnetin group and isorhamnetin+knocking down negative control group, the cell viability, migration number, invasion number and miR-212-3p expression of cells in the isorhamnetin+knocking down SLC25A25-AS1 group were significantly increased or up- regulated, while the apoptosis rate, mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN were significantly reduced or down-regulated (P< 0.05). Compared with isorhamnetin group and isorhamnetin+overexpressing negative control group, the cell viability, migration number, invasion number and miR-212-3p expression of cells in isorhamnetin+overexpressing SLC25A25-AS1 group were significantly reduced or decreased or down-regulated, while the apoptosis rate, PTEN mRNA and protein expressions were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Isorhamnetin may inhibit the development of gastric cancer by up-regulating the expression of SLC25A25-AS1, down-regulating miR-212-3p, and up-regulating the expression of PTEN, which is a downstream target of miR-212-3p.
4.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
5.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
6.The effects and mechanisms of silica on alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis
Yali LAN ; Wenyao SU ; Zhiming HU ; Ping WANG ; Bizhu ZHANG ; Na ZHAO
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):10-16
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of silica dust on the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) through in vitro and animal experiments. Methods i) In vitro experiment. A549 cells were stimulated with 100 mg/L silica suspension for 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. ii) Animal experiment. Specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, 14-day, 28-day, and 56-day groups, with five mice in each group. The mice in the control group were sacrificed at 56 days after being treated with 40.0 μL 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and the mice in the last three groups were sacrificed at 14, 28 and 56 days after being treated with 40.0 μL silica suspension with a mass concentration of 125 g/L via tracheal exposure method. The lung tissues of mice were collected to measure lung organ coefficients. Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, and Ashcroft scores were evaluated. The apoptosis of AEC in mice was observed by TUNEL immunofluorescence assay. iii) The mRNA relative expression of apoptosis-related genes in A549 cells and mouse lung tissue was detected using reverse transcription and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results i) In vitro experiment. The apoptosis rate of A549 cells increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). The relative expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) mRNA in A549 cells in 24 h group and 48 h group decreased (both P<0.05), and the relative expression of BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX) mRNA increased (both P<0.05), compared with 0 h group. The mRNA relative expression of caspase (CASP) -3 and CASP-9 in A549 cells increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). ii) Animal experiment. The lung organ coefficients and Ashcroft score in mice progressively increased (all P<0.05), the degree of pulmonary fibrosis was gradually aggravated, and TUNEL positive cells in lung tissue were gradually increased, while Bax, Casp-3 and Casp-9 mRNA relative expression increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). Conclusion Silica dust may cause pulmonary fibrosis by inducing apoptosis of AEC, with a time-dependent effect. The mechanism may be related to the effect of silica dust on mitochondrial apoptosis through Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.
7.Effects and mechanism of limonin on renal lesion,glucose metabolism,inflammation and oxidative stress in gestational diabetic rats
Na QU ; Kai ZHANG ; Lisha NA ; Ying CUI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1082-1086
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of limonin on renal lesions, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in gestational diabetic rats and its possible mechanisms. METHODS The model of gestational diabetic rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were divided into the model group (intragastrical administration and tail vein injection of equal volume of normal saline), limonin low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (intragastrical administration of limonin, at doses of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg, and equal volume of normal saline into the tail vein), and combination group [intragastrical administration of limonin 50.0 mg/kg + tail vein injection of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activator Anisomycin 2 mg/kg ], with 12 rats in each group. In addition, 12 pregnant rats were selected as the control group (intragastrical administration and tail vein injection of equal volume of normal saline). They were given relevant medicine, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, fasting blood glucose (FBG), the levels of fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum were detected; the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) in the renal tissue were detected; the pathological changes of renal tissue were observed; the expressions of proteins related to the JNK/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, in model group, the rats showed pathological injuries in the kidney tissue, such as glomerular atrophy, edema of renal tubular epithelial cells; the levels of FBG, FINS, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, BUN and Cr, HOMA-IR, as well as the phosphorylation levels of JNK and NF-κB 0453-6602005。E-mail:mcvi45@163.com p65 proteins were increased significantly (P<0.05), while the levels of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, in each dose group of limonin, the degree of renal tissue lesions in rats was alleviated, and the above-mentioned indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05), showing an obvious dose-effect relationship (P<0.05). Compared with high-dose limonin group, in the combination group, the degree of renal tissue lesions in rats was relatively aggravated, and the changes in the above-mentioned indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Limonin has a certain improvement effect on renal lesions, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in pregnant rats with gestational diabetes. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.
9.Proportions of memory T cells and expression of their associated cytokines in lymph nodes of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis
Yinshi LI ; Duolikun ADILAI ; Bingqing DENG ; Ainiwaer ABIDAN ; Sheng SUN ; Wenying XIAO ; Conghui GE ; Na TANG ; Jing LI ; Hui WANG ; Tao JIANG ; Chuanshan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):136-143
Objective To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on levels of memory T (Tm) cells and their subsets in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of infection, so as to provide new insights into immunotherapy for alveolarechinococcosis. MethodsTwenty-four C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 9 weeks were randomly divided into the infection group and the control group, of 12 mice in each group. Mice in the infection group were administered with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via portal venous injection, while animals in the control group were administered with an equal volume of physiological saline. Three mice from each group were sacrificed 4, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-infection, and lymph nodes were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to investigate the histopathological changes of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group. The expression and localization of T lymphocyte surface markers CD3, CD4, and CD8 were observed in mouse lymph nodes using immunohistochemical staining. In addition, lymphocyte suspensions were prepared from mouse lymph nodes in both groups at different time points post-infection, and the levels of Tm cell subsets and their secreted cytokines were detected using flow cytometry. Results HE staining showed diffuse structural alterations in the subcapsular cortical and paracortical regions of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group 4 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis. Immunohistochemical staining detected CD3, CD4 and CD8 expression in mouse lymph nodes in both groups. Flow cytometry revealed higher proportions of CD4+ Tm cells [(55.3 ± 4.8)% vs. (38.8 ± 6.1)%; t = -4.259, P < 0.05] and CD4+ tissue-resident Tm (Trm) cells [(57.7 ± 3.7)% vs. (34.1 ± 11.2)%; t = -3.990, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks post-infection, and higher proportions of CD4+ Tm cells [(34.6 ± 3.2)% vs. (23.3 ± 7.5)%; t = -2.764, P < 0.05] and CD4+ Trm cells [(44.0 ± 1.9)% vs. (31.2 ± 1.5)%; t = -4.039, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. The proportions of CD8+ Tm cells were higher in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks [(56.8 ± 2.7)% vs. (43.9 ± 5.2)%; t = -4.416, P < 0.01] and 12 weeks post-infection [(25.4 ± 2.7)% vs. (12.0 ± 2.6)%; t = -2.552, P < 0.05], while the proportions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α+ CD4+ T cells [(15.7 ± 5.0)% vs. (49.4 ± 6.4)%; t = 7.150, P < 0.01], TNF-α+CD8+ T cells [(20.7 ± 5.5)% vs. (57.5 ± 8.4)%; t = -6.694, P < 0.01], and TNF-α+ CD8+ Tm cells [7.0% (1.0%) vs. 31.0% (11.0%); Z = -2.236, P < 0.05] were lower in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post-infection. Conclusions Tm cells levels are consistently increased in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of E. multilocularis infection, with Trm cells as the predominantly elevated subset. The impaired capacity of CD8+ Tm cells to secrete the effector molecule TNF-α in mouse lymph nodes at the late-stage infection may facilitate chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis.
10.Design, synthesis and antifungal and antitumor activity research of novel Hsp90 inhibitors
Qiao SHI ; Guiyan HAN ; Junteng ZHANG ; Na LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(3):124-135
Objective To design and synthesize novel Hsp90 inhibitors with dual functions of synergistically enhancing the antifungal activity of fluconazole (FLC) against drug-resistant fungi and anti-tumor activity based on the Hsp90 inhibitor Ganetespib. Methods The previous research found that Ganetespib had a good synergistic anti-resistant fungal activity with FLC, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.023 to 0.039. In this study, structural modifications were made to Ganetespib by replacing its indole ring with a phenyl ring containing different substituents to design and synthesize a series of new compounds. The in vitro synergistic anti-resistant fungal activity against C. albicans 0304103 in combination with FLC, anti-tumor activity (against HEL, HL60 and A549 cells), and Hsp90α inhibition activity were determined to explore their structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action. Results The chemical structures of 19 new compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. Most of the compounds exhibited strong Hsp90α inhibitory activity, good synergistic activity against drug-resistant fungi in combination with FLC and anti-tumor activity. The substitution of electron-donating groups on the benzene ring was beneficial to enhancing the synergistic activity against drug-resistant fungi in combination with FLC. Among them, compounds F3 and F5 showed excellent synergistic activity against drug-resistant fungi in combination with FLC (FICI were both 0.047) and anti-tumor activity (IC50 were 0.025 to 0.15 μmol/L and 0.021 to 0.23 μmol/L respectively), and could down-regulate the expression levels of drug resistance genes and efflux pump genes in fungi, inhibit the formation of fungal biofilms, and arrest the cell cycle of HEL cells at G0/G1 phase. Conclusion The novel Hsp90 inhibitors such as F3 and F5 could both effectively exert the dual activities of synergizing with FLC to combat drug-resistant fungi and fight against tumors, which provided a new idea for the development of new drugs with dual functions of synergizing with FLC to combat drug-resistant fungi and fight against tumors.

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