1.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
2.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
3.Renshentang Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice by Targeting TRPV1 to Regulate Foam Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Yulu YUAN ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Zhen YANG ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wanping CHEN ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):11-19
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Renshentang on atherosclerosis (AS) in mice based on the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid1 (TRPV1) in regulating cholesterol metabolism in foam cells. MethodsNine SPF-grade 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were set as a normal group, and 60 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into model, positive drug (simvastatin, 0.02 g·kg-1·d-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Renshentang groups (n=12) according to body weight. The normal group was fed with a normal diet, and the other groups were fed with a high-fat diet and given corresponding drugs by oral gavage for the modeling of AS. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs once a day for 12 weeks. After the last administration and fasting for 12 h, the aorta was collected. Plaque conditions, pathological changes, levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglcerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the expression of TRPV1, liver X receptor (LXR), inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the aortic tissue were observed and detected by gross oil red O staining, HE staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented obvious plaque deposition in the aorta, raised levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the serum (P<0.01), up-regulated expression level of LDLR in the aorta (P<0.01), lowered level of HDL-C in the serum, and down-regulated expression levels of TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL in the aorta (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive drug and Renshentang at different doses alleviated AS, elevated the levels of HDL-C, TRPV1, LXR, and IDOL (P<0.05, P<0.01), while lowering the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and LDLR (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang has a lipid-lowering effect on AS mice. It can effectively reduce lipid deposition, lipid levels, and plaque area of AS mice by activating TRPV1 expression and regulating the LXR/IDOL/LDLR pathway.
4.Long-term follow-up of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation using domestic self-expanding valve-prospective single-center experience
Qian-bei HE ; Qiao LI ; Yi-jian LI ; Rui-tao LI ; Bo-feng CHAI ; Zhi-cheng CHEN ; Zhi-xiang YU ; Zhen-gang ZHAO ; Yuan FENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):241-248
Objective To explore the long-term efficacy of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation(PPVI)and the durability of the domestic self-expanding Venus P valve.Methods A total of 8 patients with post-surgical right ventricular outflow tract(RVOT)dysfunction,who were admitted to hospital from October 2014 to July 2016 and deemed anatomically suitable for PPVI with self-expanding valve,were included prospectively.Clinical,imaging,procedural and follow-up data were analyzed.The survival rates,perioperative and long-term complication rates,long-term efficacy of PPVI,and long-term function of Venus P in 8 patients were evaluated.The immediate procedural results were evaluated by clinical implant success rate,which is defined as successful valve implantation with echocardiography-assessed pulmonary regurgitation<moderate and peak trans-pulmonary pressure gradient<40 mmHg.Results A total of 8 patients were included,with 7 females,aged 14 to 36 years.The initial diagnosis included post-surgical Tetralogy of Fallot(5 cases),post-surgical Trilogy of Fallot(1 case),post-surgical Quadricuspid pulmonary valve stenosis(1 case)and post-surgical Double-Outlet Right Ventricle(1 case).The indications of PPVI included RVOT-pulmonary obstruction and regurgitation(1 case)and isolated regurgitation(7 cases).Clinical implant success was achieved in all of the 8 patients with firmly fixed valve,and there were no such complications as valve detachment,displacement or stent fracture.All patients experienced significant symptom relief after the procedure.The right ventricular end-diastolic volume index(RVEDVi)measured by CMR 6 months after PPVI showed a significant decrease compared to preprocedural values[(89.99±13.85)ml/m2 vs.(144.93±11.28)ml/m2,P=0.001].Postoperative pulmonary regurgitation were significantly improved or disappeared in all patients,and there was no statistically significant difference in the average peak pressure gradient measured by echocardiogram between preoperative and the latest follow-up[(23.25±8.39)mmHg vs.(18.75±6.28)mmHg,P=0.210].Over an average follow-up period of(9.25±0.71)years,1 case of infective endocarditis occurred 5 years after PPVI.During the follow-up,no death,deterioration of heart failure,malignant arrhythmia or other serious complications were observed.All patients completed 8-year follow-up,and 3 completed 10-year follow-up.All patients were graded as NYHA functional class one at the latest follow-up.Conclusions PPVI using the domestically produced self-expanding Venus P is safe and feasible for the treatment of patients with post-surgical RVOT dysfunction and suitable anatomy.Our study confirms the long-term efficacy and durability of Venus P from multiple perspectives,and no severe stent fracture occurred without pre-stent implantation in the native RVOT.
5.Analysis of immunogenicity of African swine fever virus p37 recombinant protein in mice
Ying HUANG ; Wenzhu ZHAI ; Chunhao TAO ; Yuheng HE ; Zhen WANG ; Yuanyuan CHU ; Zhongbao PANG ; Hongfei ZHU ; Hong JIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):889-895
The aim of this study is to explore the immunogenicity of African swine fever virus p37 recombinant protein in mice.C57BL/6J mice were immunized subcutaneously in the abdomen using p37 recombinant protein as antigen.The second immunization was performed 21 d after the first immunization.Serum-specific antibody levels were detected by ELISA;serum cytokine levels were detected using a multifactor assay technique;mice splenic lymphocytes were isolated 7 d after sec-ondary immunization,and the number of splenic lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ after recombinant protein stimulation was detected by ELISpot;and the ratio of CD4+T cells to CD8+T cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results of indirect ELISA showed that p37 recombinant protein could stimulate mice to produce high levels of specific antibodies;ELISpot showed that p37 recom-binant protein could significantly stimulate splenic lymphocytes to produce IFN-γ(P<0.001)and activate cellular immune responses;the results of flow cytometry showed that it could signifi-cantly stimulate the differentiation of T-lymphocytes to CD4+T-lymphocytes(P<0.001).In ad-dition,serum levels of IL-2,IL-4,IFN-γ,and TNF-α immune-related cytokines were significantly higher after the second immunization.Immunization of mice with p37 recombinant protein induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with good immunogenicity,providing reference for the subsequent epitope identification and functional study of p37 protein and the antigen screening of ASF mRNA vaccine.
6.Study on the accuracy of resting full-cycle ratio,quantitative flow ratio,and contrast-induced fractional flow reserve in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions
Rui-tao ZHANG ; Zhen-yu TIAN ; Li-yun HE ; Lin MI ; Li-jun GUO ; Xin-ye XU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):163-169
Objective To compare the accuracy and clinical application value of contrast-induced fractional flow reserve(cFFR),resting full-cycle ratio(RFR),and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions,using fractional flow reserve(FFR)as the gold standard.Methods A retrospective study was conducted including 143 patients with 143 lesions who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and were tested for cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR at Peking University Third Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022.Clinical data,CAG lesion anatomical data,and target vessel cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR measurements were collected.The correlation and diagnostic concordance of cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR were analyzed.Results The mean age of the 143 patients was 66(58,71)years,with 90(62.9%)being male.Among them,60(42.0%)patients were diagnosed with unstable angina,and 115(80.4%)target lesions were located in the left anterior descending artery.Correlation analysis showed that RFR,QFR,and cFFR were all significantly correlated with FFR(r=0.956,r=0.861,r=0.751,P<0.001).Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated high agreement between cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for RFR corresponding to FFR ≤0.80 was 0.92(95%CI 0.87-0.96),for QFR was 0.89(95%CI 0.83-0.95),and for cFFR was 0.96(95%CI 0.94-0.99).Conclusions cFFR,RFR,and QFR show high concordance with FFR,with similar diagnostic consistency between the three methods and FFR.
7.Discussion on the Holistic Functional Perspective in Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation
Xiaoling LI ; Zhen HE ; Sinuo WANG ; Danhong LIN ; Jing TAO ; Lidian CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):437-442
By exploring theories related to yin-yang, body and spirit, and the relationship between nature and human beings, this study proposed the holistic functional perspective in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rehabi-litation. This perspective emphasizes the influence of various internal and external factors on the body's function and health status, with the integration of form and spirit as its core concept. It integrates the principles of correspondence between nature and human beings, as well as the unity of individuals and society, positioning holistic function as the key focus in TCM rehabilitation practice. It guides the prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation treatment of functional disorders, ultimately achieving the goal of comprehensive recovery of health. Additionally, the study reviewed the current application status of the holistic functional perspective in clinical TCM rehabilitation, clarified its integration throughout the entire TCM rehabilitation process, with the goal of providing a theoretical and practical foundation for further research and application in TCM rehabilitation.
8.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
9.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
10.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

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