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.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.
3.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.
4.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.
5.Research progresses on the mechanism of macrophages in tendon bone healing.
Liang WANG ; Yinshuan DENG ; Tao QU ; Chaoming DA ; Yunfei HE ; Rui LIU ; Weimin NIU ; Weishun YAN ; Zhen CHEN ; Shuo LI ; Zhiyun YANG ; Binbin GUO ; Xueqian LAI
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(2):183-187
The connection between tendons and bones is called the tendon bone connection. With the continuous improvement of national sports awareness, excessive exercises and the related intensity are prone to damage the tendon bone connection. Tendon bone healing is a complex repair and healing process involving multiple factors, and good tendon bone healing is a prerequisite for its physiological function. The complexity of tendon bone structure also poses great challenges to the repair of tendon bone injuries. In recent years, researches have found that stem cells, growth factors, macrophages, and other factors are closely related to the healing process of tendon bone injuries, among which macrophages play an important role in the healing process. The authors reviewed relevant research literature in recent years and summarized the role of macrophages in tendon bone healing, in order to provide new ideas and directions for treatment strategies to promote tendon bone healing.
Humans
;
Macrophages/metabolism*
;
Wound Healing
;
Animals
;
Tendons/physiology*
;
Bone and Bones/injuries*
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Tendon Injuries
6.Atomic Fluorescence Dispersion Detection Technique Based on Area Array Single Photon Counting Imaging Detector
Chen TAO ; Hong-Ji ZHANG ; Chun-Sheng LI ; Ling-Ping HE ; Zhen-Yu MA ; Bo CHEN ; Ran ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):187-194
The single photon counting imaging detector based on microchannel plate(MCP)has the characteristics of high sensitivity and low dark count rate,and has been applied to the optical remote sensing detection of weak ultraviolet spectral signals in space.In this work,by using planar array single photon counting imaging detector as the detector,flat-field concave grating as the splitter,and electrodeless discharge lamp(EDL)as the excitation light source,a dispersion detection system suitable for hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry(HG-AFS)was developed.The wavelength calibration of the system was carried out,and the negative high pressure and EDL stability time of the planar array single photon counting imaging detector were analyzed and optimized.The characteristic emission spectral lines of As and Bi elements excited in the wavelength range of 180-320 nm were analyzed,and the scattering interference in the wavelength range of 257.3-306.7 nm was discussed.The results showed that the AFS dispersion detection system based on the planar array single photon counting imaging detector could detect and analyze the HG-AFS fluorescence signal initially,and the influence of scattering interference on the detection results was effectively avoided.The system had the advantages including simple structure,no refrigeration and temperature control,no moving parts and simultaneous measurement of multi-band.
7.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.Effect and Mechanism of Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Osteoporosis
Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Wei DING ; Ce CHU ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Yongqi XU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):290-298
Osteoporosis (OP) is a common bone disease affecting the quality of life and causing huge medical burden to the patients and society. The occurrence of OP is mainly caused by excessive bone resorption and insufficient bone formation, which are directly influenced by external calcium ion balance. Calcium imbalance can impair bone integrity, reduce the calcium supply to the bone, and lower the calcium content in the bone, thus triggering OP. Drugs are the main anti-OP therapy in modern medicine, which, however, may cause adverse reactions and drug dependence. Chinese medicines have good clinical effects and high safety in treating OP, being suitable for long-term use. Recent studies have shown that Chinese medicines can alleviate estrogen deficiency, regulate bone cell and calcium metabolism, which is crucial for the formation and development of OP. The transient receptor potential cation channel superfamily V members 5 and 6 (TRPV5 and TRPV6, respectively) affect bone homeostasis by mediating the transmembrane calcium ion transport in the intestine (TRPV6) and kidney (TRPV5). Therefore, TRPV5/6 is one of the key targets to understand the anti-OP mechanisms of the effective parts of Chinese medicines, which is worthy of further study. This paper summarizes the research results about the anti-OP effects of Chinese medicines in the last two decades, especially the mechanism of regulating calcium metabolism, aiming to provide new ideas for the basic research, clinical application, and drug development of OP treatment.

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