1.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.
2.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.
3.Transcriptome Sequencing on Treatment of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis-thin Endometrium in Rats with Bushen Huoxue Prescription Through Enema
Xuan ZHANG ; Wanting XIA ; Zhixing YIN ; Nana HAN ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Yi WANG ; Juan LI ; Qian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):79-90
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Bushen Huoxue enema in treating the rat model of kidney deficiency and blood stasis-thin endometrium (KDBS-TE) by transcriptome sequencing. MethodThe rat model of KDBS-TE was established by administration of tripterygium polyglycosides tablets combined with subcutaneous injection of adrenaline. The pathological changes of rat endometrium in each group were then observed. Three uterine tissue specimens from each of the blank group, model group, and Bushen Huoxue enema group were randomly selected for transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were screened, and the disease-related specific competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore, the gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed for the mRNAs in the network. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed endometrial dysplasia, decreased endometrial thickness and endometrial/total uterine wall thickness ratio (P<0.01), and differential expression of 18 circRNAs, 410 lncRNAs, and 7 miRNAs. Compared with the model group, the enema and estradiol valerate groups showed improved endometrial morphology and increased endometrial thickness and ratio of endometrial to total uterine wall thickness (P<0.05). In addition, 21 circRNAs, 518 lncRNAs, and 17 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the enema group. The disease-related specific circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 629 nodes and 664 edges contained 2 circRNAs, 34 miRNAs, and 593 mRNAs. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network composed of 180 nodes and 212 edges contained 5 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 164 mRNAs. The mNRAs were mainly enriched in Hippo signaling pathway, autophagy-animal, axon guidance, etc. ConclusionBushen Huoxue enema can treat KDBS-TE in rats by regulating specific circRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in the uterus and the ceRNA network.
4.Si-Wu-Tang attenuates liver fibrosis via regulating lncRNA H19-dependent pathways involving cytoskeleton remodeling and ECM deposition.
Jiaorong QU ; Xiaoyong XUE ; Zhixing WANG ; Zhi MA ; Kexin JIA ; Fanghong LI ; Yinhao ZHANG ; Ruiyu WU ; Fei ZHOU ; Piwen ZHAO ; Xiaojiaoyang LI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2024;22(1):31-46
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic wound-healing response characterized by the agglutination of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is known for treating gynecological diseases and liver fibrosis. Our previous studies demonstrated that long non-coding RNA H19 (H19) was markedly upregulated in fibrotic livers while its deficiency markedly reversed fibrogenesis. However, the mechanisms by which SWT influences H19 remain unclear. Thus, we established a bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis model to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of SWT on various cells in the liver. Our results showed that SWT markedly improved ECM deposition and bile duct reactions in the liver. Notably, SWT relieved liver fibrosis by regulating the transcription of genes involved in the cytoskeleton remodeling, primarily in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and influencing cytoskeleton-related angiogenesis and hepatocellular injury. This modulation collectively led to reduced ECM deposition. Through extensive bioinformatics analyses, we determined that H19 acted as a miRNA sponge and mainly inhibited miR-200, miR-211, and let7b, thereby regulating the above cellular regulatory pathways. Meanwhile, SWT reversed H19-related miRNAs and signaling pathways, diminishing ECM deposition and liver fibrosis. However, these protective effects of SWT were diminished with the overexpression of H19 in vivo. In conclusion, our study elucidates the underlying mechanisms of SWT from the perspective of H19-related signal networks and proposes a potential SWT-based therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Humans
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RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics*
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Liver Cirrhosis/genetics*
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Liver/metabolism*
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Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology*
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
5.Screening threshold for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in preterm and full-term infants by an indirect method
Jing GUO ; Guoli TIAN ; Zhixing ZHU ; Zhuo ZHOU ; Wei JI ; Xiaofen ZHANG ; Yanmin WANG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(3):182-186
Objective:To analyze the difference and reliability of blood 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), an indirect screening index for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), between preterm and full-term infants.Methods:In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a total of 210 285 newborns who underwent CAH screening at the Neonatal Screening Center of Shanghai Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were collected, including 14 312 premature infants and 195 973 full-term infants.The concentration of 17-OHP in dried blood spots on filter paper was determined by an automatic fluorescence analyzer.The distribution of 17-OHP levels in preterm and full-term infants and its statistical index were analyzed.The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for normal distribution.The skewed distribution data was converted into approximately normal distribution using Box-Cox.Outliers were eliminated by the interquartile range method.The cumulative frequency distribution map was drawn by R language programming.The 99.5 th percentile value was used as the screening threshold and compared with the reference value given by the manufacturer or laboratory and with the reference change value (RCV). Results:According to the threshold provided by the laboratory, 26.76‰ of premature infants were tested positive in preliminary screening, and 4 were confirmed with an incidence of 1∶3 578, while 0.79‰ of full-term infants were tested positive in preliminary screening, and 11 were confirmed with an incidence of 1∶17 816.The thresholds for CAH screening established indirectly were 20.35 nmol/L in preterm infants and 10.78 nmol/L in full-term infants.The relative deviations between the indirect CAH screening thresholds and the manufacturer′s or laboratory′s CAH screening thresholds were higher than the RCV, respectively.According to the indirect CAH screening thresholds, the negative and positive coincidence rates of 65 samples in 13 batches from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention interlaboratory quality assessment program in the United States reached 100%.A retrospective analysis of 210 285 neonates showed that 17-OHP concentration was higher than the screening threshold in all CAH-positive neonates.The application of this screening threshold reduced the false positive rate of preterm infants by 59.79%.Conclusions:It is feasible to establish the CAH screening thresholds for premature and full-term infants by an indirect method, which can improve the efficiency of screening and provide better diagnostic basis for clinical practice.
6.Network meta-analysis of the modeling effects of different factors on rabbit models of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head
Zhixing HU ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Luochangting FANG ; Wuqiong HOU ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunfang LIU ; Ya LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):976-984
OBJECTIVE:The rabbit model of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head is the most commonly used animal model of femoral head necrosis.The pathological changes of the femoral head are close to clinical practice,however,the conditions,methods and evaluation standards of animal models reported in and outside China are not uniform,which leads to the low scientific value of animal models and is difficult to popularize.This study aimed to clarify the influence of different mold-making conditions on the establishment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbit model and analyze the appropriate conditions for the successful model establishment. METHODS:We searched the CNKI,WanFang,VIP,CBM,WoS,PubMed and EMbsae databases for the literature on the modeling of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits up to April 1,2022,completed the screening of the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and literature quality evaluation,and extracted the outcome index data in the literature.RevMan Stata and ADDIS statistical software were used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included data. RESULTS:(1)A total of 82 articles with 1 366 rabbits were included in the study.The steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head modeling methods were divided into three types:steroid-alone method,steroid combined lipopolysaccharide method and steroid combined serum method.Among these,33 articles used steroid-alone method;20 articles used steroid combined lipopolysaccharide method;29 articles used steroid combined serum method.(2)Meta-analysis results showed that the three modeling methods significantly increased the rate of empty bone lacunae in the femoral head of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits(P<0.001),and significantly decreased the ratio of the trabecular bone area in the femoral head of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head rabbits(P<0.001).The order of empty bone lacunae rate of each modeling method was:steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method>steroid-alone method>steroid combined with serum method>normal group,and the order of trabecular bone area rate of each modeling method was:normal group>steroid combined with serum method>steroid-alone method>steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method.(3)The results of subgroup analysis suggested that the rate of empty bone lacunae in the rabbit model induced by steroid alone might be related to the rabbit variety and the type of steroid used for modeling(difference between groups P<0.05),in which the combined effect amount of New Zealand white rabbits was higher than that of Chinese white rabbits(P<0.05)and Japanese white rabbits,and the combined effect amount of dexamethasone was higher than that of other steroids.The rate of empty bone lacunae induced by steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide was related to the administration mode of lipopolysaccharide and the type of steroid(P<0.05),among which the combined effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate was significantly higher than that of other steroids(P<0.05),and the combined effect of prednisolone was significantly lower than that of other steroids(P<0.05).The combined effect of lipopolysaccharide 100 μg/kg×twice was significantly lower than 10 μg/kg×twice and 50 μg/kg×twice(P<0.05).The rate of empty bone lacunae in the model induced by steroid combined with serum was related to serum dose and steroid type(P<0.05),among which the combined effect amount of dexamethasone sodium phosphate was significantly higher than other steroid types(P<0.05),and the combined effect amount of dexamethasone was significantly lower than other steroid types(P<0.05);the combined effect amount of serum"10 mL/kg+6 mL/kg"combined dose was lower than other serum doses(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:(1)With the rate of empty bone lacunae and the ratio of trabecular bone area as the judgment standard for the successful establishment of the model,the three modeling methods can successfully construct the rabbit steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head model,of which the steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method is the best.(2)New Zealand white rabbits and dexamethasone are recommended when selecting the steroid-alone method.Methylprednisolone sodium succinate and low-dose lipopolysaccharide are recommended when selecting the steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide method.Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is recommended when selecting the steroid combined with serum modeling method.
7.Intervention of Osteoking in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Changting FANGLUO ; Ruirui MING ; Tengteng XU ; Chao YANG ; Wuqiong HOU ; Lili WANG ; Yini JIANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(24):19-29
ObjectiveTo clarify the intervention effect of Osteoking (OK) in rats with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and preliminarily explore the pharmacological mechanism of OK in relieving chronic pain from the perspective of anti-inflammatory disease. MethodThe 60 SD rats were divided into normal group, model group, low, medium, and high dose OK groups (0.66, 1.31, 2.63 mL·kg-1), and positive celecoxib group (21 mg·kg-1). The MPS rat model was established by beating combined with the centrifugal exercise method, and the OK and celecoxib were given at the same time. SMALGO paw pressure pain manometer detected the shock pain point tenderness threshold of rats, and the Von-Frey needle and acetone stimulation method detected the mechanical hyperalgesia threshold and cold hyperalgesia stimulation response respectively. Eight weeks and 10 weeks after modeling, the spontaneous discharge state and convulsion response of MPS rats were determined by electromyograph (EMG) instrument. The gait changes of MPS rats were detected using a CatWalk gait analyzer. The expression levels of interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), substance P (SP), and bradykinin (BK) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibiting protein α (IκBα), phosphorylates (p)- IκBα, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were detected in MPS rats by Western blot. The positive expression of p-NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group shows 100% positive rates for EMG signal and local convulsions response at both the 8th and 10th weeks. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold are significantly reduced. Cold hyperalgesia score is significantly increased, and gait is abnormal. The expression levels of serum and trigger points IL-1β, TNF-α, SP, BK, p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB p65, as well as the positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 are significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive rate of EMG detection and local convulsion response is significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups (P<0.05). The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold increase significantly in the medium and high dose OK groups, and the cold hyperalgesia score is significantly reduced in the high dose OK group (P<0.01). The standing time, swing time, and walking period are significantly increased. The swing speed, maximum contact area, and maximum contact intensity are significantly decreased in the high dose OK group (P<0.05). Moreover, the protein expression levels of p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 are significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups (P<0.05,P<0.01). The positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 is significantly decreased in the high dose OK group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of OK in relieving the pain in trigger points of MPS and improving gait abnormalities is related to the downregulation of the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and pain mediators in blood and trigger point tissue.
8.Mechanism of Osteoking in Improving Energy Metabolism in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome Based on cAMP/PKA/PGC1α Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Changting FANGLUO ; Zhixing HU ; Lili WANG ; Suya ZAHNG ; Xueting LIU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(24):54-62
ObjectiveFrom the perspective of energy metabolism, the mechanism of Osteoking (OK) in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) was revealed through systems biology prediction combined with holistic animal experimental validation methods. MethodFirstly, the key targets of MPS and their related molecular mechanisms were predicted by the systems biology method, and the core network targets were screened. Then, the network-predicted targets were verified by animal experiments. Specifically, 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, low, medium, and high dose OK groups (0.66, 1.31, 2.63 mL·kg-1), and positive celecoxib group (21 mg·kg-1). The MPS model was established by beating combined with a centrifugal exercise method for eight weeks. Except for two days after modeling, the intervention of OK or celecoxib was performed. After the completion of the model, the drug was administered for two weeks. The histopathological changes of trigger point muscle tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The content/activity of Na-K-ATP enzyme (Na+-K+-ATPase), Ca2+ pump (Ca2+ATPase), Ca2+, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH), malondialal (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), and protein kinase A (PKA) in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels of PKA and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in MPS rats were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of PKA, PGC1α, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in MPS rats were detected by Western blot. ResultThe network prediction results suggest that OK acts on the key target of energy metabolism related to the occurrence and development of MPS and may participate in the activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway. The experimental validation results show that compared with the normal group, contracture nodules and disordered arrangement of muscle fibers appear in the trigger point muscle tissue of MPS rats. Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase, SOD activity, Ca2+, and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue are significantly decreased (P<0.01). Both LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, PGC1α, and TFAM are significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, OK improves the histopathological morphology of trigger point muscle fibers in MPS rats, and after the intervention of OK, Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase, SOD activity, Ca2+, and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats are significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, PGC1α, and TFAM are significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of OK's intervention in MPS rats may be related to its effective activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway, thus promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism and trigger point muscle fiber damage repair in muscle cells.
9.Protective Effect of Jianpi Huogu Prescription on Functional Injury of Vascular Endothelial Cells Caused by Alcohol Based on Akt/JNK/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Lianhua HE ; Changting FANG-LUO ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Zhixing HU ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunfang LIU ; Lan HAN ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(11):64-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) on the functional injury of vascular endothelial cells caused by alcohol and explore its mechanism based on protein kinase B/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase/p38 MAPK (Akt/JNK/p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodThrough chick embryo allantoic membrane, thoracic aortic ring, and migration, invasion, adhesion, and lumen formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), the effect of JPHGP with different concentrations (8, 16 and 32 μg·L-1) on angiogenesis was observed in the presence or absence of alcohol. The expression levels of phosphorylation of Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK were determined by Western blot. ResultAs compared with the normal group, the number and length of capillaries around the arterial ring in the model group were decreased, and the migration, invasion, and lumen formation capacity of HUVEC were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment with 16 and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP, the length of neovascularization in chick embryo allantoic membrane was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the 8, 16, and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups increased the number of capillaries around the thoracic aortic ring in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP group increased the length of capillaries around the thoracic aortic ring (P<0.05). The 16 and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups enhanced the migration, invasion, and lumen formation capacity of HUVEC. The results of Western blot showed that, as compared with the normal group, the protein expression levels of p-JNK/JNK, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and p-Akt/Akt were significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01), and as compared with the model group, the protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-Akt/Akt were significantly increased in the 8, 16, and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups (P<0.01) and the protein expression level of p-JNK/JNK was increased significantly in the 16 and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups (P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP has a protective effect on the functional injury of vascular endothelial cells caused by alcohol, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Akt/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Relevant research results will provide certain scientific basis for clarifying the effect of JPHGP on 'invigorating spleen and promoting blood circulation'.
10.Anti-swelling and Analgesic Mechanism of Jianpi Tongluo Prescription from MAPKs Signaling Pathway
Ruirui MING ; Changting FANG-LUO ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Zhixing HU ; Chao YANG ; Tengteng XU ; Hongjie WANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(12):85-93
ObjectiveTo observe the anti-swelling and analgesic effects of Jianpi Tongluo prescription (JPTL) and to explore its mechanism initially. MethodA total of 120 ICR mice were divided into normal group, model group, JPTL low-, medium- and high-dose groups (5, 10, 20 g·kg-1) and positive drug (celecoxib, 0.03 g·kg-1) group, with 10 in each group (po,once a day). Complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce the model of chronic inflammatory pain, and xylene-induced ear swelling test, hot plate test and acetic acid writhing test were performed to observe the anti-swelling and analgesic effects of different doses of JPTL in these four acute and chronic models. Further, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expressions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and inflammatory paw of mice with chronic inflammatory pain, and the expressions of aquaporin 1 (AQP1), aquaporin 3 (AQP3), cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in inflammatory paw were detected by Western blot, to explore the preliminary mechanism of JPTL. ResultCompared with the conditions in the normal group, there was a significant increase in the ear swelling of xylene-induced model mice, a shortened paw withdrawal latency in the hot plate test (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, JPTL remarkably increased the inhibition rate of xylene-induced ear swelling (P<0.05, P<0.01), prolonged the latency period of writhing caused by acetic acid and reduced the number of writhing (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with normal group, the degree of feet swelling in chronic inflammatory pain mice was significantly increased, the threshold of mechanical pain was decreased and the threshold of cold pain was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein contents of AQP1 and AQP3 in inflammatory feet were increased, and the contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2 and COX2 in inflammatory feet were increased in serum and/or inflammatory feet. The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK, p-JNK and p-ERK in inflammatory feet were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, JPTL relieved paw swelling of mice with chronic inflammatory pain, elevated mechanical withdrawal threshold while decreased cold withdrawal threshold, with analgesia lasting for 4 h and the optimal time point for analgesia being 2 h after administration (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, JPTL down-regulated AQP1, AQP3, COX2, p-p38 MAPK, p-JNK and p-ERK in inflammatory paw of mice with chronic inflammatory pain and reduced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2 in serum and/or inflammatory paw, but it had no significant effect on COX1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPTL has anti-swelling and analgesic effects, and its mechanism is related to inhibiting the production of cytokines and inflammatory mediators via the down-regulation of MAPKs signaling pathway, which provides an experimental basis for the clinical application of JPTL.

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