1.Seasonal variation of adult mosquitoes in Yantai, Shandong Province, China: a study based on the circular distribution method
Chun-hui LI ; Cheng-juan LIU ; Ting WANG ; Xiao-ge ZHOU ; Pei-Jun GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):108-113
Objective This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variation of mosquitoes in Yantai, Shandong Province, and provide a scientific basis for mosquito and mosquito-borne disease control. Methods From March to November for each of the years between 2020 and 2023, adult mosquitoes were collected from different habitats, including parks, hospitals, urban residential areas, rural households and livestock sheds, in 13 counties of Yantai City using a mosquito trap lamp method, among which, female mosquitoes were separated and identified, and the numbers were counted. We used the circular distribution method to analyze the temporal distribution characteristics of mosquito density. Results The γ values obtained for mosquitoes in Yantai from 2020 to 2023, the distribution of mosquitoes in different habitats, and dominant mosquito species in different months showed strong seasonality, with values ranging from 0.7461 to 0.8531(P < 0.05). The peak period of seasonal variation in mosquitoes occurred from June 28thto September 13th, with August 5thbeing identified as the peak day. The peak periods of seasonal variation in mosquitoes in residential areas, parks, hospitals, peasant households, and animals sheds were observed from June 24thto September 14th, June 25thto September 10th, June 22ndto September 12th, July 1stto September 9th, and July 2ndto September 17th, respectively, with corresponding peak days on August 4th,3rd, 2nd, 5th, and 9th, respectively. The peak periods of Culex pipiens pallens, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles sinensis were from June 26thto September 11th, June 28thto September 17th, and July 12thto September 17th, respectively, with corresponding peak days on August 3rd,7th, and 14th, respectively. Conclusions Our findings in this study revealed that the peak of mosquito activity in Yantai was concentrated in early August, with a peak period extending from June 28thto September 13th, and there were differences between different habitats(with peak periods for rural households and livestock sheds occurring later than those in residential areas, parks, and hospitals). Moreover, with respect to the mosquito species, populations of Cx. pipiens pallens and Ae. albopictus peaked earlier than those of An. sinensis. Based on these findings, we recommend that city-wide mosquito control work should commence in late June, and include appropriate early prevention and control measures for key habitats, such as livestock sheds, and dominant mosquito species, such as Cx. pipiens pallens, to minimize the density of mosquito vectors and the risk of disease transmission.
2.Multidimensional analysis of concurrent proximal bronchiolar adenoma and lung carcinoma
Lu-Yao LI ; Gong-Ming DONG ; Yun-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Ting WANG ; Fu-Quan JIA ; Guan-Jun ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):356-363
Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a rare type of lung tumor characterized by bilayered epithelial cells having a continuous basal layer and a luminal layer. It resembles mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) on frozen section, with difficulty in distinguishing the basal layer. Immunohistochemistry is the best choice for verifying the diagnosis. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize three cases of BA-combined carcinoma using clinical, histopathological, and genetic features. BA and carcinoma sections were subjected to next-generation sequencing, respectively. It was hypothesized that while different mutation forms matched different regions, BA and lung adenocarcinoma shared the same gene mutation when they co-occurred in the same location. BA with extensive carcinoma is extremely rare and presents diagnostic challenges due to its overlap with conditions such as MA. Because of its distinctive morphological characteristics, BA may be regarded as a low-grade malignancy, particularly during a confusing evaluation. A multifaceted examination of clinical, radiological, immunohistochemical, and genetic data is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
3.The Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies of Nasal Inflammatory Diseases From The Perspective of Glycolytic Metabolic Reprogramming
Meng-Wei LI ; Ji-Tang CAI ; Jun-Jie WANG ; Yi-Bo CAI ; Meng-Ting TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1333-1355
Aberrant activation of glycolysis represents a key metabolic mechanism underlying the initiation and progression of nasal inflammation. Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and vasomotor rhinitis exhibit distinct etiologies, yet all are characterized by inflammatory responses, impaired epithelial barrier function, and neurovascular dysregulation, in which glycolytic metabolic reprogramming acts as a central hub connecting immunometabolism and inflammatory regulation.Recent evidence indicates that glycolysis-dependent activation of immune cells provides the essential energy basis for inflammatory onset. In dendritic cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 cells, the expression of key glycolytic enzymes including HK2, PKM2, and LDHA is upregulated, thereby promoting cellular activation and proinflammatory cytokine release via the mTOR-HIF-1α signaling axis. Notably, the metabolic reprogramming of eosinophils prolongs their survival and enhances the release of cytotoxic granules, while in mast cells, enhanced glycolysis facilitates IgE-mediated degranulation and histamine release. Furthermore, glycolysis also influences the Th17/Treg balance, with enhanced glycolytic flux promoting Th17 differentiation and contributing to the heterogeneous inflammatory profiles observed across different rhinitis subtypes.As a central metabolite, lactate contributes to the formation of a metabolism-inflammation vicious cycle through multiple mechanisms. Lactate acidifies the local microenvironment to activate TRPV1 channels and facilitate neuropeptide release, mediates immune cell chemotaxis through GPR81, and regulates gene expression via histone lactylation, thereby sustaining proinflammatory gene transcription. These lactate-mediated processes collectively amplify local inflammation and contribute to the persistence of nasal symptoms.Glycolytic reprogramming in epithelial cells is modulated by the EGF/EGFR pathway, and its dysregulation may result in disrupted tight junctions, abnormal goblet cell hyperplasia, and subsequent tissue remodeling. Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide released from sensory neurons, in conjunction with metabolic products, synergistically maintain persistent inflammatory stimulation by activating mast cells, forming a neuro-immune-metabolic regulatory network that drives disease chronicity.From a therapeutic perspective, glycolytic inhibitors such as 2-deoxyglucose, FX11, and 3-bromopyruvate exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key enzymes including HK2 and LDHA, each with distinct mechanisms: 2-DG competitively inhibits hexokinase, FX11 selectively targets LDHA to reduce lactate production, and 3-BrPA modulates multiple glycolytic enzymes. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, monomeric active components, and small-molecule compounds have shown promising potential in alleviating nasal inflammation by regulating the mTOR-HIF-1α axis, exerting antioxidant effects, and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The multi-target characteristics of these natural products offer advantages in addressing the complex pathophysiology of nasal inflammatory diseases.Despite these advances, several challenges remain. The non-selective inhibition of glycolysis may interfere with epithelial repair and mucosal regeneration, leading to delayed wound healing. Technical limitations in dynamic metabolic monitoring and sampling precision hinder the accurate assessment of local nasal metabolism. Furthermore, current animal models, which predominantly rely on acute stimulation protocols, inadequately recapitulate the chronic tissue remodeling processes characteristic of human rhinitis.This review systematically summarizes glycolysis as a common metabolic node shared by different rhinitis subtypes, offering a novel theoretical basis for the development of precision therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic reprogramming.
4.The Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies of Nasal Inflammatory Diseases From The Perspective of Glycolytic Metabolic Reprogramming
Meng-Wei LI ; Ji-Tang CAI ; Jun-Jie WANG ; Yi-Bo CAI ; Meng-Ting TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1333-1355
Aberrant activation of glycolysis represents a key metabolic mechanism underlying the initiation and progression of nasal inflammation. Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and vasomotor rhinitis exhibit distinct etiologies, yet all are characterized by inflammatory responses, impaired epithelial barrier function, and neurovascular dysregulation, in which glycolytic metabolic reprogramming acts as a central hub connecting immunometabolism and inflammatory regulation.Recent evidence indicates that glycolysis-dependent activation of immune cells provides the essential energy basis for inflammatory onset. In dendritic cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 cells, the expression of key glycolytic enzymes including HK2, PKM2, and LDHA is upregulated, thereby promoting cellular activation and proinflammatory cytokine release via the mTOR-HIF-1α signaling axis. Notably, the metabolic reprogramming of eosinophils prolongs their survival and enhances the release of cytotoxic granules, while in mast cells, enhanced glycolysis facilitates IgE-mediated degranulation and histamine release. Furthermore, glycolysis also influences the Th17/Treg balance, with enhanced glycolytic flux promoting Th17 differentiation and contributing to the heterogeneous inflammatory profiles observed across different rhinitis subtypes.As a central metabolite, lactate contributes to the formation of a metabolism-inflammation vicious cycle through multiple mechanisms. Lactate acidifies the local microenvironment to activate TRPV1 channels and facilitate neuropeptide release, mediates immune cell chemotaxis through GPR81, and regulates gene expression via histone lactylation, thereby sustaining proinflammatory gene transcription. These lactate-mediated processes collectively amplify local inflammation and contribute to the persistence of nasal symptoms.Glycolytic reprogramming in epithelial cells is modulated by the EGF/EGFR pathway, and its dysregulation may result in disrupted tight junctions, abnormal goblet cell hyperplasia, and subsequent tissue remodeling. Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide released from sensory neurons, in conjunction with metabolic products, synergistically maintain persistent inflammatory stimulation by activating mast cells, forming a neuro-immune-metabolic regulatory network that drives disease chronicity.From a therapeutic perspective, glycolytic inhibitors such as 2-deoxyglucose, FX11, and 3-bromopyruvate exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key enzymes including HK2 and LDHA, each with distinct mechanisms: 2-DG competitively inhibits hexokinase, FX11 selectively targets LDHA to reduce lactate production, and 3-BrPA modulates multiple glycolytic enzymes. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, monomeric active components, and small-molecule compounds have shown promising potential in alleviating nasal inflammation by regulating the mTOR-HIF-1α axis, exerting antioxidant effects, and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The multi-target characteristics of these natural products offer advantages in addressing the complex pathophysiology of nasal inflammatory diseases.Despite these advances, several challenges remain. The non-selective inhibition of glycolysis may interfere with epithelial repair and mucosal regeneration, leading to delayed wound healing. Technical limitations in dynamic metabolic monitoring and sampling precision hinder the accurate assessment of local nasal metabolism. Furthermore, current animal models, which predominantly rely on acute stimulation protocols, inadequately recapitulate the chronic tissue remodeling processes characteristic of human rhinitis.This review systematically summarizes glycolysis as a common metabolic node shared by different rhinitis subtypes, offering a novel theoretical basis for the development of precision therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic reprogramming.
5.Effect and mechanism of basic fibroblast growth factor in enhancing neurological recovery after spinal cord injury in rats
Lijuan ZHU ; Ting CAO ; Shaohua TIAN ; Xianbao CAO ; Jun WANG ; Wenlong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(8):789-797
Objective:To investigate the neurorestorative effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on neurological function recovery in rats with spinal cord injury and its potential mechanisms.Methods:Ninety adult SD rats were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups using a random number table: sham-operated group ( n=24), spinal cord injury group ( n=24), bFGF group ( n=24), bFGF autophagy pathway validation group ( n=6), bFGF+rapamycin group ( n=6), and bFGF+MHY1485 group ( n=6). A spinal cord injury model was established by impacting the T 10 spinal cord segment using a self-made Allen′s weight-drop impactor. The sham-operated group underwent a 3 cm midline dorsal incision without spinal cord injury; the bFGF group received immediate intrathecal injection of 100 μl bFGF solution (20 μg/L) after injury; the sham surgery group and spinal cord injury group received an equal volume of saline after injury; the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group received the identical treatment as the bFGF group; the bFGF+rapamycin group received the same treatment as the bFGF group with additional intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin (4 mg·kg -1·d -1); the bFGF+MHY1485 group received the identical bFGF treatment plus intraperitoneal injection of MHY1485 (10 mg·kg -1·d -1). At 28 days after injury, the rats were sacrificed and the spinal cord tissue was collected at 5 mm from the injury epicenter for HE staining and pathological observation. At 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury, BBB scoring was used to assess hindlimb motor function; P wave latency and P1-N1 wave amplitude were recorded to evaluate neuroelectrophysiological changes; Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and evaluate changes in mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy activity. At 28 days after injury, behavioral alterations, neuroelectrophysiological changes, and auctophagy-related protein expression levels were assessed in the bFGF autophagy pathyway validation group, bFGF+rapamycin group and bFGF+MHY1485 group. Results:At 28 days after injury, the sham-operated group exhibited regular nuclear morphology, while the spinal cord injury group showed disordered cell structures and the bFGF group displayed relatively normal nuclear morphology. At 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury, the BBB scores in both the spinal cord injury group and bFGF group were lower than those in the sham-operated group ( P<0.01), with higher scores in the bFGF group than those in the spinal cord injury group ( P<0.01). At 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury, P-wave latency was longer and P1-N1 wave amplitude was lower in both the spinal cord injury group and bFGF group compared to those in the sham-operated group ( P<0.01), with shorter P-wave latency and higher P1-N1 wave amplitude in the bFGF group compared to those in the spinal cord injury group ( P<0.01). Western blot results indicated that at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury, in the spinal cord injury group, p-mTOR/mTOR levels were lower than those in both the sham-operated group and bFGF group ( P<0.01), while LC3-II expression levels were higher ( P<0.01); in the bFGF group, p-mTOR/mTOR levels were higher than those in the spinal cord injury group but lower than those in the sham-operated group ( P<0.01), and LC3-II expression levels were lower than those in the spinal cord injury group but higher than those in the sham-operated group ( P<0.01). At 28 days after injury, the BBB scores were higher in both the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group and bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF+rapamycin group ( P<0.01), with higher scores in the bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group ( P<0.01). P-wave latency was shorter in both the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group and bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF+rapamycin group ( P<0.01), with shorter P-wave latency in the bFGF+MHY1485 group than that in the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group ( P<0.01). P1-N1 wave amplitude was lower in both the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group and bFGF+MHY1485 group than that in the bFGF+rapamycin group ( P<0.01), with lower P1-N1 wave amplitude in the bFGF+MHY1485 group than that in the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group ( P<0.01). The p-mTOR/mTOR levels were higher in both the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group and bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF+rapamycin group ( P<0.01), with higher p-mTOR/mTOR levels in the bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group ( P<0.01). The LC3-II expression levels were higher in both the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group and bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF+rapamycin group ( P<0.01), with higher LC3-II expression levels in the bFGF+MHY1485 group than those in the bFGF autophagy pathway validation group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:bFGF can improve the pathological state, motor behavior, and neuroelectrophysiological function in rats with spinal cord injury, for which the mechanism of action may involve downregulating cellular autophagy function by activating the mTOR pathway, thereby inhibiting excessive autophagy to promote neuronal regeneration and repair.
6.Peroxidase-like Nanozyme Based on Gold Nanoparticle Supported Polyoxometalate Nanoribbons for Colorimetric Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticide Ethoprophos
Qi WANG ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Hao ZANG ; Qiang WANG ; Shu-Jun ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1238-1249
Organophosphorus pesticides(OPs)are widely used in global agriculture,and pose a serious threat to ecological environment and human health due to their high environmental persistence and biological toxicity.Colorimetric sensing strategies based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase(AChE)have become an important method for detecting OPs because of their simplicity and high specificity.However,the sensitivity is limited by the insufficient catalytic efficiency of traditional nanozymes.In this study,a one-step solvothermal method was used to synthesize polyoxometalate nanoribbons(POM)loaded with gold nanoparticles(Au NPs),named Au-POM.Experimental results showed that Au-POM could catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 in an acidic environment(pH 4.0),demonstrating typical peroxidase-like activity.Based on this,an AChE,choline oxidase(ChOx)and Au-POM nano enzyme cascade catalytic system was constructed.In this system,AChE specifically catalyzed the hydrolysis of acetylcholine(ACh)to choline,and then ChOx mediated the oxidation of choline to produce H2O2.During this process,Au-POM acted as a peroxidase-like enzyme to catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 to generate reactive oxygen species,triggering a specific oxidation reaction of the chromogenic substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine(TMB)into oxidized form.When the OP pesticide ethoprophos(EP)was present,it inhibited the activity of AChE and blocked the generation of ACh and H2O2,indirectly inhibiting the oxidation of TMB.The color and absorbance of the solution changed in a concentration-dependent manner.The detection limit of this method for EP was 1.05 μmol/L,and the linear response range was 20-180 μmol/L(R2=0.998).This method was applied to detection of environmental water samples and coriander samples with satisfactory results,providing a reliable technical platform for monitoring of OPs in environment and food.
7.Creation and Exploration of the"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"Disci-pline Construction Model for Forensic Medicine in the New Era
Zhi-Wen WEI ; Hong-Xing WANG ; Jun-Hong SUN ; Hao-Liang FAN ; Hong-Liang SU ; Le-Le WANG ; Wen-Ting HE ; Zhe CHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiang-Jie GUO ; Ji LI ; Geng-Qian ZHANG ; Xin-Hua LIANG ; Jiang-Wei YAN ; Qiang-Qiang ZHANG ; Cai-Rong GAO ; Ying-Yuan WANG ; Hong-Wei WANG ; Jun XIE ; Bo-Feng ZHU ; Ke-Ming YUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):25-29
Forensic medicine has been designated as a first-level discipline,presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of forensic medicine.Since the 1980s,the establishment of foren-sic medicine discipline and the cultivation of high-level forensic talents have become hot topics in the development of forensic medicine in China.Since the 13th Five-Year Plan,the forensic team of Shanxi Medical University has been aiming at the forefront,proposing the development goals of"Five First-class"and the discipline development path"Six Major Achievements".It has selected benchmark disci-plines,identified gaps in disciplinary development,unified thoughts,formulated completion timelines,concentrated superior resources,assigned tasks to individuals,and created an"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"forensic medicine discipline construction model with the characteristics of the new era.The construction model of forensic medicine has achieved good results in the goals,discipline frame-work,scientific research,talent cultivation,discipline team and platform construction,forming a rela-tively complete discipline construction and management system,and accumulating valuable experience for the construction of first-level discipline and high-level talent cultivation of forensic medicine.
8.Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics of term and preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis undergoing surgery.
Jun-Li LI ; Huan WEI ; Qi TAN ; Jian CAO ; Ting ZHU ; Yang ZHANG ; Yuan SHI ; Zheng-Li WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):595-600
OBJECTIVES:
To study the differences in clinical characteristics of term and preterm neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) undergoing surgical treatment.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 142 NEC neonates who underwent surgery at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2017 to August 2023. The neonates were categorized into a preterm group (gestational age <37 weeks; 95 cases) and a term group (gestational age 37-42 weeks; 47 cases) to compare clinical characteristics.
RESULTS:
The preterm group had a higher postnatal age at both diagnosis and surgery compared to the term group (P<0.05). The preterm group also had a higher incidence of preoperative bloody stools, lower preoperative platelet counts, and higher rates of preoperative respiratory distress, apnea, reduced/absent bowel sounds, and mechanical ventilation compared to the term group (P<0.05). Postoperatively, the preterm group had higher rates of purulent meningitis, sepsis, and coagulation dysfunction, lower postoperative platelet counts, and lower intraoperative minimum body temperature than the term group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
There are significant differences in the clinical characteristics of preterm and term neonates with NEC undergoing surgery, suggesting the need for tailored perioperative management strategies based on these characteristics.
Humans
;
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/surgery*
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Male
;
Female
;
Infant, Premature
;
Gestational Age
9.Serological and Molecular Biological Analysis of a B(A) Subtype Family and Strategies for Safe Blood Transfusion.
Ni-Na WANG ; Hong-Hong ZHANG ; Fu-Ting SUN ; Jun SU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1412-1417
OBJECTIVE:
Serological and molecular biological analysis of a B(A) subtype family was carried out to explore the underlying mechanism of B(A) subtype and clinical safe blood transfusion strategies.
METHODS:
The ABO blood type of the proband and her four family members were identified by serological methods, and serological experiments such as anti-H, anti-A1 and absorption-elution tests was added. In addition, the exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced by PCR-SSP (polymerase chain reaction - sequence specific primer).
RESULTS:
The serological results showed that the agglutination intensity of the proband, her mother and her maternal grandmother was imbalanced during forward typing, showing weak A and strong B antigens, and there were strong H antigens and their intensity were higher than that of normal B type. The results of reverse typing indicated the presence of weak anti-A1 antibodies, and human anti-A was positive in the absorption-elution test. Genetic sequencing revealed a characteristic mutation of c.700 C>G in all three individuals. The sequencing results showed that the proband was B(A)02/B01, her mother was B(A)02/O02, and her maternal grandmother was B(A)02/O01 . According to the compatibility principle, 1.5 units of type O washed red blood cells were transfused intraoperatively, resulting in no adverse reactions.
CONCLUSION
The c.700 C > G mutation on exon 7 is the molecular basis for the formation of B(A)02, and pedigree analysis shows that the B(A)02 allele was inherited from the proband's maternal grandmother to the proband's mother and then to the proband, showing a stable cis-inheritance pattern rather than a spontaneous mutation. For patients with B(A)02 subtype, type O washed red blood cells and type AB plasma can be transfused according to the principle of compatibility.
Humans
;
ABO Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
Female
;
Blood Transfusion
;
Blood Grouping and Crossmatching
;
Pedigree
;
Male
;
Mutation
;
Adult
;
Exons
10.Rutaecarpine Attenuates Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Gouty Inflammation via Inhibition of TNFR-MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathways.
Min LI ; Zhu-Jun YIN ; Li LI ; Yun-Yun QUAN ; Ting WANG ; Xin ZHU ; Rui-Rong TAN ; Jin ZENG ; Hua HUA ; Qin-Xuan WU ; Jun-Ning ZHAO
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):590-599
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of rutaecarpine (RUT) on monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced murine peritonitis in mice and further explored the underlying mechanism of RUT in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/MSU-induced gout model in vitro.
METHODS:
In MSU-induced mice, 36 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 mice each group, including the control group, model group, RUT low-, medium-, and high-doses groups, and prednisone acetate group. The mice in each group were orally administered the corresponding drugs or vehicle once a day for 7 consecutive days. The gout inflammation model was established by intraperitoneal injection of MSU to evaluate the anti-gout inflammatory effects of RUT. Then the proinflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the proportions of infiltrating neutrophils cytokines were detected by flow cytometry. In LPS/MSU-treated or untreated THP-1 macrophages, cell viability was observed by cell counting kit 8 and proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. The percentage of pyroptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. Respectively, the mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 was observed by laser confocal imaging. Additionally, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking were applied to validate the binding ability of RUT components to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) targets.
RESULTS:
RUT reduced the levels of infiltrating neutrophils and monocytes and decreased the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6, all P<0.01). In vitro, RUT reduced the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, RT-PCR revealed the inhibitory effects of RUT on the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 and TNF-α (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mechanistically, RUT markedly reduced protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MAPK), phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, phospho-NF-κB, phospho-kinase α/β, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRPS), cleaved-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 and cleaved-gasdermin D in macrophages (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Molecularly, SPR revealed that RUT bound to TNF-α with a calculated equilibrium dissociation constant of 31.7 µmol/L. Molecular docking further confirmed that RUT could interact directly with the TNF-α protein via hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interactions, and carbon-hydrogen bonding.
CONCLUSION
RUT alleviated MSU-induced peritonitis and inhibited the TNFR1-MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway to attenuate gouty inflammation induced by LPS/MSU in THP-1 macrophages, suggesting that RUT could be a potential therapeutic candidate for gout.
Animals
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Indole Alkaloids/therapeutic use*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Inflammation/complications*
;
Uric Acid
;
Quinazolines/therapeutic use*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Gout/chemically induced*
;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*
;
Cytokines/metabolism*
;
THP-1 Cells
;
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Quinazolinones


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