1.Effect of Modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang on Mitochondrial Autophagy and Browning of Visceral Fat in Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Dong AN ; Yonglin LIANG ; Yankui GAO ; Fengzhe YAN ; Sichen ZHAO ; Zhongtang LIU ; Chengjun MA ; Xiangdong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):131-140
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang on mitochondrial autophagy and browning of visceral adipose tissue in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model ZDF rats. MethodForty ZDF rats were induced with a high-fat diet to establish an obese T2DM model. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, metformin group (0.18 g·kg-1), and high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (2.16, 1.08, 0.54 g·kg-1), with eight rats in each group. Additionally, eight ZDF (fa/+) rats were assigned to the normal group. All groups received an intragastric volume of 10 mL·kg-1, with the model and normal groups receiving the same volume of purified water once daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was regularly measured. After 12 weeks of intervention, the body weight, epididymal fat weight, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), glycated serum protein (GSP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in epididymal fat tissue. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial autophagy in adipocytes. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), p62/SQSTM1, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (Dio2), and PR domain containing 16 (Prdm16) in epididymal fat. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, LC3B, p62, and UCP1 in epididymal fat. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed pathological changes in epididymal fat, with adipocyte mitochondrial condensation and numerous autophagosomes indicating mitochondrial autophagy. The model group also exhibited significantly increased body weight, epididymal fat weight, FBG, GLU, GSP, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels (P<0.01), significantly decreased HDL-C levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and LC3B (P<0.01), significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of p62 and UCP1 (P<0.01), and significantly reduced mRNA expression of Dio2 and Prdm16 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement in epididymal fat pathology. The metformin group and high-dose modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang group displayed intact mitochondrial morphology, clear cristae, uniform matrix, and few autophagosomes and autophagosomes in the adipocyte cytoplasm. The metformin group and high- and medium-dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced body weight and epididymal fat weight (P<0.01). The epididymal fat index was reduced in all intervention groups (P<0.05), and FBG was lowered in all intervention groups (P<0.01).Serum GSP, GLU, TG, and LDL-C levels were reduced in the metformin group and the high- and medium-dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TC level was significantly reduced in the metformin group and high-dose group of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.01), and HDL-C levels were significantly increased in all intervention groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and LC3B were significantly reduced, and UCP1 protein expression was significantly increased in the metformin group and high- and medium-dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p62, Dio2, and Prdm16 were significantly increased in the metformin group and high-dose group of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang may inhibit mitochondrial autophagy and promote the browning of visceral adipose tissue through the HIF-1α/BNIP3/LC3B pathway, thereby improving glucose and lipid metabolism in obese T2DM rats. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Research progress in vascularization of renal organoids
He LIU ; Liang YUE ; Chengjun WU ; Yingxia TAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(8):633-640
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Kidney organoids are induced and differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells(PSCs)or adult stem cells(ASCs)derived from tissue sources,primarily composed of nephron struc-tures.However,due to the absence of a supporting vascular network,kidney organoids often exhibit immature tissue structures and limited growth.Therefore,vascularization in kidney organoids remains a pressing challenge in this field.Currently,the methods such as transplantation into immunodeficient animals,alterations in induced differentiation protocols,utilization of microfluidic chips,and manipula-tion of extracellular matrix and oxygen concentrations may facilitate vascularization of kidney organoids,which provides a new perspective for the scientific study and clinical application of kidney organoids.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Characteristics and influencing factors for family resilience among Chinese Army personnel
Shujuan SUN ; Dongxia LIU ; Pingmei LI ; Chengjun DU ; Ke XIONG ; Mengxue ZHAO ; Zhengzhi FENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(14):1609-1617
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore the characteristics and influencing factors of family resilience among Chinese PLA Army personnel.Methods A total of 8 094 military personnel subjected with cluster sampling were surveyed with family resilience scale(FRS)and self-designed questionnaire for basic information on military families.Independent sample t test,one-way analysis of variance and step-up regression analysis were employed to analyze the family resilience.Results ① The results of demographic variable analysis showed that there were significant differences in family resilience among the personnel with different marital status,from one-child family or not,birth in rural/urban areas,personnel category,age and education level(P<0.05).② Family factors analysis indicated that different family structure,different family relationships,family rearing styles,recent separation from family members,and frequency of contacting family members had certain effects on family resilience(P<0.05).③ When family relationship,family rearing styles,frequency of contacting family members,birth place,recent separation from family,personnel category,from one-child family,and education level entered the regression equation,the resilience level of army personnel'families was increased by 8.197 for every 1 unit increase in family relationship,and the level of family resilience was increased by 4.688 for every 1 unit increase in family contact frequency(F=202.168,P<0.05).Conclusion The overall level of family resilience of army personnel is good.The risk factors for family resilience are recent separation from their families for ≥1 year,officers,not from only-children family,and the protective factors are harmonious relationship with their families,democratic family rearing style,contacting with their families weekly,urban birth,and bachelor degree or above.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.The development process and limitations of non-invasive ventilation in children
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(6):412-415
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The development process of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been nearly a century, reflecting the history of modern medical development. At present, NIV is widely used in pediatrics,and which is an important component of respiratory support therapy, as well as an important method for treating acute respiratory failure in children. However, non-invasive ventilation, due to its own characteristics, has limitations and contraindications, and cannot replace invasive mechanical ventilation. Before using NIV, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the patient's condition. NIV may fail in the treatment of pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, immune dysfunction and post-extubation with acute respiratory failure, leading to poor prognosis. When the efficacy of NIV is poor and the condition worsens, prompt tracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation treatment should be performed. Medical personnel should strengthen their training on the use of NIV.Teams with experienced members and refined management are important guarantees for the safe and effective use of NIV.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Estrogen receptor beta suppresses the androgen receptor oncogenic effects in triple-negative breast cancer
Feng XU ; Kun XU ; Lingling FAN ; Xintong LI ; Yiqiu LIU ; Fang YANG ; Chengjun ZHU ; Xiaoxiang GUAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(3):338-349
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Background::Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for luminal androgen receptor (LAR) TNBC. However, multiple studies have claimed that anti-androgen therapy for AR-positive TNBC only has limited clinical benefits. This study aimed to investigate the role of AR in TNBC and its detailed mechanism.Methods::Immunohistochemistry and TNBC tissue sections were applied to investigate AR and nectin cell adhesion molecule 4 (NECTIN4) expression in TNBC tissues. Then, in vitro and in vivo assays were used to explore the function of AR and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in TNBC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), molecular docking method, and luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify key molecules that affect the function of AR. Results::Based on the TNBC tissue array analysis, we revealed that ERβ and AR were positive in 21.92% (32/146) and 24.66% (36/146) of 146 TNBC samples, respectively, and about 13.70% (20/146) of TNBC patients were ERβ positive and AR positive. We further demonstrated the pro-tumoral effects of AR on TNBC cells, however, the oncogenic biology was significantly suppressed when ERβ transfection in LAR TNBC cell lines but not in AR-negative TNBC. Mechanistically, we identified that NECTIN4 promoter –42 bp to –28 bp was an AR response element, and that ERβ interacted with AR thus impeding the AR-mediated NECTIN4 transcription which promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition in tumor progression. Conclusions::This study suggests that ERβ functions as a suppressor mediating the effect of AR in TNBC prognosis and cell proliferation. Therefore, our current research facilitates a better understanding of the role and mechanisms of AR in TNBC carcinogenesis.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Study on the risk for cerebrovascular disease among subtypes of middle-aged and elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged between 35‒74 years in Shanghai suburbs
Chengjun ZHANG ; Qiu XIAO ; Zhenqiu LIU ; Chen SUO ; Tiejun ZHANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Yanfeng JIANG ; Kelin XU ; Xingdong CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(12):1148-1156
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo classify subtypes among middle-aged and elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients aged between 35‒74 years in Shanghai suburbs, to compare their characteristics and analyze incidence risk for cerebrovascular disease among these subtypes, so as to promote personalized and precise treatment of T2DM. MethodsA total of 7 792 patients with T2DM who completed a baseline survey from 2016 and 2019 were selected as the research subjects, based on the data from a natural population cohort and biobank in Shanghai suburbs. Patients were stratified by gender and clustered into subtypes using k-means method based on baseline parameters including the age at T2DM diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C). Patients were followed up until March 31, 2023. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between subtypes and incidence risk for cerebrovascular disease, and those with cerebrovascular disease within 1 year of follow-up survey were excluded from sensitivity analysis. ResultsAmong the 7 792 patients with T2DM, 3 615 were males and 4 177 were females. Stratified by gender, 4 subgroups were identified through k-means clustering analysis, namely poor blood glucose control subgroup, severe insulin-resistant subgroup, younger onset subgroup, and older onset subgroup. The median follow-up time was 4.30 years, during which 1 960 cerebrovascular disease events were observed (844 in males, 1 116 in females). After adjusting for smoking, alcohol consumption, weekly exercise, family history of diabetes mellitus, and duration of diabetes mellitus, among male patients, the incidence risk for cerebrovascular disease was lower in the younger onset subgroup (HR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.48‒0.73, P<0.001), poor blood glucose control subgroup (HR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.65‒1.00, P=0.046), and severe insulin-resistant subgroup (HR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.50‒0.75, P<0.001), compared to the older onset subgroup. While among female patients, the incidence risk for cerebrovascular disease was also lower in the younger onset subgroup (HR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.57‒0.80, P<0.001), poor blood glucose control subgroup (HR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.60‒0.89, P=0.002), and severe insulin-resistant subgroup (HR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.61‒0.85, P<0.001), compared to the older onset subgroup. Results of the sensitivity analysis were consistent with the main findings. ConclusionAmong middle-aged and elderly T2DM patients in suburban Shanghai, both male and female patients have the highest incidence risk for cerebrovascular disease in the older onset subgroup. Subtyping of T2DM patients can help to identify the high-risk populations of cerebrovascular disease. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Protective effect of berberine against ionizing radiation injury in rats and its mechanism of action
Jigang CHEN ; Aimin YIN ; Yebao YAO ; Xiaoting WANG ; Dejuan JIANG ; Qingguo LI ; Wurui CAO ; Yingying LUO ; Chengjun LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2023;32(4):474-478
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the protective effect of berberine (BBR) against ionizing radiation injury in rats and its mechanism of action. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups: normal control group, 1-Gy radiation group, 1-Gy radiation plus low-dose BBR (50 mg/kg) group, 1-Gy radiation plus high-dose BBR (150 mg/kg) group, 3-Gy radiation group, 3-Gy radiation plus low-dose BBR (50 mg/kg) group, and 3-Gy radiation plus high-dose BBR (150 mg/kg) group. All the groups except the normal control group were exposed to external irradiation with a medical electron linear accelerator, followed by BBR administration by gavage for consecutive ten days. The serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by using the micromethod. The pathological changes of the bone marrow and small intestine were observed with HE staining. Results Compared with the normal control group, the radiation groups showed significantly increased MDA levels (P < 0.05), significantly decreased SOD and GSH levels (P < 0.05), and more severe pathological damage of the bone marrow and small intestine. Compared with the radiation groups, the BBR groups showed significantly decreased MDA levels (P < 0.05), significantly increased SOD and GSH levels (P < 0.05), and reduced pathological damage to the bone marrow and small intestine, which were more marked in the high-dose BBR group. Conclusion BBR has a certain protective effect against radiation injury in rats, which may be through increasing the activity of antioxidant substances, enhancing free radical clearance, and thereby alleviating free radicals-caused oxidative damage.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Expression of miR-4783-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and its effect on the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Qiang PENG ; Chengjun HE ; Jianyu WANG ; Bo YANG ; Xi LIU
International Journal of Surgery 2023;50(4):270-275,F4
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To study the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-4783-3p in liver cancer tissue and its effect on the proliferation and migration of liver cancer Huh-7 cells.Methods:The cBioPortal database was used to analyze the expression of miR-4783-3p in liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. In strict accordance with the instructions of Lipofectamine? 2000 transfection kit, miR-4783-3p overexpression mimics or overexpression control mimics were transfected into Huh-7 cells respectively, namely overexpression group and control group. The proliferation of Huh-7 cells was analyzed by CCK-8 assay, and the migration of Huh-7 cells was analyzed by cell scratch method. The targeting relationship between miR-4783-3p and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 ( IGFBP2) mRNA was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of IGFBP2 mRNA. Western-blotting was used to detect the expression of IGFBP2 protein and EGFR-STAT3 molecular pathway proteins. Results:The expression of miR-4783-3p in liver cancer tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent tissues ( P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the proliferation ability of Huh-7 cells in the overexpression group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The scratch healing rates of Huh-7 cells in the control group and the overexpression group were (67.71±9.04)% and (29.58±10.51)%, respectively, and the scratch healing rate in the overexpression group was significantly lower ( P<0.01). miR-4783-3p targeted and bound to IGFBP2 mRNA ( P<0.01). The expression of IGFBP2 mRNA in the control and overexpression groups was 5.76±1.44 and 0.99±0.47, respectively, and miR-4783-3p negatively regulated the expression of IGFBP2 mRNA ( P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expressions of IGFBP2 protein and EGFR-STAT3 molecular pathway protein were decreased in the overexpression group. Conclusions:miR-4783-3p is lowly expressed in liver cancer tissues. miR-4783-3p can attenuate the proliferation and invasion ability of liver cancer Huh-7 cells by inducing the low expression of IGFBP2 gene.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Rac1 promotes the formation of heterotypic cell-in-cell structure.
Tao HU ; Pengfei FENG ; Haoyuan LI ; Lulin ZHOU ; Zubiao NIU ; Yinuo HUANG ; Xiaoning WANG ; Chenxi WANG ; Hui LIU ; Chengjun WU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(10):4123-4134
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Heterotypic cell-in-cell structures (heCICs) are closely related to tumor development and progression, and have become a new frontier in life science research. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) belongs to the classic Rho GTPase, which plays a key role in regulating the cytoskeleton and cell movement. To investigate the role and mechanism of Rac1 in the formation of heCICs, tumor cells and immune killer cells were labeled with cell-tracker, respectively, to establish the heCICs model. Upon treatment with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766, the formation of heCICs between tumor and immune cells was significantly reduced. The plasmid pQCXIP-Rac1-EGFP constructed by gene cloning was packaged into pseudoviruses that subsequently infect tumor cells to make cell lines stably expressing Rac1. As a result, the formation of heCICs was significantly increased upon Rac1 overexpression. These results demonstrated a promotive role of Rac1 in heCICs formation, which may facilitate treating cell-in-cell related diseases, such as tumors, by targeting Rac1.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Mechanism of "Sanyang" combined therapy of traditional Chinese medicine in alleviating colonic injury in mice induced by influenza virus based on transcriptome sequencing technique
Yanan ZHANG ; Jun YAN ; Liqiong SONG ; Yuanming HUANG ; Chang LIU ; Guoxing LIU ; Jintong LI ; Yue ZHANG ; Mingzhe WANG ; Zhiguang ZHAI ; Chengxiang WANG ; Lishan ZHANG ; Chengjun BAN ; Wenbo XU ; Miao CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2023;37(2):159-167
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To explore the mechanism of Ma-Xing Shi-Gan decoction combined with Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction (hereinafter referred to as " Sanyang combined treatment" ) in alleviating colon injury in mice infected with influenza virus by transcriptome sequencing technique.Methods:The mouse model of colonic injury caused by influenza virus was induced by intranasal drip of influenza A virus H1N1 suspension. The mice were divided into Control group, Model group, and Sanyang combined treatment (SCT) group. Model group and SCT group were fed with PBS and Ma-Xing Shi-Gan decoction combined with Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction respectively. Seven days later, the colon tissues of each group were taken, the colon length and pathological damage were observed, and the transcriptome was sequenced to screen the significantly different genes between the SCT group and model group for Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA).Results:After the therapy with SCT, the length of the colon of mice was significantly improved and the pathological injury of the colon was reduced. There are 92 differentially expressed genes between the SCT group and the model group. GO analysis indicated that the differential genes were enriched in biological processes such as regulation of cytokine and chemokine production, inflammatory response, defense response, immune response, regulation of NF-κB inducing kinase(NIK)/Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signal and Mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) cascade, as well as cell components related to intestinal barrier such as brush border membrane, brush border and microvilli. KEGG analysis indicated that the differential genes were enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, intestinal immune network for IgA production, complement and coagulation cascade, and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) signaling pathway. GSEA indicated that the intestinal immune network for IgA production, PPAR signaling pathway, propionic acid metabolism and butyrate metabolism were significantly up-regulated after the intervention with SCT, while apoptosis and MAPK signaling pathway were significantly down-regulated.Conclusions:Sanyang combined therapy can protect the intestinal tract of mice infected with influenza virus mainly through immunity, inflammation and metabolism pathways.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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