1.Dimethyl fumarate alleviates DEHP-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in maternal rats during pregnancy through NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Yue Jiang ; Yun Yu ; Lun Zhang ; Qianqian Huang ; Wenkang Tao ; Mengzhen Hou ; Fang Xie ; Xutao Ling ; Jianqing Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):117-123
Objective :
To investigate the protective effect of dimethyl fumarate(DMF) on maternal intrahepatic cholestasis(ICP) during pregnancy induced by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) exposure and its mechanism.
Methods :
Thirty-two 8-week-old female institute of cancer research(ICR) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Ctrl group, DEHP group, DMF group and DEHP+DMF group. DEHP and DEHP+DMF groups were treated with DEHP(200 mg/kg) by gavage every morning at 9:00 a.m. DMF and DEHP+DMF groups were treated with DMF(150 mg/kg) from day 13 to day 16 of gestation by gavage. After completion of gavage on day 16 of pregnancy, maternal blood, maternal liver, placenta, and amniotic fluid were collected from pregnant mice after a six-hour abrosia. The body weight of the mother rats and the body weight of the fetus rats were sorted and analyzed; the levels of total bile acid(TBA), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase(AST/ALT) in serum and TBA in liver, amniotic fluid and placenta were detected by biochemical analyzer; HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue; Quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6, IL-1, IL-18 and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) in the liver; Western blot was used to detect the expression of the nuclear factor KappaB(NF-κB) and NLRP3.
Results :
Compared with the control group, the body weight of the DEHP-treated dams and pups decreased(P<0.05); the levels of TBA, ALP, AST/ALT in the serum of dams and the levels of TBA in the liver, amniotic fluid, and placenta of dams increased(P<0.05); the histopathological results showed that liver tissue was damaged, bile ducts were deformed, and there was inflammatory cell infiltration around them; the levels of inflammation-related factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, IL-18 and NLRP3 transcription in maternal liver increased(P<0.05); the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 protein in maternal liver significantly increased( P<0. 05). Compared with the DEHP group,the body weight of both dams and fetuses significantly increased in DEHP + DMF group( P<0. 05); the levels of TBA,ALP,AST/ALT in the serum of dams and amniotic fluid of fetuses decreased( P<0. 05); the degree of liver lesions was improved; the transcription levels of inflammation-related factors TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1,IL-18 and NLRP3 in maternal liver decreased( P<0. 05); the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 protein in maternal liver significantly decreased( P<0. 05).
Conclusion
DMF can effectively protect the DEHP exposure to lead to female ICP,and its mechanism may be through inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and reducing liver inflammation.
2.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
3.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
4.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
5.Analysis of influential factors and the construction of a risk prediction model for tigecycline-related drug-induced cholestatic liver disease
Lina LIU ; Jianqing WANG ; Lun ZHANG ; Jun YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2555-2560
OBJECTIVE To analyze the influential factors of drug-induced cholestatic liver disease (DIC) related to tigecycline (TGC), and establish a prediction model for the risk of this adverse reaction. METHODS Data of 707 hospitalized patients who received TGC treatment in our hospital from August 2022 to August 2024 were collected and randomly divided into training set (n=566) and test set (n=141) at a ratio of 8∶2. Prediction variables were screened using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent risk factors for TGC-related DIC, and a nomogram prediction model was drawn based on the above factors. The prediction performance of the model was evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) and its area under the curve (AUC). The accuracy of the model was assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curves. The clinical net benefit of the prediction model were evaluated by decision curve analysis. RESULTS Among the 707 patients, 93 patients developed DIC, with an incidence rate of 13.15%. Gender, age, high-dose administration of TGC, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, duration of medication of TGC, and concurrent use of antifungal drug voriconazole were independent risk factors for the occurrence of TGC-related DIC (P<0.05). The AUC of the training set model was 0.745 (95%CI: 0.687-0.801), with a sensitivity of 76.6% and a specificity of 60.3%. The AUC of ROC curve of the test set model was 0.762 (95%CI: 0.650-0.900), with a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 72.0%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test for the training set, the χ 2 value was 5.187 and P was 0.737; and for the test set, the χ 2 value was 9.980 and P was 0.266. The mean absolute error of the calibration curve for the training set was 0.012, and for the test set, it was 0.038. The risk threshold range for the training set was 4%-45%, and for the test set, it was 4%-28%. CONCLUSIONS Age, gender, high-dose administration of TGC, ICU admission, duration of medication of TGC, and concurrent use of antifungal drug voriconazole are independent risk factors for TGC-related DIC. The established TGC-related DIC risk prediction model has good prediction performance and accuracy.
6.Menaquinone-4 exerts a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice by alleviating ferroptosis
Lu YE ; Fan ZHAO ; Qianqian HUANG ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Jianqing WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(1):121-128
ObjectiveTo investigate whether menaquinone-4 (MK-4) can exert a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice by alleviating ferroptosis. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, adult male ICR mice, aged 8 weeks, were divided into Control group, MK-4 group, CCl4 model group (6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour), and MK-4+CCl4 group (6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour), with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the Control group were given intraperitoneal injection of an equal dose of corn oil; the mice in the MK-4 group were given intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MK-4 solution, followed by an equal dose of corn oil after 1 hour; the mice in the MK-4+CCl4 group (6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour) were given intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MK-4 solution, and after 1 hour, the mice in this group and the CCl4 model group (6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour) were given intraperitoneal injection of 0.3 mL/kg CCl4 solution, with samples collected at 6, 12, and 24 hours. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of mouse liver; Prussian blue staining was used to observe iron accumulation in liver tissue; a biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); related kits were used to measure the levels of tissue iron content and the oxidative stress indices malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in liver homogenate; RT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of ferroptosis marker genes (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 [ACSL4], prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 [PTGS2], and glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4]) and iron metabolism-related genes (hemojuvelin [HJV], transferrin receptor 1 [TFR1], and ferroportin [FPN]), and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression level of GPX4. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the aging study, compared with the Control group, the CCl4 model group (6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour) had significant increases in liver weight coefficient and the serum levels of ALT and AST (all P<0.05), and HE staining also showed that liver injury gradually aggravated over time. Meanwhile, compared with the CCl4 model group (6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour), the MK-4+CCl4 (12-hour) group had significant reductions in liver weight coefficient and the serum levels of ALT and AST (all P<0.05), with a reduction in the necrotic area of liver tissue, and therefore, 12-hour mouse tissue samples were used for detection in the following study. Compared with the Control group, the CCl4 group had a significant increase in MDA and a significant reduction in GSH (both P<0.05), and compared with the CCl4 group, the MK-4+CCl4 group had a significant reduction in MDA and a significant increase in GSH (both P<0.05). Compared with the Control group, the CCl4 group had significant increases in the key ferroptosis indices ASCL4 and PTGS2 and a significant reduction in GPX4 (all P<0.05); compared with the CCl4 group, the MK-4+CCl4 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of ASCL4 and PTGS2 and a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of GPX4 (all P<0.05). Western blotting showed that compared with the Control group, the CCl4 group had a significant reduction in the protein expression level of GPX4 (P<0.05), and compared with the CCl4 group, the MK-4+CCl4 group had a significant increase in the protein expression level of GPX4 (P<0.05). Prussian blue staining showed that compared with the Control group, the CCl4 group had a significant increase in iron accumulation; after MK-4 intervention, compared with the CCl4 group, the MK-4+CCl4 group had a significant reduction in iron accumulation. As for the measurement of iron metabolism genes in mouse liver, compared with the Control group, the CCl4 group had a significant increase in iron content, significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of FPN and HJV, and a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of TFR1 (all P<0.05); after protection with MK-4, there was a significant reduction in iron content, significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of FPN and HJV, and a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of TFR1 (all P<0.05). ConclusionMK-4 intervention in advance can alleviate CCl4-induced ALI in mice, possibly by inhibiting ferroptosis and improving the expression of iron metabolism-related genes in mouse liver.
7.Effects of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment on Immune Function in 12C6+ Beam Bystander-effect Rats
Tianxing MA ; Jintian LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Jianqing LIANG ; Shiyu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(3):113-118
Objective To observe the effects and mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment on immune function in 12C6+ beam bystander-effect rats.Methods Totally 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,positive control group,and TCM low-,medium-,and high-dosage groups,with 10 rats in each group.TCM low-,medium-,and high-dosage groups were given 1.2,2.4,and 4.8 g/kg Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment for gavage,and the blank group,model group and positive control group were given equal dose of sodium chloride solution for gavage for 14 days.Positive control group received intraperitoneal injection of amifostine 30 minutes before modeling.On the 15th day,except the blank group,the other groups were given 4 Gy 12C6+ beam of single irradiation on the right lung.After irradiation,each group was given gavage for 3 days.The general condition of rats was observed,peripheral blood leukocyte(WBC),red blood cell(RBC),hemoglobin(Hb),platelet(PLT)levels were detected,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum interleukin(IL)-4 and interferon-γ(IFN-γ),lung and spleen organ indices were calculated,HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of left lung and spleen tissues,and flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the spleen,qPCR was used to detect the expressions of T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in right lung and spleen tissues.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group rats showed a decrease in peripheral blood WBC,an increase in RBC,Hb,PLT,and an decrease in serum IL-4 and IFN-γ contents;the organ indices of left lung and spleen was significantly reduced,the alveoli were deformed,the alveolar walls became thicker,the alveolar cavities shrank,the lung tissue was significantly bleeding,the spleen tissue structure was severely damaged,the splenic sinus cavity became narrower,and the splenic cord showed fibrous hyperplasia;the proportion of CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in spleen tissue of the model group decreased,while the proportion of CD8+ T lymphocytes increased,the expression of T-bet mRNA in the left lung and spleen tissues decreased,while the expression of GATA-3 mRNA increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the positive control group and TCM medium-and high-dosage groups showed an increase in peripheral blood WBC,an decrease in RBC,Hb,PLT,an increase in serum IL-4 and IFN-γ contents;the index of left lung and spleen organs increased in TCM high-dosage group;the pathological damage of left lung and spleen tissues in each treatment group alleviated to varying degrees,while the proportion of CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in spleen tissue of the positive control group and TCM high-dosage group increased,the proportion of CD8+ T lymphocytes decreased,the expression of T-bet mRNA in left lung and spleen tissues increased,and the expression of GATA-3 mRNA decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment can alleviate the lung and spleen injury of rats induced by 12C6+ beam radiation.Its mechanism is related to regulating the proportion of CD4+,CD8+ T lymphocytes and the expression of T-bet and GATA-3,and recovering cellular immune function.
8.Effect of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment Combined with Cisplatin on Mice with Lewis Lung Cancer Through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway and Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway
Siqi KONG ; Jintian LI ; Juan LI ; Jianqing LIANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Chao YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):54-61
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin on mice with Lewis lung cancer through the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. MethodFifty SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the model group, cisplatin group (0.005 g·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin (0.005+1.6 g·kg-1, 0.005+3.3 g·kg-1, and 0.005+6.6 g·kg-1). Lewis cell suspension was inoculated under the axilla of mice in each group to construct the Lewis lung cancer xenograft mouse model. After continuous administration for 14 days, the mice were sacrificed. The body weight of the mice was measured, and the tumor weight was measured after the tumors were removed. The organ index and tumor inhibition rate were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin ( HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of tumor cells and the ratio of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot was used to detect the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphorylated activated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and apoptosis protein C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, as well as cysteine aspartate protease-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. ResultCompared with those in the model group, the mice in the groups of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment combined with cisplatin had shinier fur and better mental response status. Tumor mass was reduced in all treatment groups (P<0.05), and tumor inhibition rate was increased in all treatment groups (P<0.05). The thymus and spleen indices of the combined group were increased (P<0.05), and obvious pathological changes were observed in the tumor tissue of all treatment groups, with a gradual decrease in heteromorphism. Destruction of massive tumor tissue was observed in the high-dose combined group, and the apoptosis rate and ROS generation rate of tumor cells were increased in all treatment groups (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Bcl-2 in the tumor tissue gradually decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, Bax, and Caspase-9 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the cisplatin group, tumor mass was reduced in the combined group (P<0.05), and tumor inhibition rates in the low and high-dose combined groups were increased (P<0.05). The thymus index, spleen index, apoptosis rate of tumor cells, and ROS ratio in the combined group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK, Bax, and Caspase-9 were increased in the low and high-dose combined groups (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of ATF4 and CHOP were increased in the combined group (P<0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein gradually decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionGuiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin can exert anti-tumor effects in mice with Lewis lung cancer, reduce tumor mass, increase tumor inhibition rate, and induce apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
9.Mechanism of Dahuang Tangluo Pills in Improving Renal Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Kidkdey Disease by Regulating AGEs/RAGE/IKK/NF-κB Pathway
Pu ZHANG ; Jianqing LIANG ; Xia YANG ; Min BAI ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Chunxia XUE ; Beibei SU ; Yunhui ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):77-85
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effects of Dahuang Tangluo pills on early diabetic kidkdey disease (DKD) in db/db mice. MethodEight db/m mice were selected as the control group. Forty male db/db mice were selected and blood samples were collected via tail vein to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG). Mice with FBG ≥ 16.7 mmol·L-1, increased urine output, and persistent albuminuria were considered successful in model establishment. After successful modeling, they were randomly divided into a model group, a dapagliflozin group (1.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high, medium, and low dose groups of Dahuang Tangluo pills (3.6, 1.8, 0.9 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively), with eight mice in each group. All medication groups were administered orally, while the control and model groups were given an equal amount of distilled water by gavage daily. After continuous administration for 10 weeks, the survival status of the mice was observed, and their body weight, FBG, and kidney function-related indicators were measured. Inflammatory indicators in renal tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissues in each group. Immunofluorescence was employed to examine the expression of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) proteins. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were utilized to detect the gene and protein expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) kinase (IKK), and NF-κB in the renal tissues of mice in each group. ResultCompared with control group, the model group showed a significant increase in body weight, FBG, serum creatinine (SCr), urinary microalbumin/urine creatinine ratio (ACR), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) (P<0.05). The levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in renal tissues were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Renal histopathological staining and electron microscopy revealed loose arrangement, gaps, structural disarray, mesangial proliferation, and significant fibrosis in renal tissues. Real-time PCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB genes in renal tissues (P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of AGEs and RAGE proteins in renal tissues (P<0.05). Western blot results showed a significant increase in the expression of AGEs, RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB proteins in renal tissues (P<0.05). After drug intervention, compared with model group, the dapagliflozin group and the high-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills group showed significant reductions in body weight, FBG, SCr, and ACR (P<0.05), and a significant decrease in TC in mouse serum (P<0.05), while the high-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills group showed a significant decrease in TG in mouse serum (P<0.05). All treatment groups showed a significant reduction in ICAM-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in renal tissues (P<0.05). Renal histopathological staining and electron microscopy showed improved kidney injury, decreased collagen fiber deposition, and reduced mesangial proliferation in all treatment groups. Real-time PCR results showed a significant decrease in the expression of RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB genes in the dapagliflozin group and the high- and medium-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills groups (P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of AGEs and RAGE proteins in the dapagliflozin group and the high- and medium-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills groups (P<0.05). Western blot results showed a significant decrease in the expression of AGEs, RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB proteins in the dapagliflozin group and the high- and medium-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills groups (P<0.05). ConclusionDahuang Tangluo pills can improve the pathological structure of the kidneys and reduce renal inflammation in DKD mice, possibly through inhibiting the AGEs/RAGE/IKK/NF-κB pathway.
10.Jinshu Liujun Decoction Ameliorates Airway Lesions in COPD Mice by Correcting Oxidative Stress Mediated CFTR Acquired Defects
Zhen ZHANG ; Yiran YANG ; Hui WANG ; Jianqing LI ; Aiping LI ; Zhengping BAI ; Yu LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(7):1793-1801
Objective To observe the effect of Jinshui Liujun decoction on airway lesions in mice with COPD and explore its possible mechanism.Methods 48 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Jinshui Liujun decoction group and NAC group,with 12 in each group.The COPD mouse model was established by intranasal drip of LPS and smoking,and the corresponding drugs were given intragastric administration for 14 days after the model was established.Observe the general condition of the mice,measure the MV,PEF and PIF of the mice with the small animal lung function instrument,semi quantitatively evaluate the inflammation of the lung tissue,the thickness of the alveolar septum and the thickness of the airway wall with HE staining,and observe the airway mucus secretion and goblet cell proliferation with PAS staining.The content of MPO,SA and Urea in BALF was detected by the kit,and the ratio of SA and Urea was calculated.The content of MUC5AC in BALF was detected by ELISA.The levels of ROS,GSH,GSSG and GR in lung tissue were detected with the kit,and the ratio of GSH and GSSG was calculated.The expression level of CFTR mRNA in lung tissue was detected by qRT-PCR.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of CFTR protein in lung tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the growth of mice in the model group was poor.The body weight at each time point during the modeling period decreased(P<0.01),and the indexes of MV,PEF and PIF decreased(P<0.01).The lung tissue pathological score,alveolar septal thickness,airway wall thickness,airway mucus and goblet cell increased(P<0.01).The levels of SA,SA/Urea,MUC5AC and MPO in BALF increased(P<0.01),and the level of Urea decreased(P<0.01),The levels of ROS and GSSG in lung tissue increased(P<0.01),and the levels of GSH,GSH/GSSG,and GR decreased(P<0.01).The expression levels of CFTR mRNA and protein in lung tissue decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the growth condition of COPD mice improved,the body weight increased at each time point during the modeling period(P<0.05,P<0.01),the indexes of MV,PEF and PIF improved significantly(P<0.01),the pathological score of lung tissue,the thickness of alveolar septa,the thickness of airway wall,airway mucus and goblet cell decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the levels of SA,SA/Urea,MUC5AC and MPO in BALF decreased(P<0.01),And an increase in Urea levels(P<0.01),a decrease in ROS and GSSG levels in lung tissue(P<0.01),and an increase in GSH,GSH/GSSG,and GR levels(P<0.01).The expression levels of CFTR mRNA and protein in lung tissue increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Jinshui Liujun decoction can correct CFTR acquired defects through antioxidant effects to improve airway lesions in COPD.


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