1.Effect of Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang on Hepatic Kupffer Cell Inflammation Mediated by Intestinal-derived LPS in Rats with Hyperlipidemia and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Mengzhu CHE ; Lianqun JIA ; Dongyu MIN ; Guoyuan SUI ; Qi ZHANG ; Guanlin YANG ; Yunhao CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):77-86
ObjectiveThe study aims to investigate the intervention effect of modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (M-XSLJZ) on intestinal-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated Kupffer cell inflammation in rats with hyperlipidemia spleen deficiency syndrome. MethodsSeventy male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=10): blank control (CON), high-fat diet without spleen deficiency (HFD), high-fat diet with spleen deficiency (SD-HFD), M-XSLJZ low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XS-L, XS-M, XS-H), and western medicine control (R). Spleen deficiency was induced in SD-HFD, XS-L, XS-M, XS-H, and R groups via irregular diet combined with exhaustive swimming for 15 days. The CON group received a standard diet, while other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. After successful modeling, rats were treated for 8 weeks: M-XSLJZ was administered at 3.51, 7.02, 14.04 g·kg-1 in XS-L, XS-M, and XS-H groups, respectively. The R group received 9×10-4 g·kg-1 of a reference drug. D-xylose excretion rate was measured by the phloroglucinol method. Blood lipids were assessed using an automated biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological conditions of the liver, and oil red O staining was used to observe the lipid deposition in the liver. The levels of LPS, portal vein serum LPS, LPS-binding protein (LBP), serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate CD86 expression and CD68/TLR4 co-localization in the liver. Protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells were analyzed via Western blot automated protein analysis. Hepatic IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA and protein levels were measured using Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the CON group, the SD-HFD group showed a decrease in D-xylose excretion (P<0.01). TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). A large number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and orange-red lipid droplet deposition appeared in the liver. Ileal LPS, portal LPS, and LBP increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.01). The expression of CD86 was upregulated (P<0.01), and the co-expression of CD68 and TLR4 was enhanced. The protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-p65 in Kupffer cells increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the SD-HFD group exhibited decreased D-xylose excretion (P<0.01), higher HDL-C, LDL-C (P<0.05), increased portal LBP and LPS (P<0.05), increased serum IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01), upregulated CD86 (P<0.01), enhanced CD68/TLR4 co-expression, and higher TNF-α mRNA/protein (P<0.05). Compared with the SD-HFD group, all M-XSLJZ treatment groups showed reduced TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). XS-H and R groups displayed improved hepatic lipid deposition. XS-H and R groups had lower ileal LPS, portal LPS, and LBP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All M-XSLJZ treatment groups exhibited reduced serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). The XS-H group showed downregulated CD86 (P<0.01) and weakened CD68/TLR4 co-expression. The XS-H group had reduced TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells (P<0.01). XS-H and R groups showed lower IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA/protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionM-XSLJZ may exert its lipid-lowering effects by inhibiting intestinal-derived LPS and alleviating Kupffer cell inflammation in the liver.
2.Effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Capsules on Polarization of Macrophages in Mice with Atherosclerosis
Menghua LIU ; Xu CHENG ; Mengzhu ZHAO ; Qiong WEI ; Dongmei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):54-61
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu capsules against atherosclerosis via regulating polarization of macrophages based on Notch1/jagged canonical Notch ligand 1(Jagged1)/Hes family BHLH transcription factor 1(Hes1) signaling pathway. MethodThe mouse models with atherosclerosis were prepared by feeding the mice with an ApoE-/- high-fat diet for four weeks, and they were randomly divided into the model group, Xuefu Zhuyu capsule group, and atorvastatin group. C57BL/6 mice were fed as a normal group. The Xuefu Zhuyu capsule group was intragastrically given Xuefu Zhuyu capsules (0.728 g·kg-1·d-1), and the atorvastatin group was intragastrically given atorvastatin tablet (6.07 mg·kg-1·d-1). The normal group and the model group were given equal volume of the deionized water by intragastric administration, and the intervention lasted for 12 weeks. Aortic plaque morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and aortic plaque area and lipid deposition were observed by oil red O staining. The positive expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relative mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg-1), Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 in aortic tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The relative protein expression of iNOS, Arg-1, Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 in aortic tissue was detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group had significant aortic plaque and lipid deposition, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01). The expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 showed a downward trend, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression of Arg-1 was decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression of related pathway molecule Jagged1, as well as the protein expressions of Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 were increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the plaque area and lipid deposition had a decreasing trend in the Xuefu Zhuyu capsule group, and the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β showed a downward trend. The expression of TGF-β1 was increased (P<0.05), and the expression of macrophage marker CD86 was decreased. The mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of Arg-1 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expressions of Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 were decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyu capsules can reduce aortic plaque area and lipid deposition in mice with atherosclerosis, alleviate inflammation, inhibit M1 macrophages, and promote the expression of M2 macrophages, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of Notch1/Jagged1/Hes1 signaling pathway.
3.Effects of long-term noise exposure during sleep on liver circadian clock and lipid metabolism
Xinyao ZHANG ; Xiaojun SHE ; Yiming FU ; Bo FU ; Shuo WANG ; Mengzhu CHENG ; Rui WANG ; Bo CUI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(1):41-46
Background Long-term exposure to noise during sleep may has adverse effects on metabolic system, and liver lipid metabolism is closely related to circadian clock genes. Objective To investigate the effects of long-term noise exposure during sleep on liver circadian clock and lipid metabolism in mice and its related mechanism. Methods Twenty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into two groups: a noise exposure group and a control group with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the noise exposure group were exposed to white noise at 90 dB sound pressure level (SPL) for 30 consecutive days, 8 h a day, from 9:00 to 17:00. The mice in the control group were exposed to background noise ≤40 dB SPL. After noise exposure, the animals were neutralized at 14:00 (ZT6) and 2:00 (ZT18), 5 animals at each time spot, and the liver tissues were collected. Total cholesterol and triglyceride in liver were determined by cholesterol oxidase method and glycerol phosphate oxidase method respectively. The expressions of circadian clock genes (Clock, Bmal1, Rev-erbα, and Rev-erbβ) and lipid metabolism genes (Srebp1c, Hmgcr, Fasn, Lxrα, Acc1, and Chrebp) in liver were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Results Compared with the control group, the content of total cholesterol in liver in the noise exposure group increased by 48% (P<0.05) and the content of liver triglyceride increased by 61% (P<0.05) at ZT18. The mRNA expression levels of circadian clock genes Clock and Bmal1 in the noise exposure group was significantly increased at ZT18 and decreased at ZT6 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of Rev-erbα decreased at both ZT6 and ZT18 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression level of Rev-erbβ had no significant change at ZT6 and ZT18. The mRNA expression levels of liver lipid metabolism related genes Srebp1c, Hmgcr, Chrebp, and Lxrα in the noise exposure group were higher than those in the control group at ZT18 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of Acc1 and Fasn showed no significant change at ZT6, then an upward trend at ZT18, but no significant difference between the two time spots (P>0.05). Conclusion Long-term noise exposure during sleep can cause circadian clock and lipid metabolism disorders in mice. Among them, suppression of key circadian clock genes may be associated with Rev-erbα-mediated upregulation of the nuclear receptors Srebp1c and Chrebp for lipid synthesis and deposition in the liver, resulting in lipid metabolism disorder.
4.Construction of small intestinal organoid model in insulin-resistant mice and protective effect of flavanomarein on intestinal mucosal barrier in this model
MAIMAITI YIMINIGULI ; DUOLIKUN MAIMAITIYASEN ; BIEKEDAWULAITI GULINAZI ; ABULAIZI REZIYA ; Long CHEN ; Mengzhu ZHENG ; Zhanqun YANG ; Ziheng CAI ; Nuo XU ; Linlin LI
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(2):105-112
OBJECTIVE To construct an insulin-resistant(IR)small intestinal organoid model of mice and study the protective effect of flavanomarein(FM)on the intestinal mucosal barrier in the model.METHODS ①Small intestinal organoid models of C57BL/6J and db/db of mice were constructed.The expressions of Ki-67,E-cadherin(E-cad),lysozyme(Lyz)and mucin-2(Muc-2)in small intestinal organ-oids were detected by 3D immunofluorescence.RT-qPCR was used to detect the expressions of fibro-nectin(Fn),glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)and peotide YY(PYY)mRNA while Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of Fn,GLP-1 and PYY protein.The Lyz secretion level was detected by ELISA.② Small intestinal organoids were divided into five groups:C57BL/6J mice 'small intestinal organ-oids as the normal control group,db/db mice' intestinal organoids as the IR model group,db/db mice small intestinal organoids with flavanomarein 25,50 and 100 μmol·L-1 intervention for 48 h as IR model+ FM groups.RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of Lyz mRNA while Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Lyz protein.RESULTS ① On the 6th day of small intestinal organoid culture,a ring structure with a clear luminal structure was formed and an IR mouse small intestinal organoid model was established.3D Immunofluorescence detection showed that the established small intestinal organoids all expressed Ki-67,E-cad,Lyz and MUC-2.Compared with the normal control group,the expres-sion of Fn mRNA in the IR model group was significantly increased(P<0.05)while the expressions of GLP-1 and PYY mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the normal control group,the expression of Fn protein in the IR model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05)while the expressions of GLP-1 and PYY protein were significantly increased(P<0.05).ELISA results showed that compared with the normal control group,the secretion levels of Lyz in the IR model group were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.01).② RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the normal control group,the expression of Lyz mRNA in the IR model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the IR model group,the expression of Lyz mRNA in the IR model+FM 50 and 100 μmol·L-1 groups was significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Western blotting results showed that compared with the normal control group,the expression of Lyz protein in the IR model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the IR model group,the expression of Lyz protein in the IR model+FM 50 and 100 μmol·L-1 groups was significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The constructed IR mouse small intestinal organoid model provides a more complete in vitro research model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanism by which drug interventions help repair the intestinal mucosal barrier.FM may maintain the intestinal mucosal barrier by reversing the decrease in Lyz expression levels in IR mice,thereby improving IR.
5.A study on the practice of safety training in medical laboratory based on outcome-based education
Huili WANG ; Xulin ZHANG ; Mengzhu HUANG ; Qiang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(11):1495-1499
In view of the problems existing in current medical laboratory safety training, such as overly broad goals, a lack of diverse instructional methodologies, a disconnection between the content and the actual needs of students, and a "one-size-fits-all" assessment method, the outcome-based education (OBE) was applied to laboratory safety training. Reform and practice were carried out on four aspects: training objectives, methods, content, and assessment. The training program was constructed with the objectives of addressing the safety competency requirements for students entering the laboratory and enhancing their safety skills. The training method highlighted the dominant role of students, shifted from a unidimensional to a multidimensional approach, and increased student engagement. The training content was continuously updated and refined to align closely with the specific safety requirements of students conducting experiments. The whole process assessment method of formative evaluation was employed. The training effects were evaluated from course scores, competition performance, and questionnaire for satisfaction. The results indicate that, compared with traditional training methods, the OBE was more effective in focusing on training objectives and fostering student interest of learning. Although there was no significant difference in scores on foundational knowledge examinations, the OBE significantly enhanced student participation and strengthened their sense of belonging. The questionnaire survey showed that 94.22% (163/173) of the participants provided positive feedback regarding the OBE. Among these respondents, 68.21% (118/173) thought that the interactive teaching of case studies was more acceptable and 98.48% (65/66) praised the practical training, believing that it was more effective than traditional training to improve safety skills. Thus, the OBE can optimize safety education and training, improve students' safety competencies in multiple dimensions, and lay a solid foundation for subsequent laboratory learning and work.
6.Effects of hypoxia H9c2 exosome on proliferation,migration and tube formation of HUVEC
Rui YANG ; Qiong WEI ; Yikun SUN ; Mengzhu ZHAO ; Xu CHENG ; Menghua LIU ; Dongmei ZHANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(7):714-719
Objective To investigate the role of H9c2-derived exosomes in regulating angiogenesis in rat cardiomyocytes under hypoxia.Methods The hypoxia model of H9c2 cells was prepared by mixed gas method(the hypoxia model group),and the normal cultured cells were used as the control group.The exosomes secreted by the two groups of cells were extracted respectively.The concentration and particle size of exosomes were detected by nanoparticle tracking analysis.The morphology and size of exosomes were detected by transmission electron microscopy.Western blot assay was used to verify the exosome marker proteins.The hypoxia model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)was established.HUVECs were incubated with H9c2 exosomes and divided into the normoxia group,the hypoxia group,the hypoxia+normal H9c2 exosomes(EXO-C)group and the hypoxia+hypoxia H9c2 exosomes(EXO-M)group.The proliferation,migration and tube formation of HUVECs were detected by CCK-8 method,cell scratch test and Matrigel in vitro three-dimensional forming test.Results The results of exosome identification showed that the particle concentration of H9c2 exosome samples was 1×107-1×1012 particles/mL and the particle size was 40-160 nm in the normoxia group and the hypoxia group.The morphological characteristics were spherical or saucer-like structure,uniform in size and complete in shape.Exosome marker proteins TSG101,CD63 and CD9 were expressed,and there was no expression of negative protein Calnexin.Compared with the normoxic group,the proliferation ability,migration area and migration rate of HUVEC were significantly decreased in the hypoxic group,and the length of tube,the number of branches and the number of nodes were decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the hypoxia group,the proliferation ability of HUVEC cells was decreased,the migration area was decreased,the migration rate was decreased and the length and number of branches involved in tube formation were further decreased in the EXO-M group(P<0.05).Compared with the EXO-C group,the proliferation ability of the EXO-M group decreased,the cell migration area decreased and the migration rate decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Exosomes derived from hypoxic H9c2 can inhibit the proliferation,migration and tube formation of HUVEC.
7.Research progress in the biological function of apolipoprotein H with metabolic diseases
Mengzhu WANG ; Xia DENG ; Chang GUO ; Ling YANG
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(7):549-551
Apolipoprotein H(APOH)is a glycoprotein synthesized by liver cells,closely related to insulin resistance(IR)and lipoprotein metabolism,and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia.This article reviews the research progress on the biological functions of APOH and its correlation with metabolic diseases.
8.Efficacy analysis of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in treating patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome
Yangxi HU ; Yan LIU ; Mengzhu LI ; Xing DONG ; Ran LI ; Wenjuan WANG ; Jianping YE ; Hansong LIU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(7):49-52
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in treating patients with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods In this retrospective analysis, clinical materials of 60 patients with obesity and PCOS by LSG were analyzed, and postoperative improvements of PCOS symptoms were observed. Results A total of 60 patients had a preoperative mean body mass index (BMI) of (39.4±5.4) kg/m2 and an average age of (26.3±6.1) years old, and all of them successfully completed LSG. After follow-up of 12 to 18 months, 50 cases (83.3%) had normalized menstrual cycles, with an average recovery time of (4.5 ±2.2) months after surgery, and 7 cases had natural pregnancy after surgery. Before surgery, ultrasound results in 35 patients indicated polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and 29 cases (82.9%) regained normal ovarian status with an average recovery duration of (6.3±2.8) months. Complicated hyperandrogenemia was observed in 31 patients, and 29 cases (93.5%) exhibited normalization of testosterone levels within 18 months after surgery. At 18 months after surgery, the BMI was (26.47±4.70) kg/m2, the average weight loss was (32.4±7.4) %. Conclusion LSG is a safe and effective treatment for obese PCOS.
9.The role of natural killer cells in anti-infection and tumor therapy.
Xili FENG ; Huihui WANG ; Mengzhu WANG ; Feiyang PU ; Zeyang ZHAO ; Yicong LI ; Xiaoxia MA ; Zhongren MA ; Jianhua ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2023;39(10):952-958
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important part of the body's innate immune system. As the first line of defense against pathogens, they need to be transformed into a mature state under the control of various cell signaling molecules and transcription factors to play cytotoxic and immune regulatory roles. Under the interaction of activated receptors and inhibitory receptors, NK cells are activated to perform a direct cell killing effect by secreting perforin and granzyme, or indirectly eliminate pathogenic microorganisms in the body by secreting various cytokines, such as type I and type II interferons. These functions of NK cells play a very important role in antiviral and anti-autoimmune diseases, especially in anti-tumor.
Humans
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Killer Cells, Natural
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Interferon-gamma
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Apoptosis
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Autoimmune Diseases
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Cytokines
10.Factors affecting concurrent sarcopenia among patients with cardiovascular diseases
MA Runze ; SHI Fang ; LI Hongquan ; LÜ ; Mengzhu ; Nuerbiyamu Aiheti ; TIAN Xiaoli ; CHEN Simin ; YAN Shikang ; Kaidiriyan Kuribanjiang ; YANG Lei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(11):939-942, 947
Objective :
To investigate the factors affecting concurrent sarcopenia among patients with cardiovascular diseases, so as to provide insights into early identification and prevention of cardiovascular diseases complicated with sarcopenia.
Methods:
A total of 250 inpatients with cardiovascular diseases in the Sixth Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps were recruited and divided into the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups according to the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia. Subjects' basic characteristics, body mass index, blood biochemical indicators and human body composition parameters were collected using questionnaire surveys, and factors affecting concurrent sarcopenia among patients with cardiovascular diseases using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Among the 250 patients with cardiovascular diseases, there were 149 males (59.60%) and 101 females (40.40%). The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 8.40% among the study subjects. The mean age and body mass index were (75.19±9.74) and (20.77±2.19) kg/m2 in the sarcopenia group and (65.24±11.50) years and (25.85±2.87) kg/m2 in the non-sarcopenia group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age (OR=1.115, 95%CI: 1.030-1.207) and body mass index (OR=0.582, 95%CI: 0.445-0.761) were as factors affecting concurrent sarcopenia among patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
Advanced age and low body mass index may increase the risk of concurrent sarcopenia among patients with cardiovascular diseases.


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