1.Ershiwuwei Guijiu Pill Activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR-mediated Autophagy to Alleviate Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats
Yunan JIANG ; Lixue ZHANG ; Fanglin DUAN ; Yao YU ; Fenghui LI ; Lina MA ; Peifeng WU ; Changxing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):43-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Ershiwuwei Guijiu pill in preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and inhibiting excessive autophagy. MethodFemale SD rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into the sham operation group (Sham), the operation group (OVX), the Ershiwuwei Guijiu pill (GJ) group, and the raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX) group, with 10 rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colorimetric methods were used to detect the levels of estrogen, bone metabolism markers in serum, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in tibial tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Masson staining was used to observe pathological changes in the proximal tibia, and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was used to observe changes in tibial microstructural parameters. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy-related 5 (Atg5), as well as PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in tibial tissue. ResultCompared with the Sham group, the OVX group showed a significant decrease in serum levels of estradiol (E2) and calcium ion (Ca2+), and T-SOD, GSH-Px, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR mRNA levels in bone tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced bone mineral density (BMD), bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular connectivity (Con) in the tibia (P<0.05, P<0.01), thinner epiphyseal growth plate, and the bone marrow cavity filled with fat vacuoles. Moreover, the levels of phosphorus (P), MDA, ROS, and mRNA and protein expression of Beclin1, LC3, and Atg5, as well as trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the OVX group, the GJ and RLX groups showed significant increases in serum E2 and Ca2+, and bone tissue levels of SOD, GSH-Px, and the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased BMD, BS/BV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and Con in the tibia, thickened epiphyseal growth plate, and significantly reduced fat vacuoles in the bone marrow cavity (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the levels of P, MDA, ROS, Beclin1, LC3, Atg5 mRNA and proteins, and Tb.Sp were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR, which were significantly reduced in the OVX group (P<0.01), were significantly increased in the GJ and RLX groups (P<0.01). ConclusionThe Ershiwuwei Guijiu pill reduces oxidative stress and inhibits autophagy, thereby preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which inhibits autophagy.
2.Tibetan Medicine Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan Alleviates Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats Through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Qinyuan LI ; Dongfang DAI ; Peifeng WU ; Jiqiang SHEN ; Fanglin DUAN ; Yao YU ; Yuqin LI ; Changxing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(2):59-65
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan against osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats through the classical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. MethodForty-eight 3-month-old SD female rats were randomized into model group (equivalent volume of normal saline), sham operation group (equivalent volume of normal saline), estradiol group (0.1 mg·kg-1 estradiol valerate), and high-, medium-, low-dose Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan groups (800, 400, 200 mg·kg-1, respectively). For the modeling, some adipose tissue near the ovaries was removed in the sham operation group, and ovaries were excised in other groups. Administration (ig, once a day) started two weeks after the operation and lasted 12 weeks. After sampling, based on hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, the morphological changes of the right femur and lumbar spine of the rats were observed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the serum levels of rat tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b), collagen type Ⅰ C-terminal peptide (CTX-Ⅰ), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), amino-terminal propeptide of type Ⅰ procollagen (PINP), and bone Gla-protein (BGP). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was performed to examine the mRNA expression of β-catenin and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in femur, and Western blot to detect the protein expression of β-catenin, Runx2, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-5 (Lrp-5). ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed disordered and sparse bone trabecula with fewer connections, decrease in serum levels of BALP, BGP, and PINP (P<0.01), increase in levels of CTX-Ⅰ and TRAP5b (P<0.01), reduction in mRNA expression of β-catenin and Runx2 in femoral tissue (P<0.01) and protein expression of Lrp-5, β-catenin, and Runx2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, estradiol and each dose of Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan increased the volume of bone trabecula, made thebone trabecula closely arranged, reduced the loss of the trabecular meshwork, raised the serum levels of BALP and BGP (P<0.01), and lowered TRAP5b level (P<0.01). PINP level was significantly increased in the high-dose Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan group and estradiol group (P<0.01) and CTX-Ⅰ level was significantly decreased in the high-dose Erwenwuwei Guijiuwan group and the estradiol group (P<0.01) compared with those in the model group. The mRNA expression of β-catenin in femoral tissue and protein expression of Lrp-5 and β-catenin in estradiol group and three Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan groups were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the levels of Runx2 mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the high-dose Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan group and the estradiol group (P<0.01) compared with those in the model group. ConclusionTibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Guijiuwan is effective for the osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats, which may be related to the classic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. It affects bone metabolism by up-regulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes in the signaling pathway.
3.Historical Evolution and Clinical Application of Classical Prescription Xiao Xumingtang
Jin ZENG ; Yu-ting YANG ; Meng-lei WANG ; Ping CHEN ; Yan-mei SHENG ; Yu-mei YAN ; Ai-jun ZHANG ; Hong-mei ZHU ; Ying DAI ; Zhu-jun YIN ; Li LI ; Yao-hua LI ; Pu-yan LI ; Jun-ning ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(6):182-191
Xiao Xumingtang in The Catalogue of Famous Ancient Classics (The First Batch) issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine is derived from the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency (Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang) written by SUN Si-miao in the Tang dynasty. The present study systematically explored the origin, development, historical evolution, and clinical application of Xiao Xumingtang. As revealed by the results, Xiao Xumingtang as well as its analogues are primary prescriptions indicated for apoplexy before the Tang and Song dynasties and serve as the benchmark for the treatment of apoplexy. After the Song dynasty, due to the changes in the understanding of the pathogenesis of apoplexy and the limitations of the understanding of Xiao Xumingtang, its clinical application to apoplexy gradually decreased. In modern times, it has been re-recognized and applied, during which its clinical applications have undergone great changes. Its clinical applications are extensive, involving a variety of diseases related to the brain and nervous systems, such as stroke and its sequelae, peripheral facial paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and other diseases related to the motor nervous system. Its primary indications are stroke and its sequelae, followed by peripheral facial paralysis. Other new indications are gradually found. This study is expected to provide references for the clinical application of Xiao Xumingtang and the transformation of new drugs.
4.lncRNA SNHG14 regulates the malignant biological behaviors of thyroid cancer SW579 cells by targeting miR-433-3p
MA Wenbiao ; SHI Bo ; XIA Lei ; YAO Ru ; SANG Zijiang ; MA Xin
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2022;29(6):534-540
[摘 要] 目的:探讨lncRNA SNHG14对甲状腺癌SW579细胞恶性生物学行为的影响及其分子机制。方法:收集2017年10月至2018年12月青海省人民医院收治的20例甲状腺癌患者的癌组织及癌旁组织标本,用qPCR检测甲状腺癌组织和对应癌旁组织中SNHG14与miR-433-3p的表达;根据转染物的不同,将SW579细胞分为si-NC组(转染si-NC)、si-SNHG14组(转染si-SNHG14)、miR-NC组(转染miR-NC)、miR-433-3p mimic组(转染miR-433-3p mimic)、si-SNHG14+anti-miR-NC组(共转染si-SNHG14与anti-miR-NC)和si-SNHG14+anti-miR-433-3p组(共转染si-SNHG14与anti-miR-433-3p)。MTT法、FCM、Transwell实验分别检测转染后SW579细胞的增殖能力、细胞周期、细胞凋亡率、迁移及侵袭能力的改变;利用双荧光素酶报告基因实验检测SNHG14是否可结合miR-433-3p,qPCR法检测SNHG14与miR-433-3p之间的相互调控关系。结果:SNHG14在甲状腺癌组织中的表达高于癌旁组织(P<0.05),而miR-433-3p的表达水平低于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。抑制SNHG14的表达或过表达miR-433-3p可使SW579细胞增殖能力降低(P<0.05)、迁移与侵袭细胞数减少(均P<0.05)、细胞凋亡率升高(P<0.05)、G1期细胞比例升高(P<0.05)且S期细胞比例降低(P<0.05)。双荧光素酶报告基因实验证明SNHG14可结合miR-433-3p,抑制SNHG14的表达可提高SW579细胞中miR-433-3p水平(均P<0.05)。同时抑制miR-433-3p 和SNHG14的表达可部分逆转后者对SW579细胞的增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭的作用(均P<0.05)。结论:甲状腺癌组织中lncRNA SNHG14呈高表达、miR-433-3p呈低表达,lncRNA SNHG14可通过靶向结合miR-433-3p促进甲状腺癌SW579细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭而抑制细胞凋亡。
5.Influence of endoplasmic reticulum stress on the secretion of some inflammatory mediators in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Yao LI ; Jingchao WANG ; Jiaqi YUAN ; Hao WEN ; Ying ZHOU ; Haining FAN ; Zhixin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2021;37(1):131-134
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) on some inflammatory mediators during the progression of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) and its clinical significance. MethodsA total of 15 patients with HAE who underwent partial liver resection in Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital from June 2018 to September 2019 were enrolled, and the marginal zone of HAE lesion was resected as AE group; 15 normal liver tissue samples collected during the same period of time were selected as control group. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to measure the protein and mRNA expression of protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12, and glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78), and q-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between two variables. ResultsCompared with the control group, the AE group had significantly higher protein expression levels of PERK, CHOP, caspase-12, and GRP78 (U=4.165, 3.461, 2.577, and 3.344, all P<0.001) and their mRNA expression levels (t= 34003, 4.461, 53.573, and 55.224, all P<0.001). The AE group had significantly higher mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF than the control group (t=6.090, 12.578, and 53.573, all P<0.001). The protein expression levels of PERK, CHOP, caspase-12, and GRP-78 were positively correlated with the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF (all r>0.700, all P≤0.05). ConclusionPositive correlation is observed between the activation of ERS and inflammatory mediators in HAE, and excessive activation of ERS can change the secretion of several inflammatory mediators to exacerbate liver injury, while further studies are needed to clarify the specific mechanism.
6.Content determination of five flavonoids in Tibetan medicine Rhododendron anthopogonoides by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS).
Yao PENG ; Rong ZENG ; Shang-Jie WU ; Si LEI ; Zhi-Na SUN ; Xiu-Qin HE ; Juan LI ; Shun-Xiang LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2021;46(9):2229-2236
To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) method for five flavonoids in Rhododendron anthopogonoides and verify its feasibility and applicability in the medicinal materials of R. anthopogonoides. With hyperoside as the internal reference, relative correction factors(RCF) of rutin, quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol were established by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) analysis. RCFs were used to calculate the content of each component, system durability and relative retention time. Simultaneously, QAMS and external standard method(ESM) were used to determine the content of five flavonoids in 12 batches of R. anthopogonoides from different origins. The results were statistically analyzed to verify the accuracy and feasibility. The fingerprints and cluster analysis data of R. anthopogonoides analyzed and discussed differences among the batches. According to the results, the RCFs of rutin, quercetin, quercetin and kaempferol in R. anthopogonoides were 1.242 6, 0.990 5, 0.535 0, and 0.781 3, respectively. The RCFs represented a good reproducibility under different experimental conditions. Besides, there was no significant difference between QAMS and ESM. Besides, the fingerprint and cluster analysis data showed the consistency between the classification and with the origin distribution of the herbs. In conclusion, the QAMS method shows a good stability and accuracy in the quality control of R. anthopogonoides.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
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Flavonoids
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Medicine, Tibetan Traditional
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Reproducibility of Results
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Rhododendron
7.Effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infections on mitochondrial functions of macrophages
Jun DENG ; Deng-Liang HUANG ; Yao-Gang ZHANG ; Jian-Hua LI ; Jing HOU ; Yuan JIANG ; Mei-Yuan TIAN ; Li SUN ; Tao ZHANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yun DONG ; Hai-Ning FAN ; Yan-Yan MA
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2021;33(5):470-475
Objective To investigate the changes of mitochondrial metabolic functions of macrophages following Echinococcus multilocularis infections, so as to provide insights into the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis. Methods Two groups were assigned according to different treatment methods. In the culture group, mouse leukemic monocyte macrophage RAW264.7 cells were cultured with 2 000 E. multilocularis at a ratio of 500∶1, while RAW264.7 cells in the control group were given no treatment. Then, both the culture and control groups were further divided into the 24 h and 72 h subgroups. Mitochondria were stained with MitoTracker® Deep Red FM and the mean fluorescence intensity of macrophage mitochondria was measured with the Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader. The mitochondrial DNA copy number was quantified using the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the mitochondrial energy metabolism was monitored using the Seahorse XF assay. In addition, the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected using flow cytometry. Results The mean fluorescence intensities of macrophage mitochondria were significantly lower in the 24 h (15 341 ± 2 532 vs. 17 823 ± 3 429; t = 6.379, P < 0.01) and 72 h (18 102 ± 3 505 vs. 21 511 ± 5 144; t = 17.680, P < 0.01) culture subgroups than in the corresponding control subgroups, and lower mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were measured in the 72 h culture subgroup than in the 72 h control group [(3.23 × 109 ± 1.78 × 107) vs. (4.39 × 109 ± 3.70 × 107); t = 8.85, P < 0.001]. The oxygen consumption rates were significantly greater in the 24 h [(241.70 ± 73.13) pmol/min vs. (69.05 ± 52.30) pmol/min; t = 7.89, P < 0.01] and 48 h culture groups [(249.50 ± 42.06) pmol/min vs. (60.28 ± 40.66) pmol/min; t = 8.64, P < 0.01] than in the corresponding control groups, and a higher extracellular acidification rate was seen in the 48 h culture group than in the 48 h control group ([ 111.6 ± 17.49) mpH/min vs. (35.05 ± 7.57) mpH/min; t = 16.90, P < 0.01]. In addition, flow cytometry detected higher mean fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (58 264 ± 10 087 vs. 4 307 ± 97; t = 12.930, P < 0.01) and lower mitochondrial membrane potential (9.833% ± 2.285% vs. 2.667% ± 0.208%; t = 6.645, P < 0.01) in the 72 h culture group than in the control group. Conclusions E. multilocularis infection may impair mitochondrial functions and inhibit oxidative phosphorylation of macrophages, resulting in increased macrophage glycolysis. It is speculated that the alteration of macrophage metabolic states may contribute to the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of alveolar echinococcosis.
8.Endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway and its association with liver diseases
Yao LI ; Zhixin WANG ; Hao WEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2020;36(2):464-467
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) manifests as the aggregation of misfolded and unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and disorder of calcium balance and can activate the signaling pathways involved in unfolded protein response, endoplasmic reticulum overload reaction, and sterol regulatory cascade response. ERS can not only exert a protective effect by inducing the expression of endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones such as glucose-regulated protein 78 and glucose-regulated protein 94, but also induce cell apoptosis. At present, there is still no systematic understanding of ERS involvement in the development and progression of liver diseases. This article summarizes the research advances in ERS-related signaling pathways and related liver diseases and elaborates on the role of ERS-mediated cell apoptosis in liver diseases. The intervention of ERS signaling pathways may provide a reference for the research and treatment of liver diseases in the future.
9.Preoperative rapid suppression of viral load by elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide regimen in human immunodeficiency virus-positive fracture patients significantly reduces postoperative complications.
Rui MA ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yao-Shen ZHANG ; Biao XU ; Zhi-Wen TONG ; Chang-Song ZHAO ; Ru-Gang ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2020;133(23):2892-2893
10.Molecular identification and genetic relationship of Fritillaria cirrhosa and related species based on DNA barcode
Hui ZHENG ; Kai-yu DENG ; An-qi CHEN ; Shao-bing FU ; De ZHOU ; Wei-wei WANG ; Dian-mo NI ; Yao-yao REN ; Jia-yu ZHOU ; Hai LIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2019;54(12):2326-2334
Based on the ITS2 and

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