1.Exploring Vascular Recruitment in Tracheobronchial Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral
Jun TENG ; Lei LI ; Junyan XIA ; Yi LUO ; Qinyan HONG ; Shuiping CHEN ; Hongwu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):260-269
Tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) is a low-grade malignant tumor originating from the airway mucosa. Despite its slow progression,it is characterized by high invasiveness,frequent recurrence,and a strong tendency for metastasis. Preclinical studies have shown that vascular-targeted therapy holds significant potential. However,an effective systemic treatment for TACC has not been established yet. This study explored TACC from the perspective of "Feiji" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as the starting point. It deeply investigated the mechanisms of abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment and further elaborated on the theoretical connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment. Firstly,collateral hyperactivity led to disordered and erratic pulmonary collaterals. Their abnormal structures were similar to the disorderly and tortuous nature of tumor (pseudo)angiogenesis. This resulted in imbalances in the functions of circulation,perfusion,and reverse injection of the pulmonary collaterals,and then led to unrestrained collateral dysfunction and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Secondly,the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TACC were critical processes in vascular co-option (VCO),representing the micro-level manifestation of the displacement of nutrient and defense. During this process,ECM remodeling made TACC cells more likely to hijack normal blood vessels,creating a complex vascular microenvironment conducive to tumor growth. In terms of treatment,this study proposed a TCM strategy of "regulating collaterals to expel pathogenic factors and nourishing collaterals to strengthen the healthy Qi",and listed potential TCM. These were intended to regulate the Qi and blood in the collaterals,repair the functions of abnormal collaterals,and intervene in the vascular recruitment process of TACC. Future research should focus on improving the TCM clinical syndrome characteristics of TACC. Through modern molecular biology techniques,it is necessary to deeply analyze the micro-level pattern of vascular recruitment in TACC. This would enrich the understanding of the profound connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment,providing empirical evidence for TCM-targeted therapies for vascular recruitment in TACC.
2.Improve effects of aromatase inhibitors on the height of children with short stature
Mengmeng XIA ; Jinbo XIANG ; Jun LUO ; Xiaoxia ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):501-506
The primary approach for clinical treatment of short stature (SS) in children is the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). However, the high cost of treatment and the daily injection frequency place a significant economic and psychological burden on the families of affected children. For SS adolescents who have missed the peak growth velocity period of puberty, the use of rhGH alone is also difficult to significantly increase their final adult height. Numerous studies have shown that aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are effective in improving the height of SS boys, especially the combination therapy of AIs and rhGH, which has a better effect. Although the use of AIs may affect the children’s bones, cognitive function, reproductive system and hormone levels, most of these effects are temporary. Since existing research has not fully elucidated its impact on the pubertal changes of girls, it is necessary to fully weigh the benefits and risks when using AIs to treat SS girls in clinical practice. In the future, it is also necessary to carry out pharmacoeconomic research based on the medical environment of China to evaluate the cost- effectiveness of AIs for SS in children.
3.Research progress on drug preparations of rectal administration for ulcerative colitis
Jun WAN ; Lisha ZHOU ; Tiantian LUO ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Shiyao CHEN ; Xia ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):887-890
Ulcerative colitis (UC), which is characterized by a complex and multifactorial etiology, remains one of the challenging disorders in the international field of digestive system diseases. In recent years, rectal administration preparations have made rapid progress in UC therapeutic applications. This study systematically reviews the dosage forms, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications of rectally-administered preparations for the treatment of UC. It is found that suppositories are the most commonly used dosage forms for rectal administration. The newer suppositories have the advantages of high bioavailability and good stability. Enemas can retain the drug in the intestine as much as possible to achieve the effects of diluting intestinal toxins, cleansing the bowel, and reducing inflammation. Gels can achieve a drug-sustained-release effect and effectively improve intestinal mucosal damage. The mechanism of action of this type of preparation is mainly to inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, regulate intestinal microbial homeostasis, and increase the expression of tight-junction proteins, so as to play anti-inflammatory, regulate the intestinal bacterial flora, repair the intestinal mucosa, and other efficacies. The diversity of rectal administration forms provides a wide range of choices for the clinical treatment of UC, such as Mesalazine suppositories, Lianshao enemas, and temperature- sensitive gels loaded with drugs for UC.
4.Exploration on Mechanism of Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice with Portulacae Herba Based on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxue WANG ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiang PU ; Zhongzhao ZHANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO ; Xiangyan KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):115-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, compound dexamethasone acetate cream group (2.075×10-2 g·g-1), blank matrix cream group, low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.1 g·g-1), high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.2 g·g-1), and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group (0.2 g·g-1 + 30 mg·kg-1 ML385), with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment, the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group, the mice in the other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to establish an ACD model. After respective administration, the skin lesion of the mice was scored, and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score (P<0.01), severe pathological damage to skin tissue, increased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and decreased content of SOD (P<0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group, the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), reduced pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group, the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in the serum of mice (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
6.Effects of Portulaca oleracea cream on skin pruritus and barrier function in allergic contact dermatitis mice
Xiaoxue WANG ; Xia CHEN ; Xiang PU ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiangyan KONG ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1352-1357
OBJECTIVE To study the effects and mechanism of Portulaca oleracea cream on skin pruritus and barrier function in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice. METHODS Low-concentration and high-concentration P. oleracea creams were prepared, with the P. oleracea extract solution (1 g/mL, calculated by crude drug) concentrations of 10% and 20%. Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into blank group, model group, Mometasone furoate cream group (positive control), blank matrix cream group, P. oleracea low-concentration and high-concentration cream groups. Except for blank group, ACD model was induced in each group using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene solution. The blank group and model groups received normal saline, while the remaining groups were treated with their respective creams, once a day, at a dose of approximately 0.5 g per application, continuously for 14 days. At 24 h post-final administration, skin lesions of mice were observed and scored; pathological changes of skin tissue were observed; serum levels of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified. mRNA expression of MAS-related G protein-coupled receptors (including MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was assessed; while protein expressions of skin barrier function-related proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin in skin tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with blank group, mice in the model group exhibited severe skin damage, characterized by loss of epidermal architecture, hyperkeratosis of the skin tissue, and the infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. The skin injury scores, as well as the serum levels of IgE and TNF-α, and the mRNA expression levels of MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD in DRG, were all significantly elevated compared to the blank group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); in contrast, the protein expression levels of Claudin-1 and Occludin in the skin tissue were markedly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with model group, mice in P. oleracea low-concentration and high- concentration cream groups demonstrated significant alleviation of skin damage, as evidenced by reduced epidermal hyperplasia, mitigated spongiosis in the dermis, and decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells; these quantitative indicators were almost significantly reversed (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the aforementioned skin injuries, pathological alterations, or quantitative indicators between the blank matrix cream group and the model group. CONCLUSIONS P. oleracea may ameliorate skin lesions and restore skin barrier function of ACD mice, the mechanism of which may be associated with downregulating mRNA expressions of MrgprA3, MrgprC11 and MrgprD in DRG, and up-regulating the protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin in skin tissue.
7.Research progress on impacts of air pollutants, gut microbiota, and seminal microbiota on semen quality
Wenchao XIA ; Jiahua SUN ; Yuya JIN ; Ruixin LUO ; Ruyan YAN ; Yuming GUI ; Yongbin WANG ; Fengquan ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Weidong WU ; Huijun LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):1003-1008
In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.
8.Impairment of Autophagic Flux After Hypobaric Hypoxia Potentiates Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Function Disturbances in Mice.
Shuhui DAI ; Yuan FENG ; Chuanhao LU ; Hongchen ZHANG ; Wenke MA ; Wenyu XIE ; Xiuquan WU ; Peng LUO ; Lei ZHANG ; Fei FEI ; Zhou FEI ; Xia LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2024;40(1):35-49
Acute hypobaric hypoxic brain damage is a potentially fatal high-altitude sickness. Autophagy plays a critical role in ischemic brain injury, but its role in hypobaric hypoxia (HH) remains unknown. Here we used an HH chamber to demonstrate that acute HH exposure impairs autophagic activity in both the early and late stages of the mouse brain, and is partially responsible for HH-induced oxidative stress, neuronal loss, and brain damage. The autophagic agonist rapamycin only promotes the initiation of autophagy. By proteome analysis, a screen showed that protein dynamin2 (DNM2) potentially regulates autophagic flux. Overexpression of DNM2 significantly increased the formation of autolysosomes, thus maintaining autophagic flux in combination with rapamycin. Furthermore, the enhancement of autophagic activity attenuated oxidative stress and neurological deficits after HH exposure. These results contribute to evidence supporting the conclusion that DNM2-mediated autophagic flux represents a new therapeutic target in HH-induced brain damage.
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Sirolimus/therapeutic use*
9.miR-429-3p mediates memory decline by targeting MKP-1 to reduce surface GluA1-containing AMPA receptors in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Man LUO ; Yayan PANG ; Junjie LI ; Lilin YI ; Bin WU ; Qiuyun TIAN ; Yan HE ; Maoju WANG ; Lei XIA ; Guiqiong HE ; Weihong SONG ; Yehong DU ; Zhifang DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):635-652
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia in the elderly. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) plays a neuroprotective role in AD. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of MKP-1 on AD have not been extensively studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, thereby repressing mRNA translation. Here, we reported that the microRNA-429-3p (miR-429-3p) was significantly increased in the brain of APP23/PS45 AD model mice and N2AAPP AD model cells. We further found that miR-429-3p could downregulate MKP-1 expression by directly binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3' UTR). Inhibition of miR-429-3p by its antagomir (A-miR-429) restored the expression of MKP-1 to a control level and consequently reduced the amyloidogenic processing of APP and Aβ accumulation. More importantly, intranasal administration of A-miR-429 successfully ameliorated the deficits of hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice by suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-mediated GluA1 hyperphosphorylation at Ser831 site, thereby increasing the surface expression of GluA1-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). Together, these results demonstrate that inhibiting miR-429-3p to upregulate MKP-1 effectively improves cognitive and synaptic functions in AD model mice, suggesting that miR-429/MKP-1 pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for AD treatment.
10.Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltration of Anoikis-related LncRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Xin LI ; Juan HE ; Shan JIN ; Ruolan WANG ; Qibiao LUO ; Wei XIA
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(1):34-42
Objective To explore the prognostic value and immune infiltration landscape of anoikis-related long noncoding RNAs (arlncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods RNA-seq and clinical data of lung adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the TCGA database, and anoikis-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards and Harmonizome databases. Coexpression, differential, and WGCNA analyses were performed to screen differentially expressed arlncRNAs closely related to the occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. A prognostic risk model was then constructed based on the arlncRNAs, and its predictive efficacy was further validated. Finally, consensus clustering was used to identify the molecular subtypes associated with anoikis in lung adenocarcinoma. Results Seven prognostic arlncRNAs were identified, and the prognostic risk models established based on them had AUC values of ROC curves greater than 0.7. Survival and immune infiltration analyses revealed that low-risk patients had high overall survival and immune infiltration, implying that they experienced good immune treatment effects. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that the high-risk patients were more sensitive to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents than the low-risk patients. According to the expression of model genes, subtypes C1 and C2 were identified through consensus clustering, and C1 showed a good prognosis. Conclusion The prognostic risk model based on the seven arlncRNAs can effectively predict the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. The results of immune-related and drug sensitivity analyses provide a reference for the precise individualized treatment of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

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