1.Effect of Modified Shibaotang on Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Patients with Male Late-onset Hypogonadism of Kidney Essence Deficiency Syndrome Complicated with Diabetes Mellitus
Yi SHAN ; Shaokang CHEN ; Zhenfu SHI ; Haifeng XU ; Yi LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):227-233
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Shibaotang on serum sex hormone levels in patients with male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus. MethodsA total of 60 patients with male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus,who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to October 2023,were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 30 patients in each group. Both groups continued their original treatments,including blood glucose lowering and blood lipid regulation. The observation group was treated with modified Shibaotang,while the control group was treated with testosterone undecanoate capsules. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. The changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)syndrome scores,partial androgen deficiency in aging males (PADAM)symptom scores,glucose metabolism indexes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose (2 h PG),glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)],and serum sex hormone indexes [sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG),free testosterone (FT),total testosterone (TT),prolactin (PRL),luteinizing hormone (LH),follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),estrogen (E2)] were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Safety was also evaluated. Results(1)Clinical efficacy comparison:After treatment,the clinical efficacy in both groups was similar,and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. (2)TCM syndrome score and PADAM symptom score comparison:After treatment,both groups showed a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores and PADAM symptom scores (P<0.01),and the observation group showed a significantly greater reduction compared to the control group (P<0.05). (3)Glucose metabolism indexes comparison:After treatment,the levels of FPG,2 h PG,and HbA1c were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding FPG,2 h PG,and HbA1c levels after treatment. (4)Serum sex hormone indexes comparison:After treatment,the levels of FT,TT,PRL,LH,and FSH were significantly increased in both groups (P<0.01),while E2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the levels of FT,TT,PRL,LH,FSH,and E2 after treatment. There was also no significant difference in SHBG levels within or between the groups before and after treatment. During the clinical observation,neither group exhibited any obvious adverse reactions. ConclusionModified Shibaotang can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus,reduce blood glucose,and increase sex hormone levels. The mechanism may involve the inhibition of aromatase transformation in adipocytes,promotion of GnRH production,and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Interpretation of perioperative immunotherapy for lung cancer in 2024 WCLC/ESMO
Jiahe LI ; Xiaopeng REN ; Jiayu LU ; Chenyuan ZHANG ; Ruitao FAN ; Xuxu ZHANG ; Xinyao XU ; Guizhen LI ; Jipeng ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Qiang LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):300-307
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting, two of the most prestigious events in oncology, have concluded sequentially. As the most authoritative annual gatherings in lung cancer and the entire oncology field, the WCLC and ESMO conferences brought together top oncology experts and scientists from around the world to share, discuss, and publish the latest cutting-edge advancements in oncology. In both conferences, lung cancer immunotherapy remained a hot topic of considerable interest. This article aims to summarize and discuss the important research progress on perioperative immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer reported at the two conferences.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Herbal Textual Research on Arcae Concha in Famous Classical Formulas
Yiqin ZHANG ; Yixue ZHUANG ; Yinan LU ; Yanning CHEN ; Yichong CHEN ; Shuiyu XU ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Chengzi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):208-218
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			In this paper, the name, origin, producing area, harvesting, processing and functional indications of Arcae Concha were systematically combed and verified by consulting the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha. Arcae Concha was first recorded in the name of Han in Bencao Shiyi, but later, due to the influence of LI Shizhen's error of combining Han item with Kuiha in the Ming dynasty, there were aliases such as Kuilu and Fulao, and Yizong Bidu began to include Walengzi as its correct name and has been used ever since. The textual descriptions and illustrations of the medicinal materials of Arcae Concha contained in the materia medica of the past generations were consistent with the modern Arca inflata, A. subcrenata and A. granosa. In ancient times, there were medicinal records of two parts of shell and meat, but now the shell is used as medicine, and the meat is mostly edible. In ancient times, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong and Guangxi were the main producing areas, and Zhejiang was the best. It is now believed that A. inflata is mostly distributed in the northern part of the Huanghai Sea, A. granosa is mostly distributed in the coastal areas south of Shandong Peninsula in China, and A. subcrenata is widely distributed in the coastal areas of China. Its quality is better in a complete, white, no residual meat and sand. In ancient times, there was no clear harvesting period, and the processing was mainly based on vinegar quenching after calcination or powdering of calcined shell, but now the harvesting period is autumn and winter. After harvesting, it is directly washed and crushed for raw use or processed by calcined method. The records of the medicinal materials in the past dynasties on the properties of Arcae Concha were mainly warm, sweet, salty and mild, and it is now believed that Arcae Concha is salty in taste and mild in nature. In ancient times, it was believed that Arcae Concha were mainly used for coldness in the heart and abdomen, coldness in the waist and spine, benefiting the five internal organs, strengthening the stomach. Nowadays, it is believed that Arcae Concha can eliminate phlegm and remove blood stasis, soften the hardness and dissipate the lumps, produce acid and relieve pain. It can be used in the treatment of stubborn phlegm, gall tumor, scrofula and other symptoms. In conclusion, it is suggested that for the famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha, the corresponding methods should be selected according to the processing requirements of the drug in the formulas, while those without processing requirements can be determined according to the functional position of the products. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Effect of Serum Containing Zhenwutang on Apoptosis of Myocardial Mast Cells and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Wei TANG ; Meiqun ZHENG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Zhiyong CHEN ; Chi CHE ; Zongqiong LU ; Jiashuai GUO ; Xiaomei ZOU ; Lili XU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):11-21
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the effect of serum containing Zhenwutang on myocardial mast cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) and the mechanism of the correlation between apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy. MethodsIn this experiment, AngⅡ and serum containing Zhenwutang with different concentrations were used to interfere with H9C2 cardiomyocytes for 24 h, and the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) to screen the optimal concentration for the experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the content of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in cell culture supernatant, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the cell surface area to verify the construction of the myocardial mast cell model. Subsequently, the experiment was divided into a blank group (20% blank serum), a model group (20% blank serum + 5×10-5 mol·L-1 AngⅡ), low-, medium-, and high-dose (5%, 10% and 20%) serum containing Zhenwutang groups, an autophagy inhibitor group (1×10-4 mol·L-1 3-MA), and autophagy inducer group (1×10-7 mol·L-1 rapamycin). The apoptosis level of H9C2 cells and the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. The lysosomal probe (Lyso Tracker) and mitochondrial probe (Mito Tracker) co-localization was employed to detect autophagy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect Caspase-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C) in apoptosis-related pathways and the relative mRNA expression of ubiquitin ligase (Parkin), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and p62 protein in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways. Western blot was used to detect cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and Cyt C in apoptosis-related pathways, phosphorylated ubiquitin ligase (p-Parkin), phosphorylated PTEN-induced kinase 1 (p-PINK1), p62, and Bcl-2 homology domain protein Beclin1 in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways, and the change of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio. ResultsCCK-8 showed that when the concentration of AngⅡ was 5×10-5 mol·L-1, the cell activity was the lowest, and there was no cytotoxicity. At this concentration, the surface area of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the content of BNP in the supernatant of culture medium was significantly increased (P<0.05). Therefore, AngⅡ with a concentration of 5×10-5 mol·L-1 was selected for the subsequent modeling of myocardial mast cells. Compared with the blank group, the model group and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA group had a significantly increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01) and significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). The results of immunofluorescence co-localization showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had a significantly decreased number of red and green fluorescence spots. The results of Real-time PCR showed that compared with that in the blank group, the relative mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 in the model group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), while the relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Parkin, and PINK1 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). In addition, the relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly decreased, and the relative protein expression of Bcl-2, p-Parkin, p-PINK1, and Beclin1 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum containing Zhenwutang groups and the autophagy inducer group had significantly decreased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), and the decrease ratio of mitochondrial membrane potential is significantly lowered (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, both red and green fluorescence spots became more in these groups. In the 3-MA group, the number of red and green fluorescence spots decreased significantly. The relative mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of Bcl-2, Parkin, and PINK1 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). In the serum containing Zhenwutang groups, the relative protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly increased, and the relative protein expression levels of Bcl-2, p-Parkin, p-PINK1, and Beclin1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionThe serum containing Zhenwutang can reduce the apoptosis of myocardial mast cells and increase mitochondrial autophagy. This is related to the inhibition of intracellular Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 apoptosis pathway and regulation of Parkin/PINK1 mitochondrial autophagy pathway. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Anti-frostbite effect of miglitol on cold-exposed mice through UCP1-mediated thermogenic activation
Xiang LI ; Hongyuan LU ; Mingyu ZHANG ; Huan GAO ; Dong YAO ; Zihua XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):1-5
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miglitol on regulating the energy metabolism of brown adipocytes by activating UCP1 and preventing cold injury in mice after cold exposure. Methods Primary brown adipocytes were induced into mature adipocytes, the effect of miglitol on the viability of brown adipocytes was investigated by MTT method, the lipid droplet consumption level of cells after drug administration was investigated by Oil Red O staining technology, and the level of UCP1, a key protein of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes, was detected by Western blotting. The activity of anti-frostbite was investigated in cold exposure at 4 ℃ and −20 ℃. KM mice, which were randomly divided into control group, cold exposure group, miglitol group and all-trans retinoic acid group, and after 7 days of repeated administration, the body surface temperature of mice was detected by infrared thermal imaging system, the anal temperature change was detected by anal thermometer, and the expression levels of UCP1 and PGC1-α in adipose tissue were detected by immunoblotting. Results Compared with the control group, the lipid droplet consumption and UCP1 expression levels in brown adipocytes in the miglitol group were significantly increased. The levels of body surface temperature and rectal temperature increased significantly after cold exposure, and the levels of UCP1 and PGC1α in the brown adipose tissue of mice increased significantly, which indicated that the miglitol could activate the critical proteins UCP1 and PGC1α of the thermogenesis pathway, increase the thermogenesis of mice after cold exposure, and thus improve the effect of cold injury for toe swelling. Conclusion Miglitol could play a role in improving cold injury and body temperature in mice by increasing the level of UCP1 and PGC1α, which are key targets of the thermogenesis pathway to promote the thermogenesis of brown fat.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Preliminary application of sacral neuromodulation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with underactive bladder after transurethral resection of the prostate
Ning LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Tao LI ; Qiang HU ; Kai LU ; Lei ZHANG ; Jianping WU ; Shuqiu CHEN ; Bin XU ; Ming CHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):39-42
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complicated with underactive bladder (UAB) who respond poorly to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with BPH and UAB treated with TURP by the same surgeon in Zhongda Hospital Southeast University during Jan.2018 and Jan.2023.The residual urine volume was not significantly relieved after operation, and the maximum urine flow rate and urine volume per discharge were not significantly improved.All patients underwent phase I SNM, and urinary diaries were recorded before and after surgery to observe the average daily frequency of urination, volume per urination, maximum urine flow rate, and residual urine volume. [Results] The operation time was (97.6±11.2) min.During the postoperative test of 2-4 weeks, if the residual urine volume reduction by more than 50% was deemed as effective, SNM was effective in 6 patients (60.0%). Compared with preoperative results, the daily frequency of urination [(20.2±3.8) times vs. (13.2±3.2) times], volume per urination [(119.2±56.7) mL vs. (246.5±59.2) mL], maximum urine flow rate [(8.7±1.5) mL/s vs. (16.5±2.6) mL/s], and residual urine volume [(222.5±55.0) mL vs. (80.8±16.0) mL] were significantly improved, with statistical significance (P<0.05). There were no complications such as bleeding, infection, fever or pain.The 6 patients who had effective outcomes successfully completed phase II surgery, and the fistula was removed.During the follow-up of 1 year, the curative effect was stable, and there were no complications such as electrode displacement, incision infection, or pain in the irritation sites.The residual urine volume of the other 4 unsuccessful patients did not improve significantly, and the electrodes were removed and the vesicostomy tube was retained. [Conclusion] SNM is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH with UAB patients with poor curative effects after TURP.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Effect of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方) on the AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Colon Tissue of Diarrhea-Type Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rats with Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency Pattern
Suting JIU ; Huiying LI ; Yueting SUN ; Songxiang CUI ; Xintian XU ; Hao ZHENG ; Weimin LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):290-299
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方, YFP) in treating diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by investigating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group, and pinaverium bromide group, with 10 rats in each group. All groups but the control group, were subjected to 21 days of tail-clamping stimulation and 14 days of senna leaf gavage to establish a liver stagnation and spleen deficiency-type IBS-D rat model. After successful modeling, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group were administered 0.96, 1.93, and 3.87 g/(kg·d) of the prescription, respectively. The pinaverium bromide group was given 13.5 mg/(kg·d), while the control and model groups were given 10 ml/(kg·d) distilled water. All groups were administered once daily for 14 consecutive days. General conditions of the rats were recorded during the experiment, and after modeling and drug administration, body weight, Bristol stool score, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, and histo pathology of colon tissue were observed under HE staining. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the levels of AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins including phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT)/AKT and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR)/mTOR in the colon tissue. Western Blotting was used to detect the levels of autophagy-related proteins, including UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin1 and LC3, and tight junction proteins including Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon tissue. ResultsAfter modeling, compared to the control group, the body weight of rats in the other groups decreased, and Bristol stool scores, as well as AWR scores under 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After drug administration, compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced body weight, decreased ULK1, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, Occludin, and ZO-1 protein levels in the colon tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and increased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, as well as p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pathological results showed a significant reduction in goblet cells in the upper part of the glandular layer of the colon, with mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The submucosal collagen fibers were dissolved, with unclear boundaries, pale staining, and microvascular congestion and dilation. Compared with the model group, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group and the pinaverium bromide group showed increased body weight, Beclin1, Occludin, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores under 40, 60, and 80 mmHg, serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological morphology of the rats in the YFP groups and pinaverium bromide group showed varying degrees of improvement. Compared with the pinaverium bromide group, the YFP low- and medium-dose group showed increased AWR scores under 20, 40, and 60 mmHg (P<0.05). The YFP low-dose group had reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, and increased p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels occured in all YFP groups (P<0.05). Compared with the YFP low-dose group, the YFP high-dose group and pinaverium bromide group showed decreased AWR scores under different pressure levels and reduced p-AKT/AKT protein relative expression levels, while the YFP medium- and high-dose group had elevated serum TNF-α, IL-1β levels and reduced p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionYFP can effectively improve the pathological injury of colon tissue in IBS-D model rats with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, reduce Bristol stool and AWR scores, and its mechanism may be related to reducing level of inflammatory factors and inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins in colon tissue, thereby enhancing the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the colon tissue. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Effects and mechanism of asperuloside on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis
Chao XU ; Xiaoping TAN ; Jie LI ; Minghua AI ; Yueyue LU ; Chaoyong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):166-171
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of asperuloside (Asp) on the pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS The male SD rats were randomly divided into Control group, model group (UC group), ASP low-dose and high-dose groups [Asp-L, Asp-H groups, Asp 35, 70 mg/(kg·d)], ASP high-dose group+AMPK inhibitor Compound C group [Asp-H+Compound C group, Asp 70 mg/(kg·d)+Compound C 0.2 mg/(kg·d)], with 12 rats in each group. Except for Control group, the other groups were injected with 50% ethanol (0.25 mL)+5% 2,4, 6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid solution (2 mL/kg) into the intestinal cavity to construct UC model. After modeling, the rats in each drug group were given corresponding drug solution by gavage or (and) tail vein injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, the weight of rats in each group was measured, and the length of their colons was measured; disease activity index (DAI) score and colonic mucosal damage index (CMDI) score were performed, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-18, -1β, -6) were detected. The pathological changes of the colon tissue were observed. The expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins [caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD)] in colon tissue, and pathway-related proteins such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were all detected. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the colon tissue structure of rats in UC group was damaged, with obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema. Their body weight, colon length and phosphorylation level of AMPK protein were significantly reduced or shortened; DAI and CMDI scores, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of caspase-1, GSDMD, TXNIP, NLRP3 and ASC in colon tissue were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with UC group, the pathological damage of colon tissue in rats was relieved in Asp-L and Asp-H groups, and all quantitative indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05); the improvement effect of Asp-H group was more significant (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose of Asp on the above indicators in UC rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Asp can improve inflammatory damage in colon tissue and inhibit pyroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in UC rats, which is associated with the activation of AMPK and inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Dimethyl fumarate alleviates nerve damage in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Ranran LU ; Xu ZHOU ; Lijie ZHANG ; Xinling YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):989-994
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			BACKGROUND:Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial neurological disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons,and dimethyl fumarate(DMF)has potent neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects in neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE:To explore the neuroprotective mechanism of DMF in a mouse model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease. METHODS:Twenty-four C57BL/6 mice were selected and randomly divided into control group,model group,low-dose DMF,and high-dose DMF groups.An animal model of Parkinson's disease was established in the latter three groups by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg MPTP,once a day for 5 consecutive days.Intragastric administration was given 30 minutes after each injection of MPTP.Mice in the low-dose DMF group(30 mg/kg)and high-dose DMF group(50 mg/kg)were intragastrically administered once a day for 7 consecutive days.The control and model groups were initially administered the same dose of normal saline.Behavioral testing,western blot,oxidative stress marker detection,and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the regulatory effects of DMF on oxidative stress and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice,as well as the protective mechanism of DMF on degeneration of dopamine neurons. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the model group,mice in the low-dose DMF group exhibited significant improvements in motor retardation and postural imbalance(P<0.01),with even more remarkable improvements observed in the high-dose DMF group(P<0.01).Compared with the control group,the model group showed a significant increase in the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde and a decrease in superoxide dismutase expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the low-dose DMF group reduced malondialdehyde production and increased superoxide dismutase expression(P<0.01),and similar improvements were observed in the high-dose DMF group(P<0.01).Immunohistochemical and western blot assays demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of dopaminergic neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression in the substantia nigra of mice in the model group compared with the control group(P<0.01).However,in the low-dose DMF group,there was an increase in the number of dopaminergic neurons and tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression in the substantia nigra(P<0.01),with even more significant improvements in the high-dose DMF group(P<0.01).Western blot results revealed that the model group exhibited elevated Keap1 protein expression and decreased Nrf2 protein expression.In contrast,the DMF groups showed reduced Keap1 protein expression and increased Nrf2 protein expression compared to the model group(P<0.01).To conclude,DMF regulates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in the substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson's disease,and this regulatory effect is positively correlated with the dose of DMF(P<0.01).Therefore,we infer that DMF exerts neuroprotective effects through the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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