1.Dimethyl fumarate alleviates DEHP-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in maternal rats during pregnancy through NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Yue Jiang ; Yun Yu ; Lun Zhang ; Qianqian Huang ; Wenkang Tao ; Mengzhen Hou ; Fang Xie ; Xutao Ling ; Jianqing Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):117-123
Objective :
To investigate the protective effect of dimethyl fumarate(DMF) on maternal intrahepatic cholestasis(ICP) during pregnancy induced by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) exposure and its mechanism.
Methods :
Thirty-two 8-week-old female institute of cancer research(ICR) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Ctrl group, DEHP group, DMF group and DEHP+DMF group. DEHP and DEHP+DMF groups were treated with DEHP(200 mg/kg) by gavage every morning at 9:00 a.m. DMF and DEHP+DMF groups were treated with DMF(150 mg/kg) from day 13 to day 16 of gestation by gavage. After completion of gavage on day 16 of pregnancy, maternal blood, maternal liver, placenta, and amniotic fluid were collected from pregnant mice after a six-hour abrosia. The body weight of the mother rats and the body weight of the fetus rats were sorted and analyzed; the levels of total bile acid(TBA), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase(AST/ALT) in serum and TBA in liver, amniotic fluid and placenta were detected by biochemical analyzer; HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue; Quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6, IL-1, IL-18 and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) in the liver; Western blot was used to detect the expression of the nuclear factor KappaB(NF-κB) and NLRP3.
Results :
Compared with the control group, the body weight of the DEHP-treated dams and pups decreased(P<0.05); the levels of TBA, ALP, AST/ALT in the serum of dams and the levels of TBA in the liver, amniotic fluid, and placenta of dams increased(P<0.05); the histopathological results showed that liver tissue was damaged, bile ducts were deformed, and there was inflammatory cell infiltration around them; the levels of inflammation-related factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, IL-18 and NLRP3 transcription in maternal liver increased(P<0.05); the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 protein in maternal liver significantly increased( P<0. 05). Compared with the DEHP group,the body weight of both dams and fetuses significantly increased in DEHP + DMF group( P<0. 05); the levels of TBA,ALP,AST/ALT in the serum of dams and amniotic fluid of fetuses decreased( P<0. 05); the degree of liver lesions was improved; the transcription levels of inflammation-related factors TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1,IL-18 and NLRP3 in maternal liver decreased( P<0. 05); the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 protein in maternal liver significantly decreased( P<0. 05).
Conclusion
DMF can effectively protect the DEHP exposure to lead to female ICP,and its mechanism may be through inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and reducing liver inflammation.
2.In Vitro and in vivo Component Identification of Danshenyin Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Sitong ZHANG ; Xianrun HU ; Wenkang LIU ; Jinchun LEI ; Xuemei CHENG ; Xiaojun WU ; Wansheng CHEN ; Manlin LI ; Changhong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):175-183
ObjectiveTo elucidate the chemical composition of Danshenyin and its blood components in rats after oral administration. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) coupled with PeakView 1.2 software was used to systematically characterize and identify the components of Danshenyin aqueous extract and its migratory components in rat blood after oral administration based on the retention time, quasi-molecular ion peaks, secondary fragmentation ions, and literature reports, and a preliminary compounds identification of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma aqueous extract, the co-decoction of Santali Albi Lignum and Amomi Fructus was carried out to attribute the chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of Danshenyin. ResultsA total of 73 compounds, including 21 phenolic acids, 23 diterpenes, 6 flavonoids, 7 organic acids, 3 volatile oils and 13 others, were identified from the aqueous extract of Danshenyin. And 36 prototypes and 15 metabolites were identified in rat plasma, the major metabolic pathways included reduction, hydration, hydroxylation, demethylation, methylation, sulfation and others, these metabolites were mainly derived from tanshinones and salvianolic acids. ConclusionThe main blood components of the aqueous extract of Danshenyin are salvianolic acids and tanshinones, which may be the material basis of the efficacy. This study can provide reference for pharmacological research, quality control, and clinical application of Danshenyin.
3.Rapid Identification of Chemical Components in Xitong Preparations by UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS
Zonghan YANG ; Guanqi TAO ; Wenying SONG ; Qixin ZHANG ; Shifang XU ; Wenkang HUANG ; Yiping YE
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(6):777-786
OBJECTIVE
To establish a rapid analytical method to identify the chemical components in Xitong preparations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled triple time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS).
METHODS
The analysis was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm×150 mm, 1.8 μm) column with the mobile phase consisting of water containing 0.1% formic acid(A) and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid(B) in gradient mode at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min−1. Data acquisition was carried out under positive and negative ion modes. The processed data was analyzed by Peakview software and compound database. The chemical components were determined by comparison with standard products, combining with the characteristic fragments in secondary MS, and those in the related literatures.
RESULTS
Seventy-eight compounds were identified including 20 phenylpropanoids, 33 terpenes, 19 flavonoids, 6 oxylipins, two of which might be new compounds.
CONCLUSION
The method can be used for rapid identification of chemical compositions in Xitong preparations, which provides basis for quality control and elucidation of phamarcodynamic material basis of Xitong pills and capsules .
4.Protective effect of folic acid against cholestatic liver injury in mice caused by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate exposure
Mengzhen HOU ; Yun YU ; Qianqian HUANG ; Lun ZHANG ; Wenkang TAO ; Yue JIANG ; Jianqing WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(10):2062-2069
Objective To investigate the protective effect of folic acid against cholestatic liver injury in mice induced by bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)exposure and its mechanism.Methods ICR mice were randomly divided into control group,high-dose folic acid(H-FA)group,DEHP group,DEHP+low-dose folic acid(DEHP+L-FA)group,and DEHP+high-dose folic acid(DEHP+H-FA)group,with 6 mice in each group.The mice in the H-FA group,the DEHP+L-FA group,and the DEHP+H-FA group were given folic acid by gavage at the corresponding dose,and those in the control group and the DEHP group were given an equal volume of PBS solution by gavage.After 2 hours,the mice in the DEHP group,the DEHP+L-FA group,and the DEHP+H-FA group were given corn oil containing 200 mg/kg DEHP,and those in the control group and the H-FA group were given an equal volume of pure corn oil,by gavage for 4 weeks.Body weight and food intake were recorded every day,and blood and liver tissue samples were collected.A biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of total bile acid(TBA)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP);HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of liver tissue;kits were used to measure the content of malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the liver;LC-MS/MS was used to measure serum bile acid profiles;Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with hepatic bile acid metabolism.A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups,and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the daily food intake of the mice in the DEHP group decreased significantly,and the body weight decreased significantly from day 10(P<0.05),and compared with the DEHP group,the DEHP+L-FA group and the DEHP+H-FA group had basically unchanged body weight and daily food intake(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the DEHP group had significant increases in liver weight index and the serum levels of TBA and ALP(all P<0.05),with enlarged portal area,bile duct deformity and hyperplasia,and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue;compared with the DEHP group,the DEHP+L-FA group and the DEHP+H-FA group had a significant reduction in liver weight index(P<0.01),and the DEHP+H-FA group had significant reductions in the serum levels of TBA and ALP(P<0.05),with a significant improvement in liver histomorphology and structure after folic acid intervention.Compared with the control group,the DEHP group had a significant reduction in the content of SOD(P<0.05)and a significant increase in the content of MDA in the liver(P<0.01),and compared with the DEHP group,the DEHP+H-FA group had significant reductions in the content of MDA and SOD(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the DEHP group had significant increases in the serum levels of α-muricholic acid(α-MCA),β-muricholic acid(β-MCA),deoxycholic acid(DCA),lithocholic acid(LCA),taurocholic acid(TCA),taurodeoxycholic acid(TDCA),tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA),tauro-β-muricholic acid(T-β-MCA),tauro-α-muricholic acid(T-α-MCA),taurohyodeoxycholic acid(THDCA),and taurolithocholic acid(TLCA)(P<0.05)and a significant reduction in ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)(P<0.05);compared with the DEHP group,the DEHP+H-FA group had significant reductions in the serum levels of DCA,LCA,TCA,TDCA,TUDCA,T-β-MCA,T-α-MCA,THDCA,and TLCA(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the DEHP group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of FXR and CYP3A11 in the liver(P<0.01)and significant reductions in the protein expression levels of CYP7A1 and MRP2(P<0.01);compared with the DEHP group,the DEHP+L-FA group and the DEHP+H-FA group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of FXR and CYP3A11 in the liver(P<0.05)and a significant increase in the protein expression level of MRP2(P<0.05),and the DEHP+H-FA group had a significant increase in the protein expression level of CYP7A1(P<0.05).Conclusion Folic acid has a protective effect against cholestatic liver injury in mice induced by DEHP exposure,possibly by regulating bile acid synthesis,catabolism,and transport and maintaining bile acid homeostasis.
5.Treatment of Type 4 Cardiorenal Syndrome based on the Theory of "Yang Deficiency with Three Lackings,Controlled by the Spleen"
Yuxin HU ; Yexin CHEN ; Zeyu XUE ; Ziheng GAO ; Gaiwen CUI ; Wenkang ZHANG ; Yaoxian WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2363-2367
WANG Qishi put forward the theory of "yang deficiency with three lackings, controlled by the spleen" in Lixu Yuanjian (《理虚元鉴》), which regarded that yang deficiency can lead to consumptive diseases with changes of lacking essence, lacking qi, and lacking fire, so the treatment should start from the spleen to restore the middle yang urgently. This article summarised the experience of treating type 4 cardiorenal syndrome based on the theory of "yang deficiency with three lackings, controlled by the spleen", and proposed that lacking essence is the beginning of the onset of type 4 cardiorenal syndrome, lacking qi is the gradual development of the disease, and lacking fire is the changes of the disease, and ultimately resulted in the complex situation of kidney and qi deficiency, and edema due to yang deficiency, combined with syndromes variation. In the clinical evidence, in the stage of lacking fire, therapies should warm the middle and strengthen the spleen in order to rescue the middle yang, prescribed with modified Baoyuan Decoction (保元汤) plus Lizhong Decoction (理中汤); in the stage of lacking qi, prescriptions can add Taoren (Juglans regia), Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga sinensis), Fuling (Smilax glabra), Guizhi (Neolitsea cassia) to activate blood and drain water to transport and restore the center qi; in the stage of lacking essence, prescriptions can add Gouqizi (Lycium barbarum), Tusizi (Cuscuta chinensis), Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides), Bajitian (Gynochthodes officinalis) to supplement deficiency and resolve masses to consolidate the root and supplement essence.
6.Research and progress of three-dimensional printing in the field of hepatopancreatobiliary surgery
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2023;29(2):148-151
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing technology, which is widely used in automobile, aerospace, food, medicine and other fields. 3D printing technology brings novel solutions for precision medicine. In the field of hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, 3D printing is used in medical education, surgical simulation, patient-specific liver models printing in hepatectomy and liver transplantation. In the future, with the discovery and application of high-tech materials, 3D printing technology will be further developed in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, and hepatobiliary surgery will usher in a new spring. This paper will review the application and future prospects of 3D printing technology in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.
7.Effect of ergosterol peroxide derivatives on the proliferation ,migration and invasion of human triple negative breast cancer cell
Hongyu ZHANG ; Wenkang REN ; Yu ZOU ; Yinglong HAN ; Hongyan YANG ; Ming BU ; Xiaohui DU ; Yu LIN
China Pharmacy 2022;33(11):1355-1360
OBJECT IVE To study the effects of ergosterol peroxide derivatives EP-3P on the proliferation ,migration and invasion of human tripe negative breast cancer cell MDA-MB- 231,and to provide reference for the development of breast cancer related drugs. METHODS MTT assay was adopted to detect the proliferation of MDA-MB- 231 cells after treated with 0(blank control),1.25,2.5,5,10,20,40 μmol/L EP-3P for 24,48 and 72 h. Wound healing assay and Transwell chamber method were adopted to detect the migration and invasion ability of MDA-MB- 231 cells after treated with 0(blank control ),5,10,20 EP-3P for 24 h. The apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of B-cell lympho ma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax),caspase-3,cleaved-caspase-3,cytochrome C (Cyt-C),matrix metalloproteinase- 2(MMP-2)and MMP- 9. RESULTS Compared with blank control group ,2.5,5,10,20,40 μmol/L EP-3P could significantly increase the inhibitory rate of cell proliferation (P<0.05 or P<0.01)in a dose and time- dependent manner. After 24 h treatment of EP- 3P(10,20 μmol/L),the rate of cell migration and the number of invasive cells were decreased significantly (P<0.01),and cell was arrested at G 2/M stage (P<0.05 or P<0.01);the apoptotic rate was increased significantly (P<0.05);the protein expressions of Bax ,Cyt-C and cleaved-caspase- 3 were upregulated significantly , while those of Bcl- 2,caspase-3,MMP-2 and MMP- 9 were downregulated significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS EP-3P can inhibit the proliferation ,migration and invasion of human tripe negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB- 231 through mitochondrial mediated endogenous caspase pathway ,and induce the apoptosis of cells .
8.Role and mechanism of metformin in algesia of rats with type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain
Yong SUN ; Wu LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Fei YU ; Wenkang LUAN ; Xiaoxue ZHAO ; Fucheng DAI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2021;20(12):1194-1203
Objective:To investigate the role and mechanism of metformin in algesia of rats with type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP).Methods:Eighty sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group ( n=15) and high-fat and high-glucose group ( n=65); normal diet and high-fat and high-sugar diet were given, respectively; before and 8 weeks after feeding, the body mass of rats and fasting blood glucose level were recorded, fasting insulin level was detected by ELISA, and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) 8 weeks after feeding (baseline values) were measured in the high-fat and high-glucose group; after 12 h of fasting, intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg) was performed; 3 d after fasting, blood glucose was measured; 14 d after STZ injection, body mass was recorded and MWT and TWL were measured again: when MWT and TWL were ≤85% baseline values, it was defined that DNP model was successfully established ( n=45); and the left were into the diabetic painless group ( n=15). The rats with successful DNP were randomly divided into DNP group, DNP+vehicle group and DNP+metformin group ( n=15); 14 d after STZ injection, rats in the DNP+metformin group were given intraperitoneal injection of metformin (200 mg/kg) once daily for 14 consecutive d; DNP group did not accept any treatment, and rats in DNP+vehicle group were intraperitoneally injected with same amount of normal saline. MWT and TWL of all rats were measured 14 d after STZ injection, and 3, 7, 14 and 21 d after metformin injection. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by ELISA 7, 14 and 21 d after metformin injection. The fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the spinal cord was detected by immunofluorescence staining, and the expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear transcription factor (NF)-κB, phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB, adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α in the spinal cord were detected by Western blotting 21 d after metformin injection. Results:(1) After 8 weeks of feeding, the body mass of rats in the high-fat and high-glucose group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group ( P<0.05); and the body mass of rats in the high-fat and high-glucose group was statistically lower than that in the normal control group 14 d after STZ injection ( P<0.05). Three d after STZ injection, the blood glucose level in high-fat and high-glucose group was significantly higher than that in normal control group ( P<0.05). After 8 weeks of feeding, the insulin level of high-fat and high-glucose group was statistically higher than that of normal control group, and the ISI in the high-fat and high-glucose group was significantly decreased as compared with that in the normal control group ( P<0.05). (2) As compared with those in the normal control group and diabetic painless group, MWT and TWL of DNP group and DNP+vehicle group were significantly decreased at each time point ( P<0.05). Three, 7, 14 and 21 d after metformin injection, MWT and TWL in DNP+metformin group were significantly increased as compared with those in DNP group and DNP+vehicle group ( P<0.05). (3) Seven, 14, and 21 d after metformin injection, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the spinal cord of rats in the DNP group and DNP+vehicle group were significantly increased as compared with those in the normal control group and diabetic painless group ( P<0.05); as compared with those in the DNP group and DNP+vehicle group, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the spinal cord of DNP+metformin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). (4) As compared with normal control group and diabetic painless group, the fluorescence intensity of Iba-1 and number of Iba-1 positive cells in the spinal cord tissues of DNP group and DNP+vehicle group were significantly increased ( P<0.05); while the fluorescence intensity of Iba-1 and number of Iba-1 positive cells in spinal cord tissues of DNP+metformin group were significantly decreased as compared with those in the DNP group and DNP+ vehicle group ( P<0.05). (5) As compared with those in the normal control group and diabetic painless group, the TLR4 and p-NF-κB protein expressions and p-NF-κB/NF-κB values in the spinal cord tissues of DNP group and DNP+vehicle group were significantly increased ( P<0.05); while those in the spinal cord tissues of DNP+metformin group were significantly decreased as compared with those in the DNP group and DNP+vehicle group ( P<0.05). As compared with those in the normal control group and diabetic painless group, the PGC-1α protein expression and p-AMPK/AMPK values in the spinal cord tissues of DNP group and DNP+vehicle group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05); while those in the spinal cord tissues of DNP+metformin group were significantly increased as compared with those in the DNP group and DNP+vehicle group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Metformin, by activating AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, may inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB expression, reduce the activation of microglia and the expressions of pro-inflammatory factors, and thus alleviate DNP.
9.Overview of characteristics and prevention and control status of foreigners living with HIV in China
Wenkang ZHANG ; Junjie WANG ; Xiaobin CAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2021;42(8):1518-1522
HIV infection among foreign personnel is one of the nonnegligible issues to control the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in China. It is necessary for HIV infection among foreign personnel to be taken effective measures in China. This paper consists of information about epidemic characteristics among foreign personnel with HIV in China, including influence on the overall infection, geographical distribution, and prevention status, referencing more effective AIDS knowledge and health education and behavior intervention.
10.Study on the influencing factors of HIV testing awareness among Myanmar people in Dehong, Yunnan province
Wenkang ZHANG ; Fei DIAO ; Guowu LIU ; Mengjie HAN ; Yuecheng YANG ; Chengbo WANG ; Ximei XIE ; Xiaobin CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2021;35(2):130-134
Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of HIV-testing awareness of Myanmar people in Dehong, and provide references for early discovery of HIV infection among Myanmar people.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Myanmar people in Dehong through convenient sampling method in a form of face-to-face questionnaire interview. HIV-testing awareness and influencing factors were described and analyzed with χ2 and logistic regression method . Results:A total of 393 participants were included in the study, in whom 241 (61.3%) were males, 256(65.1%) were Myanmar people, 233(59.3%) received 1-7 years of education in Myanmar, 348 do not speak Chinese (88.5%), 226(57.5%) were married, 378(96.2%) were non-solitary, 257(65.4%) were workers, the main purpose of etering into China in 273(69.5%) was working in China, 273(69.5%) had stayed in China for more than 2 years, 573(95.4%) had a clear plan on whether to stay in China for a long time in the future. In these Myanmar people, the rate of AIDS-related knowledge awareness was 75.6%; 165(42.0%) had sexual behavior in the last 6 months. 221(56.2%) knew that they had been tested for HIV. Ninety (22.9%) were more likely to actively seek HIV-testing after they had unprotected behaviors such as homosexual sex, injecting drug use, and sex without using condom. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the influencing factors of HIV-testing awareness included being women (compared with men, OR=2.155, 95% CI: 1.088-4.270), educational level of 8-10 years or more than 10 years (compared with education level 1-4 years, OR=5.207, 95% CI: 2.094-12.950; OR=19.780, 95% CI: 5.800-67.457), having sexual behavior in the last 6 months (compared with those who had not, OR=2.534, 95% CI: 1.343-4.779), having received AIDS-related education in the last 6 months (compared with those who had not, OR=2.462, 95% CI: 1.303-4.654), AIDS-related knowledge awareness (compared with those who had no awareness, OR=8.126, 95% CI: 2.936-22.491). Conclusions:Myanmar people have low awareness of HIV-testing in Dehong. Those who were women and high literacy levels, having received AIDS-related knowledge education in the past 6 months, and having AIDS-related knowledge have an active HIV-testing awareness, after they have high-risk behaviors. AIDS-related knowledge should be publicized to promote early discovery of high-risk behaviors.


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