1.Effect of miR-1246 on high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cells by regulating METTL3-mediated m6A modification
Milu ZHOU ; Lin CHEN ; Zuofang ZHAO ; Daqing WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):7-15
AIM:To explore the effect of miR-1246 on high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cells(RMECs)injury by regulating methyltransferase like 3(METTL3)mediated sirtuin 1(SIRT1)N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification.METHODS:Dual luciferase assay was used to detect miR-1246 regulation of METTL3 expression; RMECs cells were divided into control group, high glucose(HG)group, high glucose+knocking down control(HG+anti-miR-NC)group, high glucose+knocking down miR-1246 expression(HG+anti-miR-1246)group, high glucose+overexpression control(HG+NC)group, high glucose+overexpression METTL3(HG+METTL3)group, high glucose+overexpression miR-1246+control(HG+miR-1246+NC)group, and high glucose+overexpression miR-1246+METTL3(HG+miR-1246+METTL3)group. After induction of high glucose for 48 h, CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival; Annexin V-FITC/PI method was used to detect cell apoptosis; Transwell experiment was used to detect cell migration and invasion; ELISA method was used to detect cell oxidative stress and inflammation levels; Colorimetric method was used to detect m6A methylation level in total RNA; MeRIP-qPCR method was used to detect SIRT1 m6A methylation level; Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect miR-1246, METTL3, SIRT1 mRNA expression in cells; Western blot was used to detect METTL3, SIRT1 and endothelial mesenchymal transition(EndMT)markers protein expression in cells.RESULTS: The MiR-1246 regulated METTL3 expression. Compared with the control group, cell survival rate was decreased in the HG group, apoptosis rate was increased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were increased, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin(IL)-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were increased, IL-10 level was decreased, malondialdehyde(MDA)level was increased, superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity was decreased, miR-1246 expression was increased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were decreased, METTL3, SIRT1, cluster of differentiation 31(CD31)and vascular endothelial cadherin(VE-cadherin)expression were decreased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were increased(all P<0.05); compared with the HG+anti-miR-NC group, cell survival rate was increased in the HG+anti-miR-1246 group, apoptosis rate was decreased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were decreased, LDH activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were decreased, IL-10 level was increased, MDA level was decreased, SOD activity was increased, miR-1246 expression was decreased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were increased, METTL3, SIRT1, CD31 and VE-cadherin expression were increased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were decreased(all P<0.05); compared with the HG+NC group, cell survival rate was increased in the HG+METTL3 group, apoptosis rate was decreased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were decreased, LDH activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were decreased, IL-10 level was increased, MDA level was decreased, SOD activity was increased, miR-1246 expression was decreased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were increased, METTL3, SIRT1, CD31 and VE-cadherin expression were increased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were decreased(all P<0.05); compared with the HG+miR-1246+NC group, cell survival rate was increased in the HG+miR-1246+METTL3 group, apoptosis rate was decreased, and the number of migrating and invading cells were decreased, LDH activity, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in cell culture supernatant were decreased, IL-10 level was increased, MDA level was decreased, SOD activity was increased, miR-1246 expression was decreased, total RNA m6A level and SIRT1 m6A level were increased, METTL3, SIRT1, CD31 and VE-cadherin expression were increased, while Vimentin and Snail1 expression were decreased(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The miR-1246 promotes high glucose-induced apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and EndMT process in RMECs cells by regulating METTL3 mediated SIRT1 m6A modification.
2.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
3.Research progress on antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Danna LIU ; Shuangshuang SONG ; Lu CHEN ; Yongqiang SUN ; Bo SUN ; Hanli ZHOU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tiandong KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):124-129
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a novel class of anti-tumor agents composed of a targeted monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker connecting the two. They combine the high specificity of antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high aggressiveness, elevated risks of recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis, largely due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the research progress of ADCs in the treatment of TNBC. It has been found that ADCs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (such as trastuzumab deruxtecan), trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (such as sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan), zinc transporter LIV-1 (such as ladiratuzumab vedotin), HER-3 (such as patritumab deruxtecan), epidermal growth factor receptor (such as AVID100), and glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (such as glembatumumab vedotin) have all demonstrated promising therapeutic effects against TNBC. Despite challenges including acquired resistance and treatment-related toxicities, ADCs are undoubtedly reshaping the therapeutic landscape for TNBC and are expected to occupy a more central position in TNBC treatment in the future.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Related Signaling Pathways to Prevent and Control Breast Cancer and Precancerous Lesions: A Review
Yifei ZENG ; Di ZHAO ; Junyue WANG ; Mengjie WANG ; Yubo GUO ; Yu ZHOU ; Dongxiao ZHANG ; Wenjie ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):290-301
Breast cancer has become the malignant tumor with the highest incidence rate among women, seriously threatening the life and health of women all over the world. The pathogenic factors and development mechanisms of breast cancer are complex and diverse. The development of breast cells from ordinary hyperplasia to atypical hyperplasia, and from pre-cancerous lesions to cancerous lesions, is a long-term progressive process. Therefore, early screening and prevention of breast cancer is particularly important. Western medicine has a relatively mature treatment program for breast cancer, which is mainly based on surgery and systemic treatment, whereas the ensuing complications and adverse reactions often bring a heavy burden to patients. For the precancerous lesions of breast cancer, surgery is also the mainstay of treatment. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has increasingly highlighted its advantages in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Increasing studies have shown that in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and pre-cancerous lesions, TCM compound prescriptions, single herbs or herb pairs, and active components are able to regulate a variety of intracellular signaling pathways through multi-targets to inhibit the proliferation and invasion, promote the apoptosis and autophagy of tumor cells, and regulate the cell cycle and the immune microenvironment, thus exerting anti-tumor effects. At the same time, they can significantly attenuate the toxic side effects of radiotherapy and drug resistance of patients. However, the specific mechanisms of TCM in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and precancerous lesions have not been fully clarified. The available studies are tanglesome regarding the TCM inhibition of tumor development through the regulation of classical signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, which still need to be verified by a large number of clinical and experimental studies. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and precancerous lesions by TCM through interfering with the relevant signaling pathways in recent years, aiming to summarize the possible mechanisms of TCM in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and provide references for subsequent studies.
5.Effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and recovery in patients undergoing laparo-scopic cholecystectomy
Zhangzhen ZHONG ; Xian ZHENG ; Ting XU ; Jie WANG ; Hui CAO ; Xinggen ZHOU ; Hui LI ; Jiacheng ZHAO ; Hui LIU ; Chao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):204-209
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative anxiety and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS A total of 200 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Suzhou Ninth Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from January 2023 to December 2024 were randomly assigned to control group (n=100) and observation group (n=100). One minute before the initiation of anesthesia, patients in the control group received intravenous injections of Propofol emulsion injection, Sufentanil citrate injection, and Succinylcholine chloride injection. On this basis, patients in the observation group received an intravenous injection of Esketamine hydrochloride injection. The anxiety status of patients in both groups was compared, along with their general intraoperative conditions (including sufentanil dosage, duration of pneumoperitoneum, operative time, anesthesia time, and extubation time), postoperative recovery, incidence of adverse reactions, and the need for dezocine rescue analgesia. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure, entropy index (state entropy and response entropy), inflammatory marker levels [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP)], numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity were compared between the two groups at different time points. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the two groups in pneumoperitoneum duration, operative time, anesthesia time,extubation time, incidence of postoperative dry mouth, entropy index or length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly lower postoperative STAI-S scores, reduced intraoperative sufentanil consumption, decreased incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and shivering, the need for dezocine rescue analgesia, as well as lower plasma IL-6 and CRP levels at 24 h after surgery, and NRS (P<0.05). The heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the observation group at the start of surgery, end of surgery, and during extubation were all significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Subanesthetic dose of esketamine can effectively alleviate postoperative anxiety, reduce intraoperative opioid consumption, suppress postoperative inflammatory response, relieve postoperative pain, and promote recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Jinwei Pingchuan Decoction in Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Phlegm-heat Obstruction in Lung Syndrome
Xudong ZHENG ; Deyu KONG ; Benzhang ZHAO ; Huimin ZHOU ; Ruitao WANG ; Jianjun WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):125-133
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine on the number of acute exacerbations, lung function, and clinical symptoms in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. MethodsA non-randomized controlled trial was conducted to include 60 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. Patients were divided into a treatment group and a control group based on whether they received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy, while the control group received conventional Western medicine therapy alone. Both groups received treatment for 7 days. The number of acute exacerbations and lung function indices were followed up and recorded before treatment and three months after treatment. The following outcomes were observed before and after treatment: the number of acute exacerbations, lung function indices (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], percentage of predicted value [FEV1%pred], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC ratio), the degree of acute exacerbation, TCM syndrome score, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Questionnaire (mMRC) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count. ResultsAfter 3 months of follow-up, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in the number of acute exacerbations compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group had fewer acute exacerbations than the control group (P<0.05). The degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group improved significantly compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group was improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding lung function, FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio increased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar improvements were observed in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, FEV1 and FVC were higher in the treatment group than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome scores, the scores for individual symptoms such as wheezing, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, fatigue, and palpitation, as well as the total score, also decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for wheezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and the total score than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the CAT score, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, climbing stairs, going out, activity, and energy, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, sleep, energy, and the total score decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, activity, and going out than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the mMRC score, CRP level, and WBC count, all these parameters decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar reductions were observed in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionJinwei Pingchuan decoction can reduce the number of acute exacerbations and the degree of acute exacerbation in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. It also improves lung function and symptoms such as cough and chest tightness, thereby enhancing the quality of life of patients.
7.Clinical Efficacy of Jinwei Pingchuan Decoction in Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Phlegm-heat Obstruction in Lung Syndrome
Xudong ZHENG ; Deyu KONG ; Benzhang ZHAO ; Huimin ZHOU ; Ruitao WANG ; Jianjun WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):125-133
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine on the number of acute exacerbations, lung function, and clinical symptoms in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. MethodsA non-randomized controlled trial was conducted to include 60 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. Patients were divided into a treatment group and a control group based on whether they received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy, while the control group received conventional Western medicine therapy alone. Both groups received treatment for 7 days. The number of acute exacerbations and lung function indices were followed up and recorded before treatment and three months after treatment. The following outcomes were observed before and after treatment: the number of acute exacerbations, lung function indices (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], percentage of predicted value [FEV1%pred], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC ratio), the degree of acute exacerbation, TCM syndrome score, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Questionnaire (mMRC) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count. ResultsAfter 3 months of follow-up, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in the number of acute exacerbations compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group had fewer acute exacerbations than the control group (P<0.05). The degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group improved significantly compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group was improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding lung function, FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio increased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar improvements were observed in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, FEV1 and FVC were higher in the treatment group than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome scores, the scores for individual symptoms such as wheezing, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, fatigue, and palpitation, as well as the total score, also decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for wheezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and the total score than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the CAT score, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, climbing stairs, going out, activity, and energy, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, sleep, energy, and the total score decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, activity, and going out than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the mMRC score, CRP level, and WBC count, all these parameters decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar reductions were observed in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionJinwei Pingchuan decoction can reduce the number of acute exacerbations and the degree of acute exacerbation in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. It also improves lung function and symptoms such as cough and chest tightness, thereby enhancing the quality of life of patients.
8.Comparison of SEC-RI-MALLS and SEC-RID methods for determining molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of PLGA
WANG Baocheng ; ZHANG Xiaoyan ; ZHOU Xiaohua ; ZHAO Xun ; MA Congyu ; GAO Zhengsong ; SHI Haiwei ; YUAN Yaozuo ; HANG Taijun
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):110-116
Objective: To establish a method for determining the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide Acid) (PLGA) using Size Exclusion Chromatography-Refractive Index-Multiangle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-RI-MALLS) and Size Exclusion Chromatography-Refractive Index (SEC-RID), and to compare the results obtained from these two methods.
Methods: For SEC-RI-MALLS, tetrahydrofuran was used as the mobile phase, Shodex GPC KF-803L was employed as the chromatographic column with a flow rate of 1 mL·min-1, column temperature at 30 ℃, and an injection volume of 100 μL. For SEC-RID, tetrahydrofuran was also used as the mobile phase, Agilent PLgel 5 μm MIXD-D was used as the chromatographic column with a flow rate of 1 mL·min-1, column temperature at 30 ℃, differential detector temperature at 35 ℃, and an injection volume of 20 μL. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were calculated using Agilent’s GPC software. The newly established methods were validated methodologically, and the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of 13 batches of samples were determined.
Results: The precision, accuracy, stability, and repeatability tests for SEC-RI-MALLS showed RSD values of 1.35%, 1.58%, 1.53%, and 1.26%, respectively. The SEC-RID method exhibited good linearity (r=0.999 9), with RSD values for precision, accuracy, stability, and repeatability tests (n=6) of 2.05%, 1.62%, 1.30%, and 2.97%, respectively. The results obtained from SEC-RI-MALLS were lower than those from SEC-RID, and the molecular weight distribution coefficient was smaller, but the results from the paired T-test performed with the value measured by SEC-RID method and the value measured by SEC-RI-MALLS method multiplied a conversion coefficient of 1.5 showed no significant difference between the two methods.
Conclusion: Both methods are stable and reliable, and can be used for the determination of PLGA molecular weight and molecular weight distribution based on the specific situations.
9.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
10.Yishen Huashi Granules Protect Kidneys of db/db Mice via p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Kaidong ZHOU ; Sitong WANG ; Ge JIN ; Yanmo CAI ; Xin ZHOU ; Yunhua LIU ; Xinxue ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):58-68
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell injury and relieving diabetic kidney disease by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsThe db/db mice of 12 weeks old were randomly assigned into model , dapagliflozin (1.6 mg·kg-1), and Yishen Huashi granules (4.7 g·kg-1), and db/m mice were used as the control group. The general conditions of mice were observed, and fasting blood glucose and 24-h urinary protein and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at weeks 0 and 12 of administration. After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea (UREA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Mallory staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) in the renal tissue of mice. The immunohistochemical assay was employed to examine the expression of p38, phospho-p38 (p-p38), MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein levels of p-p38, p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 in the renal tissue of mice.HK-2 cells cultured in vitro were grouped as follows: negative control, high glucose(30 mmol·L-1), Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum, and SB203580. After 48 h of cell culture in each group, RNA were extracted and the levels of MCP-1, and CCR2 mRNA were determined by Real-time PCR,proteins were extracted and the levels of p38, p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 were determined by Western blot. ResultsThe in vivo experiments showed that before treatment, other groups had higher body weight, blood glucose level, 24 h urinary protein, and ACR than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed improved general conditions, a decreasing trend in body weight, lowered levels of blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, and ACR (P<0.01), reduced SCr and UREA (P<0.01), and declined levels of TC, TG, and LDL (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed alleviated damage and interstitial fibrosis in the renal tissue as well as reductions in glomerular foot process fusion and basement membrane thickening. Moreover, the Yishen Huashi granules group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01), reduced positive expression of p-p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2 (P<0.05) in the renal tissue. The cell experiment showed that compared with the high glucose group, the Yishen Huashi granule-containing serum group showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of MCP-1 and CCR2 (P<0.01) and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38/p38, MCP-1, and CCR2(P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce 24 h urinary protein and ACR, improve the renal function, alleviate the renal tubule injury caused by high glucose, and protect renal tubule epithelial cells in db/db mice by reducing MCP-1/CCR2 activation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

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