1.Hei Xiaoyaosan Improves Learning and Memory Abilities in Alzheimer's Disease Rats by Regulating Cell Apoptosis
Huping WANG ; Jiao YANG ; Yiqin CHEN ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yujie LYU ; Yunyun HU ; Wenli PEI ; Yumei HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):108-115
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in improving the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) from cell apoptosis mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsFour-month-old SD male rats were randomly assigned into a blank group, a sham group, a model group, a donepezil hydrochloride (0.45 mg·kg-1) group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose (15.30, 7.65, and 3.82 g·kg-1, respectively) Hei Xiaoyaosan groups, with 10 rats in each group. The sham group received bilateral hippocampal injection of 1 μL normal saline, while the other groups received bilateral hippocampal injection of 1 μL beta-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) solution for the modeling of AD. Rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 42 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test was carried out to assess the learning and memory abilities of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB. A cell model of AD was established by co-culturing Aβ1-42 and PC12 cells in vitro. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry (FC), respectively. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had a prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a reduced number of crossing platforms (P<0.01), disarrangement and a reduced number of hippocampal neurons, up-regulated expression of Bax and Caspase-3, down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.01), decreased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt levels, and an increased p-NF-κB/NF-κB level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, donepezil hydrochloride and high- and medium-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan shortened the escape latency and increased the number of crossing platforms (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved the arrangement and increased the number of hippocampal neurons, down-regulated the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3, up-reguated the expression level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced the p-NF-κB/NF-κB level (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum containing Hei Xiaoyaosan at various doses improved the cell viability (P<0.01), and the serum containing Hei Xiaoyaosan at the high dose decreased the cell apoptosis (P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may improve the learning and memory abilities of AD model rats by regulating cell apoptosis, while increasing the vitality and reducing the apoptosis rate of AD model cells via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Effect of Hei Xiaoyaosan on Neuroinflammation and NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway in APP/PS1 Mice
Jun ZHOU ; Mingcheng LI ; Yujie LYU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yunyun HU ; Huping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):124-133
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Hei Xiaoyaosan on the learning and memory abilities of Alzheimer's disease model mice (APP/PS1 mice), and to explore its mechanism through the inflammatory cascade mediated by nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. MethodsSPF-grade 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into the model group, MCC950 group, and Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups. C57BL/6J mice were used as the blank group. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, mice in each group were intervened. The Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were given corresponding doses by gavage (25.79, 12.90, 6.45 g·kg-1·d-1), the MCC950 group was intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg·kg-1·2 d-1, and the blank group received the same volume of physiological saline by gavage. After 90 days of intervention, the learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Y maze and Morris water maze tests. The structural changes of hippocampal neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampal CA3 region was detected by immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-18, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-localization of GSDMD-N and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the hippocampus. Results① In the Y maze test, compared with the blank group, the spontaneous alternation rate of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the Hei Xiaoyaosan high- and low-dose groups was significantly increased (P<0.01). ② In the Morris water maze test, during the 1-4 days of the location navigation test, the escape latency time of mice decreased with the extension of training time. On day 4, compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significantly increased escape latency (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan low-dose group showed significantly reduced escape latency (P<0.05). In the spatial exploration experiment, compared with the blank group, the number of platform crossings in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Hei Xiaoyaosan low-dose group showed significantly increased platform crossings (P<0.05). ③ HE staining showed that, compared with the blank group, the hippocampal CA3 cells of the model group were damaged, arranged loosely and irregularly, swollen, with unclear boundaries, and the nuclei were pyknotic and deeply stained. MCC950 and all doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan improved the hippocampal CA3 cell damage in APP/PS1 mice to varying degrees. ④ Immunohistochemical results indicated that, compared with the blank group, the expression of APP in the hippocampal CA3 region was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). MCC950 and all doses of Hei Xiaoyaosan could reduce the expression of APP in the hippocampal CA3 region of APP/PS1 mice (P<0.01). ⑤ ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of mice in the model group were significantly increased, and IL-10 levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the IL-18 levels in the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). IL-1β levels in the hippocampus of the MCC950 group and Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The IL-10 levels in the hippocampus of the MCC950 group and the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ⑥ Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the hippocampus of the treated groups was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of GSDMD in the hippocampus of the Hei Xiaoyaosan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSDMD-N in the hippocampus of the Hei Xiaoyaosan medium- and low-dose groups was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ⑦ Immunofluorescence results showed that, compared with the blank group, the co-expression of GSDMD-N and Iba-1 in the hippocampus of the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the co-expression of GSDMD-N and Iba-1 in the treated groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to affect the release of inflammatory factors, alleviate neuroinflammation,improve hippocampal histopathological changes,and improve learning and memory deficits,thus providing potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease.
3.Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulates Fas/FasL/Caspase-8/Caspase-3 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Neuronal Apoptosis in AD Rats
Huping WANG ; Yiqin CHEN ; Jiao YANG ; Yunyun HU ; Yujie LYU ; Zhipeng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):18-26
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in regulating the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)/Fas ligand (FasL)/cysteine protease-8 (Caspase-8)/cysteine protease-3 (Caspase-3) signaling pathway to intervene in neuronal apoptosis and prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodNinety SPF-grade SD male rats of 4 months old were selected and randomly grouped as follows: 10 rats in the blank group, 10 rats in the sham group (bilateral hippocampus injected with 1 μL normal saline), and 70 rats in the modeling group [bilater hippocampus injected with 1 μL amyloid-beta protein 1-42 (Aβ1-42) solution for the modeling of AD]. Fifty successfully modeled rats were selected and randomly assigned into model, donepezil hydrochloride (0.45 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (15.30, 7.65, 3.82 g·kg-1) Hei Xiaoyaosan groups. Rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage once a day for 42 days. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to observe the apoptosis of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, and Fas-associated protein with death domain (Fadd). Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of Fas, FasL, Fadd, Caspase-3, cleved Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and cleved Caspase-8. ResultCompared with the blank group and sham group, the model group showed increased apoptosis rate in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01), elevated Bax level (P<0.01), lowered Bcl-2 level (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, and Fadd in the hippocampus (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of Fas, FasL, Fadd, cleaved Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-8 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, donepezil hydrochloride and Hei Xiaoyaosan at high and medium doses decreased the apoptosis rate in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the Bax level (P<0.01), elevated the Bcl-2 level (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of Fas, FasL, and Fadd and the protein levels of Fas, FasL, Fadd, cleaved Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-8 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hippocampus. Low-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan decreased the apoptosis rate in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the Bcl-2 level (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of FasL and Fadd (P<0.05) and the protein levels of Fas, FasL, Fadd, cleaved Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-8 (P<0.05) in the hippocampus. ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan can protect neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of AD rats by inhibiting the apoptosis mediated by the Fas/FasL/Caspase-8/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.
4.Hei Xiaoyaosan Affects Synaptic Plasticity of Hippocampal Neurons in APP/PS1 Double Transgenic Mice of AD via cAMP/PKA/NMDAR Signaling Pathway
Yunyun HU ; Yujie LYU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Jiao YANG ; Yiqin CHEN ; Huping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):27-34
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in modulating the synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice by regulating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) signaling pathway. MethodTwelve 4-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were selected as the blank control group, and 60 4-month-old male APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomized into model, KW-6002 (adenosine receptor antagonist, 3 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (22.10, 11.05, 5.53 g·kg-1, respectively) Hei Xiaoyaosan groups, with 12 mice in each group. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs for 90 days. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the synaptic ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons, and Golgi staining was used to observe the dendritic spine density of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of cAMP, PKA, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors 1, 2A, and 2B (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B, respectively), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and synapsin 1 (SYN1). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was performed to determine the mRNA levels of cAMP, PKA, and NR1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the content of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed blurred boundaries between presynaptic membrane and postsynaptic membrane in hippocampal CA1 region, reduced and scattered synaptic vesicles, and decreased density of postsynaptic membrane, and irregular, disarranged, and loosened dendritic spines of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01). In addition, the model group presented down-regulated protein levels of cAMP, PKA, NR1, NR2A, NR2B, PSD95, and SYN1 and mRNA levels of cAMP, PKA, and NR1, elevated IL-12 level, and lowered IL-4 level in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups showed clear and intact boundaries between presynaptic membrane and postsynaptic membrane in hippocampal CA1 region, increased synaptic vesicles with dense arrangement, increased density of postsynaptic membrane, and improved morphology, arrangement, and density of neuronal dendritic spines (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the drug interventions up-regulated the protein levels of cAMP, PKA, NR1, NR2A, NR2B, PSD95, and SYN1 (P<0.05,P<0.01) and mRNA levels of cAMP, PKA, and NR1 (P<0.01), lowered the IL-12 level (P<0.01), and elevated the IL-4 level (P<0.01) in the hippocampus. ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan can improve the structure and morphology of hippocampal neurons in APP/PS1 mice by activating the cAMP/PKA/NMDAR signaling pathway and repairing synaptic plasticity.
5.Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulates RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway to Ameliorate Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of AD
Huping WANG ; Yujie LYU ; Yunyun HU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Jiao YANG ; Yiqin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in intervening in oxidative stress in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) via modulating the rat sarcoma (RAS)/rapidly accelerating fibrosarcoma (RAF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. MethodOne hundred 4-month-old SPF-grade Wistar male rats were randomly grouped as follows: 10 in the blank group, 10 in the sham group (bilateral hippocampus injected with 1 μL normal saline), and 80 in the modeling group [bilateral hippocampus injected with 1 μL amyloid beta protein 1-42 (Aβ1-42) solution for the modeling of AD]. Fifty rats qualified for modeling were selected and randomized into the model, donepezil hydrochloride (0.5 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (15.30, 7.65, 3.82 g·kg-1, respectively) Hei Xiaoyaosan groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage once a day for 42 consecutive days. At the end of gavage, Morris water maze test was performed to examine the learning and memory abilities of the rats, and Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological changes of neurons in CA3 region of the hippocampus. The immunofluorescence assay was used to observe Aβ deposition and tau phosphorylation. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of RAS, RAF, phosphorylated (p)-RAF, MEK, p-MEK, ERK, and p-ERK in the hippocampal tissue. Biochemical methods were used to determine the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham group, the model group showed prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), shortened swimming distance in the target quadrant (P<0.01), reduced and uneven stained Nissl bodies, enhanced fluorescence intensity of Aβ and p-tau (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of RAS, p-RAF, p-MEK, and p-ERK in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.01), increased ROS and MDA content (P<0.01), and decreased SOD activity (P<0.01) on day 5. Compared with the model group, donepezil hydrochloride and high-, medium-, and low-dose Hei Xiaoyaosan shortened the escape latency (P<0.01), increased the swimming distance in the target quadrant (P<0.01), improved the arrangement, morphology, and structures of neurons and the number and distribution of Nissl bodies, decreased the fluorescence intensity of Aβ and p-tau (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of RAS, p-RAF, p-MEK, and p-ERK (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the ROS and MDA content (P<0.01), and increased the SOD activity (P<0.01) on day 5. ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may ameliorate oxidative stress, reduce Aβ and p-tau levels, and inhibit hippocampal neuronal damage by regulating the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, thus improving learning and memory abilities.
6.Hei Xiaoyaosan in Treating Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Yujie LYU ; Yunyun HU ; Zhipeng MENG ; Yiqin CHEN ; Jiao YANG ; Huping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):43-50
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that predominantly affects the elderly. It belongs to the category of dementia in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the onset and progression closely associated with the functions of the kidney, liver, and spleen. The classic TCM formula Hei Xiaoyaosan, which regulates the three Yin of liver, spleen, and kidney, shows broad prospects in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the experimental studies reported in the past decade to summarize the mechanisms of Hei Xiaoyaosan and its active components in intervening in AD. Hei Xiaoyaosan can treat AD via multiple targets, levels, and aspects comprehensively. The clinical studies have demonstrated that Hei Xiaoyaosan alone or in combination with other therapies has a definite therapeutic effect on AD. Specifically, it can ameliorate the cognitive impairment, mitigate oxidative stress, and inhibit the overexpression of soluble apoptotic factors in AD patients. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of AD with Hei Xiaoyaosan and explore new research directions. Moreover, it gives new insights into the clinical application of Hei Xiaoyaosan and the development of products with both medicinal and edible values.
7.Application of four qualitative occupational health risk assessment methods for cement dust hazard assessment
Yun WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Wenting HU ; Zhipeng WANG ; Dong LUO ; Zhongquan PENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(5):72-76
Objective To compare the application of four domestic and foreign qualitative occupational health risk assessment methods for cement dust hazard assessment and explore their applicability, and to find out a method suitable for qualitative occupational health risk assessment of cement dust. Methods The Risk Assessment Method for Occupational Accidents and Diseases of Romania (Romania method),the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment Method (Australia method),MES method, and the qualitative method of International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) were used to assess the occupational health risk of cement dust exposure posts in seven enterprises of Chongqing. The assessment results were analyzed and compared with Spearman correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and weighted Kappa consistency test after standardizing by risk ratio (RR). Results The RRs of the four methods were all positively correlated with cement dust exposure concentration (the correlation coefficients were all greater than 0.6). The Romania method, the Australia method and the qualitative method of ICMM could identify a risk difference between the key posts and non-key posts. The qualitative method of ICMM was difficult to identify high-risk posts that require priority intervention. The Romania method and Australia method had strong consistency (Kappa=0.608, P<0.01), but only the Australia method could identify high-risk posts of cement dust. Conclusion In general, the Australia method is relatively better at identifying the risk differences of cement dust hazard in different posts and is more suitable for occupational health risk assessment of cement dust with more accurate assessment results.
8.Effects of distal tibial tuberosity-high tibial osteotomy on ankle angle on coronal plane
Yuetong YIN ; Guangyu ZHU ; Xiangdong TIAN ; Yetong TAN ; Sheng MA ; Zhipeng XUE ; Yuanyi HU ; Xiaomin LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(21):3349-3354
BACKGROUND:Distal tibial tuberosity-high tibial osteotomy is a surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis,but there is still a lack of clinical studies on its effect on ankle joints. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of distal tibial tuberosity-high tibial osteotomy on ankle angle on coronal plane of the radiography of the full length of lower limb in weight loading. METHODS:Data of 40 patients(41 knees)with distal tibial tuberosity-high tibial osteotomy from March 2021 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including 31 females and 9 males,20 left knees and 21 right knees,aged 49-75 years,mean(63.44±6.57)years.The radiographic data of the full length of the lower limb in weight loading were collected before,week 2 and week 48 postoperatively.Hip-knee-ankle angle,talar tilt angle,tilt angle of the ankle,tibiocrural angle,and tibial articular surface angle were measured before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hip-knee-ankle angle improved from(-6.24±3.69)° before operation to(2.59±3.49)° week 2 postoperatively and(2.15±3.49)° week 48 postoperatively.The tilt angle of the ankle changed from(-7.90±3.11)° before operation to(-2.51±2.59)° week 2 postoperatively and(-2.46±2.42)° week 48 postoperatively,with statistically significant difference(P<0.001).(2)There was no significant difference in talar tilt angle,tibiocrural angle,and tibial articular surface angle before and week 2 postoperatively.(3)No significant difference in the angle changes was detected between week 2 and week 48 postoperatively.(4)It is indicated that distal tibial tuberosity-high tibial osteotomy can not only correct genu varus but also improve ankle angle.This result remains stable after 48 weeks of weight-bearing activities.
9.Research Progress on the Role of HMGB1 in Regulating the Function of Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes
Xin QI ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Haiyang YU ; Xin CHEN ; Wenbo AN ; Zhipeng WANG ; Duoxian WANG ; Pengfei LUO ; Yixin CHEN ; Jiaojiao MA ; Wei QI ; Ziyang HU ; Jianjun LIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(1):141-146
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease whose main characteristic is the destruction of articular cartilage, causing pain and disability in patients and seriously affecting their quality of life. OA can be induced by a variety of causes, and pathological changes in articular cartilage are considered to be one of the key driving factors for the occurrence of OA. High mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), as a non-histone protein in eukaryotic cells, can participate in regulating the inflammation and apoptosis process of OA chondrocytes, thus leading to the occurrence of OA. This article reviews the research on the mechanism of HMGB1 in OA chondrocytes, with a view to providing new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of OA.
10.Predictive value of changes in inflammatory markers for prognosis in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with the first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy
Zhipeng FAN ; Jing YU ; Jing HU ; Zhengkai LIAO ; Yu XU ; Wen OUYANG ; Conghua XIE
Journal of International Oncology 2024;51(5):257-266
Objective:To investigate the correlation between pre- and post-treatment changing trends in peripheral blood inflammatory markers and efficacy and their predictive value for prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with the first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy.Methods:The clinical data of NSCLC patients admitted to the Department of Radiation and Chemotherapy for Lung Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from October 2018 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The χ2 test was used to analyze the correlation between the changing trend of peripheral blood inflammatory markers and the efficacy of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. The influencing factors of objective response rate (ORR) were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the prognostic value of the changing trend of peripheral blood inflammation markers on patients' prognosis. Results:A total of 102 NSCLC patients treated with first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy were included. The proportion of patients with bone metastases was higher in the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) decreased group ( n=50) than that in the increased group ( n=52) ( χ2=4.28, P=0.039), whereas the pathological type of patients in the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) decreased group ( n=51) was more common in squamous carcinoma compared to patients in the increased group ( n=51) ( χ2=18.99, P<0.001), and a higher proportion of patients in the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) decreased group ( n=46) was female than that in the increased group ( n=56) ( χ2=4.29, P=0.038), with statistically significant differences. The 2-cycle objective response rate (ORR) of patients in the LMR increased and decreased groups was 63.5% (33/52) and 44.0% (22/50) ( χ2=3.89, P=0.049), the 2-cycle ORR of patients in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) increased ( n=24) and decreased ( n=78) groups was 29.2% (7/24) and 61.5% (48/78) ( χ2=7.74, P=0.005), and the 2-cycle ORR for patients in the systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) increased group ( n=27) and decreased group ( n=75) was 33.3% (9/27) and 61.3% (46/75) ( χ2=6.26, P=0.012), with statistically significant differences. Multivariate analysis showed that the changing trend of inflammatory markers in peripheral blood were not related to ORR. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated that patients in the group with SII decreased had longer median progression-free survival (PFS) (not reached vs. 7.1 months, χ2=9.35, P=0.002) and median overall survival (OS) (not reached vs. 16.6 months, χ2=11.08, P<0.001) than those in the SII increased group, and patients in the NLR decreased group had longer median OS (not reached vs. 22.2 months, χ2=4.56, P=0.033) than that in the NLR increased group. Univariate analysis suggested that both brain and bone metastasis ( HR=4.04, 95% CI: 1.23-13.35, P=0.022), increased SII ( HR=2.83, 95% CI: 1.41-5.66, P=0.003) were found to be significant factors affecting the PFS of NSCLC patients, both brain and bone metastasis ( HR=3.47, 95% CI: 1.05-11.45, P=0.041), increased NLR ( HR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.05-4.51, P=0.037) and increased SII ( HR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.54-6.30, P=0.002) were found to be significant factors affecting the OS of NSCLC patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both brain and bone metastasis ( HR=4.32, 95% CI: 1.30-14.40, P=0.017) and increased SII ( HR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.44-5.81, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for PFS in NSCLC patients, both brain and bone metastasis ( HR=3.76, 95% CI: 1.13-12.50, P=0.031) and increased SII ( HR=3.47, 95% CI: 1.28-9.41, P=0.014) remained independent risk factors for OS in patients with NSCLC. Conclusion:The changing trend of peripheral blood inflammatory markers of NSCLC patients cannot independently predict the efficacy of 2-cycle immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. Both brain and bone metastasis, as well as the changing trend of SII can be used as important indicators to predict PFS and OS in advanced NSCLC patients treated with first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. The simultaneous occurrence of brain and bone metastasis and SII increased suggest poor prognosis of NSCLC patients.


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