1.Regulation of Tumor Immune Homeostasis by Programmed Cell Death and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under Theory of Regulating Qi and Resolving Toxins
Bingwei YANG ; Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Weidong LI ; Baojin HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):212-220
Tumor immune homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium state in which the body removes abnormal mutated cells in time to prevent tumor development without damaging other normal cells under the surveillance of the immune system. It is an important concept to understand the process of tumor development. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a kind of regulable cell death including various forms such as apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. It is regarded as an important way for the body to remove abnormal or mutated cells. In recent years, modern research has found that PCD has a bi-directional regulatory effect on carcinogenesis and tumor development. In the early stage of tumor formation, PCD can control tumor development in time by playing a specific immune clearance role, while in the later tumorigenic stage, PCD can promote the growth and development of tumor cells by forming a tumor-specific microenvironment, resulting in carcinogenic effects. Therefore, PCD is regarded as an important way to maintain tumor immune homeostasis. Based on the idea of ''supporting the vital Qi and cultivating the root'' by professors Yu Guiqing and Piao Bingkui, the team proposed the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'' and applied it to clinical tumor prevention and treatment. Based on the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'', the research summarized the current progress of modern medical research on mechanisms related to PCD to explore the role of PCD in the regulation of tumor immune homeostasis. The article believed that the harmonious state of Qi movement was the basic condition for normal PCD to maintain tumor immune homeostasis, while the disorder of Qi movement and the evolution of tumor toxicity were the core processes of abnormal PCD and disorder of tumor immunity homeostasis, which led to the escape and development of tumor cells. Therefore, under the guidance of ''regulating Qi and removing toxins'', the idea of full-cycle prevention and treatment of tumors was proposed summarily. In the early stage of tumor formation, the method of ''regulating Qi movement and strengthening vital Qi'' was applied to reestablish tumor immune homeostasis and to promote the elimination of abnormal cells. In the late tumorigenic stage, the method of ''resolving toxins and dispelling evils'' was applied to reverse the specific microenvironment of tumors and inhibit the development of tumor cells, with a view to providing new theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of tumors through traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
3.Regulation of Tumor Immune Homeostasis by Programmed Cell Death and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under Theory of Regulating Qi and Resolving Toxins
Bingwei YANG ; Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Weidong LI ; Baojin HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):212-220
Tumor immune homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium state in which the body removes abnormal mutated cells in time to prevent tumor development without damaging other normal cells under the surveillance of the immune system. It is an important concept to understand the process of tumor development. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a kind of regulable cell death including various forms such as apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. It is regarded as an important way for the body to remove abnormal or mutated cells. In recent years, modern research has found that PCD has a bi-directional regulatory effect on carcinogenesis and tumor development. In the early stage of tumor formation, PCD can control tumor development in time by playing a specific immune clearance role, while in the later tumorigenic stage, PCD can promote the growth and development of tumor cells by forming a tumor-specific microenvironment, resulting in carcinogenic effects. Therefore, PCD is regarded as an important way to maintain tumor immune homeostasis. Based on the idea of ''supporting the vital Qi and cultivating the root'' by professors Yu Guiqing and Piao Bingkui, the team proposed the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'' and applied it to clinical tumor prevention and treatment. Based on the theory of ''regulating Qi and resolving toxins'', the research summarized the current progress of modern medical research on mechanisms related to PCD to explore the role of PCD in the regulation of tumor immune homeostasis. The article believed that the harmonious state of Qi movement was the basic condition for normal PCD to maintain tumor immune homeostasis, while the disorder of Qi movement and the evolution of tumor toxicity were the core processes of abnormal PCD and disorder of tumor immunity homeostasis, which led to the escape and development of tumor cells. Therefore, under the guidance of ''regulating Qi and removing toxins'', the idea of full-cycle prevention and treatment of tumors was proposed summarily. In the early stage of tumor formation, the method of ''regulating Qi movement and strengthening vital Qi'' was applied to reestablish tumor immune homeostasis and to promote the elimination of abnormal cells. In the late tumorigenic stage, the method of ''resolving toxins and dispelling evils'' was applied to reverse the specific microenvironment of tumors and inhibit the development of tumor cells, with a view to providing new theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of tumors through traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Impact factor selection for non-fatal occupational injuries among manufacturing workers by LASSO regression
Yingheng XIAO ; Chunhua LU ; Juan QIAN ; Ying CHEN ; Yishuo GU ; Zeyun YANG ; Daozheng DING ; Liping LI ; Xiaojun ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):133-139
Background As a pillar industry in China, the manufacturing sector has a high incidence of non-fatal occupational injuries. The factors influencing non-fatal occupational injuries in this industry are closely related at various levels, including individual, equipment, environment, and management, making the analysis of these influencing factors complex. Objective To identify influencing factors of non-fatal occupational injuries among manufacturing workers, providing a basis for targeted interventions and surveillance. Methods A total of
5.Mechanism of Shaoyaotang in Modulating MDSCs-related Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Prevention and Treatment of Colitis-associated Carcinogenesis
Xue CHEN ; Chenglei WANG ; Bingwei YANG ; Haoyu ZHAI ; Ying WU ; Weidong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the prevention and treatment of colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) based on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)-related immunosuppressive microenvironment. MethodsA total of 140 six-week-old SPF FVB male mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Blank group, Shaoyaotang without model group (7.12 g·kg-1), model group, sulfasalazine group (0.52 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang low-dose group (3.56 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang medium-dose group (7.12 g·kg-1) and Shaoyaotang high-dose group (14.24 g·kg-1), with 20 mice in each group. The blank control group and the Shaoyaotang without model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline (10 mg·kg-1), while the other five groups were given a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM) (10 mg·kg-1). After 1 week, the mice were given drinking water containing 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 1 week, followed by normal drinking water for 2 weeks. This cycle was repeated three times over a total period of 14 weeks to establish the CAC mouse model. Each group was administered gavage once daily for 2 weeks starting on the 14th day of the experiment, followed by three times a week until the end of the experiment. The body weight of the mice was recorded weekly. Mice were sacrificed on the 28th and 98th days of the experiment. After dissection, the colon length, colon weight, spleen weight, tumor size, and tumor number were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological morphology of colon tumor tissue. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in the spleen. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue. ResultsOn day 14, compared with the blank group, the body weight of the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), reaching its lowest point on day 28 (23.39 ± 0.95 ) g. On days 28 and 98, compared with the blank group, the colon length in the model group was significantly shortened (P<0.01), the colon index significantly increased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly increased (P<0.01), and the tumor load significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that in the model group, tumor cells, a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrates, goblet cell disappearance, and crypt loss were observed. In each dose group of Shaoyaotang, the damage to the colonic mucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration, and crypt structure destruction were alleviated. Compared with the model group, the body weight of mice in each dose group of Shaoyaotang increased. On day 98, the colon length was significantly increased (P<0.01), the colon index significantly decreased (P<0.01), the spleen index significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the tumor burden significantly decreased (P<0.01) in each Shaoyaotang dose group. On days 28 and 98, MDSCs and Tregs in the spleen of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were significantly increased (P<0.01). The proportion of CD8+ T cells in the spleen and the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the colon tissues of mice in each Shaoyaotang dose group were significantly increased to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). On days 28 and 98, the expression of p-AMPK-positive cells in the colon tissue of the medium- and high-dose Shaoyaotang groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-NF-κB and HIF-1α was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang can regulate MDSC recruitment and modulate the immune function of T lymphocyte subsets to inhibit the occurrence and development of AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice. The mechanism may be related to the activation of the AMPK/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.
6.Exploring Multi-target Effect of Erzhiwan on Improving Myocardial Injury in Ovariectomized Mice Based on Non-targeted Metabolomics
Ying YANG ; Jing HU ; Pei LI ; Ruyuan ZHU ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yanjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):74-84
ObjectiveTo explore the target of Erzhiwan in reducing myocardial injury in ovariectomized mice through non-targeted myocardial metabolomics combined with experimental verification. MethodsOvariectomized mouse model was selected, 40 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, estrogen group(estradiol valerate, 1.3×10-4 g·kg-1), Erzhiwan low and high dose groups(3.12, 9.36 g·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding dose of Erzhiwan by gavage, and the sham operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water by gavage for 12 weeks. Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe myocardial morphological changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of estrogen, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), hypersensitive troponin T(hs-TnT), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). The non-targeted metabolomics of mouse myocardium were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), and the differential metabolites and corresponding metabolic pathways were obtained. The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in mouse myocardial tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed abnormal cardiac function, increased myocardial fiber space, cardiomyocyte atrophy, sarcoplasmic aggregation, and occasional dissolution or rupture of muscle fiber, the level of estrogen in the serum was decreased, the levels of NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, TG, TC and LDL-C were increased, and the level of HDL-C was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Erzhiwan could increase the level of estrogen, improve the abnormal cardiac function, reduce the pathological injury of myocardial tissue, decrease the levels of myocardial injury markers(NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) and inflammatory factors(IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α), decrease the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased the level of HDL-C(P<0.01). The results of non-targeted myocardial metabolomics showed that 31 of the 162 differential metabolites between the model group and sham operation group were significantly adjusted after administration of Erzhiwan, which were mainly glycerol phospholipid metabolites. Pathway enrichment results showed that Erzhiwan mainly affected glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)-protein kinase G(PKG) pathway and other metabolic pathways. Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of phosphatidylcholine(PC, 11 types) and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE, 5 types) in mouse myocardial tissue of the model group were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of PC(11 types) and PE(5 types) were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in myocardial tissue of Erzhiwan group, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were elevated(P<0.01). ConclusionErzhiwan can alleviate the pathological injury of myocardium in ovariectomized mice, improve the abnormal cardiac function, improve lipid metabolism disorder, and reduce the levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors, which involves a number of signaling and metabolic pathways in the heart, among which glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and PI3K/Akt pathway may have key roles.
7.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
8.Xiaoyaosan Regulates HPT Axis in Rat Model with Syndrome of Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency via CGA/GPX2/TSHβ Pathway for Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
Fang WANG ; Ruxin YUAN ; Lingjin FAN ; Zongli CHEN ; Huaye XIAO ; Liqiang YANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Chuncheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):1-10
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xiaoyaosan regulates HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency by observing its effect on the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (CGA)/glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2)/thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit (TSHβ) pathway for thyroid hormone synthesis. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model, high-dose (16.7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (8.35 g·kg-1), and low-dose (4.175 g·kg-1) Xiaoyaosan, and fluoxetine (0.001 8 g·kg-1) groups, with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days. The intervention groups were treated with Xiaoyaosan decoctions or fluoxetine suspension, respectively. After modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue of the rats. Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of TSH receptor (TSHR) in the thyroid tissue, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant atrophy and irregularity of thyroid follicles, a marked reduction in colloid secretion, extensive vacuolar degeneration of adenocytes in the anterior pituitary, lowered serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid tissue, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue, outperforming the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group. Moreover, they elevated the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TSH level was also elevated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01). In the fluoxetine group, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, and GPX2 in the hypothalamus were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe downregulation of CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Xiaoyaosan may regulate the HPT axis dysfunction by up-regulating the CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway.
9.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
10.Weichang'an Prescription-containing Serum Induces Ferroptosis of Gastric Cancer MKN-45 Cells
Xin LI ; Jinzu YANG ; Jianxin QIAN ; Li TAO ; Ling CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Weichang'an prescription-containing serum on ferroptosis of human gastric cancer cells and explore the possible mechanism. MethodsSD rats were administrated with 18, 36, 72 g·kg-1·d-1 Weichang'an prescription by gavage for preparation of serum samples containing different doses of Weichang'an prescription, which were then used to treat MKN-45 cells. The cell proliferation was examined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). In addition, inhibitors of apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis were added, and the survival of the cells treated with the serum samples was observed. The fluorescent probe dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) and the lipid peroxidation sensor C11-BODIPY were employed to detect the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, respectively. The levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to determine the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). ResultsCompared with the blank group, Weichang'an prescription-containing serum decreased the viability of MKN-45 cells (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Compared with the Weichang'an prescription group, the apoptosis inhibitor+Weichang'an prescription group and the ferroptosis inhibitor+Weichang'an prescription group showed increased cell viability (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, Weichang'an prescription elevated the levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and intracellular Fe2+ and MDA (P<0.05, P<0.01) and lowered the level of GSH (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the blank group, Weichang'an prescription down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2, AKR1B1, and GPX4 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the blank group, Weichang'an prescription down-regulated the protein levels of p-STAT3 and p-ERK (P<0.05, P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionThe Weichang'an prescription-containing serum can promote the ferroptosis and inhibit the proliferation of MKN-45 cells by regulating the STAT3 and MAPK pathways.

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