1.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
2.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
3.Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis by Shaoyaotang via Inhibiting Glycolysis Through SIRT6/HIF-1α Pathway
Yiling XIA ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Erle LIU ; Yiwen WANG ; Shaijin JIANG ; Yiqian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):10-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein (SIRT6)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Mesalazine group (0.42 g·kg-1), a Shaoyaotang group (31.08 g·kg-1), an inhibitor group (OSS-128167, 50 mg·kg-1), and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (50 mg·kg-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg-1 Shaoyaotang). A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for mice in other groups for 7 d, except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline, Mesalazine, Shaoyaotang, inhibitor, and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang, respectively, for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region, and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in colon tissue, and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6, HIF-1α, and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group, disease activity index (DAI) scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened, and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated, and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 were significantly reduced in colon tissue (P<0.01). The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Mesalazine group, the Shaoyaotang group, and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury, significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6, significant increase in IL-10 (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group, the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased, and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). However, the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.
4.Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis by Shaoyaotang via Inhibiting Glycolysis Through SIRT6/HIF-1α Pathway
Yiling XIA ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Erle LIU ; Yiwen WANG ; Shaijin JIANG ; Yiqian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):10-19
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein (SIRT6)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Mesalazine group (0.42 g·kg-1), a Shaoyaotang group (31.08 g·kg-1), an inhibitor group (OSS-128167, 50 mg·kg-1), and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (50 mg·kg-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg-1 Shaoyaotang). A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for mice in other groups for 7 d, except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline, Mesalazine, Shaoyaotang, inhibitor, and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang, respectively, for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region, and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) levels. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels in colon tissue, and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6, HIF-1α, and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group, disease activity index (DAI) scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened, and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated, and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 were significantly reduced in colon tissue (P<0.01). The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Mesalazine group, the Shaoyaotang group, and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury, significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6, significant increase in IL-10 (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue (P<0.01), significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group, the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased, and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β1 in colon tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA, the relative mRNA expressions, and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated (P<0.01). However, the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.
5.Shaoyaotang Restores Th17/Treg Cell Balance by Regulating Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Shaijin JIANG ; Bo ZOU ; Dongsheng WU ; Youwei XIAO ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):78-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shaoyaotang on T helper cell 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg) cell balance in ulcerative colitis and decipher the intervention mechanism based on glucose metabolism reprogramming. MethodsThe mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established by the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal, model, Western drug control (mesalazine, 0.39 g·kg-1·d-1), Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1), inhibitor (2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor (2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1) + Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1) groups. Mice were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage for 7 days. The general conditions and the colon injury degree were observed 24 h after the last administration. The expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17 in the colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in the colon tissue. Th17/Treg cell differentiation was detected by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of lactic acid and glucose in the colon tissue and IL-10, IL-17, and IL-6 in the serum. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreases in body weight and disease activity index (DAI) (P<0.05), elevations in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and declines in the levels of of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the drug administration groups showed increases in body weight and DAI (P<0.05), declines in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and rises in levels of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Shaoyaotang+2-DG group had the most obvious effect. ConclusionShaoyaotang can relieve diarrhea and bloody stool in mice with ulcerative colitis by restoring the Th17/Treg cell balance via regulation of glucose metabolism reprogramming, thus playing a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
6.Shaoyaotang Regulates Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming to Inhibit Macrophage Polarization Toward M1 Phenotype
Shaijin JIANG ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Qi CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):86-93
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of Shaoyaotang on glucose metabolism reprogramming of macrophages and the mechanism of this decoction in inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. MethodsHuman monocytic leukemia-1 (THP-1) cells were treated with 100 ng·L-1 phorbol myristate acetate for induction of macrophages as the normal control group. The cells treated with 100 ng·L-1 lipopolysaccharide combined with 20 ng·L-1 interferon (IFN)-γ for induction of M1-type macrophages were taken as the M1 model group. M1-type macrophages were treated with the blank serum, Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 0.5 mol·L-1 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), and Shaoyaotang-containing serum + 2-DG, respectively. After intervention, the expression of CD86 and CD206 was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were assessed by ELISA. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). ResultsCompared with that in the normal control group, the expression of CD86, the marker of M1-type macrophages, increased in the M1 model group and blank serum group (P<0.01), which indicated that the M1 inflammatory model was established successfully. In addition, the M1 model group was observed with up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 (P<0.01). Compared with the M1 model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 2-DG, and combined intervention groups showed decreased expression of CD86 (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 produced by M1-type macrophages (P<0.01), increased expression of CD206 (marker of M2-type macrophages) (P<0.01), and elevated levels of IL-10 and TGF-β produced by M2-type macrophages (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang inhibits macrophage differentiation toward pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages and promotes the differentiation toward anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages by regulating glucose metabolism reprogramming. The evidence gives insights into new molecular mechanisms and targets for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
7.Shaoyaotang Restores Th17/Treg Cell Balance by Regulating Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Shaijin JIANG ; Bo ZOU ; Dongsheng WU ; Youwei XIAO ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):78-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shaoyaotang on T helper cell 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg) cell balance in ulcerative colitis and decipher the intervention mechanism based on glucose metabolism reprogramming. MethodsThe mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established by the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal, model, Western drug control (mesalazine, 0.39 g·kg-1·d-1), Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1), inhibitor (2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor (2-DG, 100 mg·kg-1·d-1) + Shaoyaotang (15.54 g·kg-1·d-1) groups. Mice were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage for 7 days. The general conditions and the colon injury degree were observed 24 h after the last administration. The expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17 in the colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in the colon tissue. Th17/Treg cell differentiation was detected by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of lactic acid and glucose in the colon tissue and IL-10, IL-17, and IL-6 in the serum. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreases in body weight and disease activity index (DAI) (P<0.05), elevations in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and declines in the levels of of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the drug administration groups showed increases in body weight and DAI (P<0.05), declines in levels of HIF-1α, LDHA, HK2, IL-17, IL-6, Th17 cells, lactic acid, and glucose in the colon tissue (P<0.05), and rises in levels of IL-10 and Treg cells (P<0.05). Shaoyaotang+2-DG group had the most obvious effect. ConclusionShaoyaotang can relieve diarrhea and bloody stool in mice with ulcerative colitis by restoring the Th17/Treg cell balance via regulation of glucose metabolism reprogramming, thus playing a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
8.Shaoyaotang Regulates Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming to Inhibit Macrophage Polarization Toward M1 Phenotype
Shaijin JIANG ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Qi CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):86-93
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of Shaoyaotang on glucose metabolism reprogramming of macrophages and the mechanism of this decoction in inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. MethodsHuman monocytic leukemia-1 (THP-1) cells were treated with 100 ng·L-1 phorbol myristate acetate for induction of macrophages as the normal control group. The cells treated with 100 ng·L-1 lipopolysaccharide combined with 20 ng·L-1 interferon (IFN)-γ for induction of M1-type macrophages were taken as the M1 model group. M1-type macrophages were treated with the blank serum, Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 0.5 mol·L-1 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), and Shaoyaotang-containing serum + 2-DG, respectively. After intervention, the expression of CD86 and CD206 was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were assessed by ELISA. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). ResultsCompared with that in the normal control group, the expression of CD86, the marker of M1-type macrophages, increased in the M1 model group and blank serum group (P<0.01), which indicated that the M1 inflammatory model was established successfully. In addition, the M1 model group was observed with up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 (P<0.01). Compared with the M1 model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 2-DG, and combined intervention groups showed decreased expression of CD86 (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 produced by M1-type macrophages (P<0.01), increased expression of CD206 (marker of M2-type macrophages) (P<0.01), and elevated levels of IL-10 and TGF-β produced by M2-type macrophages (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang inhibits macrophage differentiation toward pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages and promotes the differentiation toward anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages by regulating glucose metabolism reprogramming. The evidence gives insights into new molecular mechanisms and targets for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
9.Feixin Decoction Treats Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension by Regulating Pyroptosis in PASMCs via PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Junlan TAN ; Xianya CAO ; Runxiu ZHENG ; Wen ZHANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jian YI ; Feiying WANG ; Xia LI ; Jianmin FAN ; Hui LIU ; Lan SONG ; Aiguo DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal, hypoxia, and low-, medium- and high-dose (5.85, 11.7, 23.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Feixin decoction groups, with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group, the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of (10.0±0.5)% for 8 h per day, 28 days, and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment, echocardiographic parameters [pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT), pulmonary artery ejection time (PET), right ventricular anterior wall thickness (RVAWd), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)] were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by the right heart catheterization method, and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) with NLRP3, N-terminal gasdermin D (N-GSDMD), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1) in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ, NF-κB, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), N-GSDMD, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18(IL-18), and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.01), decreased right heart function (P<0.01), increased pulmonary vascular remodeling (P<0.01), increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01), and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group, Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI, improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and Caspase-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01), and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
10.Kidney transplantation from donors with Marfan syndrome: report of 2 cases and literature review
Meng ZHANG ; Yibin WANG ; Yuchen WANG ; Rumin LIU ; Ziyan YAN ; Renfei XIA ; Wenli ZENG ; Jialiang HUI ; Minjie ZHOU ; Jian XU ; Yun MIAO
Organ Transplantation 2024;15(2):257-262
Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical experience of kidney transplantation from donors with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Methods Clinical data of 2 recipients undergoing kidney transplantation from the same MFS patient were retrospectively analyzed and literature review of 2 cases was conducted. Characteristics and clinical diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation from MFS patients were summarized. Results The Remuzzi scores of the left and right donor kidneys of the MFS patient during time-zero biopsy were 1 and 2. No significant difference was observed in the renal arteriole wall compared with other donors of brain death and cardiac death. Two recipients who received kidney transplantation from the MFS patient suffered from postoperative delayed graft function. After short-term hemodialysis, the graft function of the recipients received the left and right kidney began to gradually recover at postoperative 10 d and 20 d. After discharge, serum creatinine level of the recipient received the left kidney was ranged from 80 to 90 μmol/L, whereas that of the recipient received the right kidney kept declining, and the lowest serum creatinine level was 232 μmol/L before the submission date (at postoperative 43 d). Through literature review, two cases successfully undergoing kidney transplantation from the same MFS donor were reported. Both two recipients experienced delayed graft function, and then renal function was restored to normal. Until the publication date, 1 recipient has survived for 6 years, and the other recipient died of de novo cerebrovascular disease at postoperative 2 years. Conclusions MFS patients may serve as an acceptable source of kidney donors. However, the willingness and general conditions of the recipients should be carefully evaluated before kidney transplantation. Intraoperatively, potential risk of tear of renal arterial media should be properly treated. Extensive attention should be paid to the incidence of postoperative complications.

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