2.Salvianolic Acid F Regulates Bax/Caspase-3/GSDME Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Pyroptosis of HK-2 Cells
Xiancong SHI ; Zhishen XIE ; Liang ZHAO ; Jiajun WANG ; Yafei DUAN ; Pan WANG ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Jiangyan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):56-64
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of salvianolic acid F (Sal F) in repairing the high glucose-induced injury in human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells via the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 3 (Caspase-3)/gasdermin-E (GSDME) pathway. MethodThe cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure the relative viability of HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose and different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20 μmol·L-1) of Sal F and the relative viability of HK-2 cells treated with Sal F for different time periods. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the supernatant of the cell culture were measured by the LDH assay kit and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, respectively. Flow cytometry combined with Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342/PI staining was employed to reveal the proportion of PI-positive HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (Caspase)-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME in the HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose and treated with Sal F. The 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence probe (DCFH-DA) and mitochondrial membrane potential assay kit (JC-1) were used to determine the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mitochondrial membrane potential in the HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose and treated with Sal F. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased cell viability (P<0.01), elevated levels LDH and IL-1β, increased proportion of PI-positive cells (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of Bax, cytochrome C, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME (P<0.01), down-regulated protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and excessive ROS accumulation. Compared with the model group, Sal F repaired the high glucose-induced injury in HK-2 cells (P<0.05), lowered the levels of LDH and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the proportion of PI-positive cells (P<0.01). In addition, Sal F down-regulated the protein levels of Bax, cytochrome C, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME and up-regulated the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased the accumulation of ROS in HK-2 cells. ConclusionSal F can reduce the production of ROS, restore the balance of mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibit pyroptosis via the Bax/Caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway to repair the high glucose-induced injury in HK-2 cells.
3.Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Prescription in Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Improving Apoptosis of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Based on PERK/ATF4/CHOP
Xuan SU ; Liang ZHAO ; Mengmeng WANG ; Jing DING ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Jiangyan XU ; Zhishen XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):26-36
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yishen Tongluo prescription (YSTLP) on apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and explore the mechanism based on endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). MethodThe db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, valsartan group (10 mg·kg-1), and low, middle, high-dose YSTLP groups (1, 2.5, 5 g·kg-1). Samples were collected after eight weeks of drug intervention. In addition, db/m mice in the same litter served as the control group. Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group, advanced glycated end-product (AGE) group, and AGE + low, middle, and high-dose YSTLP groups (100, 200, 400 mg·L-1). TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect the apoptosis rate of HK-2 cells. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was conducted to detect the viability of HK-2 cells. Calcium fluorescence probe staining and luciferase reporter gene method were adopted to detect the luciferase activity of folded protein response element (UPRE) and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was carried out to measure the protein expressions of phosphorylated PKR (p-PERK), CHOP, and ATF4. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of p-PERK, PERK, CHOP, ATF4, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved Caspase-3 in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. ResultIn the cellular assay, HK-2 cell viability was significantly reduced, and the apoptosis rate was elevated in the AGE group compared with the control group (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related factor Bcl-2 were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and those of Bax were significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression level of cleaved Caspase-3 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the AGE group, YSTLP administration treatment resulted in elevated cell viability and reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 were significantly elevated in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), and those of Bax were significantly reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The protein expression level of cleaved Caspase-3 was significantly reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). The intracellular Ca2+ imbalance and UPRE luciferase fluorescence intensity were increased in the AGE group compared with the control group (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors CHOP and XBP1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PERK, CHOP, and ATF4 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the AGE group, YSTLP effectively improved intracellular Ca2+ imbalance in HK-2 cells and decreased UPRE luciferase fluorescence intensity in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). It reduced the mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors CHOP and XBP1 (P<0.01) and the protein expression levels of intracellular p-PERK, CHOP, and ATF4 in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P<0.01). In animal experiments, the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced(P<0.01), and that of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax was significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.05). The protein expression level of Bcl-2 was dose-dependently elevated, and that of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax was dose-dependently decreased in the YSTLP groups compared with the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and XBP1 were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PERK, CHOP, and ATF4 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, YSTLP significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and XBP1 (P<0.01) and the protein expression levels of p-PERK, CHOP, and ATF4 (P<0.01). ConclusionYSTLP can effectively inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress and improve apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PERK/AFT4/CHOP pathway.
4.Shugan Jianpi Yangxin Prescription Regulates Orexin-A and Its Receptors in Mouse Model of Insomnia
Zhen WANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Feixiang LIU ; Jiangyan SUN ; Yahui GAO ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):54-61
ObjectiveTo investigate the interventional effects of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription on the expression of orexin-A (OXA), orexin-1 receptor (OX1R), and orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) in the mouse model of insomnia. MethodThe mouse model of insomnia was established by intraperitoneal injection of DL-4-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Fifty BALB/c mice were randomized into a blank group, a model group, an eszopiclone (0.13 mg·kg-1) group, and low- and high-dose (8.4 and 33.6 g·kg-1, respectively) Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The weight changes of mice were monitored, and Morris water maze and pentobarbital-induced sleep tests were conducted. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to examine the expression of OXA in the hypothalamus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of OXA and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the hypothalamus, serum, and spleen. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of OXA, OX1R, and OX2R in the hypothalamus. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group had decreased body weight (P<0.01), increased escape latency (P<0.01), increased sleep latency (P<0.01), shortened sleep duration (P<0.01), elevated OXA level and lowered 5-HT level in the hypothalamus, serum, and spleen (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA levels of OXA, OX1R, and OX2R in the hypothalamus (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and high-dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription showed increased body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), shortened escape latency (P<0.05), shortened sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration (P<0.01), and lowered OXA level and elevated 5-HT level in the hypothalamus, serum, and spleen (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the two doses of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription down-regulated the mRNA levels of OXA, OX1R, and OX2R in the hypothalamus (P<0.01). ConclusionShugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription exerts sedative and hypnotic effects in mice by increasing the content of 5-HT in the brain and inhibiting the expression of OXA and its receptors in the hypothalamus.
5.The value of peripheral blood sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+and TNF-α in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis
Hui LIU ; Jiangyan GAO ; Lin HUO ; Xiaoguang ZHANG ; Huixiao ZHANG ; Huan ZHANG ; Hongyi FU ; Xianlei WANG ; Hejuan AN ; Yong WANG ; Rui LIU ; Suli CHEN ; Weihong LI
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(6):738-743,750
Objective To investigate the value of peripheral blood soluble interleukin-2 receptor(sIL-2R),CD4+lymphocyte percentage/CD8+lymphocyte percentage ratio(hereinafter referred to as CD4+/CD8+)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods A total of 102 elderly patients with newly treated active tu-berculosis admitted to the hospital from December 2019 to December 2022 were enrolled in the study as the observation group,and 102 healthy people aged 60 and older who underwent physical examination in the hos-pital during the same period were enrolled as the control group.The levels of sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+in peripheral blood were compared between the two groups,and the correlations between sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+were analyzed.The observation group was treated with 2HRZE/4HR anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen.The levels of sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+in peripheral blood of patients with different efficacy before treatment,1 month and 6 months after treatment in the observation group were compared.The correla-tion between sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+,TNF-α levels and therapeutic effect was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacy of indicators in evaluating the efficacy of chemo-therapy in elderly patients.Results The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while CD4+/CD8+was lower than that in the control group,and the differ-ences were statistically significant(P<0.05).In the observation group,sIL-2R and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CD4+/CD8+(P<0.05),sIL-2R was positively correlated with TNF-α(P<0.05).After 1 month and 6 months of treatment,the levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α in patients with apparent efficacy were low-er than those in patients with efficacy,and the latter were lower than those in patients with no effect,while the CD4+/CD8+in patients with apparent efficacy was higher than that in patients with efficacy,and the latter was higher than that in patients with no efficacy,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α were negatively correlated with the efficacy(P<0.05),and CD4+/CD8+was positively correlated with the efficacy(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+,and TNF-α used in combination to assess efficacy was significantly greater than the AUCs of the single indicators used in the assessment at each time point of treatment(P<0.05),and the AUC of the combination of the indicators was greater after 6 months of treatment than after 1 month of treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+and TNF-α are closely related to the ef-ficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis,and the combina-tion of the above indicators has certain reference value in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients.
6.Clinical study of Guishao Liujunzi Decoction with TCM mouthrinse for the treatment of Hp-associated gastritis
Lifan TIAN ; Chunlin WANG ; Yiping ZHANG ; Lei YE ; Jiangyan LI
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(5):78-81
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Guishao Liujunzi Decoction combined with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)mouthrinse in the treatment of helicobacter pylori(Hp)associated gastritis,and its effect on the Hp conversion rate.Methods Eighty patients with Hp-related gastritis were selected and randomly divided into the control group(standard quadruple therapy)and the treatment group(standard quadruple therapy combined with Guishao Liujunzi Decoction and TCM mouthrinse),with 40 patients in each group.The clinical efficacy,TCM syndrome scores,and Hp conversion rate of the two groups were observed.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group(95%)was higher than that of the control group(72.5%)(P<0.05).The Hp conversion rate in the treatment group(90%)was higher than that in the control group(72.5%)(P<0.05).After treatment,the main symptom scores and total scores of the two groups decreased compared to before treatment,and the treatment group was lower than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of modified Guishao Liujunzi decoction and TCM mouthrinse in the treatment of Hp-related gastritis can significantly improve clinical efficacy and Hp negative conversion rate compared to conventional treatment.
7.Application and Research Progress of 225 Ac in Tumor Targeted Treatment
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(4):503-510
225Ac has high linear energy transfer,suitable half-life,short particle range,and good coordination abili-ty,making it one of the promising alpha emitters in targeted radioisotope therapy for tumors,and it has significant research value.This article briefly introduces the physical and chemical properties of 225Ac,as well as common chelating agents(prostate-specific membrane antigen,octreotide,nano-carriers,etc.).It reviews the applications of targeted drugs la-beled with 225Ac in tumors,based on peptides or small molecules as targeting agents,monoclonal antibodies or proteins as targeting molecules,and nano-carriers.It also analyzes the value of its application in therapy,summarizes the methods of labeling with 225Ac and the selection of suitable chelating agents,improvements in targeting specificity,and toxicity side ef-fects.Furthermore,it looks forward to the localization of 225Ac production to meet future clinical needs,in order to provide reference for the subsequent development of 225Ac-labeled drugs.
8.Progress of Molecular Imaging Probes Targeting Granzyme B
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2024;53(5):713-716
Granzyme B,as a biologically active molecule related to the cytotoxic activity of immune cells against tumors,can provide important information for the evaluation of immunotherapy efficacy in malignant tumors.Currently,related molecular probes are designed on the basis of the specific recognition sequence of granzyme B.According to different imaging principles,these probes can be divided into chemiluminescent probes,fluorescent probes,and positron emission tomography probes.All three types of probes have good targeting ability for granzyme B and real-time imaging characteristics.However,various probes also have drawbacks,such as instability in the body and susceptibility to other environmental influences.Further research is still needed to address these issues.This article summarizes the characteristics and applications of targeted granzyme B molecular probes,aiming to provide a theoretical reference for subsequent studies.
9.The changes and clinical significance of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion of patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis
Xiaoguang ZHANG ; Pei LYU ; Jiangyan GAO ; Liangjing SHI ; Yongjun WANG ; Liheng ZHENG ; Hui LIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(15):1828-1833,1838
Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of plasminogen activator inhibi-tor-1(PAI-1),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and inter-leukin-6(IL-6)in patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis.Methods A total of 103 patients with tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis who were treated in a hospital from July 2020 to July 2023 were selected as the research subjects.After 2 weeks of treatment,they were divided into a significant effect group and a non-significant effect group based on the therapeutic efficacy of glucocorticoid treatment.The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion were compared before treatment,after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.The correlation between the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion and the therapeutic efficacy was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Pearson correlation analy-sis was used to analyze the correlation between the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleu-ral effusion and the levels of these indicators in pleural effusion after 2 weeks of treatment.A receiver operat-ing characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion for the efficacy of tuberculous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis patients after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.Results The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment in both groups were lower than those before treatment,and the levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment in the significant effect group were lower than those in the non-significant effect group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment were negatively correlated with the efficacy(P<0.05).The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion after 2 weeks of treatment were positively correlated(r=0.761,0.783,0.812,0.741,all P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of combined detection of serum and pleural effusion in-dicators after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment was greater than the AUC of individual indicators(P<0.05).Con-clusion The levels of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion of patients with tubercu-lous pleurisy and pleural fibrosis are related to the efficacy of treatment.The combined detection of PAI-1,TGF-β,VEGF,and IL-6 in serum and pleural effusion has good predictive value and can provide reference for clinical intervention.
10.Thrombus permeability predicts the outcome after endovascular therapy in patients with middle cerebral artery occlusive stroke
Jiangyan QIN ; Mengrong SHI ; Jiahui WANG ; Zheng FAN ; Gege LEI ; Yanjing LI ; Li DAN
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(6):401-406
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of thrombus permeability for poor outcome and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke.Methods:Patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke underwent EVT at the Cardiocerebrovascular Disease Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University from January 2018 to January 2024 were included retrospectively. Thrombus attenuation increase (TAI) was used to evaluate thrombus permeability. The poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 90 days after procedure. sICH was defined as an increase of ≥4 of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score relative to baseline or lowest within 7 days after EVT, and CT scan showed cerebral hemorrhage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors of poor outcome and sICH. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the predictive value of TAI for poor outcome and sICH. Results:A total of 77 patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke received EVT treatment were enrolled, including 44 males (57.1%), aged 62.1±12.4 years. Thirty-three patients (48.1%) had poor outcome, 35 (45.5%) experienced hemorrhagic transformation, of which 12 (15.6%) were sICH. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TAI (odds ratio [ OR] 0.930, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 0.883-0.980; P=0.007) and sICH ( OR 0.868, 95% CI 0.784-0.961; P=0.006) were the independent influencing factors of poor outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of TAI for predicting poor outcome at 90 days was 0.836 (95% CI 0.742-0.930). The cut-off value was 10.135 HU. The sensitivity and specificity were 73.0% and 92.5%, respectively. The area under the curve of TAI for predicting sICH was 0.750 (95% CI 0.637-0.902). The cut-off value was 18.200 HU. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% and 64.5%, respectively. Conclusions:TAI has certain predictive value for poor outcome and sICH after EVT in patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke. Patients with higher thrombus permeability are less likely to develop sICH after EVT and have a higher likelihood of good outcome.

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