1.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
2.Stability study of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells formulation in large-scale production
Wang-long CHU ; Tong-jing LI ; Yan SHANGGUAN ; Fang-tao HE ; Jian-fu WU ; Xiu-ping ZENG ; Tao GUO ; Qing-fang WANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Zhen-zhong ZHONG ; Xiao LIANG ; Jun-yuan HU ; Mu-yun LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):743-750
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been widely used in regenerative medicine, but there is limited research on the stability of UC-MSCs formulation during production. This study aims to assess the stability of the cell stock solution and intermediate product throughout the production process, as well as the final product following reconstitution, in order to offer guidance for the manufacturing process and serve as a reference for formulation reconstitution methods. Three batches of cell formulation were produced and stored under low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) during cell stock solution and intermediate product stages. The storage time intervals for cell stock solution were 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, while for intermediate products, the intervals were 0, 1, 2, and 3 h. The evaluation items included visual inspection, viable cell concentration, cell viability, cell surface markers, lymphocyte proliferation inhibition rate, and sterility. Additionally, dilution and culture stability studies were performed after reconstitution of the cell product. The reconstitution diluents included 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 2% human serum albumin, with dilution ratios of 10-fold and 40-fold. The storage time intervals after dilution were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. The reconstitution culture media included DMEM medium, DMEM + 2% platelet lysate, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and the culture duration was 24 h. The evaluation items were viable cell concentration and cell viability. The results showed that the cell stock solution remained stable for up to 6 h under both low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) conditions, while the intermediate product remained stable for up to 3 h under the same conditions. After formulation reconstitution, using sodium chloride injection diluted with 1% or 2% human serum albumin maintained a viability of over 80% within 4 h. It was observed that different dilution factors had an impact on cell viability. After formulation reconstitution, cultivation in medium with 2% platelet lysate resulted in a cell viability of over 80% after 24 h. In conclusion, the stability of cell stock solution within 6 h and intermediate product within 3 h meets the requirements. The addition of 1% or 2% human serum albumin in the reconstitution diluent can better protect the post-reconstitution cell viability.
3.Mechanism of Xibining Ⅱ Combined with ADSC-Exos in Improving Knee Osteoarthritis by Regulating Mitochondrial Autophagy
Junfeng KANG ; Lishi JIE ; Houyu FU ; Taiyang LIAO ; Lei SHI ; Zishan SU ; Likai YU ; Yibao WEI ; Deren LIU ; Di TIAN ; Jun MAO ; Peimin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):111-119
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xibining (XBN) and adipose stem cell exosome (ADSC-Exos) in the cases of separate or joint application on cartilage degeneration and mitochondrial autophagy and explore its mechanism of action to improve knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodSD rats were divided into a sham operation group (sham group), a model group, an ADSC-Exos group (Exos group), an XBN group, and an ADSC-Exos+XBN group (Exos+XBN group). KOA model was established by using anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). The pain sensitivity status of rats was evaluated, and the degeneration degree of the knee joint and cartilage tissue was detected by Micro-CT and pathological staining. The expression of p62 and LC3B was observed by immunofluorescence, and the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-15 in rats were detected by ELISA. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS5, ColⅡ, TIMP, ACAN, PINK1, Parkin, p62, and LC3A/B. ResultCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group showed decreased cold-stimulated foot-shrinkage thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity thresholds, varying degrees of abrasion and loss of cartilage tissue, degeneration of cartilage tissue, elevated serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and increased protein expression of MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5 in cartilage tissue. In addition, the protein expression of ColⅡ, TIMP1, and ACAN was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in each treatment group showed higher cold-stimulated foot-shrinkage thresholds and mechanical pain sensitivity thresholds, reduced cartilage tissue degeneration, lower serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15, and TNF-α (P<0.05,P<0.01), decreased protein expression of MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS5, and higher protein expression of Cold, TIMP1, and ACAN in cartilage tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01). Moreover, the changes were the most obvious in the Exos+XBN group. ConclusionBoth ADSCs-Exos and XBN can increase the level of mitochondrial autophagy in chondrocytes and delay cartilage tissue degeneration by promoting the expression of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, and the combination of the two can enhance the therapeutic effect.
4.Correlation of serum metabolites and clinical features in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Yishuo DUAN ; Jun RAO ; Jing XIA ; Naya MA ; Shijia LIN ; Fu LI ; Shuhan TANG ; Sha ZHOU ; Yunjing ZENG ; Xinlei LI ; Dezhi HUANG ; Qiong LI ; Bangdong LIU ; Xianlan ZHAO ; Jin WEI ; Xi ZHANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(4):352-358
Objective To explore the changes in serum energy metabolites in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma,and investigate serum biomarkers for monitoring peripheral T-cell lymphoma from the perspective of energy metabolism.Methods Multiple/selected reaction monitoring(MRM/SRM)was used to detect the energy-related metabolites in the sera of 16 patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma admitted in the Hematology Medical Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from November 2020 to December 2021,as well as 10 recruited healthy volunteers.The corresponding clinical data including medical history,laboratory results and image data were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Results Significant differences were seen in the contents and expression profiles of serum energy metabolism-related products between the patients and the healthy volunteers.The patients had significantly reduced serum contents of cyclic AMP,succinate,citrate and cis-aconitate(P<0.05),and elevated D-glucose 6-phosphate content(P<0.05).The serum contents of citrate and succinate were negatively correlated with the risk stratification(low-,moderate-and high-risk)and clinical stage of the disease(P<0.05).Meanwhile,there was a negative correlation between the contents of L-malic acid and citrate and the mid-term efficacy evaluation results,such as complete/partial response(CR/PR)or stable disease(SD)(P<0.05).For patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma(n=10),there were also significant reductions in the contents of cyclic AMP,succinate,citrate,isocitrate and cis-aconitate in the sera of patients compared with healthy volunteers(P<0.05),and the contents of citrate and succinate were negatively correlated with the clinical stage(P<0.05)and were rather correlated with mid-term efficacy evaluation results(CR/PR or SD)(P<0.05).For patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(n=6),the serum contents of cyclic AMP,citrate and succinate were significantly lower,while the content of D-glucose 6-phosphate was higher when compared with the healthy volunteers(P<0.05),and the content of succinate was negatively correlated with both clinical stage and risk grade of the patients(P<0.05).Conclusion There are 5 serum differential metabolites identified between patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma and healthy controls,and succinate and citrate are expected to be serum biomarkers of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
5.Comparison of the predictive value of new simplified insulin resistance assessment indexes in identifying left ventricular subclinical dysfunction in T2DM patients
Yan-Yan CHEN ; Meng-Ying LI ; Jie ZHOU ; Jian-Fang FU ; Ying ZHANG ; Yi WANG ; Cheng WANG ; Xiang-Yang LIU ; Sheng-Jun TA ; Li-Wen LIU ; Ze-Ping LI ; Xiao-Miao LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(2):137-143
Objective To investigate the predictive value of new simplified insulin resistance(IR)assessment indexes in identifying subclinical left ventricular systolic function impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 150 T2DM patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF≥50%)who were admitted to Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular global longitudinal strain(GLS).According to GLS value,the subjects were divided into the normal group(GLS≥18%group,n=80)and the impaired group(GLS<18%group,n=70).Some new simplified IR assessment indicators were calculated and compared between the two groups,including body mass index(BMI),TG/HDL-C ratio,triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index,TyG-BMI index,TyG-WHR and metabolic score for IR(METS-IR).Correlation between the GLS and the new simplified IR assessment indexes was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of different simplified IR assessment indexes,with the area under the curve(AUC)calculated.Furthermore,according to whether the subjects were complicated with hypertension,binary logistics regression analysis was performed to explore the independent correlation between the simplified IR assessment index and GLS<18%.Results Total 150 were included with aged(54.5±13.7)years with 96(64.0%)men and 54(36.0%)women.Compared with the GLS≥18%group,the TG/HDL-C ratio,TyG index,TyG-BMI,and METS-IR of subjects in the GLS<18%group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that TG/HDL-C ratio,TyG index,TyG-BMI,TyG-WHR,and METS-IR were negatively correlated with GLS(P<0.05).ROC analysis showed that TyG index had a certain predictive value for the evaluation of GLS<18%(AUC=0.678,95%CI 0.591-0.765,P<0.001).Stratification based on hypertension and further adjusting for confounding factors,TyG index remains significantly associated with GLS<18%(OR=3.249,95%CI 1.045-10.103,P=0.042).Conclusions The novel simplified insulin resistance evaluation indexes are closely associated with left ventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with preserved ejection fraction.TyG index is an effective index to identify left ventricular subclinical dysfunction in these populations.
6.Development and clinical application of automatic recording system for resection of soft tissue tumor based on dense video descriptions
Xiaohe WANG ; Haomin LIU ; Debin CHENG ; Jingyi DANG ; Ruimin LI ; Shuiping GOU ; Jun FU ; Hongbin FAN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(1):43-49
Objective:To explore the feasibility and application value of an automated method for generation of surgical records for resection of benign soft tissue tumor based on dense video descriptions.Methods:The Transformer deep learning model was used to establish an automated surgical record generation system to analyze the surgical videos of 30 patients with benign soft tissue tumor who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University from September 2021 to August 2023. The patient data were randomly divided into training sets, validation sets, and test sets in a ratio of 8∶1∶1. In the test sets, 7 evaluation indexes, BLEU-1, BLEU-2, BLEU-3, BLEU-4, Meteor, Rouge, and CIDEr, were used to evaluate the text quality of surgical records generated by the model. The text of surgical records was compared with the classical algorithm, dense video captioning with paralled decoding (PDVC) in the field of video-intensive description.Results:The automated surgical record generation system running in the test sets showed the following: BLEU-1, BLEU-2, BLEU-3, BLEU-4, Rouge, Meteor, and CIDEr were 16.80, 15.23, 13.01, 11.68, 16.01, 12.67 and 62.30, respectively. The operation of the classical algorithm PDVC showed the following: BLEU-1, BLEU-2, BLEU-3, BLEU-4, Rouge, Meteor, and CIDEr were 15.63, 14.17, 11.90, 10.45, 12.97, 11.99 and 53.64, respectively. The automated surgical record generation system resulted in significant improvements compared with PDVC in all evaluation indexes. The BLEU-4, Rouge, Meteor, and CIDEr were improved by 1.23, 3.04, 0.68 and 8.66, respectively, demonstrating that the system proposed can better capture the key data in the video to help generate more effective text records.Conclusion:As the automated surgical record generation system shows good performance in generating surgical records for resection of benign soft tissue tumor based on intensive video descriptions, it can be applied in clinical practice.
7.Development of the robotic digestive endoscope system and an experimental study on mechanistic model and living animals (with video)
Bingrong LIU ; Yili FU ; Kaipeng LIU ; Deliang LI ; Bo PAN ; Dan LIU ; Hao QIU ; Xiaocan JIA ; Jianping CHEN ; Jiyu ZHANG ; Mei WANG ; Fengdong LI ; Xiaopeng ZHANG ; Zongling KAN ; Jinghao LI ; Yuan GAO ; Min SU ; Quanqin XIE ; Jun YANG ; Yu LIU ; Lixia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(1):35-42
Objective:To develop a robotic digestive endoscope system (RDES) and to evaluate its feasibility, safety and control performance by experiments.Methods:The RDES was designed based on the master-slave control system, which consisted of 3 parts: the integrated endoscope, including a knob and button robotic control system integrated with a gastroscope; the robotic mechanical arm system, including the base and arm, as well as the endoscopic advance-retreat control device (force-feedback function was designed) and the endoscopic axial rotation control device; the control console, including a master manipulator and an image monitor. The operator sit far away from the endoscope and controlled the master manipulator to bend the end of the endoscope and to control advance, retract and rotation of the endoscope. The air supply, water supply, suction, figure fixing and motion scaling switching was realized by pressing buttons on the master manipulator. In the endoscopy experiments performed on live pigs, 5 physicians each were in the beginner and advanced groups. Each operator operated RDES and traditional endoscope (2 weeks interval) to perform porcine gastroscopy 6 times, comparing the examination time. In the experiment of endoscopic circle drawing on the inner wall of the simulated stomach model, each operator in the two groups operated RDES 1∶1 motion scaling, 5∶1 motion scaling and ordinary endoscope to complete endoscopic circle drawing 6 times, comparing the completion time, accuracy (i.e. trajectory deviation) and workload.Results:RDES was operated normally with good force feedback function. All porcine in vivo gastroscopies were successful, without mucosal injury, bleeding or perforation. In beginner and advanced groups, the examination time of both RDES and ordinary endoscopy tended to decrease as the number of operations increased, but the decrease in time was greater for operating RDES than for operating ordinary endoscope (beginner group P=0.033; advanced group P=0.023). In the beginner group, the operators operating RDES with 1∶1 motion scaling or 5∶1 motion scaling to complete endoscopic circle drawing had shorter completion time [1.68 (1.40, 2.17) min, 1.73 (1.47, 2.37) min VS 4.13 (2.27, 5.16) min, H=32.506, P<0.001], better trajectory deviation (0.50±0.11 mm, 0.46±0.11 mm VS 0.82±0.26 mm, F=38.999, P<0.001], and less workload [42.00 (30.00, 50.33) points, 43.33 (35.33, 54.00) points VS 52.67 (48.67, 63.33) points, H=20.056, P<0.001] than operating ordinary endoscope. In the advanced group, the operators operating RDES with 1∶1 or 5∶1 motion scaling to complete endoscopic circle drawing had longer completion time than operating ordinary endoscope [1.72 (1.37, 2.53) min, 1.57 (1.25, 2.58) min VS 1.15 (0.86, 1.58) min, H=13.233, P=0.001], but trajectory deviation [0.47 (0.13, 0.57) mm, 0.44 (0.39, 0.58) mm VS 0.52 (0.42, 0.59) mm, H=3.202, P=0.202] and workload (44.62±21.77 points, 41.24±12.57 points VS 44.71±17.92 points, F=0.369, P=0.693) were not different from those of the ordinary endoscope. Conclusion:The RDES enables remote control, greatly reducing the endoscopists' workload. Additionally, it gives full play to the cooperative motion function of the large and small endoscopic knobs, making the control more flexible. Finally, it increases motion scaling switching function to make the control of endoscope more flexible and more accurate. It is also easy for beginners to learn and master, and can shorten the training period. So it can provide the possibility of remote endoscopic control and fully automated robotic endoscope.
8.Overview of management system for conflict of interest of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission and the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention
XU Xinyi ; LIU Jian ; ZHANG Lin ; SHEN Xueyao ; ZHAO Jianfeng ; ZHANG Jun ; FU Jian ; SHU Rong
Drug Standards of China 2024;25(1):0103-0108
This article introduces an overview of management system for conflict of interest of the European Pharmacopoeia Commission (EPC) and the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP). The EPC and USP have standardized the management system for conflict of interest in drug standard work in multiple management documents, such as the Guide for the Work, Code of Practice for the Work, Form for Declaration of Interests and Confidentiality Undertaking of the EPC, bylaws, Rules and Procedures of the Council of Experts, Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct of the USP, in order to ensure the transparency and fairness of drug standard development, improve the credibility and rigor of drug standards. This article introduces the management system for conflict of interest of the EPC and USP, providing reference for the improvement of relevant management systems of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission.
9.Melatonin alleviates CoCrMo particle-induced osteolysis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Chenhui ZHANG ; Tingting FU ; Yanglin WU ; Qin ZHANG ; Ang LIU ; Huilin YANG ; Jun LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(10):1484-1489
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic osteolysis is the most common long-term complication of total joint arthroplasty.Many studies suggest that the inflammasome may play an important role during the osteolysis.Melatonin is a rhythm-regulated hormone secreted by the pineal gland with many functions including anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidation,and antitumor,but its effects on osteolysis and inflammasome have yet to be explored. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of melatonin on the osteolysis induced by wear particles and the role of melatonin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. METHODS:(1)In vivo test:Fifteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,osteolysis group and melatonin group by random number table method,with 5 mice in each group.The osteolysis model of the osteolysis group and the melatonin group was established by injecting cobalt-chromium-molybdenum(CoCrMo)particles into the sagittal suture of the skull.After injection,the melatonin group was intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/(kg·d)of melatonin for 14 consecutive days.After drug intervention,the mouse calvarium was collected for micro-CT analysis to observe the micro-structural changes around the sagittal suture.(2)In vitro test:Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and THP-1 cells(which had been induced to differentiate into macrophages)were taken and divided into seven groups:normal group,lipopolysaccharide group,lipopolysaccharide+CoCrMo group and melatonin 0.5,1,1.5,2 mmol/L groups(lipopolysaccharide and CoCrMo were added to the melatonin intervention groups).After the intervention for 6 hours,the expression of related proteins(NLRP3,Caspase-1,interleukin-1β,and gasdermin D,gasdermin D-N terminal)in the inflammasome of cell lysate or cell culture supernatant was detected by western blot assay.Cytotoxicity and cell death were observed through lactate dehydrogenase release and live-dead fluorescence staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vivo test:Micro-CT scanning 3D reconstruction images showed that the bone mass around the sagittal suture of the skull of mice in the osteolysis group was significantly reduced,and the bone tissue structure was severely damaged.Compared with the osteolysis group,the bone mass around the sagittal suture of the skull in the melatonin group was significantly increased,and the destruction of tissue structure was reduced.(2)In vitro test:For mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,lipopolysaccharide significantly up-regulated NLRP3 protein expression in cell lysate,and melatonin intervention could reduce NLRP3 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner.CoCrMo particles significantly up-regulated the protein expressions of the gasdermin D-N terminal in cell lysate and Caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in the supernatant of cell culture,while melatonin intervention could reduce the expression of these proteins in a dose-dependent manner.For THP-1 cells,the protein expressions of Caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in the supernatant of cell culture were significantly up-regulated by CoCrMo particles,and the expression of these proteins was decreased dose-dependent by melatonin intervention.Lactate dehydrogenase release and live-dead fluorescence staining showed that CoCrMo particles significantly increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase and cell death in the supernatant of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage culture,and melatonin intervention could reduce the release of lactate dehydrogenase and cell death.(3)The results show that melatonin can inhibit particle-induced inflammasome activation and pyroptosis to suppress periprosthetic osteolysis.
10.Electroacupuncture reduces inflammatory factor expression by suppressing Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
Fu LUO ; Xiangzhong SHU ; Danni LIU ; Jinqu TAN ; Ting PENG ; Xiarong HUANG ; Guanghua SUN ; Xinke PENG ; Jinling WANG ; Jun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(14):2186-2190
BACKGROUND:Inflammation is one of the important factors that induce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Studies have shown that electroacupuncture can effectively reduce inflammation after ischemic stroke and improve the symptoms of neurological deficits,but the mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group and electroacupuncture group,with 16 rats in each group.The rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion.At 24 hours after modeling,the rats in the electroacupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture,once a day,20 minutes each time,for a total of 5 days.The sham operation group and the model group did not do any intervention.After 5 days of intervention,Longa method was used to evaluate the degree of neurological injury in rats.Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to measure the volume of cerebral infarction and the pathological changes of brain tissue in rats.Serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected by ELISA.Expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB in the cerebral cortex at mRNA and protein levels were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the neurological function scores,serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels,Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in the model group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,electroacupuncture significantly reduced the neurological function scores,serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels,Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB mRNA and protein expression levels(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the sham operation group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the electroacupuncture group decreased(P<0.05).In the model group,the arrangement of neurons was disordered,some nerve cells disappeared,nuclei presented with pyknosis and incomplete structure.After electroacupuncture intervention,the degree of neuronal degeneration and neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex of rats were reduced compared with those in the model group.To conclude,electroacupuncture can significantly improve the neurobehavior of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,reduce brain tissue injury,and effectively reduce the level of serum inflammatory factors.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

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