1.Mechanism of puerarin in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and animal experimental verification
Yue Gao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Zong Jiang ; Zexu Jin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):22-31
Objective :
To investigate the mechanism of puerarin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Methods :
Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmcolog Database(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database were used to collect puerarin targets, and the targets of RA were obtained from GeneCards database and OMIM database. The PPI network was established by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyotoencyclopedia of genes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed through the Metascape database. RA rat-collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model was reproduced using type Ⅱ collagen emulsion, 49 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control group, CIA model group, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose puerarin group, methotrexate group, Tripterysium Glycosides Tablets group. Except for the control group, the other groups were given continuous gavage for 28 days after the CIA in rats model were prepared. The redness and swelling of the joints and ankle joint pathological changes were observed in each group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Glycogen synthase kinase3β(GSK-3β), beta-catenin(β-catenin) proteins in the synovium. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in the synovium.
Results :
Puerarin had 134 targets genes, RA had 5 821 target genes, and there were 102 overlapping target genes of puerarin and RA. It involved 184 signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, et al. The results of animal experiments showed that after the intervention of M-puerarin and MTX, the symptoms of redness and swelling of the hind foot were alleviated, the inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovium of the joint was significantly reduced, and the damage of cartilage and bone tissue was reduced. Compared with CIA group, the expressions of GSK-3β, β-catenin protein and GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in synovial tissue of rats after M-puerarin intervention decreased(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Puerarin has the characteristic of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathway intervention in RA. Puerarin may alleviate synovial hyperplasia, reduce articular cartilage erosion and bone destruction in CIA in rats by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.PI3K/AKT/mTOR in synovial fluid extends the proinflammatory response of macrophage polarization in knee osteoarthritis
Zong JIANG ; Tengxun GUO ; Xiaoling YAO ; Weiya LAN ; Fang TANG ; Wukai MA ; Jia LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(3):377-383
Objective Given that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis(KOA),this study aims to investigate whether the polarization induction of synovial macrophages mediated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis is the cause of KOA progression.Methods The synovial fluid of KOA KL-Ⅱ and KL-Ⅲ patients and normal individuals was collected,and the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)and M2 macrophages(CD163,CD206)in the synovial fluid(M1/M2 ratio)was measured to e-valuate the polarization of macrophage cytokines such as IL-1,IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β Expression in KOA synovial fluid,and detect and analyze of key molecules PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iONS)in KOA synovial fluid.Results Compared with the synovial fluid of normal individuals,the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)in KOA patients increased(P<0.01),and the M1/M2 ratio increased(P<0.001);The ex-pression of IL-1,IL-6,and TNF-α in the synovial fluid of the KOA group was also higher than that of the control group(P<0.01),while the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the KOA group was significantly reduced(P<0.01);The key proteins PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and downstream inflammatory factor iONS in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the synovial fluid of the KOA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion In KOA synovial fluid,M1 macrophage polarization plays a dominant role,and the inflam-matory response mediated by M1 macrophage polarization may be the cause of synovitis.At the same time,the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may mediate the polarization of M1 macrophages involved in KOA inflammato-ry response.
3.Effect of leflunomide regulating HIF-1α signal pathway on autophagy of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Weiya LAN ; Wukai MA ; Xueming YAO ; Zong JIANG ; Lang XIONG ; Shufen YANG ; Fang TANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(10):1823-1828
Objective To investigate the effect of leflunomide(LEF)on the expression of associated autophagy genes in synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by regulating HIF-1α signal pathway.Methods Three genera-tions of RA synovial cells were divided into blank control group,LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglyco-sides group.The blank control group was added with the same volume of DMEM culture medium.The drug group was treated with LEF(concentration 0.2 mg/ml)and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides(concentration 0.03 mg/ml),the proliferation and apoptosis of synovial cells were detected by flow cytometry,the expression of IL-1 β,TNF-α,ANGPTL-4 and VEGF was detected by ELISA,the expression of HIF-1α mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR,and the expression of HIF-1 α,Beclin-1 and BNIP3 protein was detected by Western blot.Results Com-pared with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group,the expression of IL-1 α,TNF-α,ANGPTL-4 and VEGF in synovial supernatant of LEF group decreased;compared with the blank control group,the expression of HIF-1αmRNA in synovial cells of LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group decreased,and the effect of LEF group was the most obvious;compared with the blank control group,the protein expressions of HIF-1α,Bec-lin-1 and BNIP3 in synovial cells of LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group decreased,and the effect of LEF group was the most obvious.Conclusion LEF can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors in RA synovial cells,inhibit HIF-1α signaling pathway,inhibit the expression of autophagy-related genes Beclin-1 and BNIP3,and improve the pathological state of synovitis.
4.Spatially resolved expression landscape and gene-regulatory network of human gastric corpus epithelium.
Ji DONG ; Xinglong WU ; Xin ZHOU ; Yuan GAO ; Changliang WANG ; Wendong WANG ; Weiya HE ; Jingyun LI ; Wenjun DENG ; Jiayu LIAO ; Xiaotian WU ; Yongqu LU ; Antony K CHEN ; Lu WEN ; Wei FU ; Fuchou TANG
Protein & Cell 2023;14(6):433-447
Molecular knowledge of human gastric corpus epithelium remains incomplete. Here, by integrated analyses using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics, and single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) techniques, we uncovered the spatially resolved expression landscape and gene-regulatory network of human gastric corpus epithelium. Specifically, we identified a stem/progenitor cell population in the isthmus of human gastric corpus, where EGF and WNT signaling pathways were activated. Meanwhile, LGR4, but not LGR5, was responsible for the activation of WNT signaling pathway. Importantly, FABP5 and NME1 were identified and validated as crucial for both normal gastric stem/progenitor cells and gastric cancer cells. Finally, we explored the epigenetic regulation of critical genes for gastric corpus epithelium at chromatin state level, and identified several important cell-type-specific transcription factors. In summary, our work provides novel insights to systematically understand the cellular diversity and homeostasis of human gastric corpus epithelium in vivo.
Humans
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
;
Gastric Mucosa/metabolism*
;
Chromatin/metabolism*
;
Stem Cells
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Epithelium/metabolism*
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Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/metabolism*
5.Experimental study on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial pulmonary disease with JAK inhibitor tofacitinib
Zong Jiang ; Xiaoling Yao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Xueming Yao ; Yang An ; Zhengqi Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2023;58(5):819-823
Objective:
To observe the effects of the tofacitinib on interstitial lung disease( ILD) by regulating the JAK⁃STAT signaling pathway.
Methods:
Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal group , ILD group ,prednisone acetate group , and tofacitinib group. Except for the normal group , the other three groups were given 3mg/ml bleomycin solution for modeling. After 28 days of intragastric administration , the lung tissues of all rats were
collected for hematoxylin⁃eosin staining ( HE) and Western blot ( WB) to detect the protein levels of JAK1 and STAT1;Enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect tumor necrosis factor in rat serum (TNF) Ⅳ α , interleukin (IL) Ⅳ6 , IL⁃10 , IL⁃1β .
Results :
HE staining of lung tissue in ILD ,prednisone acetate group and tofacitinib group showed alveolar tissue thickening , alveolar wall capillary congestion , bronchial luminal epithelial cells shedding, and inflammatory cell exudation. The results of WB showed that JAK1 and STAT1 significantly increased in ILD group , and decreased in different degrees compared with ILD group , tofacitinib group and prednisone acetate group (P < 0. 05) . The ELISA results showed that the expressions of serum TNF⁃α , IL⁃6 and IL⁃1β in the ILD group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P < 0. 01) . The expression of pine group decreased (P < 0. 05) , and the expression of IL⁃10 was the opposite.
Conclusion
Tofacitinib reduces lung tissue damage and the inflammatory response in the treatment of ILD by inhibiting the JAK⁃STAT pathway and down⁃regulating the expression of inflammatory factors TNF⁃α , IL⁃6 , IL⁃1β and up⁃regulating the anti⁃inflammatory factor IL⁃10.
6.Treatment of fresh undisplaced scaphoid lumbar fractures with robotic navigation and percutaneous internal fixation
Jie FANG ; Hui ZHU ; Dawei ZHENG ; Zuguo XIONG ; Hongwei TANG ; Song ZHANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Weiya QI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2021;23(11):982-986
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of robotic navigation and percutaneous internal fixation in the treatment of fresh undisplaced scaphoid lumbar fractures.Methods:From November 2019 to October 2020, 8 patients were treated at Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital for fresh undisplaced scaphoid lumbar fractures. There were 7 males and one female with an average age of 27.5 years (from 18 to 42 years), and 5 left and 3 right cases. Navigation by a Tianji orthopedic robot was conducted to decide the positions for implantation of percutaneous Herbert screws to fixate the fractures. The bone healing was followed up by regular X-ray and CT examinations. The functional recovery was evaluated by Mayo wrist score, grip strength, pinch strength and wrist range of motion, and the wrist pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS).Results:All the 8 patients were followed up for a mean time of 12.8 months (from 6 to 19 months). All the wounds healed by the first intention without any inflammation or infection. CT examination at 3 months postoperation found that all the fracture ends got united. At the final follow-up, the average active motions of the injured wrist were: 67.9° in flexion, 64.1° in extension, 21.2° in radial deviation and 52.2° in unlar deviation, respectively. The average grip strength was recovered to 31.3 kg, reaching up to 85.2% (from 66.7% to 100.0%) of the contralateral wrist; the average pinch force was recovered to 19.5 kg, reaching up to 89.3% (from 77.8% to 100.0%) of the contralateral wrist. At the last follow-up, the Mayo wrist function scores averaged 97.5 (from 95 to 100) and all the 8 cases were excellent. The VAS pain score of the wrist averaged 0.88 (from 0 to 2).Conclusion:In the treatment of fresh undisplaced scaphoid lumbar fractures, navigation with a Tianji orthopedic robot can be used to visualize percutaneous minimally invasive screw fixation so that accurate positioning and precise screw placement are ensured, leading to rapid rehabilitation.
7.Review of breast implant illness
Weiya TANG ; Su FU ; Jie LUAN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2021;37(6):686-691
Many patients have reported systemic symptoms after receiving silicone implants, and the internet and social media have fueled public concerns about the safety of silicone implants. At present, researchers call these symptoms as breast implant illness (BII), including connective tissue disease, malignant tumor, breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma(BIA-ALCL), neurological disease, and breast prostheses effects on the patients’ offspring and mental health. After analyzing and summarizing the relevant studies, the authors found there was no exact evidence of direct link between breast implants and most particular disease. The authors believe that it is very important to explore BII. Also, doctors, patients, manufacturers and regulators need to work together to establish a sound monitoring system for breast implants and conduct a comprehensive and long-term assessment of breast implant disease.
8.Review of breast implant illness
Weiya TANG ; Su FU ; Jie LUAN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2021;37(6):686-691
Many patients have reported systemic symptoms after receiving silicone implants, and the internet and social media have fueled public concerns about the safety of silicone implants. At present, researchers call these symptoms as breast implant illness (BII), including connective tissue disease, malignant tumor, breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma(BIA-ALCL), neurological disease, and breast prostheses effects on the patients’ offspring and mental health. After analyzing and summarizing the relevant studies, the authors found there was no exact evidence of direct link between breast implants and most particular disease. The authors believe that it is very important to explore BII. Also, doctors, patients, manufacturers and regulators need to work together to establish a sound monitoring system for breast implants and conduct a comprehensive and long-term assessment of breast implant disease.
9.Forehead flap combined with tarsalconjunctival flaps in the reconstruction of widely full-thickness defect of lower eyelid
Shuo FANG ; Weiye ZHU ; Weiya TANG ; Yong CHEN ; Jialing LI ; Xin XING ; Chao YANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2020;36(7):788-791
Objective:To investigate the application and effect of frontal flap combined with tarsalconjunctiva flap in the repair of widely full-thickness defects of the lower eyelid.Methods:From January 2016 to March 2018, 9 patients with extensive full-thickness lower eyelid defect were admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Naval Military Medical University. All the lengths of lower eyelid defects were greater than a half of the full length. Then we designed forehead flaps combined with tarsalconjunctival flaps to cover the wounds. The second stage operation was done after 4-6 weeks to cut the pedicle and dress the eyelid.Results:All the frontal flaps of 9 patients survived. One patient had lower eyelid retraction and the lid position returned to normal half a year later. One underwent thinning surgery because of lower eyelid flap hypertrophy and one were because of pedicle hypertrophy. The appearance and function of other patients were greatly improved after surgery, and they were satisfied with the operation effect. No repair operation was performed in the future.Conclusions:The frontal flap with good quality of blood supply has a high survival rate and can be used to repair the wide defect of the lower eyelid with tarsalconjunctival flaps.
10.Forehead flap combined with tarsalconjunctival flaps in the reconstruction of widely full-thickness defect of lower eyelid
Shuo FANG ; Weiye ZHU ; Weiya TANG ; Yong CHEN ; Jialing LI ; Xin XING ; Chao YANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2020;36(7):788-791
Objective:To investigate the application and effect of frontal flap combined with tarsalconjunctiva flap in the repair of widely full-thickness defects of the lower eyelid.Methods:From January 2016 to March 2018, 9 patients with extensive full-thickness lower eyelid defect were admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of Changhai Hospital Affiliated to the Naval Military Medical University. All the lengths of lower eyelid defects were greater than a half of the full length. Then we designed forehead flaps combined with tarsalconjunctival flaps to cover the wounds. The second stage operation was done after 4-6 weeks to cut the pedicle and dress the eyelid.Results:All the frontal flaps of 9 patients survived. One patient had lower eyelid retraction and the lid position returned to normal half a year later. One underwent thinning surgery because of lower eyelid flap hypertrophy and one were because of pedicle hypertrophy. The appearance and function of other patients were greatly improved after surgery, and they were satisfied with the operation effect. No repair operation was performed in the future.Conclusions:The frontal flap with good quality of blood supply has a high survival rate and can be used to repair the wide defect of the lower eyelid with tarsalconjunctival flaps.


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