1.Effect of Shenqi Yiliu Formula (参芪抑瘤方) Drug-Containing Serum on the Cycle of Gastric Cancer Cell AGS and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Na WEI ; Chongyuan GUO ; Min BAI ; Yaorong AN ; Sichao ZHANG ; Liyang WU ; Yongqiang DUAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):399-406
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Shenqi Yiliu Formula (参芪抑瘤方) in treating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. MethodsThe CCK-8 assay was used to determine the optimal intervention time for Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum and the concentration of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV939 depends on the survival rate of AGS gastric cancer cell line. AGS cells were divided into the gastric cancer cell group (15% blank serum), inhibitor group (selected concentration of XAV939), high-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group (12% Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum + 3% blank serum), medium-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group (6% Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum + 9% blank serum), and low-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group (3% Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum + 12% blank serum). Each group was tested in triplicate. After culturing for 24 and 48 hours, cell migration and invasion were assessed by scratch assays; after a selected intervention period (48 hours), cell cycle distribution was analyzed using flow cytometry, Ki67 protein levels were detected by immunofluorescence, the protein levels of Wnt, β-catenin, GSK-3β, and intranuclear T-cell specific factor(TCF) were measured by the protein immunoblotting assay, and the mRNA expressions of these above factors were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. ResultsThe optimal intervention time for Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum was determined to be 48 hours, and the effective concentration of XAV939 was 20 μmol/L. Compared with the gastric cancer cell group, Shenqi Yiliu Formula at all doses reduced the cell migration rate at 24 and 48 hours (P<0.05), except for the low-dose group at 24 hours. Compared to the low-dose group at corresponding time points, high- and medium-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula groups showed significantly reduced migration rates, particularly the high-dose group at 48 hours (P<0.05). Compared with the gastric cancer cell group, the high-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula and inhibitor groups exhibited reduced protein and mRNA levels of Wnt, β-catenin, and TCF, along with reduced Ki67 protein levels and a decreased proportion of cells in the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, but GSK-3β protein levels, GSK-3β mRNA expression, and the proportion of cells in the G1 phase increased (P<0.05). Compared to the inhibitor group, the high-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group showed a decreased proportion of G1-phase cells and an increased proportion of G2-phase cells (P<0.05), although differences in Wnt and β-catenin protein levels and mRNA expressions were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionShenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum inhibits the migration and invasion of gastric cancer AGS cells and block the cell cycle at G1 phase, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Chaihu Longgu Mulitang Relieves Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Rats via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Chunxin WEI ; Yiming HU ; Shiqi HUANG ; Guowei TAN ; Yaorong AN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):114-123
ObjectiveTo study whether Chaihu Longgu Mulitang can inhibit hypothalamic inflammation, mitigate anxiety-like behavior, and alleviate anxiety symptoms by regulating the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB (p38 MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). MethodTwelve out of 74 Wistar rats were randomly selected as the blank group, and the remaining rats were subjected to chronic restraint stress for the modeling of GAD. The open field test (OFT) and elevated Porteus maze test (PMT) were conducted 14 days after modeling to detect the anxiety-like behaviors. Sixty successfully modeled rats were selected and randomized into model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (6, 12, and 24 g·kg-1, respectively) Chaihu Longgu Mulitang, and diazepam (1 mg·kg-1) groups (n=12) and administrated with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. OFT and PMT were then carried out to examine the anxiety-like behaviors of the rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the hypothalamus and serum of rats were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR)was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, nuclear factor κB inhibitor α (IκBα), and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1). The protein levels of p38 MAPK, phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and IκBα in the hypothalamus of rats were determined by Western blot. The expression of Iba-1 in the hypothalamic microglia was detected by immunofluorescence assay. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group had decreased body weight, scattered dark yellow fur, increased irritability, and preference to hibernation in the corner. In addition, the modeled rats showed increased edge movement distance and time in OFT (P<0.01) and decreased movement distance and time and the number of entries in the open arm in PMT (P<0.01). The modeling increased the fluorescence intensity of Iba-1 in paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (P<0.01), elevated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and hypothalamus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK, p-NF-κB p65, and Iba-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of IκBα (P<0.01) in the hypothalamus. Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose Chaihu Longgu Mulitang and diazepam increased the body weight, improved the fur and behaviors, decreased the edge movement distance and time in OFT (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased the movement distance and time in the open arm in PMT (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, they decreased the fluorescence intensity of Iba-1 in hypothalamic microglia (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and hypothalamic tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of p38 MAPK, NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK, p-NF-κB p65, and Iba-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hypothalamus. ConclusionChaihu Longgu Mulitang can mitigate anxiety-like behaviors and relieve anxiety in GAD rats by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the activation of microglia and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hypothalamus.
3.To Explore the Mechanism of Huayu Xiaopi Decoction in the Intervention of Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technique and in vivo Experiment
Ziyou LIU ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Yaorong AN ; Yanying ZHANG ; Bing SONG ; Min BAI ; Xiaomei YUAN ; Yue PENG ; Mengyong XIAO ; Weiqiang LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(4):1092-1103
Objective To predict the target and molecular mechanism of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in the intervention of Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC)based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,and to conduct experimental verification.Methods A total of 60 SPF SD male rats were randomly selected as blank control,and the other rats were replicated in PLGC model.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into model group,folic acid group(2 mg·kg-1·d-1),Huayu Xiaopi decoction high,medium and low dose groups(24.8,12.4,6.2 g·kg-1·d-1),which were continuously administered for 90 days.The body mass and food intake of rats at 3 h were recorded,and the gastric histopathology was observed by HE staining.Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to predict the potential targets of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in PLGC intervention,and the core targets were verified by Western blot technique.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass and 3 h food intake of rats in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the gastric mucosa of rats was significantly thinner,the glands were significantly reduced and disordered,and the intestinal metaplasia goblet cells and a large number of inflammatory cells were visible in some areas.Compared with the model group,the body mass and 3 h food intake of rats in each administration group were improved to varying degrees.Huayu Xiaopi Decoction improved significantly in medium and high doses(P<0.05),the gastric mucosa was repaired in different degrees,the glandular arrangement tended to be orderly,and the inflammatory cells in the interstitial were gradually reduced.The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that TP53,JUN and MAPK3/1(ERK1/2)were the core targets of Huayu Xiaopi decoction in the intervention of PLGC.Molecular biological detection results showed that compared with blank group,the protein phosphorylation levels of TP53,c-Jun and ERK1/2 in gastric tissue of model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the protein phosphorylation levels of TP53,c-Jun and ERK1/2 in gastric tissue of rats in all administration groups were decreased to different degrees,and significantly decreased in Huayu Xiaopi decoction high-dose and medium-dose groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Huayu Xiaopi Decoction can significantly improve the survival condition of PLGC rats and promote gastric mucosal repair,the specific mechanism of which may be related to the decrease of ERK1/2,c-Jun and TP53 protein phosphorylation levels in gastric tissue of PLGC rats,and then regulate the downstream signaling molecular response.
4.Advances in the study of the human microbiome in renal cell carcinoma
Kangli MA ; Yaorong LI ; Weiguang ZHAO ; Zhixian YAO ; Zhong ZHENG ; Junyao XU ; Junhua ZHENG ; Ke WU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(9):718-721
Renal cell carcinoma is one of the significant diseases endangering human health. Recent findings have shown that the human microbiome plays an important role in the occurrence and development of renal cell carcinoma, influencing its regression and treatment outcome. At present, microecological research on renal cell carcinoma are still in their initial stages, and their regulatory roles and specific mechanisms still need to be further explored. This article reviews the relationship between the human microbiome and renal cell carcinoma occurrence and development, as well as its role in diagnosis and therapies.
5.Mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang in Regulation of RhoA/ROCK2/MYPT1 Pathway to Improve Gastric Motility in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia
Mengya LIU ; Yingxia CHENG ; Min BAI ; Linna ZHAO ; Runfa LI ; Yaorong AN ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Yarong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(4):1-8
ObjectiveTo explore the intervention mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) based on the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2)/Myosin phosphatase target Subunit 1 (MYPT1) pathway. MethodSixty male SD suckling rats in SPF grades were randomly divided into blank group (n=10) and model group (n=50). The comprehensive modeling method (gavage administration of iodoacetamide+exhaustion of swimming+disturbance of hunger and satiety) was used to replicate the rat model of FD. After successful replication of the model, the rats in the model group were randomly divided into model group, mosapride group, and high, middle, and low-dose Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang groups, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group and model group were given 10 mL kg-1·d-1 normal saline, those in the mosapride group were given 1.35 mg·kg-1·d-1 mosapride, and those in the high, middle, and low-dose Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang groups were given 12, 6, and 3 g·kg-1·d-1 Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang, respectively. The intervention lasted 14 days. The general living conditions of rats were observed before and after modeling and administration, and the 3-hour food intake and body mass of rats were measured. After intervention, the intestinal propulsion rate of rats was measured, and the pathological changes in the gastric tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The content of choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue homogenate was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the distribution of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle was observed by frozen section staining, and the protein expression levels of RhoA, ROCK2, and phosphorylated-myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (p-MYPT1) in the gastric tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group had withered hair, lazy movement, slow action, poor general living condition, lower 3-hour food intake, body mass, and lower intestinal propulsion rate (P<0.05), whereas no obvious abnormality in gastric histopathology. In the model group, the content of ChAT in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue decreased, the content of VIP in gastric tissue increased, the distribution of ATP enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle decreased significantly, and the protein expression levels of RhoA, ROCK2, and p-MYPT1 in the gastric tissue decreased significantly (P<0.05). As compared with the model group, the general living condition of rats in each intervention group was significantly improved, and the 3-hour food intake, body mass, and intestinal propulsion rate were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in gastric pathology in the intervention groups. The content of ChAT in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue increased significantly, the content of VIP in the gastric tissue decreased, the distribution of ATP enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle increased significantly, and the protein expression levels of RhoA, ROCK2, and p-MYPT1 in the gastric tissue increased significantly (P<0.05). The intervention effect of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group on the above indexes was dose-dependent. ConclusionXiangsha Liujunzi Tang can effectively improve the general living condition and gastric motility of rats with FD, and its specific mechanism may be related to the activation of the RhoA/ROCK2/MYPT1 pathway in the gastric tissue to regulate smooth muscle relaxation and contraction and promote gastric motility.
6.Epidemiological investigation of a case with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with overseas countries at an international harbor
Dongliang ZHANG ; Bo YI ; Yi CHEN ; Qunxiong HU ; Feng LING ; Xiao MA ; Song LEI ; Hongjun DONG ; Hongxia NI ; Yang MAO ; Qiaofang LI ; Yaorong CHEN ; Ye LU ; Zhenyu GONG ; Jian CAI ; Zhiping CHEN ; Jun LÜ ; Guozhang XU
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;34(4):380-384
Objective:
To investigate the origin of infection and risk factors of a case with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with overseas countries in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the COVID-19 control measures at ports.
Methods:
Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and Beilun CDC conducted case finding and epidemiological surveys immediately after being informed. The general information, history of vaccination and the travel during the latest 14 days were collected from the positive case, and all close contacts were tracked. Saliva samples were collected for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and whole-genome sequencing, and the sequencing results were aligned with the GISAID's EpiCoV database. The origin of infection and transmission route of the positive case was investigated.
Results:
A case was identified positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid during company M's routine screening in the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port on August 10, 2021, and was confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by Beilun CDC and Ningbo CDC on August 11. Whole-genome sequencing showed SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 ( Delta ) variant, which shared the highest homology with the virus sequence uploaded by Russia on June, 2021 ( Russia/MOW-RII-MH27356S/2021 ). The case was a bundling worker for overseas container ships, and reported communicated with foreign boatmen and contacted materials without protected interventions on the SINOKOR AKITA Container Ship between August 4 and 5, 2021. This ship anchored at Vladivostok, Russia from July 27 to 29, anchored at Ningbo Harbor on August 4, and departed on August 5. Then, 11 boatmen from this ship were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid on August 8. One asymptomatic case was reported in this epidemic; 254 close contacts and 617 secondary close contacts were identified, and all were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. No new cases with SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected until August 25, 2021, and the emergency response was therefore terminated.
Conclusions
The infection was a sporadic COVID-19 epidemic associated with overseas countries, which was caused by Delta variant infection through contacts with foreign boatmen or materials by a bundling worker in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port; fortunately, no epidemic spread occurred. Intensified closed-loop management and increased frequency of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test among high-risk populations, and improving the precision and rapid emergency treatment of COVID-19 epidemics are required for the containment of COVID-19 at ports.
7.Calcium phosphate crystals promotes vascular calcification through BMP-2/Smad signaling
Yaorong LIU ; Hao YAN ; Zhenyuan LI ; Li GONG ; Xiaoxiao YANG ; Liou CAO ; Zhaohui NI ; Jiaqi QIAN ; Wei FANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2018;34(8):608-615
Objective To investigate the role of BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway in the osteogenic differentiation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) caused by hyperphosphatemia -induced calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals.Methods High-phosphate medium was incubated at 37℃ for 3 days.CaP crystals and supernatant were isolated by ultracentrifugation.Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed for analysis of physicochemical characteristics of CaP crystals.HASMCs were cultured in vitro,and divided into high-phosphate,control,crystals and supernatant groups.Calcification was visualized by Alizarin red staining.Calcium loads in cells were quantified by o-cresolphthalein complexone method.Protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2),Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2),osteopontin (OPN),phospho-Smad1/5/9 (p-Smad1/5/9) were quantified by Western blotting.After knockdowns of BMP-2 and Smad1 with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) interfering respectively in HASMCs,protein expressions were measured by Western blotting.Results High-phosphate medium induced the formation of CaP crystals.Compared with the cells in control group,CaP crystals significantly induced HASMCs calcification,increased calcium loads and up-regulated the levels of BMP-2,RUNX2 and OPN proteins (all P < 0.05).After the addition of CaP crystals into HASMCs,the level of p-Smad 1/5/9 protein peaked at 30 min (P < 0.05).After BMP-2 was knocked down in HASMCs,the expression of p-Smad1 caused by CaP crystals was blocked completely,and the expressions of RUNX2 and OPN caused by CaP crystals were reduced significantly (all P < 0.05).After Smad1 was knocked down in HASMCs,the expressions of RUNX2 and OPN caused by CaP crystals were decreased significantly (all P < 0.05).Conclusions Hyperphosphatemia-induced CaP crystals promoted osteogenic differentiation of HASMCs through the BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway.
8.Bystander effects of Guiqiyiyuan Ointment on lung and kidney of rats damaged by heavy ion radiation
Jianqing LIANG ; Jintian LI ; Juan LI ; Yongqi LIU ; Xingyao LIN ; Fengyan LIU ; Yaorong AN ; Zitong ZHANG ; Xiaowei LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2017;42(8):674-679
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Guiqiyiyuan Ointment (GO) for preventing and treating 12C6+ beam radiation induced lung and kidney bystander effect to provide a new strategy for prevention and treatment of clinical radiation injury. Methods Sixty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into 3 groups: NC group, SR group (simple radiation 2ml/kg), GO group(GO 2ml/kg intragastric administration for 7 days). The right side of the lung was modeled by 12C6+beam radiation. After modeling, the rats were killed at 48h. The left lung, left and right kidney tissues were taken from the rats. The DNA methylation rate was detected by ELISA assay, pathological changes were observed by HE staining, and the expressions of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the NC group, the level of DNA methylation was decreased significantly (P<0.01), the left lung showed inflammation, no abnormal finding was seen in the left and right kidneys, and the expressions of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b were significantly increased in the SR group (P<0.01). Compared with the SR group, the level of DNA methylation was increased significantly (P<0.01), the left lung inflammation became better, and the expressions of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b were significantly decreased in the GO group (P<0.01). Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b proteins were expressed in the cytoplasms of bronchial and renal tubular epithelial cells in all the groups. The NC group presented as light brown-brown staining, showing a weak positive expression, the SR group as brown-brown staining, showing astrong positive expression, and the GO group as light brown-brown staining, showing a moderate positive expression. Conclusion The GO can reduce the bystander effect caused by 12C6+ beam radiation, and its mechanism is related to improving the level of DNA methylation.
9.Clinical efficacy Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2017;21(2):47-49
Objective To discuss clinical efficacy Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.Methods A total of 80 cases with nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy in our hospital were divided into study group and control group,with 40 cases per group,treated by Aprepitant,Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction,respectively.After one week of treatment,the treatment efficacy was observed.After 2 weeks of follow-up,improvement of nausea and vomiting and recovery of appetite were observed.Results The total response rate,and the proportion of patients with normal appetite in the study group were better than the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction is safe and reliable in curative efficacy in nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.And it can improve gastrointestinal function,increase appetite and nutritional status of patients.
10.Clinical efficacy Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2017;21(2):47-49
Objective To discuss clinical efficacy Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.Methods A total of 80 cases with nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy in our hospital were divided into study group and control group,with 40 cases per group,treated by Aprepitant,Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction,respectively.After one week of treatment,the treatment efficacy was observed.After 2 weeks of follow-up,improvement of nausea and vomiting and recovery of appetite were observed.Results The total response rate,and the proportion of patients with normal appetite in the study group were better than the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion Xiaochaihu Decoction together with Haoqin gallbladder-clearing Decoction is safe and reliable in curative efficacy in nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.And it can improve gastrointestinal function,increase appetite and nutritional status of patients.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail