1.Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Demyelination in the Brain of Balb/c Mice Infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Zhen NIU ; Xiaojie WU ; Liang YANG ; Zhixuan MA ; Junxiong YANG ; Ying FENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):293-300
ObjectiveTo investigate the demyelination induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) infection in the brain of Balb/c mice and analyze the untargeted metabolomic changes in the corpus callosum, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MethodsBalb/c mice were randomly assigned to a control group (n=6) and an infection group (n=6). The infection group was orally administered 30 third-stage larvae of AC, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Body weight, visual function, and behavioral scores were measured on post-infection 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days to assess neurological alterations. After 21 days, brain tissues were harvested for immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and transmission electron microscopy to examine morphological changes in brain myelin and retina. Metabolomics analysis was performed, and differential metabolites were identified using volcano plots and heatmaps. The distribution of fold changes and bar charts were used to profile the key metabolites. These differential metabolites were then subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and regulatory network analysis. ResultsOn the 9th day after AC infection, Balb/c mice showed a decline in neurological behavioral scores (P<0.05). By day 15, visual scores decreased (P<0.05), and by day 21, significant weight loss (P<0.001) and mortality were observed. Concurrently, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed significant myelin damage in the corpus callosum and a marked reduction in oligodendrocytes (P<0.001). HE staining showed severe retinal ganglion cell damage. Metabolomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant differential metabolites, with steroids and sphingolipids being relatively less abundant. Cholesteryl ester CE (20:2) was significantly upregulated (P<0.001), while phosphatidylmethanol (18:0_18:1) was significantly downregulated (P<0.01). KEGG enrichment and regulatory network analyses demonstrated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways like steroid biosynthesis, bile secretion, and cholesterol metabolism, and were involved in key metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism, neural signal regulation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionsAC infection affects the metabolic state of mice via multiple pathways, modifying the levels of metabolites crucial for myelination and myelin stability. Demyelination may be closely linked to the disruption of these key metabolic pathways, particularly the dysregulation of cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, potentially playing a central role in demyelination onset. Furthermore, alterations in phospholipid metabolism and abnormal nerve signaling regulation may exacerbate myelin damage.
2.Protective effect of marein against alcoholic fatty liver and its mechanism
Guanghao NIU ; Junchi XU ; Liqing GU ; Ying XU ; Yuren GU ; Huafeng SONG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1044-1049
OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effect of marein against alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) and its potential mechanisms. METHODS AFL mice model was established with strong wine by gavage. The mice were randomly divided into normal control group (n=9, 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution), model group (n=10, 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution) and marein 75 and 150 mg/kg groups (n=9). Mice were given relevant medicine intragastrically, once a day, for consecutive 30 days. After the last medication, the levels of triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue were determined, and hepatic histopathological changes of liver tissue were observed; the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) were determined in liver tissue. BRL hepatocytes injury model was induced by ethanol combined with ferrous sulfate and oleic acid; after treatment with 3, 6 and 12 μmol/L of marein for 24 h, the distribution of lipid droplets, the levels of TG, MDA and SOD and protein expressions of PPARα, CPT-1 and DGAT in hepatocytes were examined. After pretreatment with MK886 (PPARα inhibitor, 10 μmol/L),modeled hepatocytes were treated with 12 μmol/L of marein for 24 h, and the protein expressions of PPARα, CPT-1 and DGAT were determined. RESULTS As the results showed in vivo, compared with the model group, after treatment with 75 and 150 mg/kg of marein, the degree of steatosis was significantly reduced, and the levels of TG and MDA and protein expression of DGAT were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01); the levels of SOD, protein expressions of PPARα and CPT-1 were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). As the results showed in vitro, after treatment with 3, 6 and 12 μmol/L of marein, the lipid accumulation of hepatocytes was significantly inhibited, and the levels of TG and MDA, protein expression of DGAT were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the levels of SOD, protein expressions of PPARα and CPT-1 were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). After MK886 pretreatment, the effects of marein on the above protein expressions were abolished. CONCLUSIONS Marein might exert a protective effect against AFL. The mechanisms might be related to inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated injury and improving PPARα-mediated lipid metabolism signaling pathway.
3.Effect of Nicorandil on Inflammation-related Markers after PCI Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes
Xiaodong ZHANG ; Nan NIU ; Ying LIU ; Jiajie MEI ; Zhaohong GENG ; Hongyan WANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(2):136-140
Objective To investigate the effects of treatment with nicorandil after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention(PCI)in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome(ACS)on inflammation-related markers,and to assess its effects on vascular endothelial function.Methods Sixty-six ACS patients who underwent PCI in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 2022 to January 2023 were used as the study sample,and were divided into the control group and the experimental group according to the method of completely randomized design,with 33 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional therapy,and the experimental group was treated with nicorandil.Inflammatory indexes,homocysteine(Hcy)and adverse reactions in serum were compared between the two groups.Results After nicorandil treatment,the levels of postoperative inflammation-related factors in the control group were higher than that in the experimental group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);The levels of Hcy after nicorandil treatment were lower than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);and the rate of adverse reactions in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group,and there was no statistical difference(P>0.05).Conclusion Nicorandil application in elderly ACS patients after PCI has a definite efficacy,can optimize the vascular-related inflammatory indexes,reduce homocysteine levels to improve coronary vascular endothelial function,and is suitable for further promotion.
4.Diagnostic Efficacy and Influencing Factors of Ultrasonography Combined with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Breast Lesions
Naiqin FU ; Junkang LI ; Ying JIANG ; Shiyu LI ; Ruilan NIU ; Zhili WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(1):67-72
Purpose To explore the diagnostic efficiency of ultrasound(US)combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in breast lesions and to analyze the related factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy.Materials and Methods From January 2022 to February 2023,the clinical data and ultrasound images of 784 patients who underwent breast US and CEUS examination with definite pathological results were retrospectively collected in the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital.The diagnostic efficacy of US combined with CEUS in benign and malignant breast lesions was analyzed,respectively.The independent risk factors for diagnostic errors were analyzed via Logistic regression.Results The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of US combined with CEUS in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions were 89.2%,84.4%and 88.7%,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.932.The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the diagnosis error rate increased when the lesions were non-mass type(odds ratio,OR=1.927,P=0.047),complex cystic and solid(OR=3.729,P=0.000),and high-enhanced CEUS(OR=1.937,P=0.023),while the diagnosis error rate decreased when the lesions were large(OR=0.688,P=0.004)and with US-detect suspicious lymph node(OR=0.143,P=0.011).Conclusion When the breast lesions are non-mass type,complex cystic and solid lesions and hyper-enhancement,the diagnosis error rate of US combined with CEUS increased.It is necessary to further explore the enhancement patterns of different lesions.
5.Correlation Between PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway and Elastic Characteristics of Breast Lesions
Ying JIANG ; Bo WANG ; Shiyu LI ; Ruilan NIU ; Junkang LI ; Zhili WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(3):257-262
Purpose To explore the correlation between phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/serine-threonine kinase(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway and elastic characteristics of breast lesions.Materials and Methods A total of 115 breast lesions were prospectively analyzed in 114 patients who underwent surgery from May 2021 to May 2022 at Chinese PLA General Hospital.Ultrasound and shear wave elastography were performed preoperatively.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT protein levels in the tissue specimens,and the correlation between the staining results and the elastic parameters of shear wave elastography was analyzed.Results Surgical pathology revealed benign breast lesions in 50 cases and malignant lesions in 65 cases(25 cases with axillary lymph node metastasis).The maximum modulus of elasticity(F=40.47),the average modulus of elasticity(F=45.11),the ratio of elasticity of the lesion to that of the surrounding tissue(F=48.98),the detection rate of"hard ring sign"(χ2=62.25),the expression level of PI3K/p-PI3K(F=15.19,58.95)and AKT/p-AKT(F=46.94,74.21)were found in benign and malignant lesions without axillary lymph node metastasis,malignant lesions with axillary lymph node metastasis(all P<0.05).The expression levels of PI3K/p-PI3K and AKT/p-AKT were positively correlated with the maximum elastic modulus value,the mean elastic modulus value,and the ratio of elasticity of the lesion to the surrounding tissues(r=0.475,0.475,0.451;r=0.533,0.540,0.542;r=0.371,0.402,0.445;r=0.482,0.455,0.545,all P<0.05).Conclusion The expression level of PI3K/AKT in breast lesions is correlated with elastic characteristics,suggesting that it plays an important role in the regulation of elastic characteristics of breast lesions.
6.Effects of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Endometrial Angiogenesis by Regulating Mitochondrial Function
Yuling ZHOU ; Jinglei ZHANG ; Can CAO ; Ying SUN ; Ruobing NIU ; Yingmei ZHANG ; Shuchan HU ; Lin LUO ; Ming HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):91-96
Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on regulating mitochondrial function and endometrial angiogenesis;To explore its mechanism of improving endometrial receptivity.Methods The mouse model of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH)was established,and the mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,and Bushen group,with 20 mice in each group.Bushen group received Bushen Zhuyun Prescription for gavage for 11 d,and the normal group and model group received normal saline for gavage.The number of embryo implantation was counted,the endometrial morphology was observed by HE staining,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression was observed by immunofluorescence staining.Human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells(HEMECs)were cultured in vitro,they were divided into control group,VEGFA group,Bushen group and VEGFA + Bushen group,and were intervened with VEGFA and/or Bushen Zhuyun Prescription medicated serum.The activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ,the content of ATP,the expression of PCNA and Caspase-3 were detected.Results Animal experiment showed that,compared with the normal group,the number of embryo implantation in model group significantly decreased(P<0.05),α-SMA protein expression in endometrial tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the number of embryo implantation in Bushen group significantly increased(P<0.05),α-SMA protein expression in endometrial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Cell experiment showed that,Bushen Zhuyun Prescription medicated serum could increase the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ and ATP content in HEMECs,promote PCNA protein expression,and inhibit Caspase-3 protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Zhuyun Prescription can promote endometrial angiogenesis through improving mitochondrial function.
7.Study on Mechanism of Xiaojin Pills in Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Delian NIU ; Dongyin LIAN ; Qin HU ; Lihua SUN ; Ying CHEN ; Hongping HOU ; Guangping ZHANG ; Jianrong LI ; Zuguang YE ; Bo PENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):41-49
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Xiaojin Pills in the treatment of breast cancer using an integrated network pharmacology and experimental verification.Methods The chemical components and potential targets of Xiaojin Pills were obtained from TCMSP,TCM-ID,ETCM and SwissTargetPrediction databases.Breast cancer related targets were collected from GeneCards,OMIM and KEGG databases.The overlapped targets were imported into STRING database to analysis a protein-protein interaction(PPI).The key targets of PPI networks were screened based on node topology parameter values through Cytoscape 3.8.0.DAVID database was used to analyze the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment to build drug-chemical components-key targets-signaling pathway network.The breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 were used to study the effects of Xiaojin Pills extract on cell apoptosis,migration and invasion,and to verify the key pathway obtained by enrichment analysis.Results Totally 181 chemical components in Xiaojin Pills were obtained,including quercetin,myricetin,pinocembrin and β-sitosterol.615 potential targets were identified for the anti-breast cancer effects of Xiaojin Pills.After overlapping,170 key targets against breast cancer were identified based on the topological analysis,which included SRC,ERK1/2,AKT1,EGFR,etc.KEGG analysis enriched pathways including pathways in cancer,MAPK signaling pathway,endocrine resistance,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance,apoptosis,and HIF-1 signaling pathway,which may play important roles in the therapeutic effects of Xiaojin Pills against breast cancer.GO enrichment was involved in protein phosphorylation,inflammatory response,negative regulation of apoptosis,and positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascades.Cell experiments showed that Xiaojin Pills further induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways.At the same time,the expressions of ZO-1 and β-catenin increased,and the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process was reversed to inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer cells.Conclusion The key targets and signaling pathways of Xiaojin Pills in the treatment of breast cancer are studied through network pharmacology combined with in vitro experiments,which provided a basis for further study of its pharmacodynamic material basis,mechanism of action and clinical application.
8.Lower urinary tract injury in transvaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery
Wenjie SHEN ; Yongxian LU ; Ke NIU ; Yinghui ZHANG ; Wenying WANG ; Ying ZHAO ; Jing GE ; Xiaolan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;59(2):130-134
Objective:To explore the characteristics, prevention and treatment strategies of lower urinary tract injury in transvaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery (vRPS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients who suffered lower urinary tract injuries occuring in vRPS from January 2005 to June 2021, among which 4 cases were referred to our hospital from other hospitals.Results:(1) In our hospital, 1 952 patients underwent vRPS for anterior and (or) middle pelvic organ prolapse during that study period, with a 1.0% (20/1 952) incidence of lower urinary tract injuries occurring in 20 cases. (2) Ureteral injuries were observed in 14 cases who underwent transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension (1.4%, 14/966). The symptoms were relieved after the removal of sutures. (3) Bladder injuries occurred in 6 cases in our hospital, with 4 cases (0.7%, 4/576) in anterior transvaginal mesh surgery (aTVM), one (0.4%, 1/260) in colpocleisis, and one (0.7%, 1/150) in apical suspension for fornix prolapse. An additional 4 cases of bladder injury were referred to our hospital after aTVM. Among the 8 cases of bladder injury during aTVM, 2 cases were intraoperative incidents. Cystoscopy confirmed that the superficial branch or puncture rod of anterior vaginal mesh had penetrated into the bladder. Re-puncturing and placement of the mesh were successfully performed. No abnormalities were observed during a follow-up period of 4-5 years. Postoperative bladder injuries were identified in 6 cases, characterized by mesh erosion into the bladder and formation of calculi. These injuries were confirmed between 6 months to 2 years after vRPS. The exposed mesh and calculi in the bladder were removed through laparotomy or cystoscopy, followed up for 2-12 years. One case experienced slight re-erosion of mesh to the bladder.Conclusions:Lower urinary tract injuries are difficult to avoid in vRPS, particularly in transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension and aTVM. However, the incidence is low. Lower urinary tract injuries during vRPS could be easily detected and managed intraoperatively because of the use of cystoscopy. As long-term postoperative complications, erosion of transvaginal mesh to lower urinary tract postoperatively could be treated correctly, seldom with severe sequelae.
9.Analysis for clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of patients with meibomian gland carcinoma
Man NIU ; Ying ZHAO ; Fengmei CAI ; Yuanpeng LI ; Wei QIAN ; Huifang WANG
International Eye Science 2024;24(11):1842-1845
AIM: To explore the clinicopathological and immunohistochemistry(IHC)characteristics of meibomian gland carcinoma(MGC).METHODS: Patients who were pathologically diagnosed as MGC from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020 in our hospital were enrolled, and their clinicopathological information was retrospectively analyzed. Cancer tissues from all the cases were IHC stained. En Vision two-step method, DAB staining, as well as hematoxylin re-staining were applied in the IHC assay.RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with 21 males and 29 females(1:1.38)were enrolled in the study, ranging from 26 to 80 years old, with a median age of 60 years. The upper eyelid, which was the predilection site, accounting for 66%(33/50). Histopathologically, moderately or poorly differentiated was in the majority(35/50, 70%). The expression rates of IHC parameters of MGC patients were as follows: GATA-3(49/50, 98%), EMA(49/50, 98%), CAM5.2(42/50, 84%), AR(41/50, 82%), MSH2(50/50, 100%), MSH6(50/50, 100%), MLH1(50/50, 100%), PMS2(50/50, 100%), Ki67(positive, 50%-90%). All the patients were followed up for 12 to 72 mo, with 5 cases of recurrence and 0 deaths.CONCLUSION: Pathological diagnosis of MGC should focus on observing cancer cells' cytoplasm to find relevant clues for cortical gland differentiation. Comprehensive analysis of multiple indicators is required when using IHC to assist diagnosis. For most MGC cancer cells, positive expressions of GATA-3, EMA, AR, CAM5.2 and a high Ki67 proliferation index could be always found. In addition, screening for Muir-Torre syndrome related IHC indicators could be also performed in diagnosing MGC simultaneously.
10.Ganmai Dazao Tang Treats Breast Cancer-related Depression via MAPK/NF-κB Signling Pathway
Jieyuan LIU ; Yanli WANG ; Delian NIU ; Mengting LI ; Lijinchuan DONG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hongping HOU ; Guangping ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bo PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):170-178
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Ganmai Dazao Tang on breast cancer-related depression and explore the mechanism of the decoction in regulating immune inflammation and neurotransmitters via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. MethodBALB/c mice were randomized into control, model, fluoxetine (5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- and high-dose (crude drug 20 and 40 g·kg-1, respectively) Ganmai Dazao Tang groups (n=10). The mouse model of 4T1 orthotopic transplantation-induced breast cancer-related depression-like behavior was established. The depression-like behavior of mice was assessed by the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. RT-qPCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3),IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the proportions of immune cell subsets in the spleen and thymus. HPLC-MS/MS was employed to measure neurotransmitter levels in the cerebral cortex. Western blotting was employed to detect the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. ResultCompared with the model group, administration of Ganmai Dazao Tang at a dose of 40 g crude drug·kg-1 continuously for 4 weeks shortened the immobility time of modeled mice in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests (P<0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α (P<0.05), increased the proportions of T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, helper T 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and reduced the proportion of CD8+ T cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, it lowered the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and kynurenine (Kyn), decreased the kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) ratio (P<0.05), increased the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and down-regulated the protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (P<0.05). ConclusionGanmai Dazao Tang can down-regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α, restore 5-HT metabolism and Kyn/Trp balance, increase the 5-HT content, and reduce the activation of p38 MAPK, ERK, and the MAPK-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammation in the treatment of cancer-related depression.

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