1.Intervention Effect of Dabufei Decoction on Acute Lung Injury in Rats with High Altitude Hypoxia Based on HIF-1α/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Congyi LI ; Wangjie CAO ; Yong HUANG ; Yun SU ; Hongxia GONG ; Guangxian LENG ; Lixia LI ; Yuanding ZENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(6):736-742
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the intervention effect of Dabufei decoction on acute lung injury in rats with high altitude hypoxia by regulating the expression of the HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway and related molecules.
METHODS
Sixty SPF SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups with 10 rats in each group. After 3 d of adaptation to feeding, the rats in the blank group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, and the rats in Dabufei decoction high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were given gavage for 14 d, respectively. The positive drug group was given dexamethasone by intraperitoneal injection for three consecutive days before entering the chamber. Except for the blank group, the rats in each group were exposed to hypoxia in the experimental animal low-pressure simulation chamber from the 15th day for three consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, the wet to dry ratio(W/D) of the rat lung tissue was detected. The morphology of lung tissue was observed by HE staining. ELISA detected the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue of rats.
RESULTS
The W/D value showed that compared with the blank group, the W/D of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the W/D of rats in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05). HE results showed that compared with the blank group, alveolar septum thickening, pulmonary interstitial congestion, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a small amount of exudation in the alveolar cavity were seen in the lung tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the thickening of alveolar walls in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were reduced, and the pulmonary interstitial congestion, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced. ELISA results showed that IL-1β and IL-18 in rat serum were significantly higher in the model group than in the blank group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the rats in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the results of Western blotting and RT-qPCR showed that compared with the blank group, the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the relative protein and mRNA of HIF-1α, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in the positive drug group and Dabufei decoction high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), the relative protein of HIF-1α, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in Dabufei decoction medium-dose group were significantly decreased and HIF-1α, caspase-1 mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05), the relative protein of HIF-1α and GSDMD in the low-dose group was decreased(P<0.05). The positive drug group and Dabufei decoction high-dose group had the more significant effect.
CONCLUSION
Dabufei decoction can regulate the HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway, inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammation, and has a certain protective effect on acute lung injury in rats with high altitude hypoxia.
2.Comparison of etoposide combined with G-CSF and cyclophosphamide combined with G-CSF in the mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in patients with multiple myeloma
Guorong WANG ; Guangzhong YANG ; Chuanying GENG ; Yun LENG ; Yin WU ; Aijun LIU ; Wenming CHEN
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(4):351-356
Objective:The effect and safety of etoposide combined with G-CSF were compared with those of cyclophosphamide combined with G-CSF in autologous peripheral blood mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) .Methods:Patients with MM who received autologous peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and collection in the Department of Hematology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2023 were included. A total of 134 patients were screened by propensity score matching technology according to a 1∶1 ratio. A total of 67 cases were each treated with ETO combined with G-CSF mobilization scheme (ETO group) and CTX combined with G-CSF mobilization scheme (CTX group). Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Results:①Collection results: the ETO and CTX groups [2 (1-3) d vs 2 (1-5) d; P<0.001] and CD34 + cells [7.62×10 6 (2.26×10 6-37.20×10 6) /kg vs 2.73×10 6 (0.53×10 6-9.85×10 6) /kg; P<0.001] were collected. The success rate of collection was 100.0% (67/67) versus 76.1% (51/67) ( P<0.001). Excellent rate of collection was 82.1% (55/67) versus 20.9% (14/67; P<0.001). Two patients in the ETO group switched protocols after 1 day of collection, and 11 patients in the CTX group switched protocols after 1-2 days of collection. ②Adverse reactions: granular deficiency with fever (21.5%[14/65] vs. 10.7%[6/56]; P=0.110), requiring platelet transfusion [10.7% (7/65) vs 1.8% (1/56) ; P=0.047]. ③Until the end of follow-up, 63 cases in the ETO group and 54 cases in the CTX group have undergone autologous transplantation. The median number of CD34 + cells infused in the two groups was 4.62×10 6 (2.14×10 6-19.89×10 6) /kg versus 2.62×10 6 (1.12×10 6-5.31×10 6) /kg ( P<0.001), neutrophil implantation time was 11 (9-14) d versus 11 (10-14) d ( P=0.049), and platelet implantation time was 11 (0-19) d vs. 12 (0-34) d ( P=0.035). One case in the CTX group experienced delayed platelet implantation. Conclusion:The mobilization scheme of etoposide combined with G-CSF requires relatively platelet transfusion, but the collection days are shortened. The collection success rate, excellent rate, and the number of CD34 + cells obtained are high, and the neutrophil and platelet engraftment is accelerated after transplantation.
3.Curcumol Mediates the Programmed Cell Death in Acute Myeloid Leukemia through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Zuo-Tao LI ; Xiao-Yun CHEN ; Hai-Liang LI ; Gui-Xiang LENG ; Yan-Quan LIU ; Ling GUO ; Yi-Li WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(6):1682-1688
Objective:To investigate the effects of Curcumol on the malignant biological characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)cells and its molecular mechanism,and to provide theoretical and experimental evidence for the anti-leukemia treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.Methods:After the AML cell lines HL-60 and KG-1 cells were treated different concentrations of with Curcumol.The proliferation activity of cells was detected by CCK-8 method,and the expression changes of apoptotic proteins and PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway proteins were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR ) was used to detect the expression of Caspase family mRNA.Results:Curcumol could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of HL-60 and KG-1 cells,promote apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of Bax and down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05).When Curcumol interferes with HL-60 and KG-1 cells,it can also induce programmed cell death of AML by inhibiting PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway.In addition,after the intervention of Curcumol,the expression of Caspase 3,Caspase 6,Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 were up-regulated in HL-60 cells (P<0.05 ),the expression of Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 were significantly up-regulated in KG-1 cells (P<0.01),while the expression of Caspase 6 was weakly affected (P<0.05 ),but low concentration of Curcumol (<60 μg/ml)had no effect on the expression of Caspase 6 in KG-1 cells (P>0.05).Conclusion:Curcumol may mediate the programmed death of AML cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,affecting the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins,and promoting the activation of core members of Caspase family,so as to play an anti-leukemia role.
4.The Functional, Psychological and Economic Impacts 6 Months Post Major Trauma
Yun Le LINN ; Hao Wen JIANG ; Norhayati Mohd JAINODIN ; Pei Leng CHONG ; Sock Teng CHIN ; Sachin MATHUR
Journal of Acute Care Surgery 2023;13(3):105-111
Purpose:
The consequences of severe traumatic injury extend beyond hospital admission and have the potential for long-term functional, psychological, and economic sequalae. This study investigated patient outcomes 6 months following major trauma.
Methods:
Using the National Trauma Registry, database of patients who were admitted between 2016-18 in a tertiary trauma hospital for major trauma [Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16] a review was performed on 6-month outcomes [including functional outcomes, self-reported state of health and outcome scores (EuroQol-5 Dimension score and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended)].Result: There were 637 patients who were treated for major trauma (ISS ≥ 16); the median age was 64 years (range 16-100) and 435 (68.3%) patients were male. The most common injury mechanisms included falling from height (56.5%) and motor vehicle accident (27.0%). The median ISS was 24 (range 16-75). After 6 months, 87.6% of responders were living at home, 25.0% were back to work, and 55.1% were ambulating independently. The median self-rated state of health was 73 at baseline and 64 at 6 months. Age and length of stay were independent predictors of return to ambulation using multivariate analysis. Age, Abbreviated Injury Scale external, Glasgow Coma Scale on Emergency Department arrival, heart rate, and need for transfusion were independent predictors of failure to return to work at 6 months using multivariate analysis. Charlson Comorbidity Index, Glasgow Coma Scale on arrival, temperature, pain and need for inpatient rehabilitation were independent predictors of mortality at 6 months.
Conclusion
Recovery from major trauma is multi-faceted and requires a team-based approach well beyond discharge.
5.Integrated Metagenomics and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS to Explore the Mechanism of Dexamethasone on Pneumonia in Rats
Si-ju LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Yun LENG ; Bi-yan PAN ; Zhi-yong XIE ; Hong-ying CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2023;44(2):232-243
ObjectiveUsing multi-omics technology, we conducted the present study to determine whether dexamethasone has therapeutic effect on pneumonia rats through the regulation of intestinal flora and metabolites. MethodsTotally 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6 each): Control group, Model group and Dexamethasone (Dex) group. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was continuously injected intraperitoneally into rats at a dose of 4 mg/kg for 7 days to induce pneumonia except the Control group. Then the Dex group was given Dex at a dose of 2 mg/kg via oral gavage for 12 days, and both the other two groups received continuously equal volume of sterile PBS buffer for 12 days. On the 19th day, lung, plasma, feces and intestinal contents of rat were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and Bio-plex suspension chip system were applied to evaluate the effect of Dex on pneumonia. Furthermore, metagenomic sequencing and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology were employed to determine the intestinal flora and metabolites of rats, respectively. ResultsH&E staining results showed that the lung tissue of the Model group was infiltrated with inflammatory cells, the alveolar septum was increased, alveolar hemorrhage, and histological lesions were less severe in Dex group than in the model group. The levels of 3 inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α (P < 0.000 1), IL-1α (P = 0.009 6) and IL-6 (P < 0.000 1) in the Model group were increased compared with the Control group, while Dex treatment reduced the levels of the three inflammatory factors. Taken together, Dex treatment effectively reversed the features of pneumonia in rats. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the intestinal flora structure of the three groups of rats was changed. In contrast with the Model group, an increasing level of the Firmicutes and an elevated proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were observed after Dex treatment. Dex-treated rats possessed notably enrichment of Bifidobacterium, Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus. Multivariate statistical analysis showed a great separation between Model group and Dex group, indicating metabolic profile changes. In addition, 69 metabolites (P < 0.05) were screened, including 38 up-regulated in the Model group and 31 elevated in the Dex group, all of which were mainly involved in 3 metabolic pathways: linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. ConclusionsIn summary, we demonstrate the beneficial effects of Dex on the symptoms of pneumonia. Meanwhile, integrated microbiome-metabolome analysis reveals that Dex improves LPS-induced pneumonia in rats through regulating intestinal flora and host metabolites. This study may provide new insights into the mechanism of Dex treatment of pneumonia in rats.
6.Protective Effect of Huangqi Baihe Granules on Acute Brain Injury in Rats with High Altitude Hypoxia Based on HIF-1α/NF-κB/NLRP3 Signal Pathway
Yuanding ZENG ; Yun SU ; Hongxia GONG ; Wangjie CAO ; Yongqi LIU ; Yong HUANG ; Guangxian LENG ; Lixia LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(10):134-141
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Huangqi Baihe granules on the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor hot protein domain related protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in a rat model of high altitude hypoxia. MethodSixty male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, dexamethasone group (5 mg·kg-1), and high, middle, and low-dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules (4.1, 2.05, 1.025 g·kg-1). Among them, each Chinese medicine group was administrated orally for continuously 14 d, once a day, and the dexamethasone group was injected intraperitoneally for continuously 3 d as the positive control group. On the 15th d, the model group, dexamethasone group, and high, middle, and low dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules were exposed to the simulated high altitude, low pressure, and low oxygen environment in the animal low-pressure simulation cabin, and the exposure lasted for 3 d. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta and serum was separated, and the brain tissue was taken after being killed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in brain tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat serum. Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α, NLRP3, phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB), NF-κB, desquamation D (GSDMD), and cysteine aspartate-specitis protein-1(Caspase-1) in rats of each group. The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and Caspase-1 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultThe results of HE staining showed that as compared with the normal group, the pathological sections of brain tissues in the model group showed that pyramidal cells were loosely arranged and distributed in disorder, with different sizes. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes in pyramidal cells in the dexamethasone group and high and middle-dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules were reduced. The results of ELISA showed that as compared with the normal group, the content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum of rats in the model group was significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum of rats in the dexamethasone group and high and middle-dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of Western blot showed that as compared with the normal group, the relative protein expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, p-NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of the model group were significantly higher (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the relative expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, p-NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the dexamethasone group and the high-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The relative protein expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, p-NF-κB p65, and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the middle-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the relative protein expression of HIF-1α in the brain tissue of rats in the low-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules was reduced (P<0.05). The Real-time PCR analysis showed that as compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). As compared with the model group, the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the dexamethasone group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules decreased significantly (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, and Caspase-1in the brain tissue of rats in the middle-dose group of Huangqi granules decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe protective effect of Huangqi Baihe granules on acute brain injury in low-pressure hypoxic rats may be related to the HIF-1α/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.3D Microfluidic System for Evaluating Inhibitory Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine Oldenlandia diffusa on Human Malignant Glioma Invasion Combined with Network Pharmacology Analysis.
Chun-Hui HAN ; Jing-Yun MA ; Wei ZOU ; Jia-Lin QU ; Yang DU ; Na LI ; Yong LIU ; Guo JIN ; Ai-Jing LENG ; Jing LIU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2023;29(1):52-60
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the anti-invasion efficacy of the ethanol extract of Oldenlandia diffusa Will. (EEOD) on a three-dimensional (3D) human malignant glioma (MG) cell invasion and perfusion model based on microfluidic chip culture and the possible mechanism of action of Oldenlandia diffusa Will. (OD).
METHODS:
The comprehensive pharmacodynamic analysis method in this study was based on microfluidic chip 3D cell perfusion culture technology, and the action mechanism of Chinese medicine (CM) on human MG cells was investigated through network pharmacology analysis. First, the components of EEOD were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Then, cell viability and apoptosis were assessed to determine the optimum concentration of EEOD for invasion experiments, and two-dimensional (2D) migration and invasion abilities of U87 and U251 MG cells were evaluated using scratch wound and Transwell assays. The possible mechanism underlying the effects of EEOD on glioma was analyzed through a network pharmacology approach.
RESULTS:
Thirty-five compounds of EEOD were detected by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. EEOD suppressed the viability of MG cells, promoted their apoptosis, and inhibited their migratory and invasive potentials (all P<0.05). Network pharmacology analysis showed that OD inhibited the invasion of MG cells by directly regulating MAPK and Wnt pathways through MAPK, EGFR, MYC, GSK3B, and other targets. The anti-invasion effect of OD was also found to be related to the indirect regulation of microtubule cytoskeleton organization.
CONCLUSIONS
]EEOD could inhibit the invasion of human MG cells, and the anti-invasion mechanism of OD might be regulating MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways and microtubule cytoskeleton organization.
8.Diagnosis of Trichoepithelioma in a Tree Shrew and Observation of Cell Biological Characteristics
Shanshan ZHAI ; Liang LIANG ; Yingying CAO ; Zhuxin LI ; Qing WANG ; Junyu TAO ; Chenxia YUN ; Jing LENG ; Haibo TANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2023;43(4):440-445
ObjectiveTo observe the primary tumor of tree shrews and to provide a basis for studying the pathogenesis and prevention of trichoepithelioma. MethodsA tumor was discovered in the chest and abdomen of a tree shrew during natural cultivation. The tree shrew was anesthetized, and the tumor was surgically removed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed on the tumor tissue after paraffin section, and the tumor cells were isolated and cultured by passage. The isolated tumor cells were subcutaneously injected into healthy tree shrews and nude mice. The tumorigenesis of tumor cells in vivo was observed once a day, with nude mice continuously observed for 2 months and tree shrews observed for more than 6 months. ResultsHE staining showed that the basal cells in the dermis were arranged as a whole, like a string of petals, forming nests and stripe-like structures with clear boundaries. The observation results after magnification revealed that the tumor cells were arranged in a pallisade-like and basal pattern, with deep nuclear staining and minimal cytoplasmic. Immunohistochemical staining showed the high expression of CK protein and low proportion expression of ki-67 protein in tumor cells, as well as the high expression of vimentin and low expressions of Bcl2 and CD10 in tumor cell mesenchyme. The isolated tumor cells grew well in DMEM medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and could be cultured by passage, but no tumor formation was observed in healthy tree shrews and nude mice inoculated with tumor cells. ConclusionCombined with the location of the tumor, overall morphology, HE staining, and immunohistochemical results, the thoracoabdominal mass of the tree shrew was diagnosed as a trichoepithelioma.
9.Research on the antioxidant activity of metabolites from a sponge-derived fungus Alternaria sp. F49
Yu-shi CHEN ; Jia-rong LENG ; Shu-ting LIN ; Shao-yun WANG ; Yong-qi TIAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2022;57(7):2120-2125
To study the chemical constituents from the the deep-sea fungus
10. The value of muscle biopsy in rhabdomyolysis
Yawen ZHAO ; Danqing WANG ; Jianwen DENG ; Meng YU ; Yiming ZHENG ; Yinglin LENG ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhaoxia WANG ; Yun YUAN
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2019;58(12):899-904
Objective:
To analyze the diagnostic value of skeletal muscle biopsy in patients with rhabdomyolysis.
Methods:
Clinical and pathological data of 26 patients with rhabdomyolysis from January 2002 to December 2018 undergoing muscle biopsy were collected.
Results:
Eighteen males and 8 females were finally recruited with median age of 6-73 (37.3±19.6) years. The average time from onset to biopsy was 44 days (median course was 30 days). All patients had acute manifestations with muscle pain and/or weakness. Serum creatine kinase was between 1 648-92 660 U/L. Muscle biopsies showed nonspecific changes in 12 cases (a few with type 2 muscle fiber atrophy, slight deposition of lipid droplets), 10 cases with necrotizing myopathy (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration). Toxic neurogenic damages were seen in 2 cases (type 1 and type 2 angular atrophic muscle fibers with group change), lipid storage disease in 1 case (lipid droplets deposit significantly) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in 1 case (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration, with lymphocyte infiltration). The etiology of non-specific pathological changes included short-term strenuous exercise in 6 patients, poisoning in two, chronic kidney disease in one, viral infection in one, hypothyroidism in one and unknown reason in one. As to patients with necrotizing myopathy, seven were poisoning or drug-related, one with hyperthyroidism, two with unknown reason.
Conclusions
Among the numerous causes of rhabdomyolysis, exercise usually links nonspecific skeletal muscle changes and poisoning or drug-related disorders are commonly associated with necrotic myopathy. Rhabdomyolysis induced by primary myopathy is rare.


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