Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 2 biopsy: Do p16INK4a and Ki-67 biomarkers contribute to the decision to treat? A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Managing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) is challenging, considering the CIN2 regression rate, perinatal risks associated with excisional procedures, and insufficient well-established risk factors to predict progression. OBJECTIVES: To determine the ability of p16INK4a and Ki-67 staining in biopsies diagnosed with CIN2 to identify patients with higher-grade lesions (CIN3 or carcinoma). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at a referral center for treating uterine cervical lesions. METHODS: In 79 women, we analyzed the correlation of p16INK4a and Ki-67 expression in CIN2 biopsies with the presence of a higher-grade lesions, as determined via histopathology in surgical specimens from treated women or via two colposcopies and two cytological tests during follow-up for untreated women with at least a 6-month interval. The expression of these two biomarkers was verified by at least two independent pathologists and quantified using digital algorithms. RESULTS: Thirteen (16.8%) women with CIN2 biopsy exhibited higher-grade lesions on the surgical excision specimen or during follow-up. p16INK4a expression positively and negatively predicted the presence of higher-grade lesions in 17.19% and 86.67% patients, respectively. Ki-67 expression positively and negatively predicted the presence of higher-grade lesions in 40% and 88.24% patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Negative p16INK4a and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining can assure absence of a higher-grade lesion in more than 85% of patients with CIN2 biopsies and can be used to prevent overtreatment of these patients. Positive IHC staining for p16INK4a and Ki-67 did not predict CIN3 in patients with CIN2 biopsies.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma derived exosomes regulate the proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by mediating the miR-99a-5p BAZ2A axis

Abstract Objectives Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of nasopharyngeal mucosal epithelium in clinical practice. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main treatment methods at present, but the therapeutic effect is still unsatisfactory. Studies have shown that exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development of cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of NPC derived exosomes on NPC and their molecular mechanisms. Methods Serum was collected from healthy subjects, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infected patients and NPC patients (n = 9 group) and exosomes were extracted separately. High-throughput sequencing of exosomes was performed to screen differentially expressed miRNAs. The function of the screened miRNA was identified by treating NPC cells with exosomes. The target gene of miRNA was identified using the dual-luciferase assay. Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the levels of miR-99a-5p and Bromodomain Adjacent Tozinc finger domain protein 2A (BAZ2A). Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and wound healing assay were utilized to detect cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis, and migration ability. The protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. Results MiR-99a-5p was identified as the most significant differentially expressed miRNA in exosomes (p< 0.05). The proliferation and migration of NPC cells were extremely facilitated by exosomes, accompanied by the suppressed apoptosis, upregulated BAZ2A, Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP1), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA), and downregulation of Interleukin (IL)-1β and Nuclear Transcription Factor-κB (NF-κB) (p< 0.05). BAZ2A was a target gene of miR-99a-5p. Furthermore, the regulatory effect of exosomes on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis was significantly abolished by overexpression of miR-99a-5p or downregulation of BAZ2A (p< 0.05). Conclusion NPC derived exosomes facilitated the proliferation and migration of NPC through regulating the miR-99a-5p/BAZ2A axis.

Expression and clinical significance of miR-141-5p as a biomarker in the serum of patients with early spontaneous abortion

Abstract Aim miR-141-5p expression in patients with Early Spontaneous Abortion (ESA) and its correlation with hormone levels during pregnancy were investigated. Methods A total of 70 pregnant women with ESA were selected as the research group, and 70 normal pregnant women who chose abortion for non-medical reasons were selected as the Con group. Serum β-HCG, Progesterone (P), and Estrogen (E2) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by miRNA microarray analysis. miR-141-5p expression was detected by RT-qPCR, and its correlation with serum β-HCG, P, and E2 levels was analyzed. The diagnostic value of miR-141-5p for ESA was evaluated by the ROC curve. Results Serum β-HCG, P, and E2 were decreased and serum miR-141-5p was increased in patients with ESA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum β-HCG, P, and E2 levels were negatively correlated with miR-141-5p expression levels. ROC curve showed that miR-141-5p had a diagnostic value for ESA. Conclusions miR-141-5p is related to hormone levels during pregnancy and is expected to become a new candidate diagnostic marker for ESA.

Xuebijing improves inflammation and pyroptosis of acute lung injury by up-regulating miR-181d-5p-mediated SPP1 inactivation

Abstract Background Xuebijing (XBJ) is widely applied in the treatment of Acute Lung Injury (ALI). This study focused on the potential mechanism of XBJ in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Methods The rat ALI model was established by injection of LPS (10 mg/kg) and pretreated with XBJ (4 mL/kg) three days before LPS injection. BEAS-2B cell line was stimulated with LPS (1 μg/mL) and ATP (5 mM) to induce pyroptosis, and XBJ (2 g/L) was pretreated 24h before induction. The improvement effects of XBJ on pulmonary edema, morphological changes, and apoptosis in ALI lung tissue were evaluated by lung wet/dry weight ratio, HE-staining, and TUNEL staining. Inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue and cell supernatant were determined by ELISA. pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the expressions of miR-181d-5p, SPP1, p-p65, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, p20, and GSDMD-N in tissues and cells were assessed by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. The relationship between miR-181d-5p and SPP1 in experimental inflammation was reported by dual luciferase assay. Results XBJ could improve inflammation and pyroptosis of ALI by inhibiting contents of inflammatory cytokines, and levels of inflammation- and pyroptosis-related proteins. Mechanistically, XBJ could up-regulate miR-181d-5p and inhibit SPP1 in ALI. miR-181d-5p can target the regulation of SPP1. Depressing miR-181d-5p compensated for the ameliorative effect of XBJ on ALI, and overexpressing SPP1 suppressed the attenuating effect of XBJ on LPS-induced inflammation and pyroptosis. Conclusion XBJ can regulate the miR-181d-5p/SPP1 axis to improve inflammatory response and pyroptosis in ALI.

Clinical significance of long non-coding RNA NORAD in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that may cause joint deformities and seriously affect the normal life of the patients. In order to enable patients to receive timely attention and treatment, this study developed new diagnostic markers by exploring the expression and molecular mechanism of the long non-coding RNA NORAD (NORAD) in RA. Methods Participants including 77 RA patients and 52 healthy persons were enrolled, and the corresponding clinical data and serum samples were obtained. The NORAD and miR-204-5p expression were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The content of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Luciferase activity reporter assay demonstrated the association between NORAD and miR-204-5p. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of NORAD, and Pearson's correlation analysis was applied for the correlation analysis. Results NORAD was enriched in RA serum with high diagnostic value. Simultaneously, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were also upregulated (P < 0.001). The C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (Anti-CCP) levels in RA patients were generally elevated (P < 0.001). NORAD was positively correlated with the levels of clinical indicators and inflammatory factors (P < 0.0001). Mechanistically, NORAD may affect the progression of RA by targeting and negatively regulating miR-204-5p. Conclusions There is a correlation between NORAD and the processes of RA, and NORAD has the potential to predict and diagnose the occurrence of RA.

Expression of miR-210-3p in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataracts and its effect on human lens epithelial cell injury induced by hydrogen peroxide / Expressão de miR-210-3p no humor aquoso de pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade e seu efeito na lesão de células epiteliais do cristalino humano induzida por peróxido de hidrogênio

ABSTRACT Purpose: The regulatory effect of microRNA on diseases has been confirmed. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-210-3p in age-related cataracts and assess the effect of abnormal miR-210-3p expressions on H2O2-induced SAR01/04 cells. Methods: Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was performed to assess the levels of miR-210-3p in aqueous humor samples. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was employed to assess the discrimination ability of miR-210-3p between patients with age-related cataracts and healthy people, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the correlation between miR-210-3p and oxidative stress indices such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malonaldehyde. Cell counting kit-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to estimate the biological function of H2O2-induced age-related cataract cell model. The levels of oxidative stress indices such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonaldehyde were measured to evaluate the degree of oxidative stress damage in the age-related cataract cell model. The relationship between miR-210-3p and its target gene was verified by luciferase reporter gene analysis. Results: The miR-210-3p expression was elevated in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataracts. A high miR-210-3p expression showed a high diagnostic value for age-related cataracts and was significantly associated with the level of oxidative stress markers in patients with age-related cataracts. The inhibition of miR-210-3p can reverse oxidative stress stimulation and adverse effects on H2O2-induced cell function. Conclusions: The results suggested that miR-210-3p could promote cell viability, cell migration, and oxidative stress by targeting autophagy-related gene 7 in in vitro age-related cataract cell model.

RESUMO Objetivo: O efeito regulador do microRNA em doenças tem sido confirmado, e este artigo tentou avaliar a expressão do microRNA-210-3p na catarata relacionada à idade e avaliar o efeito da expressão anormal do miR-210-3p em células SAR01/04 induzidas por H2O2. Métodos: O método de transcrição reversa seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR) quantitativa foi realizado para avaliar os níveis de miR-210-3p em amostras de humor aquoso. Análise de características operacionais do receptor foi feita para avaliar a capacidade de discriminação do miR-210-3p entre pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade e pessoas saudáveis. A análise de correlação de Pearson identificou a correlação do miR-210-3p e índices de estresse oxidativo, como superóxido dismutase, glutationa peroxidase, malonaldeído. O ensaio de contagem de células kit-8 (cck-8) e o ensaio no sistema Transwell foram utilizados para estimar a função biológica do formato de células de catarata relacionada com a idade induzida por H2O2. Os níveis de índices de estresse oxidativo como superóxido dismutase, glutationa peroxidase e malonaldeído foram detectados para avaliar o grau de dano do estresse oxidativo em formato de células de catarata relacionada à idade. A relação entre miR-210-3p e seu gene alvo foi verificada por análise do gene repórter luciferase. Resultados: A expressão miR-210-3p foi elevada no humor aquoso de pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade. A expressão miR-210-3p altamente expressiva mostrou alto valor diagnóstico para catarata relacionada à idade e foi significativamente associado ao nível de marcadores de estresse oxidativo em pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade. A inibição de miR-210-3p pode reverter a estimulação do estresse oxidativo e os efeitos adversos da função celular induzida por H2O2. Conclusões: Esses dados sugeriram que a expressão miR-210-3p poderia promover a viabilidade celular, migração celular e estresse oxidativo ao direcionar genes ATG 7 relacionados à autofagia em modelo in vitro de células de catarata relacionadas à idade.

circCPA4 induces malignant behaviors of prostate cancer via miR-491-5p/ SHOC2 feedback loop

ABSTRACT Objective: circCPA4 has been defined to be an oncogenic gene. This study examined whether circCPA4 regulates Prostate Cancer (PC) development and revealed its molecular mechanism. Methods: PC tissues and PC cell lines were collected, in which circCPA4/miR-491-5p/SHOC2 levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunoblot. Colony formation assay and EdU assay assessed cell proliferation, flow cytometry measured apoptosis, and Transwell assessed invasion and migration. Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin were evaluated by immunoblot. Based on the luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay the authors investigated the targeting relationship between circCPA4/miR-491-5p/SHOC2. The effect of circCPA4 on tumor growth was evaluated by xenotransplantation in nude mice. Results: circCPA4 and SHOC2 levels were abundant while miR-491-5p expression was low in PC. Loss of circCPA4 decreased the proliferation and EdU-positive rate of PC cells, enhanced apoptosis, and inhibited invasion, migration, and EMT. Upregulation of circCPA4 forced the malignant behaviors of PC cells, and this promotion could be abolished when miR-491-5p was overexpressed or SHOC2 was silenced. CircCAP4 competitively decoyed miR-491-5p mediating SHOC2 expression. circCAP4 suppression inhibited PC tumor growth. Conclusion: circCAP4 acts as a novel oncogenic factor in PC, accelerating the malignant behavior of PC cells via miR-491-5p/SHOC2 interaction. This novel ceRNA axis may be a potential target for PC drug development and targeted therapy in the future.

Standardized Centella asiatica extract ECa 233 alleviates pain hypersensitivity by modulating P2X3 in trigeminal neuropathic pain

Abstract During oral surgery and temporomandibular joint repositioning, pain hypersensitivity often occurs due to irritation or inflammation of the nerve endings in the orofacial region. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ECa 233, a Centella asiatica-standardized extract, on the development of mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia induced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve in mice. Methodology: The right infraorbital nerves of the mice were ligated. Oral carbamazepine (20 mg/kg) or ECa 233 (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg) was administered daily for 21 days. Von Frey and air-puff tests were performed on both sides of the whisker pad on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Thereafter, the expression of purinergic receptor subtype 3 (P2X3) and voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (NaV1.7), a transmembrane protein, in the trigeminal ganglion and c-fos immunoreactivity-positive neurons in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis was assessed. Results: After 21 days of infraorbital nerve ligation, the mice showed allodynia- and hyperalgesia-like behavior, P2X3 and NaV1.7 were upregulated in the trigeminal ganglion, and nociceptive activity increased in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. However, the oral administration of carbamazepine (20 mg/kg), ECa 233 (100 mg/kg), or ECa 233 (300 mg/kg) mitigated these effects. Nevertheless, ECa 233 failed to affect NaV1.7 protein expression. Conclusion: Carbamazepine and ECa 233 can prevent pain hypersensitivity in mice. Considering the side effects of the long-term use of carbamazepine, ECa 233 monotherapy or combined ECa 233 and carbamazepine therapy can be used as an alternative for regulating the development of hypersensitivity in trigeminal pain. However, further detailed clinical studies should be conducted to provide comprehensive information on the use of ECa 233.

Exosome-Transmitted miR-224-5p Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation via Targeting ULK2 in p53-Dependent Manner / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-224-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC).@*METHODS@#The miR-224-5p expression in CRC patient tissues and cell-derived exosomes was measured by laser capture microdissection and qRT-PCR, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the target gene of miR-224-5p. The protein expressions of p53 and unc-51 like kinase 2 (ULK2) in CRC cells were detected by western blot. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and EdU assay.@*RESULTS@#The miR-224-5p expression was upregulated in CRC tissues and increased progressively with the rise of CRC stage. CRC cells secreted extracellular miR-224-5p mainly in an exosome-dependent manner, and then miR-224-5p could be transferred to surrounding tumor cells to regulate cell proliferation in the form of autocrine or paracrine. Moreover, ULK2 was characterized as a direct target of miR-224-5p and was downregulated in CRC tissues. Interestingly, ULK2 inhibited CRC cell proliferation in a p53-dependent manner. Furthermore, exosome-derived miR-224-5p partially reversed the proliferation regulation of ULK2 on CRC cells.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings demonstrate that exosome-transmitted miR-224-5p promotes p53-dependent cell proliferation by targeting ULK2 in CRC, which may offer promising targets for CRC prevention and therapy.

Effects of echinacoside on renal injury in uremia rats and its mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of echinacoside （ECH） on renal injury in uremia （URE） rats and its mechanism. METHODS URE model of the rat was established by 5/6 nephrectomy. Successfully modeled rats were grouped into uremia group （URE group）， ECH low-dose [10 mg/（kg·d）] group， ECH medium-dose [20 mg/（kg·d）] group， ECH high-dose [40 mg/（kg·d）] group， ECH high-dose+anisomycin [p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） pathway activator] group [ECH-H+Ani group， 40 mg/（kg·d） ECH +2 mg/（kg·d） anisomycin]， with a sham operation group， 12 mice in each group. Each drug group was given corresponding ECH intragastrically， while ECH-H+Ani group was further injected with anisomycin via the tail vein， once a day， for 8 consecutive weeks. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， β2-microglobulin （β2-MG）， serum creatinine （Scr）， neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin （NGAL）， kidney injury molecule-1 （KIM-1）， cystatin C （Cys-C） and 24 h urine protein （24 h UP） as well as the levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in renal tissue were all detected； pathological changes of renal tissue were observed； the rate of positive expression of α-smooth muscle protein （α-SMA） and E-cadherin， and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） p65 were determined in renal tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with URE group， glomerular swelling， damage and necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and inflammatory cell infiltration were relieved significantly in ECH groups. The renal injury score， levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， BUN， Scr， β2-MG， 24 h UP， NGAL， KIM- 1， Cys-C and MDA， the positive expression rate of α-SMA in renal tissue， the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 were decreased in dose-dependent manner， while SOD activity and the positive expression rate of E-cadherin were obviously increased in dose-dependent manner （P＜0.05）. Anisomycin significantly attenuated the improvement effect of high-dose ECH on renal injury in URE rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ECH may inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress， enhance renal function， and improve renal injury in uremic rats by inhibiting the activation of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Analysis on risk factors of clopidogrel resistance in patients with ischemic stroke / 药学实践杂志

Objective To investigate the risk factors of drug resistance in patients with ischemic stroke by clopidogrel therapy and provide references for promoting clinical individualized drug therapy. Methods A total of 202 inpatients diagnosed with ischemic stroke were admitted and given dual anti-treatment (aspirin+clopidogrel). CYP2C19 genotype was detected by microarray hybridization during hospitalization, and CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms were classified into fast metabolism group, medium metabolism group and slow metabolism group according to the type of drug metabolism. Patients were tested for platelet inhibition induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) according to thromboelastographic (TEG) on 7~14 d of drug administration. ADP <30% was classified as clopidogrel drug resistance group and ADP ≥30% as non-resistance group. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the risk factors for the development of clopidogrel resistance. Results Among 202 patients with ischemic stroke, 87 were in the resistant group and 115 in the non-resistant group. The proportion of patients with clopidogrel resistance combined with diabetes and the level of white blood cell count were higher than that in the non-resistant group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).The proportion of patients with clopidogrel resistance in the CYP2C19 intermediate metabolism group was significantly higher than that in the fast metabolism group, and the rate of platelet inhibition was also significantly lower than that in the fast metabolism group, all with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion Combined diabetes mellitus, high white blood cell count levels and CYP2C19 mid-metabolic phenotype are independent risk factors for the development of clopidogrel resistance in patients with ischemic stroke.

Chaihu Longgu Mulitang Relieves Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Rats via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

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.

Intervention Mechanism of Biejiajian Wan on Primary Liver Cancer by Regulating lncRNA SNHG5/miRNA-26a-5p/GSK-3β Signal Axis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Biejiajian Wan in the intervention of primary liver cancer based on long non-coding RNA SNHG5 （lncRNA SNHG5）/micro RNA-26a-5p （miRNA-26a-5p）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） signal axis. MethodDouble luciferase reporting assay was used to verify the targeted interaction between lncRNA SNHG5 and miRNA-26a-5p， miRNA-26a-5p， and GSK-3β in HepG2 cells. Nude-mouse transplanted tumor model of human HepG2 were established and randomly divided into model group， Biejiajian Wan low-dose group （0.5 g·kg-1）， medium-dose group （1.0 g·kg-1）， and high-dose group （2.0 g·kg-1）， and sorafenib group （100 mg·kg-1）， with 10 mice in each group. The mice were given intragastric administration of normal saline or drug for 28 days， and the tumor volume was measured at different time. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histological changes of tumors. The nucleic acid levels of lncRNA SNHG5， miRNA-26a-5p， GSK-3β， and β-catenin mPNA in tumor tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin in tumor tissue were detected by western blot. ResultCompared with the SNHG5-WT （wild type） + miRNA NC （negative control） group， the relative luciferase activities of the SNHG5-WT + miRNA-26a-5p mimic group were decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the GSK-3β-WT + miRNA NC group， the relative luciferase activity of the GSK-3β-WT + miRNA-26a-5p mimic group was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the tumor volume of Biejiajian Wan low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cells in the tumor tissue of nude mice in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan were sparsely arranged with necrocytosis， which showed concentration-dependent changes. Compared with the model group， the expression levels of lncRNA SNHG5， GSK-3β， and β-catenin were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression of miRNA-26a-5p was increased in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the protein expression levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin were decreased in each dose group of Biejiajian Wan （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBiejiajian Wan may affect the necrosis of liver cancer cells through lncRNA SNHG5/miRNA-26a-5p/GSK-3β signal axis and thus play an anti-tumor role. This research will provide more theoretical basis for the clinical application of Biejiajian Wan.

Mechanism of Qizhu Kang'ai Prescription for Inhibiting Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming via PCK1/Akt/p21 Signal Axis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect of Qizhu Kang'ai prescription （QZAP） on the gluconeogenesis enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 （PCK1） in the liver of mouse model of liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine （DEN） combined with carbon tetrachloride （CCl4） and Huh7 cells of human liver cancer， so as to explore the mechanism on regulating metabolic reprogramming and inhibiting cell proliferation of liver cancer cells. MethodDEN combined with CCl4 was used to construct a mouse model of liver cancer via intraperitoneal injection. A normal group， a model group， and a QZAP group were set up， in which QZAP （3.51 g·kg-1） or an equal volume of normal saline was administered daily by gavage， respectively. Serum and liver samples were collected after eight weeks of intervention. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， γ-glutamyltransferase （γ-GT）， and alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） in mice were detected to evaluate liver function changes of mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological changes in liver tissue. In the cell experiment， Huh7 cells were divided into blank group， QZAP low， medium， and high dose groups and/or PCK1 inhibitor （SKF-34288 hydrochloride） group， and Sorafenib group. The corresponding drug-containing serum and drug treatment were given， respectively. Cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method， colony formation experiment， Edu fluorescent labeling detection， intracellular adenosine triphosphate （ATP） content detection， and cell cycle flow cytometry detection were used to evaluate the proliferation ability， energy metabolism changes， and change in the cell cycle of Huh7 cells in each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PCK1， serine/threonine kinase （Akt）， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， and cell cycle-dependent protein kinase inhibitor 1A （p21）. ResultCompared with the model group， the pathological changes such as cell atypia， necrosis， and collagen fiber deposition in liver cancer tissue of mice in the QZAP group were alleviated， and the number of liver tumors was reduced （P<0.01）. The serum ALT， AST， γ-GT， and AFP levels were reduced （P<0.01）. At the cell level， compared with the blank group， low， medium， and high-dose groups of QZAP-containing serum and the Sorafenib group could significantly reduce the survival rate of Huh7 cells （P<0.01） and the number of positive cells with Edu labeling （P<0.01） and inhibit clonal proliferation ability （P<0.01）. The QZAP groups could also reduce the intracellular ATP content （P<0.05） and increase the distribution ratio of the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle （P<0.05） in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the model group and blank group， PCK1 and p21 protein levels of mouse liver cancer tissue and Huh7 cells in the QZAP groups were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the p-Akt protein level was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the ATP content and cell survival rate of Huh7 cells in the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， but there was no statistical difference in the ratio of Edu-positive cells and the proportion of G0/G1 phase distribution. Compared with the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group， the QZAP combined with the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group significantly reduced the ATP content， cell survival rate， and Edu-positive cell ratio of Huh7 cells （P<0.05） and significantly increased the G0/G1 phase distribution proportion （P<0.05）. ConclusionQZAP may induce the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells by activating PCK1 to promote Akt/p21-mediated tumor suppression， thereby exerting an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation mechanism.

Effect of fenofibrate on the expression of miR-26a-5p/PTEN in retinal neurons of diabetic mice / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To study the protective effect of fenofibrate on diabetic retinal neurodegeneration and observe its effect on miR-26a-5p and its target gene PTEN in the retinal of diabetic mice.METHODS: Diabetic mice models were established and they were gavaged by fenofibrate. H&#x0026;#x0026; E staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the impairments of retinal neurons. Real-time PCR was used to examine the expression of miR-26a-5p, and Western blotting was employed to measure the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue(PTEN)in the retina of diabetic mice. The expression level of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and the morphology of neural tissues were observed.RESULTS: When compared with the diabetic mice, fenofibrate significantly attenuated the damage to retinal ganglion cells and the atrophy of retinal nerve fiber layer. While the level of miR-26a-5p was increased and the levels of PTEN and inflammatory mediators were significantly decreased in the retina of fenofibrate treated diabetic mice, with significant statistical significance(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Fenofibrate protects against diabetic retinal neurodegeneration by upregulating miR-26a-5p and inhibiting PTEN, attenuating the inflammatory response and alleviating retinal cell injury.

Effect of Gandou Fumu Decoction on Autophagy in Mice with Liver Fibrosis in Wilson's Disease by Regulating Expression of miR-29b-3p/ULK1 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism and pathway of Gandou Fumu decoction （GDFMD） in the development of liver fibrosis in Wilson's disease （WD）. MethodFirst， 30 TX-j mice were randomly divided into the model group， high-dose， medium-dose， and low-dose GDFMD groups， and penicillamine group， with six mice in each group， and another six wild-type mice were used as the normal group. The high-dose， medium-dose， and low-dose GDFMD groups were intragastrically administered drugs of 13.92， 6.96， 3.48 g·kg-1. In the penicillamine group， 0.1 g·kg-1 of penicillamine was given by intragastric administration. The model group and the normal group were given equal volume of normal saline， once a day， for four consecutive weeks. Samples were collected four weeks after gavage， and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect type Ⅲ procollagen peptide （PCⅢ）， collagen type Ⅳ （Col Ⅳ）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， and laminin （LN）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Masson， and picric acid-Sirus red collagen （Sirus Red） staining were used to observe the histopathological changes of liver fibrosis. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot were used to observe the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and collagen type Ⅰ （Col Ⅰ）， which were related to the activation of hepatic stellate cells （HSCs）. The expression of miR-29b-3p was observed by Real-time PCR. The expression of Unc-51-like kinase 1 （ULK1） and its downstream-related factors were observed by Western blot. The downstream genes of miR-29b-3p were verified by the dual luciferase reporter gene detection method. ResultCompared with the normal group， the four items of liver fibrosis （PCⅢ， Col Ⅳ， HA， and LN） in the model group were significantly abnormal （P<0.01）， and the pathology was significantly abnormal. The expression of HSC activation-related indicators including α-SMA and Col Ⅰ， as well as α-SMA mRNA and Col Ⅰ mRNA was up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and miR-29b-3p expression was down-regulated （P<0.01）. ULK1， p-ULK1， autophagy-related gene 13 （Atg13）， p-Atg13， Beclin-1， FAK family kinase-interacting protein of 200 kDa （FIP200）， activating molecule in BECN1-regulated autophagy protein 1 （AMBKA1）， and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ/Ⅰ（LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ） were up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. p62 protein expression was down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the four items of liver fibrosis in the high-dose， medium-dose， and low-dose GDFMD groups and the penicillamine group were significantly improve （P<0.01）， and the pathological conditions were improved. The expression of HSC activation-related indicators including α-SMA and Col Ⅰ， as well as α-SMA mRNA and Col Ⅰ mRNA was down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the expression of miR-29b-3p was up-regulated （P<0.01）. ULK1， p-ULK1， Atg13， p-Atg13， Beclin-1， FIP200， AMBKA1， and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and p62 protein expression was up-regulated （P<0.01）. The prediction software predicted that there was a binding site between miR-29b-3p and ULK1. The dual-luciferase reporter gene detection method indicated that the luciferase activity of the ULK1-WT plasmid-transfected cell group was reduced when miR-29b-3p mimics were co-cultured （P<0.01）. ConclusionGDFMD can regulate ULK1-mediated autophagy by up-regulating miR-29b-3p and further exert its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect in Wilson's disease.

Effect of Guipitang on ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Guipitang on rats with myocardial ischemia. MethodFifty SD rats were divided into five groups： a control group， a model group， low and high-dose Guipitang （7.52， 15.04 g·kg-1） groups， and a trimetazidine group （0.002 g·kg-1）. By intragastric administration of vitamin D3 and feeding rats with high-fat forage and injecting isoproterenol， the rat model of myocardial ischemia was established. After drug treatment of 15 d， an electrocardiogram （ECG） was performed to analyze the degree of myocardial injury. A fully automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the changes in the serum levels of total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， triglyceride （TG）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial histopathological changes. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining was used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Western blot was adopted to detect the protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）， phospho-ERK1/2 （p-ERK1/2）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）， phospho-p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）-associated X （Bax）， Bcl-2， and cleaved cysteine aspartate proteolytic enzyme （cleaved Caspase-3）. ResultCompared with the control group， the ECG S-T segment decreased in the model group. The serum levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C were increased significantly （P<0.05）. The arrangement of myocardial tissue was disordered， and the proportion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased. The protein levels of cleaved Caspase-3， Bax， and p-p38 MAPK in the heart were increased， and the Bcl-2 expression was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the S-T segment downward shift was restored in the low and high-dose Guipitang groups and trimetazidine group， and the levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C were decreased. The protein expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax in the heart dropped， and p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions increased significantly （P<0.05）. The degree of myocardial injury was alleviated， and the proportion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased. Bcl-2 protein expression was increased significantly in the low-dose Guipitang group （P<0.05）. ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK proteins had no significant difference among different groups. ConclusionGuipitang could alleviate myocardial injury and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats by activating the expression of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK.

Effects of alfentanil on myocardial fibrosis in rats with acute myocardial infarction by regulating the SphK1/S1P signaling pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of alfentanil （ALF） on myocardial fibrosis in rats with acute myocardial infarction （AMI） by regulating sphingosine kinase 1 （SphK1）/sphingosine 1-phosphate （S1P） signaling pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were collected to construct AMI model by the ligation of anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into AMI model group （Model group）， ALF low-dose group （ALF-L group， 0.25 mg/kg ALF）， ALF high-dose group （ALF-H group， 0.5 mg/kg ALF）， high dose of ALF+SphK1 activator group （ALF-H+K6PC-5 group， 0.5 mg/kg ALF+1 μg/g K6PC-5）. At the same time， a sham operation group （Sham group） was set up to perform only chest opening/closing operations without ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery， with 15 rats in each group. Rats in each drug group were intraperitoneally injected with the corresponding drug solution， once a day， for 4 consecutive weeks. Twelve hours after the last medication， cardiac function indicators [left ventricular systolic pressure （LVSP）， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， left ventricular systolic diameter （LVSD）， left ventricular fractional shortening （LVFS）] of rats were detected in each group； the condition of myocardial infarction， pathological changes in myocardial tissue， and degree of fibrosis were observed； serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） and cardiac troponin Ⅰ （cTnⅠ） in rats were detected. The protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ ， collagen Ⅲ ， matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2）， SphK1 and S1P were alsodetected in the myocardial tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the Sham group， the arrangement of myocardial cells in the Model group was disordered， with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating. The levels of LVSP， LVFS and LVEF in the Model group were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）； LVSD level， myocardial infarction area， collagen volume fraction， serum levels of BNP and cTnⅠ， the protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ， collagen Ⅲ， MMP-2， SphK1 and S1P in myocardial tissue were significantly increased or enlarged （P＜0.05）. Compared with the Model group， the pathological changes and degree of fibrosis in the myocardial tissue of rats in each dose group of ALF were improved or relieved， while the quantitative indicators of rats in the ALF-H group were significantly improved and significantly better than those in ALF-L group （P＜0.05）. K6PC-5 could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose ALF on the above quantitative indicators in rats （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ALF can reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in AMI rats， and the effect may be related to the inhibition of the SphK1/S1P signaling pathway.

Research progress on the role of cytochrome P450 in plant sesquiterpene biosynthesis / 药学学报

Sesquiterpenes are natural terpenoids with 15 carbon atoms in the basic skeleton, which mainly exist in plant volatile oil and have important physiological and medicinal value. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is a kind of monooxygenase encoded by supergene family, which is one of the largest gene families in plants. It is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of terpenoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites. In the process of terpene biosynthesis, CYP450 participates in the post-modification stage of terpenes by introducing functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl, which plays an important role in enriching the diversity of terpenes. The CYP450 enzymes involved in sesquiterpene synthesis and their substrate catalytic specificity mechanisms have been partially investigated. In this paper, the biosynthetic pathway of plant sesquiterpenes, the structure and classification of CYP450 enzymes were briefly introduced, and the CYP450 enzymes involved in sesquiterpene biosynthesis were summarized, in order to provide a reference for intensive study of the role of CYP450 enzymes in the synthesis of sesquiterpenoids.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances for maxillary molar distalization in adult patients / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances without brackets for the distal movement of maxillary molars to improve the ability of orthodontists to predict treatment outcomes.@*Methods@#Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang Database, CNKI Database, and VIP Database were searched for studies investigating the efficacy of invisible orthodontic appliances for distal movement of maxillary molars in adult patients and published from database inception to August 1, 2023. A total of three researchers screened the studies and evaluated their quality and conducted a meta-analysis of those that met quality standards.@*Results@#This study included 13 pre- and postcontrol trials with a total sample size of 281 patients. The meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in the sagittal or vertical parameters of the jawbone after treatment when compared with those before treatment (P>0.05). The displacement of the first molar was MD=-2.34, 95% CI (-2.83, -1.85); the displacement was MD=-0.95, 95% CI (-1.34, -0.56); and the inclination was MD=-2.51, 95% CI (-3.56, -1.46). There was a statistically significant difference in the change in sagittal, vertical, and axial tilt of the first molar before and after treatment. After treatment, the average adduction distance of the incisors was MD=-0.82, 95% CI (-1.54, -0.09), and the decrease in lip inclination was MD=-1.61, 95% CI (-2.86, -0.36); these values were significantly different from those before treatment (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Invisible orthodontic appliances can effectively move the upper molars in a distal direction and control the vertical position of the molars. When the molars move further away, there is some degree of compression and distal tilt movement, which is beneficial for patients with high angles. The sagittal movement of incisors is beneficial for improving the patient's profile.