1.Research progress on the molecular genetic mechanism of Parkinson's disease.
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):151-157
The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is closely related to genetic factors. This article has systematically reviewed the research progress of molecular genetic mechanism on Parkinson's disease by focusing on the role of six high-penetrance pathogenic genes (SNCA, LRRK2, PRKN, PINK1, PARK7, and VPS35) and some risk genes (such as GBA1). These genetic variants eventually converge in three core pathogenic biological pathways, including lysosomal-autophagy pathway disorder, mitochondrial quality control disorder and α-synuclein metabolic abnormality. In-depth understanding of these molecular mechanisms is of great significance for the development of targeted therapy and realization of precision medicine for this disease.
Humans
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
alpha-Synuclein/genetics*
;
Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2/genetics*
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Glucosylceramidase/genetics*
;
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*
2.Analysis of ten cases of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with non-KMT2A::AFF1 transcriptional variant 11q23 rearrangements.
Yuanyuan WANG ; Shuzhen FU ; Yong SHEN ; Qingxia XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):265-272
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with 11q23 rearrangement acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with non-KMT2A::AFF1 fusion genes.
METHODS:
The clinical data of 10 patients with KMT2A fusion gene positive and partner gene non-AFF1 ALL admitted to Henan Cancer Hospital from December 2016 to December 2024 were retrospectively summarized. The immunophenotype, molecular genetic characteristics, clinical manifestations and disease prognosis of these patients were analyzed. This research has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Henan Cancer Hospital (Ethics No.: 2019342).
RESULTS:
Among the 10 patients, the fusion genes were KMT2A::MLLT1 in 7 cases, KMT2A::MLLT4, KMT2A::MLLT3 and KMT2A::MLLT10 in 1 case each. The European Group for the Immunological Classification of Leukemias (EGIL) classification included 6 cases of T-ALL, 2 cases of pro-B-ALL, 1 case of Common-B-ALL and 1 case of pre-B-ALL. 4 cases of B-ALL all expressed CD19, cCD79a, CD38 and HLA-DR, and some expressed CD34 and CD22, without expression or weak expression of CD10, without expression of CD20. One case was accompanied by myeloid marker CD15 expression. 6 cases of T-ALL all expressed CD34, CD7, most expressed CD38, and some expressed CD3, CD5, CD2, CD4 and CD8, and 1 case expressed CD4 and CD8 together. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 3 cases, 5 cases were positive for WT1 fusion gene, and 6 cases had gene alterations. 9 patients achieved the first complete remission (CR1) during chemotherapy, and 1 patient relapsed within 6 months after CR1. At the last follow up, 1 patient (the fusion gene was KMT2A::MLLT4) remained unrelieved. There were 2 cases of KMT2A rearrangement (KMT2A-r) persistent positive (+/+) and 8 cases of KMT2A-r negative (+/-). The overall survival (OS) rate and leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate of patients with KMT2A-r persistent positive were significantly lower than those of patients with negative change, and the differences were statistically significant (P values were all < 0.05). Among the 3 patients who received chemotherapy+allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), no relapse was observed until the follow up day. The OS rate and LFS rate of patients with KMT2A::MLLT1 and chemotherapy+allo-HSCT were higher than those of non-KMT2A::MLLT1 and single chemotherapy patients, and the differences were not statistically significant (P values were all ≥ 0.05). There was no significant difference in OS rate and LFS rate between T-ALL and B-ALL patients (P values were all ≥ 0.05). The median LFS time of the 10 patients was 32 (0 ~ 100) months, and the median OS time was 36 (1 ~ 101) months.
CONCLUSION
The 11q23 rearrangement ALL with non-KMT2A::AFF1 transcript is mainly KMT2A::MLLT1, T-ALL is more common, and the rate of chromosomal karyotype detection is relatively low. Persistent positive KMT2A-r is unfavorable for patient survival, and allo-HSCT during the CR1 period may improve patient survival.
Humans
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics*
;
Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Adolescent
;
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/genetics*
;
Child
;
Transcriptional Elongation Factors/genetics*
;
Gene Rearrangement
;
Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Prognosis
;
Child, Preschool
;
DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
3.Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Ramadan Fasting in Patients with Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Suprhamanyam Evali ; Nur Arina binti Mohammed Zain ; Nao Chang Zhao ; Noor Ashikin binti Ismail ; Dineash Kumar Kannesan ; Nurain binti Mohd Noor
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):80-81
Introduction:
Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) is characterized
by impaired antidiuretic hormone secretion, leading to
polyuria and a significant dehydration risk. The British
Islamic Medical Association classifies AVP-D as a “very
high risk” condition, advising against Ramadan fasting. However, many patients fast due to religious convictions,
creating a gap between clinical guidelines and patient
practice. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes and
safety of fasting in this population.
Methodology:
A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted
at Hospital Putrajaya. We included adults with
permanent AVP-D on desmopressin therapy for more
than 1 year who fasted during Ramadan 2025. Data were
extracted from electronic medical records and patient
consultations. Primary outcomes included hospitalization
rates, dehydration symptoms, and desmopressin dose
adjustments.
Results:
Of the 43 patients (mean age 42.4 ± 15.28 years; 53.5%
female), 27 successfully fasted for a mean of 27.6 ± 6.56
days. Pre-Ramadan counseling was documented in only
55.8% of cases. While 25.9% of participants experienced
dehydration symptoms (thirst, dizziness), and 22.2% broke
their fast for safety reasons, there were no hospitalizations.
None of the patients required additional desmopressin
dose adjustments. Most patients (66.7%) maintained twicedaily desmopressin dosing (Sahur and Iftar). Anterior
pituitary deficiencies were present in 70.3% of the cohort.
Conclusion
Despite being classified as very high risk, many AVP-D
patients safely complete Ramadan fasting without severe
adverse events. However, the high rate of dehydration
symptoms and the significant gap in pre-Ramadan
counseling (44.2% un-counseled) highlight the need for
structured clinical reviews 4–6 weeks prior to Ramadan to
optimize hydration and dosing
Humans
;
Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Arginine
;
Fasting
4.Etiological Yield and Treatment Patterns in Paediatric Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency: A Single-Centre Cohort Study
Siti Sarah Ahmad Dardiri ; Nalini M Selveindran ; Sok Bee Lim ; Arini Nuran Md Idris ; Janet YH Hong
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):125-
Introduction:
Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP‑D), previously termed central diabetes insipidus, is a rare paediatric endocrine
disorder that may present as an early manifestation of diverse hypothalamic–pituitary conditions. Identifying the
underlying etiology is crucial for guiding management and surveillance; however, in some children, the cause remains
unresolved, leading to primarily symptomatic treatment. In Malaysia, published literature on paediatric AVP‑D has been
limited to isolated case reports, with no cohort‑level data available. This study aims to describe the clinical features,
etiological spectrum, and treatment patterns of paediatric AVP-D in a single-centre Malaysian cohort, emphasizing
diagnostic yield, unresolved causes, and the central role of neuroimaging.
Methodology:
A retrospective review was conducted of children diagnosed with AVP-D. Data collected included age at symptom onset,
age at presentation, clinical features, etiological classification, neuroimaging findings, comorbidities, treatment modalities,
and follow-up outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results:
Twelve children were included, with a median age of 9.8 years; two-thirds were male. Children were referred at a median
age of 3.4 years, with presentation ranging from the neonatal period to 10.4 years. Diagnostic delay was minimal overall,
although 25% experienced delays exceeding 1 year. The water deprivation test was performed in 33.3% of patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was completed in all children and served as the principal determinant of etiology.
Structural abnormalities were identified in 50% of the cohort, including semilobar holoprosencephaly (33.3%), Arnold–
Chiari I malformation (8.3%), and pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (8.3%). The posterior pituitary bright spot was
absent in most patients, and 50% required repeat MRI to clarify evolving neurohypophyseal features. Tumor-related AVP-D
accounted for 8.3%, while one-third had no definitive etiology despite imaging. Initial therapy included desmopressin
(58.3%), hydrochlorothiazide (25%), and diluted sublingual desmopressin (8.3%), with most requiring dose escalation.
Growth impairment occurred in 66.7% of patients, and delayed puberty in 16.7%.
Conclusion
MRI played a central role in defining etiology, with half of the cohort demonstrating congenital structural abnormalities.
Persistent unresolved cases highlight the diagnostic challenges of AVP-D and underscore the importance of early MRI
and longitudinal endocrine follow-up.
Child
;
Cohort Studies
;
Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic
;
Arginine
5.Dehydrodiisoeugenol resists H1N1 virus infection via TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Zhe LIU ; Jun-Liang LI ; Yi-Xiang ZHOU ; Xia LIU ; Yan-Li YU ; Zheng LUO ; Yao WANG ; Xin JIA
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1650-1658
The present study delves into the cellular mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects of dehydrodiisoeugenol(DEH) by focusing on the transcription factor EB(TFEB)/autophagy-lysosome pathway. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was utilized to assess the impact of DEH on the viability of human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549). The inhibitory effect of DEH on the replication of influenza A virus(H1N1) was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Western blot was employed to evaluate the influence of DEH on the expression level of the H1N1 virus nucleoprotein(NP). The effect of DEH on the fluorescence intensity of NP was examined by the immunofluorescence assay. A mouse model of H1N1 virus infection was established via nasal inhalation to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 30 mg·kg~(-1) DEH on H1N1 virus infection. RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) was performed for the transcriptional profiling of mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs) in response to DEH. The fluorescent protein-tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) was used to assess the autophagy induced by DEH. Western blot was employed to determine the effect of DEH on the autophagy flux of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ under viral infection conditions. Lastly, the role of TFEB expression in the inhibition of DEH against H1N1 infection was evaluated in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophage(iBMDM), both wild-type and TFEB knockout. The results revealed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50)) of DEH for A549 cells was(87.17±0.247)μmol·L~(-1), and DEH inhibited H1N1 virus replication in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Compared with the H1N1 virus-infected mouse model, the treatment with DEH significantly improved the body weights and survival time of mice. DEH induced LC3 aggregation, and the absence of TFEB expression in iBMDM markedly limited the ability of DEH to counteract H1N1 virus replication. In conclusion, DEH exerts its inhibitory activity against H1N1 infection by activating the TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Mice
;
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics*
;
Influenza, Human/metabolism*
;
Lysosomes/metabolism*
;
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/genetics*
;
Eugenol/pharmacology*
;
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*
;
Virus Replication/drug effects*
;
A549 Cells
;
Male
6.Regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides through Akt/mTOR pathway.
Yang GE ; Hang GAO ; Yun-Peng QIN ; Rui SHEN ; Hua-Zhang WU ; Ting YE ; Hang SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2432-2441
This research investigated the impact of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP) on hepatoblastoma HepG2 and Huh6 cell models, as well as KM mouse model with in situ transplanted tumors, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of GLP. Cell viability was assessed through the CCK-8 assay, whereas cell proliferation was evaluated by using the BeyoClick~(TM)EdU-488 test. Cell apoptosis was visualized via Hochest 33258 staining, and autophagy was detected through Mrfp-GFP-LC3 dual fluorescence staining. An in situ tumor transplantation model was created by using HepG2 cells in mice, and mice were treated with normal saline and GLP of 100, 200, and 300 mg·kg~(-1) for tumor count calculation and size assessment. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in tumor tissue and vital organs(liver, kidney, lung, spleen, and heart). Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expressions of tumor protein P53(P53), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, autophagy related protein-5(Atg-5), microtubule-associated protein-light chain-3Ⅰ(LC3Ⅰ)/LC3Ⅱ, autophagy adapter protein 62(P62), protein kinase B(Akt), p-Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and p-mTOR. The in vitro experiment revealed that compared with the control group, after GLP treatment, tumor cell viability decreased significantly; apoptosis rate increased in a dose-dependent manner, and autophagic flux was inhibited. The in vivo experiments showed that compared with the model group, mice treated with GLP exhibited significantly fewer and smaller tumors. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group or model group, levels of P53, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, Atg-5, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased after GLP treatment, and the levels of Bcl-2, P62, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly decreased. These outcomes suggest that GLP promotes apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by regulating the Akt/mTOR pathway.
Animals
;
Humans
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Reishi/chemistry*
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Hepatoblastoma/genetics*
;
Polysaccharides/pharmacology*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Hep G2 Cells
7.Mechanism of Syngnathus extract in treating knee osteoarthritis of rats via regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Quan-Wei ZHENG ; Guo-Wei WANG ; Si-Xian WU ; Tao ZHUO ; Yi HE ; Jian-Hang LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2442-2449
To investigate the mechanism of action of Syngnathus extract in treating knee osteoarthritis of rats, forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, positive drug group, as well as low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Syngnathus extract. The rat model of knee osteoarthritis was constructed by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate. After successful modeling, celecoxib(18 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) and Syngnathus extract(0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) were given in different groups by gavage intervention for two weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of cartilage in knee joints, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the expression level of inflammatory factors in serum. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target protein of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway-related mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that, comparied with the blank group, the cartilage surface of the knee joints of rats in the model group was uneven, with disorganized levels and defective cartilage tissue. The serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in cartilage tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K)/PI3K, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)/Akt, phosphorylated mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR, and P62 were significantly increased. Beclin1 protein expression was decreased. Comparied with the model group, the number of chondrocytes in the knee joint of rats in each group of Syngnathus extract increased, and the arrangement of chondrocytes was relatively neat. The cartilage layer was restored, and the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in cartilage tissue were significantly reduced. The protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, and P62 were significantly reduced in the rats in the middle-dose and high-dose groups of Syngnathus extract, and the Beclin1 protein expression was significantly increased. The protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and P62 in rats in the low-dose group of Syngnathus extract were significantly reduced. In summary, Syngnathus extract may be used to treat knee osteoarthritis by inhibiting the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, so as to alleviate the inflammatory response in the organism, enhance the autophagy activity of chondrocytes, and reduce the apoptosis of chondrocytes.
Animals
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Rats
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Humans
8.Study on mechanism of naringin in alleviating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury based on DRP1/LRRK2/MCU axis.
Kai-Mei TAN ; Hong-Yu ZENG ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Zi-Yang ZHOU ; Da-Hua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hong-Qing ZHAO ; Yu-Hong WANG ; Xiu-Li ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2484-2494
This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which naringin alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(CI/R) injury through DRP1/LRRK2/MCU signaling axis. A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, the model group, the sodium Danshensu group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose(50, 100, and 200 mg·kg~(-1)) naringin groups, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(tMCAO/R) model was established in SD rats using the suture method. Longa 5-point scale was used to assess neurological deficits. 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining was used to detect the volume percentage of cerebral infarction in rats. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Nissl staining were employed to assess neuronal structural alterations and the number of Nissl bodies in cortex, respectively. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 gene(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved cysteine-aspartate protease-3(cleaved caspase-3), mitochondrial calcium uniporter(MCU), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3), and P62. Mitochondrial structure and autophagy in cortical neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence assay was used to quantify the fluorescence intensities of MCU and mitochondrial calcium ion, as well as the co-localization of dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1) with leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2) and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20(TOMM20) with LC3 in cortical mitochondria. The results showed that compared with the model group, naringin significantly decreased the volume percentage of cerebral infarction and neurological deficit score in tMCAO/R rats, alleviated the structural damage and Nissl body loss of cortical neurons in tMCAO/R rats, inhibited autophagosomes in cortical neurons, and increased the average diameter of cortical mitochondria. The Western blot results showed that compared to the sham group, the model group exhibited increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, MCU, and the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio in the cortex and reduced protein levels of Bcl-2 and P62. However, naringin down-regulated the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, MCU and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and P62 proteins in cortical area. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed that compared with the model group, naringin and positive drug treatments significantly decreased the fluorescence intensities of MCU and mitochondrial calcium ion. Meanwhile, the co-localization of DRP1 with LRRK2 and TOMM20 with LC3 in cortical mitochondria was also decreased significantly after the intervention. These findings suggest that naringin can alleviate cortical neuronal damage in tMCAO/R rats by inhibiting DRP1/LRRK2/MCU-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation and the resultant excessive mitophagy.
Animals
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
;
Flavanones/administration & dosage*
;
Rats
;
Dynamins/genetics*
;
Male
;
Brain Ischemia/genetics*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
9.Mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction in improving autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal of rats with functional dyspepsia by regulation of IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway.
Ming-Kai LYU ; Yong-Qiang DUAN ; Jin JIN ; Wen-Chao SHAO ; Qi WU ; Yong TIAN ; Min BAI ; Ying-Xia CHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2237-2244
This study explored the mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction(XSLJZD) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathway-mediated autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC). Forty-eight SPF-grade male SD suckling rats were randomly divided into a blank group and a modeling group, and the integrated modeling method(iodoacetamide gavage + disturbance of hunger and satiety + swimming exhaustion) was used to replicate the FD rat model. After the model replications were successfully completed, the rats were divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of XSLJZD(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a positive drug group(mosapride of 1.35 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and the intervention lasted for 14 days. The gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in each group were measured. The histopathological changes in the gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The ultrastructure of ICC was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the protein expression of phospho-IRE1(p-IRE1), TNF receptor associated factors 2(TRAF2), phospho-ASK1(p-ASK1), phospho-JNK(p-JNK), p62, and Beclin1 in ICC of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Western blot was used to detect the related protein expression of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Compared with those in the blank group, the rats in the model group showed decreased body weight, gastric emptying rate, and intestinal propulsion rate, and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to the endoplasmic reticulum structure and increased autophagosomes in ICC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the ICC of gastric sinus tissue showed a significant elevation of p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins and a significant reduction of p62 protein. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. Compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of XSLJZD was increased, and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were increased. Transmission electron microscopy observed amelioration of structural damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of ICC and reduction of autophagosomes, and the p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins in the ICC of gastric sinus tissue were significantly decreased. The p62 protein was significantly increased. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. XSLJZD can effectively treat FD, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of molecules related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway in ICC and the improvement of autophagy to promote gastric motility in ICC.
Animals
;
Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism*
;
Dyspepsia/physiopathology*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5/genetics*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Endoribonucleases/genetics*
;
Multienzyme Complexes
10.Effect of Wenpi Pills on lipid metabolism in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by various diets.
Chen-Fang ZHANG ; Kai LIU ; Chao-Wen FAN ; Mei-Ting TAI ; Xin ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Qin-Wen CHEN ; Zun-Li KE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2730-2739
The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of Wenpi Pills(WPP) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). The experiment was divided into two parts, using C57BL/6 mouse models induced by a high-fat diet(HFD) and a methionine and choline deficiency diet(MCD). The HFD-induced experiment lasted for 16 weeks, while the MCD-induced experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Mice in both parts were divided into four groups: control group, model group, low-dose WPP group(3.875 g·kg~(-1), WPP_L), and high-dose WPP group(15.5 g·kg~(-1), WPP_H). After sample collection from the HFD-induced mice, lipid content in the serum and liver, liver function indexes in the serum, and hepatic pathology were examined. Real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of lipid-related genes. After sample collection from the MCD-induced mice, serum liver function indexes and inflammatory factors were measured, and hepatic pathology and lipid changes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and widely targeted lipidomic profiling, respectively. The results from the HFD-induced experiment showed that, compared with the HFD group, WPP administration significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), triglyceride(TG), and total cholesterol(TC) in the serum, with the WPP_H group showing the most significant improvement. HE staining results indicated that, compared with the HFD group, WPP treatment improved the morphology of white adipocytes, reducing their size, and alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid droplet accumulation. The qRT-PCR results suggested that WPP might increase the mRNA expression of liver cholesterol-converting genes, such as liver X receptor α(LXRα) and cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1(CYP27A1), as well as lipid consumption genes like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) and adenosine mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK). Meanwhile, WPP decreased the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis genes, including fatty acid synthetase(FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c(SREBP-1c), thereby reducing liver lipid accumulation. The results from the MCD-induced experiment showed that, compared with the MCD group, WPP administration reduced the levels of ALT, AST, and inflammatory factors in the serum, thereby alleviating liver injury and the inflammatory response. HE staining of liver tissue indicated that WPP effectively improved hepatic steatosis. Non-targeted lipidomics analysis showed that WPP improved lipid metabolism disorders in the liver, mainly by affecting the metabolism of TG and cholesterol esters. In conclusion, WPP can improve hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice induced by both HFD and MCD. This beneficial effect is primarily achieved by alleviating liver injury and inflammation, as well as regulating lipid metabolism.
Animals
;
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics*
;
Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*
;
Liver/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Methionine


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail