1.Pharmacodynamic Substance Basis and Mechanisms of Shangkeling Spray on Knee Osteoarthritis
Pengbo GUO ; Changhao XIAO ; Fei XIA ; Chong QIU ; Jigang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):206-216
ObjectiveTo analyze the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Shangkeling Spray and its potential mechanisms in intervening knee osteoarthritis (KOA) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking technology. MethodsUPLC-MS was used to identify the chemical components of Shangkeling Spray. Pharmacokinetic properties were employed to screen potential active ingredients. Network pharmacology methods were utilized to collect potential targets of these ingredients and the pathological gene set of KOA. An "active ingredient-disease" target network was constructed using databases such as STRING. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler. Libraries including NumPy were employed to calculate shortest path lengths to identify dominant pharmacodynamic links. Core gene clusters were identified using MCODE, validated through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and molecular docking was performed between key active ingredients and core targets. ResultsA total of 322 and 314 chemical components were identified under positive and negative ion modes, respectively, with 410 components in total after de-duplication, mainly including flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, organic acids, and alkaloids. Analysis of the "active ingredient-disease" network identified "development and regeneration", "cell growth and death", "immune system", and "nervous system" as the dominant pharmacodynamic links of Shangkeling Spray in the treatment of KOA. Molecular docking showed that key active ingredients, such as bletillin A, formononetin, morin, oxymatrine, aconitine, gallic acid, curdione, apigenin, naringenin, and oleanolic acid, tightly bound to functional domains of 10 key targets including Jun proteins(JUN), interleukin-6 (IL-6), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), Caspase-3, nuclear transcription factor-κB subunit p65(RELA), nuclear factor-kappaB1(NF-κB1), Cyclin D1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and Fos proto-oncogene protein (FOS). These interactions synergistically regulated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR-related signaling axis and nervous system-related pathways, mediating cartilage repair, reducing inflammation and pain, and improving KOA. ConclusionThis study preliminarily clarifies the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Shangkeling Spray and suggests that its main active ingredients may improve KOA by synergistically regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related pathways, providing a reference for subsequent exploration of its substance benchmark and mechanism of action.
2.Pathological Mechanism of Diabetes Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Menglu WANG ; Lu SHI ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Yinglan LYU ; Chen WANG ; Huimin LI ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Ziyi SHAN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):246-255
As people's living standards improve, the development trend of diabetes has gradually become severe. Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with abnormal expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in patients. NF-κB exists in various tissue cells and participates in the regulation of a variety of genes related to immune function and inflammation. Varieties of factors can activate NF-κB when the body is stimulated by external factors, so as to produce inflammation and other reactions. Previous studies on NF-κB mainly focus on cancer, and the pathological mechanism of the treatment of diabetes by related signaling pathways and the progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment have not been systematically elaborated on. By referring to the relevant literature in China and abroad, it was found that NF-κB is not isolated in the development and progression of diabetes but is associated with signal molecules related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism, and it is involved in mediating inflammation, pancreatic β cell apoptosis, insulin signal transduction, and other physiological functions. Therefore, blocking the transmission of NF-κB signaling pathway is beneficial to the treatment of diabetes. At present, Western medicine for the treatment of diabetes mainly includes oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections, but the adverse reactions are obvious. TCM has been characterized by multi-target, extensive action, and excellent curative effects in the treatment of diabetes. TCM and its compounds with functions of tonifying Qi and promoting blood circulation, regulating qi and eliminating phlegm, clearing heat and detoxifying, and nourishing Yin and moistening dryness can effectively intervene in the abnormal expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo through anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, the association between NF-κB signaling pathway and diabetes was summarized, and the modern research progress of TCM intervention of NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetes in the past five years was reviewed, so as to lay a laboratory foundation for the study of a new pathological mechanism of diabetes based on NF-κB signaling pathway and provide new targets and research direction for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and development of related TCM.
3.Transcriptomic and cellular decoding of scaffolds-induced suture mesenchyme regeneration
Wu JIAYI ; Li FEIFEI ; Yu PENG ; Yu CHANGHAO ; Han CHUYI ; Wang YITIAN ; Yu FANYUAN ; Ye LING
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(2):306-321
Precise orchestration of cell fate determination underlies the success of scaffold-based skeletal regeneration.Despite extensive studies on mineralized parenchymal tissue rebuilding,regenerating and maintaining undifferentiated mesenchyme within calvarial bone remain very challenging with limited advances yet.Current knowledge has evidenced the indispensability of rebuilding suture mesenchymal stem cell niches to avoid severe brain or even systematic damage.But to date,the absence of promising therapeutic biomaterials/scaffolds remains.The reason lies in the shortage of fundamental knowledge and methodological evidence to understand the cellular fate regulations of scaffolds.To address these issues,in this study,we systematically investigated the cellular fate determinations and transcriptomic mechanisms by distinct types of commonly used calvarial scaffolds.Our data elucidated the natural processes without scaffold transplantation and demonstrated how different scaffolds altered in vivo cellular responses.A feasible scaffold,polylactic acid electrospinning membrane(PLA),was next identified to precisely control mesenchymal ingrowth and self-renewal to rebuild non-osteogenic suture-like tissue at the defect center,meanwhile supporting proper osteointegration with defect bony edges.Especially,transcriptome analysis and cellular mechanisms underlying the well-orchestrated cell fate determination of PLA were deciphered.This study for the first time cellularly decoded the fate regulations of scaffolds in suture-bony composite defect healing,offering clinicians potential choices for regenerating such complicated injuries.
4.Genotype and phenotype of WWOX gene related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Ting WANG ; Miaomiao CHENG ; Wenwei LIU ; Quanzhen TAN ; Changhao LIU ; Ying YANG ; Xiaoling YANG ; Yuehua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(8):752-757
Objective:To summarize the genotype and clinical phenotype of children with WWOX gene related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE).Methods:Case series studies. The clinical data of 12 children with WWOX gene related DEE who were admitted to the Neurological Department of Children′s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital from June 2019 to December 2023 were analyzed. The children′s characteristics of gene variation, clinical phenotype, auxiliary examination results, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:Among 12 children with WWOX gene related DEE, there were 7 boys and 5 girls, the age of seizure onset ranged from 10 days to 6 months (median 1.8 months). Multiple seizure types were observed, including focal seizures in 10 cases, epileptic spasms in 9 cases, tonic seizures in 4 cases, myoclonic seizures in 1 case. Among 12 cases, 9 cases had multiple seizure types. All 12 cases showed microcephaly and global developmental delay. Video electroencephalography showed slowed background activity in 6 cases, hyperarrhythmia in 6 cases, multifocal discharges in 6 cases, and focal discharges in 1 case. Epileptic spasms were detected in 8 cases, tonic seizures in 4 cases and myoclonic seizures in 1 case. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral frontotemporal subarachnoid space widening in 5 cases, deep sulci in 3 cases, bilateral ventricular enlargement in 2 cases, callosal hypoplasia in 5 cases, and delayed white matter myelination in 3 cases. The phenotypes of 12 cases were consistent with the diagnosis of DEE, and 8 of them were diagnosed with infantile epileptic spasm syndrome. All the WWOX gene variants in 12 cases were complex heterozygous variants, including 20 variants, 11 variants and 1 large intragenic WWOX gene deletion (p.Ala149Thr, p.Arg156Ser, p.R167Tfs*8, p.Leu186Val, c.605+5G>A, p.Trp218*, p.His263Arg, p.Leu275fs*19*1, p.N285Kfs*10, p.Ser304Tyr, p.Met326Arg, loss1 exon2-8) had not been reported previously. The age of last follow-up ranged from 11 months to 5 years and 3 months. During the follow-up, 1 case died at the age of 1 year and 10 months, 2 cases were seizure-free, and 9 cases still had seizures after multiple anti-seizure medications.Conclusions:The seizure onset age of children with WWOX gene related DEE is usually less than 6 months, and some of them in neonate. The common seizure types include focal seizures and epileptic spasms. Children usually have microcephaly and global developmental delay. WWOX gene related DEE usually has drug refractory epilepsy.
5.Clinical features of KCNB1 gene variation related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Qi ZENG ; Ying YANG ; Miaomiao CHENG ; Ting WANG ; Quanzhen TAN ; Changhao LIU ; Xiaoling YANG ; Jianxiang LIAO ; Yuehua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(11):1064-1070
Objective:To summarize the clinical features of epilepsy and (or) developmental delay associated with KCNB1 gene variants in children.Methods:A case series study was conducted on 24 children with KCNB1 gene variants associated with epilepsy and (or) developmental delay who were treated at the Children′s Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital and the Department of Neurology of Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from July 2015 to June 2024. The manifestations of seizures, electroencephalogram (EEG) and genetic test results of those children were analyzed.Results:All the KCNB1 gene variants were de novo, involving 20 different variation, including 15 missense variations, 3 frameshift variations and 2 nonsense variations. There were 7 novel variations. Among the 24 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy children, there were 14 boys and 10 girls. The last follow-up age ranged from 9 months to 13 years and 9 months. Seizures were present in 21 children (88%), with onset ranging from 1 month to 7 years, and 76% (16/21) began before 2 years of age. The seizure types included focal seizures in 15 children (71%), epileptic spasms, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in 6 children respectively, atypical absence seizures in 4 children, and myoclonic atonic seizures in 1 child. Seventeen children (81%) had a cluster of seizures and 5 had a history of focal status epilepticus with impaired consciousness. All 24 children had varying degrees of developmental delay, with 3 presenting solely developmental delay. EEG abnormalities were present in all the 21 children with seizures, including focal or multifocal discharges in 20 children, generalized discharges in 10 children, hypsarrhythmia in 2 children, and electrical status epilepticus during sleep in 3 children. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were found in 5 of the 24 children. Among the 21 children with seizures, 57% (12/21) achieved seizure control.Conclusions:KCNB1 gene variants are predominantly de novo missense variation. Most affected children present with epilepsy, though some may exhibit only developmental delay. Epilepsy often begins before 2 years of age, with focal seizures being the most common type. About 80% of patients experience clustered seizures. Although most patients achieve seizure control, they still exhibit varying degrees of developmental delay, consistent with developmental epileptic encephalopathy.
6.Application of arterial spin labeling techniques in autism spectrum disorder with or without global developmental delay
Yanyong SHEN ; Xin ZHAO ; Chi QIN ; Meiying CHENG ; Hongrui REN ; Yongbing SUN ; Xiaoxue ZHANG ; Changhao WANG ; Xiao'an ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(3):443-446
Objective To measure and compare the cerebral blood flow(CBF)of children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD),global developmental delay(GDD),and ASD with GDD groups via arterial spin labeling(ASL)technique,and to evaluate the diag-nostic value of CBF values.Methods ASL images of ASD,GDD,and ASD with GDD groups of children were firstly acquired,and the CBF values of frontal lobe,temporal lobe,parietal lobe,occipital lobe,striatum and thalamus region of interest(ROI)were fur-ther measured,respectively.One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences in CBF values among these three groups,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacy of CBF values in distinguishing ASD with GDD from without GDD.Results ASD with GDD had significantly lower CBF values in the left and right frontal lobes than those with ASD or GDD alone,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The CBF values in the left and right frontal lobes effectively distinguished ASD with GDD from without GDD[area under the curve(AUC)>0.7].Conclusion ASL technique can noninvasively assess CBF in children with or without GDD,helping to understand the pathophysiology of ASD with GDD and improving diagnostic accuracy.
7.Application of Ancient Books in Clinical Practice Guidelines and Expert Consensus of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Current Status and Methodological Recommendations
Changhao LIANG ; Dingran YIN ; Jing CUI ; Xinshuai YAO ; Xinyi GU ; Yifei YAN ; Wanting LIU ; Yingqiao WANG ; Yingqi CHANG ; Haoyu DONG ; Mengqi LI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yutong FEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(8):801-809
ObjectiveTo explore the current status and issues regarding the application of ancient books in clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) published in China, and to provide methodological recommendations for the incorporation of ancient books in the development of TCM guidelines. MethodsWe searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, as well as six industry websites including China Association of Chinese Medicine, National Group Standards Information Platform, and Chinese Association of the Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine,etc. TCM clinical practice guidelines or expert consensus issued during January 1st, 2017, to November 26th, 2022 were searched. Clinical practice guidelines or expert consensus that explicitly referred to ancient books were included, and the content regarding the searching for ancient books, sources of access to ancient books, methods of evaluating the level of evidence, methods of evaluating the level of recommendation, and methods of evaluating the evidence for the ancient books were analysed. ResultsA total of 1,215 TCM clinical practice guidelines or expert consensus were retrieved, with 442 articles explicitly mentioning the application of ancient books, including 300 (67.87%) clinical practice guidelines and 142 (32.13%) expert consensus. Sixty of the 442 publications explicitly reported that ancient books searching had been conducted (13.57%); among these 60 publications 27 (45.00%) explicitly reported ancient books searching strategies, and the most frequent method was manual searching with a total of 24 articles (40.00%). The most popular search source was Chinese Medical Dictionary, a TCM classics database, with a total of 18 articles. 197 articles (44.57%) explicitly reported the evaluation criteria for the level of evidence, of which 141 articles (71.57%) involved the evaluation criteria for the ancient books; 413 articles (93.44%) mentioned ancient books in the recommendations, and only the source of formula name was mentioned in 409 (99.03%) of the publications. ConclusionThe current application of ancient books in TCM clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus is limited, with issues of non-standard searching and evaluation methods. Standar-dization and uniformity are needed in evidence grading and recommendation standards. Future research should clarify the scope and methods of applying ancient book, emphasize their integration with modern research evidence, and enhance their value and quality in the development of TCM clinical practice guidelines.
8.Effect and Mechanism of Water Extract of Mori Folium on Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue of T2DM Mice
Huilin ZHANG ; Yongcheng AN ; Changhao HE ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):43-50
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of water extract of Mori Folium (MLE) on oxidative stress in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and explore its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose MLE (MLE-L) group, and high-dose MLE (MLE-H) group according to their body weight and blood glucose, with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the metformin group were given 200 mg·kg-1 metformin suspension, and the mice in the MLE-L and MLE-H groups were respectively given 2 g·kg-1 and 4 g·kg-1 MLE, while the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by daily gavage for eight weeks. Body weight, subcutaneous fat index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and oral glucose tolerance level (OGTT) of the mice were detected, and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The expression levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and NADPH oxidase type 4 (NOX4) protein in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the mice were detected by Western blot. ResultThe FBG level, OGTT, and subcutaneous fat index of T2DM mice were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) after administration of MLE compared with the blank group. The contents of serum SOD and GSH were significantly increased, while the level of oxidative stress damage marker MDA was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of SIRT1 protein in adipose tissue was significantly increased, while the expression of NOX4 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can ameliorate T2DM by alleviating oxidative stress in adipose tissue of T2DM mice and reducing blood glucose.
9.Protective Effect and Mechanism of Mori Folium Extract on Kidney of db/db Diabetic Mice
Yan HUANG ; Huilin ZHANG ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):51-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of Mori Folium extract (MLE) on the kidney of db/db diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male C57BLKS/JGpt-Leprdb/Leprdb (db/db) mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose group of MLE (MLE-L), and high-dose group of MLE (MLE-H) according to their fasting blood glucose (FBG), with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate (m/m) mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the drug administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, and the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by gavage once a day for continuous eight weeks. Body weight, bilateral kidney weight, and FBG were measured, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The pathological changes in the kidney tissue of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-silver (PAS) staining, and serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and urinary microalbumin (U-mAlb) of mice. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) protein in kidney tissue of mice were tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group, the body weight, absolute renal weight, FBG, and the area under the curve (AUC) of OGTT of mice in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the levels of SCr, BUN, and U-mAlb, as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of mice was thicker, with obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the kidney tissue of mice were increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, there was no statistical difference in the body weight of mice in each drug administration group. The absolute renal weight of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The FBG levels of mice in the metformin, MLE-L, and MLE-H groups started to decrease after treatment for four to eight weeks (P<0.05, P<0.01). The AUC of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of SCr, BUN, and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of SCr and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-L group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The renal tissue pathology of mice in each drug administration group was improved to varying degrees, and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the MLE-H group were decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can improve the renal structure and function of db/db diabetic mice, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Extraction Process and Mechanism of Active Ingredients of Mori Folium for Lowering Blood Glucose: A Review
Jiamei XIE ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Menglu WANG ; Yuhang DU ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Wanxin FU ; Ziyi SHAN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):60-69
Mori Folium, the dried leaves of Morus alba, is widely used in clinical practice for dispersing wind and heat, clearing the lung and moistening dryness, soothing the liver and improving vision, and cooling blood and stopping bleeding. It has been used to regulate blood glucose since ancient times, and modern studies have shown that the active components of Mori Folium for lowering blood glucose mainly include flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and phenols. These components are mainly extracted by solvents such as water and alcohols with the assistance of ultrasound and microwave. In addition, new extraction methods are emerging, such as CO2 supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, and cloud point extraction. Mori Folium lowers blood glucose via multiple components, pathways, and targets. Specifically, it can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, protect pancreatic β cells, and alleviate insulin resistance to reduce the damage caused by hyperglycemia and restore normal physiological functions. Although a large number of studies have been carried out on diabetes, the causes and radical treatment methods remain to be explored, and diabetes is still a major disease that endangers human health and needs to be solved urgently. The articles about extraction process and mechanism of active components in Mori Folium for lowering blood glucose were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and PubMed. We analyzed the applicable extraction methods for the blood glucose-lowering components such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids in Mori Folium, and compared the conventional and emerging methods. Furthermore, we summarized our research achievements in the extraction of active components from Mori Folium and the blood glucose-lowering effect and mechanisms. This review aims to provide theoretical support for the optimization of the extraction process, the research on the blood glucose-lowering components and mechanism, and the development of new drugs and clinical application of Mori Folium.

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