1.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
2.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
3.Effects of resistance training on quadriceps mass and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia
Jian ZHOU ; Tao ZHANG ; Weili ZHOU ; Xingcheng ZHAO ; Jun WANG ; Jie SHEN ; Li QIAN ; Ming LU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1081-1088
BACKGROUND:The quadriceps strength of patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia is significantly reduced,which can further reduce the function of the knee joint,affect the function of the lower limbs and even lead to a decrease in whole-body coordination.It is speculated that a reasonable quadriceps training program and personalized guidance are beneficial to the recovery of knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of short-term moderate-intensity resistance rehabilitation training on the mass and function of the quadriceps and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.METHODS:Using the integrated physical examination and rehabilitation model,375 patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia were screened at the Health Management Center of Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.They underwent 12 weeks of combined/comprehensive exercise rehabilitation based on resistance exercise,including quadriceps resistance isotonic and isometric contraction training twice a week(3-5 sets each time,10-15 minutes per set)and aerobic exercise/balance exercise two or three times a week(30 minutes each time).Assessments and data collection were performed before rehabilitation training,12 weeks after rehabilitation training,and at follow-up 12 weeks after stopping rehabilitation training,mainly including knee joint range of motion and proprioception,quadriceps muscle strength,and cross-sectional area(magnetic resonance imaging results),pain,knee joint function(Hospital for Special Surgery score)and walking function("up-and-go"time and 6 m pace test results)as well as the patient's psychological status assessment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:All 375 patients completed 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and 12 weeks of follow-up without any adverse events.(1)Compared with before training,the patients' gait speed and knee range of motion increased significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P<0.01),the time of"stand-to-walk"decreased(P<0.01),and the proprioception of the knee joint and the strength of the quadriceps femoris were significantly improved(P<0.01);and at the follow-up visit 12 weeks after stopping training,the above indicators and functions of the patients were well maintained(P>0.05).(2)Magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the effective cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris did not improve significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P>0.05);but the Hospital for Special Surgery score of knee joint function increased significantly(P<0.01),and the visual analog pain scale score decreased significantly(P<0.01),suggesting that this may be related to the improvement of quadriceps femoris quality by resistance rehabilitation training.(3)The results of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score showed that the anxiety and depression scores of the patients continued to decrease,both at 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and at 12 weeks after stopping training(P<0.01).It is suggested that resistance rehabilitation training of the quadriceps can help patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia to restore quadriceps muscle strength,increase range of motion,improve proprioception and joint stability,thereby enhancing knee joint function,reducing pain,improving depression and anxiety,and to a certain extent promoting the coordinated recovery of the musculoskeletal system.
4.Effects of resistance training on quadriceps mass and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia
Jian ZHOU ; Tao ZHANG ; Weili ZHOU ; Xingcheng ZHAO ; Jun WANG ; Jie SHEN ; Li QIAN ; Ming LU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1081-1088
BACKGROUND:The quadriceps strength of patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia is significantly reduced,which can further reduce the function of the knee joint,affect the function of the lower limbs and even lead to a decrease in whole-body coordination.It is speculated that a reasonable quadriceps training program and personalized guidance are beneficial to the recovery of knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of short-term moderate-intensity resistance rehabilitation training on the mass and function of the quadriceps and knee joint function in patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia.METHODS:Using the integrated physical examination and rehabilitation model,375 patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia were screened at the Health Management Center of Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.They underwent 12 weeks of combined/comprehensive exercise rehabilitation based on resistance exercise,including quadriceps resistance isotonic and isometric contraction training twice a week(3-5 sets each time,10-15 minutes per set)and aerobic exercise/balance exercise two or three times a week(30 minutes each time).Assessments and data collection were performed before rehabilitation training,12 weeks after rehabilitation training,and at follow-up 12 weeks after stopping rehabilitation training,mainly including knee joint range of motion and proprioception,quadriceps muscle strength,and cross-sectional area(magnetic resonance imaging results),pain,knee joint function(Hospital for Special Surgery score)and walking function("up-and-go"time and 6 m pace test results)as well as the patient's psychological status assessment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:All 375 patients completed 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and 12 weeks of follow-up without any adverse events.(1)Compared with before training,the patients' gait speed and knee range of motion increased significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P<0.01),the time of"stand-to-walk"decreased(P<0.01),and the proprioception of the knee joint and the strength of the quadriceps femoris were significantly improved(P<0.01);and at the follow-up visit 12 weeks after stopping training,the above indicators and functions of the patients were well maintained(P>0.05).(2)Magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the effective cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris did not improve significantly after 12 weeks of rehabilitation training(P>0.05);but the Hospital for Special Surgery score of knee joint function increased significantly(P<0.01),and the visual analog pain scale score decreased significantly(P<0.01),suggesting that this may be related to the improvement of quadriceps femoris quality by resistance rehabilitation training.(3)The results of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score showed that the anxiety and depression scores of the patients continued to decrease,both at 12 weeks of rehabilitation training and at 12 weeks after stopping training(P<0.01).It is suggested that resistance rehabilitation training of the quadriceps can help patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia to restore quadriceps muscle strength,increase range of motion,improve proprioception and joint stability,thereby enhancing knee joint function,reducing pain,improving depression and anxiety,and to a certain extent promoting the coordinated recovery of the musculoskeletal system.
5.Modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction Alleviates Gastric Precancerous Conditions in Mice by Regulating Mitochondrial Function via FoxO3/ROS Signaling Pathway
Yueqiang WEN ; Li ZHOU ; Dan LUO ; Maoyuan ZHAO ; Jun HAN ; Xueyi LI ; Jianguo LI ; Zhelin HE ; Tao SHEN ; Jinhao ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):216-225
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of modified Huangqi Jianzhong decoction (HQJZ) on gastric precancerous conditions (GPC). MethodsIn the cell experiment, human gastric mucosal epithelial cells underwent malignant transformation induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) for the modeling of GPC (MC cells). The cells were allocated into four groups: control , model, low-dose HQJZ (HQJZ-L), and high-dose HQJZ (HQJZ-H). The control and model groups were cultured with the complete medium, while HQJZ-L and HQJZ-H groups received additional interventions with HQJZ at low (0.5 g·L-1) and high (1.0 g·L-1) doses, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity, Transwell assay to assess cell invasion, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining to detect apoptosis, immunofluorescence assay to analyze reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression and mitochondrial autophagy, and Western blot to verify expression of proteins in key pathways. In the animal experiment, the GPC model was established in healthy BALB/c mice through MNNG induction. Twenty-four mice were allocated into four groups: control, model, HQJZ-L, and HQJZ-H. Control and model groups received normal saline (10 mL·kg-1·d-1) orally, while HQJZ-L and HQJZ-H groups were administrated with low-dose (6.24 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose (12.48 g·kg-1·d-1) HQJZ, respectively. After treatment, hematoxylin‑eosin (HE) staining and AB-PAS staining were performed to observe histopathological changes in the gastric tissue. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) levels in the gastric mucosa, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining to assess apoptosis rates, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to analyze the expression levels of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and foxhead box O3 (FoxO3). ResultsCell viability assays showed that HQJZ dose-dependently reduced MC cell viability compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transwell assays revealed that the model group exhibited enhanced cell invasion compared with the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, HQJZ treatment attenuated the cell invasion (P<0.05). Gastric mucosal pathology in mice demonstrated that compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated HE and AB-PAS pathological scores (P<0.05), while HQJZ treatment reduced these scores (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial number and volume in the model group compared with the control group. HQJZ treatment resulted in abnormal mitochondrial structure and significant alterations in rough endoplasmic reticulum morphology and distribution, presenting as dilated and hollow forms. Mitochondrial and apoptosis assessments indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited enhanced Mito Tracker Green fluorescence (P<0.05), no significant change in DCFH-DA fluorescence, Mito Tracker Red CMXRos fluorescence, ROS immunofluorescence, or malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased GSH level (P<0.05), enhanced LC3 fluorescence (P<0.05), no significant change in apoptosis rate, and elevated ATP content in cells and mouse serum (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, HQJZ treatment reduced Mito Tracker Green fluorescence (P<0.05), increased DCFH-DA fluorescence, Mito Tracker Red fluorescence, MDA level, LC3 fluorescence, and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and decreased cellular ATP content (P<0.05). The HQJZ-L group showed no significant change in ROS immunofluorescence or GSH level, whereas the HQJZ-H group demonstrated enhanced ROS immunofluorescence and glutathione (GSH) level (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased numbers of PCNA- and Ki67-positive cells (P<0.05) and elevated protein levels of FoxO3, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6) (P<0.05). HQJZ treatment reduced the numbers of PCNA- and Ki67-positive cells (P<0.05) and lowered the protein levels of FoxO3, SIRT1, and Bcl-6 (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ alleviates the progression of gastric precancerous lesions by regulating mitochondrial function via the FoxO3/ROS pathway and promoting apoptosis of GPC-malignant cells.
6.Research progress on the structural modification of isosteviol and the biological activities of its derivatives
Li-jun ZHAO ; You-fu YANG ; Tong-sheng WANG ; Yan-li ZHANG ; Ya WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):22-36
Isosteviol is a tetracyclic diterpenoid compound obtained by hydrolysis of natural stevia glycoside under acidic conditions. It has many pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Due to its low water solubility, low activity and low bioavailability, isosteviol has poor performance. In order to overcome these shortcomings, scholars have obtained a large number of isosteviol derivatives with novel structures and excellent activity. In this paper, we review the recent progress in the research on the structure modification, biological activity, structure-activity relationship and microbial transformation of isosteviol, in order to provide a reference for the development of new drugs of isosteviol and its derivatives.
7.Evaluation of PEscore performance in predicting platelet transfusion efficacy in hematological patients
Jun LI ; Lan WANG ; Yihua XIE ; Ziqi CHEN ; Gang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):797-802
Objective: To evaluate the performance of platelet efficacy score (PEscore) in predicting platelet transfusion efficacy in hematological patients. Methods: A total of 485 patients with hematological diseases, including 298 males (62.09±15.45 years) and 187 females (59.17±16.52 years) who received platelet transfusion from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024 were enrolled in this study. Clinical data of the patients such as diagnosis, gender, age, number of platelet transfusion, and platelet antibody data were analyzed to investigate the incidence and influencing factors of platelet transfusion refractoriness in hematological patients at our hospital. ROC curve was used to evaluate the performance of PEscore model in predicting platelet transfusion efficacy. The predictive performance of PEscore model was validated by calculating its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in 115 clinical cases. Results: The incidence of platelet transfusion refractoriness in 485 cases was 29.90% (145/485). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between the effective and ineffective platelet transfusion groups regarding the following factors: diagnosis: lymphoma [55.32% (26/47) vs 44.68% (21/47)], the number of previous platelet transfusions [≥25: 60.78% (31/51) vs 39.22% (20/51)], platelet antibody screening result [positive: 33.76% (53/157) vs 66.24% (104/157)], and platelet transfusion volume (×10
/L) [>6: 62.71% (74/118) vs 37.29% (44/118)]. The area under the ROC curve of PEscore was 0.876. The cut-off points and corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 19.90.59% and 69.44%, respectively. The results of clinical application showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the PEscore model for predicting platelet transfusion were 87.50%, 93.41% and 92.17%, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of platelet transfusion refractoriness in hematological patients is relatively high. PEscore prediction model has a good performance in predicting the effect of platelet transfusion, which can provide a reliable basis for predicting the effect of platelet transfusion in hematological patients before blood transfusion.
8.Association between herbicide exposure and liver enzyme levels in a middle-aged and elderly population
Weiya LI ; Zhuoya ZHAO ; Xu CHENG ; Jun AN ; Shiyang ZHANG ; Chengyong JIA ; Meian HE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):699-705
Background The widespread use of herbicides has led to environmental contamination and has implications for human health. The liver is an important organ for the detoxification of environmental pollutants; however, studies on the association between herbicide exposure and liver function are limited. Objectives To investigate the association between baseline serum herbicide levels and changes in liver enzyme levels and liver enzyme abnormalities over a 5-year period in middle-aged and older adults. Methods This study was based on a nested case-control population of type 2 diabetes established in the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort, with a total of
9.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
10.Sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum Improves Neuroinflammation by Regulating JNK Phosphorylation
Ziyu YIN ; Yun GAO ; Junjiao WANG ; Weigang XUE ; Xueping PANG ; Huiting LIU ; Yunfang ZHAO ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI ; Jiao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):139-145
ObjectiveTo study the pharmacological substances and mechanisms through which sesquiterpene ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum improves neuroinflammation. MethodsBV-2 microglial cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce neuroinflammation. The cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, and the ZH-13 low- and high-dose treatment groups (10, 20 μmol·L-1). The model group was treated with 1 μmol·L-1 LPS. Cell viability was assessed using the cell proliferation and activity assay (CCK-8 kit). Nitric oxide (NO) release in the cell supernatant was measured using a nitric oxide kit (Griess method). The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, ZH-13 dose-dependently reduced NO release from BV-2 cells under LPS stimulation (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the 20 μmol·L-1 ZH-13 treatment group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6 were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In both the low- and high-dose ZH-13 groups, the expression of the inflammatory factor TNF-α and the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the upstream MAPK pathway were significantly reduced (P<0.05). After stimulation with the JNK agonist anisomycin (Ani), both low- and high-dose ZH-13 treatment groups showed reduced phosphorylation of JNK proteins compared to the Ani-treated group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe sesquiterpene compound ZH-13 from Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum significantly ameliorates LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV-2 cells by inhibiting excessive JNK phosphorylation and reducing TNF-α expression. These findings elucidate the pharmacological substances and mechanisms underlying the sedative and calming effects of Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum.

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