1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Depression Based on Signaling Pathway Regulation: A Review
Jinjiang XU ; Li WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Jingjing XIE ; Haobin CHEN ; En ZHAO ; Man ZHANG ; Jianye DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):319-328
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels, but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex, and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression, involving multiple pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB), cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB), and others. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems, involving liver Qi stagnation, heart spirit deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, calming the heart, and replenishing essence, with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan, Zishui Qinggan Yin, and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi, such as salidroside, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and muscone. External TCM treatments, primarily acupuncture, aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui, Shenting, and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally, massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression, aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.
2.Effect of Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema in Preventing Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Female Rats
Xinyu DENG ; Chunhua MA ; Zimeng WANG ; Man TANG ; Xinran LI ; Lurong YU ; Xianyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):117-124
ObjectiveTo observe the prevention and control effect of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in female rats. MethodsForty rats were assigned into control, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose processed P. cyrtonema groups according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of depression was established with the CUMS method. The body mass, open field test, forced swimming test, Morris water maze test, levels of neurotransmitters [dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-TH), and acetylcholine (ACh)], serum levels of sex hormones [gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10], and mRNA and protein levels of factors in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TRKB)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway were employed to evaluate the effect of processed P. cyrtonema on the CUMS-induced depression in female rats. ResultsThe body mass, open field test results, and forced swimming test results showed that the rat model of depression was successfully established. The comparison of behaviors, neurotransmitters, sex hormones, inflammatory factors, and neural pathways among groups showed that processed P. cyrtonema had different effects of preventing the development of depression in female rats. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis of error and significance. T test was conducted between groups. Each treatment group showed significant therapeutic effect compared with the model group (P<0.05). Processed P. cyrtonema elevated the level of 5-TH (P<0.01) and lowered the levels of DA and ACh (P<0.01) in the brain tissue of female rats. In addition, it reduced the serum levels of GnRH, T, E2, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05) and up-regulated the mRNA levels of BDNF and TRKB in the rat brain. ConclusionProcessed P. cyrtonema has a non-hyperactive preventive effect on CUMS-induced depression in rats, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of processed P. cyrtonema as a functional food product.
3.Effect of Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema in Preventing Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Female Rats
Xinyu DENG ; Chunhua MA ; Zimeng WANG ; Man TANG ; Xinran LI ; Lurong YU ; Xianyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):117-124
ObjectiveTo observe the prevention and control effect of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in female rats. MethodsForty rats were assigned into control, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose processed P. cyrtonema groups according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of depression was established with the CUMS method. The body mass, open field test, forced swimming test, Morris water maze test, levels of neurotransmitters [dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-TH), and acetylcholine (ACh)], serum levels of sex hormones [gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10], and mRNA and protein levels of factors in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TRKB)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway were employed to evaluate the effect of processed P. cyrtonema on the CUMS-induced depression in female rats. ResultsThe body mass, open field test results, and forced swimming test results showed that the rat model of depression was successfully established. The comparison of behaviors, neurotransmitters, sex hormones, inflammatory factors, and neural pathways among groups showed that processed P. cyrtonema had different effects of preventing the development of depression in female rats. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis of error and significance. T test was conducted between groups. Each treatment group showed significant therapeutic effect compared with the model group (P<0.05). Processed P. cyrtonema elevated the level of 5-TH (P<0.01) and lowered the levels of DA and ACh (P<0.01) in the brain tissue of female rats. In addition, it reduced the serum levels of GnRH, T, E2, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05) and up-regulated the mRNA levels of BDNF and TRKB in the rat brain. ConclusionProcessed P. cyrtonema has a non-hyperactive preventive effect on CUMS-induced depression in rats, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of processed P. cyrtonema as a functional food product.
4.Hesperidin Suppressed Colorectal Cancer through Inhibition of Glycolysis.
Ke-Xiang SUN ; Wei-Shan TAN ; Hao-Yue WANG ; Jia-Min GAO ; Shu-Yun WANG ; Man-Li XIE ; Wan-Li DENG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(6):529-540
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the role of the natural compound hesperidin in glycolysis, the key ratelimiting enzyme, in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines.
METHODS:
In vitro, HCT116 and SW620 were treated with different doses of hesperidin (0-500 µmol/L), cell counting kit-8 and colone formation assays were utilized to detected inhibition effect of hesperidin on CRC cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to detect the ability of hesperidin (0, 25, 50 and 75 µmol/L) to migrate CRC cells. To confirm the apoptotic-inducing effect of hesperidin, apoptosis and cycle assays were employed. Western blot, glucose uptake, and lactate production determination measurements were applied to determine inhibitory effects of hesperidin (0, 25 and 50 µmol/L) on glycolysis. In vivo, according to the random number table method, nude mice with successful tumor loading were randomly divided into vehicle, low-dose hesperidin (20 mg/kg) and high-dose hesperidin (60 mg/kg) groups, with 6 mice in each group. The body weights and tumor volumes of mice were recorded during 4-week treatment. The expression of key glycolysis rate-limiting enzymes was determined using Western blot, and glucose uptake and lactate production were assessed. Finally, protein interactions were probed with DirectDIA Quantitative Proteomics, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses.
RESULTS:
Hesperidin could inhibit CRC cell line growth (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, hesperidin presented an inhibitory effect on the migrating abilities of CRC cells. Hesperidin also promoted apoptosis and cell cycle alterations (P<0.05). The immunoblotting results manifested that hesperidin decreased the levels of hexokinase 2, glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1), GLUT3, L-lactate dehydrogenase A, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2), PFKFB3, and pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (P<0.01). It remarkably suppressed tumor xenograft growth in nude mice. GO and KEGG analyses showed that hesperidin treatment altered metabolic function.
CONCLUSION
Hesperidin inhibits glycolysis and is a potential therapeutic choice for CRC treatment.
Hesperidin/therapeutic use*
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Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Glycolysis/drug effects*
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Animals
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Humans
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Mice, Nude
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Glucose/metabolism*
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Cell Cycle/drug effects*
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice
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HCT116 Cells
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Lactic Acid
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Element, Evolutionary Patterns of Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute on Chronic Liver Failure at Different Stages: A Multi-Center Clinical Study
Simiao YU ; Kewei SUN ; Zhengang ZHANG ; Hanmin LI ; Xiuhui LI ; Hongzhi YANG ; Qin LI ; Lin WANG ; Xiaozhou ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Jianchun GUO ; Yunhui ZHUO ; Xianbo WANG ; Xin DENG ; Jiefei WANG ; Wukui CAO ; Shuqin ZHANG ; Mingxiang ZHANG ; Jun LI ; Man GONG ; Chao ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(12):1262-1268
ObjectiveTo explore the syndrome elements and evolving patterns of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) at different stages. MethodsClinical information of 1,058 hospitalized HBV-ACLF patients, including 618 in the early stage, 355 in the middle stage, and 85 in the late stage, were collected from 18 clinical centers across 12 regions nationwide from January 1, 2012 to February 28, 2015. The “Hepatitis B-related Chronic and Acute Liver Failure Chinese Medicine Clinical Questionnaire” were designed to investigate the basic information of the patients, like the four diagnostic information (including symptoms, tongue, pulse) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and to count the frequency of the appearance of the four diagnostic information. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were employed to determine and statistically analyze the syndrome elements and patterns of HBV-ACLF patients at different stages. ResultsThere were 76 four diagnostic information from 1058 HBV-ACLF patients, and 53 four diagnostic information with a frequency of occurrence ≥ 5% were used as factor analysis entries, including 36 symptom information, 12 tongue information, and 5 pulse information. Four types of TCM patterns were identified in HBV-ACLF, which were liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern, qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern, liver-kidney yin deficiency pattern, and spleen-kidney yang-deficiency pattern. In the early stage, heat (39.4%, 359/912) and dampness (27.5%, 251/912) were most common, and the pattern of the disease was dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern (74.6%, 461/618); in the middle stage, dampness (30.2%, 187/619) and blood stasis (20.7%, 128/619) were most common, and the patterns of the disease were dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern (53.2%, 189/355), and qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern (27.6%, 98/355); and in the late stage, the pattern of the disease was dominated by qi deficiency (26.3%, 40/152) and yin deficiency (20.4%, 31/152), and the patterns were dominated by qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern (36.5%, 31/85), and liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern (25.9%, 22/85). ConclusionThere are significant differences in the distribution of syndrome elements and patterns at different stages of HBV-ACLF, presenting an overall trend of evolving patterns as "from excess to deficiency, transforming from excess to deficiency", which is damp-heat → blood stasis → qi-blood yin-yang deficiency.
6.The role of glucose metabolism reprogramming and its targeted therapeutic agents in inflammation-related diseases
Yi WEI ; Xiao-man JIANG ; Shi-lin XIA ; Jing XU ; Ya LI ; Ran DENG ; Yan WANG ; Hong WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):511-519
Cells undergo glucose metabolism reprogramming under the influence of the inflammatory microenvironment, changing their primary mode of energy supply from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. This process is involved in all stages of inflammation-related diseases development. Glucose metabolism reprogramming not only changes the metabolic pattern of individual cells, but also disrupts the metabolic homeostasis of the body microenvironment, which further promotes aerobic glycolysis and provides favourable conditions for the malignant progression of inflammation-related diseases. The metabolic enzymes, transporter proteins, and metabolites of aerobic glycolysis are all key signalling molecules, and drugs can inhibit aerobic glycolysis by targeting these specific key molecules to exert therapeutic effects. This paper reviews the impact of glucose metabolism reprogramming on the development of inflammation-related diseases such as inflammation-related tumours, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, and the therapeutic effects of drugs targeting glucose metabolism reprogramming on these diseases.
7.YTE-17 inhibits colonic carcinogenesis by resetting antitumor immune response via Wnt5a/JNK mediated metabolic signaling
Sui HUA ; Deng WANLI ; Chai QIONG ; Han BING ; Zhang YULI ; Wei ZHENZHEN ; Li ZAN ; Wang TING ; Feng JILING ; Yuan MAN ; Tang QINGFENG ; Xu HONGXI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(4):525-541
The density and composition of lymphocytes infiltrating colon tumors serve as predictive factors for the clinical outcome of colon cancer.Our previous studies highlighted the potent anti-cancer properties of the principal compounds found in Garcinia yunnanensis(YTE-17),attributing these effects to the regu-lation of multiple signaling pathways.However,knowledge regarding the mechanism and effect of YTE-17 in the prevention of colorectal cancer is limited.In this study,we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ)analysis on intestinal epithelial cells(IECs)exposed YTE-17,both in vitro and in vivo,revealing a significant inhibition of the Wnt family member 5a(Wnt5a)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway.Subsequently,we elucidated the influence and mechanism of YTE-17 on the tumor microenvironment(TME),specifically focusing on macrophage-mediated T helper 17(Th17)cell induction in a colitis-associated cancer(CAC)model with Wnt5a deletion.Additionally,we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)on the colonic tissue from the Wnt5a-deleted CAC model to characterize the composition,lineage,and functional status of immune mesenchymal cells during different stages of colorectal cancer(CRC)progression.Remarkably,our findings demon-strate a significant reduction in M2 macrophage polarization and Th17 cell phenotype upon treatment with YTE-17,leading to the restoration of regulatory T(Treg)/Th17 cell balance in azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)model.Furthermore,we also confirmed that YTE-17 effectively inhibited the glycolysis of Th17 cells in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with M2 macrophages.Notably,our study shed light on potential mechanisms linking the non-canonical Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway and well-established canonical β-catenin oncogenic pathway in vivo.Specifically,we proposed that Wnt5a/JNK signaling activity in IECs promotes the development of cancer stem cells with β-catenin activity within the TME,involving macrophages and T cells.In summary,our study undergoes the po-tential of YTE-17 as a preventive strategy against CRC development by addressing the imbalance with the immune microenvironment,thereby mitigating the risk of malignancies.
8.Prediction of mild cognitive impairment in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by walking speed combined with life-space mobility
Haiyan ZHANG ; Weihua YU ; Li ZHANG ; Man DENG ; Yuxi ZHANG ; Xia YANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(12):1567-1574
Objective:To investigate the relationship between walking speed, life-space mobility (LSM), cognitive function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in community, and compare the predictive value of walking speed and LSM alone and combined in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 448 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from three communities in Hefei City were selected as the research objects from September 2022 to May 2023. Daily walking speed was measured using the 4-Meter Walking Speed, LSM was assessed using the Chinese version of Life-Space Assessment (LSA), and cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Participants were divided to the MCI group and non-MCI group. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships between walking speed, LSM and cognitive function. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between walking speed, LSM and MCI. Area under the curve ( AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to compare the effects of walking speed and Chinese version LSA score on the prediction of MCI alone and in combination. Results:The walking speed and the Chinese version LSA score were both positively correlated with the Chinese version MoCA score ( r=0.598, 0.543; P<0.05). Chinese version LSA score ( OR=0.942) and walking speed score ( OR=0.490) were influencing factors for MCI in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( P<0.05). The AUC for walking speed in predicting MCI was 0.875, with a cutoff value of 3 points. Chinese version LSA score in predicting MCI had an AUC of 0.887 with a cutoff value of 59 points. When used in combination, they achieved an AUC of 0.915, with cutoff values of 55 points for Chinese version LSA scores and 3 points for walking speed scores. Conclusions:The combination of walking speed and LSM can more accurately predict the occurrence of MCI in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus than the single application, which provide a reference for improving the cognitive function of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
9.Mediating effect of self-rated health and aging attitudes on the relationship between life space and psychological distress among community-dwelling older adults
Xia YANG ; Weihua YU ; Yuxi ZHANG ; Man DENG ; Ying REN ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(31):4229-4234
Objective:To explore the chain mediating effect of self-rated health and aging attitudes on the relationship between life space and psychological distress of community-dwelling older adults.Methods:From August to November 2023, convenience sampling was used to select older adults from three communities of Baohe District in Hefei City as subjects. General Information Questionnaire, Life Space Assessment (LSA), Self-Rated Health (SRH), Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ), and 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used for the survey. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between life space and self-rated health, aging attitudes, and psychological distress. Process macro program of SPSS 25.0 software was used to test for mediating effects.Results:A total of 700 questionnaires were distributed and 669 valid questionnaires were collected, with a valid response rate of 95.57%. Among 669 community-dwelling older adults, the LSA, SRH, AAQ, and K10 scores were (74.35±19.39), (3.23±0.96), (80.66±13.43), and (19.29±6.26), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between life space and attitudes to aging ( rs=0.568, P<0.01) and negative correlations between life space and self-rated health and psychological distress ( rs=-0.334 and -0.455; both P<0.01). The mediating effect test showed that self-rated health and aging attitudes had chain mediating effects on life space and psychological distress, with a mediating effect value of -0.053, accounting for 11.60% of the total effect. Conclusions:Life space can not only directly affect the psychological distress of community-dwelling older adults but also indirectly predict psychological distress through the mediating effect of self-rated health and aging attitudes.
10.The Effecacy and Safety of Daratumumab Based Regimens in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma:A Single-Center Real-World Data Analysis
Han-Yan ZENG ; Zhi-Juan LIN ; Zhi-Feng LI ; Long LIU ; Man-Man DENG ; Bing XU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):763-767
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab based regimens in relapse and/or refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM)in the real world,as well as the impact of daratumumab on stem cell collection and engraftment.Methods:The clinical data of patients with RRMM who received daratumumab in hematology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from February 2019 to March 2023 and had evaluable efficacy were retrospective analysis.Results:All 43 RRMM patients were treated with daratumumab-based combination regimens,including Dd,DVd,DRd,Dkd,DId,and Dara-DECP.With median follow-up time 10.1(2.1-36.6)months,the best overall response rate(ORR)was 74.4%and a best complete response rate(CR)was 25.6%.1-year overall survival rate(OS)was 84.5%.The most common severe hematologic adverse events(Grade>3)are 3/4 grade leukopenia(18.6%),and the most common severe non-hematologic adverse events were infusion-related reactions(IRRs,20.9%)and infections(7.0%).Multivariate prognostic analysis showed that extramedullary infiltration was an independent adverse prognostic factor affecting OS(P=0.004).The use of daratumumab has no effect on stem cell collection,or engraftment.Conclusion:Daratumumab is safe and effective in RRMM.

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