1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Study on the accuracy of resting full-cycle ratio,quantitative flow ratio,and contrast-induced fractional flow reserve in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions
Rui-tao ZHANG ; Zhen-yu TIAN ; Li-yun HE ; Lin MI ; Li-jun GUO ; Xin-ye XU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):163-169
Objective To compare the accuracy and clinical application value of contrast-induced fractional flow reserve(cFFR),resting full-cycle ratio(RFR),and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions,using fractional flow reserve(FFR)as the gold standard.Methods A retrospective study was conducted including 143 patients with 143 lesions who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and were tested for cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR at Peking University Third Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022.Clinical data,CAG lesion anatomical data,and target vessel cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR measurements were collected.The correlation and diagnostic concordance of cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR were analyzed.Results The mean age of the 143 patients was 66(58,71)years,with 90(62.9%)being male.Among them,60(42.0%)patients were diagnosed with unstable angina,and 115(80.4%)target lesions were located in the left anterior descending artery.Correlation analysis showed that RFR,QFR,and cFFR were all significantly correlated with FFR(r=0.956,r=0.861,r=0.751,P<0.001).Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated high agreement between cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for RFR corresponding to FFR ≤0.80 was 0.92(95%CI 0.87-0.96),for QFR was 0.89(95%CI 0.83-0.95),and for cFFR was 0.96(95%CI 0.94-0.99).Conclusions cFFR,RFR,and QFR show high concordance with FFR,with similar diagnostic consistency between the three methods and FFR.
3.Effects of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltration on ionizing radiation-induced damage in RAW264.7 Macrophages and the mechanisms
Ling-yun WANG ; Rui WANG ; Hua-qing XI ; Guo-ci LU ; Xing XU ; Kai LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1700-1711
Aim To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltrate(RAS-RH)on X-ray-induced cellular damage in Raw264.7 macrophages.Methods An integrated approach combining network pharmacology,molecular docking,and bioinformatics a-nalysis was employed to predict therapeutic targets and signaling pathways of RAS-RH in coronary heart dis-ease(CHD).Subsequent in vitro validation was per-formed using an X-ray(6 Gy)-induced macrophage in-jury model with four experimental groups:control,radi-ation-only model,and three RAS-RH-treated groups at varying concentrations.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining,mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescence,and inflammatory cytokine levels(IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-18,TNF-α)by ELISA.Molecular mechanisms were investigated through Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 sig-naling pathway components and Bcl-2 family proteins.Results Network pharmacology revealed RAS-RH's multi-target action on apoptosis and inflammation-relat-ed pathways,particularly NF-κB and Bcl-2 signaling.Molecular docking identified strong binding affinities between RAS-RH components and TLR4/NLRP3 pro-teins.In vitro studies demonstrated that RAS-RH treat-ment significantly improved cell viability(P<0.01),reduced apoptosis(P<0.01),restored mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and attenuated radia-tion-induced ultrastructural damage including mem-brane disruption and cytoplasmic vacuolization.ELISA showed marked suppression of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines(P<0.01).Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)analysis revealed that RSA-RH ameliorated pyroptosis-associated ultrastructural alterations,inclu-ding plasma membrane disruption and cytoplasmic vac-uolization.Protein and gene expression analyses con-firmed downregulation of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and modulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio.Conclu-sion RAS-RH exerts radioprotective effects through dual regulation of pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for radia-tion-induced cardiovascular complications in CHD pa-tients.
4.Effects of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltration on ionizing radiation-induced damage in RAW264.7 Macrophages and the mechanisms
Ling-yun WANG ; Rui WANG ; Hua-qing XI ; Guo-ci LU ; Xing XU ; Kai LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1700-1711
Aim To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of Radix Angelica sinensis and Radix Hedysari ultrafiltrate(RAS-RH)on X-ray-induced cellular damage in Raw264.7 macrophages.Methods An integrated approach combining network pharmacology,molecular docking,and bioinformatics a-nalysis was employed to predict therapeutic targets and signaling pathways of RAS-RH in coronary heart dis-ease(CHD).Subsequent in vitro validation was per-formed using an X-ray(6 Gy)-induced macrophage in-jury model with four experimental groups:control,radi-ation-only model,and three RAS-RH-treated groups at varying concentrations.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay,apoptosis by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining,mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescence,and inflammatory cytokine levels(IL-1 β,IL-6,IL-18,TNF-α)by ELISA.Molecular mechanisms were investigated through Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 sig-naling pathway components and Bcl-2 family proteins.Results Network pharmacology revealed RAS-RH's multi-target action on apoptosis and inflammation-relat-ed pathways,particularly NF-κB and Bcl-2 signaling.Molecular docking identified strong binding affinities between RAS-RH components and TLR4/NLRP3 pro-teins.In vitro studies demonstrated that RAS-RH treat-ment significantly improved cell viability(P<0.01),reduced apoptosis(P<0.01),restored mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and attenuated radia-tion-induced ultrastructural damage including mem-brane disruption and cytoplasmic vacuolization.ELISA showed marked suppression of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines(P<0.01).Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)analysis revealed that RSA-RH ameliorated pyroptosis-associated ultrastructural alterations,inclu-ding plasma membrane disruption and cytoplasmic vac-uolization.Protein and gene expression analyses con-firmed downregulation of TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and modulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio.Conclu-sion RAS-RH exerts radioprotective effects through dual regulation of pyroptosis and apoptosis pathways,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for radia-tion-induced cardiovascular complications in CHD pa-tients.
5.Predictive value of serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 combined with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Yan LI ; Liang LIU ; Yun ZHANG ; Rui HUANG ; Xu SHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(1):90-95
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3[25 (OH) D3], insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal women.Methods:A total of 87 postmenopausal women admitted to Shanxi Children’s Hospital from Jan. 2020 to Dec. 2023 were chosen and separated into OP group ( n=40) and non-OP group ( n=47) . The differences of clinical features, serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and BMD were compared, and the correlation analysis between serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and BMD (including L 1-4 BMD, femoral neck BMD and total hip BMD) was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the influencing factors of OP occurrence in postmenopausal women and the predictive value of serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 combined with BMD for OP occurrence. Results:Compared with non-OP group, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI) , menopause time, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in OP group ( t=1.42, 1.03, 1.71, 0.93, 0.76, 0.43, 0.04; P=0.161, 0.306, 0.092, 0.354, 0.452, 0.670, 0.966) , but the proportion of diabetes mellitus significantly increased ( χ2=4.37, P=0.037) . Compared with non-OP group, the levels of serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 and the values of L1-4 BMD, femoral neck BMD and total hip BMD in OP group significantly decreased ( t=5.37, 4.83, 8.31, 2.01, 3.11; P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.048, P=0.003) . Correlation analysis showed that serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 were significantly positively correlated with L 1-4 BMD, femoral neck BMD and total hip BMD ( r=0.37, 0.42, 0.29, 0.33, 0.28, 0.29; P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.024, P=0.015, P=0.032, P=0.021) . Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and L 1-4 BMD were independent influencing factors for OP occurrence in postmenopausal women ( P=0.007, 0.019, 0.001) ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1, L 1-4 BMD and their combination in the prediction of the occurrence of OP in postmenopausal women were 0.764, 0.752, 0.957 and 0.985, respectively. Conclusion:Serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and L 1-4 BMD can be used as predictors of OP occurrence in postmenopausal women, and the combined value of the three is higher.
6.Atractylodes regulates ROS/AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis and cycle arrest in endometrial cancer cells
Yun ZHANG ; Rui HUANG ; Xu SHAO ; Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):754-757
Objective:To explore the mechanism by which atractylodin regulates the ROS (reactive oxygen species) /AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in endometrial cancer cells, and to provide theoretical support for its potential application in the treatment of endometrial cancer.Methods:Endometrial cancer cell lines (Ishikawa and HEC-1A) were selected as experimental models. Cells were treated with different concentrations (1, 5, 10, 20 μM) of atractylodin. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM), and protein expression levels of AKT, p-AKT, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and other AKT signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot. ROS levels were measured by flow cytometry.Results:Atractylodin treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a marked increase in the apoptotic cell population. Western blot results showed that atractylodin treatment significantly decreased p-AKT expression, reduced Bcl-2 protein levels, and increased Caspase-3 expression. ROS level analysis showed that atractylodin treatment significantly elevated intracellular ROS generation, suggesting that atractylodin might induce AKT pathway inhibition through ROS, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Conclusions:Atractylodin regulates the ROS/AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in endometrial cancer cells, exhibiting potential anti-endometrial cancer effects. This study provides new theoretical evidence for the application of atractylodin in the treatment of endometrial cancer and reveals its underlying mechanisms.
7.Development and application of pilot hypoxia endurance testing system
Lin-xia LI ; Guo-yun MAO ; Ming-rui HU ; Jia-ling XU ; Yao-xuan JI ; Na ZHI ; Yan-qing BAI ; Yun-ying WANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):23-28
Objective To develop a hypoxia endurance testing system for aviation physiological training of pilots.Methods The hypoxia endurance testing system comprised a low-oxygen mixed gas generator,a pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas and a personal breathing apparatus.The low-oxygen mixed gas generator consisted of a main unit composed of an air compressor,a filter,a buffer tank,polymer membrane,a control module,sensors and regulators,wire cables,supporting hoses,etc.;the pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas was made up of a protective box,a cooling fan,a motor and a driver,a control module,a solenoid valve,a convergence block,a pressure gauge,etc.;the personal breating apparatus was composed of a gas cylinder,a pressure reducer,an oxygen supply regulator,etc.Forty-eight subjects were selected for hypoxia exposure tests to verify the effectiveness of the system.Results The system developed had the functions of low-oxygen gas preparation,pressurized filling and hypoxia experiment,and the experimental results indicated the acute hypoxia exposure by the system significantly caused signs and symptoms of hypoxia and weakened physiological functions.Conclusion The system developed gains advantages in high accuracy of gas volume fraction control,safety and remarkable effect of simulated hypoxia,and can be an effective tool for acute high-altitude hypoxia testing and training of pilots.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):23-28]
8.Predictive value of serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 combined with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Yan LI ; Liang LIU ; Yun ZHANG ; Rui HUANG ; Xu SHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(1):90-95
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3[25 (OH) D3], insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal women.Methods:A total of 87 postmenopausal women admitted to Shanxi Children’s Hospital from Jan. 2020 to Dec. 2023 were chosen and separated into OP group ( n=40) and non-OP group ( n=47) . The differences of clinical features, serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and BMD were compared, and the correlation analysis between serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and BMD (including L 1-4 BMD, femoral neck BMD and total hip BMD) was analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the influencing factors of OP occurrence in postmenopausal women and the predictive value of serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 combined with BMD for OP occurrence. Results:Compared with non-OP group, there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI) , menopause time, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in OP group ( t=1.42, 1.03, 1.71, 0.93, 0.76, 0.43, 0.04; P=0.161, 0.306, 0.092, 0.354, 0.452, 0.670, 0.966) , but the proportion of diabetes mellitus significantly increased ( χ2=4.37, P=0.037) . Compared with non-OP group, the levels of serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 and the values of L1-4 BMD, femoral neck BMD and total hip BMD in OP group significantly decreased ( t=5.37, 4.83, 8.31, 2.01, 3.11; P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.048, P=0.003) . Correlation analysis showed that serum 25 (OH) D3 and IGF-1 were significantly positively correlated with L 1-4 BMD, femoral neck BMD and total hip BMD ( r=0.37, 0.42, 0.29, 0.33, 0.28, 0.29; P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.024, P=0.015, P=0.032, P=0.021) . Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and L 1-4 BMD were independent influencing factors for OP occurrence in postmenopausal women ( P=0.007, 0.019, 0.001) ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1, L 1-4 BMD and their combination in the prediction of the occurrence of OP in postmenopausal women were 0.764, 0.752, 0.957 and 0.985, respectively. Conclusion:Serum 25 (OH) D3, IGF-1 and L 1-4 BMD can be used as predictors of OP occurrence in postmenopausal women, and the combined value of the three is higher.
9.Atractylodes regulates ROS/AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis and cycle arrest in endometrial cancer cells
Yun ZHANG ; Rui HUANG ; Xu SHAO ; Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):754-757
Objective:To explore the mechanism by which atractylodin regulates the ROS (reactive oxygen species) /AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in endometrial cancer cells, and to provide theoretical support for its potential application in the treatment of endometrial cancer.Methods:Endometrial cancer cell lines (Ishikawa and HEC-1A) were selected as experimental models. Cells were treated with different concentrations (1, 5, 10, 20 μM) of atractylodin. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM), and protein expression levels of AKT, p-AKT, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and other AKT signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot. ROS levels were measured by flow cytometry.Results:Atractylodin treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a marked increase in the apoptotic cell population. Western blot results showed that atractylodin treatment significantly decreased p-AKT expression, reduced Bcl-2 protein levels, and increased Caspase-3 expression. ROS level analysis showed that atractylodin treatment significantly elevated intracellular ROS generation, suggesting that atractylodin might induce AKT pathway inhibition through ROS, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Conclusions:Atractylodin regulates the ROS/AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in endometrial cancer cells, exhibiting potential anti-endometrial cancer effects. This study provides new theoretical evidence for the application of atractylodin in the treatment of endometrial cancer and reveals its underlying mechanisms.
10.Study on the accuracy of resting full-cycle ratio,quantitative flow ratio,and contrast-induced fractional flow reserve in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions
Rui-tao ZHANG ; Zhen-yu TIAN ; Li-yun HE ; Lin MI ; Li-jun GUO ; Xin-ye XU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):163-169
Objective To compare the accuracy and clinical application value of contrast-induced fractional flow reserve(cFFR),resting full-cycle ratio(RFR),and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions,using fractional flow reserve(FFR)as the gold standard.Methods A retrospective study was conducted including 143 patients with 143 lesions who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and were tested for cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR at Peking University Third Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022.Clinical data,CAG lesion anatomical data,and target vessel cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR measurements were collected.The correlation and diagnostic concordance of cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR were analyzed.Results The mean age of the 143 patients was 66(58,71)years,with 90(62.9%)being male.Among them,60(42.0%)patients were diagnosed with unstable angina,and 115(80.4%)target lesions were located in the left anterior descending artery.Correlation analysis showed that RFR,QFR,and cFFR were all significantly correlated with FFR(r=0.956,r=0.861,r=0.751,P<0.001).Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated high agreement between cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for RFR corresponding to FFR ≤0.80 was 0.92(95%CI 0.87-0.96),for QFR was 0.89(95%CI 0.83-0.95),and for cFFR was 0.96(95%CI 0.94-0.99).Conclusions cFFR,RFR,and QFR show high concordance with FFR,with similar diagnostic consistency between the three methods and FFR.

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