1.Construction and in vitro osteogenic activity study of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen
WANG Meng ; SUN Yifei ; CAO Xiaoqing ; WEI Yiyuan ; CHEN Lei ; ZHANG Zhenglong ; MU Zhao ; ZHU Juanfang ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):15-28
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (MSHA/Col) in improving the bone repair microenvironment and enhancing bone regeneration capacity, providing a strategy to address the insufficient biomimetic composition and limited bioactivity of traditional hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (HA/Col) scaffolds.
Methods:
A high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium magnesium strontium phosphate precursor (HPAA/ACMSP) was prepared. Its morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Recombinant collagen sponge blocks were immersed in the HPAA/ACMSP mineralization solution. Magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite was induced to deposit within collagen fibers (experimental group: MSHA/Col; control group: HA/Col). The morphological characteristics of MSHA/Col were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its crystal structure and chemical composition were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The mineral phase content was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The scaffold's porosity, ion release, and in vitro degradation performance were also determined. For cytological experiments, CCK-8 assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects of the MSHA/Col scaffold on the proliferation, viability, early osteogenic differentiation activity, late mineralization capacity, and gene and protein expression levels of key osteogenic markers [runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Ocn)] in mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1).
Results:
HPAA/ACMSP appeared as amorphous spherical nanoparticles under TEM, with energy spectrum analysis showing uniform distribution of carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and strontium elements. SEM results of MSHA/Col indicated successful complete intrafibrillar mineralization. Elemental analysis showed the mass fractions of magnesium and strontium were 0.72% (matching the magnesium content in natural bone) and 2.89%, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite crystals (25.86°, 31°-34°). Infrared spectroscopy results showed characteristic absorption peaks for both collagen and hydroxyapatite. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a mineral phase content of 78.29% in the material. The scaffold porosity was 91.6% ± 1.1%, close to the level of natural bone tissue. Ion release curves demonstrated sustained release behavior for both magnesium and strontium ions. The in vitro degradation rate matched the ingrowth rate of new bone tissue. Cytological experiments showed that MSHA/Col significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (130% increase in activity at 72 h, P < 0.001). MSHA/Col exhibited excellent efficacy in promoting osteogenic differentiation, significantly upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (Runx2, Col-Ⅰ, Opn, Ocn) (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The MSHA/Col scaffold achieves dual biomimicry of natural bone in both composition and structure, and effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation at the genetic and protein levels, breaking through the functional limitations of pure hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen. This provides a new strategy for the development of functional bone repair materials
2.Proteomic Analysis of Danlou Tablet in Improving Platelet Function for Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Intermingling Syndrome in Minipigs
Ziyan WANG ; Ying LI ; Aoao WANG ; Hongxu MENG ; Yue SHI ; Yanlei MA ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):41-53
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the role of Danlou tablet in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs by improving platelet function and explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of Danlou tablet in regulating platelet function by using proteomics technology. MethodsThirty Bama minipigs were randomly divided into a normal control group (6 pigs) and a high-fat diet group (24 pigs). After 2 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the high-fat diet group was randomly subdivided into a model group, an atorvastatin group (1 mg·kg-1), and Danlou tablet groups (0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1). All groups continued to receive a high-fat diet for 8 weeks after the procedure. The normal control group was given a regular diet, underwent only coronary angiography, and did not receive an interventional injury procedure. The model group and each administration group were fed a high-fat diet. Two weeks later, they underwent a coronary angiography injury procedure. After the procedure, drugs were mixed into the feed every morning for 8 consecutive weeks, with the minipigs maintained on a continuous high-fat diet during this period. Quantitative proteomics technology was further used to study platelet proteins, and differential proteins were obtained by screening. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze key regulatory proteins and biological pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of Danlou tablet on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of minipigs' serum (P<0.01), a significant shortening in prothrombin time of (PT) (P<0.01), a coagulation function index, and an increase in whole blood viscosity (P<0.01) and platelet aggregation rate (P<0.01). Moreover, the platelet morphology was altered, and the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Hemodynamic parameters were obviously abnormal, including significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular maximal positive dp/dt (LV+dp/dtmax) (P<0.01). Left ventricular maximal negative dp/dt (LV-dp/dtmax) was significantly increased (P<0.01). Besides, there were myocardial cell hypertrophy, obvious edematous degeneration, massive interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, high degree of fibrosis, and coronary endothelial atherosclerosis. TC and TG levels in minipigs' serum were significantly reduced in Danlou tablet groups with 0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), compared with those in the model group. LDL-C was decreased in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). The whole blood viscosity under low and high shear conditions was significantly reduced in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, maximum aggregation rate (MAR) and average aggregation rate (AAR) were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and platelets' morphological changes such as pseudopodia extension were reduced. ET-1 levels in the serum were significantly reduced. In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, NO level in the serum was reduced (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, DBP and MAP were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, LVSP and LV+dp/dtmax were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and LV-dp/dtmax was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, edematous degeneration in myocardial tissue was milder, and coronary artery lesion degree was significantly alleviated. Compared with the normal control group, there were 94 differentially expressed proteins in the model group, including 81 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated proteins. Compared with the model group, the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 showed 174 differentially expressed proteins, including 100 up-regulated and 74 down-regulated proteins. A total of 30 proteins were reversed after Danlou tablet intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that its pharmacological mechanism may exert anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion effects through biological pathways such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton, platelet activation pathway, Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, as well as proteins such as growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), RAC1, and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1). ConclusionDanlou tablet can effectively reduce platelet activation and aggregation, exerting a good therapeutic effect on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs. Its pharmacological mechanism may involve regulating biological pathways such as actin cytoskeleton and platelet activation pathway, as well as proteins like GRB2, RAC2, RAC1, and HSP90AA1, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect in anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion.
3.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway
Kun LIAN ; Lichong MENG ; Xueqin WANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Xuhui TANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):139-148
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a group of complex clinical syndromes caused by abnormal changes in the structure and/or function of the heart due to various reasons, resulting in disorders of ventricular contraction and/or diastole. CHF is a condition where primary diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and pulmonary heart disease recur frequently and persist for a long time, presenting blood stasis in meridians and collaterals, stagnation of water and dampness, and accumulation of Qi in collaterals. Its pathogenesis is complex and may involve myocardial energy metabolism disorders, oxidative stress responses, myocardial cell apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory responses, etc. According to the theory of restraining hyperactivity to acquire harmony, we believe that under normal circumstances, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway functions normally, maintaining human physiological activities and energy metabolism. Under pathological conditions, the AMPK signaling pathway is abnormal, causing energy metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and myocardial fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the AMPK signaling pathway through multiple mechanisms, targets, and effects, effectively curbing the occurrence and development of CHF. It has gradually become a research hotspot in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Guided by the theory of TCM, our research group, through literature review, summarized the relationship between the AMPK pathway and CHF and reviewed the research progress in the prevention and control of CHF with TCM active ingredients, TCM compound prescriptions, and Chinese patent medicines via regulating the AMPK pathway. The review aims to clarify the mechanism and targets of TCM in the treatment of CHF by regulating the AMPK pathway and guide the clinical treatment and drug development for CHF.
5.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
6.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
7.Bibliometric analysis of research process and current situation of brain aging and exosomes
Liting LYU ; Xia YU ; Jinmei ZHANG ; Qiaojing GAO ; Renfan LIU ; Meng LI ; Lu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1457-1465
BACKGROUND:In recent years,with the rapid development of biomedicine,the study of brain aging and exosomes has attracted more and more attention,but there is no bibliometrics analysis in this field. OBJECTIVE:To objectively analyze domestic and foreign literature on brain aging and exosomes in the past 15 years,to summarize the research status,hot spots,and development trends in this field. METHODS:Using the core database of Web of Science as a search platform,we downloaded the literature on brain aging and exosomes published from the establishment of the database to December 28,2022,and analyzed the data from the aspects of country or region,institution,author,keywords,and co-cited literature using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 visualization software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1 045 research articles were included,and the number of publications on brain aging and exosomes research both domestically and internationally was showing an increasing trend year by year.The United States ranked first with 429 papers,and China ranked second with 277 papers.Louisiana State University ranked first with 16 articles.Professor Lukiw Walter J from Louisiana State University in the United States was the author with the highest number of publications,and Professor Bartel DP from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was the author with the most citations.The most prolific Journal was the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.Alzheimer's disease,microRNA,gene expression,extracellular vesicles,exosomes,oxidative stress,and biomarkers are the most relevant terms.According to the research on hot topics,biomarkers have become a new research hotspot.The above results indicate that the research on brain aging and exosomes has gradually increased in the past 15 years.The research direction has gradually shifted from the initial exploration of the expression of miRNAs in central nervous system diseases related to brain aging to the search for biomarkers that can identify and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.The study of exocrine miRNAs to protect central nervous system from damage has emerged as promising therapeutic strategy.
8.Effect of Epimedium brevicornu Ethanol Extract on Aging of Castrated Rats by Intervening in Mesenchymal Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Zuyu MENG ; Haiquan LIU ; Shaozi LIN ; Mei WANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Menghan LI ; Hongling CHEN ; Jiajia QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):174-181
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the ethanol extract of Epimedium brevicornu (EEBM) intervenes in mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to delay aging in castrated rats. MethodsForty-five 3-month-old SPF female SD rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into model group, ADSCs treatment group, and ADSCs groups treated with low, medium, and high concentrations of EEBM (1, 50, 100 μg·L-1), referred to as the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups, with 9 rats in each group. After tail vein injection of 200 μL of the corresponding stem cell suspension, aging-related indicators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21), tumor suppressor gene (p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3), and lipofuscin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, the IL-6 content in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Lipofuscin, MDA, and IL-8 levels in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while SOD content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, lipofuscin and IL-8 levels in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The MDA content was significantly decreased in the AE medium concentration group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Bcl-2 protein level in the AE low concentration group was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe results of this experiment show that EEBM-treated ADSCs or ADSCs may delay aging in castrated rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing cell cycle inhibitors and pro-inflammatory factors, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing oxidative reactions. Moreover, EEBM-treated ADSCs demonstrate stronger anti-aging effects than ADSCs alone. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of EEBM to intervene in ADSCs and delay aging.
9.Effect and mechanism of Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula on insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yuxin HONG ; Lei ZHANG ; Mingxue ZHOU ; Sinai LI ; Li LIN ; Meng ZHANG ; Zixuan GUO ; Weihong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and potential mechanism of Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula on insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS T2DM rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin combined with high-fat and high-sugar diet. The rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula low-dose and high-dose groups (6.525, 13.05 g/kg, calculated by raw material) and metformin group (positive control, 0.18 g/kg), with 8 rats in each group. Administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically; normal control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for consecutive 6 weeks. Body mass and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were determined, and oral glucose tolerance test was conducted. Serum fasting insulin (FINS) level was measured to calculate the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Additionally, the level of serum lipids, liver function, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors were assessed. The phosphorylation levels of kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) protein in liver tissue of rats were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the body weight, ISI, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were increased significantly in Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula high-dose group and metformin group (P<0.05); FBG, blood glucose level at 120 minutes of glucose loading, area under the curve of glucose, FINS, HOMA-IR, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly reduced (P< Δ0.05); the pathological damage of liver tissue had significantlyimproved, and the phosphorylation levels of PERK and FOXO1 proteins in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation factor and oxidative stress levels, and alleviate insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the PERK/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
10.Improvement mechanism of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction on spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome
Liya MA ; Xingfei WU ; Liujun WU ; Yanduo SHEN ; Bingheng XIE ; Jiale ZHANG ; Jinhao HAO ; Meng YU ; Yumiko NAKAYAMA ; Minghao ZHANG ; Dawei ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):37-43
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction in the improvement of spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome by regulating the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. METHODS The binding activities of 13 main components in Pangshi antai zhixue decoction with NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein , containing a CARD (ASC), and caspase-1 precursor (pro- No.20-21ZY1053) caspase-1) were predicted by molecular docking. Sixty 1-day-old pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (0.002 g/kg), and Pangshi antai zhixue decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11.025, 22.05, 44.10 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Each group was given distilled water/corresponding medicinal solution intragastrically, once a day, for 12 consecutive days. Except for normal group, other groups were given traditional Chinese medicine for warming yang and mifepristone to establish a model of spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome. 24 h after the last medication, serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were all detected; the abortion rate and uterine coefficient were calculated; the pathological morphology of the pregnant uterus was observed; protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were detected. RESULTS The molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of 13 main components of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction with NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1 were all less than -5 kJ/moL. The animal experiment results showed that compared with normal group, the uterine coefficient and serum levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were decreased significantly in model group (P<0.05); the abortion rate and serum levels of T3, T4, IL-2 and IFN-γ as well as protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were increased significantly (P<0.05); there were abortion lesions in the pregnant endometrium. Compared with the model group, most of the quantitative indicators mentioned above were significantly reversed in Pangshi antai zhixue decoction groups (P<0.05), and the endometrial miscarriage lesions in pregnancy were improved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS Pangshi antai zhixue decoction influences the immune balance between mother and fetus by regulating the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-2, and up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, thereby improving spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome.


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