1.Effect of Huangqi jiuni decoction on acute liver injury in severely scalded rats and its molecular mechanism
Yuhao ZHANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Yexiang SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):82-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Huangqi jiuni decoction (HQJND) on acute liver injury in severely scalded rats and its possible molecular mechanism by animal experiments and modern pharmacological tools. MethodsFirstly, the rat model of sepsis was established and randomly divided into 4 groups. The normal saline group was given 1 mL of normal saline twice a day, and the traditional Chinese medicine group was given 1 mL of concentrated huangqi jiuni decoction twice a day. After 72 hours of shock, the samples were sacrificed, and then the serum liver function and (+)-haematoxylin eosin staining were performed to verify the efficacy of the drug. Sham Operation Group and sepsis group were fed normally without any special treatment. Then, network pharmacology was used to screen the targets of drugs and drug responses and predict the signaling pathways that might play a role in the treatment of diseases. Finally, fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect gene expression, Western blot (WB) was performed to detect tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), P65, phosphorylated P65 (P-P65), and immunohistochemical (IHC) were performed assays to verify drug efficacy and explore the mechanism of drug treatment. ResultsSerum liver function and histopathology in rats showed that HQJND significantly improved liver function in severely burned rats. Network pharmacology screening was used to identify 353 disease-related marker genes and 286 drug targets. It was predicted that tumor necrosis/NF-NF-κB pathway (TNF/NF-NF-κB pathway) might be a key pathway for HQJND to treat acute liver injury after severe burns. The results of immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that the staining of TNF-α in the liver of the sepsis group was more than that of the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group. The results of RT-qPCR and WB showed that the expression of TNF-α, TNFR1 and P65 proteins in the liver of rats in the sepsis group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group; on the contrary, the expression of TNF-α, TNFR1 and P65 proteins in the liver of rats in the sepsis group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group. The expression level of nuclear factor-kappa B(IκBα) was higher in the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group, indicating that drug treatment effectively inhibited the activation of the TNF/NF-κb signaling pathway. ConclusionAnimal experiments and network pharmacology results confirm that HQJND has a protective effect on acute liver injury in severely burned rats, which may be related to the inhibition of TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Clinical analysis of assisted reproductive technology assisted pregnancy outcome in female patients with thyroid cancer after surgery
Xiang YAO ; Wenjuan XU ; Jianye WANG ; Qun GAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Ping ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):151-155
ObjectiveTo evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with a history of thyroid cancer who retained fertility intentions after completing cancer treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 61 patients with a history of thyroid cancer who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). These patients were included as the case group. A total of 122 non-cancer patients who received ART during the same period were selected as the control group using 1∶2 matching based on age and oocyte retrieval time. Baseline characteristics, outcomes of the first ART cycle, and cumulative pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the basic data, the total amount of gonadotropin (Gn) and the days of use between the case group and the control group (P>0.05). However, the case group had significantly fewer retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes (MII), lower fertilization and cleavage rates, and fewer transferable and high-quality embryos, as well as fewer embryos transferred during the first cycle (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of first embryo implantation and first clinical pregnancy between the two groups (P>0.05). In the analysis of cumulative outcomes, the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the cumulative pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle, the number of oocyte retrieval cycles required per live birth, the number of embryo transfer cycles required per live birth, and the number of embryos used for each live birth (P>0.05). However, the cumulative live birth rate was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.005). ConclusionAfter treatment for thyroid cancer, when ART is used to help pregnant women, the pregnancy outcome is comparable to that of women without tumors. Individualized reproductive management and timely fertility preservation strategies are recommended to optimize reproductive outcomes in this population.
3.SPIN1 promotes the migration and invasion of gastric adenocarcinoma cells by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
XIAO Yao1 ; SUI Wenwen2 ; PAN Yu1 ; ZHAO Yulong3 ; LYU Beibei1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):37-44
[摘 要] 目的:探究纺锤体蛋白1(SPIN1)促进胃腺癌细胞迁移与侵袭的分子机制。方法: 通过TCGA数据库数据分析胃腺癌组织中SPIN1 mRNA表达与上皮间质转化(EMT)评分、血管生成评分间的相关性。收集2018年8月至2021年11月期间山东第一医科大学附属省立医院手术切除的52例胃腺癌患者的癌组织制成组织芯片,每例均包含胃腺癌组织、对应癌旁组织及淋巴结转移灶,通过免疫组织化学法检测胃腺癌组织中SPIN1与STAT3的蛋白表达水平及相关性。通过Transwell实验研究干扰SPIN1对胃腺癌细胞侵袭与迁移的影响。使用GEPIA2网站分析SPIN1基因与Janus-激酶/信号转导和转录激活因子(JAK/STAT)通路相关因子在胃腺癌中的表达相关性。通过qPCR法、WB法检测干扰SPIN1后JAK/STAT通路相关mRNA和蛋白的表达变化。结果: TCGA数据库数据分析结果显示,SPIN1表达与EMT评分和血管生成评分呈正相关(均P < 0.05)。SPIN1与STAT3在胃腺癌组织和淋巴结转移灶中表达升高(均P < 0.05),在癌旁胃黏膜组织中阴性表达。SPIN1与STAT3的表达显著正相关(P < 0.05)。干扰SPIN1后胃腺癌细胞的迁移、侵袭能力明显降低(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。GEPIA2网站分析结果显示,SPIN1基因与JAK1、JAK2、STAT1、STAT2及STAT3表达均呈显著正相关(均P < 0.05)。干扰SPIN1后JAK2、STAT3的mRNA水平下降,而JAK1、STAT1、STAT2的mRNA水平变化不明显。WB法实验结果表明,干扰SPIN1后JAK2、STAT3、p-JAK2及p-STAT3的蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.01),过表达SPIN1后JAK2、STAT3、p-JAK2及p-STAT3的蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.01)。结论: SPIN1可通过参与JAK2/STAT3信号通路促进胃腺癌细胞迁移与侵袭。
4.Mechanism Study of Yinchenhao Tang Regulating Fas/Caspase-8/Caspase-3 Signaling Pathway to Improve Cholestatic Liver Injury
Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Linjing SHE ; Yinpei TANG ; Qingchun CAI ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):39-46
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang regulating the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (Fas)/cysteine protease-8 (Caspase-8)/cysteine protease-3 (Caspase-3) signaling pathway to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and improve cholestatic liver injury (CLI). MethodsAmong 48 Wistar rats,12 rats were randomly selected as the blank group,and the other rats were administered alpha-naphthalene isothiocyanate (ANIT) by gavage to induce a CLI model. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid group(0.1 g·kg-1) and the Yinchenhao Tang group(9.23 g·kg-1),with 12 rats in each group. The rats in each group were given corresponding drugs by gavage for three consecutive days. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT),total bilirubin (TBil) and total bile acid (TBA) in serum were detected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in liver tissue were detected. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The protein and mRNA expressions of Fas,Caspase-8,Caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax) and Bcl-2 in liver tissue were detected by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with those in the blank group,the levels of ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA and TBil in serum of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). The arrangement of hepatocytes was disordered,and inflammatory cell infiltration and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of Fas,Caspase-8,Caspase-3 and Bax in liver tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the protein and mRNA expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group,the levels of ALP,γ-GT,TBA and TBil in the serum of rats in the ursodeoxycholic acid group were significantly decreased. The levels and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of Fas,Caspase-8,Caspase-3 and Bax in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01),while the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased (P<0.05,). The levels of ALT,AST,γ-GT,TBA and TBil in the serum of rats in the Yinchenhao Tang group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The protein expression of Fas and Bax and the mRNA expression of Fas,Caspase-8,Caspase-3 and Bax in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01),while the protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Hepatocyte injury,inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells were reduced. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate CLI,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis mediated by the Fas/Caspase-8/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.
5.Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang in Improving Cholestatic Liver Injury by Inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Through FXR
Zhengwang ZHU ; Yang YANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Linlin WANG ; Yinpei TANG ; Qingchun CAI ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):47-54
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on the improvement of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) by inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway via regulating farnesol X receptor (FXR). MethodsA total of 40 Wistar male rats were randomly selected, with 10 as a blank group,and the remaining rats were subjected to the CLI model induced by alpha-naphthalene isothiocyanate (ANIT). After modeling,they were randomly divided into the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid (0.1 g·kg-1) group and the Yinchenhao Tang (9.23 g·kg-1) group,with 10 animals in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding drug by intragastric administration for three consecutive days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT),total bile acid (TBA),total bilirubin (TBil) and direct bilirubin (DBil) levels in serum were detected. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β),and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in liver tissue were detected. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of FXR,TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,F4/80,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of FXR,TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB in liver tissue. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group,ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA,TBil and DBil levels in serum of rats in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01),and the mRNA and protein expressions of FXR in liver tissue were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB and the mRNA expression of F4/80 were obviously increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Hepatic histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferative changes of bile duct epithelial cells. Compared with those in the model group,ALT,ALP,γ-GT,TBA,TBil and DBil levels in serum of rats in the ursodeoxycholic acid group were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01),and the levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB and the mRNA expression of F4/80 in liver tissue were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA,TBil and DBil levels in the serum of rats in the Yinchenhao Tang group were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01),and the levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were obviously decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of FXR in liver tissue were significantly increased,and the mRNA expressions of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,and F4/80, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The inflammatory cell infiltration of liver tissue and the proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells decreased. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang has an obvious protective effect on CLI,and its mechanism may be related to regulating FXR to inhibit TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammatory response.
6.Yinchenhao Tang Regulates Pyroptosis to Intervene in Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):55-62
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yinchenhao Tang intervenes in α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1) pyroptosis signaling pathway. MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, ursodeoxycholic acid, and Yinchenhao Tang groups. Except the blank group, other groups were treated with ANIT dissolved in olive oil for the modeling of cholestatic liver injury. Ursodeoxycholic acid (0.1 g·kg-1) and Yinchenhao Tang (9.23 g·kg-1) were administered by gavage. The blank group and the model group were administrated with the same amount of pure water, once a day for 3 days. The blood and liver tissue samples were collected, and the serum levels of liver function indicators were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the liver. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue were determined by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TGR5, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were assessed by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of TGR5, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), and total bilirubin (TBil) in the serum (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte swelling, and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation in the liver, raised levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-18 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), and NLRP3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid group showed declined levels of AST (P<0.01), TBA (P<0.01), TBil (P<0.01), and ALT (P<0.05) in the serum, lowered levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), IL-1β (P<0.05), IL-18 (P<0.05), and ASC (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Yinchenhao Tang group showed lowered levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBA, and TBil in the serum (P<0.01), declined levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β (P<0.01), NLRP3 (P<0.01), ASC (P<0.01), Caspase-1 (P<0.01), GSDMD (P<0.01), and IL-18 (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1 and GSDMD (P<0.05). The liver tissue of the administration groups showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced swelling of hepatocytes, and alleviated proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the hepatocyte pyroptosis mediated by the TGR5/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.
7.Investigation into Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang in Modulating Macrophage Activation to Combat Cholestatic Liver Injury
Jinghan ZHAO ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Linlin WANG ; Ruixue MA ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):63-70
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang (YCHT) in regulating macrophage polarization to alleviate cholestatic liver injury,focusing on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway as the entry point. MethodsCholestasis was induced in Wistar rats through a single gavage of 100 mg·kg-1 α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) dissolved in olive oil. The animals were randomly divided into four groups:Model group,YCHT group,ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) group (n=10),and a blank group (n=10) that received only 5 mL·kg-1 olive oil. The YCHT group received 9.23 g·kg-1·day-1 of YCHT by gavage,and the UDCA group was treated with 0.1 g·kg-1·day-1 of UDCA suspension. Both the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline,all for three consecutive days. Serum liver function was assessed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver tissue morphology. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β),transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were quantified in liver homogenate supernatants via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis measured the relative protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),CD206,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86,and arginase-1 (Arg-1). The relative mRNA expression of TLR4/NF-κB,CD206,iNOS,CD86,and Arg-1 in liver tissue was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP),total bile acid (TBA),total bilirubin (TBil),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.01). There was a portal area expansion and pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly upregulated (P<0.01),and macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 showed positive expression. Protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of the related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the liver function indicators in the YCHT group showed significant decreases (P<0.05, P<0.01). The bile duct hyperplasia was significantly alleviated, and the tissue structure became more orderly. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of CD86 significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of CD206 significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of Arg-1 significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of CD206 significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionYCHT ameliorates cholestatic liver injury in rats by improving bile metabolism,reducing bile duct dilatation,and mitigating inflammation. These effects are achieved through the inhibition of M1 macrophage activation and the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization,likely via modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Intervention Effect and Regulation Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on Cholestatic Liver Injury
Linlin WANG ; Zhengwang ZHU ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Ruixue MA ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):71-80
Cholestatic liver injury refers to the bile production, secretion, and excretion disorder caused by various reasons. It induces liver injury, metabolic disorders, and dysfunction of the hepatobiliary system, which can further develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. At present, the preferred drug for clinical treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid, which, however, induces adverse reactions and is intolerant in some patients. Yinchenhao Tang is a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of jaundice due to Yang jaundice. It has the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and removing jaundice and has shown good therapeutic effect in long-term clinical application. Modern pharmacological studies have found that this prescription has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, bile acid balance-regulating, hepatocyte apoptosis-inhibiting and other liver-protecting effects. This paper reviews the relevant clinical and animal experimental studies on Yinchenhao Tang in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in recent years. Yinchenhao Tang can intervene in the progression of cholestatic liver injury by regulating bile acid metabolism and excretion, reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis, and protecting intestinal mucosal barrier. This paper systematically expounds the molecular mechanisms by which Yinchenhao Tang regulates cholestatic liver injury that are confirmed by current research, aiming to provide reference for the clinical application and in-depth study of Yinchenhao Tang.
9.Intervention of Exercise Combined with Shenghui Tang in M1AChR Regulation of Mitochondrial Autophagy Improves Learning and Memory Ability of Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats
Xiaoxue TAO ; Min XIAO ; Kunyang TANG ; Bo WANG ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Rongxiang LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):120-130
ObjectiveTo make clear exercise combined with Shenghui Tang interferes in acetylcholine receptor (M1AChR) to improve mitochondrial autophagy and enhance cognition of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats through the adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Shenghui Tang group (9.3 g·kg-1), an exercise group, an exercise + Shenghui Tang group (9.3 g·kg-1), and a rapamycin group (1.5 mg·kg-1). Except for the blank group, the rat model of AD was constructed by injecting amyloid beta (Aβ1-42) into hippocampus stereotaxically. The exercise group received treadmill exercise for 4 weeks, while the Shenghui Tang group received intragastric administration for 4 weeks, and the exercise + Shenghui Tang group received treadmill exercise and intragastric administration of Shenghui Tang for 4 weeks simultaneously. After the intervention, the Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability. Spontaneous behavior was observed in the open field test. The pathological structure of hippocampal neurons was observed by NISSl staining. The expression level of M1AChR in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The autophagy ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The expression of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3β (LC3β) was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein expression of M1AChR, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR, Beclin1, LC3β, and chelate 1 (SQSTM1/p62) in hippocampus was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day (P<0.01) and significantly decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform (P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed obviously decreased (P<0.05). The arrangement of nerve cells in hippocampus CA1 region was dispersed, and the numbers of Nissl bodies and M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). The typical autophagic lysosomal structure decreased. The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the exercise + Shenghui Tang group exhibited obviously improved space exploration and positioning navigation ability (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed of movement significantly increased (P<0.01). The number of Nissl bodies significantly increased (P<0.01). The number of M1AChR positive cells in hippocampus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the exercise + Shenghui Tang group, the Shenghui Tang group and the exercise group showed significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day (P<0.01) and obviously decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed of movement significantly decreased (P<0.01). The number of Nissl bodies and the number of M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was obviously increased (P<0.05). Ultrastructure of the hippocampal region showed decreased autophagy level. The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus was obviously decreased in the Shenghui Tang group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). In the exercise group, the protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise combined with traditional Chinese medicine can enhance the expression of M1AChR in the hippocampus of AD model rats, induce autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.
10.Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Jatrorrhizine in Treating Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Shengqi NIU ; Liwei LANG ; Xing LI ; Haotian LI ; Shizhang WEI ; Manyi JING ; Yanling ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):211-218
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jatrorrhizine on endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways in the mouse model of ulcerative colitis. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the low-dose and high-dose jatrorrhizine groups (0.04, 0.16 g·kg-1), and the mesalazine group (0.52 g·kg-1)The mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and treated with different doses of jatrorrhizine by gavage. The changes in body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), and colonic histopathology were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of jatrorrhizine. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was employed to determine the serum and fecal levels of metabolites in mice. Metabolomics methods were used to screen the differential metabolites, on the basis of which the potential therapeutic mechanism of jatrorrhizine on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice was investigated. ResultsAfter intervention with jatrorrhizine, the model mice showed significantly decreased DAI(P<0.05,P<0.01), recovered colon length,(P<0.05,P<0.01) and alleviated histopathology of the colon. The metabolomics study screened out 13 differential metabolites in the serum and 8 differential metabolites in the feces. The pathway enrichment analysis predicted three potential metabolic pathways: Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. ConclusionJatrorrhizine may treat ulcerative colitis by regulating the biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.

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