Objective: To investigate the regulatory effect of Jieduan Niwan Formula (JDNWF) drug-containing serum on AMPK-mediated mitochondrial quality control in D-GalN-induced HepG2 cells. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control and JDNWF-containing serum groups, 10 rats per group. The JDNWF-containing serum group was gavaged with JDNWF (21.7 g/kg), whereas the blank control group was gavaged with saline. Blood was collected to prepare JDNWF-containing and blank control serum. Cell viability, mitochondrial damage indicators, and MQC pathway protein expression levels were evaluated to determine the optimal volume fraction of JDNWF. HepG2 cells were divided into control, D-GalN, DMSO, AMPK inhibitor, JDNWF drug-containing serum, and JDNWF drug-containing serum plus AMPK inhibitor groups, and corresponding drug interventions were administered to each group. Cells were collected after the interventions, and the CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell viability, the 2′-7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, JC-1 was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential, thiobarbituric acid was used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, WST-8 was used to measure superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of mitochondrial quality control-related proteins, including p-AMPK, AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, MFN2, and DRP1. Results: 5% JDNWF drug-containing serum most significantly restored cell viability, mitochondrial damage markers, and MQC pathway protein expression in the model group. Therefore, it was chosen for intervention in subsequent experiments. Compared to the control group, the cell viability of the D-GalN, DMSO, and AMPK inhibitor groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In contrast, the heterogeneity of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS, and MDA levels was significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD activity was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, MFN2, and DRP1 protein expression levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). After JDNWF drug-containing serum intervention, compared to the DMSO group, cell viability significantly increased (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane potential heterogeneity, ROS, and MDA levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), SOD activity significantly increased (P<0.01), and p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, and MFN2 protein expression levels significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas DRP1 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared to the JDNWF drug-containing serum group, the cell viability in the JDNWF plus AMPK inhibitor group significantly decreased (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane potential heterogeneity and ROS levels significantly increased (P<0.01), MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.05), SOD activity significantly decreased (P<0.05), p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM protein expression levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), MFN2 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.05), and DRP1 protein expression significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion JDNWF drug-containing serum may restore mitochondrial function and improve D-GalN-induced HepG2 cell injury by regulating AMPK-mediated mitochondrial quality control.

Stroke is a critical health issue in China, and carotid artery stenosis and plaque play key roles in its prevalence. Despite the acknowledged significance of this condition, detailed information regarding the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and plaque across the Chinese population has been scarce. This study analyzed data from the China Stroke High-risk Population Screening and Intervention Program for 2020-2021, focusing on 194 878 Chinese adults aged 40 years and above. It assessed the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and plaque and identified their associated risk factors. Results revealed a standardized prevalence of 0.40% for carotid artery stenosis and 36.27% for carotid plaque. Notably, the highest rates of stenosis were observed in north and south China at 0.61%, while southwestern China exhibited the highest plaque prevalence at 43.17%. Key risk factors included older age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, smoking, and atrial fibrillation. This study highlights significant geographical and demographic disparities in the prevalence of these conditions, underlining the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reforms. These measures are essential for reducing the incidence of stroke and improving patient outcomes, addressing this significant health challenge in China.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Carotid Stenosis/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/epidemiology* ; Stroke/epidemiology* ; Aged, 80 and over

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of a baicalin-geniposide combination against cerebral ischemia using a network pharmacology strategy.MethodWe used network pharmacology integrating drug-target-disease interactions to identify key pathways which were validated in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model treated with baicalin (55 mg/kg), geniposide (5 mg/kg), or their 11:1 combination. Therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic insights were evaluated using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, Evans blue assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot.ResultsThe results revealed that the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is inhibited in combination treatment of cerebral ischemia. Ten targets were identified as key nodes in the protein–protein interaction network: interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β, interleukin 18, C–C motif ligand 2, C–C motif ligand 4, interleukin 10, interferon-γ-inducible protein 10, C–C motif ligand 3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α. The baicalin-geniposide combination significantly reduced infarct volume, improved neurological deficits, and alleviated brain edema/blood–brain barrier leakage compared with monotherapy. Additionally, it significantly inhibited toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels.ConclusionThe baicalin-geniposide combination alleviated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by synergistically suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and its downstream inflammatory factors.

Objective To analyze the medication law and academic thoughts of national TCM master Qian Ying in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B through data mining.Methods Totally 168 cases of chronic hepatitis B treated by Professor Qian Ying from Mar.2000 to Dec.2020 were retrospectively collected,and the properties,tastes and tropism meridians,core prescriptions and drug groups of the prescription drugs were analyzed by using the famous doctor inheritance platform.Results Totolly 168 medical cases involved 168 patients and 227 kinds of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 2 158 times.The characteristics of properties,tastes and tropism meridians showed that the main property was cold,and the main taste was bitter,and the main meridian was liver meridian.34 kinds of high-frequency Chinese materia medica(mainly were tonics,heat-clearing medicines,and medicines for activating blood circulation and reducing stasis),28 kinds of core Chinese materia medica,10 pairs of highly co-occurring drugs,and 10 potential drug groups were mined.Conclusion Professor Qian Ying believes that the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B is deficiency in nature and excess in superficiality,and the treatment focuses on tonifying deficiency.It is often treated from the liver and emphasizes the harmonization of liver,spleen and kidney.Tonifying deficiency,clearing heat,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis are the main treatment methods,followed by dispelling dampness,promoting qi,eliminating phlegm,opening stagnation and relieving the exterior,etc.He pays attention to the harmonization of body and use,is good at using multiple methods.

Objective To study the medication law of Professor Qian Ying in the treatment of primary liver cancer based on data mining technology;To provide ideas for the clinical treatment of primary liver cancer.Methods Outpatient TCM prescriptions of Professor Qian Ying for the treatment of liver cancer from November 2008 to August 2020 were collected,and a data table was established after sorting.The drug frequency,property and taste and tropism were analyzed using Excel 2019.The medical case analysis module of the Great Physician Inheritance Platform was used to analyze the core drugs,the symbiosis analysis between drug pairs,the drug association analysis,and the drug clustering analysis of the screened TCM prescriptions.Results Totally 108 prescriptions were included,involving 188 kinds of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 1 322 times.High-frequency drugs included Hedyotis Sinensis,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Visci Herba,Curcumae Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.The medicinal properties were mainly cold,mild and warm,and the tastes were mainly bitter,sweet and pungent,and the main meridians were liver meridians,spleen meridians,kidney meridians and stomach meridians.There were 9 pairs of high frequency drug combinations in drug association,such as Curcumae Radix-Polygoni Orientalis Fructus,Visci Herba-Curcumae Rhizoma.In the correlation analysis of drug disease,the ones with higher correlations include"stomachache-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma""abdominal mass-Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium""tinnitus-Adenophorae Radix,Lycii Fructus,Visci Herba""prolonged sublingual collaterals-Curcumae Rhizoma,Polygoni Orientalis Fructus,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma"and so on.Drug clustering could be divided into three potential drug clusters.Conclusion Professor Qian Ying often uses heat-clearing drugs,tonifying drugs,and promoting qi and blood circulation drugs to treat liver cancer,with Huqi Powder as the main formula and modified according to the syndromes.Clearing heat and detoxifying,soothing liver and relieving depression,removing blood stasis and regulating collatrals are used to treat its symptoms,and tonifying qi and invigorating spleen,regulating liver and nourishing liver and kidney are used to treat its essence.

Objective To explore the medication law of Professor Wang Qingguo for the treatment of insomnia based on data mining technology.Methods Paper-based prescriptions for Professor Wang Qingguo's treatment of insomnia from December 2016 to August 2023 were collected and a database was constructed.The screened prescriptions were subjected to data mining such as frequency statistics,association rule analysis,and clustering analysis.Results Totally 399 effective outpatient prescriptions were screened-out,involving 276 kinds of Chinese materia medica,with a total frequency of 6738 times.There were 38 Chinese materia medica with a frequency of use≥50.The properties were mainly warm,cold and mild,the tastes were mainly sweet,bitter and pungent,and mainly belong to the lung,spleen and heart meridians.Association rule analysis showed that the most commonly used drug combinations were"Fructus Tritici Levis-Scutellariae Radix-Bupleuri Radix","Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae-Scutellariae Radix-Pinelliae Rhizoma",etc.Association rule network analysis obtained a core prescription containing 12 kinds of Chinese materia medica for insomnia.Four new drug combinations were obtained by clustering analysis.Conclusion Professor Wang's treatment of insomnia has the characteristics of following the original meaning of Huang Di Nei Jing and Nan Jing,making good use of the classical prescription,applying combined prescription,flexible use of prescription,combining ancient and modern prescriptions,using specific medicine.It deeply reflects the academic view of"Tongping Zhihe".

Objective:To investigate the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and hepatic fibrosis and skeletal muscle mass in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:A total of 685 T2DM patients diagnosed at the Endocrinology department of Lanzhou University First Hospital, from April 2022 to May 2023, were divided into NAFLD and Non-NAFLD groups, and the NAFLD group was further categorized into fibrosis and non-fibrosis based on aspartate aminotransferase(AST) /alanine aminotransferase(ALT) level. The differences in appendicular skeletal muscle mass(ASM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(ASMI), and the prevalence of muscle mass loss were compared across groups. The correlations between ASMI and NAFLD, as well as liver fibrosis were analyzed by binary logistic regression.Results:Among male T2DM patients, those with NAFLD had lower ASMI levels and a higher prevalence of muscle mass reduction compared to non-NAFLD group. Among female T2DM patients, those with NAFLD had lower levels of ASM and ASMI, and a higher prevalence of muscle mass reduction compared to non-NAFLD group. ASMI levels in both male and female T2DM patients were independently negatively correlated with NAFLD risk( OR=-0.696, 95% CI 0.579-0.837; OR=-0.757, 95% CI 0.629-0.911). In NAFLD patients, ASM and ASMI levels were lower in those with liver fibrosis compared to those without fibrosis; however, the prevalence of muscle mass reduction did not differ significantly. Among male NAFLD patients, ASMI levels were independently negatively correlated with the risk of liver fibrosis( OR=-0.726, 95% CI 0.537-0.983), while no correlation was found in female patients. Conclusion:Reduced muscle mass is independently associated with the risk of NAFLD in both male and female T2DM patients. In males, reduced muscle mass is also independently related to the risk of liver fibrosis.

Objective:To discuss the molecular association pattern of Shenling Baizhu Powder for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and ulcerative colitis through network pharmacology method based on the theory of "treating different diseases with same method" in TCM.Methods:The TCMSP and ETCM Chinese medicine chemical composition databases were used to obtain the chemical composition and predict the targets of Shenling Baizhu Powder. The OMIM, GeneCards, DrugBank and TTD disease databases were used to obtain the disease targets of T2DM and ulcerative colitis. The intersection targets of chemical composition of Shenling Baizhu Powder, T2DM and ulcerative colitis were obtained by Bioinformatics platform. Cytoscape 3.8.2 software was used to map the "Chinese materia medica-component-target" network and "effective component- intersection target" network. The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed with the STRING platform. The intersection target protein-protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database, and core targets were obtained using the CytoNCA plugin of Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. AutodockTools software was applied to validate the molecular docking between the core chemical components and the core targets of Shenling Baizhu Powder.Results:Totally 176 chemical components of Shenling Baizhu Powder, 226 corresponding targets, 11 478 T2DM targets, 4 857 Ulcerative targets of ulcerative colitis, and 162 intersection targets of medicinal chemistry components and diseases were obtained. 1 789 related biological processes, 163 molecular functions, 92 cell constituents, and 192 signaling pathways were obtained by GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. The signaling pathways were mainly about AGE-RAGE, TNF, IL-17,MAPK, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, etc. The core components of Shenling Baizhu Powder were mainly sitosterol, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, beta-carotene, etc. The core targets were EGFR, ALB, IL1B, CASP3, ESR1, VEGFA, PTGS2, TNF, IL6, MYC, AKT 1, JUN, TP53, etc. The core chemical components had tight correlation with the core targets by the molecular docking.Conclusions:By acting on core targets such as TNF, IL1B, IL6, AKT1, VRGFA, PTGS2, MYC, JUN, TP53, and regulating IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, etc., Shenling Baizhu Powder improves tissue inflammation damage, mucosal barrier damage, immune regulation imbalance, intestinal flora dysbiosis, insulin resistance, apoptosis, oxidative stress and other biological processes. Therefore Shenling Baizhu Powder can treat T2DM and ulcerative colitis with the same method.

Objective:To explore important signaling pathways and effects on neurovascular unit of Buyang-Huanwu Decoction in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Methods:Used TCMSP database, Chinese Medicine and Chemical Composition Database of Shanghai institute of Organic Chemistry and searched related literature to obtain and screen the active compounds and their targets of Buyang-Huanwu Decoction. DrugBank database, OMIM database, TTD database and GeneCards database were used to obtain targets of ischemic stroke. Metascape database was used to carry out KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on therapeutic targets. AlzData database was used to analyze the gene expression of therapeutic targets in different cells. Results:Through network analysis, the key targets of Buyang-Huanwu Decoction in the treatment of ischemic stroke were obtained, including PTGS2, PTGS1, CHRM1, ADRB2, CHRM2, F10, F7, HIF1A, PDE3A, ADRA1B and CHRM3, etc. Through enrichment analysis, multiple key signaling pathways of Buyang-Huanwu Decoction in the treatment of ischemic stroke were obtained, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, platelet activation, Apelin signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism, etc. Through gene expression analysis, the effect of Buyang-Huanwu Decoction on different cells was analyzed, and it was found that the targets regulate a variety of biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions in endothelial, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and neurons. Conclusion:Buyang-Huanwu Decoction is characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, multiple pathways and complex connections in the treatment of ischemic stroke, and its effect is closely related to neurovascular units (NVU) at the cellular expression level of genes, and the mechanism of therapeutic effect included neuroprotection, neurogenesis, antithrombotic, vascular regeneration, glial cell regulation, etc.

Objective:To develop an R script that can efficiently and accurately filter genome-wide association studies (GWASs) from the GWAS Catalog Website.Methods:The selection principles of GWASs were established based on previous studies. The process of manual filtering in the GWAS Catalog was abstracted as standard algorithms. The R script (gwasfilter.R) was written by two programmers and tested many times.Results:It takes six steps for gwasfilter.R to filter GWASs. There are five main self-defined functions among this R script. GWASs can be filtered based on "whether the GWAS has been replicated" "sample size" "ethnicity of the study population" and other conditions. It takes no more than 1 second for this script to filter GWASs of a single trait.Conclusions:This R script (gwasfilter.R) is user-friendly and provides an efficient and standard process to filter GWASs flexibly. The source code is available at github ( https://github.com/lab319/gwas_filter).