1.Mahoniae Caulis Alkaloids Ameliorate Depression by Regulating Synaptic Plasticity via cAMP Pathway
Junhui HE ; Chunlian JIA ; Kedao LAI ; Guili ZHOU ; Rongfei ZHOU ; Yi LI ; Dongmei LI ; Jiaxiu XIE ; Guining WEI ; Juying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):132-140
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms associated with Mahoniae Caulis alkaloids (MA) in ameliorating depression by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsThe component targets of MA were obtained through Swiss Target Prediction and TCMIP database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by protein interaction analysis (STRING) database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed through Bioinformatics (DAVID) database. The docking of components and targets was performed by AGFR. The mouse model of depression was established by intraperitoneal injection of corticosterone (CORT) once a day for 35 consecutive days. Sixty mice were randomly allocated into control (0.9% normal saline), model (CORT, 20 mg·kg-1), positive control (fluoxetine hydrochloride, 3.6 mg·kg-1), and MA (10, 5, and 2.5 mg·kg-1) groups. Each group was administrated with corresponding medicine or normal saline once a day for 28 consecutive days. The depression-like behavior of mice was observed. The pathological changes of prefrontal cortex in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to observe the apoptosis of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to assess the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) in mice. The mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway-related factors and inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of cAMP pathway-related factors and connexin 43 (Cx43). ResultsA total of 434 component targets and 545 depression targets were obtained, including 84 common targets, among which 10 core targets were screened out. GO analysis predicted 34 biological processes, 15 cell components, and 11 molecular functions. The KEGG pathways were mainly related to gap junction and cAMP signaling pathway. The core components had good binding affinity with the core targets. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the control group, CORT prolonged the immobility time of mice in forced swimming and tail suspension tests (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brain tissue (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate effector binding protein (CREB) and BDNF (P<0.05) and the protein levels of protein kinase (PRKACA), phosphorylation (p)-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05) in the brain tissue. Compared with the model group, high-dose MA reduced the immobility time of mice in forced swimming (P<0.05) and tail suspension (P<0.01) tests, raised the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA level of NF-κB (P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA level of BDNF (P<0.01) and protein levels of PRKACA, p-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05). ConclusionMA alleviates the CORT-induced depressive behavior of mice. It may play an antidepressant role by regulating cAMP signaling pathway and gap junction pathway, improving synaptic plasticity and gap junction function, and reducing neuroinflammation.
2.Mahoniae Caulis Alkaloids Ameliorate Depression by Regulating Synaptic Plasticity via cAMP Pathway
Junhui HE ; Chunlian JIA ; Kedao LAI ; Guili ZHOU ; Rongfei ZHOU ; Yi LI ; Dongmei LI ; Jiaxiu XIE ; Guining WEI ; Juying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):132-140
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms associated with Mahoniae Caulis alkaloids (MA) in ameliorating depression by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsThe component targets of MA were obtained through Swiss Target Prediction and TCMIP database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by protein interaction analysis (STRING) database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed through Bioinformatics (DAVID) database. The docking of components and targets was performed by AGFR. The mouse model of depression was established by intraperitoneal injection of corticosterone (CORT) once a day for 35 consecutive days. Sixty mice were randomly allocated into control (0.9% normal saline), model (CORT, 20 mg·kg-1), positive control (fluoxetine hydrochloride, 3.6 mg·kg-1), and MA (10, 5, and 2.5 mg·kg-1) groups. Each group was administrated with corresponding medicine or normal saline once a day for 28 consecutive days. The depression-like behavior of mice was observed. The pathological changes of prefrontal cortex in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to observe the apoptosis of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to assess the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) in mice. The mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway-related factors and inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of cAMP pathway-related factors and connexin 43 (Cx43). ResultsA total of 434 component targets and 545 depression targets were obtained, including 84 common targets, among which 10 core targets were screened out. GO analysis predicted 34 biological processes, 15 cell components, and 11 molecular functions. The KEGG pathways were mainly related to gap junction and cAMP signaling pathway. The core components had good binding affinity with the core targets. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the control group, CORT prolonged the immobility time of mice in forced swimming and tail suspension tests (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brain tissue (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate effector binding protein (CREB) and BDNF (P<0.05) and the protein levels of protein kinase (PRKACA), phosphorylation (p)-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05) in the brain tissue. Compared with the model group, high-dose MA reduced the immobility time of mice in forced swimming (P<0.05) and tail suspension (P<0.01) tests, raised the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA level of NF-κB (P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA level of BDNF (P<0.01) and protein levels of PRKACA, p-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05). ConclusionMA alleviates the CORT-induced depressive behavior of mice. It may play an antidepressant role by regulating cAMP signaling pathway and gap junction pathway, improving synaptic plasticity and gap junction function, and reducing neuroinflammation.
3.Status and related factors of knowledge, attitude and practice of vision health among young children s parents in Bao an District, Shenzhen City
WANG Chunli, JIAN Jie, ZHANG Wei, HE Yingxin, ZHANG Yu, ZHANG Dongmei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):343-347
Objective:
To understand the status and related factors of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on vision health among young children s parents in Bao an District, Shenzhen, so as to provide reference for further controlling myopia and promoting children s visual health.
Methods:
From May 16th to 26th, 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to conduct an online questionnaire survey on 7 666 parents of kindergarten children across 41 kindergartens in a street of Bao an District, Shenzhen. The t-test, variance analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the related factors of KAP on vision health among children s parents.
Results:
The pass rates of parental vision KAP and overall assessment were 25.10%, 98.49 %, 71.18% and 58.26%, respectively. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that only fathers with myopia, only mothers with myopia, both parents with myopia, children in the bottom classes, middle classes, senior classes, and pre school had higher standardized scores for KAP on vision health among parents ( β=0.08, 0.11, 0.16, 0.17, 0.16, 0.16, 0.05, P <0.05), compared to both parents without myopia and children in daycare classes. Parents of young children with myopia, and who didn t know their children s visual acuity and their own visual acuity had a lower KAP standardized scores ( β=-0.02, -0.04, -0.05 , P< 0.05).
Conclusions
Young children s parents in Bao an District hold a positive attitude towards vision health, but are lack of knowledge and practice. It is imperative to transmit accurate information and concepts about children s vision health to parents in a targeted manner. In particular, knowledge and guidance should be strengthened for children s parents.
4.Association between maternal lipids during pregnancy and risk of offspring s overweight and obesity at 3 years of age
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1074-1078
Objective:
To explore the association between maternal lipid levels during pregnancy and the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age, providing scientific evidences for the prevention and control of childhood obesity.
Methods:
A total of 2 432 mother-child pairs with maternal lipid tests during pregnancy and offspring s physical growth data at 3 years of age were included from the Borin in Guangzhou Cohort Study up to September 2021. Lipid indicators, including high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), were measured at 13-19 +6 weeks (mid pregnancy) and 32-39 +6 weeks (late pregnancy). Children s body mass index (BMI) Z score were calculated according to the World Health Organization s growth standards for children under 5 years old. The lipid Z score were divided into four quartiles: Q 1, Q 2, Q 3 and Q 4. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between maternal lipid levels during pregnancy and offspring’s BMI Z score at 3 years of age. Poisson regression with a robust error variance was employed to evaluate the association between maternal lipid levels during pregnancy and the at risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age, after adjusting for maternal age at conception, education level, parity, pre pregnancy BMI and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Results:
There was a statistically significnt difference in the detection rate of overweight and obesity risk among children with different mothers s pre pregnancy BMI ( χ 2=22.85, P <0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that TG levels in late pregnancy were positively related to BMI Z score ( β=0.10, 95%CI=0.02-0.18, P <0.05). Poisson regression with a robust error variance indicated that, compared with the Q 1 group of TC, the Q 4 group of TC in mid pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age ( RR=1.59, 95%CI =1.04-2.44); compared with the Q 1 group of TG, the Q 4 group of TG during late pregnancy increased the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age ( RR=1.79, 95%CI =1.02-3.12) (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Maternal serum TC level during mid pregnancy can increase the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age. Maternal serum TG levels during late pregnancy is positively correlated with BMI and the risk of overweight and obesity in offspring at 3 years of age.
5.Progress in the relationship between different dietary patterns and Alzheimer′s disease and related mechanism
Mingyue HE ; Dongmei LUO ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(11):1281-1289
Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is the most common type of cognitive impairment, characterized by complex pathology and pathogenesis. Regrettably, the effective therapeutic approaches remain unfulfilled, underscoring the pressing need to explore innovative preventive and therapeutic avenues. Research has illuminated the potential of intervening in risk factors and modifying lifestyle choices to diminish the incidence and decelerate the progression of AD. Notably, dietary patterns, such as Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, and calorie restriction have emerged as promising candidates for bolstering cognitive function in AD patients. These dietary approaches achieve this by multiple mechanisms, including mitigating the accumulation of neuropathological proteins, curbing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, fortifying autophagy, and enhancing synaptic plasticity, etc. These findings strongly suggest that dietary intervention harbors the potential to serve as a novel and viable therapeutic strategy for AD. This review summarized the effects of different dietary patterns on the occurrence, progression, pathology and mechanism of AD.
6.Awareness Investigation and Strategy Analysis on Pharmaceutical Services and Fees in Hospitals in Guizhou Province
Dongmei LI ; Qian YANG ; Shuimei SUN ; Ling HE ; Dirong WU ; Mingji LIU ; Pingping CHEN ; Libin WANG ; Zhongyuan WANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Zhu ZHU ; Xue BAI ; Changcheng SHENG ; Jiaxing ZHANG ; Lei LU ; Xue WANG ; Qi CHEN
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(9):1410-1415
Objective To investigate the current status and awareness of pharmaceutical services in hospitals in Guizhou province and to provide a reference for exploring and carrying out pharmaceutical service fees.Methods The questionnaire was designed by the"wjx.cn"website.Three kinds of questionnaires were designed for pharmacists,doctors,nurses,and patients as the research objects,with corresponding differences in some questions,and promoted on WeChat,Dingxiangyuan,and other network platforms.Results A total of 655 questionnaires were collected,and 639 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 97.56%.324 pharmacists(50.70%),82 doctors and nurses(12.83%),233 patients(36.46%)were surveyed.The average approval score of these three groups of respondents on pharmaceutical service fees was 4.67,4.23,and 4.22,respectively(full score:5).Conclusions Overall,pharmacists'professional services have received support from medical staff and patients.However,patients'pharmaceutical service projects currently focus on dispensing services.The recognition of pharmacists'work and the public's awareness of pharmaceutical services can be improved by enhancing the professional ability of pharmacists,strengthening publicity and guidance,and exploring"Internet+pharmaceutical services",etc.,to promote the sustainable development of pharmaceutical services.
7.Quality evaluation of Siraitiae fructus standard decoction based on UPLC fingerprint and multi-index determination
Fangping ZHANG ; Cuijie WEI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Wenkai XIE ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Zhiwen DUAN ; Yongwei FENG ; Minyou HE ; Roushan CHEN ; Dongmei SUN ; Lin ZHOU ; Zhenyu LI
China Pharmacist 2024;28(11):397-405
Objective To establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)fingerprint and multi-index content determination method of Siraitiae fructus standard decoction.Methods 15 batches of Siraitiae fructus from different producing areas were collected,Siraitiae fructus standard decoction was prepared according to Technical Requirements for Quality Control and Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules,and the extract rate was calculated.UPLC was used to establish the fingerprint of 15 batches of Siraitiae fructus standard decoction and determine the contents of 11-O-mogroside V,kaempferitrin and mogroside V,which were the main effective components.The chemometrics analysis was used to evaluate the quality of Siraitiae fructus standard decoction and find possible quality markers.Results The extraction rate of 15 batches Siraitiae fructus standard decoction ranged from 24.79%to 34.95%.There were 16 common peaks in the fingerprint,and 4 components were identified.The Siraitiae fructus standard decoction was divided into 2 categories by chemometrics analysis,among which samples from Liuzhou,Guangxi were in one category and samples from Guilin,Guangxi were in another category.Seven differential markers were screened out under the condition of variable importance projection value,and the order was as follows:peak 8>peak 7>peak 5>peak 12(kaempferitrin)>peak 1>peak 13>peak 4.The contents of kaempferitrin,11-O-mogroside V and mogroside V in samples from Guilin,Guangxi were slightly higher than those in samples from Liuzhou,Guangxi.Conclusion The UPLC fingerprint and content determination method established in this study are feasible,which can provide a basis for the quality evaluation of Siraitiae fructus.The results of principal component analysis show that kaempferol is likely to become a quality marker of Siraitiae fructus.
8.Study on Quality Evaluation of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix through UPLC Fingerprint Combined with Chemometrics Analysis and Multi Index Component Content Determination
Guangming HE ; Xiaoying LU ; Tianrui XIA ; Feifei XIE ; Rui LUO ; Weisheng LYU ; Yueyi LIANG ; Zhenyu LI ; Xiuzhi LI ; Jianxiang ZHANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(8):126-132
Objective To establish the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)chromatographic fingerprint of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix;To determine the contents of ferulic acid,nodakenin,ammijin,notopterol,isoimperatorin and volatile oil of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix from different producing areas;To provide reference for quality evaluation of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix.Methods Waters BEH C18 chromatographic column(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.7 μm)was used,with mobile phase acetonitrile-0.02%formic acid aqueous solution gradient elution,flow rate 0.25 mL/min,column temperature 25℃,detection wavelength 330 nm,injection volume 2 μL.UPLC fingerprints of 25 batches of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix were established,and the similarity analysis and chemometrics analysis were carried out.The contents of ferulic acid,nodakenin,ammijin,notopterol and isoimperatorin were determined simultaneously,and the contents of volatile oil was determined by steam distillation method.Results Totally 23 common fingerprint peaks were calibrated,11 known components were identified.According to the results of the cluster analysis and principal component analysis,25 batches of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix samples were divided into 3 categories,and the 6 potential differential components were screened out by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA).The results showed that the contents of notopterol and volatile oil from Sichuan Province were higher than those from Gansu Province and Qinghai Province.Conclusion The method established in the study is accurate and reliable,which can provide scientific basis and reference for the quality evaluation and control of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix.
9.Study on the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction by HPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker
Zhenyu LI ; Xiangyuan ZHOU ; Yifei MA ; Xian QIU ; Minyou HE ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):76-83
Objective:To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction; To determine the three effective components with similar structure by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS); To evaluate the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.Methods:HPLC was adopted to establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction. The Chromatographic column was Waters XBridge Phenyl (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution with gradient elution. Cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted based on the relative peak area of common peaks. The same method as the fingerprint was used to establish QAMS of tubeimoside A, B, C on Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.Results:There were 14 common peaks in the fingerprint of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction. It was confirmed that the peak 3 was L-tryptophan, the peak 11 was tubeimoside B, the peak 12 was tubeimoside C, and the peak 13 was tubeimoside A. 15 batches of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction from different origins were divided into 3 categories by HCA and PCA. There was no significant difference between QAMS and the external standard method (ESM) through the system suitability inspection. Conclusion:This method is accurate, reliable and has good specificity, which can effectively evaluate the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.
10.Targeting FAPα-positive lymph node metastatic tumor cells suppresses colorectal cancer metastasis.
Shuran FAN ; Ming QI ; Qi QI ; Qun MIAO ; Lijuan DENG ; Jinghua PAN ; Shenghui QIU ; Jiashuai HE ; Maohua HUANG ; Xiaobo LI ; Jie HUANG ; Jiapeng LIN ; Wenyu LYU ; Weiqing DENG ; Yingyin HE ; Xuesong LIU ; Lvfen GAO ; Dongmei ZHANG ; Wencai YE ; Minfeng CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):682-697
Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.


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