1.Exploring Mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway to Improve Learning and Memory Ability of Insomnia Rats with Liver Depression Syndrome Based on Transcriptomics
Jiamin LIU ; Yale WANG ; Hai HUANG ; Yue LI ; Xin FAN ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Shizhao ZHANG ; Mei YAN ; Guiyun LI ; Hongyan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):114-125
ObjectiveBased on transcriptomics, to explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, eszopiclone group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan (3.82, 7.65, 15.30 g·kg-1), with ten rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were induced insomnia rat model with liver depression by chronic restraint, tail clamping stimulation and intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Each treatment group received intragastric administration according to the specified dosage, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The pentobarbital sodium cooperative sleep test, open field test, and Morris water maze test were used to test the sleep quality, depressive-like behavior, and learning and memory abilities of rats. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of the hippocampal tissue, while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Transcriptomic sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in hippocampus between the model group and the blank group, as well as between the medium-dose group of Hei Xiaoyaosan and the model group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting genes. Subsequently, the enriched key genes and signaling pathways were analyzed and verified. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein 11 (BCL2L11), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in hippocampus, and Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylation (p)-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved Caspase-3 in the same tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight, an increase in sleep latency, and a decrease in sleep duration (P<0.01). Additionally, rats showed obvious depression-like behavior, and their learning and memory abilities decreased. Furthermore, the contents of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in hippocampus decreased (P<0.01). Histological examination revealed a disorganized cell arrangement in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, characterized by irregular cell shapes, a reduced cell count, deeply stained and pyknotic nuclei, increased vacuolar degeneration, and an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight of the high and medium dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan increased, the sleep latency shortened and the sleep time prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, depression-like behavior and learning and memory abilities of rats were significantly improved, the levels of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampus increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). These interventions also ameliorated pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 area and reduced the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons (P<0.01). Transcriptomic sequencing results indicated that Hei Xiaoyaosan might exert a therapeutic effect by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway through key mRNAs such as PTEN, BCL2L11, and MAPK1. The roles of these key mRNAs and proteins within PI3K/Akt pathway were further validated. In comparison to the blank group, the expression levels of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats in the model group were increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan could down-regulate the expressions of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNAs (P<0.01), up-regulate the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 proteins (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expressions of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by down-regulating expressions of key genes such as PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1, and thus improve the learning and memory abilities of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome.
2.Study on the effect and mechanism of Xinyang Tablet on myocardial ferroptosis in mice with chronic heart failure
Jinhua KANG ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Xiaoxiong ZHOU ; Ao LIU ; Zhongqi YANG ; Hongyan WU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):516-528
Objective:
Exploring the effect and mechanism of Xinyang Tablet on reduction of ferroptosis in myocardial cells from mice with chronic heart failure.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the sham, model, Xinyang Tablet low-dose (0.34 g/kg), Xinyang Tablet medium-dose (0.68 g/kg), Xinyang Tablet high-dose (1.36 g/kg), and perindopril (0.607 mg/kg) groups using a random number table method (10 mice in each group). Except for the sham group, all other groups underwent aortic arch constriction surgery to construct a chronic heart failure model. On the third day after completion of the modeling, each treatment group was administered the corresponding medication by gavage, while the sham and model groups were administered equal volumes of water by gavage once a day for eight consecutive weeks. After treatment, cardiac ultrasound was used to detect the structure and function of the mouse heart. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in mouse heart tissue. Masson staining was used to detect the proportion of fibrotic area of mouse heart tissue. Realtime fluorescence PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), collagen 3α (Col3α), and myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) in mouse myocardial tissue. Transmission electron microscope was used to detect the ultrastructure of myocardial cell mitochondria. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining was used to detect the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS in myocardial tissue. Micro-determination was used to detect superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in myocardial tissue. An immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the mean fluorescence intensity of phosphorylated histone deacetylase 2 (p-HDAC2) in myocardial cell. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), p-HDAC2, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and cystine glutamate reverse transporter (xCT) in mouse myocardial tissue.
Results:
Compared to the sham group, the model group showed a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), an increase in left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), an increase in the proportion of cardiac fibrosis area, an increase in relative expression levels of ANP, BNP, Col3α, and MYH7 mRNA, an increase in ROS mean fluorescence intensity, a decrease in SOD activity, an increase in mean fluorescence intensity of p-HDAC2, an increase in relative expression levels of p-HDAC2 and NOX1 proteins, and a decrease in relative expression levels of Nrf2, GPX4, and xCT proteins (P<0.05). Myocardial fibrosis lesions are obvious, with disordered mitochondrial arrangement, decreased volume and shrinkage, increased membrane density, and reduced mitochondrial cristae. Compared to the model group, the LVEF and LVFS of mice in each dose group of Xinyang Tablet and the perindopril group increased, LVESD and LVEDD decreased, the proportion of fibrotic area of heart tissue decreased, the relative expression levels of ANP, BNP, Col3α, MYH7 mRNA decreased, ROS mean fluorescence intensity decreased, SOD activity increased, mean fluorescence intensity of p-HDAC2 decreased, relative expression levels of p-HDAC2 and NOX1 proteins decreased, and relative expression levels of Nrf2 and xCT proteins increased (P<0.05). Myocardial fibrosis was reduced, the mitochondrial arrangement was more regular, the mitochondria enlarged, the membrane density was reduced, and mitochondrial cristae increased. Compared to the model group, the relative expression level of the GPX4 protein in myocardial tissue increased in the Xinyang Tablet medium-, high-dose, and the perindopril groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Xinyang Tablet can improve ferroptosis and ventricular remodeling in mice with chronic heart failure by regulating the HDAC2-mediated Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
3.Trend in new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023
WANG Hongyan ; REN Feilin ; LIU Xiaoqi ; JIN Meihua ; WU Zhenqian
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):395-399
Objective:
To analyze the trends in new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2009 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for improving HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The new diagnosis rate was calculated as the ratio of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases within one year to the permanent resident population during the same period. The gender, age, and regional distribution characteristics of new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases were described. The trends were analyzed using average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC).
Results:
A total of 2 088 new HIV/AIDS cases were reported in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023, with an average annual new diagnosis rate of 4.53/105. The new diagnosis rates showed an overall increasing trend from 2009 to 2023 (AAPC=12.745%, P<0.05), with rapid growth during 2009 to 2015 (APC=32.734%, P<0.05) but no significant trend during 2015 to 2023 (P>0.05). The average annual new diagnosis rate was significantly higher in males than in females (7.54/100 000 vs. 1.40/100 000, P<0.05). Male new diagnosis rate trend closely mirrored the overall population pattern, while females showed a continuous upward trend without clear inflection point (AAPC=12.575%, P<0.05). Age-specific analysis revealed average annual new diagnosis rates of 2.75/100 000, 6.16/100 000 and 3.83/100 000 for AIDS/HIV cases aged <25, 25-<50 and ≥50 years, respectively. The cases aged <25 years showed no significant trend (P>0.05), while the cases aged 25-<50 and ≥50 years followed patterns similar to the overall population. The average annual new diagnosis rates of HIV/AIDS cases in Wuxing District, Nanxun District, Deqing County, Changxing County and Anji County were 6.54/100 000, 3.43/100 000, 3.45/100 000, 3.56/100 000 and 4.94/100 000, respectively, showing overall upward trends (AAPC=9.672%, 27.599%, 11.800%, 18.896% and 10.254%, all P<0.05).
Conclusions
The new diagnosis rate of HIV/AIDS cases showed an overall upward trend in Huzhou City from 2009 to 2023. Cases are mainly concentrated among males, people aged 25-<50 years and Wuxing District, making them key targets for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
4.Exploring Pharmacodynamic Material Basis and Mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in Improving Learning and Memory Ability of Insomnia Rats Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and Network Pharmacology
Jiamin LIU ; Hai HUANG ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Yale WANG ; Guiyun LI ; Hongyan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):19-30
ObjectiveBased on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology and pharmacodynamics, to investigate the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan in improving learning and memory ability of insomnia rats. MethodUPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to characterize the chemical constituents of Hei Xiaoyaosan. Network pharmacology was applied to construct the network of active ingredients-intersecting targets-pathways, and molecular docking was performed on key ingredients and core targets. Sixty 8-week-old male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into blank group, model group, Hei Xiaoyaosan low, medium, and high dose groups(3.82, 7.65, 15.30 g·kg-1), and zolpidem tartrate group(0.5 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the insomnia model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA) for 4 consecutive days. Rats in each dosing group were administered the corresponding dose by gavage, once a day for 14 consecutive days. Morris water maze test was utilized to assess the learning and memory ability of rats, transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal synapses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was conducted to analyze the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in hippocampal tissues, and Western blot was performed to detect the expression levels of tumor suppressor protein p53(TP53), rat sarcoma virus(RAS), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-response element binding protein(CREB) binding protein(CREBBP), glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), protein kinase B1(Akt1), nitric oxide synthase 1(NOS1), phosphorylated(p)-Akt1, and p-GSK-3β in hippocampal tissues. Additionally, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression levels of TP53, RAS, EGFR, CREBBP, GSK-3β, Akt1 and NOS1. ResultA total of 176 components were identified in Hei Xiaoyaosan, mainly flavonoids, triterpene saponins, phenylpropanoids and other compounds. Network pharmacological analysis revealed that TP53, V-Ha-Ras Harvey Rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog(HRAS), neuroblastoma sarcoma viral oncogene homolog(NRAS), EGFR, CREBBP, GSK-3β, Akt1 and NOS1 were the key targets of Hei Xiaoyaosan in treating insomnia. The core targets were predominantly associated with cAMP, RAS, Ras-associated protein 1(Rap1), advanced glycation end products(AGE)/receptor for AGE(RAGE), and EGFR signaling pathways, and the key active ingredients of Hei Xiaoyaosan in treating insomnia were 8-shogaol, ligustilide F, 6-gingerol, levistilide A and senkyunolide E. Animal experiment results demonstrated that Hei Xiaoyaosan medium and high dose groups significantly increased body weight, shortened sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration in insomnia rats(P<0.01), significantly decreased escape latency and increased platform crossing frequency(P<0.01), and improved the pathological changes of hippocampal synaptic ultrastructure. Meanwhile, the two groups could significantly elevate 5-HT level, Akt1 mRNA expression, Akt1 and p-Akt1 protein expression(P<0.01), reduce inflammatory factor levels(P<0.01), and down-regulate protein expression levels of TP53, RAS, NOS1, EGFR, CREBBP, GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β(P<0.01), as well as mRNA expression levels of TP53, RAS, NOS1, EGFR, CREBBP and GSK-3β in hippocampal tissues(P<0.01). ConclusionThis study determined that the five key active ingredients(8-shogaol, ligustilide F, 6-gingerol, levistilide A and senkyunolide E) in Hei Xiaoyaosan may improve the learning and memory ability of insomnia rats by regulating signaling pathways such as cAMP, RAS, and EGFR, providing an important reference for its mechanism research and clinical application.
5.Effects of Zigui yichong formula on premature ovarian insufficiency in mice through glycolytic metabolic pathway
Xinmiao ZHANG ; Xueping LIU ; Hongyan XI ; Siling TANG ; Rongxia LI ; Zhongyu WU ; Yancang DUAN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(20):2460-2465
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of Zigui yichong formula on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in mice through glycolysis metabolic pathway. METHODS Eighty SPF C57BL/6N female mice were divided into normal group, model group, Zigui yichong formula group (14.175 g/kg), Zigui yichong formula+2-deoxy-D-arabino-hexose (2-DG) group (Zigui yichong formula 14.175 g/kg + glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG 100 mg/kg), with 20 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, POI model mice were induced by intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide in the other groups. After the model was successfully established, each group was given corresponding drugs. HE staining was employed to observe the pathomorphological changes in ovarian tissue and to count follicles at all developmental stages; radioimmunoassay was conducted to measure the serum levels of estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); TUNEL assay was employed to detect apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells of mice; the activities of hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were detected by colorimetry; Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were employed to analyze the protein and mRNA expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, HK2, pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). RESULTS Compared with model group, the number of primordial follicles, growing follicles, antral follicles and granulosa cells were increased significantly(P<0.05), and granulosa cells arranged neatly, but the number of atretic follicles and granulosa cells apoptosis were decreased significantly in Zigui yichong formula group (P<0.05); the serum levels of E2 and AMH, the activities of HK, PK and LDH, protein and mRNA expressions of Bcl-2, HK2, PKM2 and LDHA were increased significantly (P<0.05); the serum levels of FSH, the protein and mRNA expressions of Bax and caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were decreased significantly (P<0.05). 2-DG could reverse the improvement effects of Zigui yichong formula on the above indexes of POI model mice. CONCLUSIONS Zigui yichong formula may inhibit the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, reduce follicle atresia and improve ovarian reserve function by promoting glycolysis levels in POI model mice.
6.Application of the second generation snap shot freeze combined with artificial intelligence in free heart rate coronary CT angiography
Lei ZHENG ; Wujuan QI ; Hongyan WU ; Nan ZHU ; Shuangyan JIANG ; Zhizhong YUAN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(2):311-314
Objective To evaluate the application value of the second generation snap shot freeze(SSF2)combined with artificial intelligence reconstruction in free heart rate coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA).Methods The examination data of 37 patients undergoing CCTA were divided into two groups for reconstruction.Group A,reconstruction by artificial intelligence after SSF2 algorithm correction;group B,original images automatically split and multi-phase reconstruction by artificial intelligence.Image quality were compared on volume rendering(VR),curve planar reformation(CPR),maximum intensity projection(MIP)image,subjective evaluation,objective scoring,and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).Independent samples t-test and Chi-square test were used,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results There were statistically significant differences in the image quality score and SNR of the two reconstruction methods(P=0.009).Group A scored better,with higher signal intensity,lower noise intensity,and better SNR.The difference in the number of right coronary artery(RCA)analyzable segments between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The excellent and good rate of subjective evaluation of coronary artery segments in group A RCA(98.6%)was higher than that in group B(69.6%).Conclusion Using SSF2 combined with artificial intelligence reconstruction technology can significantly improve the image quality of CCTA,improve the success rate of CCTA examination,and improve the overall work efficiency.
7.The predict value of CT angiography combined with CT perfusion parameters and serum biology for recurrent stroke events
Shili HE ; Hongyan LU ; Rong WU ; Yuxin HE ; Gaofeng ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(4):523-527,547
Objective To investigate the predict value of imaging parameters in computed tomography perfusion(CTP)combined with computed tomography angiography(CTA)examination and serum biomarkers for recurrent stroke events at three-month and one-year follow-ups.Methods A total of 136 patients with cerebral infarction diagnosed for the first time were included in the retrospective study.These patients received CTA+CTP one-stop examination and serum biomarkers testing,followed by three-month and one-year follow-ups for the occurrence of recurrent stroke events.Recurrent stroke events were defined as ischemic stroke,retinal infarction,intracerebral hemorrhage,subarachnoid hemorrhage,and death.Results The recurrent stroke events rate was 23.5%(32 cases)and 36.8%(50 cases)at three-month and one-year follow-ups,respectively.Ischemic penumbra(IP)volume[odds ratio(OR)=1.010,P=0.029]and modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at discharge(OR=1.388,P=0.008)were independent predictors for recurrent stroke events at the three-month follow-up,so were lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)](OR=1.002,P=0.044),vascular stenosis severity(OR=1.489,P=0.029),and mRS score at discharge(OR=1.282,P=0.038)at the one-year follow-up.Conclusion Among patients with stroke diagnosed for the first time,IP volume,Lp(a),vascular stenosis severity and mRS score at discharge are the most powerful predictors of recurrent stroke events at three-month and one-year follow-ups.
8.Research Progress on Mechanism of Chinese Medicines in Treating Diabetes
Hongyan LI ; Sisi DAI ; Wei WU ; Jiaxin ZHOU ; Zhihui CHEN ; Guanlin YANG ; Huiyong ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(6):1410-1433
Diabetes mellitus(DM)is an endocrine metabolic disease mainly characterized by chronic hyperglycemia,which seriously threatens the health and quality of life of human beings,and with the improvement of living standard and unhealthy lifestyle in China,the incidence of DM continues to rise and tends to be younger,so it is urgent to carry out in-depth research on hypoglycemic treatment.DM is pathologically based on absolute or relative insulin deficiency,and there is no radical cure for it,and Western medicine mostly adopts insulin injection or oral hypoglycemic drugs for symptomatic treatment,which is effective but prone to toxic side effects in long-term use.Chinese medicine has the advantages of multi-path and multi-target in treating DM,and plays a role in lowering blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion,improving insulin resistance,regulating glucolipid metabolism and anti-oxidative stress,etc.Its efficacy is remarkable and the rate of toxic side effects is low.In recent years,there have been more studies on the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine and compound prescriptions on animal models of DM.By reviewing the relevant literature in recent years,the author has systematically sorted out the mechanism of hypoglycemic action of single Chinese medicine,traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions,effective components of traditional Chinese medicine and their related experimental designs,from promoting insulin secretion,inhibiting gluconeogenesis,promoting glycogen synthesis,improving insulin resistance,inhibiting glycosidase activity,alleviating oxidative stress damage,inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating intestinal stress.The study and experimental design of the hypoglycemic mechanism of Chinese medicine were summarized in terms of promoting insulin secretion,inhibiting gluconeogenesis,promoting glycogen synthesis,improving insulin resistance,inhibiting glucosidase activity,alleviating oxidative stress damage,inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating intestinal flora,etc.,with a view to providing reference for the wider clinical application of Chinese medicine in hypoglycemia and its in-depth pharmacodynamic study.
9.Compound Yuye Decoction protects diabetic rats against cardiomyopathy by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis and inflammation via regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Wenxiang ZHANG ; Huixian GU ; Pengde CHEN ; Siyu WU ; Hongyan MA ; Lan YAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(7):1306-1314
Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Yuye Decoction against diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Drugbank,Gene Cards,OMIM and PharmGKb databases were used to obtain DCM-related targets,and the core targets were identified and functionally annotated by protein-protein interaction network analysis followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.The"Traditional Chinese Medicine-Key Component-Key Target-Key Pathway"network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1,and molecular docking was carried out for the key components and the core targets.In the animal experiment,Wistar rat models of DCM were treated with normal saline or Yuye Decoction by gavage at low(0.29 g/kg)and high(1.15 g/kg)doses for 8 weeks,and the changes in cardiac electrophysiology and histopathology were evaluated.The changes in serum levels of LDH,CK,and CK-MB were examined,and myocardial expressions of PI3K,P-PI3K,Akt,P-AKT,BAX,IL-6,and TNF-α were detected using Western blotting.Results We identified 61 active compounds in Yuye Decoction with 1057 targets,3682 DCM-related disease targets,and 551 common targets between them.Enrichment of the core targets suggested that apoptosis,inflammation and the PI3K/Akt pathways were the key signaling pathways for DCM treatment.Molecular docking studies showed that the active components in Yuye Decoction including gold amidohydroxyethyl ester and kaempferol had strong binding activities with AKT1 and PIK3R1.In DCM rat models,treatment with Yuye Decoction significantly alleviated myocardial pathologies,reduced serum levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB,lowered myocardial expressions of BAX,IL-6 and TNF-α,and increased the expressions of P-PI3K and P-AKT.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of compound Yuye Decoction against DCM is mediated by its multiple active components that act on multiple targets and pathways to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
10.Activation of ALDH2 alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in mice by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway
Lei WANG ; Fenlan BIAN ; Feiyang MA ; Shu FANG ; Zihan LING ; Mengran LIU ; Hongyan SUN ; Chengwen FU ; Shiyao NI ; Xiaoyang ZHAO ; Xinru FENG ; Zhengyu SUN ; Guoqing LU ; Pinfang KANG ; Shili WU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(10):1955-1964
Objective To investigate whether activation of mitochondrial acetal dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2)alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old C57 BL/6 mice were randomized into control,hypoxia,and hypoxia+Alda-1(an ALDH2 activator)group(n=10),and the mice in the latter two groups,along with 10 ALDH2 knockout(ALDH2-/-)mice,were exposed to hypoxia(10%O2,90%N2)with or without daily intraperitoneal injection of Alda-1 for 4 weeks.The changes in right ventricular function and pressure(RVSP)of the mice were evaluated by echocardiography and right ventricular catheter test,and pulmonary artery pressure was estimated based on RVSP.Pulmonary vascular remodeling,right ventricular injury,myocardial α-SMA expression,distal pulmonary arteriole muscle normalization,right ventricular cross-sectional area,myocardial cell hypertrophy,and right cardiac hypertrophy index were assessed with HE staining,immunofluorescence staining and WGA staining,and the expressions of ALDH2,SIRT1,PGC-1α,P16INK4A and P21CIP1 were detected.In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with hypoxic exposure,the effect of Alda-1 and EX527 on cell senescence and protein expressions was evaluated using β-galactose staining and Western blotting.Results The wild-type mice with hypoxic exposure showed significantly increased RVSP,right ventricular free wall thickness and myocardial expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were effectively lowered by treatment with Alda-1 but further increased in ALDH2-/-mice.In cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells,hypoxic exposure significantly increased senescent cell percentage and cellular expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were all lowered by treatment with Alda-1,but its effect was obviously attenuated by EX527 treatment.Conclusion ALDH2 alleviates hypoxia-induced senescence of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway to alleviate pulmonary hypertension in mice.


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