1.Effect of Shixiaosan on Neurological Function and Ferroptosis in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Ying WEI ; Lixia WANG ; Junjun YIN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Lijuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):22-31
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by regulating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly, cervical blood vessels were separated, branches of the external carotid artery were ligated, and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia, the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow, and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group, a Shixiaosan low-dose (-L) group (intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a Shixiaosan high-dose (-H) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan), a donepezil hydrochloride tablet (DON) group (intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg-1 DON), and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) group (intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg-1 ML385). An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY (581/591) C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC), ferritin heavy chain (FHC), and ferritin light chain (FLC) in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group, the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, characterized by reduced neuron numbers, nucleolar shrinkage, and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture, with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ content, MDA content, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels were increased, whereas the modified Garcia JH score, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC were decreased, and TFRC protein expression was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the CIRI group, the Shixiaosan -L group, Shixiaosan -H group, and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra, reduced iron accumulation, alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio, Fe2+ and MDA contents, ROS activity, and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores, GSH content, and protein expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, FHC, and FLC, while TFRC protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group (P<0.05). Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group, all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends (P<0.05). ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
2.Analysis of current mental health status and stressors of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine in China
Zhiqiang WANG ; Mengting ZHANG ; Wei CAO ; Junren WANG ; Jinzhong JIA ; Peiyao SHI ; Wei JIANG ; Jingrui LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(10):1300-1306
Objective:To investigate the current situation and correlation between mental health and stressors of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine, and to provide empirical support for improving student mental health.Methods:An online questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 587 fresh graduate students with master's degree in clinical medicine from 65 training institutions in China. SPSS 26.0 was used to compare and analyze the measurement data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the mental health using Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the current status of stressors. The influence factors and correlation between mental health and stressors were analyzed by means of differentiation analysis and correlation analysis.Results:The SCL-90 overall mean score as well as the scores of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, terror, anxious, psychoticism, and hostility of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine were all higher than the national norm ( P<0.05). Among the participants, 58.21% (2 088/3 587) exhibited varying degrees of symptoms listed in the SCL-90. Students from families with low per capita income and low parental education level have more prominent psychological problems. The top three stressors perceived were job seeking, research tasks, and self-ability. Students with positive SCL-90 symptoms reported significantly higher perceived stress in all three stressor dimensions compared to their symptom-negative counterparts ( P<0.001), indicating a significant correlation between mental health status and stressors. Conclusions:The mental health status of new professional master's degree graduates in clinical medicine is concerning and warrants focused attention from educational authorities, academic institutions, and families.
3.Graduate destination and employment status of Chinese medical master's graduates: an analysis based on 2023 national survey
Jingrui LI ; Peiyao SHI ; Jinzhong JIA ; Wei JIANG ; Zhisheng LIANG ; Mengting ZHANG ; Zhiqiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):788-794
Objective:To understand the graduation destination of newly graduated medical master's students in China and analyze their employment status.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted on 15 942 medical master's students who graduated in 2023. Descriptive analysis, χ2 test, and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test were used to understand the current situation and differences in the graduation destinations, employment units, job positions, and starting salaries of different types of medical master's graduates. Results:The employment rate of medical master's graduates was 58.21% (9 280/15 942). In terms of graduation destinations, male graduates, professional degree holders, graduates from non-"Double First-Class" universities, and nursing majors had a high proportion of confirmed employment units. Male graduates, academic degree holders, graduates from "Double First-Class" universities, and basic medical science majors had a high proportion pursuing further studies domestically. In terms of employment, the highest proportion of medical master's graduates worked in hospitals (84.92%, 6 495/7 648) and the lowest proportion worked in primary-level medical and healthcare institutions (1.02%, 78/7 648). The majority (78.07%, 5 971/7 648) held professional technical positions. Starting salaries were relatively low and ranged between 3 001 and 5 000 yuan/month, accounting for 30.99% (2 370/7 648).Conclusions:The employment rate of medical master's graduates is low, with concentrated employment units and job positions, and there is a lack of talents in primary medical institutions. Colleges and universities and education management departments should adopt policy-driven approaches to support key demographic groups and encourage employment in primary healthcare. Training programs should be timely adjusted in response to market demands and focus on cultivating the comprehensive quality and job competence of medical master's graduates. Additionally, student-centered approaches should be used to strengthen the employment guidance and career planning services.
4.Effect of Yiqi Fumai Injection combined with atorvastatin on cardiac function in CHD patients with angina of Qi-Yin deficiency pattern
Baohua ZHONG ; Jinzhong ZHANG ; Chunliang WANG ; Shuzhen SHI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(5):587-591
Objective To investigate the effect of Yiqi Fumai Injection combined with atorvastatin on cardiac function in elderly coronary heart disease patients with angina of Qi-Yin deficiency pat-tern.Methods A total of 122 elderly coronary heart disease patients with angina pectoris of Qi-Yin deficiency pattern admitted to our department from September 2022 to September 2023 were recruited and randomly divided into control group and observation group,with 61 cases in each group.The control group was treated with atorvastatin,and the observation group was treated with Yiqi Fumai Injection on the basis of atorvastatin.Clinical efficacy,blood lipids,B-type natri-uretic peptide level,myocardial enzymes,cardiac function,and inflammatory factors were com-pared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than the control group(95.08%vs 80.33%,x2=6.157,P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the observation group had obviously lower levels of total cholesterol,triglyc-erides,low-density cholesterol,B-type natriuretic peptide,lactate dehydrogenase,creatine kinase,creatine kinase isoenzyme,C-reactive protein,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α,left ven-tricular end systolic diameter,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end sys-tolic volume(P<0.05,P<0.01),and notably higher high-density cholesterol level and left ven-tricular ejection fraction when compared with the control group(1.44±0.39 mmol/L vs 1.23±0.30 mmol/L,P=0.001;55.36±13.37%vs 50.29±10.44%,P=0.021).Conclusion Yiqi Fumai Injection combined with atorvastatin shows significantly effective in the treatment of elderly coro-nary heart disease patients with angina pectoris of Qi-Yin deficiency pattern,and can improve lipid metabolism,B-type natriuretic peptide,myocardial enzymes and cardiac function,and reduce in-flammatory factors.
5.Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury (version 2025)
Kai HUANG ; Lunhao BAI ; Qing BI ; Hong CHEN ; Jiwu CHEN ; Xuesong DAI ; Wenyong FEI ; Weili FU ; Zhizeng GAO ; Lin GUO ; Yinghui HUA ; Jingmin HUANG ; Suizhu HUANG ; Xuan HUANG ; Jian LI ; Qiang LI ; Shuzhen LI ; Yanlin LI ; Yunxia LI ; Zhong LI ; Ning LIU ; Yuqiang LIU ; Wei LU ; Hongbin LYU ; Haile PAN ; Xiaoyun PAN ; Chao QI ; Weiliang SHEN ; Luning SUN ; Jin TANG ; Zimin WANG ; Bide WANG ; Ru WANG ; Shaobai WANG ; Licheng WEI ; Weidong XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Jizhou YANG ; Liang YANG ; Rui YANG ; Hongbo YOU ; Tengbo YU ; Jiakuo YU ; Bing YUE ; Hua ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Qingsong ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Lilian ZHAO ; Qichun ZHAO ; Song ZHAO ; Jiapeng ZHENG ; Jiang ZHENG ; Zhi ZHENG ; Jingbin ZHOU ; Jinzhong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(4):325-338
With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.
6.Zuoguiwan Regulates Pdx1 Pathway to Improve Pancreas Development in Offspring of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Model Rats
Wanqiu LIANG ; Rang CHEN ; Le ZHAO ; Xiaoyi REN ; Qianhui SU ; Yonghui WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):10-19
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan improves the pancreas development in the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) model by observing the effects of Zuoguiwan on the expression of key regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development. MethodsPregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, insulin detemir (20 U·kg-1) and Zuoguiwan (1.89 g·kg-1) groups (n=18). GDM was induced by peritoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 6.5 (E6.5d) in the embryonic stage, and the blank group was given an equal volume of sodium citrate buffer. The modeling performance was assessed by measuring the blood glucose of pregnant rats. Except the blank group and model group, pregnant rats in other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs from E9.5d to delivery. The random blood glucose of pregnant rats was monitored, and the embryos and offspring rats were measured for the length and weighed on E12.5d, E18.5d and day 21 after birth (B21d). The Lee's index of rats on B21d was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the fasting insulin (FINS) levels of B22d rats and the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), total cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in E18.5d pregnant rats and B22d offspring were determined. The pathological changes in the pancreas of E12.5d, E18.5d and B22d rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), pancreas-specific transcription factor 1a (Ptf1a), and sex-determining region Y-box protein 9 (Sox9) in the pancreas of E12.5d embryos, Pdx1, Nkx2 homeobox 2 (Nkx2.2), and hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes1) in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos, and Pdx1, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (Mafa), and NK transcription factor-related homeobox gene family 6 locus 1 (Nkx6.1) in the pancreas of B22d rats. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated blood glucose levels in pregnant rats on B0d, E9.5d, E12.5d, E15.5d, and E18.5d (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased body weight and body length (P<0.01) and increased Lee's index in the offspring. In addition, the B22d offspring showed rising levels of FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, AST, and TG (P<0.01), a declined level of HDL (P<0.01), and pancreatic acinous cells with edema and loose arrangement. The pregnant rats on E18.5d exhibited raised levels of ALT, AST, and TG (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the pancreas and a declined level of HDL (P<0.05). The E12.5d embryos showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Sox9, and Ptf1a in the pancreas (P<0.01) and the E18.5d embryos exhibited down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx2.2, and Hes1 in the pancreas (P<0.01). The protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d offspring were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the insulin group exhibited lowered blood glucose in pregnant rats on B0d, E15.5d, and E18.5d (P<0.05, P<0.01). The offspring in all treatment groups showcased increased body weight and body length (P<0.01) and decreased Lee's index. The B22d offspring exhibited declined levels of FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR in the insulin group (P<0.01) and lowered levels of FBG and HOMA-IR in the Zuoguiwan group (P<0.01). The B22d offspring in all the treatment groups showed reduced levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, CHO, TG, and LDL, a raised level of HDL, and alleviated edema of pancreatic acinous cells. The pregnant rats on E18.5d demonstrated declined levels of TG and ALT (P<0.05, P<0.01) and an elevated level of HDL (P<0.05). The pancreas of E12.5d embryos presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1 and Sox9 and an up-regulated protein level of Ptf1a in the insulin group (P<0.05). The pancreas of E12.5d embryos in the Zuoguiwan group presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Sox9, and Ptf1a (P<0.01). All the treatment groups showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1, Nkx2.2, and Hes1 in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos (P<0.01) and Pdx1, Nkx6.1, and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d embryos (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can promote the growth and development and ameliorate the pathological changes in the pancreas of the offspring of GDM model by regulating the expression of Pdx1 pathway-related regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development.
7.Yulin Hukun Decoction Ameliorates Diminished Ovarian Reserve via PI3K/Akt/mTOR-Mediated Autophagy
Ruixia WANG ; Huan CHENG ; Yaxing FAN ; Tingyun CAI ; Meifang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):77-85
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yulin Hukun decoction on autophagy mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced diminished ovarian reserve and explore the follicular development-improving mechanism of this decoction. MethodsSixty female ICR mice with normal estrous cycle were assigned into a blank group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). The model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (60 mg·kg-1) for 5 days. The successfully modeled mice were randomly grouped as follows: model, estradiol (0.26 mg·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (56.42, 28.21, 14.105 g·kg-1, respectively) Yulin Hukun decoction, with 10 mice in each group. The blank group and the model group received normal saline (10 mL·kg-1). The intervention was performed once a day for 21 days. The general conditions, estrous cycle, body weight, and ovary index were observed and recorded for each group. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological changes in the ovarian tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7), beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), ubiquitin-binding adaptor protein (p62), forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), and acetylated forkhead box protein O1 (Ac-FoxO1) in mouse ovaries. Real-time PCR was adopted to determine the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Atg7, beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ in the mouse ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group had disturbed estrous cycle, decreased body weight (P<0.05), loose ovarian structure with increased atretic follicles, increased serum FSH level (P<0.05), and decreased AMH and estradiol levels (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed recovered estrous cycles and body weight. The estradiol group and high- and medium-dose Yulin Hukun decoction groups showed declined FSH level (P<0.05) and elevated AMH levels (P<0.05). In addition, the treatment groups showed downregulated protein levels of Atg7, LC3Ⅱ, beclin1, FoxO1, and Ac-FoxO1 (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and p62 (P<0.01) in the ovarian tissue, gradual repair of the ovarian structure, with more intact and numerous follicles of various stages. ConclusionYulin Hukun decoction can inhibit autophagy in ovarian granulosa cells by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibiting the expression of autophagy-related proteins and transcription factors, thereby improving follicular development and ovarian reserve.
8.Regulation of Oxidative Stress by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury: A Review
Haosen ZHAO ; Weijie REN ; Jiahao LI ; Peili WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):268-276
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major complication following coronary revascularization. Studies indicate that its pathophysiological mechanisms of MIRI are closely associated with oxidative stress, iron overload, inflammatory responses, and lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance in redox homeostasis under pathological conditions, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupts the dynamic balance between pro-oxidant systems and antioxidant defense networks. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of MIRI due to its multi-target and multi-pathway antioxidant properties. Research reveals that TCM primarily exerts protective effects against oxidative stress-induced MIRI by regulating signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and protein kinase C beta Ⅱ/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species (PKCβⅡ/NOX2/ROS). This article reviews recent literature on TCM monomers, compound formulas, and their active components, which alleviate oxidative stress to prevent and treat MIRI by modulating the aforementioned signaling pathways. It summarizes a concise overview of the molecular mechanisms by which oxidative stress-related signaling pathways lead to MIRI, discusses how TCM regulates these pathways to reduce oxidative stress-induced MIRI, and explores clinical application prospects and research challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the research and clinical management of MIRI.
9.Effect and mechanism of embryonic intervention with Zuogui pill on the glucose tolerance in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus
Min YANG ; Yujie WU ; Kainan SUN ; Yonghui WANG ; Chaoqun WANG ; Kaixia XU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):1981-1987
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of embryonic intervention with Zuogui pill on the glucose tolerance in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS Pregnant rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive control group (insulin glargine), Zuogui pill low-, medium- and high-dose groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g/kg). In addition to the blank group, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to establish a gestational diabetes mellitus rat model. From day 6 to day 18 of pregnancy, each group was given relevant medicine and distilled water intragastrically, once a day. After 21 days of birth, the body weight and body length of offsprings were recorded, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated through a glucose tolerance test. After 22 days of birth, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS) levels in serum, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured, and the morphological structure of pancreatic tissue was observed. The protein spectrum of pancreatic tissue was analyzed by tandem mass tag-based proteomics, and protein and mRNA expression levels of apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1), solute carrier family 27 member 1 (Slc27a1), kininogen 1(Kng1) and sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha 2 (Atp1a2), solute carrier family 7 member 5 (Slc7a5), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (Slc3a2), bile acid-coenzyme A: amino acid N- acyltransferase (Baat), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit gamma (Eif2s3) were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the body weight, body length and ISI of offsprings in the positive control group and Zuogui pill medium-dose group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the glucose tolerance and islet cell proliferation were significantly improved, and the AUC, FBG, FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased (P<0.05). There were 88 potential target proteins for the embryonic intervention of Zuogui pill in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus,involving multiple pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG), fat digestion and absorption, and bile secretion. The proteins closely related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance mainly included ApoA1, Slc27a1, Kng1, Atp1a2, Slc7a5, Slc3a2, Baat, and Eif2s3. Among them, compared with the model group, protein and mRNA expressions of Slc7a5, Slc3a2, and Baat in the pancreatic tissues of pregnant rat offsprings in the Zuogui pill medium-dose group were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05); protein and mRNA expressions of ApoA1, Slc27a1, Kng1, Atp1a2 and Eif2s3 were all significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The intervention of Zuogui pill in the embryonic period on offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus can improve their blood glucose levels and pancreatic pathological morphology. The mechanism may be related to the upregulation of the expressions of Slc7a5, Slc3a2, and Baat and the down-regulation of ApoA1, Slc27a1, Kng1, Atp1a2 and Eif2s3 expressions in the PPAR, cGMP-PKG, fat digestion and absorption, and bile secretion pathways.
10.Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Maxing Shigan Tang Against Pneumonia Based on Transcriptomic and Structural Data
Yingdong WANG ; Haoyang PENG ; Aoyi WANG ; Wuxia ZHANG ; Chen BAI ; Peng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):215-222
ObjectiveMaxing Shigan Tang, as a traditional prescription for treating pneumonia, has a remarkable clinical effect. This study aims to systematically investigate the molecular mechanisms of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia by integrating its structural and transcriptomic data at the target level. MethodsNP-TCMtarget, a developed systematic network pharmacological model focusing on drug targets, was used to mine the effect targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia based on the transcriptome data. The structural targets of chemical components in Maxing Shigan Tang were predicted based on the structural information. The intersection of effect targets and structural targets was taken as the direct targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia, and the remaining effect targets except direct targets were taken as indirect targets. Finally, functional enrichment analysis was performed on these targets to explore the molecular mechanism of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia. ResultsA total of 1 604 effect targets and 816 structural targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia were identified. Maxing Shigan Tang exerted its therapeutic effects through 164 direct targets and 1 440 indirect targets. The functional analysis of 1 604 effect targets predicted 19 significantly enriched pathways. Comprehensive analysis of these pathways showed that these targets were mainly linked to immune and inflammatory responses, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, necrosis factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, and helper T cell 17 differentiation. ConclusionFocusing on the hierarchical feature of drug targets and the structural and transcriptomic data, this study systematically reveals the path of herbal component-direct target-indirect target-biological effects of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail