1.Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside on renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy
Chong ZHANG ; Chundong SONG ; Mo WANG ; Shuang LIANG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Peijia LI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):815-819
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TWM) on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats through tumor protein p53/microRNA-214 (miR-214)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) axis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=6) and modeling group (n=28); the modeling group was fed with high fat and high glucose plus intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish DN model. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, valsartan group [8.33 mg/(kg·d)] and TWM group[6.25 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each group were gavaged with the corresponding medication or normal saline, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, liver and renal function indexes [24 h urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT)], blood lipid indexes (triglycerides, total cholesterol) and blood glucose index (fasting blood glucose) in urine/blood sample of rats were detected in each group. Renal pathologic change was observed, protein and mRNA expressions of p53, ULK1, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and expression of miR-214 in renal tissue were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the renal tubular epithelium of rats in the model group showed obvious edema, cell swelling, accompanied by lymphocyte infiltration; the levels of 24h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 in rats in the model group and administration groups were significantly increased or up-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the histopathological damage of the kidney in rats was improved in administration groups; the levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 were all significantly decreased or down-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TG can alleviate renal damage in DN rats, and improve their liver and renal function, as well as glucose and lipid levels. These effects may be related to the regulation of the p53/miR-214/ULK1 axis and the restoration of cellular autophagy.
2.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Dominant Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zihan WANG ; Yanyu CHEN ; Yong CUI ; Qingwen TAO ; Mei MO ; Ke XUE ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):263-269
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a refractory autoimmune disease, is among the dominant diseases where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows advantages in the field of rheumatology and immunology. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital hosted the "46th Youth Salon on Dominant Diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)" organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, which led to a consensus on "the advantages, challenges, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational achievements of integrated TCM and Western medical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE." The diagnosis and treatment of SLE currently face several challenges, such as frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in the early stages, difficulty in achieving treatment targets, multiple side effects from pharmacotherapy, and the lack of management strategies for special populations, all of which hinder the fulfillment of the clinical needs of patients. Integrated TCM and Western medical approaches can improve clinical symptoms such as skin erythema, aversion to cold and cold limbs, fatigue, dry mouth, restlessness, and heat sensation in the palms and soles, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The approaches also help consolidate the efficacy of conventional Western medicine, slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, address multi-organ involvement, and prevent or treat complications. Additionally, they enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, prevent the side effects of Western medications, help reduce hormone use, and offer distinct advantages in the individualized intervention of special populations, contributing to the whole-process management of the disease. However, evidence-based medical support for this integrated approach remains limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Common evaluation systems and modern research methodologies should be adopted to clarify the efficacy of TCM in SLE treatment. Efforts should be made to carry out high-quality evidence-based medical research, strengthen the development of fundamental and pharmacological research, and further explain the distinct advantages of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Future efforts should focus on advancing the integration of TCM and modern medicine, incorporating multi-omics technologies, individualized stratification, and other precision medicine concepts, in combination with artificial intelligence. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration should be promoted to utilize modern technology in exploring the essence of TCM theories and screening effective formulae, thereby comprehensively improving the diagnosis and treatment of SLE through integrated TCM and Western medical approaches.
3.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Dominant Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zihan WANG ; Yanyu CHEN ; Yong CUI ; Qingwen TAO ; Mei MO ; Ke XUE ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):263-269
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a refractory autoimmune disease, is among the dominant diseases where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows advantages in the field of rheumatology and immunology. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital hosted the "46th Youth Salon on Dominant Diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)" organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, which led to a consensus on "the advantages, challenges, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational achievements of integrated TCM and Western medical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE." The diagnosis and treatment of SLE currently face several challenges, such as frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in the early stages, difficulty in achieving treatment targets, multiple side effects from pharmacotherapy, and the lack of management strategies for special populations, all of which hinder the fulfillment of the clinical needs of patients. Integrated TCM and Western medical approaches can improve clinical symptoms such as skin erythema, aversion to cold and cold limbs, fatigue, dry mouth, restlessness, and heat sensation in the palms and soles, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The approaches also help consolidate the efficacy of conventional Western medicine, slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, address multi-organ involvement, and prevent or treat complications. Additionally, they enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, prevent the side effects of Western medications, help reduce hormone use, and offer distinct advantages in the individualized intervention of special populations, contributing to the whole-process management of the disease. However, evidence-based medical support for this integrated approach remains limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Common evaluation systems and modern research methodologies should be adopted to clarify the efficacy of TCM in SLE treatment. Efforts should be made to carry out high-quality evidence-based medical research, strengthen the development of fundamental and pharmacological research, and further explain the distinct advantages of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Future efforts should focus on advancing the integration of TCM and modern medicine, incorporating multi-omics technologies, individualized stratification, and other precision medicine concepts, in combination with artificial intelligence. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration should be promoted to utilize modern technology in exploring the essence of TCM theories and screening effective formulae, thereby comprehensively improving the diagnosis and treatment of SLE through integrated TCM and Western medical approaches.
4.The Effects of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction (温肺化纤汤) on Pulmonary Fibrosis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Model Mice
Mingliang QIU ; Jiali XIONG ; Chenxiao XIAO ; Xinzhu ZHOU ; Lisha MO ; Shiwen KE ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Liangji LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(13):1383-1391
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction (温肺化纤汤) in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). MethodsSixty C3H/He female rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a pirfenidone group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups. The SSc-ILD model mice was established by subcutaneous injection of bleomycin solution 0.04 mg/d into the back of mice for 28 days in all groups but the control group. After successful modelling, the pirfenidone group was given pirfenidone capsule 300 mg/(kg·d) by gavage, the low-, medium- and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups were given Wenfei Huaxian Decoction 7.81, 15.62, and 31.24 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively, and the control group as well as the model group were given normal saline 0.1 ml/10 g by gavage, for a total of 21 days. At the end of the intervention, HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the skin and lung tissues; the hydroxyproline content of the skin and lung tissues was detected; the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins glucose-regulated protein 78 (BIP) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) as well as those of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway p65 were measured by western blot; ELISA was performed to determine the expression levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum of rats. ResultsThe results of HE and Masson staining indicated that compared with the control group, the dermis significantly thickened, the number of collagen fibers significantly enlarged, and the number of inflammatory cells significantly increased in the model group; the lung tissue showed a marked inflammatory cellular response with massive collagen fibre proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the skin tissue and lung tissue collagen fibre proliferation significantly reduced and inflammatory cell infiltration reduced in the pirfenidone group and all dose groups of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction, and the effects of pirfenidone group and Wenfei Huaxian Decoction medium- and high-dose groups were basically comparable. Compared with the model group, the content of hydroxyproline in skin and lung tissue, the serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the expression levels of BIP and CHOP protein in lung tissue increased in model group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the content of hydroxyproline in skin tissue of pirfenidone group, low-and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups decreased, and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group decreased. The serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and the expression levels of BIP, CHOP and p65 protein in lung tissue of rats in pirfenidone group and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group decreased (P<0.05). The content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group was significantly lower than that of low-dose and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group, and the serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α in low- and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group were higher than those in high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group. The expression level of BIP protein in high-dose group was significantly lower than that in low- and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups (P<0.05). ConclusionWenfei Huaxian Decoction can improve the skin and lung fibrosis of SSc-ILD rats, which may act through anti-inflammation, inhibition of NF-κB pathway, and then inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which ultimately blocked the fibrotic process.
5.Nanozyme and Abiogenesis
Long MA ; Zi-Mo LIANG ; Yin-Yin HOU ; Jing FENG ; Ke-Long FAN ; Xi-Yun YAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(10):2274-2291
Nanozymes, a groundbreaking discovery by Chinese scientists, represent a novel and remarkable property of nanomaterials. They not only exhibit catalytic activity comparable to natural enzymes, but also boast exceptional stability, tunable reactivity, and the ability to catalyze reactions under mild conditions. The identification of nanozymes has unveiled the biocatalytic potential of inorganic nanomaterials. In parallel, inorganic minerals have long been regarded as pivotal catalysts in the origin of life, driving the synthesis of early biomolecules. These minerals not only facilitate redox reactions that convert simple inorganic compounds into organic molecules but also enable chiral selection, the synthesis of biomacromolecules, and radioprotective functions via their surface structures. Recent advances suggest that inorganic nanomaterials can delicately catalyze the formation of biomolecules, aid in macromolecular assembly, and provide radiation shielding. Furthermore, nanominerals are found in abundance across Earth and extraterrestrial environments. This paper seeks to explore the potential of nanozymes as catalytic agents in the processes that gave rise to life, integrating the catalytic roles of inorganic minerals with the unique attributes of nanozymes, which will provide a new perspective for research of origin of life.
6.Protective effect of Shenbining granule on renal tissue of IgA nephropathy rats based on mitochondrial quality control system
Yanmin FAN ; Chundong SONG ; Huiyuan SHI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN ; Xia ZHANG ; Xianqing REN ; Ying DING ; Mo WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(24):2984-2989
OBJECTIVE To explore the renal protective mechanism of Shenbining granules on IgA nephropathy (IgAN) rats based on mitochondrial quality control system. METHODS IgAN rat model was established by the method of “bovine serum albumin+carbon tetrachloride+lipopolysaccharide”. The model rats were randomly divided into model group, prednisone acetate group (6.25 mg/kg), Shenbining equal-dose group (4.1 g/kg) and Shenbining high-dose group (20.5 g/kg). The normal rats were taken as the normal control group, with 12 rats in each group. Rats were given corresponding drugs or distilled water intragastrically in each group, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the 24 h total urinary protein (24 h- UTP) and erythrocyte count in urine were determined, and the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were also detected. The histopathological changes in the kidneys and changes in IgA deposition in the mesangial area of the kidney were observed. mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), E3 ubiquitin ligase(Parkin), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain-3 (LC3), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) were detected in the kidney tissues of rats. RESULTS Compared with model group, 24 h-UTP, urinary erythrocyte count, ALT, BUN and Scr levels, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ mRNA ratio, mRNA and protein expressions of Drp1 were reduced significantly in prednisone acetate group, Shenbining equal-dose group and Shenbining high-dose group (P<0.05); ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ protein ratio, mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1, Parkin and Mfn2 were increased significantly (P<0.05); the pathological morphology of kidney tissue in rats was significantly improved, and IgA deposition was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Shenbining granule may reduce renal pathological injury in IgAN rats and protect renal function by activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway, enhancing mitochondrial autophagy, and correcting mitochondrial kinetic disorders.
7.Effect of Qufu Shengji ointment combined with ulinastatin on postoperative wound healing and inflammatory factor levels in perianal surgery
Ming LU ; Ke WU ; Liping MO ; Guihong RONG ; Bo CHEN ; Haining HUANG ; Bingfen QIN
China Pharmacist 2024;27(1):117-124
Objective To investigate the effect of Qufu Shengji ointment combined with ulinastatin in the treatment of wound healing after perianal surgery and its effect on the level of inflammatory factors.Methods Patients who underwent perianal surgery in Guilin Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from July 2020 to January 2022 were randomly divided into control group and test group.The patients in both groups were treated with conventional debridement therapy and ulinastatin,and the test group was treated with Qufu Shengji ointment.The wound healing efficacy,TCM symptom score,inflammatory factor level,growth factor level and treatment safety of the two groups were compared.Results A total of 116 patients were included in the study,including 58 patients in the test group and 58 in the control group.The total effective rate of the test group(91.38%)was higher than that of the control group(75.86%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM syndrome score levels of interleukin-17A(IL-17A),C-reactive protein(CRP)and serum amyloid A(SAA)in the test group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1(VEGFR1),fibroblast growth factor receptor(FGFR)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The anal function index was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was 13.79%and 8.62%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion The effect of Qufu Shengji ointment combined with ulinastatin in the treatment of wound healing after perianal surgery is significant,which can improve the TCM syndrome,reduce inflammatory factors,and upregulate growth factors,and has good safety.
8.Mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction-containing Serum in Delaying Inflammatory Senescence of Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based on NAMPT/SIRT1
Junxia HU ; Yueqi XU ; Jun WANG ; Guoshaung ZHU ; Shiwen KE ; Mingliang QIU ; Liangji LIU ; Lisha MO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):45-53
ObjectiveThe lung mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) were intervened by Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum to explore the mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian decoction in delaying the senescence of LMSCs through the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase/silent information regulator 1 (NAMPT/SIRT1) signaling pathway. MethodWenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum was prepared. LMSCs were isolated by gradient density centrifugation, and they were cultured and identified in vitro. The senescence model in vitro was established by stimulating cells via D-gal for 24 h. LMSCs cells were modeled after being treated with different volume fractions (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum for 24 h, and the cell proliferation level was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The cells were randomly divided into blank serum group, model group, and high, medium, and low dose groups of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was used to detect the senescence of LMSCs in each group. The content of NAD + was detected by colorimetry. The levels of senescence-associated factors (p16 and p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the relative expression of senescence-associated proteins and NAMPT/SIRT1 signaling pathway-related proteins. ResultCompared with the blank serum group, the proliferation of LMSCs was significantly inhibited after D-gal stimulation for 24 h (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the proliferation of LMSCs could be promoted after intervention with the corresponding Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank serum group, the SA-β-gal staining of LMSCs in the model group after D-gal stimulation was enhanced, and the content of NAD+ was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of senescence factors p16 and p53, as well as SASP pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in the cell culture supernatant, were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of senescence-associated proteins p16, p21, and p53 increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of NAMPT, SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and forkhead box family transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SA-β-gal staining of LMSCs in each group of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum was significantly reduced, and the content of NAD+ was decreased (P<0.01). The senescence factors (p16 and p53) and inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of senescence-associated proteins (P16, P21, and P53) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of NAMPT, SIRT1, PGC-1α, and FoxO1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWenfei Huaxian decoction can alleviate senescence and inflammatory response damage of D-gal-induced LMSCs, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the NAMPT/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
9.Study on glioma U251 stem cells regulate TMZ drug resistance through FOXO3a/β-catenin pathway
Zheng WANG ; Yanling ZHOU ; Ke XU ; Jinglian MO
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(13):1935-1940
Objective To explore whether or not the glioma U251 stem cell regulates its resistance to TMZ by the FOXO3a/β-catenin pathway.Methods The U251 stem cells were divided into the TMZ group(100 μmol/IL TMZ treated cells)and the control group.The Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR(qRT-PCR)were used to detect the expression levels of FOXO3a,β-catenin,Nestin,CD133 and Sox2 under the TMZ action in the two groups.The stem cell pelletization experiment was used to verify the resistance of U251 stem cell on TMZ.Recombinant viral vectors pHY-FOXO3a,pHY-β-catenin-KD and PHy-β-Catenin-KD were constructed by embedding FOXO3a/β-catenin interference sequences into lentivirus pHY-LV-KD1.1 expression vector and transfected into U251 stem cells.The change of stem cell clone pellets number was measured under TMZ action.The effects of knockdown FOXO3a and β-catenin on the characteris-tics and drug resistance of U251 stem cells were observed.Results The Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the control group,the expression levels of FOXO3a,β-catenin,Nestin,CD133 and Sox2 protein in the TMZ group were increased,the Nestin,CD133,Sox2 mRNA expression levels were in-creased(P<0.05).The clone formation experiment results showed that the majority of survival cells on 5 d after TMZ treatment were the stem cells,indicating that the U251 stem cells could better tolerate TMZ.Knoc-king down FOXO3a and β-catenin could reduce the U251 stem cell populations number,indicating that its re-sistance to TMZ was weakened.Conclusion The FOXO3a/β-catenin pathway could regulates the characteris-tics of U251 stem cell and TMZ resistance.
10.Application Progress of Metal Nanoclusters in Detection of Pesticides
Wei-Shen ZHOU ; Jia-Hao JIA ; Kang-Qiang MO ; Ying-Ke XUE ; Song-Rui LI ; Qiong JIA
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(4):460-468
The usage of pesticides can enhance the production of crops,but their overuses may be hazardous to both people health and the environment.Thus,it is of great significance to develop effective methods to detect pesticides.Metal nanoclusters(MNCs)have become increasingly popular in analytical sensing areas because of their miniscule size,high stability,ease of manufacturing and good biocompatibility.They have exhibited great potential in the field of pesticides detection.In this paper,the detection methods of pesticides by using MNCs and their development in detection of organophosphorus pesticides,organic nitrogen pesticides,organochlorine pesticides and other types of pesticides were reviewed.Finally,the development prospects were discussed.

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