1.Banxia Xiexin Tang Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via AGE/RAGE Pathway
Shuzhi LIANG ; Zhongmin ZHAO ; Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):10-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Banxia Xiexin Tang (BXT) regulates the advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammatory responses and ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of vascular dementia (VD). MethodsThe components of BXT were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole -orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), and the core components and key action pathways were screened out by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly allocated into the sham and modeling groups by the random number table method. The VD model was replicated by the modified bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2-VO) method. The successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.748 5, 7.497, 14.994 g·kg-1) BXT (BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H), and nimodipine (NMP, 0.002 7 g·kg-1) groups according to the random number table method. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage, and the sham and model groups received the same amount of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and new object recognition experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the hippocampal tissue in rats. The mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the hippocampal tissue of rats were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The expression of related proteins in the AGE/RAGE pathway in the hippocampal tissue of rats was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators in the rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe chemical components of BXT were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the AGE/RAGE pathway as the key pathway. The results of the water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests showed that compared with the sham group, the model group demonstrated prolonged successful latency and decreases in number of platform crossings, alternation rate, number of entries into the new arm, preference index, and discrimination index (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showed shortened successful latency (P0.01) and increases in number of platform crossings (P0.05), alternation rate (P0.01), number of entries into the new arm (P0.05), preference index (P0.01), and discrimination index (P0.01). HE results showed that compared with the sham group, the cells of model rats were loosely and disorderly arranged, and the nuclei were condensed. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of the hippocampus in the BXT group were mitigated. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus (P0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 (P0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P0.05), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H group presented down-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF-α (P0.05). IHC results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group had increased expression of RAGE (P0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups had reduced expression of RAGE (P0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and declined levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) in the serum (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H groups showed lowered levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum (P0.05) and elevated levels of ACh and DA (P0.05). ConclusionBXT may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of VD by down-regulating the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, and regulating neurotransmitter levels.
2.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Insomnia by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Xiangye GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):284-293
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, sleep maintenance disorder and impaired daytime function. Its pathological mechanism involves multiple factors such as nerve excitability, circadian rhythm, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress injury. As a classical tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) triggers Akt phosphorylation cascade, inducing inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative damage, nerve excitability, and circadian rhythm imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can improve sleep by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway. Based on this, this paper systematically reviews the research progress on the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for insomnia at home and abroad. These drugs can regulate neuronal excitability by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, affect the circadian rhythm, alleviate inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress, and thus regulate sleep-wake. Furthermore, literature review indicates that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may represent a specific pathway underlying phlegm-turbidity disturbing the upper Jiao-type insomnia.
4.Banxia Xiexin Tang Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via AGE/RAGE Pathway
Shuzhi LIANG ; Zhongmin ZHAO ; Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):10-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Banxia Xiexin Tang (BXT) regulates the advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammatory responses and ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of vascular dementia (VD). MethodsThe components of BXT were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole -orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), and the core components and key action pathways were screened out by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly allocated into the sham and modeling groups by the random number table method. The VD model was replicated by the modified bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2-VO) method. The successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.748 5, 7.497, 14.994 g·kg-1) BXT (BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H), and nimodipine (NMP, 0.002 7 g·kg-1) groups according to the random number table method. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage, and the sham and model groups received the same amount of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and new object recognition experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the hippocampal tissue in rats. The mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the hippocampal tissue of rats were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The expression of related proteins in the AGE/RAGE pathway in the hippocampal tissue of rats was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators in the rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe chemical components of BXT were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the AGE/RAGE pathway as the key pathway. The results of the water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests showed that compared with the sham group, the model group demonstrated prolonged successful latency and decreases in number of platform crossings, alternation rate, number of entries into the new arm, preference index, and discrimination index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showed shortened successful latency (P<0.01) and increases in number of platform crossings (P<0.05), alternation rate (P<0.01), number of entries into the new arm (P<0.05), preference index (P<0.01), and discrimination index (P<0.01). HE results showed that compared with the sham group, the cells of model rats were loosely and disorderly arranged, and the nuclei were condensed. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of the hippocampus in the BXT group were mitigated. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H group presented down-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF-α (P<0.05). IHC results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group had increased expression of RAGE (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups had reduced expression of RAGE (P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and declined levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) in the serum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H groups showed lowered levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum (P<0.05) and elevated levels of ACh and DA (P<0.05). ConclusionBXT may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of VD by down-regulating the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, and regulating neurotransmitter levels.
5.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Insomnia by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Xiangye GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):284-293
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, sleep maintenance disorder and impaired daytime function. Its pathological mechanism involves multiple factors such as nerve excitability, circadian rhythm, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress injury. As a classical tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) triggers Akt phosphorylation cascade, inducing inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative damage, nerve excitability, and circadian rhythm imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can improve sleep by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway. Based on this, this paper systematically reviews the research progress on the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for insomnia at home and abroad. These drugs can regulate neuronal excitability by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, affect the circadian rhythm, alleviate inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress, and thus regulate sleep-wake. Furthermore, literature review indicates that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may represent a specific pathway underlying phlegm-turbidity disturbing the upper Jiao-type insomnia.
7.Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram model for patients with the lower third and abdominal oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Zhengshui XU ; Dandan LIU ; Jiantao JIANG ; Ranran KONG ; Jianzhong LI ; Yuefeng MA ; Zhenchuan MA ; Jia CHEN ; Minxia ZHU ; Shaomin LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):201-207
Objective To establish an individualized nomogram model and evaluate its efficacy to provide a possible evaluation basis for the prognosis of lower third and abdominal part of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods Lower third and abdominal part of EAC patients from 2010 to 2015 were chosen from the SEER Research Plus Database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The patients were randomly allocated to the training cohort and the internal validation cohort with a ratio of 7∶3 using bootstrap resampling. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine significant contributors to overall survival (OS) in EAC patients, which would be elected to construct the nomogram prediction model. C-index, calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate its efficacy. Finally, the efficacy to evaluate the OS of EAC patients was compared between the nomogram prediction model and TNM staging system. Results In total, 3945 patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC were enrolled, including 3475 males and 470 females with a median age of 65 (57-72) years. The 2761 patients were allocated to the training cohort and the remaining 1184 patients to the internal validation cohort. In the training and the internal validation cohorts, the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.705 and 0.713, respectively. Meanwhile, the calibration curve also suggested that the nomogram model had a strong capability of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. The nomogram also had a higher efficacy than the TNM staging system in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. Conclusion This nomogram prediction model has a high efficiency for predicting OS in the patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC, which is higher than that of the current TNM staging system.
8.Interpretation and thoughts on the formulation and revision of the standards for exogenous harmful residues in traditional Chinese medicinal materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
WANG Ying ; SHEN Mingrui ; LIU Yuanxi ; ZUO Tiantian ; WANG Dandan ; HE Yi ; CHENG Xianlong ; JIN Hongyu ; LIU Yongli ; WEI Feng ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):083-092
As people’s attention to health continues to increase, the market demand for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is growing steadily. The quality and safety of Chinese medicinal materials have attracted unprecedented social attention. In particular, the issue of exogenous harmful residue pollution in TCM has become a hot topic of concern for both regulatory authorities and society. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition further refines the detection methods and limit standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM. This not only reflects China’s high-level emphasis on the quality and safety of TCM but also demonstrates the continuous progress made by China in the field of TCM safety supervision. Basis on this study, by systematically reviewing the development history of the detection standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM and analyzing the revisions and updates of these detection standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, deeply explores the key points of the changes in the monitoring standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition. Moreover, it interprets the future development directions of the detection of exogenous residues in TCM, aiming to provide a reference for the formulation of TCM safety supervision policies.
9.Application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in Parkinson's disease
Ziyu LIU ; Dandan GENG ; Runjiao ZHANG ; Qing LIU ; Yibo LI ; Hongfang WANG ; Wenmeng XIE ; Wenyu WANG ; Jiaxin HAO ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):193-201
BACKGROUND:Parkinson's disease has the main pathological changes in the midbrain,especially in the dense substantia nigra,leading to impaired motor and non-motor function in patients.At present,research is limited by cellular heterogeneity,and its pathogenesis still needs to be further elucidated.In recent years,single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)has gradually been applied in neurodegenerative diseases,which is of great significance for understanding intercellular heterogeneity,disease development mechanisms,and treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of scRNA-seq technology applied to Parkinson's disease in recent years,providing a theoretical basis for the application of scRNA-seq in the treatment and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. METHODS:The first author used a computer system to search for relevant literature in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases,with the Chinese search terms"single-cell RNA sequencing,Parkinson's disease,cell heterogeneity,cell subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells"and English search terms"single-cell RNA seq,Parkinson disease,heterogenicity,subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells."71 articles were ultimately included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)scRNA-seq is a high-throughput experimental technique that utilizes RNA sequencing at the single-cell level to quantify gene expression profiles in specific cell populations,revealing cellular mysteries at the molecular level.Compared with traditional sequencing techniques,scRNA-seq technology is used to reveal the diversity of cell types and changes in specific gene expression in complex tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions through automatic clustering analysis of cell transcriptome.(2)By using scRNA-seq,the development process of dopaminergic neurons and the unique functional characteristics of various cell subtypes are elucidated,in order to better understand potential therapeutic molecular targets.(3)The use of scRNA-seq analysis has improved our understanding of the response of Parkinson's disease glial cells,enabling us to comprehensively map and characterize different cell type populations,identify specific glial cell subpopulations related to neurodegeneration,and draw valuable single cell maps as reference data for future research.(4)The application of scRNA-seq to detect embryonic mice and stem cells will help improve the in vitro differentiation protocol and quality control of cell therapy,as well as evaluate the overall cell quality and developmental stage of dopaminergic neurons derived from stem cells.
10.ACSL4 mediates ferroptosis and its potential role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Yang GAO ; Hewei QIN ; Dandan LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1239-1247
BACKGROUND:Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulatory form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation.Long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthase 4(ACSL4)is involved in the formation of lipid peroxidation substrates,thereby resulting in ferroptosis.Recent studies have shown that ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis plays a key role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the structural function and regulatory mechanism of ACSL4 and its potential molecular mechanism mediating ferroptosis,and to elaborate the application of ACSL4 driving ferroptosis in atherosclerosis,ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction,in order to provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. METHODS:Relevant literature was searched in PubMed database from database inception to August 2023 using the keywords of"atherosclerosis,ferroptosis,long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthase 4,ACSL4,glutathione peroxidase 4,ischemic stroke,myocardial infarction,endothelial cell,smooth muscle cells,foam cell."Finally,76 documents were included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:ACSL4 participates in the formation of coenzyme derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acids and inserts them into phospholipids to provide substrates for lipid peroxidation,the core mechanism of iron death.Among the regulatory factors of ACSL4 expression,integrin α6β4,intracellular vesicular transport factor p115,and zinc lipoprotein A20 negatively regulate its expression.Meanwhile,multiple miRs down-regulate its expression by binding to 3'-UTR.On the contrary,up-regulation of ACSL4 is mostly regulated by transcription factors.ACSL4-dependent production of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids is an essential prerequisite for lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis.Moreover,ACSL4 and glutathione peroxidase 4 are mutually dependent as positive and negative regulators of ferroptosis,and their specific mechanisms remain to be further studied.ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis is involved in the pathological mechanism of atherosclerosis,ischemic stroke,and myocardial infarction.Endothelial cell injury in atherosclerosis is closely related to ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis,but there are no reports on the involvement of ACSL4 in foam cell formation,smooth muscle cell phenotype transformation,and calcification.ACSL4 has become a research hotspot as a biomarker and potential target of ferroptosis.Targeting ACSL4 to inhibit ferroptosis may become a new direction for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.However,there are few studies on drugs inhibiting ACSL4,and further studies are needed in the future.

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