1.Comparative Study on Effect of Jingui Shenqiwan and Liuwei Dihuangwan on Reproductive Ability and Brain Function of Normal Mice
Hong SUN ; Fan LEI ; Chenggong LI ; Rui LUO ; Shixian HU ; Bin REN ; Juan HAO ; Yi DING ; Lijun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):1-14
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan (JSW) and Liuwei Dihuangwan (LDW) on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group, the other six groups were as follows: a group of both males and females receiving JSW (3.0 g·kg-1), a group of both males and females receiving LDW (4.5 g·kg-1), a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW, a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW, a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW, and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 (female∶male) ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth, which was followed by the observation of newborn mice, calculation of their average number, and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment, the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients, and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems, while novel object recognition test (NOR) was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay, and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together (P<0.05), while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally, compared with the control group, JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the thalamus, as well as reproductive stem cell factor (SCF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (c-Kit) in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue (MVH) in the ovaries, upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in hippocampal neurons (P<0.05), and enhance sucrose preference in male mice (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice (P<0.05), which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (Nmdar) gene expression. Compared with the control group, both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), BDNF, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus of offspring mice (P<0.05). ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice, which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally, JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.
2.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
3.Liuwei Dihuangwan Promote Mitophagy to Modulate Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Impairments in Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Pengjue HUANG ; Mingyue JIANG ; Ji WU ; Niya YIN ; Lei OUYANG ; Qinquan ZHU ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):52-60
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on behavioral impairments in the rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore the mechanism of action. MethodsTwelve SD pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected with valproic acid (VPA) (10 rats) or normal saline (2 rats), and male offspring were selected to establish the model of ASD and the control rats. Rats were randomly assigned into model, low-dose (0.75 g·kg-1) and high-dose (1.5 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan, vitamin D (positive drug, 3.7×10-5 g·kg-1), and blank groups. Each group was administrated with the corresponding concentration of drugs or the same volume of normal saline by gavage for 2 weeks. After the intervention, the three-chamber social test was conducted to evaluate social interaction and social preference. The open field test was carried out to observe spontaneous behavior and anxiety state. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of the prefrontal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria in prefrontal neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the prefrontal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Western blot was employed to assess the expression differences of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (p-ULK1), Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK1), and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group spent less time sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.01) and showed reductions in the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed extensive apoptosis of neurons, with shrunken nuclei and red-stained cytoplasm, and extensive necrosis of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, mitochondrial swelling, decreased matrix density, disrupted cristae, and autophagic lysosomes in neurons, increases in the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01) and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and down-regulation in the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan and the vitamin D prolonged the time spent sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.05, P<0.01), restored the morphology of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, alleviated the swelling of mitochondria in neurons, increased the matrix density, mitigated the fragmentation and disorder of cristae, and increased the number of autophagosomes. Moreover, the drugs decreased the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan ameliorate autism-like behaviors and reduce neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory damage in the rat model of ASD by promoting mitophagy mediated by the AMPK/ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway.
4.Mechanism of Action of Guishenwan in Treatment of Ovarian Insufficiency Diseases: A Review
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Shengyu WANG ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):317-324
Guishenwan (GSW), originating from Jingyue Quanshu (Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with a history of over 400 years. Designed for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, it is clinically applied to treat diseases associated with essence-blood deficiency, such as ovarian insufficiency diseases in women, oligospermia-induced infertility in men, and lumbar disc herniation. Numerous studies have confirmed its significant efficacy and advantages in managing ovarian insufficiency diseases, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and premature ovarian failure (POF). According to recent literature, the therapeutic mechanisms of GSW in treating ovarian insufficiency diseases involve regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA) function, ameliorating reproductive endocrine disorders, improving ovarian function, modulating relevant signaling pathways, and exerting immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A review of GSW in clinical treatment revealed that clinical applications of GSW, particularly in combination with Western medicine, not only alleviate symptoms but also compensate for the limitations of hormone replacement therapy, thereby reducing recurrence, minimizing adverse reactions, and enhancing safety. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of GSW in ovarian insufficiency diseases, offer innovative TCM strategies for developing novel ovarian-protective drugs, promote the integration of TCM and Western medicine in reproductive medicine, and ultimately contribute a Chinese approach to global management of ovarian insufficiency diseases.
5.Research progress on imaging examinations of macular hole
Luxuan WANG ; Xiuhua LIU ; Lei GAO ; Lifeng LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):63-66
Macular hole is an age-related disorder defined by a full-thickness defect of the foveal retina and a profound loss of central vision. First described in the mid-19th century, its study has now extended across more than 150 years. Breakthroughs in science and technology—especially the relentless refinement of retinal imaging platforms—have progressively refined our understanding of the disease. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)in particular has revolutionized characterization of the condition. At the same time, the widespread adoption of macular hole surgery has not only driven deeper investigations into pathogenesis and pre-operative assessment but also facilitated the global dissemination of surgical expertise and a marked rise in anatomical success. This review synthesizes the multimodal imaging hallmarks of macular holes and highlights the remaining clinical challenges in the application of OCT technology.
6.Therapeutic effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice
Weiyuan YUAN ; Qinhui LEI ; Xiuqi LI ; Tiezhu LU ; Ziwen FU ; Zhili LIANG ; Shaoyang JI ; Yijia LI ; Yu REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):58-67
BACKGROUND:Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass,strength,and/or physical function.Currently,effective treatments for sarcopenia remain limited.A new therapeutic approach to improve symptoms and prognosis of sarcopenia patients clinically was important.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on a dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from canine adipose tissue,and identified and functionally evaluated through flow cytometry and differentiation assays for osteogenesis,adipogenesis,and chondrogenesis.Subsequently,exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted and characterized using transmission electron microscopy,western blot assay,and nanocoulter tracking analysis.In vitro,the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on myotube growth and the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes were investigated using dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy and aging C2C12 models.In vivo,a dexamethasone-induced mouse sarcopenia model was established and received intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through mouse rotarod performance,histopathological analysis,and muscle atrophy-related genes testing.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The isolated canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells highly expressed CD73,CD90,and CD105,and lowly expressed MHC-Ⅱ,CD14,CD19,CD34,and CD45,and successfully differentiated into osteoblasts,adipocytes,and chondrocytes in vitro.(2)The adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes met the identification criteria in terms of particle size,electron microscopy morphology,and positive expression of specific markers.(3)Compared to the dexamethasone-induced C2C12 atrophy group,treatment with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted the recovery and growth of myotubes,inhibited the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes MuRF1 and Atrogin-1.(4)Compared to the aging C2C12 group,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes significantly enhanced the recovery and growth of aged muscle tubes in aging cells.(5)Compared to the control group,the rotarod time in dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia model mice was significantly decreased(P<0.01).After 7 days(P<0.01,P<0.01)and 10 days(P<0.01,P<0.05)of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells treatment via intraperitoneal and intravenous injection,rotarod time was significantly increased,respectively.After 14 days,all treatment groups showed longer rotarod times than the model group,although with no significant differences between them.(6)Compared to the control group,the cross-sectional area of anterior tibial muscle in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and it was significantly increased after intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05,P<0.01).(7)Compared to the model group,intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 genes(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01).The results indicated that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted recovery and growth of atrophic myotube cells by inhibiting the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes,and both intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells provided good therapeutic effects on sarcopenia in mice.
7.Correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters detected by whole-body EOS imaging
Feng ZHOU ; Pengfei FU ; Yufan QIAN ; Pingcheng XU ; Jiongjiong GUO ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):596-603
BACKGROUND:With changing lifestyles and aging,sagittal spinal imbalance has become a common orthopedic issue significantly affecting knee and pelvic function.Understanding the impact of sagittal spinal imbalance and its compensatory mechanisms is crucial for improving the clinical management of chronic pain.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the alignment of the spine-pelvis-lower extremities using whole-body EOS imaging,analyze the correlation between spinal sagittal imbalance and knee joint parameters,and explore their compensatory mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain or patellofemoral pain who visited Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 1,2021 and December 31,2023 were included.Radiographic measurements were performed using whole-body EOS to determine pelvic tilt,pelvic incidence,lumbar lordosis,sagittal vertical axis,global tilt,hip-knee-angle,knee flexion angle,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle.Patients were classified into normal group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis<10°),compensated group(10°<pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis<20°),and decompensated group(pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis>20°)based on the SRS-Schwab spinal deformity classification according to pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis difference.The differences in radiographic parameters among the groups were analyzed.The differences in American Knee Society Knee Score and Oswestry Disability Index scores were compared among each group.Patients were divided into chronic low back pain group and non-chronic low back pain group,patellofemoral pain group and non-patellofemoral pain group based on clinical symptoms,and the relationship between radiographic parameter differences and clinical symptoms was analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was less than 20°,lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle tended to stabilize.When pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis was greater than 20°,it showed a linear correlation with lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle,with lateral distal femoral angle increasing and medial proximal tibial angle decreasing with increasing pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values.(2)Compared with the normal group,the compensated group had significantly increased pelvic tilt(P<0.01),while knee joint parameters hip-knee-angle and knee flexion angle showed no significant differences;the decompensated group showed significant increases in pelvic tilt(P<0.01),and decreases in hip-knee-angle,and knee flexion angle(P<0.01).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in hip-knee-angle(P<0.05),but had no significant differences in pelvic tilt and knee flexion angle.(3)Compared with the non-patellofemoral pain group,patients with patellofemoral pain had significant decreases in spinal lumbar lordosis,lateral distal femoral angle,and medial proximal tibial angle(P<0.05)and a significant increase in pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis(P<0.05).(4)Patients with low back pain had significant differences in radiographic parameters compared with the non-chronic low back pain group(P<0.05).(5)Compared with the normal group,both the compensated and decompensated groups showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P<0.05).Compared with the compensated group,the decompensated group showed a significant decrease in American Knee Society Knee Score scores and a significant increase in Oswestry Disability Index scores(P<0.05).(6)Pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis values increased with age and were higher in females compared with males.(7)This study systematically reveals the spine and lower limbs play an important role in disease progression and clinical symptoms.Associated symptoms low back pain and patellofemoral pain are related to the stability of the spine-pelvis-lower extremity alignment.Furthermore,spinal sagittal imbalance is more severe in elderly and female patients.
8.Postmenopausal osteoporosis:predictive values of muscle mass,grip strength,and appendicular skeletal muscle index
Zhijie YANG ; Rui ZHAO ; Haolin YANG ; Xiaoyun LI ; Yangbo LI ; Jiachun HUANG ; Yanping LIN ; Lei WAN ; Hongxing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1073-1080
BACKGROUND:The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in postmenopausal women,but muscle mass,grip strength,and how these factors affect osteoporosis are understudied,and the exact link between them has not been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between muscle mass,grip strength,appendicular skeletal muscle index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to assess the potential values of these indices in predicting and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis.METHODS:Eighty-three postmenopausal women were collected from the outpatient clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024.General data were collected.Bone mineral density was detected.T-value,muscle mass of each part,grip strength were recorded.The body mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle index were calculated.The patients were categorized into non-osteoporosis group(n=17)and postmenopausal osteoporosis group(n=66)according to T value and fracture history,and were statistically analyzed accordingly.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The body mass,body mass index,bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine,muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index were higher in the non-osteoporosis group than the osteoporosis group(P<0.05).(2)Muscle mass was positively correlated with bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine and individual vertebrae(P<0.05).(3)Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that body mass and grip strength were linearly and positively correlated with muscle mass;body height and muscle mass were linearly and positively correlated with grip strength,and body mass was linearly and negatively correlated with grip strength.Body mass index was linearly and positively correlated with bone mineral density,and age was linearly and negatively correlated with bone mineral density.(4)Analysis by receiver operating characteristic curve showed that:muscle mass(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of muscle mass were 0.744,76.50%,74.20%and 36.50 kg,respectively,with P=0.002)and appendicular skeletal muscle index(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of appendicular skeletal muscle index were 0.739,82.40%,62.10%and 5.81 kg/m2,respectively,and P=0.002)had good predictive value for postmenopausal osteoporosis.To conclude,a reduction in muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index can help to predict the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis,and the possibility of osteoporosis should be taken into account in postmenopausal women when muscle mass is<36.50 kg or appendicular skeletal muscle index is<5.81 kg/m2,in order to prevent the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
9.Mechanisms by which aerobic and resistance exercises improve obesity-related cognitive impairment
Yu LIU ; Senlin LEI ; Jintao ZHOU ; Hui LIU ; Xianhui LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1171-1183
BACKGROUND:Obesity is not only related to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease,but also closely related to the increased risk of cognitive decline,dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.Studies have found that aerobic exercise and resistance exercise can help improve obesity-related cognitive impairment,but their therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of action are still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the protective effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on the nervous center of obesity-related cognitive impairment mice.METHODS:Forty-eight 8-week-old C57BL/6J wild-type male mice were randomly divided into four groups:a control group was fed normally for 20 weeks;a high fat group was fed with high fat diet(60%fat energy)for 20 weeks;an aerobic exercise group was fed with 12 weeks of high-fat diet followed by 8 weeks of aerobic exercise;and a resistance exercise group was fed with 12 weeks of high-fat diet followed by 8 weeks of resistance exercise.After the exercise intervention,body mass was weighed,insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance were tested to evaluate insulin resistance,and cognitive function of mice in each group was detected by new object recognition experiment and Y-maze experiment.The morphology of hippocampal and cortical tissue cells was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The mRNA relative expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,and the protein expressions of Bax,Bcl-2,nuclear factor-κB,Cleaved Caspase-1,Caspase-3,synapsin 1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were detected by western blot.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the body mass of mice increased in the high-fat group(P<0.05),accompanied by insulin resistance and cognitive dysfunction,the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB,Bax,Caspase-3,Cleaved Caspase-1 in the hippocampus were significantly increased(P<0.05),the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,synapsin 1and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05),Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines,tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6,were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the high-fat group,the above indexes were significantly improved in the aerobic exercise group(P<0.05),while in the resistance exercise group,the body mass of mice was significantly decreased,the levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the protein expression of Caspase-3 was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),but no significant changes were observed in the other indexes(P>0.05).In conclusion,long-term exercise can reduce insulin resistance,down-regulate the expression of nuclear factor-κB pathway,weaken inflammatory response,inhibit neuronal apoptosis and improve synaptic plasticity,resulting in neuroprotective effects,and effectively alleviate obesity-related cognitive dysfunction in obese mice.The therapeutic effect of aerobic exercise is superior to that of resistance exercise.
10.Luteolin promotes wound healing in diabetic mice:roles and mechanisms
Zhiwei PENG ; Lei CHEN ; Lei TONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1398-1406
BACKGROUND:Luteolin has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,etc.,which can inhibit the release of cellular inflammatory factors,promote cell proliferation,and improve the cellular microenvironment.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential roles and mechanisms of luteolin in promoting diabetic chronic wound healing using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.METHODS:Potential targets of luteolin were screened using multiple databases,systemic pharmacology of Chinese medicines database,PubChem and UniProt databases.Genes related to wound healing were identified through the GeneCards database.A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to screen core targets,and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to explore the biological pathways that luteolin may affect.In vivo experiments in mice were conducted to observe the effects of luteolin on wound healing.Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups.A 1 cm diameter full skin defect wound was made on the back of the control group(n=6),and a 1 cm diameter full skin defect wound was made on the back of the model group(n=6)and the treatment group(n=6)after the establishment of the diabetes model.The treatment group was given 200 mg/kg luteolin by gavage once a day for 9 consecutive days after the operation,and the wound healing was observed.At the end of drug administration,the samples were taken for hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α,and western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacological analysis identified 56 potential target genes associated with luteolin for the treatment of chronic wounds,of which the AKT gene was most closely linked to other target genes.Gene Ontology analysis indicated that luteolin could have antioxidant and anti-stress effects and have the potential to act as a multi-targeted drug.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that the target genes of luteolin were mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.(2)On the 9th day of drug administration,the remaining wound area of mice in the control and treatment groups was smaller than that of the model group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining results showed that compared with the model group,the number of trabecular granulation tissues and collagen deposition were increased in the treatment group,and the degree of epithelialization was higher and close to that of the control group.The mRNA expression of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α on the wound surface was lower in the treatment group than the model group(P<0.05),while the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was higher in the treatment group than the model group(P<0.05).To conclude,luteolin inhibits wound inflammatory response and promotes healing of diabetic wounds by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

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