1.Intervention of Exercise Combined with Shenghui Tang in M1AChR Regulation of Mitochondrial Autophagy Improves Learning and Memory Ability of Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats
Xiaoxue TAO ; Min XIAO ; Kunyang TANG ; Bo WANG ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Rongxiang LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):120-130
ObjectiveTo make clear exercise combined with Shenghui Tang interferes in acetylcholine receptor (M1AChR) to improve mitochondrial autophagy and enhance cognition of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats through the adenylate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Shenghui Tang group (9.3 g·kg-1), an exercise group, an exercise + Shenghui Tang group (9.3 g·kg-1), and a rapamycin group (1.5 mg·kg-1). Except for the blank group, the rat model of AD was constructed by injecting amyloid beta (Aβ1-42) into hippocampus stereotaxically. The exercise group received treadmill exercise for 4 weeks, while the Shenghui Tang group received intragastric administration for 4 weeks, and the exercise + Shenghui Tang group received treadmill exercise and intragastric administration of Shenghui Tang for 4 weeks simultaneously. After the intervention, the Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability. Spontaneous behavior was observed in the open field test. The pathological structure of hippocampal neurons was observed by NISSl staining. The expression level of M1AChR in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The autophagy ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The expression of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3β (LC3β) was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein expression of M1AChR, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR, Beclin1, LC3β, and chelate 1 (SQSTM1/p62) in hippocampus was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day (P<0.01) and significantly decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform (P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed obviously decreased (P<0.05). The arrangement of nerve cells in hippocampus CA1 region was dispersed, and the numbers of Nissl bodies and M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). The typical autophagic lysosomal structure decreased. The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the exercise + Shenghui Tang group exhibited obviously improved space exploration and positioning navigation ability (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed of movement significantly increased (P<0.01). The number of Nissl bodies significantly increased (P<0.01). The number of M1AChR positive cells in hippocampus was significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the exercise + Shenghui Tang group, the Shenghui Tang group and the exercise group showed significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day (P<0.01) and obviously decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total movement distance in the open field, the time of movement in the central area, and the average speed of movement significantly decreased (P<0.01). The number of Nissl bodies and the number of M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of TUNEL positive cells was obviously increased (P<0.05). Ultrastructure of the hippocampal region showed decreased autophagy level. The protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus was obviously decreased in the Shenghui Tang group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). In the exercise group, the protein expression of M1AChR, p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise combined with traditional Chinese medicine can enhance the expression of M1AChR in the hippocampus of AD model rats, induce autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.
2.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
3.Interventional Effect of Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicine and Compound Formulas on Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer: A Review
Shanshan SONG ; Min JIANG ; Xinxin LIU ; Bozhen HUANG ; Siyi MA ; Guoyu WANG ; Wanqing WANG ; Luyao WANG ; Liang WANG ; Ruiqing BO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):336-346
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and tumor metastasis is a key factor contributing to the mortality of most lung cancer patients. Aberrant activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major driver of lung cancer progression and metastasis. EMT is characterized by the loss of apical-basal polarity and intercellular adhesion in highly differentiated, polarized, and organized epithelial cells, which acquire motility, migratory potential, and invasive properties. During this process, cells undergo cytoskeletal remodeling and transform into a mesenchymal phenotype, accompanied by associated changes in cellular markers. The EMT process is highly complex and is tightly regulated by intricate networks involving multiple transcription factors, post-translational controls, epigenetic modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Therefore, therapies targeting the mechanisms of malignant transformation and their associated pathways in lung cancer are of significant clinical importance. In recent years, EMT has attracted increasing attention as a potential target for cancer therapy. Chinese medicine, with its characteristics of multi-target action, low side effects, and good therapeutic efficacy, has demonstrated an important role in anticancer treatment. A series of studies have investigated the role of Chinese medicine in inhibiting EMT in lung cancer. Active ingredients of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, saccharides, and alkaloids, as well as Chinese medicine compound formulas, have shown significant regulatory effects on EMT. Their mechanisms mainly involve multiple pathways, targets, and links, including signaling pathways, exosomes, microRNAs (miRNAs), and the tumor-associated immune microenvironment. This article summarizes the mechanisms by which EMT promotes malignant tumor progression and reviews the current research on how Chinese medicine active ingredients, monomers, and compound formulas inhibit EMT and suppress lung cancer cell migration and invasion. This study is expected to provide comprehensive theoretical information for basic and translational research on lung cancer.
4.A Cross-sectional Study of Blood Glucose and Biochemical Indicators in Pediatric Patients with Hepatic Glycogen Storage Disease
Ni MA ; Haotian WU ; Ying WANG ; Jing YANG ; Danxia LIANG ; Min YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):132-137
ObjectivePatients with hepatic glycogen storage disease(GSD)have recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. This study aimed to investigate and analyze blood glucose and biochemical indicators in pediatric patients with hepatic GSD, thus provide data support for hypoglycemia prevention and its clinical management. MethodsA cross-sectional field study was conducted among patients with hepatic GSD treated in the Department of Pediatrics of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital on July 14, 2024. We collected the peripheral blood samples of the patients and their healthy family controls on site, then analyzed and compared their blood glucose and biochemical indicators. ResultsOf the 44 patients with hepatic GSD, there were 34 males and 10 females, including GSD Ib(n =14), GSD Ia(n=15), GSD Ⅲ(n=2), GSD Ⅵ(n=7)and GSD Ⅸ(n=6). The average age was 7.60(5.08-11.98)years. All patients were on uncooked cornstarch(UCCS)therapy. Of the patients, 77.3%(34/44)had hepatomegaly, 61.4%(27/44)had recurrent hypoglycemia, 61.4%(27/44)had blood glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol/L, 18.2%(8/44)had blood glucose ≤ 2.8 mmol/L, and none of the 8 cases was GSD Ib. The lowest blood glucose level was 1.19 mmol/L and no episodes of hypoglycemia occurred. Of the family control subjects, 65.9%(29/44)had blood glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol/L. There was no significant difference in hypoglycemia prevalence between hepatic GSD group and control group(P=0.658). The hepatic GSD patients had hyperlactacemia, hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia prevalence rates of 65.9%, 45.5% and 9.1%, respectively, as compared with 18.2%, 43.2% and 15.9%, respectively, for the family control subjects. No significant difference was found in the prevalence rates of hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia between the two groups(P=0.830 and P=0.334, respectively). ConclusionsAsymptomatic hypoglycemia is common in patients with hepatic GSD, especially in non-GSD-Ib patients. It is necessary to optimize the diet management of UCCS, conduct dynamic blood glucose monitoring and follow a light diet, so as to decrease hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia, avoid and reduce the serious adverse reactions and complications caused by severe hypoglycemia.
5.Differential diagnosis model of systemic lupus erythematosus based on LASSO-logistic regression
Linlin ZHANG ; Jiaqiang WANG ; Jiong ZHANG ; Jinglu QIU ; Min LIANG ; Yan LIANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(10):1322-1328
Objective To construct a differential diagnosis model for systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)from other autoimmune diseases based on the conventional test indicators in clinical laboratory,so as to improve the diagnostic efficacy of the existing test indicators.Methods The data of 178 SLE patients(SLE group)and 196 patients with other autoimmune diseases(control group)diagnosed in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from Apr.2022 to Mar.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The differences in the levels of 19 clinical routine indicators between the 2 groups were analyzed.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression was used to screen for test indicators with non-zero coefficients.These indicators were then used in logistic regression to construct a Nomogram model for SLE differential diagnosis.Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and decision curve analysis.Results The levels of anti-cardiolipin antibody immunoglobulin(Ig)G,anti-cardiolipin antibody IgA,high-sensitivity C reactive protein(hs-CRP),D-dimer,and thrombin time(TT)in the SLE group were significantly higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05),while the levels of IgM,complement 3(C3),complement 4(C4),prothrombin time(PT),and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT)in the SLE group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).Through LASSO regression,IgM,C3 and C4 were selected as the most likely indicators with non-zero coefficients.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the differential diagnosis model was Logit P=4.18-1.34 × IgM-1.70 × C3-6.61 × C4.The area under the curve of this model was 0.80(95%confidence interval 0.76-0.85),with a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.74.Decision curve analysis demonstrated favourable clinical utility within a threshold probability range of 0.2-0.9.Conclusion The present model,constructed using the clinical routine indicators,such as IgM,C3 and C4,is helpful for the differential diagnosis of SLE from other autoimmune diseases and has good clinical application value.
6.Study of Reference Materials for Quantitative Analysis of Gene Copy Numbers of Lentiviral Vectors
Yin-Bo HUO ; Jia-Qi YANG ; Qing TAO ; Wen LIANG ; Li XU ; Lan-Ying LI ; Xiao-Lei ZUO ; Juan YAN ; Min DING ; Ai-Wen MA ; Gang LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1555-1565
Lentiviral vectors(LVs)are key gene delivery tools for integrating target genes into the host genome,but they may also pose risks of insertional mutagenesis.The vector copy number(VCN)in cells is critical for determining the safety of gene modification.However,the reliability and accuracy of its quantification process are influenced by multiple factors.Developing cell reference materials with specific vector copy numbers represents a viable approach to enhance the reliability and consistency of measurement results,enabling quality control of the quantification process and traceability of outcomes.However,the preparation of such reference materials faces challenges in cell sample design,preparation protocols,and advanced quantification techniques.In this study,T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat-based reference materials with LV gene copy numbers of 1 and 2 copy/cell were developed.A high-precision duplex digital polymerase chain reaction(dPCR)method was established to quantify the LV gene and endogenous genes simultaneously.Additionally,the results of dPCR were cross-validated through next-generation sequencing and flow cytometric analysis.Ultimately,confocal microscopy characterization results showed that the developed cell reference materials had intact morphology.The quantification result of VCN-1 was(1.07±0.11)copy/cell,and that of VCN-2 was(2.09±0.21)copy/cell.These cell reference materials demonstrated compliance with stability and homogeneity requirements,and could be applied for quality control throughout the VCN measurement workflow and metrological traceability,improving the accuracy,comparability,and validity of copy number measurements.
7.Relationship between serum PDCD4 and PDGF-BB levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Hui HU ; Liang WANG ; Min YAN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(15):1849-1854
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum programmed cell death 4(PDCD4),platelet-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB)levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 238 T2DM patients admitted to 3201 Hospital from January 2022 to August 2024 were selected as the T2DM group,and 120 healthy volunteers who visited the hospital for physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.T2DM patients were divided into ASCVD group(82 cases)and non-ASCVD group(156 cases)according to the presence or absence of ASCVD.The serum levels of PDCD4 and PDGF-BB were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Multivariate unconditional Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship be-tween serum PDCD4 and PDGF-BB levels and ASCVD in T2DM patients.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the predictive efficiency of serum PDCD4 and PDGF-BB levels for ASCVD in T2DM patients.Results Compared with the control group,the serum levels of PDCD4 and PDGF-BB were signifi-cantly increased in the T2DM group(P<0.05).The incidence of ASCVD in the 238 patients with T2DM was 34.45%(82/238).Compared with the non-ASCVD group,the ASCVD group had significantly higher serum levels of PDCD4 and PDGF-BB(P<0.05).Hypertension,hyperlipidemia,high glycosylated hemoglobin,high PDCD4 and high PDGF-BB were independent risk factors for ASCVD in T2DM patients(P<0.05).The area under the curve of serum PDCD4 and PDGF-BB levels combined to predict ASCVD in T2DM patients was 0.873,which was larger than 0.790 and 0.780 predicted by serum PDCD4 and PDGF-BB levels alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of PDCD4 and PDGF-BB are increased in patients with T2DM,which are independent risk factors for ASCVD.The combination of PDCD4 and PDGF-BB has a high predictive efficiency for ASCVD in patients with T2DM.
8.A real-world study on efficacy of different second-line treatment strategies following the progression of first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies in driver gene-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Luying ZHANG ; Jiaxin LIANG ; Kelei ZHAO ; Xiaohan YUAN ; Liangbo LIU ; Ping LU ; Guifang ZHANG ; Min ZHANG
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(7):419-425
Objective:To explore the efficacy of different second-line treatment strategies in the real world after progression of first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies in patients with driver gene-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) .Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 93 driver gene-negative advanced NSCLC patients who received first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University and Xinxiang Central Hospital. Patients were categorized into immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) -resistant ( n=43) and ICIs-responsive ( n=50) groups according to whether progression free survival (PFS) exceeded 6 months after first-line treatment. Patients were categorized into ICIs-treated ( n=55) and non-ICIs-treated ( n=38), anti-angiogenic-treated ( n=51) and non-anti-angiogenic-treated ( n=42) groups according to the different second-line treatment strategies after progression of first-line immunotherapy and its combination therapies. The median PFS2 (mPFS2) and median overall survival (mOS) 2 after second-line treatment of each group were compared. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results:The mPFS2 and mOS2 of 93 advanced NSCLC patients who progressed after first-line ICIs treatment were 4.9 months (95% CI: 4.1-5.7 months) and 14.7 months (95% CI: 11.2-18.2 months). The mPFS2 of patients in the first-line ICIs-responsive and ICIs-resistant groups were 6.0 and 3.8 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=2.00, P=0.157), and the mOS2 were 25.3 and 11.3 months, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=12.13, P<0.001). The mPFS2 of patients in the second-line ICIs-treated group and the non-ICIs-treated group were 5.2 and 4.6 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.16, P=0.687). The mOS2 were 15.1 and 12.7 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.01, P=0.930). The mPFS2 of patients in the second-line anti-angiogenic-treated and non-anti-angiogenic-treated groups were 4.5 and 6.0 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.41, P=0.525), the mOS2 were 14.7 and 16.8 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.01, P=0.943) . Conclusions:After progression of first-line ICIs therapy in patients with driver gene-negative advanced NSCLC, first-line ICIs-responsive patients have significantly longer OS after second-line treatment compared with ICIs-resistant patients. The efficacy of second-line therapy in patients after progression of first-line ICIs therapy does not show significant differences due to the type of treatment strategies.
9.Research progress in moxibustion for treating gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Shuo LI ; Dongdong LU ; Qiuhui LIANG ; Quanxin LIU ; Weiwei JIAO ; Ying ZHEN ; Min DENG ; Lingyun WEN ; Jinbao WANG ; Yanxia CAO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1327-1331
TCM believes that the main pathogenesis of gastrointestinal dysfunction (GD) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is spleen and stomach weakness, liver and stomach disharmony, liver depression and spleen deficiency, and intestinal depression. Moxibustion in the treatment of GD after LC can avoid the aggravation of gastrointestinal burden caused by oral drugs. The intervention methods mainly include suspension moxibustion, umbilical moxibustion, heat sensitive moxibustion, thunder fire moxibustion, warm acupuncture, partition moxibustion, etc. Moxibustion is often performed on the acupoints in liver meridian, spleen meridian, stomach meridian, small intestine meridian, large intestine meridian and Conception Vessel, such as Taichong (LR3), Ganshu (BL18), Yinlingquan (SP9), Zusanli (ST36), Tianshu (ST25), Wangu (SI4), Hegu (LI4), Zhongwan (CV12), Shenque (CV8) and Qihai (CV6). At present, most studies combined with moxibustion on the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment can significantly improve the efficacy, and have certain advantages in improving gastrointestinal motility decline, intestinal flora imbalance, first exhaust time, gastrointestinal hormone level disorder and intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction. However, there are still some problems in the existing research: small sample size of clinical research, not perfect scoring scale, not unified treatment plan and operation standard, relatively scarce basic research, relatively simple acupoint research, lack of biochemical evaluation indicators, and the research of national moxibustion needs to be explored and improved in the future.

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