1.Effect of Shengui Jiangtang Formula on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice via PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway and Underlying Mechanisms
Zairan WANG ; Yifei ZHU ; Jiahe TANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):42-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shengui Jiangtang Formula on insulin resistance and glucose-lipid metabolism in spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway, and to provide theoretical foundation for its clinical application through fundamental experiments. MethodsA randomized controlled design was employed in this study. Thirty spontaneous type 2 diabetic db/db mice meeting the inclusion criteria (fasting blood glucose >7.0 mmol·L-1 and random blood glucose on a different day≥11.1 mmol·L-1) were selected as the subjects. After stratified block randomization by body weight and blood glucose levels, they were randomly assigned to a model group, a metformin group, and a Shengui Jiangtang formula group, with n=10 per group. Ten db/m mice were used as the normal group. During the 5-week intervention, general indicators (including general condition, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, and food intake) were recorded weekly. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at week 5. After 5 weeks, serum was collected to measure glucose-lipid metabolism parameters. Liver tissues were analyzed as follows: Histopathology was observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and Oil red O staining. The expression of proteins and genes related to the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway was quantitatively analyzed using Western blotting (Western blot) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsGeneral observations: The mice in the normal group were generally healthy, exhibited agile responses and had smooth and glossy fur. Compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group displayed typical symptoms of polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria, along with listlessness and rough fur. Their food intake, initial body weight, liver weight, and liver index were all significantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01). After 5 weeks of drug intervention, neither the Shengui Jiangtang Formula group nor the metformin group significantly affected the food intake of the model mice. Compared with the model group, no statistically significant difference was observed in liver weight or liver index in the Shengui Jiangtang formula group. Serum biochemical indicators: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated levels of FBG, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated serum protein, and blood lipids. After drug intervention, compared with the model group, the Shengui Jiangtang formula group significantly reduced FBG in the model mice (P<0.01). The blood glucose levels at all time points during the OGTT in the Shengui Jiangtang Formula group were lower than those in the model group, with statistically significant differences in the 0 min blood glucose and the area under the curve for glucose compared to the model group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the formula significantly reduced fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and glycosylated serum protein levels (P<0.05). It also showed a tendency to decrease blood lipids, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), and blood urea nitrogen levels, and a tendency to increase creatinine levels, although these differences were not statistically significant. Liver histomorphology: HE staining indicated that Shengui Jiangtang formula improved the morphological structure of hepatocytes and attenuated steatosis in diabetic mice. Liver PAS staining showed that it increased hepatic glycogen content and promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis in diabetic mice. Oil red O staining demonstrated that it reduced lipid deposition within hepatocytes. Western blot: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1, and increased FoxO1 protein expression. Compared with the model group, both the metformin and Shengui Jiangtang Formula groups showed increased protein expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1, and decreased FoxO1 protein expression. Real-time PCR: Compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression of PI3K and Akt was downregulated (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression of FoxO1 was downregulated (P<0.05) in the model group. ConclusionShengui Jiangtang Formula can improve insulin resistance and glucose-lipid metabolic disorders in db/db mice. It alleviates hepatic steatosis, promotes hepatic glycogen synthesis, and reduces lipid deposition in these mice. The mechanism by which Shengui Jiangtang Formula improves insulin resistance may be associated with the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.
2.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Xueqing LIU ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Tingting WANG ; Ning WANG ; Man LIU ; Li WU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):69-78
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes and one of its most common complications. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and pathological angiogenesis, ultimately disrupting the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) and leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Recent studies show that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of DR's pathological changes. Meanwhile, Chinese herbal monomers have been shown to modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby intervening in the development of DR. In terms of inhibiting oxidative stress, saponin compounds such as platycodin-D and ginsenoside Rb1 downregulate the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby ameliorating retinal oxidative stress. Flavonoids such as total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flower and puerarin upregulate the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively clearing lipid peroxides. Regarding the suppression of inflammation, phenolic compounds like resveratrol and chlorogenic acid inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and mitigating inflammatory responses. In the context of inhibiting apoptosis, polysaccharides such as Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide and Angelica sinensis polysaccharide downregulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and suppress the activity of the executioner Caspase-3, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. As for the inhibition of neovascularization, compounds including bilobalide and physcion significantly decrease the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to a reduction in retinal pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions such as Tongluo Zhujing pills, Yiqi Huoxue Yangyin decoction, Qiming granules, and Danlou tablets can also intervene in the onset and progression of DR through the mechanisms described above. In summary, both Chinese herbal monomers and Chinese herbal compound prescriptions can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, alleviate inflammation, and participate in maintaining BRB integrity, suppressing retinal neovascularization, and preventing neurodegeneration, thereby delaying the progression of DR. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes recent studies at home and abroad on how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works to treat DR, and the relationship between the Nrf2 pathway and DR. It aims to provide research ideas for preventing and treating DR.
3.Pharmaceutical care for a case of severe dermal toxicity induced by durvalumab
Liulian JI ; Zhengbi QIN ; Pengcheng LIU ; Xiaowen DENG ; Lili LIU ; Lijuan YAO ; Tingting LIU ; Pingchen GU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):88-91
OBJECTIVE To provide references for the accurate identification and management of immune-related cutaneous adverse events (irCAEs) caused by durvalumab, and ensuring safe clinical drug use. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with gallbladder cancer who developed irCAEs caused by durvalumab. The clinical pharmacists systematically reviewed the patient’s past medical history and medication history, and assisted physicians in assessing the association between adverse drug reactions and administered drugs. Meanwhile, the clinical pharmacists conducted a graded assessment of the adverse reaction, proposed recommendations such as discontinuing durvalumab and adjusting the administration regimen of glucocorticoids, assisted physicians in restarting immunotherapy, and carried out medication education and other pharmaceutical care. RESULTS The occurrence of irCAEs in this patient was “highly likely” related to durvalumab and was classified as severe. The physicians adopted the clinical pharmacist’s opinion, and after symptomatic treatment, the patient’s skin symptoms improved, and discharged with medication. After the completion of glucocorticoid therapy for the patient, the physician restarted immunotherapy with tislelizumab, and no related adverse reactions occurred again in the patient. CONCLUSIONS Durvalumab can cause irCAEs such as severe skin maculopapular rash. In clinical practice, it is crucial to promptly identify and discontinue suspicious drugs, immediately implement effective symptomatic treatment measures, and actively resume immunotherapy to ensure the continuity and safety of the patient’s treatment.
4.Modified Buwangsan Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating Autophagy in Hippocampus via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Jie YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Wei LIU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):104-113
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Buwangsan on cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus with mild cognitive impairment (T2DM-MCI) and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-six 5-week-old SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: Normal (Con, fed with a normal diet), model (DM, fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet), low-dose modified Buwangsan (L-BWS, 1.86 g·kg-1), medium-dose modified Buwangsan (M-BWS, 3.72 g·kg-1), high-dose modified Buwangsan (H-BWS,7.44 g·kg-1), and huperzine A (SSJJ, 0.018 mg·kg-1). The rats were treated by gavage once a day for 12 weeks. The body weight and blood glucose level were monitored dynamically. Morris water maze was employed to test the cognitive function of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining were employed to observe the pathological changes of the hippocampus. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum and hippocampus were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of key autophagy-related proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), type Ⅲ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex regulatory subunit (Beclin1), and phosphorylated UNC-51-like kinase (p-ULK) 1/2 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to observe the regulation of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-mTOR/mTOR, and p-Akt/Akt ratios. ResultsCompared with the DM group, the L-BWS, M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups showed increases in body weight at the end of the experiment (P<0.05), and the M-BWS, H-BWS and SSJJ groups showed declines in fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05). In the water maze test, compared with the DM group, the M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups presented shortened escape latency (P<0.001). The L-BWS, M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ group showcased regularly arranged cells in the hippocampus and cortex, markedly increased number of neurons, and significantly recovered Nissl bodies. Compared with the DM group, the L-BWS, M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups had reductions in the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the serum and hippocampus (P<0.05), increases in the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and expression level of beclin1 in the hippocampus (P<0.05) and the p-ULK level (P<0.05). The p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios in the hippocampus decreased in the M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups (P<0.01). ConclusionModified Buwangsan significantly ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and neurological damage in the rat model of T2DM through multiple mechanisms. It regulates metabolic disorders, lowers the blood glucose level, improves lipid metabolism, and alleviates oxidative stress. It promotes the protection and repair of neurons by inhibiting inflammatory responses and activating the autophagy pathway in the hippocampus. At the same time, modified Buwangsan relieves autophagy inhibition by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to alleviate the brain tissue injury.
5.Modified Buwangsan Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating Autophagy in Hippocampus via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Jie YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Wei LIU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):104-113
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Buwangsan on cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus with mild cognitive impairment (T2DM-MCI) and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-six 5-week-old SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: Normal (Con, fed with a normal diet), model (DM, fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet), low-dose modified Buwangsan (L-BWS, 1.86 g·kg-1), medium-dose modified Buwangsan (M-BWS, 3.72 g·kg-1), high-dose modified Buwangsan (H-BWS,7.44 g·kg-1), and huperzine A (SSJJ, 0.018 mg·kg-1). The rats were treated by gavage once a day for 12 weeks. The body weight and blood glucose level were monitored dynamically. Morris water maze was employed to test the cognitive function of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining were employed to observe the pathological changes of the hippocampus. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum and hippocampus were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of key autophagy-related proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), type Ⅲ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex regulatory subunit (Beclin1), and phosphorylated UNC-51-like kinase (p-ULK) 1/2 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to observe the regulation of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-mTOR/mTOR, and p-Akt/Akt ratios. ResultsCompared with the DM group, the L-BWS, M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups showed increases in body weight at the end of the experiment (P<0.05), and the M-BWS, H-BWS and SSJJ groups showed declines in fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05). In the water maze test, compared with the DM group, the M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups presented shortened escape latency (P<0.001). The L-BWS, M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ group showcased regularly arranged cells in the hippocampus and cortex, markedly increased number of neurons, and significantly recovered Nissl bodies. Compared with the DM group, the L-BWS, M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups had reductions in the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the serum and hippocampus (P<0.05), increases in the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and expression level of beclin1 in the hippocampus (P<0.05) and the p-ULK level (P<0.05). The p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios in the hippocampus decreased in the M-BWS, H-BWS, and SSJJ groups (P<0.01). ConclusionModified Buwangsan significantly ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and neurological damage in the rat model of T2DM through multiple mechanisms. It regulates metabolic disorders, lowers the blood glucose level, improves lipid metabolism, and alleviates oxidative stress. It promotes the protection and repair of neurons by inhibiting inflammatory responses and activating the autophagy pathway in the hippocampus. At the same time, modified Buwangsan relieves autophagy inhibition by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to alleviate the brain tissue injury.
6.Effect of Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Mechanism in Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Congyi LIU ; Ning WANG ; Jingjing XU ; Tingting WANG ; Na ZHENG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):20-28
ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (HMG) on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses (1.56, 3.12 g∙kg-1, respectively) or metformin (0.26 g∙kg-1) by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)], liver function indicators [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycosylated serum protein (GSP), serum glucose (GLU), fasting insulin (FINS), and renal function indicators [creatinine (Crea) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma (PPARγ), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented increased body weight, elevated levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, GSP, and HDL-C, up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1, and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group, the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight, declined levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, and GSP, and elevate level of HDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ, SREBP-1, and ACC.
7.Effect of Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Mechanism in Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Congyi LIU ; Ning WANG ; Jingjing XU ; Tingting WANG ; Na ZHENG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):20-28
ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (HMG) on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses (1.56, 3.12 g∙kg-1, respectively) or metformin (0.26 g∙kg-1) by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)], liver function indicators [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycosylated serum protein (GSP), serum glucose (GLU), fasting insulin (FINS), and renal function indicators [creatinine (Crea) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma (PPARγ), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group presented increased body weight, elevated levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, GSP, and HDL-C, up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1, and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group, the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight, declined levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, AST, ALT, GLU, NEFA, and GSP, and elevate level of HDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver, as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ (P<0.01). ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ, SREBP-1, and ACC.
8.Elevated advanced glycation endproducts is a risk factor for stenosis after primary arteriovenous fistula surgery.
Tianhong LI ; Xinfang QIN ; Lili WEI ; Huixin BI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1663-1671
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of serum advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) on stenosis after first autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
METHODS:
Patients with ESRD undergoing standard native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for the first time in the Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University from February to June 2022 were prospectively enrolled. The preoperative general data, clinical examination results and ultrasound data of the operated limbs were collected. The patients with and without stenosis within 2 months after the operation were compared for preoperative serum AGEs levels detected using ELISA and the clinical parameters. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of AVF stenosis, and the sensitivity and specificity of AGEs for predicting postoperative stenosis were analyzed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
RESULTS:
Of the 94 patients enrolled, 34 had postoperative arteriovenous stenosis and 60 had no stenosis. The number of diabetic patients differed significantly between stenosis group and non-stenosis group (P<0.001). Serum AGEs levels, which were negatively correlated with serum phosphorus level (P<0.05), were significantly higher in stenosis group than in non-stenosis group (Z=-2.837, P=0.005). Serum AGE level was an independent risk factor for postoperative stenosis after AVF (OR=1.251, 95% CI:1.096-1.423, P<0.001). For predicting AVF stenosis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of AGEs was 0.677 (P=0.007, 95% CI: 0.572-0.770), with a specificity of 90.00% and a sensitivity of 52.94% at the optimal cut-off value of 8.43 µg/mL; AGEs combined with fibrinogen had an AUC of 0.763 (P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.664-0.844), with a specificity of 73.33% and a sensitivity of 70.59% at the optimal cut-off value of 0.30.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated serum AGEs level is an independent risk factor for postoperative AVF stenosis, and its combination with fibrinogen has a better efficacy for predicting postoperative AVF stenosis.
Humans
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Glycation End Products, Advanced/blood*
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Risk Factors
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Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical/adverse effects*
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Kidney Failure, Chronic/blood*
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Male
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Constriction, Pathologic/etiology*
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Postoperative Complications/etiology*
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Renal Dialysis
;
Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
ROC Curve
;
Adult
9.Combination of Astragalus-Salvia and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium herb pairs alleviates Sjögren's Syndrome via inhibiting the JAK1/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT pathways in NOD/Ltj mice.
Peng SUN ; Lili ZHU ; Yang YU ; Sijing HU ; Mengyi SHAN ; Xuan ZHAO ; Xinchang WANG ; Qiaoyan ZHANG ; Luping QIN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):733-741
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness. Astragalus-Salvia (AS) and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium (OD) represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatment. While the combination of AS-OD herb pairs demonstrates clinical efficacy in alleviating SS symptoms, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic effects and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AS-OD in non-obese diabetic (NOD)/Ltj mice with SS. The study utilized NOD/Ltj mice as SS models, administering AS-OD treatment for 10 weeks at doses of 113.1, 226.2, and 339.3 mg·d-1·20 g-1. Results demonstrated that AS-OD improved SS symptoms, evidenced by enhanced salivary flow rate, decreased anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibody levels, increased swimming duration, and reduced lactate (LA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in NOD/Ltj mice. AS-OD reduced lymphocyte infiltration, enhanced Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) expression in the submandibular gland, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the submandibular gland, and reduced the T helper type 17/regulatory T lymphocyte (Th17/Treg) cell ratio in the spleen. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated AS-OD's involvement in regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and Janus kinase 3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3) pathways, with inhibitory effects validated in both NOD/Ltj mice submandibular gland and A-253 cells. Furthermore, AS-OD enhanced cell viability and reduced A-253 cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway. In A-253 cells, AS-OD reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, CXC chemokine ligand 9/10 (CXCL9/10), and T-cell chemotaxis by inhibiting the JAK1/STAT3 pathway. AS-OD mitigates SS by suppressing inflammation and immune responses through the PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways.
Animals
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STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics*
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Sjogren's Syndrome/immunology*
;
Mice, Inbred NOD
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Janus Kinase 1/genetics*
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Humans
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Female
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Astragalus Plant/chemistry*
;
Male
10.Exploring the therapeutic potential of propolis in managing diabetes: A preclinical study
Hannah Shi Tiang ; Lingling Qin ; Tonghuang Hua Liu ; Zhiwei Qi ; Huizhao Qin ; Huelee Yong ; Xuesheng Ma ; Lili Wu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):165-174
Objective:
To evaluate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of action of propolis in db/db mice.
Methods:
The chemical composition of propolis was analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS. Thirty mice, including six wt/wt and 24 db/db mice, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group): control, model, metformin (250 mg/kg), low dose propolis (100 mg/kg), and high dose propolis (HDP; 400 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Body weight and FBG levels were recorded weekly, and an oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on the 25th day. Serum levels of FIN, GSP, connecting peptide, AST, ALT, HDL, LDL, TG, and TC were quantified using ELISA. Liver histopathology was assessed using H&E and PAS staining. Western blotting was performed to examine the expression levels of NF-κB, phosphorylated NF-κB, IκBα, pIκBα, and AKT in liver tissues.
Results:
The top 10 metabolites of propolis were identified in positive and negative ion modes. The HDP group exhibited a significant reduction in FBG levels, body weight, connecting peptide levels, homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function scores, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance scores (all P < .05). GSP levels were significantly reduced in both treatment groups (all P < .001). The HDP group also exhibited a reduction in TC and LDL levels (both P < .05), whereas HDL levels increased in both treatment groups (all P < .05). Liver weight, AST levels, and ALT levels were reduced in both treatment groups (all P < .05). Histological analysis revealed improved liver morphology. Protein analysis demonstrated downregulation of phosphorylated NF-κB and phosphorylated IκB, alongside upregulation of AKT.
Conclusion
Propolis exhibited significant antihyperglycemic effects in db/db mice, potentially by modulating the AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management.


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