1.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Regulating PTGS2 to Improve Skin Lesions in Psoriasis Mouse Models
Xue XIAO ; Liping KANG ; Dan DAI ; Yidi MA ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):49-59
ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis
2.Exploring Regulatory Effect of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription on SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 Pathway in Psoriasis-like Mouse Model Based on Sphingolipid Metabolism
Yeping QIN ; Wenhui LIU ; Dan DAI ; Jia XU ; Chong LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups: healthy control (n=11), model (n=11), methotrexate (MTX, n=5), low-dose (15.21 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5), and high-dose (30.42 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5). Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX, respectively, by gavage daily, while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment, back skin lesions were collected. Firstly, healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics (control vs model=3 vs 3) and targeted lipid metabolomics (control vs model=11 vs 11). Then, the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin, and key proteases [serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), SPHK2, delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 1 (Degs1), and ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4)] and 8 sphingolipid metabolites (including ceramides, sphingol, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipid) expressed abnormally (P<0.05) compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin (P<0.05), and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 compared with the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.
3.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Regulating PTGS2 to Improve Skin Lesions in Psoriasis Mouse Models
Xue XIAO ; Liping KANG ; Dan DAI ; Yidi MA ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):49-59
ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis
4.Exploring Regulatory Effect of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription on SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 Pathway in Psoriasis-like Mouse Model Based on Sphingolipid Metabolism
Yeping QIN ; Wenhui LIU ; Dan DAI ; Jia XU ; Chong LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups: healthy control (n=11), model (n=11), methotrexate (MTX, n=5), low-dose (15.21 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5), and high-dose (30.42 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5). Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX, respectively, by gavage daily, while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment, back skin lesions were collected. Firstly, healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics (control vs model=3 vs 3) and targeted lipid metabolomics (control vs model=11 vs 11). Then, the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin, and key proteases [serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), SPHK2, delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 1 (Degs1), and ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4)] and 8 sphingolipid metabolites (including ceramides, sphingol, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipid) expressed abnormally (P<0.05) compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin (P<0.05), and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 compared with the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.
5.Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Unraveled The Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in The Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Hang LIU ; Yu-Xin ZHU ; Si-Lin GUO ; Xin-Yun PAN ; Yuan-Jie XIE ; Si-Cong LIAO ; Xin-Wen DAI ; Ping SHEN ; Yu-Bo XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2376-2392
ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.
6.Randomized Controlled Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence Map
Mingyue LIU ; Baixiang HE ; Jingqiu HU ; Youran DAI ; Lingling REN ; Shufan GE ; Kelin LI ; Qiubai JIN ; Ping SONG ; Huiyan CHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):138-145
ObjectiveTo characterize the evidence distribution and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic dermatitis (AD) based on evidence mapping. MethodsSeven databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCTs in Chinese and English. Evidence distribution was presented graphically and textually, and methodological quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 1.0). ResultsA total of 168 RCTs were included. The number of annual publications showing an increasing trend, and 72.6% RCTs had sample sizes of 51-100 participants. The studies evaluated 108 distinct CHM interventions categorized as decoctions, granules, Chinese patent medicines, and extracts. Compound Glycyrrhizin was the most frequently used, followed by Xiaofengsan and Chushi Weiling decoction. Among the RCTs, 57.1% had the treatment courses of 4-8 weeks. Outcome measures predominantly focused on clinical response rate, skin lesion severity scores, and adverse events, with less attention to TCM symptom scores, skin barrier function, and relapse rates. The overall risk of bias was generally high. ConclusionWhile CHM for AD is a research hotspot and demonstrates clinical advantages, the related studies have problems such as unclear clinical positioning, poor research standardization and methodological quality, and insufficient prominence of TCM clinical advantages. Large-sample, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality studies are needed to enhance the evidence base for CHM in treating AD.
7.Randomized Controlled Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence Map
Mingyue LIU ; Baixiang HE ; Jingqiu HU ; Youran DAI ; Lingling REN ; Shufan GE ; Kelin LI ; Qiubai JIN ; Ping SONG ; Huiyan CHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):138-145
ObjectiveTo characterize the evidence distribution and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic dermatitis (AD) based on evidence mapping. MethodsSeven databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCTs in Chinese and English. Evidence distribution was presented graphically and textually, and methodological quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 1.0). ResultsA total of 168 RCTs were included. The number of annual publications showing an increasing trend, and 72.6% RCTs had sample sizes of 51-100 participants. The studies evaluated 108 distinct CHM interventions categorized as decoctions, granules, Chinese patent medicines, and extracts. Compound Glycyrrhizin was the most frequently used, followed by Xiaofengsan and Chushi Weiling decoction. Among the RCTs, 57.1% had the treatment courses of 4-8 weeks. Outcome measures predominantly focused on clinical response rate, skin lesion severity scores, and adverse events, with less attention to TCM symptom scores, skin barrier function, and relapse rates. The overall risk of bias was generally high. ConclusionWhile CHM for AD is a research hotspot and demonstrates clinical advantages, the related studies have problems such as unclear clinical positioning, poor research standardization and methodological quality, and insufficient prominence of TCM clinical advantages. Large-sample, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality studies are needed to enhance the evidence base for CHM in treating AD.
8.Differentiation of peripheral small cell lung cancer from peripheral lung adenocarcinoma based on clinical and multi spiral CT features
Ping DAI ; Sikai WANG ; Qin YANG ; Jingfei WENG ; Gang XIANG ; Xue ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(4):574-578
Objective To develop a nomogram diagnostic model to differentiate peripheral small cell lung cancer(PSCLC)from peripheral lung adenocarcinoma(PADC)using clinical and multi spiral computed tomography features.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the CT characteristics and clinical presentations of 50 PSCLC and 100 PADC.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant features.A nomogram was constructed to quantify the influencing factors.The efficacy and clinical applicability of the model were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results Smoking,neuron-specific enolase(NSE),smooth margin,spindle/branching shape,and lymphadenopathy were independent risk factors for PSCLC(P<0.05),whereas rough margin and lobulation sign were independent risk factors for PADC(P<0.05).The nomogram model demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy,and the calibration curve exhibited a good degree of calibration(Brier=0.079).The DCA indicated that the nomogram model possesses substantial clinical utility.Conclusion The nomogram model developed based on six indicators,including smoking,NSE≥17 ng/mL,margin characteristics,spindle/branching shape,lobulation sign,and lymphadenopathy can well distinguish PSCLC from PADC.
9.Community health follow-up management and association with mental health among disabled residents:a population-based cross-sectional study based on the long-term care insurance system
Li-juan WANG ; Yan HAN ; Wei DAI ; Hui LI ; Jun-ling GAO ; Yao LIU ; Ya-ping ZHANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):256-262,269
Objective To explore the relationship between community health follow-up management and the mental health of the long-term care insurance residents,and to provide a basis for the construction of an integrated community home care service mode for disabled elders.Methods The residents were selected through cluster sampling who participated in LTCI home care from Jan 1 to Dec 31,2021.After a year of participation,the subjects'mental health was assessed face-to-face by trained community doctors using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and the Self-Rating Depression Scale.By referring to residents'electronic health records combined with on-site questionnaire survey,community doctors collected the demographic information and health follow-up management provided by primary medical and health institutions.The multivariate logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the association between follow-up care and mental health outcomes.Results The study consisted of 399 LTCI-enrolled individuals,57.64%(n=230)received follow-up care by family physicians.The prevalence of anxiety and depression among participants was 19.80%(n=79)and 67.67%(n=270),respectively.Univariate analysis found that community health follow-up management could underscore the potential impact of follow-up care in mitigating anxiety(χ2=38.926,P<0.001)and depression(χ2=14.598,P<0.001)among LTCI enrollees.Multivariate analysis revealed that follow-up care was an independent protective factor against anxiety(adjusted OR=0.351,95%CI:0.176-0.701,P=0.003).However,follow-up care did not significantly impact depression prevalence.Additionally,LTCI grade and education level were also identified factors influencing the mental health of participants(P<0.05).Conclusion Community health service centers provide health follow-up management that plays a positive role in alleviating the anxiety symptoms of disabled residents under long-term care insurance home care.It is an effective way to improve the quality of LTCI home care services.
10.Risk factors for future exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with no history of exacerbation in the past year
Dingding DENG ; Aiyun JIANG ; Shao WANG ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Fangfang DAI ; Jun ZHU ; Ping CHEN ; Qing SONG ; Rui ZHAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(6):821-825
Objective:To analyze the risk factors associated with future exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have no history of exacerbation in the past year.Methods:COPD patients with no exacerbation history in the past year, registered in the RealDTC study from January 2018 to December 2023, were enrolled. Demographic data, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea questionnaire scores, forced expiratory volume in the first second predicted of percentage (FEV 1%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) to forced vital capacity (FVC), Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, GOLD groups, and inhaled medication regimens were collected. All patients were followed up for one year, and the number of exacerbations was recorded. Patients were divided into an exacerbation group and a non-exacerbation group based on the occurrence of exacerbations during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors for exacerbations in COPD patients. Results:A total of 2 901 COPD patients were included, among which 633 patients (21.8%) experienced exacerbations during the follow-up period. Compared with the non-exacerbation group, patients in the exacerbation group were older, with higher CAT and mMRC scores, lower body mass index (BMI), FEV 1%pred, and FEV 1/FVC. The proportions of patients with high school education or above and those using long-acting β 2-agonist (LABA) + long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) medications were also lower (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR=1.010, 95% CI: 1.000-1.021), CAT score ≥20 ( OR=1.415, 95% CI: 1.074-1.865), education level of junior high school or below ( OR=1.243, 95% CI: 1.003-1.540), LABA + LAMA inhalation ( OR=0.605, 95% CI: 0.432-0.848), and BMI ( OR=0.969, 95% CI: 0.943-0.995) were independent risk factors for future exacerbations in COPD patients with no exacerbation history in the past year (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The risk of future exacerbations remains high in COPD patients with no exacerbation history in the past year. High CAT scores, low education levels, and low BMI are associated with future exacerbations. Clinicians should pay close attention to the management of such patients and implement appropriate interventions.

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