1.Mechanism of Xinnao shutong capsule alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating ferroptosis
Huani LI ; Changhe LIU ; Xiaoyan GUO ; Xin ZHONG ; Wei ZHANG ; Wenjing GE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):306-311
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of Xinnao shutong capsule alleviating cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats by regulating the ferroptosis pathway. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, Xinnao shutong low-dose, high-dose group (220, 440 mg/kg), Ginkgo biloba leaves extract group (positive control, 150 mg/kg). Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication/normal saline for 7 consecutive days. Transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was adopted to induce the CIRI model; the samples were taken 24 h after the operation; the cerebral infarction area of rats was detected, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated. The pathological changes of brain tissues were observed, and the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in cerebral tissue were detected; mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were all detected in cerebral tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with model group, the cerebral infarction rate, the content of total iron in cerebral tissue and serum level of LPO (except for Ginkgo biloba leaves extract group and Xinnao shutong low-dose group) were all decreased significantly in G. biloba leaves extract group and Xinnao shutong groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the serum level of GSH, the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 were all increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological damage to brain tissue was reduced, the number of nerve cells increased, the edema was alleviated, and the nuclear membrane was flattened. CONCLUSIONS Xinnao shutong capsule can inhibit ferroptosis and reduce CIRI, the mechanism of which may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Mitophagy regulates bone metabolism
Hanmin ZHU ; Song WANG ; Wenlin XIAO ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Xi ZHOU ; Ye HE ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1676-1683
BACKGROUND:In recent years,numerous studies have shown that autophagy and mitophagy play an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism.Under non-physiological conditions,mitophagy breaks the balance of bone metabolism and triggers metabolism disorders,which affect osteoblasts,osteoclasts,osteocytes,chondrocytes,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,etc. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanism of mitophagy in regulating bone metabolic diseases and its application in clinical treatment. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang and VIP databases were searched by computer using the keywords of"mitophagy,bone metabolism,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,osteocytes,chondrocytes,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells"in English and Chinese.The search time was from 2008 to 2023.According to the inclusion criteria,90 articles were finally included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Mitophagy promotes the generation of osteoblasts through SIRT1,PINK1/Parkin,FOXO3 and PI3K signaling pathways,while inhibiting osteoclast function through PINK1/Parkin and SIRT1 signaling pathways.Mitophagy leads to bone loss by increasing calcium phosphate particles and tissue protein kinase K in bone tissue.Mitophagy improves the function of chondrocytes through PINK1/Parkin,PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways.Modulation of mitophagy shows great potential in the treatment of bone diseases,but there are still some issues to be further explored,such as different stages of drug-activated mitophagy,and the regulatory mechanisms of different signaling pathways.
3.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis Through Pyroptosis Regulation Based on Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments
Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Shijie REN ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Xin KANG ; Wenli WEI ; Jingyuan LIU ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):105-113
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the potential mechanism of the Xiezhuo Jiedu formula in regulating pyroptosis for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using bioinformatics and in vivo animal experiments. MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colon tissues of UC patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from the GEO and GeneCards databases. The intersection of these datasets yielded pyroptosis-related DEGs (Pyro-DEGs). Pyro-DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis using the Metascape database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) prediction model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to identify core Pyro-DEGs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Immune infiltration analysis of the UC datasets was performed using the deconvolution method (CIBERSORT), along with correlation analysis with core Pyro-DEGs. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of Xiezhuo Jiedu formula (26.64, 13.32, 6.66 g·kg-1), and a mesalazine group (0.27 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. UC was established by intrarectal administration of 3,5-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol. The control and model groups were given distilled water by gavage, while the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs for 7 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the colon histopathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-18, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were applied to detect the expression of Caspase-1, gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure mRNA expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. Western blot was performed to assess protein expression levels of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. ResultsGEO datasets GSE87466 and GSE87473 yielded 64 Pyro-DEGs. KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Four core Pyro-DEGs (Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8) were identified. Immune infiltration analysis showed that expression of these genes was positively correlated with mast cells, neutrophils, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells. Animal experimental results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased levels of IL-1β and IL-18, significantly decreased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The model group showed enhanced Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 staining, and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 (P<0.01). In contrast, the expression of PPARG was reduced in the model group (P<0.01). After treatment, all dosage groups showed varying degrees of improvement (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose group showing the most significant improvement (P<0.01). ConclusionCaspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8 are core Pyro-DEGs closely associated with the pathogenesis of UC. These genes may collaborate with immune cells such as mast cells, neutrophils, and M0 macrophages to mediate disease development. The Xiezhuo Jiedu formula may regulate the expression of core Pyro-DEGs through the NOD-like receptor, TNF, and HIF-1 core signaling pathways, thereby modulating immune homeostasis in UC rats and effectively alleviating UC.
4.Mediating effect of activities of daily living between pain and depressive symptoms in Chinese elderly
Shan JIANG ; Huaiju GE ; Wenyu SU ; Shihong DONG ; Weimin GUAN ; Qing YU ; Huiyu JIA ; Wenjing CHANG ; Jinglei ZHANG ; Kang ZHANG ; Guifeng MA ; Wentao WEI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):12-16
Objective To explore the mediating role of activities of daily living (ADL) in pain and depressive symptoms in the elderly in China. Methods Utilizing the data from 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 4403 Chinese elderly individuals aged ≥ 60 years old were selected as the research subjects. Depression Scale (CES-D 10) of the Center for Epidemiological Survey and ADL scale were used in the study. The PROCESS4.1 macro was used to test the mediating effect of daily living activities between pain and depressive symptoms, and the Bootstrap method was applied for verification of the mediating variables. Results A total of 2368 cases of depressive symptoms were detected in the elderly in China, with a detection rate of 53.78%. Pain was positively correlated with depressive symptoms (r=0.27, P<0.01), and activities of daily living were negatively correlated with pain and depressive symptoms (r=-0.27, -0.337, P<0.01). The results showed that the total effect value of pain on depressive symptoms was 0.33, the direct effect value was 0.24, and the mediating effect value of daily living activities was 0.09, accounting for 27.27%. Conclusion Pain and activities of daily living are important factors influencing depressive symptoms in the elderly, and activities of daily living play a partial mediating role in the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms in the elderly.
5.Trend in disease burden of interstitial lung disease in China from 1990 to 2021
SUN Yuefeng ; GUO Sijia ; WEI Yuan ; HE Tiantian ; GUO An ; ZENG Zhaolu ; SUN Luyan ; DOU Wenjing ; SUN Zengtao
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1124-1128
Objective:
To investigate the trend in disease burden of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide a reference for formulating prevention and control strategies for chronic respiratory diseases.
Methods:
Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database, data on the number of incident cases, incidence, standardized incidence, number of deaths, mortality, standardized mortality, number of disability-adjusted life years (DALY), DALY rate, and standardized DALY rate of ILD in China were collected. The incidence, mortality, and DALY rate were used to analyze the disease burden of ILD. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was employed to assess the trend in standardized incidence, standardized mortality, and standardized DALY rate of ILD from 1990 to 2021. Rate decomposition analysis was applied to identify the main contributing factors affecting the trend in disease burden.
Results:
In 2021, China reported 48 514 cases, 7 674 deaths, and 222 288 person-years of DALY due to ILD, representing increases of 155.43%, 159.70%, and 97.34%, respectively, compared with 1990. From 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence and standardized mortality of ILD in China showed upward trends (EAPC=1.106% and 0.239%, both P<0.05), while the standardized DALY rate showed a downward trend (EAPC=-0.230%, P<0.05). From 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence and standardized mortality among males showed upward trends (EAPC=1.199% and 0.520%, both P<0.05), while the trend in the standardized DALY rate was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among females, the standardized incidence of ILD showed an upward trend (EAPC=0.966%, P<0.05), while the standardized mortality and standardized DALY rate showed downward trends (EAPC=-0.306% and -0.760%, both P<0.05). In 2021, the incidence, mortality, and DALY rate of ILD in China increased with age, peaking in the group aged ≥95 years at 14.84/105, 13.90/105, and 124.71/105, respectively. Across all age groups aged ≥55 years, the incidence, mortality, and DALY rate of ILD were consistently higher in males than in females. The increase in the number of incident cases, deaths, and DALY due to ILD in China from 1990 to 2021 was primarily influenced by population aging, with contribution rates of 42.65%, 68.25%, and 69.79%, respectively.
Conclusions
From 1990 to 2021, the incidence and mortality risk of ILD in China showed upward trends, while the disability risk demonstrated a downward trend. Males bore a heavier disease burden of ILD, and aging was identified as the primary factor contributing to the increased burden of ILD in China.
6.Effect of Yunvjian with or Without Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Inflammatory Response in Diabetic Rats with Syndrome of Yin Deficiency and Internal Heat
Ruifeng LIANG ; Wenjing GE ; Xianmei SONG ; Pengtao SHAN ; Gengsheng LI ; Zheng WEI ; Mingli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):46-55
ObjectiveTo investigate the different effects of Yunvjian with or without Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix on glucose and lipid metabolism and inflammatory response in diabetic rats with the syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat. MethodThe rat model of diabetes due to Yin deficiency and internal heat was established by feeding with a high-sugar and high-fat diet and injection of thyroxine and streptozotocin. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model control, Yunvjian without Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (11.8 g·kg-1), Yunvjian with Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (12.8 g·kg-1), and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (1.0 g·kg-1) groups (n=10), and another 10 rats were taken as the normal control group. Each group was administrated with corresponding drugs or saline by gavage for 28 days. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in rats were measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed. The expression of lipoxygenase-2 (COX-2) was detected by immunofluorescence. The mRNA levels of nuclear transcription factors-κB (NF-κB), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR).Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NF-κB in hibitory protein(IκB) kinase β (IKKβ), IκBα, and phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) in the liver and the protein levels of NF-κB in the cytoplasm and nucleus. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed elevated levels of FBG, FINS, insulin resistance index, TC, TG, LDL-C, cAMP, T3, T4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, up-regulated mRNA levels of NF-κB, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, and up-regulated protein levels of COX-2, p-IκBα, and nuclear NF-κB (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Yunvjian without Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix lowered the levels of FBG, FINS, insulin resistance index, TC, TG, LDL-C, cAMP, T3, T4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP, down-regulated the mRNA levels of NF-κB, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, and down-regulated the protein levels of COX-2, p-IκBα and nuclear NF-κB (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Yunvjian without Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, Yunvjian with Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix showed lowered levels of FBG, FINS, insulin resistance index, and inflammatory cytokines, down-regulated mRNA levels of NF-κB, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, and down-regulated protein levels of p-IκBα and nuclear NF-κB (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAchyranthis Bidentatae Radix can enhance the performance of Yunvjian in reducing blood glucose and inhibiting inflammation in diabetic rats with the syndrome of yin deficiency and internal heat by down-regulating the IKK/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Practice and effect evaluation of refined setting of evidence-based reference prescription pre-audit rules in anes-thesiology department
Xiaomin XING ; Xiangpeng LI ; Xinyi WANG ; Lina WEI ; Wenjing LI ; Jing LI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(14):1690-1695
OBJECTIVE To optimize the pre-audit rules for anesthesia prescriptions, improve the audit quality and rational drug use. METHODS The inpatient medical orders of anesthesia department from prescription pre-audit system of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (hereinafter referred to as “our hospital”) were analyzed from April 1 to 30, 2023. The classification statistics and evidence-based inquiry were carried out for irrational drug use issues; combined with our hospital’s current implementation of the Anesthesiology Clinical Pathway Medication Standards, the audit rules were set in details, and audit management and communication feedback processes were established. The total number of monthly audited orders, the number of pre-audit pop ups, system interception rate, physician modification rate after system audit, pharmacist audit rate, and reasonable rate of medical orders after refined setting of rules (May-December in 2023) were compared with before setting (April in 2023); the average medication cost per anesthesia session after refined setting of rules was also compared with before setting (May- December in 2022). RESULTS Irrational drug use in the anesthesia department mainly included inappropriate indications, inappropriate administration routes, inappropriate usage and dosage, inappropriate compatibility, medication problems in special populations, and improper medication during the perioperative period. After the refinement of the rules, the number of pre-audit pop ups in the anesthesia department significantly decreased over time, and gradually reached a stable state after continuous improvement. Compared with before setting, the system interception rate after the refinement of rules (P<0.001), physician modification rate after system audit (P<0.001) both increased significantly, while the pharmacist audit rate significantly decreased (P<0.001). There was a linear trend between the reasonable rate of medical orders and the month from May to December in 2023 (P<0.05). Compared with before the setting, the average medication cost of anesthesia per session decreased from 720.72 yuan to 528.21 yuan, with a decrease of 26.71%. CONCLUSIONS Based on evidence-based reference, refining pre-audit rules for anesthesia prescriptions can significantly improve the quality of prescription examination, promote rational drug use, and save patient’s medical expenses.
8.Improvement effect and mechanism of petroleum ether extract of Saposhnikovia divaricata on rheumatoid arthritis rats by regulating neutrophil extracellular traps
Xiangyang ZHANG ; Wei WEI ; Peng XU ; Ning LI ; Wenjing GE ; Xinyi WANG ; Ruifeng LIANG ; Airong XUE
China Pharmacy 2024;35(19):2345-2351
OBJECTIVE To explore the improvement effect and mechanism of petroleum ether extract of Saposhnikovia divaricata on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats by regulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). METHODS Establishment of rat RA model using bovine type Ⅱ collagen and Freund’s complete adjuvant. The model rats were randomly divided into model group and low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose groups (55, 110, 220 mg/kg) of petroleum ether extract of S. divaricata; the normal group without modeling was also established, with 10 rats in each group. Each group was given corresponding drugs or constant volume of 2% Tween-80 solution intragastrically, once a day, for consecutive 28 days. The toe swelling degree in rats was observed, and the arthritis index (AI) was scored. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE) and NETs in rats were detected. The histopathological changes in ankle joint were observed. The expression of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in ankle joint as well as the expressions of cytochrome P450 24A1 (CYP24A1), cytochrome P450 27B1 (CYP27B1),vitamin D receptor (VDR) and peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 疾病。E-mail:zhongyao626@126.com (PAD4) in synovium were all determined. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the toe swelling degree and AI score in the middle-dose and high-dose groups of petroleum ether extract of S. divaricata decreased significantly from day 14 to day 28 after administration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-17, TNF-α, MPO, NE and NETs decreased significantly, while the levels of IL-10 and 25(OH)D3 increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The widened ankle joint space and the improved structure were found; the expression of CitH3 in ankle joint, and the expressions of CYP24A1 and PAD4 in synovium were down-regulated significantly, while the expressions of CYP27B1 and VDR were up-regulated significantly in synovium (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The petroleum ether extract of S. divaricata may inhibit the production of NETs and improve the symptoms of RA by regulating the vitamin D system.
9.Efficacy-driving Mechanism of Danhong Injection for Stable Angina Pectoris Based on Composition-activity Relationship of Target Modules
Siwei TIAN ; Wenjing ZONG ; Jun LIU ; Wei YANG ; Qikai NIU ; Siqi ZHANG ; Jing'ai WANG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Zhong WANG ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):121-128
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy-driving mechanism of Danhong injection (DHI) in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (SAP) based on the composition-activity relationship of target modules and clarify the pharmacological effects of DHI. MethodAccording to the angina frequency (AF) in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) that was obtained in the previous clinical trial, the patients before and after DHI treatment were grouped based on efficacy. The transcriptomic data of the patients before treatment and in the best efficacy group 30 days post-treatment were selected as the data source, and then weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct the co-expression network. Relevant modules in the network were identified and associated with clinical features. In addition, the On-modules (Z value below 0) were identified by Zsummary. The topological indicators such as density, centrality, and clustering coefficient were adopted to explore the dynamics of DHI efficacy at the network level and module level, respectively. In addition, the driver genes were screened by the personalized network control (PNC) algorithm. Finally, rat H9C2 cells were used to establish the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which was used to confirm the potential therapeutic target of DHI for SAP and provide a scientific basis for revealing the therapeutic mechanism of DHI. ResultWe identified 19 modules in the best efficacy group of DHI for SAP, and the comparison between day 0 and day 30 revealed 12 On-modules. The changes of network topological indicators at the network and module levels confirmed the correlation between the best efficacy of DHI treatment and topological dynamics. Finally, the driver genes, Klotho and fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22), in DHI treatment of SAP were verified by the H9C2 cell model of H/R. ConclusionBased on clinical transcriptome data, this study determined the composition-activity relationship of target modules of DHI for SAP, which provided a scientific basis for deciphering the efficacy-driven mechanism of DHI for SAP.
10.Oral Absorption and Labeling Techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine Polysaccharides: A Review
Weifeng ZHU ; Shuangyan DENG ; Hui OUYANG ; Wenjing YANG ; Jianing FU ; Huangqing WEI ; Qiong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):261-269
Polysaccharides are the important material basis of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and have various pharmacological activities such as immunomodulation, antitumor and anti-aging. Due to the large molecular weight of TCM polysaccharides, their structural analysis and oral absorption mechanism are facing technical challenges, and the current research on their structure-activity relationships has made some breakthroughs, while the research on their oral absorption mechanisms is relatively slow. In-depth study of the oral absorption mechanism of TCM polysaccharides is not only crucial for the interpretation of their action pathways and efficacy in vivo, but also helpful for the interpretation of their pharmacological effects, rational clinical applications and the discovery of new targets. In recent years, the application of fluorescent labeling and isotopic labeling methods has provided new technical means for the oral absorption studies of polysaccharides, which has promoted the development of oral absorption studies of TCM polysaccharides. In this paper, we reviewed the oral absorption pathways and labeling techniques of TCM polysaccharides, and concluded that they can be absorbed orally through transmembrane, cellular bypass, and M-cell-mediated transport, of which transmembrane pathway is the main absorption pathway, and summarized the labeling reactions of four fluorescent labeling and isotopic labeling methods with TCM polysaccharides, which can provide references for evaluating the absorption pathways of TCM polysaccharides, screening active TCM polysaccharides, establishing pharmacodynamic models and comprehensively elucidating the mechanism of TCM polysaccharides.


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