1.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.
2.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.
3.Mechanism Exploration of TG Regulating PI3K/Akt to Improve Insulin Resistance in Liver of T2DM Rats Based on Transcriptomics
Qin LI ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xiaowei SHI ; Xuan LIU ; Xiangdong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):99-109
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangzhi pills on the improvement of insulin resistance (IR) in the liver with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by regulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway based on differential genes and its possible molecular mechanism. MethodT2DM rat models were prepared by high fat (HFD) diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection. The experiment was divided into blank group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (0.18 g·kg-1), Tangzhi pills high (1.08 g·kg-1), medium (0.54 g·kg-1) and low (0.27 g·kg-1) dose groups. Rat serum, liver, and pancreatic tissue were collected, and the pathological tissue of the liver and pancreas was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The fasting blood glucose level (FBG) was detected, and oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) tests were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect fasting serum insulin (FINS) and glycated hemoglobin (GHb) levels in rats. IR homeostasis model index (HOMA-IR), β cellular homeostasis index (HOMA-β), and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated. Biochemical methods were used to determine the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in rat serum. Transcriptomics obtained differentially expressed mRNA from liver tissue and enriched differentially expressed pathways. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of cyclic adenylate responsive element binding protein 3-like protein 2 antibody (CREB3l2), B-lymphocyte tumor 2 (Bcl-2), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDNK1A), and DNA damage induced transcription factor 4-like protein (DDIT4) in liver tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), insulin receptor (INSR), and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2). ResultThe pharmacodynamic experiment results showed that compared with model group, Tangzhi pills groups repaired liver and pancreatic tissue to varying degrees, reduced blood sugar (P<0.01), and promoted a decrease in serum FINS, GHb, and HOMA-IR (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, HOMA-β and ISI increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the levels of HDL-C increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The transcriptomics experimental results confirmed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was significantly expressed in both the blank group and model group, as well as in the high-dose Tangzhi pills group and model group. CDNK1A, DDIT4, CREB3l2, Bcl-2, and TLR2 were significantly differentially expressed mRNA during TG intervention in T2DM. Compared with the model group, the protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, GLUT4, INSR, and IRS2 increased in all Tangzhi pills groups (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of CREB3l2, Bcl-2, and TLR2 increased (P<0.01), while that of CDNK1A and DDIT4 decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangzhi pills may regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway based on the differential mRNA expression of CREB3l2, Bcl-2, TLR2, CDNK1A, and DDIT4, thereby improving IR in the liver with T2DM.
4.Mechanism of Dahuang Tangluo Pills in Improving Renal Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Kidkdey Disease by Regulating AGEs/RAGE/IKK/NF-κB Pathway
Pu ZHANG ; Jianqing LIANG ; Xia YANG ; Min BAI ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Chunxia XUE ; Beibei SU ; Yunhui ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):77-85
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effects of Dahuang Tangluo pills on early diabetic kidkdey disease (DKD) in db/db mice. MethodEight db/m mice were selected as the control group. Forty male db/db mice were selected and blood samples were collected via tail vein to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG). Mice with FBG ≥ 16.7 mmol·L-1, increased urine output, and persistent albuminuria were considered successful in model establishment. After successful modeling, they were randomly divided into a model group, a dapagliflozin group (1.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high, medium, and low dose groups of Dahuang Tangluo pills (3.6, 1.8, 0.9 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively), with eight mice in each group. All medication groups were administered orally, while the control and model groups were given an equal amount of distilled water by gavage daily. After continuous administration for 10 weeks, the survival status of the mice was observed, and their body weight, FBG, and kidney function-related indicators were measured. Inflammatory indicators in renal tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissues in each group. Immunofluorescence was employed to examine the expression of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) proteins. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were utilized to detect the gene and protein expression levels of AGEs, RAGE, inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) kinase (IKK), and NF-κB in the renal tissues of mice in each group. ResultCompared with control group, the model group showed a significant increase in body weight, FBG, serum creatinine (SCr), urinary microalbumin/urine creatinine ratio (ACR), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) (P<0.05). The levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in renal tissues were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Renal histopathological staining and electron microscopy revealed loose arrangement, gaps, structural disarray, mesangial proliferation, and significant fibrosis in renal tissues. Real-time PCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB genes in renal tissues (P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of AGEs and RAGE proteins in renal tissues (P<0.05). Western blot results showed a significant increase in the expression of AGEs, RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB proteins in renal tissues (P<0.05). After drug intervention, compared with model group, the dapagliflozin group and the high-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills group showed significant reductions in body weight, FBG, SCr, and ACR (P<0.05), and a significant decrease in TC in mouse serum (P<0.05), while the high-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills group showed a significant decrease in TG in mouse serum (P<0.05). All treatment groups showed a significant reduction in ICAM-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in renal tissues (P<0.05). Renal histopathological staining and electron microscopy showed improved kidney injury, decreased collagen fiber deposition, and reduced mesangial proliferation in all treatment groups. Real-time PCR results showed a significant decrease in the expression of RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB genes in the dapagliflozin group and the high- and medium-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills groups (P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of AGEs and RAGE proteins in the dapagliflozin group and the high- and medium-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills groups (P<0.05). Western blot results showed a significant decrease in the expression of AGEs, RAGE, IKK, and NF-κB proteins in the dapagliflozin group and the high- and medium-dose Dahuang Tangluo pills groups (P<0.05). ConclusionDahuang Tangluo pills can improve the pathological structure of the kidneys and reduce renal inflammation in DKD mice, possibly through inhibiting the AGEs/RAGE/IKK/NF-κB pathway.
5.Activation of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway by Shenqi Tangluo Pill Improves Oxidative Stress Injury of Skeletal Muscle of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice
Xiaoli PEI ; Yonglin LIANG ; ⁎ ; Yongqiang DUAN ; ⁎ ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Bing SONG ; Min BAI ; Yunhui ZHAO ; Sichen ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):131-139
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Shenqi Tangluo pill (SQTLP) on oxidative stress injury of skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice based on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) pathway. MethodA total of 60 7-week-old male db/db mice [specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade] were selected and fed for one week for adaption. They were divided into the model control group, SQTLP low-, medium- and high-dose (19, 38, and 76 g·kg-1) groups and metformin group (0.26 g·kg-1) by gavage. Each group consisted of 12 mice. Twelve male db/m mice of the same age were selected as the blank group. The intervention was implemented continuously for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected. Fasting serum insulin (FINS) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) were calculated. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were conducted. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in skeletal muscle tissues were detected by biochemical kits. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in skeletal muscle tissues. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in skeletal muscle tissue were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) proteins in skeletal muscle tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with those in the blank group, FBG, FINS and HOMA-IR in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while HOMA-ISI was decreased (P<0.05). The results of OGTT and ITT showed that blood glucose was significantly increased at all time points (P<0.05), and glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were significantly impaired. SOD and GSH-Px activities in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and MDA and NADPH contents were significantly increased (P<0.05). In skeletal muscle tissues, the arrangement of muscle fibers was loose, the nucleus was disordered, and inflammatory cells were infiltrated. The expression levels of ROS and 4-HNE in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, FBG, FINS and HOMA-IR in the metformin group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HOMA-ISI was increased (P<0.05). The results of OGTT and ITT showed that blood glucose in the metformin group was significantly decreased at all time points (P<0.05). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the contents of MDA and NADPH were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious abnormality was found in the skeletal muscle tissue of the metformin group. The expressions of ROS and 4-HNE in skeletal muscle tissues were decreased (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, FBG, FINS and HOMA-IR in the SQTLP medium- and high-dose groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HOMA-ISI was increased (P<0.05). The results of OGTT and ITT showed that the glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance of mice were improved in each dose group of SQTLP. The GSH-Px activity in the SQTLP low-dose group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the NADPH content was decreased (P<0.05). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the SQTLP medium- and high-dose groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the contents of MDA and NADPH were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The skeletal muscle tissue injury of mice in each dose group of SQTLP was ameliorated to different degrees. In the SQTLP medium- and high-dose groups, the expressions of ROS and 4-HNE were decreased (P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the SQTLP low-dose group, FBG and HOMA-IR in the SQTLP high-dose group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HOMA-ISI was increased (P<0.05). The results of OGTT and ITT showed that the SQTLP high-dose group significantly improved the glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance of mice. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px in skeletal muscle tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the contents of MDA and NADPH were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious abnormality was found in the skeletal muscle tissue, the expressions of ROS and 4-HNE were decreased (P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC were significantly increased (P<0.05) in the skeletal muscle tissue of the SQTLP high-dose group. ConclusionSQTLP can significantly improve IR in T2DM mice, and the mechanism is related to SQTLP activating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, promoting the expression of antioxidant enzymes, and thus improving the oxidative stress injury in the skeletal muscle.
6.Effect of Modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang on Oxidative Stress Injury of Liver in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats Based on Nrf2/HO-1 Axis
Chengjun MA ; Fengzhe YAN ; Lixia YANG ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Dong AN ; Yankui GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):121-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effects and mechanisms of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang on hepatic oxidative stress injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats based on the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) axis. MethodSix ZDF (fa/+) rats were as assigned to the blank group, and 30 ZDF (fa/fa) rats were used to induce the T2DM model by feeding a high-fat diet. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, metformin group (0.18 g·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (0.54, 1.08, 2.16 g·kg-1), with six rats in each group. After 12 weeks of drug intervention, the body mass, liver mass, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) levels were measured. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 in the liver. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in liver tissues. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in body mass, liver mass, and liver index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and the medium and high dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed a significant decrease in body weight, liver mass, and liver index (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased TC, TG, and LDL levels (P<0.01), and significantly decreased HDL levels (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced TC levels (P<0.01), and significantly reduced TG levels (P<0.05). The medium and high dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced LDL levels (P<0.05). The metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly increased HDL levels (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased ALT and AST activities (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang and the metformin group showed significantly reduced ALT activities (P<0.05) and significantly reduced AST activities (P<0.01). Compared with normal group, the model group showed significantly increased FBG at all time points (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced FBG at 8, 10, 12 weeks. The OGTT results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased blood glucose at all time points (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group showed significantly reduced blood glucose at all time points (P<0.01), and the medium and high dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced blood glucose at 90, 120 min (P<0.01). HE pathology showed clear and regular liver cell structure in the normal group, while the model group showed disordered liver cell structure with visible fat vacuoles and a large number of deformed necrotic cells. The liver tissue structure improved in the metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang, with fewer necrotic cells. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly reduced SOD and GSH-Px levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly increased SOD and GSH-Px levels (P<0.01), and significantly reduced MDA levels (P<0.01). The medium and high dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced ROS levels (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly reduced Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expression levels (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and the medium and high dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly increased Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expression levels (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly reduced positive expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed increased positive expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, with a significant increase in brown-yellow granules around the cell nucleus (P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly reduced protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the metformin group and all doses of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.01). ConclusionModified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang can significantly improve the general condition and pathological changes of liver tissues in T2DM model rats. This improvement is likely achieved through ameliorating hepatic oxidative stress injury via regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.
7.Effect of Modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang on Mitochondrial Autophagy and Browning of Visceral Fat in Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats
Dong AN ; Yonglin LIANG ; Yankui GAO ; Fengzhe YAN ; Sichen ZHAO ; Zhongtang LIU ; Chengjun MA ; Xiangdong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):131-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang on mitochondrial autophagy and browning of visceral adipose tissue in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model ZDF rats. MethodForty ZDF rats were induced with a high-fat diet to establish an obese T2DM model. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, metformin group (0.18 g·kg-1), and high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (2.16, 1.08, 0.54 g·kg-1), with eight rats in each group. Additionally, eight ZDF (fa/+) rats were assigned to the normal group. All groups received an intragastric volume of 10 mL·kg-1, with the model and normal groups receiving the same volume of purified water once daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was regularly measured. After 12 weeks of intervention, the body weight, epididymal fat weight, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), glycated serum protein (GSP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in epididymal fat tissue. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial autophagy in adipocytes. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), p62/SQSTM1, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (Dio2), and PR domain containing 16 (Prdm16) in epididymal fat. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, LC3B, p62, and UCP1 in epididymal fat. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed pathological changes in epididymal fat, with adipocyte mitochondrial condensation and numerous autophagosomes indicating mitochondrial autophagy. The model group also exhibited significantly increased body weight, epididymal fat weight, FBG, GLU, GSP, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels (P<0.01), significantly decreased HDL-C levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and LC3B (P<0.01), significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of p62 and UCP1 (P<0.01), and significantly reduced mRNA expression of Dio2 and Prdm16 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement in epididymal fat pathology. The metformin group and high-dose modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang group displayed intact mitochondrial morphology, clear cristae, uniform matrix, and few autophagosomes and autophagosomes in the adipocyte cytoplasm. The metformin group and high- and medium-dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang showed significantly reduced body weight and epididymal fat weight (P<0.01). The epididymal fat index was reduced in all intervention groups (P<0.05), and FBG was lowered in all intervention groups (P<0.01).Serum GSP, GLU, TG, and LDL-C levels were reduced in the metformin group and the high- and medium-dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TC level was significantly reduced in the metformin group and high-dose group of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.01), and HDL-C levels were significantly increased in all intervention groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and LC3B were significantly reduced, and UCP1 protein expression was significantly increased in the metformin group and high- and medium-dose groups of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p62, Dio2, and Prdm16 were significantly increased in the metformin group and high-dose group of modified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang may inhibit mitochondrial autophagy and promote the browning of visceral adipose tissue through the HIF-1α/BNIP3/LC3B pathway, thereby improving glucose and lipid metabolism in obese T2DM rats.
8.Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang and Its Modified Prescription Improve Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review
Dong AN ; Yanhui ZHAI ; Yankui GAO ; Rong LIU ; Qi ZHOU ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Yonglin LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):141-151
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is based on insulin resistance (IR) and insulin secretion deficiency, with the specific mechanisms still unclear. Current research involves mechanisms such as glycolipid toxicity, inflammatory response, oxidative stress damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) scholars have named it "blood glucose collateral disease" based on the clinical characteristics and natural progression of T2DM. This condition is primarily manifested as abnormal blood sugar levels in the early stages, and as the disease progresses, it gradually causes widespread damage to the body's veins and collaterals, ultimately leading to lesions in vessels and collaterals. Among these, "spleen heat" (obesity type) is the most common clinical type of T2DM. The concept of "internal heat-induced elimination" runs through both the onset and complications of T2DM, with internal heat being a key factor in its pathogenesis. The clinical application of Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang and its modifications has achieved significant therapeutic effects. This paper reviews the origins and treatment characteristics of Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang, along with clinical application research and experimental studies related to T2DM treatment, involving mechanisms for regulating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, improving IR, modulating inflammatory responses, combating oxidative stress damage, regulating autophagy-related signaling pathways, modulating intestinal flora, inhibiting pyroptosis, and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, with the purpose to provide direction for further research on the prevention and treatment of T2DM and its related complications, to offer reference for developing Dahuang Huanglian Xiexintang as a rapid hypoglycemic Chinese patent medicine for obese T2DM, and to better guide the clinical promotion of this drug.
9.Study on quality evaluation of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats based on HPLC fingerprint and content determination
Cuijie WEI ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Zhiwen DUAN ; Yongwei FENG ; Xiaozhou JIA ; Yueyi LIANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN ; Zhenyu LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(2):215-221
Objective:To establish UPLC fingerprint method and 2 contents determination methods of Buddleja officinalis; To provide a reference for improving the quality control standard and evaluation of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats.Methods:UPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 17 batches of Buddleja officinalis. The similarity evaluation, clustering analysis, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to compare the quality differences of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats. The contents of acteoside and linarin in Buddleja officinalis were determined.Results:There were 12 common peaks in UPLC fingerprints of Buddleja officinalis, six of which were identified as echinacoside, acteoside, cynaroside, isoacteoside, linarin, and apigenin. The fingerprint similarity of 17 batches of Buddleja officinalis was more than 0.9; Buddleja officinalis from different habitats were classified into 2 groups. Five differential markers were determined by OPLS-DA analysis. The order of significance was acteoside > peak 3 > echinacoside > isoacteoside > linarin. Edgeworthia chrysantha was identified by the method of fingerprint as counterfeit. The results of content determination showed that the content of Buddleja officinalis in Hubei and Sichuan was the high and stable.Conclusion:The method can effectively analyze the differences of Buddleja officinalis from different habitats, and provide reference for the quality control of Buddleja officinalis.
10.Effects of Gegen Qinlian Decoction on PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Tissue of Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Xiaowen GUAN ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Fei SU ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Yanhui ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):97-103
Objective To observe the effects of Gegen Qinlian Decoction on pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM);To explore its mechanism of action in the treatment of T2DM.Methods Totally 75 SPF male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group,metformin group,and Gegen Qinlian Decoction high-,medium-,low-dosage groups,with 15 mice in each group.15 db/m mice were set as the blank group.The administration groups received corresponding medicine for gavage for 12 weeks.Body mass,fasting blood glucose(FBG)and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)in mice were detected,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of pancreatic tissue,the apoptosis of islet cells was determined by TUNEL staining,Western blot was used to detect pancreatic tissue glucose regulatory protein 78(GRP78),protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),p-PERK,activated transcription factor 4(ATF4)and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)protein expression,RT-PCR was used to detect pancreatic tissue PERK,ATF4,CHOP mRNA expressions.Results Compared with the blank group,the body mass,FBG and HbA1c contents in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01);the pancreatic tissue structure was incomplete,with blurry boundaries and vacuoles inside,leading to a significant increase in pancreatic islet cells apoptosis(P<0.01);the expressions of GRP78,p-PERK,ATF4,and CHOP proteins in pancreatic tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the mRNA expressions of PERK,ATF4 and CHOP significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass,FBG and HbA1c contents of mice in each administration group significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);pathological changes in pancreatic tissue was reduced,and islet cells apoptosis decreased to varying degrees(P<0.05,P<0.01);the expressions of GRP78,p-PERK,ATF4 and CHOP proteins in pancreatic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01)in Gegen Qinlian Decoction high-and medium-dosage groups and the metformin group,and the expressions of PERK,ATF4 and CHOP mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Gegen Qinlian Decoction may decreased pancreatic islet cells apoptosis,protect pancreatic cell function,and delay the progression of T2DM by inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway,and down-regulating the expressions of related genes and proteins.

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