1.Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments on Astragali Radix or Its Ingredients for Acute Pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Aiyi LI ; Jinghan HOU ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Fengmei YANG ; Suqin DUAN ; Zhanlong HE
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):561-573
Objective Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,to obtain precise and reliable comprehensive effect conclusions by quantitatively combining pharmacodynamic results from animal experiments investigating Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for treatment of acute pancreatitis(AP)in literature reports through meta-analysis.Methods Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals(VIP),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,China Biomedical Literature Database(CBMdisc),PubMed,and Web of Science(WOS)were searched from inception to March 2025 for animal studies related to Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for AP treatment.Risk of bias for included studies was assessed with SYRCLE tool.Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated according to Cochrane Handbook using Cochrane's Qtest and/2statistic.Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method,and publication bias risk was detected using Egger's test.Results A total of 297 articles were retrieved,and after screening and evaluation,19 animal studies were finally included for meta-analysis.These 19 publications cover SD rats,as well as three breeds of mice:C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice.SYRCLE scores ranged from 3 to 4.The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that no study significantly affected the heterogeneity index.The results of Egger's test showed a significant publication bias with P<0.05.Cochrane's Qtest and I2statistic indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies.Meta-analysis results of 19 animal studies showed that single-entity Astragali Radix preparation(Astragali Radix injection)could reduce serum amylase(AMY)levels,an AP-specific indicator.The Astragali Radix ingredients could decrease both AMY and lipase(LPS)levels.Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients could reduce serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1 β,while increasing IL-10 levels;could increase serum levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and decrease malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.High-dose groups of Astragali Radix injection or Astragali Radix ingredients were more effective than low-dose groups in reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels,but dosage effect on MDA levels was not demonstrated.Conclusion Evidence-based analysis of animal experiment results shows that in various animal models including SD rats,C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice,Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients can effectively reduce expression or secretion levels of AP-specific indicators(AMY and LPS).The mechanisms may be related to some inflammatory mediators,including reducing TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β levels and increasing IL-10 levels;They may also intervene in oxidative/antioxidative equilibrium,such as increasing SOD and GSH-Px levels and reducing MDA levels.Except for MDA,dose-response relationships are shown for reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels with Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients.However,due to high heterogeneity,potential publication bias risk,and species differences between animal models and human diseases in existing studies,further high-quality clinical trials or animal experiments are still needed in the future.
2.Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments on Astragali Radix or Its Ingredients for Acute Pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Aiyi LI ; Jinghan HOU ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Fengmei YANG ; Suqin DUAN ; Zhanlong HE
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(5):561-573
Objective Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,to obtain precise and reliable comprehensive effect conclusions by quantitatively combining pharmacodynamic results from animal experiments investigating Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for treatment of acute pancreatitis(AP)in literature reports through meta-analysis.Methods Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals(VIP),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,China Biomedical Literature Database(CBMdisc),PubMed,and Web of Science(WOS)were searched from inception to March 2025 for animal studies related to Astragali Radix(single-entity Astragali Radix preparation)or its ingredients for AP treatment.Risk of bias for included studies was assessed with SYRCLE tool.Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated according to Cochrane Handbook using Cochrane's Qtest and/2statistic.Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method,and publication bias risk was detected using Egger's test.Results A total of 297 articles were retrieved,and after screening and evaluation,19 animal studies were finally included for meta-analysis.These 19 publications cover SD rats,as well as three breeds of mice:C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice.SYRCLE scores ranged from 3 to 4.The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that no study significantly affected the heterogeneity index.The results of Egger's test showed a significant publication bias with P<0.05.Cochrane's Qtest and I2statistic indicated substantial heterogeneity among studies.Meta-analysis results of 19 animal studies showed that single-entity Astragali Radix preparation(Astragali Radix injection)could reduce serum amylase(AMY)levels,an AP-specific indicator.The Astragali Radix ingredients could decrease both AMY and lipase(LPS)levels.Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients could reduce serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1 β,while increasing IL-10 levels;could increase serum levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and decrease malondialdehyde(MDA)levels.High-dose groups of Astragali Radix injection or Astragali Radix ingredients were more effective than low-dose groups in reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels,but dosage effect on MDA levels was not demonstrated.Conclusion Evidence-based analysis of animal experiment results shows that in various animal models including SD rats,C57BL/6 mice,BALB/c mice,and Kunming mice,Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients can effectively reduce expression or secretion levels of AP-specific indicators(AMY and LPS).The mechanisms may be related to some inflammatory mediators,including reducing TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1 β levels and increasing IL-10 levels;They may also intervene in oxidative/antioxidative equilibrium,such as increasing SOD and GSH-Px levels and reducing MDA levels.Except for MDA,dose-response relationships are shown for reducing AMY,TNF-α,and IL-6 levels and increasing SOD levels with Astragali Radix injection or its ingredients.However,due to high heterogeneity,potential publication bias risk,and species differences between animal models and human diseases in existing studies,further high-quality clinical trials or animal experiments are still needed in the future.
3.Network pharmacology analysis of efficacy and mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Suqin DUAN ; Jinghan HOU ; Junchi MA ; Aiyi LI ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(5):1-11
Objective To explore the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis using network pharmacology,with confirmation of its efficacy and mechanism in cell experiments.Methods Astragalus and viral pancreatitis targets obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP)and GeneCards databases were combined to obtain intersection targets.GO functional enrichment and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses of therapeutic targets were conducted using the Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)database.The interactions between therapeutic targets were analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.10.2,and the core therapeutic targets were screened.Molecular docking between the most effective therapeutic components and the core targets was performed using PyMOL 3.0 and AutoDock Tools 1.5.7.CVB3 was used to construct a viral pancreatitis cell model for verification of the core targets.Results Seventy-eight therapeutic targets were identified.Enrichment analyses revealed the possible involvement of pathways related to cancer,lipids and atherosclerosis,and PI3K-AKT signaling.AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 were identified as possible core targets.The result of cell experiments showed that the expression level of AMY was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).The Astragalus injection group exhibited significantly decreased expression levels of AMY,AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusions Astragalus injection effectively treated viral pancreatitis,and its therapeutic mechanism may involve reduced expression levels of AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9.
4.Network pharmacology analysis of efficacy and mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis
Xingxin CAO ; Suqin DUAN ; Jinghan HOU ; Junchi MA ; Aiyi LI ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(5):1-11
Objective To explore the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Astragalus in the treatment of viral pancreatitis using network pharmacology,with confirmation of its efficacy and mechanism in cell experiments.Methods Astragalus and viral pancreatitis targets obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP)and GeneCards databases were combined to obtain intersection targets.GO functional enrichment and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analyses of therapeutic targets were conducted using the Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)database.The interactions between therapeutic targets were analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.10.2,and the core therapeutic targets were screened.Molecular docking between the most effective therapeutic components and the core targets was performed using PyMOL 3.0 and AutoDock Tools 1.5.7.CVB3 was used to construct a viral pancreatitis cell model for verification of the core targets.Results Seventy-eight therapeutic targets were identified.Enrichment analyses revealed the possible involvement of pathways related to cancer,lipids and atherosclerosis,and PI3K-AKT signaling.AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 were identified as possible core targets.The result of cell experiments showed that the expression level of AMY was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).The Astragalus injection group exhibited significantly decreased expression levels of AMY,AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9 compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusions Astragalus injection effectively treated viral pancreatitis,and its therapeutic mechanism may involve reduced expression levels of AKT1,TP53,HIF1A,CASP3,IL-6,and MMP9.
5.Intervention effect of kushenol F on ulcerative colitis mice
Xudong HE ; Haoyu NI ; Jinbiao HE ; Min LI ; Yunkai HU ; Dihong GONG ; Jinling YAO ; Jie YU ; Xingxin YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):419-424
OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect of kushenol F (KSC-F) on ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. METHODS Totally 30 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, positive drug group (sulfasalazine, 703 mg/kg), KSC-F 50 mg/kg group (KSC-F50 group), and KSC-F 100 mg/kg group (KSC-F100 group), with 6 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, the mice in the remaining groups were given 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution continuously for 7 days to induce UC model. Concurrently, administration groups received corresponding drug solution intragastrically, once a day, for 10 consecutive days. During the experiment, the changes in body weight and bowel movements of the mice were observed. Disease activity index scoring was performed after the last administration. The histopathological morphology of colonic tissue was examined. The levels of inflammatory factors in the serum and colon tissue were measured. Additionally, the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors, and the protein expressions of inflammation-related proteins [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), forkhead box O1(FOXO1), phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK(p-p38 MPAK) and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p- Akt)] were determined in colonic tissue. RESULTS KSC-F could alleviate weight loss and colonic tissue damage in UC mice. KSC- F reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum, as well as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF- α in colonic tissue to varying degrees and increased the levels of IL-10 in both serum and colonic tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, KSC-F decreased the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-17 and TNF-α mRNA, as well as p-PI3K, p-p38 MAPK, and p- Akt proteins in colonic tissue to varying degrees, and increased the expression levels of IL-10 mRNA and FOXO1 protein in colonic tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS KSC-F effectively alleviates UC symptoms in mice by inhibiting PI3K, Akt and p38 MAPK activation, mitigating the release of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF- α,promoting the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 secretion, and reducing inflammation-induced colonic tissue damage.
6.Improvement mechanism study of kushenol F on ulcerative colitis mice by regulating gut microbiota and immune response
Xudong HE ; Chengzhu SONG ; Haoyu NI ; Yunkai HU ; Min LI ; Dajun CHEN ; Wentao SU ; Jie YU ; Xingxin YANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(17):2088-2095
OBJECTIVE To explore the action mechanism of kushenol F (KSCF) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. METHODS The potential targets of KSCF intervening in UC were predicted with network pharmacology and molecular docking. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided by body weight into model group, positive control group (sulfasalazine, 703 mg/kg), KSCF group (100 mg/kg), and normal group, with 6 mice per group. The UC model of mice was induced by dextran sulfate sodium solution. During the modeling period, the mice were given relevant medicine intragastrically, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. After the last administration, the disease activity index (DAI) of the mice was scored; the length of the mice’s colon was measured; pathological changes in the colon tissue of mice were observed; the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum, myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the colon were detected in mice; the expression levels of occludin and ZO-1 in colon tissue of mice were detected; the proportions of CD3+T, CD4+T, and CD8+T lymphocytes in the spleen and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were detected; changes in colonic microbiota were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS Results of network pharmacology indicated that KSCF may treat UC by regulating signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF- κB). Molecular docking results showed that KSCF bound most stably with NF-κB p65 protein. Animal experiment results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, the pathological characteristics of colon tissue in mice were improved in KSCF group. DAI scores, serum levels of LPS, the levels of MPO,NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and NLRP3 protein expression in the colon, and the proportion of CD8+T lymphocytes in the spleen were reduced significantly (P<0.05). Body weight, SOD levels, expression levels of occludin and ZO-1 in the colon, proportions of CD3+T and CD4+T lymphocytes, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the spleen were significantly increased (P<0.05); the abundance of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Akkermansia, and Lactobacillus genera were increased, while Proteobacteria decreased; the microbial community structure tended towards that of the normal group. CONCLUSIONS KSCF alleviates UC by restoring intestinal microbial imbalance, enhancing immune response, and inhibiting colonic inflammatory responses, thereby improving intestinal barrier integrity.
7.Progress in research methods or strategies of compatibility mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions
Lei ZI ; Yanjuan LI ; Yanqin LI ; Tao WANG ; Junjie HAO ; Jie YU ; Xingxin YANG
China Pharmacy 2023;34(11):1393-1398
Compound formulas of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), also known as prescription in clinic, refers to a form of medication in which several TCMs are selectively combined according to the certain compatibility principles and the needs of patient’s condition, based on syndrome differentiation and treatment. At present, the methods and strategies for investigating the compatibility mechanisms of TCM prescriptions mainly focus on the following two aspects: analysis of pharmacological substances (including chemical composition analysis of TCM, ingredients of TCM analysis in blood, and pharmacokinetic analysis) and pharmacological signaling pathways analysis (involving network pharmacology analysis, signal pathway indicator detection, and metabolomics analysis). In future research, the compatibility relationships of TCM prescriptions should be explored according to the principles of “Qiqing Hehe”,“ Shengjiang Fuchen”,“ Junchen Zuoshi”, and “Siqi Wuwei”. The regularity of TCM prescriptions compatibility should be shown in the change regularity of chemical components, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological pathways, and chemical compositions of various ratios of TCMs. Based on the insurance of holistic efficacy of TCM prescriptions, the underlying mechanisms of compatibility should be uncovered, which will provide references for the optimization of clinical applications of prescriptions and new directions for the creation of innovative TCM prescriptions.
8.Neuron stem cell NLRP6 sustains hippocampal neurogenesis to resist stress-induced depression.
Chuanfeng TANG ; Qiaona WANG ; Jingyan SHEN ; Congying WANG ; Hong DING ; Shiyu WEN ; Fan YANG ; Ruiqing JIAO ; Xingxin WU ; Jianmei LI ; Lingdong KONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(5):2017-2038
Neurogenesis decline in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) participates in stress-induced depressive-like behaviors, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we observed low-expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6 (NLRP6) in hippocampus of stress-stimulated mice, being consistent with high corticosterone level. NLRP6 was found to be abundantly expressed in neural stem cells (NSCs) of DG. Both Nlrp6 knockout (Nlrp6-/-) and NSC-conditional Nlrp6 knockout (Nlrp6CKO) mice were susceptible to stress, being more likely to develop depressive-like behaviors. Interestingly, NLRP6 was required for NSC proliferation in sustaining hippocampal neurogenesis and reinforcing stress resilience during growing up. Nlrp6 deficiency promoted esophageal cancer-related gene 4 (ECRG4) expression and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Corticosterone as a stress factor significantly down-regulated NLRP6 expression, damaged mitochondrial function and suppressed cell proliferation in NSCs, which were blocked by Nlrp6 overexpression. ECRG4 knockdown reversed corticosterone-induced NSC mitochondrial function and cell proliferation disorders. Pioglitazone, a well-known clinical drug, up-regulated NLRP6 expression to inhibit ECRG4 expression in its protection against corticosterone-induced NSC mitochondrial dysfunction and proliferation restriction. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that NLRP6 is essential to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and proliferation in NSCs, and identifies NLRP6 as a promising therapeutic target for hippocampal neurogenesis decline linked to depression.
9. Research progress on chemistry and bioactivity of isopentenyl flavonoids from Sophora flavescens
Xudong HE ; Zhongyu FU ; Jinbiao HE ; Xuemei PU ; Jie LI ; Yanjuan LI ; Jie YU ; Xingxin YANG ; Xudong HE ; Zhongyu FU ; Ying HUANG ; Jinbiao HE ; Xuemei PU ; Jie LI ; Yanjuan LI ; Jie YU ; Xingxin YANG ; Ying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2022;27(8):899-907
Isopentenyl flavonoids are a class of characteristic components in Sophora flavescens Ait. (S. flavescens). They have biological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammol/ Lation and anti-oxidation. In this paper, the structural types, toxicology and pharmacological effects of isopentenyl flavonoids from S. flavescens were briefly reviewed. Furthermore, the worth of further study on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, action targets, molecular mechanisms and structure-function relationships of isopentenyl flavonoids were proposed. The deep exploration on functional characterastics of isopentenyl flavonoids of S. flavescens and their application on development of innovative drugs are of great significance to further improve the added value of isopentenyl flavonoids and expand their application fields.
10. Clonal evolution and clinical significance of trisomy 8 in acquired bone marrow failure
Liwei ZHOU ; Jun SHI ; Zhendong HUANG ; Neng NIE ; Yingqi SHAO ; Xingxin LI ; Meili GE ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng JIN ; Jinbo HUANG ; Yizhou ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2019;40(6):507-511
Objective:
To analyze clonal evolution and clinical significance of trisomy 8 in patients with acquired bone marrow failure.
Methods:
The clinical data of 63 patients with acquired bone marrow failure accompanied with isolated trisomy 8 (+8) from June 2011 to September 2018 were analyzed retrospectively, the clonal evolution patterns and relationship with immmunosuppressive therapy were summarized.
Results:
Totally 24 male and 39 female patients were enrolled, including 39 patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and 24 patients with relatively low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) . Mean size of+8 clone in MDS patients[65% (15%-100%) ]was higher than that of AA patients[25% (4.8%-100%) ,

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