1.Study on the mechanism of Huatan qushi huoxue formula in improving metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Dongfang SHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):864-869
OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula (HQHF) inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups: Control group (10% blank serum), Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], HQHF-L group (2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), HQHF-M group (5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), and HQHF-H group (10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS). After 24 h of routine culture post-administration, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy; localization and expression of gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology (cell membrane bulging and pore formation), increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane ( P <0.05), significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). Compared with the Model group, the HQHF-L, HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology, reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N ( P <0.05), significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis, and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
2.Effect and mechanism of action of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid on an in vitro cell model of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Tong LIU ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Yijia SONG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Yajie GUAN ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1586-1596
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential targets of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the molecular mechanism by which it regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA network pharmacology analysis was performed at first, and related databases were used to obtain the common action targets of 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD, followed by molecular docking and pathway enrichment analysis to predict the potential biological processes and signaling pathways regulated by these targets. Then mouse normal hepatocytes AML-12 were used for cell experiments, and CCK-8 assay was used to determine the three optimal intervention concentrations of 2,5-DHBA. AML-12 cells were divided into control group, model group (cells cultured in a medium containing 2 mmol/L free fatty acid [FFA] to establish a cell model of MAFLD), and three 2,5-DHBA intervention groups (cells cultured with FFA and 2,5-DHBA at the three different concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L, respectively). Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation; the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to measure the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); biochemical assays were used to measure the content of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC); quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of related genes and proteins. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsA total of 32 common targets were obtained for 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD. Within a concentration range of 1.25 — 20 μmol/L, 2,5-DHBA treatment, starting from the concentration of 2.5 μmol/L, increased the viability of AML-12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum effective concentration of 1.25 μmol/L, the intermediate gradient concentration of 5 μmol/L, and the maximum safe concentration within the effective range of 20 μmol/L were selected for low-, middle-, and high-dose intervention, respectively. Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA intervention at concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L could significantly reduce lipid droplet accumulation in cells (all P<0.05), and there were significant differences in TG and TC between the model group and the three intervention groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant increase in ROS fluorescence intensity (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, there was a dose-dependent reduction in intracellular ROS level after treatment with 5 μmol/L or 20 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA treatment at concentrations of 5 and 20 μmol/L significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of the lipogenic genes SREBf1 and FASN and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of the key antioxidant gene Nrf2 and its downstream target gene HO-1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in the model group was significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt were significantly decreased after 5 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein in the model group were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). The protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased after treatment with 1.25 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology and cellular experiments confirm that 2,5-DHBA can alleviate lipid deposition and oxidative stress by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on MAFLD.
3.Related factors and collaborative action framework of multi-disease co-prevention in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1364-1368
Abstract
The cooccurrence of multi disease among children and adolescents has become increasingly prominent, necessitating a shift from "single disease separate treatment" to "multi disease co prevention". Focusing on four common health problems in children and adolescents, namely, myopia, depression, overweight/obesity, and spinal abnormalities, the paper systematically reviews the association between four categories of factors, society, environment, family, and individual behavior, and the co occurrence of the aforementioned health problems. The findings indicate that particulate matter 2.5 exposure, light at night, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, and unhealthy diet constitute the primary cross dimensional risk network. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a collaborative action framework involving family, school, and society, emphasizing systematic strategies ranging from upstream environmental governance to downstream behavioral intervention, so as to provide evidence for the practice and policy making of multi disease co-prevention in children and adolescents.
4.Ameliorative effect of Weiling decoction on metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on the gut-liver axis
Beilei CUI ; Yijia SONG ; Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Wenjing WU ; Junjiao XU ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(19):2501-2508
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect of Weiling decoction on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) based on the gut-liver axis theory.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank group ( n =9) and a modeling group ( n =47). The modeling group was fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the MAFLD model. Forty-five modeled mice were randomly divided into a model group, a positive control group [metformin, 0.2 g/(kg·d)], and Weiling decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups [6.17, 12.34, 24.68 g/(kg·d), calculated as crude drug], with 9 mice in each group. Mice in each group received intragastric administration of the corresponding drug solution or normal saline once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the body weight, liver weight, and liver index were compared among groups; the levels of liver function indicators (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase), lipid indicators (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), inflammatory indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β], oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), and intestinal barrier indicators [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid] were measured; hepatic pathological changes were observed; the expressions of tight junction proteins [zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin] in jejunal tissue and proteins related to lipid metabolism [sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)] and inflammatory pathways [Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65)] in liver tissue were detected; and changes in gut microbiota were analyzed.RESULTS Compared with the model group, hepatic steatosis and inflammatory injury were significantly alleviated in all Weiling decoction dose groups; body weight (at week 16), liver weight, liver index, and the levels of liver function indicators, lipid indicators, inflammation indicators, oxidative stress indicators, and intestinal barrier indicators were all generally improved ( P <0.05). The expressions of SREBP-1, FASN, TLR4, and MyD88 and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 in liver tissue were generally decreased or downregulated ( P <0.05), while the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in jejunal tissue and PPARα in liver tissue were generally increased or upregulated ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the Observed species, Chao1, and Ace indices of gut microbiota in the Weiling decoction high-dose group were significantly increased ( P <0.05), and the relative abundances of Verrucomicrobiota, Akkermansia , etc. were significantly increased, while those of Actinomycetota, Alistipes , Faecalibaculum , etc. were significantly decreased ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS Weiling decoction can ameliorate MAFLD, and its effect may be associated with regulating gut microbiota, repairing the intestinal mechanical barrier, reducing LPS translocation, thereby inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway, alleviating oxidative stress, and regulating SREBP-1/FASN and PPARα-mediated lipid metabolism.
5.Pharmacological mechanism of hawthorn fruit and its herb pairs for improving metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2203-2208
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. As a classic food-medicine homologous Chinese herb, hawthorn fruit has the functions of promoting digestion to resolve food stagnation and activating blood circulation to resolve blood stasis. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that hawthorn fruit and its active components exert diverse pharmacological activities in regulating lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting inflammatory response, delaying hepatic fibrosis, and protecting hepatocytes. These effects precisely match the “multiple-hit” pathological features of MAFLD, and thus hawthorn fruit shows significant advantages in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. Drug pair combination is a key strategy in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. In clinical practice, hawthorn fruit is often combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza, Alisma orientalis, cassia seed, and Poria cocos, and such combination adheres to the principle of “mutual reinforcement and assistance” to enhance efficacy and expand their application in different syndromes of MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the core pharmacological mechanisms of hawthorn fruit in intervening against MAFLD and the research advances in its classic drug combinations, in order to provide a scientific reference for the in-depth development of hawthorn fruit and its combinations and the precise clinical intervention of MAFLD.
6.Analysis of influencing factors on the trajectories of psychological symptom clusters in pregnant women with assisted reproductive technology and nursing revelation
Danni SONG ; Shuang HU ; Congshan PU ; Yiting WANG ; Jin HE ; Yajie DING ; Chunjian SHAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1209-1216
Objective To explore the trajectory of psychological symptom clusters in pregnant women with assisted reproductive technology(ART),and analyze the influencing factors of each trajectory subgroups,in order to provide a theoretical basis for the management of psychological health during pregnancy in pregnant women with ART.Methods A total of 205 pregnant women who had conceived using ART were sampled from the obstetrics clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing from August 2023 to April 2024 using a convenient sampling method.The baseline data were assessed by general information questionnaire,Symptom Checklist-90,Distress Disclosure Index and Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire at 10-14 weeks gestation,and the follow-up information was assessed by Symptom Checklist-90 at 22-26 weeks of gestation and 34-38 weeks of gestation.Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract symptom clusters;the latent class growth mixture model was used to identify the track categories;the multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of the track.Results 180 cases were finally included.By exploratory factor analysis,5,4 and 5 factors were extracted at 3 time points respectively.Trajectories of psychological symptom clusters in pregnant women with ART is divided into 3 potential classes:low level-slow relieving group(28.89%),high level-significant increasing group(6.11%),medium level-slow increasing group(65.00%).Logistic regression analyses showed that duration of infertility,number of ART,literacy,pain self-expression and positive psychological capital were influential factors in the potential categories of psychological symptom clusters in pregnant women conceived with ART(all P<0.05).Conclusion The trajectory of psychological symptom clusters in pregnant women with ART was divided into 3 potential classes.Medical workers could develop corresponding interventions based on the influencing factors and implement comprehensive and efficient symptom management.
7.Research progress on region-specific synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system involved in morphine tolerance
Yajie HAN ; Jian WANG ; Zongbin SONG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(13):2100-2104
The repeated administration of morphine frequently gives rise to tolerance,manifested by a reduction in analgesic efficacy and an elevation in adverse effects.These consequences significantly impinge upon its clinical utility.Synaptic functional plasticity governs long-term alterations in synaptic transmission efficiency through calcium signaling pathways,protein kinase cascade reactions,and glia-neuron interactions,thereby facili-tating the development of morphine tolerance.Structural plasticity encompasses the dynamic remodeling of dendritic spine density and morphology,the establishment or elimination of synaptic connections,and the reconstitution of synaptic active zones.Morphine-induced synaptic plasticity within the central nervous system demonstrates region-specific alterations,which jointly drive the process of tolerance.This review comprehensively synthesizes the research advancements regarding the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in morphine tolerance,with the aim of furnishing a theoretical foundation for the development of innovative analgesic medications and the optimization of clinical treatment strategies.
8.Mechanism by which hydroxysafflor yellow A alleviates demyelination in cuprizone mice
Ying CHEN ; Jian LIU ; Yajie LIANG ; Yanqing LI ; Lijuan SONG ; Jianjun HUANG ; Jiezhong YU ; Qing WANG ; Cungen MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(25):5311-5319
BACKGROUND:In the occurrence and development of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system,neuroinflammation caused by microglia is the main pathological feature,so inhibiting the inflammatory response is very important to alleviate demyelination.Hydroxysafflor yellow A can protect the blood-brain barrier,inhibit neuronal apoptosis,and improve neurological function.OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibiting bicyclohexanone oxalyl dihydrazone-induced demyelination in mice.METHODS:(1)In vivo:Thirty healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups:normal group,cuprizone group,and hydroxysafflor yellow A group.The mice in the cuprizone group and the hydroxysafflor yellow A group were fed with 0.2%cuprizone diet for 6 weeks to establish mouse models of demyelination.The mice in the normal group were fed with normal diet.At the end of the 4th week,the mice in the hydroxysafflor yellow A group were intraperitoneally injected with hydroxysafflor yellow A 20 mg/kg per day.The mice in the normal and cuprizone groups were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline for 2 weeks.The behavioral changes of mice were evaluated by open field test and elevated plus maze test.The loss of myelin sheath in corpus callosum was detected by black gold staining,myelin basic protein and degraded myelin basic protein immunofluorescence staining.The activation of microglia and the expression of inflammatory factors were detected by I ba-1 immunofluorescence staining and ELISA,respectively.The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4,myeloid differentiation factor 88,and nuclear factor κB p65 in the brain of mice in each group were detected by western blot assay.(2)In vitro experiment:The inflammation model of BV2 microglia was established by lipopolysaccharide induction.BV2 cells were divided into normal group,lipopolysaccharide group(1 μg/mL),and lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)+hydroxysafflor yellow A(25 μmol/L)group.The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the mice in the cuprizone group had severe anxiety,abnormal autonomic movement ability,and a large amount of myelin sheath loss in the corpus callosum.The average fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein was significantly reduced,and the average fluorescence intensity of degraded myelin basic protein was significantly increased.The number of lba1+microglia increased,the contents of interleukin 1β,tumor necrosis factor α,and interleukin 6 in the brain increased,and the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4,myeloid differentiation factor 88,and nuclear factor κB p65 increased significantly.The above symptoms and indexes of mice were reversed after hydroxysafflor yellow A treatment.(2)Hydroxysafflor yellow A significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor α,and interleukin 6 induced by lipopolysaccharide in BV2 microglia.(3)The above results demonstrate that hydroxysafflor yellow A can significantly improve cuprizone-induced demyelination in mice.The mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of microglial activation-mediated inflammatory response through the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor κB p65 signaling pathway.
9.Correlation Analysis of Left Heart Volume and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Non-obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Pan YANG ; Minghu XIAO ; Yajie TANG ; Qing WEI ; Xin QUAN ; Weichun WU ; Lei SONG ; Zhenhui ZHU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(3):240-245
Objectives:To analyze the risk factors of atrial fibrillation in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(NOHCM)and explore the relationship between left ventricular/atrial volume and atrial fibrillation.Methods:Consecutive NOHCM patients admitted at Fuwai Hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 with complete clinical data,satisfactory echocardiography imaging data were included in this analysis,patients were divided into atrial fibrillation group(n=28)and non-atrial fibrillation group(n=57).Left-sided volumetric and functional parameters were measured by one-beat real-time full-volume three-dimensional echocardiography,including left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left atrial volume(LAV).The left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDVi)index,left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVi)and left atrial volume index(LAVi)were calculated.Other echocardiographic parameters including interventricular septum(IVSmax)thickness,left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPW),and left atrial diameter(LAD)were routinely measured.Mitral valve forward flow spectrum,tissue Doppler,tricuspid regurgitation velocity,and left atrial size were used to evaluate the left ventricular diastolic function of patients,and diastolic dysfunction was classified into grade I,II,and III.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of atrial fibrillation in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Results:Compared with the non-atrial fibrillation group,LVEDV([143.8±26.7]ml vs.[117.1±21.9]ml)and LVEDVi([79.4±11.9]ml/m2 vs.[64.2±10.6]ml/m2)were smaller in atrial fibrillation group(both P<0.001).Compared with the non-atrial fibrillation group,LAD([40.2±4.7]mm vs.[48.6±4.8]mm)and LAVi([37.3±8.9]ml/m2 vs.[64.4±17.1]ml/m2)were lager in atrial fibrillation group(both P<0.001).Compared with the non-atrial fibrillation group,the proportion of NYHA functional classification≥Ⅲ was higher(15.8%vs.50.0%,P<0.001),LVEF was lower([61.5±5.5]%vs.[57.6±5.0]%,P=0.002),and proportion of severe diastolic dysfunction was higher in atrial fibrillation group(P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors associated with atrial fibrillation in NOHCM patients were LVEDVi(OR=0.744,95%CI:0.575-0.962,P=0.024)and LAVi(OR=1.602,95%CI:1.032-2.486,P=0.036).Conclusions:LVEDVi and LAVi are related factors for atrial fibrillation in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.LVEDVi is negatively,while LAVi is positively associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation in NOHCM patients.
10.Research progress on region-specific synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system involved in morphine tolerance
Yajie HAN ; Jian WANG ; Zongbin SONG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(13):2100-2104
The repeated administration of morphine frequently gives rise to tolerance,manifested by a reduction in analgesic efficacy and an elevation in adverse effects.These consequences significantly impinge upon its clinical utility.Synaptic functional plasticity governs long-term alterations in synaptic transmission efficiency through calcium signaling pathways,protein kinase cascade reactions,and glia-neuron interactions,thereby facili-tating the development of morphine tolerance.Structural plasticity encompasses the dynamic remodeling of dendritic spine density and morphology,the establishment or elimination of synaptic connections,and the reconstitution of synaptic active zones.Morphine-induced synaptic plasticity within the central nervous system demonstrates region-specific alterations,which jointly drive the process of tolerance.This review comprehensively synthesizes the research advancements regarding the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in morphine tolerance,with the aim of furnishing a theoretical foundation for the development of innovative analgesic medications and the optimization of clinical treatment strategies.


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