1.Overview of systematic evaluation of anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema
Jingnan GUAN ; ZONGYONGYANGCUO ; Juan LING ; Xianyan SHEN ; Menghan LI ; Xufan CHEN ; Yonglin LIANG ; Dinghua ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):996-1000
OBJECTIVE To re-evaluate the use of systematic evaluation/meta-analysis of anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), aiming to provide evidence-based support for the clinical application of this medication. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted across a range of databases, including CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The objective was to identify systematic evaluation/meta-analysis of anti- VEGF drugs for DME, with search time from the inception of the databases to March 2024. The report quality, methodological quality, and evidence quality were assessed by using PRISMA2020 statement, AMSTAR2 scale and GRADE tool. A comprehensive analysis of systematic evaluation/meta-analysis results was also conducted. RESULTS A total of 22 articles were included. According to the PRISMA2020 statement evaluation, 13 studies provided relatively complete information (≥21 points), while 9 studies had information deficiencies (18-<21 points). The AMSTAR 2 scale evaluation revealed that 21 studies had very low methodological quality, and one study had low methodological quality. The GRADE tool evaluation showed that out of 89 outcome indicators, 28( 31.46%) were classified as high-quality evidence, 34( 38.20%) as moderate-quality evidence, 24( 26.97%) as low- quality evidence, and 3 (3.37%) as very low-quality evidence. The comprehensive quality analysis results demonstrated that, compared with laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF drugs significantly enhanced the improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), as well as significant change in retinal thickness at 1 and 6 months, and 1 and 2 years post-treatment, and also in BCVA and retinal thickness at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment (P<0.05). Compared with placebo, patients treated with anti-VEGF drugs showed significant improvement in BCVA after 1 year of treatment (P<0.05). However, when compared with corticosteroid drugs, patients treated with anti-VEGF drugs exhibited a significant increase in retinal thickness after 6 months of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with corticosteroid drugs, the incidence of adverse events related to the eyes, cataract formation and intraocular pressure were significantly decreased in patients treated with anti-VEGF drugs (P<0.05). Compared with laser photocoagulation, the incidence of ocular adverse events was significantly decreased in patients treated with anti-VEGF drugs, while the incidence of fatal adverse events was significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Anti-VEGF therapy for DME may possess certain advantages in terms of efficacy and safety, but it is associated with a higher risk of fatal adverse events; the evidence included in systematic reviews/meta-analyses is of moderate to high quality.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Signaling Pathways Related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review
Shenglong LI ; Ganggang LU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xu MA ; Meisheng GONG ; Hui LI ; Yuanbo ZHAO ; Dacheng TIAN ; Yongqiang ZHAO ; Xixiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):287-295
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic progressive disease in middle-aged and elderly men, characterized by prostate enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating. The pathogenesis of BPH involves factors such as aging, hormonal metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory responses, and imbalances in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Currently, the main treatment methods for BPH include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. However, medication may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and hypotension, physical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgery carries risks and postoperative complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safer and more effective treatment options. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its focus on treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic approach, offers therapeutic advantages through multiple pathways and mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that TCM regulates pathways such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), androgen receptor (AR), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1α/VEGF) to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response, reduce prostate cell proliferation, and promote apoptosis, thus exerting therapeutic effects. This article summarizes and analyzes the roles of these signaling pathways in the occurrence and development of BPH and the mechanisms of TCM intervention, aiming to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and drug development for BPH.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Signaling Pathways Related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Review
Shenglong LI ; Ganggang LU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Xu MA ; Meisheng GONG ; Hui LI ; Yuanbo ZHAO ; Dacheng TIAN ; Yongqiang ZHAO ; Xixiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):287-295
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic progressive disease in middle-aged and elderly men, characterized by prostate enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating. The pathogenesis of BPH involves factors such as aging, hormonal metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory responses, and imbalances in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Currently, the main treatment methods for BPH include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. However, medication may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and hypotension, physical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgery carries risks and postoperative complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safer and more effective treatment options. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its focus on treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic approach, offers therapeutic advantages through multiple pathways and mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that TCM regulates pathways such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), androgen receptor (AR), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1α/VEGF) to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response, reduce prostate cell proliferation, and promote apoptosis, thus exerting therapeutic effects. This article summarizes and analyzes the roles of these signaling pathways in the occurrence and development of BPH and the mechanisms of TCM intervention, aiming to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and drug development for BPH.
4.Research progress on the correlation between oxidative stress and ferroptosis in diabetic impotence
Ganggang LU ; Shenglong LI ; Yongqiang ZHAO ; Yunpeng JIA ; Yonglin LIANG ; Yuanbo ZHAO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(16):2229-2235
Diabetes mellitus erectile dysfunction(DMED)is a common diabetic-related vascular,endo-crine and neuropathy in clinical practice,and patients with DMED often present with symptoms such as difficulty in erection,prolonged erection time,poor hardness,and short sexual intercourse.The etiological mechanism is complex,and it is often closely related to many factors such as oxidative stress(OS),inflammatory response,and neurological and endocrine lesions,which often cross-react and promote the progression of DMED lesions.In recent years,relevant studies have shown that OS and ferroptosis play a key role in DMED:OS can cause neuro-logical and Abnormal endocrine function,decreased synthesis or bioavailability of penile vascular endothelium,spongy endothelial cell dysfunction and decreased smooth muscle diastolic function,resulting in penile erectile dysfunction,and ferroptosis has also been confirmed to be closely related to DMED,controlling OS and ferroptosis to improve erectile function in diabetic patients is a reasonable and effective treatment pathway,but the mechanism of action of ferroptosis leading to DMED needs to be further studied.Therefore,this article reviews the latest infor-mation on the correlation between OS and ferroptosis and DMED,aiming to provide a useful reference for exploring the mechanism of DMED,clinical prevention and treatment of DMED,and providing potential directions for future research in this field.
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. Mechanism of Dahuangtang pellets in regulating podocyte autophagy of diabetic nephropathy mice through AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway
Beibei SU ; Yonglin LIANG ; Chunxia XUE ; Pu ZHANG ; Xiaoli PEI ; Lixia YANG ; Xiangdong ZHU ; Xia YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(3):260-269
AIM: To explore the intervention effect of Dahuangtang pellets (DHT) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) based on the AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/unc-51-like kinase 1 (AMPK/mTOR/ULK1) signaling pathway. METHODS: Eight mice were randomly assigned to the model group, the dapagliflozin group, and the DHT (high, medium, and low dosage) group out of a total of 40 C57BL/KSJ-db/db (hereafter referred to as db/db) mice; another 10 C57BL/KSJ-db/dm mice were used as the normal group, saline was provided to the normal and model groups, and the mice in the treatment group received the appropriate medications. The medications were given for 10 consecutive weeks, once per day, to the mice in the treatment group. At weeks 0, 4, 8, and 10 of administration, fasting blood glucose (FBG) was assessed by drawing blood at a predetermined time from the tail vein; Urine samples were taken at 0, 5, and 10 weeks after treatment to evaluate the levels of albumin and creatinine, and the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) was computed. After 10 weeks, mice in each group were assayed for 24 h total urine protein, serum creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen (BUN) levels; Western blotting analysis was conducted to detect the expression of p-AMPK, p-mTOR, and p-ULK1, as well as the expression of autophagy related proteins homolog of yeast Atg6 (Beclin-1), autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), P62 in renal tissue; Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of podocyte lacunar membrane proteins (Nephrin, Podocin) in renal tissues; The pathological morphology of renal tissue was observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, FBG, ACR, and 24 h total urine protein were reduced in the dapagliflozin group and DHT groups of mice, and there was no statistically significant difference in Scr and BUN; In renal tissues, there is increased expression of p-AMPK and p-ULK1, decreased expression of p-mTOR, increased expression of LC3II / LC3I and Beclin-1, and decreased expression of P62 (P<0.01, P< 0.05); differentially upregulated in glomeruli are the podocyte lacunar membrane proteins Nephrin and Podocin (P<0.01, P<0.05); renal pathologic damage was reduced to varying degrees; transmission electron microscopy showed an increase in the number of autophagic vesicles and autophagic lysosomes. CONCLUSION: DHT can delay the development of DN by regulating the AMPK / mTOR / ULK1 signaling pathway, enhancing podocyte autophagy, and protecting glomeruli.
7.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.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.

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