1.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
2.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
3.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
4.The influence of in vitro aggregation of apheresis platelets on their quality
Huizhong LIU ; Huaheng LI ; Dawei CHEN ; Daixiao OU ; Huibin ZHONG ; Yue ZHANG ; Huaqin LIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1742-1746
Objective: To study the impact of disaggregation on the quality of in vitro aggregated apheresis platelets. Methods: The apheresis platelets collected from Guangzhou Blood Center served as the study samples. The in vitro aggregated apheresis platelets after successful disaggregation were designated as the experimental group (referred to as the aggregation group), and apheresis platelets without in vitro aggregation during collection served as the control group. The product volume, platelet content, residual white blood cells, red blood cell contamination, pH value, CD62p expression rate, platelet morphology score and thromboelastography of both groups were respectively detected. Results: The routine quality control indicators such as product volume, platelet content, residual white blood cells, red blood cell contamination, and pH value of both groups all met the quality requirements. There were statistically significant differences in pH value (7.180 vs 7.071) between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in product volume, platelet content, residual white blood cells, and red blood cell contamination between the two groups (P>0.05). The CD62p expression rate of the aggregation group was higher than that of the control group (42.386% vs 17.310%, P<0.05), while the cell morphology score of the aggregation group was lower than that of the control group (132.066 vs 141.166, P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in thromboelastography parameters (R-CK, K-CK, α angle, MA-CK, CI-CK) between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: After the disaggregation of in vitro-aggregated apheresis platelets, the quality indicators met the national quality requirements. Although the expression rate of CD62p increased and the cell morphology score decreased, there were no statistically significant differences in the thromboelastography parameters between the two groups. This indicates that although some platelet activation occurred, it did not affect the hemostatic function of the platelets.
5.Mechanism of Polyphyllin Ⅱ in Induction of Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells
Huizhong ZHANG ; Jian NI ; Hulinyue PENG ; Yibo ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Yidan RUAN ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Ying WANG ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):105-112
ObjectiveTo investigate the induction of ferroptosis by polyphyllin Ⅱ (PPⅡ) in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and its underlying mechanism. MethodThe effect of PPⅡ (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 9.0, 18.0 mg·L-1) on the in vitro proliferation of HepG2 cells was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Colony formation ability of HepG2 cells was evaluated through a colony formation assay. Cell migration ability was assessed via a scratch assay. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content in HepG2 cells was measured using a kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HepG2 cells were observed using a fluorescence inverted microscope. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and free Fe2+ content in HepG2 cells were detected using respective kits. The mitochondrial ultrastructure in HepG2 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of ferroptosis-related proteins p53, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) in HepG2 cells was detected using Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group, the PPⅡ treatment groups showed significantly decreased survival rate of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), significantly reduced number of cell colonies (P<0.01), significantly shortened scratch healing distance, inverse correlation of the migration distance with drug concentration (P<0.01), significantly increased LDH leakage in cells (P<0.01), significantly enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of intracellular ROS, and significantly increased accumulation of lipid peroxide MDA (P<0.01), decreased intracellular GSH content with increasing drug concentration (P<0.01), and significantly enhanced fluorescence intensity of FeRhoNox-1 in cells (P<0.01). Moreover, cells exhibited vacuolation, and mitochondria showed significant shrinkage with reduced or even disappeared cristae. Compared with the results in the control group, the expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 proteins significantly increased, while the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins significantly decreased in the PPⅡ treatment groups (P<0.05). ConclusionIn summary, PPⅡ induces ferroptosis in HepG2 cells by regulating the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling axis, promoting ACSL4 expression and Fe3+ uptake, leading to an imbalance in the antioxidant system.
6.Impacts of participation in surgical clinical trial on safety and survival outcomes in patients with right-sided colon cancer
Huaqing ZHANG ; Guoqiang WANG ; Bin WU ; Guole LIN ; Huizhong QIU ; Beizhan NIU ; Junyang LU ; Lai XU ; Xiyu SUN ; Guannan ZHANG ; Yi XIAO
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(9):928-937
Objective:To explore the impact on safety and prognosis in patients with right-sided colon cancer participating in surgical clinical research.Methods:This retrospective cohort study utilized data from a randomized controlled trial (RELARC study) conducted by the colorectal surgery group at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in which laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME) was compared with D2 radical resection for the management of right-sided colon cancer. The eligibility criteria were age 18–75 years, biopsy-proven colon adenocarcinoma, tumor located between the cecum and right 1/3 of the transverse colon, enhanced chest, abdomen, and pelvic CT scans suggesting tumor stage T2–T4N0M0 or TanyN+ M0, and having undergone radical surgical treatment from January 2016 to December 2019. Exclusion factors included multiple primary colorectal cancers, preoperative stage T1N0 or enlarged central lymph nodes, tumor involving surrounding organs requiring their resection, definite distant metastasis or otherwise unable to undergo R0 resection, history of any other malignant tumors within previous 5 years, intestinal obstruction, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding requiring emergency surgery, and assessed as unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery. Patients who had participated in the RELARC study were included in the RELARC group, whereas those who met the inclusion criteria but refused to participate in the RELAEC study were included in the control group. The main indicators studied were the patient's baseline data, surgery and perioperative conditions, pathological characteristics, adjuvant treatment, and postoperative follow-up (including average frequency of follow-up within the first 3 years) and survival (including 3-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) and 3-year overall survival rate (OS). Differences in these indicators between the RELARC and control groups were compared.Results:The study cohort comprised 290 patients, 173 in the RELARC group (RELARC-CME group, 82; RELARC-D2 group, 91) and 117 in the control group (CME control group, 72; D2 control group, 45). There was a significantly higher proportion of overweight patients (BMI ≥24 kg/m 2) in the RELARC-CME than in the CME control group (67.1% [55/82] vs. 33.3% [24/72], χ 2=17.469, P<0.001). There were no other statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics (all P>0.05). No significant disparities were found between the CME and D2 groups in terms of operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, rate of conversion to open surgery, combined organ resection, intraoperative blood transfusion, or intraoperative complications (all P>0.05). There was a trend toward Clavien–Dindo grade II or higher postoperative complications in the RELARC-CME group (24.4% [20/82]) than in the CME control group (18.1% [13/72]); however, this difference was not statistically significant (χ 2=0.914, P=0.339). Similarly, the difference in this rate did not differ significantly between the RELARC-D2 group (25.3% [23/91]) and D2 control group (24.4% [11/45], χ 2=0.011, P=0.916). The median duration of postoperative follow-up was significantly shorter in the RELARC groups than in the corresponding control groups. Specifically, the median duration of follow-up was 4.5 (4.5, 4.5) months in the RELARC-CME and 7.2 (6.0, 9.0) months in the CME control group ( Z=-10.608, P<0.001). Similarly, the median duration of follow-up was 4.5 (4.5, 4.5) months in the RELARC-D2 group as opposed to 8.3 (6.6, 9.0) months in the D2 control group ( Z=-10.595, P<0.001). The 3-year DFS rate (91.5%) and OS rate (96.3%) tended to be higher in the RELARC-CME group than in the CME control group (84.7% and 90.3%, respectively). The 3-year DFS rate (87.9%) and OS rate (96.7%) tended to be higher in the RELARC-D2 group than in the D2 control group (81.8% and 88.6%, respectively); however, these differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Subgroup analysis according to pathological stage revealed that patients in the RELARC-D2 group with pN0 stage achieved a significantly superior 3-year OS rate than did those in the D2 control group (100% vs. 88.9%, P=0.008). We identified no statistically significant differences in survival rates between the remaining subgroups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:A high-quality surgical clinical trial with close follow-up can achieve perioperative safety and a trend toward improved survival outcomes.
7.Interaction analysis of mismatch repair protein and adverse clinicopathological features on prognosis of colon cancer
Kexuan LI ; Fuqiang ZHAO ; Qingbin WU ; Junling ZHANG ; Shuangling LUO ; Shidong HU ; Bin WU ; Heli LI ; Guole LIN ; Huizhong QIU ; Junyang LU ; Lai XU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaohui DU ; Liang KANG ; Xin WANG ; Ziqiang WANG ; Qian LIU ; Yi XIAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(6):826-835
Objective:To investigate the interactive effect of mismatch repair (MMR) protein status and adverse clinicopathological features on prognosis of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ colon cancer.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 1 650 patients with colon cancer of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ who were admitted to 7 hospitals in China from January 2016 to December 2017 were collected. There were 963 males and 687 females, aged 62(53,71)years. Patients were classified as 230 cases of MMR deficiency (dMMR) and 1 420 cases of MMR proficiency (pMMR) based on their MMR protein status. Observation indicators: (1) comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between patients of different MMR protein status; (2) analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of dMMR; (3) analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of pMMR; (4) interaction analysis of MMR and adverse clinicopathological features on survival outcomes. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. The random forest interpolation method was used for missing values in data interpolation. Univariate analysis was conducted using the COX proportional risk regression model, and multivariate analysis was conducted using the COX stepwise regression with forward method. The coefficient of multiplication interaction effect was obtained using the interaction term coefficient of COX proportional risk regression model. Evaluation of additive interaction effects was conducted using the relative excess risk due to interaction ( RERI). Results:(1) Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between patients of different MMR protein status. There were significant differences in age, T staging, the number of lymph node harvest, the number of lymph node harvest <12, high grade tumor between patients of dMMR and pMMR ( P<0.05). (2) Analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of dMMR. Results of multivariate analysis showed that T staging, N staging, the number of lymph node harvest <12 were independent factors affecting the disease-free survival (DFS) of colon cancer patients of dMMR ( hazard ratio=3.548, 2.589, 6.702, 95% confidence interval as 1.460-8.620, 1.064-6.301, 1.886-23.813, P<0.05). Age and N staging were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS) of colon cancer patients of dMMR ( hazard ratio=1.073, 10.684, 95% confidence interval as 1.021-1.126, 2.311-49.404, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of factors affecting the survival outcomes of patients of pMMR. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age, T staging, N staging, vascular tumor thrombus were independent factors affecting the DFS of colon cancer patients of pMMR ( hazard ratio=1.018, 2.214, 2.598, 1.549, 95% confidence interval as 1.006-1.030, 1.618-3.030, 1.921-3.513, 1.118-2.147, P<0.05). Age, T staging, N staging, high grade tumor were independent factors affecting the OS of colon cancer patients of pMMR ( hazard ratio=1.036, 2.080, 2.591, 1.615, 95% confidence interval as 1.020-1.052, 1.407-3.075, 1.791-3.748, 1.114-2.341, P<0.05). (4) Interaction analysis of MMR and adverse clinicopathological features on survival outcomes. Results of interaction analysis showed that the multiplication interaction effect between the number of lymph node harvest <12 and MMR protein status was significant on DFS of colon cancer patients ( hazard ratio=3.923, 95% confidence interval as 1.057-14.555, P<0.05). The additive interaction effects between age and MMR protein status, between high grade tumor and MMR protein status were significant on OS of colon cancer patients ( RERI=-0.033, -1.304, 95% confidence interval as -0.049 to -0.018, -2.462 to -0.146). Conclusions:There is an interaction between the MMR protein status and the adverse clinicopathological features (the number of lymph node harvest <12, high grade tumor) on prognosis of colon cancer patients of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ. In patients of dMMR, the number of lymph node harvest <12 has a stronger predictive effect on poor prognosis. In patients of pMMR, the high grade tumor has a stronger predictive effect on poor prognosis.
8.Total Saponins in Paridis Rhizoma: A Review
Yibo ZHANG ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Jing FU ; Yidan RUAN ; Aina YAO ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Xingbin YIN ; Changhai QU ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):232-243
Paridis Rhizoma possesses the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, alleviating swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver and calming the convulsion. Saponins are the main active components of Paridis Rhizoma. Studies have shown that total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma have obvious inhibitory effect on solid tumors such as breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and liver cancer and non-solid tumors such as leukemia. The saponins may exert the anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, regulating cell cycle, inducing apoptotic and non-apoptotic death pathways, and regulating metabolism and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hemostatic, and uterus-contracting activities. At the same time, they may induce apoptosis of normal cells, inflammation and oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. In recent years, the reports of liver injury, reproductive injury, gastrointestinal injury, hemolysis, and other adverse reactions caused by total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma have been increasing. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that there are significant differences in the metabolism of total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma administrated in different ways. Injection has a fast clearance rate, while oral administration may have hepatoenteric circulation. Meanwhile, due to the low solubility and activation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) molecular pump, the prototype absorption, intestinal permeability, and recovery rate of total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma are poor, which affects the bioavailability. The bioavailability can be improved to some extent by preparing new dosage forms or new drug delivery systems with advanced technology. This paper reviews the pharmacological effect, pharmacokinetics, and adverse reactions of Rhizoma Paridis total saponins by searching the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Web of Science with ''Rhizoma Paridis total saponins'' as the keywords, hoping to provide references for the research, development, and clinical application of such components.
9.Inhibition of Oxidative Stress of Sciatic Nerve in Diabetic Rats by Tangbikang Granules Regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Signaling Pathway
Gang LIU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Lingling QIN ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):75-82
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangbikang granules on oxidative stress of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats by regulating adenylate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α/mitochondrial Sirtuins 3 (AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3) signaling pathway. MethodThe spontaneous obesity type 2 diabetes model was established using ZDF rats. After modeling, they were randomly divided into high, medium, and low dose Tangbikang granule groups (2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1·d-1) and lipoic acid group (0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1), and the normal group was set up. The rats were administered continuously for 12 weeks after modeling. The blood glucose of rats was detected before intervention and at 4, 8, 12 weeks after intervention. At the 12th week, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), nerve blood flow velocity, mechanical pain threshold, and thermal pain threshold were detected. The sciatic nerve was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the tissue morphology. The ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in sciatic nerve were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 in sciatic nerve were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group, fasting blood glucose in the model group was increased at each time point (P<0.01). The mechanical pain threshold was decreased (P<0.05), and the incubation time of the hot plate was extended (P<0.01). MNCV, SNCV, and nerve blood flow velocity decreased (P<0.05). The expression level of SOD was decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 were decreased (P<0.01). The structure of sciatic nerve fibers in the model group was loose, and the arrangement was disordered. The demyelination change was obvious. Compared with the model group, the fasting blood glucose of rats in the high dose Tangbikang granule group was decreased after the intervention of eight weeks and 12 weeks (P<0.01). The mechanical pain threshold increased (P<0.05). The incubation time of the hot plate was shortened (P<0.01). MNCV, SNCV, and Flux increased (P<0.05). The expression level of SOD was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 were increased (P<0.01). The sciatic nerve fibers in the high-dose Tangbikang granule group were tighter and more neatly arranged, with only a few demyelinating changes. The high, medium, and low dose Tangbikang granule groups showed a significant dose-effect trend. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve sciatic nerve function in diabetic rats by regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway partly to inhibit oxidative stress.
10.Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicines Induce Ferroptosis in Tumor Cells: A Review
Huizhong ZHANG ; Yibo ZHANG ; Jing FU ; Huating HUANG ; Yidan RUAN ; Xingbin YIN ; Changhai QU ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):245-253
Ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death different from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, is closely associated with a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Iron-mediated accumulation of reactive oxygen species is the main inducement of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to intracellular lipid metabolism, iron metabolism, and antioxidant defense pathways. Multiple signaling axes and regulators jointly regulate the occurrence and disruption of ferroptosis. Studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis regulates the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. Inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells can control the growth, metastasis, and multi-drug resistance of tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of ferroptosis on tumor cells have become a hot topic in anti-cancer research. As the research advances, a variety of ferroptosis inducers has been used in the clinical chemotherapy for cancers and demonstrate significant efficacy. Accordingly, the development of ferroptosis-inducing anticancer drugs has become a new research direction for tumor treatment. Some active ingredients such as lycorine, oleanolic acid, dihydroartemisinin, pseudolaric acid B, and ophiopogonin B of Chinese medicines can induce ferroptosis in tumor cells via lipid metabolism, iron metabolism, system Xc-, and GPX4/GSH to regulate the development of tumors, demonstrating a promising prospect in clinical treatment. Based on the theory of the mechanism of ferroptosis, this paper reviews the research progress in ferroptosis induced by active ingredients of Chinese medicines in tumor cells and describes the metabolic regulatory network of ferroptosis from signaling pathways and regulatory factors, providing new strategies for applying active ingredients of Chinese medicines in the treatment of tumors.

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