1.CRTAC1 derived from senescent FLSs induces chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction via modulating NRF2/SIRT3 axis in osteoarthritis progression.
Xiang CHEN ; Wang GONG ; Pan ZHANG ; Chengzhi WANG ; Bin LIU ; Xiaoyan SHAO ; Yi HE ; Na LIU ; Jiaquan LIN ; Jianghui QIN ; Qing JIANG ; Baosheng GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5803-5816
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent joint disease of late life, is closely linked to cellular senescence. Previously, we found that the senescence of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) played an essential role in the degradation of cartilage. In this work, single-cell sequencing data further demonstrated that cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1) is a critical secreted factor of senescent FLS, which suppresses mitophagy and induces mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating SIRT3 expression. In vivo, deletion of SIRT3 in chondrocytes accelerated cartilage degradation and aggravated the progression of OA. Oppositely, intra-articular injection of adeno-associated virus expressing SIRT3 effectively alleviated OA progression in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that elevated CRTAC1 could bind with NRF2 in chondrocytes, which subsequently suppresses the transcription of SIRT3 in vitro. In addition, SIRT3 reduction could promote the acetylation of FOXO3a and result in mitochondrial dysfunction, which finally contributes to the degradation of chondrocytes. To conclude, this work revealed the critical role and underlying mechanism of senescent FLSs-derived CRTAC1 in OA progression, which provided a potential strategy for the OA therapy.
2.Mechanism of action of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid on outlet obstruction-induced overactive bladder: An integrated study
Menglu Wang ; Yang Yang ; Yuhang Du ; Jiamei Xie ; Yige Zhao ; Yongcheng An ; Ziyi Shan ; Shenyujun Wang ; Meng Hao ; Baosheng Zhao
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):86-99
Objective:
To observe the effect of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid (XP) in an overactive bladder (OAB) experimental rat model and to explore its pharmacological mechanisms.
Methods:
Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential mechanisms of action of XP. The rats underwent bladder outlet obstruction surgery and were administered the corresponding drug concentrations by gavage for 4 weeks. The study observed the body weight, water intake, bladder and kidney indices (to evaluate their general status), urination behavior pattern (to observe frequency and urgency), and urodynamics (to measure bladder parameters). Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichome staining were used to observe changes in the bladder structure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and acetylcholine in the urine. The key targets involved in these mechanisms were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blot in vivo/vitro experiments.
Result:
Network pharmacological analysis predicted that XP may alleviate OAB by affecting the cholinergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways. XP treatment significantly reduced the bladder index, improved urine behavior and urodynamic parameters, decreased the neurotransmitters in urine, and reduced the thickness of the bladder wall and collagen ratio. These results indicate that XP can alleviate OAB symptoms and improve the bladder structure. In vivo/vitro experiments further demonstrated that XP can inhibit targets, such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2, and participate in cholinergic synapses to further regulate the parasympathetic nervous system. It can also reduce the overexpression of Ca2+ caused by agonists, inhibit targets such as transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1, and participate in calcium signaling pathways to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis.
Conclusion
These results suggest that XP inhibited bladder overactivity by maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis and regulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
3.Effect and Mechanism of Water Extract of Mori Folium on Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue of T2DM Mice
Huilin ZHANG ; Yongcheng AN ; Changhao HE ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):43-50
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of water extract of Mori Folium (MLE) on oxidative stress in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and explore its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose MLE (MLE-L) group, and high-dose MLE (MLE-H) group according to their body weight and blood glucose, with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the metformin group were given 200 mg·kg-1 metformin suspension, and the mice in the MLE-L and MLE-H groups were respectively given 2 g·kg-1 and 4 g·kg-1 MLE, while the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by daily gavage for eight weeks. Body weight, subcutaneous fat index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and oral glucose tolerance level (OGTT) of the mice were detected, and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The expression levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and NADPH oxidase type 4 (NOX4) protein in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the mice were detected by Western blot. ResultThe FBG level, OGTT, and subcutaneous fat index of T2DM mice were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) after administration of MLE compared with the blank group. The contents of serum SOD and GSH were significantly increased, while the level of oxidative stress damage marker MDA was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of SIRT1 protein in adipose tissue was significantly increased, while the expression of NOX4 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can ameliorate T2DM by alleviating oxidative stress in adipose tissue of T2DM mice and reducing blood glucose.
4.Protective Effect and Mechanism of Mori Folium Extract on Kidney of db/db Diabetic Mice
Yan HUANG ; Huilin ZHANG ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):51-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of Mori Folium extract (MLE) on the kidney of db/db diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male C57BLKS/JGpt-Leprdb/Leprdb (db/db) mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose group of MLE (MLE-L), and high-dose group of MLE (MLE-H) according to their fasting blood glucose (FBG), with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate (m/m) mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the drug administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, and the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by gavage once a day for continuous eight weeks. Body weight, bilateral kidney weight, and FBG were measured, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The pathological changes in the kidney tissue of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-silver (PAS) staining, and serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and urinary microalbumin (U-mAlb) of mice. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) protein in kidney tissue of mice were tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group, the body weight, absolute renal weight, FBG, and the area under the curve (AUC) of OGTT of mice in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the levels of SCr, BUN, and U-mAlb, as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of mice was thicker, with obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the kidney tissue of mice were increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, there was no statistical difference in the body weight of mice in each drug administration group. The absolute renal weight of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The FBG levels of mice in the metformin, MLE-L, and MLE-H groups started to decrease after treatment for four to eight weeks (P<0.05, P<0.01). The AUC of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of SCr, BUN, and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of SCr and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-L group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The renal tissue pathology of mice in each drug administration group was improved to varying degrees, and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the MLE-H group were decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can improve the renal structure and function of db/db diabetic mice, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
5.Extraction Process and Mechanism of Active Ingredients of Mori Folium for Lowering Blood Glucose: A Review
Jiamei XIE ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Menglu WANG ; Yuhang DU ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Wanxin FU ; Ziyi SHAN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):60-69
Mori Folium, the dried leaves of Morus alba, is widely used in clinical practice for dispersing wind and heat, clearing the lung and moistening dryness, soothing the liver and improving vision, and cooling blood and stopping bleeding. It has been used to regulate blood glucose since ancient times, and modern studies have shown that the active components of Mori Folium for lowering blood glucose mainly include flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and phenols. These components are mainly extracted by solvents such as water and alcohols with the assistance of ultrasound and microwave. In addition, new extraction methods are emerging, such as CO2 supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, and cloud point extraction. Mori Folium lowers blood glucose via multiple components, pathways, and targets. Specifically, it can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, protect pancreatic β cells, and alleviate insulin resistance to reduce the damage caused by hyperglycemia and restore normal physiological functions. Although a large number of studies have been carried out on diabetes, the causes and radical treatment methods remain to be explored, and diabetes is still a major disease that endangers human health and needs to be solved urgently. The articles about extraction process and mechanism of active components in Mori Folium for lowering blood glucose were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, and PubMed. We analyzed the applicable extraction methods for the blood glucose-lowering components such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids in Mori Folium, and compared the conventional and emerging methods. Furthermore, we summarized our research achievements in the extraction of active components from Mori Folium and the blood glucose-lowering effect and mechanisms. This review aims to provide theoretical support for the optimization of the extraction process, the research on the blood glucose-lowering components and mechanism, and the development of new drugs and clinical application of Mori Folium.
6.Analysis on Medication Law of Wu Liqun in the Treatment of Tic Disorders Based on Complex Network
Chen LU ; Jingwei HUO ; Liqun WU ; Baosheng WANG ; Runshun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):27-32
Objective To explore Professor Wu Liqun's medication law for treating tic disorders in children.Methods Medical records of tic disorders children treated by Professor Wu Liqun from September 2016 to October 2022 were collected,and a database was established.SPSS Statistics 23 was used for frequency statistics,and Liquorice software was used for multi-scale backbone network analysis and multi-layer core network analysis to summarize the medication law.Results Totally 709 medical records were included,involving 834 prescriptions and 203 kinds of Chinese materia medica.The drug categories were mostly tonic drugs,heat-clearing drugs,and liver-pacifying and wind-relieving drugs.The properties of the drugs were mainly warming,cold,and mild,and the meridians were mostly in the lung,liver,and spleen meridians.Complex network analysis showed that the core prescription consisted of 20 kinds of Chinese materia medica,such as Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Codonopsis Radix,and 30 groups of commonly used medicine pairs and commonly used medicines with different symptoms and commodities were obtained.Conclusion Professor Wu Liqun's treatment for tic disorders in children focuses on treating"liver wind",evacuating external wind to cut off the course of the disease,soothing the liver and subduing yang to extinguish internal wind,paying attention to regulating liver qi,nourishing yin and soothing the liver,nourishing blood and extinguishing wind.
7.Pathological Mechanism of Diabetes Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Menglu WANG ; Lu SHI ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Yinglan LYU ; Chen WANG ; Huimin LI ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Ziyi SHAN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):246-255
As people's living standards improve, the development trend of diabetes has gradually become severe. Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with abnormal expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in patients. NF-κB exists in various tissue cells and participates in the regulation of a variety of genes related to immune function and inflammation. Varieties of factors can activate NF-κB when the body is stimulated by external factors, so as to produce inflammation and other reactions. Previous studies on NF-κB mainly focus on cancer, and the pathological mechanism of the treatment of diabetes by related signaling pathways and the progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment have not been systematically elaborated on. By referring to the relevant literature in China and abroad, it was found that NF-κB is not isolated in the development and progression of diabetes but is associated with signal molecules related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism, and it is involved in mediating inflammation, pancreatic β cell apoptosis, insulin signal transduction, and other physiological functions. Therefore, blocking the transmission of NF-κB signaling pathway is beneficial to the treatment of diabetes. At present, Western medicine for the treatment of diabetes mainly includes oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections, but the adverse reactions are obvious. TCM has been characterized by multi-target, extensive action, and excellent curative effects in the treatment of diabetes. TCM and its compounds with functions of tonifying Qi and promoting blood circulation, regulating qi and eliminating phlegm, clearing heat and detoxifying, and nourishing Yin and moistening dryness can effectively intervene in the abnormal expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo through anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, the association between NF-κB signaling pathway and diabetes was summarized, and the modern research progress of TCM intervention of NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetes in the past five years was reviewed, so as to lay a laboratory foundation for the study of a new pathological mechanism of diabetes based on NF-κB signaling pathway and provide new targets and research direction for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and development of related TCM.
8.Exploration on mechanism of Shenghui Yizhi Decoction in improving learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice based on NLRP3/ Caspase-1/ IL-1β signaling pathway
Peng WANG ; Yuanli DONG ; Weiliang SUN ; Yi JIN ; Rong MEI ; Baosheng ZHAO ; Qiubing LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):594-599
Objective:To investigate the effects of Shenghui Yizhi Decoction on learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice; To explore its mechanism.Methods:Totally 24 male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (1 mg/kg) and Shenghui Yizhi Decoction group (15.6 g/kg), with 8 mice in each group, and eight anti rapid aging mice (SAMR1) of the same age and strain were set as the control group. The mice in each group were given corresponding medication or the same volume of distilled water for 90 days. After administration, Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability and space exploration ability of mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of β Amyloid protein 1-42 (Aβ 1-42) in hippocampal. ELISA was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Real time PCR was used to detect expressions of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine protease-1 (Caspase-1), and IL-1β mRNA. Western Blot was used to detect expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1and IL-1β protein. Results:Compared with model group, the spatial exploration ability and memory ability of mice in Shenghui Yizhi Decoction group and donepezil hydrochloride group were improved ( P<0.05, P<0.01), the expression of Aβ 1-42 in hippocampus decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01), the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-1β decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion:Shenghui Yizhi Decoction can effectively improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of inflammasome and neuroinflammatory response by regulating the NLRP3/ Caspase-1/ IL-1β signaling pathway.
9.Effect and Mechanism of Uric Acid in Regulating Larval Growth and Development of Drosophila Melanogaster
Ruidi ZHANG ; Hongbin QIU ; Jingtao WANG ; Baosheng GUAN ; Xue BAI ; Xianglin YIN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2024;46(5):653-658
Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of uric acid(UA)in regulating the larval growth and development of Drosophila melanogaster.Methods A total of 1350 newly hatched first-instar larvae of wild-type Drosophila melanogaster(W11 18)were collected,and the Drosophila melanogaster model of hyperurice-mia was constructed with a high purine diet.The larvae were assigned into three groups(n=150):control(stand-ard corn meal medium),low-dose adenine(corn meal medium containing 0.05%adenine),and high-dose ad-enine(corn meal medium containing 0.10%adenine),and two parallel groups were set up.The growth and de-velopment of larvae in each group was observed,and the UA and hormone levels were measured.In addition,the expression levels of genes involved in growth and development were determined.Results Compared with the con-trol group,the low-and high-dose adenine groups showed elevated UA levels(both P<0.001)and prolonged de-velopmental period(P=0.024,P<0.001).The high-dose adenine group showed decreased survival rate,pupa-tion rate,and eclosion rate and elevated levels of juvenile hormone(JH)and 20-hydroxyecdysone(20E)(all P<0.001).The PCR results showed that compared with the control group,high-dose adenine upregulated the mRNA levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),forkhead box O(FOXO),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)while downregulating the mRNA levels of Sestrin,mTOR complex 1(mTORC1),and AMP-activated protein kinase(all P<0.001).Conclusion High concentrations of UA may promote the expression of ROS/FOXO/mTORC1/mTOR signaling pathway by regulating the levels of JH and 20E,thereby inhibiting the larval growth and development of Drosophila melanogaster.
10.Chinese expert consensus on targeted and immunotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer
Ping JIANG ; Zi LIU ; Lichun WEI ; Yunyan ZHANG ; Fengju ZHAO ; Xiangkun YUAN ; Yipeng SONG ; Jing BAI ; Xiaofan LI ; Baosheng SUN ; Lijuan ZOU ; Sha LI ; Yuhua GAO ; Yanhong ZHUO ; Song GAO ; Qin XU ; Xiaohong ZHOU ; Hong ZHU ; Junjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(10):893-901
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) refers to the simultaneous treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the effect of radiotherapy is enhanced with low-dose chemotherapy, which can reduce tumor recurrence and metastasis and improve clinical prognosis of patients. At present, the main factors for the increase of radiosensitivity of concurrent chemotherapy is that concurrent chemotherapy prevents the repair of tumor cells, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy act on different cell cycles and have synergistic effects. However, even for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who have undergone CCRT, the 5-year survival rate is only 60%, which is still not ideal. In order to improve the efficacy, researchers have conducted a series of exploratory studies, which consist of the combination of targeted drugs and immunodrugs, and neoadjuvant regimens before CCRT, etc. Although targeted or immunologic drugs are effective treatment of LACC, in view of the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical evidence, multi-center prospective and randomized phase III clinical trials and high-level articles are needed to improve the level of evidence-based medicine. This consensus summarizes several key evidence-based medical studies published recently, especially the clinical research progress in targeted and immunological therapies, providing reference for domestic peers.


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