1.Complete chloroplast genomes and phylogenetic analysis of 7 Murraya species in China
Ziyuan CHEN ; Yan JIN ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Yuan YUAN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):62-72
Background: Murraya, a genus of shrubs and trees in the Rutaceae family, consists of approximately 9 species in China with significant medicinal and horticultural value. However, the phylogeny and taxonomy of Murraya species remain controversial, particularly with respect to Murraya exotica and M. paniculata. Objective: This study aimed to provide insights into the taxonomy, phylogeny, and identification of Murraya. Methods: In this study, the chloroplast (CP) genomes of 7 Murraya species were sequenced, assembled, and subjected to comparative and phylogenetic analyses. Results: The CP genomes of Murraya ranged from 158,573 to 160,817 bp in length and encoded 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Similar to other angiosperms, the inverted repeat regions of the CP genomes exhibited lower sequence divergence than the single-copy regions, and coding regions were more conserved than noncoding regions. Comparative analysis identified several highly variable regions (eg, matK, ycf1, ndhI-ndhA, trnH-GUG-psbA, rpl32-trnL) that could serve as molecular markers for species identification in Murraya. Among these, the ycf1 gene was validated as a useful marker for distinguishing M. exotica from M. paniculata. Positive selection was detected in 10 genes, including rbcL, psaJ, ndhD, ndhF, rpl2, rpl20, ycf1, accD, ccsA, and rpl32. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP genomes supported the recognition of M. exotica and M. paniculata as independent species. Moreover, the phylogenetic trees indicated that Murraya is not monophyletic, with sect. Bergera showing a closer relationship to Clausena. Molecular dating results suggested that the diversification of M. paniculata, M. alata, and M. exotica occurred approximately 9.11 Mya (95% highest posterior density: 4.90-13.87 Mya). Conclusion: These findings provide valuable CP genome data for clarifying the phylogenetic relationships between M. exotica and M. paniculata, and for advancing the study of DNA markers and the evolutionary history of Murraya.
2.Expression characteristics and prognostic value of CENPM, and its mechanisms in regulating malignant phenotypes in glioma
YUAN Hao ; ZHANG Siwei ; WANG Mengyue ; SUN Qiaoxin ; BAI Zili ; CHEN Peng
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):418-428
[摘 要] 目的:探究着丝粒蛋白M(CENPM)在脑胶质瘤中的表达特征、临床预后价值及其对肿瘤恶性生物学行为的调控机制,为脑胶质瘤的精准治疗提供潜在靶点。方法:基于中国胶质瘤基因组图谱(CGGA)和癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库分析CENPM在胶质瘤中的表达及其与患者临床病理特征和预后的相关性。通过基因本体论(GO)分析、京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)富集分析和单细胞转录组分析探索CENPM的生物学功能和作用机制。WB法检测CENPM在胶质瘤细胞(LN-18、LN-229、U-138MG、U-251MG)和正常胶质细胞(HEB)中的表达;构建CENPM敲低细胞后,通过CCK-8、集落形成、Transwell和划痕实验评估恶性表型改变。结果:CENPM在WHO高级别胶质瘤中呈高表达(P < 0.05),与肿瘤恶性程度正相关。高表达组患者总体生存期显著短于低表达组(P < 0.01),Cox回归证实CENPM是影响胶质瘤患者预后的独立危险因素(P < 0.05)。功能富集分析结果显示CENPM相关基因主要富集于细胞周期调控、PI3K-Akt通路和免疫相关过程。单细胞分析结果显示CENPM主要在CD8⁺ T细胞高表达,并通过PTN-PTPRZ1/NCL配受体调控细胞通信。体外实验证实CENPM在胶质瘤细胞表达高于正常胶质细胞(LN-18:P < 0.01,LN-299:P < 0.05);敲低CENPM显著抑制迁移(P < 0.05),但增强集落形成,提示其在肿瘤进展中的双重调控作用。结论:CENPM作为胶质瘤独立预后危险因子,通过调控细胞周期、PTN通路和免疫微环境驱动肿瘤进展,其差异化调控机制(抑制迁移、促进增殖)具有潜在的临床转化价值,可作为分子分型和靶向治疗候选标志物。
3.Association between obesity and six minute walk test distance among children and adolescents
ZHANG Hang, NA Xiaona, YUAN Yuxing, WANG Jinghui, CHEN Lanling, CHEN Lijing, LI Tao, LIANG Xiaohua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):619-623
Objective:
To investigate the associations between childhood obesity and performance of six minute walk test (6MWT), providing evidence for exercise tolerance assessment and exercise intervention strategies for children and adolescents.
Methods:
From March 2021 to December 2023, a cohort study was conducted among students recruited from a primary and secondary school in Chongqing, a total of 709 valid samples were included. The 6MWT was used to assess exercise tolerance, with vital signs measured before and after the test. Anthropometric indicators, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were measured using standardized procedures. Generalized additive models (GAM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were employed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between obesity related indicators and six minute walk distance (6MWD).
Results:
The mean 6MWD of participants was (602.59±70.73)m. GAM showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, body mass index (BMI) and weight had non linear relationships with 6MWD [effective degrees of freedom were 1.55 and 7.13 respectively], and overweight/obesity was associated with a decrease in 6MWD ( β =-18.65) (all P <0.01). Further RCS regression analysis showed that both BMI and weight showed an "inverted U shaped" non linear relationship with 6MWD in the overall population and sex stratified subgroups; the 6MWD of females was lower than that of males, and it showed a significant downward trend with the increase of BMI or weight (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Body weight and BMI in children and adolescents have an important impact on 6MWD, and obesity in children and adolescents is markedly associated with decline in exercise tolerance.
4.Construction and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model for Inflammatory Remission Outcome of Bushen Zhiwang Decoction(补肾治尪汤)in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Syndrome
Zihan WANG ; Xiaojing LIU ; Yanyu CHEN ; Tianyi LAN ; Huilan YANG ; Hongwei YU ; Qingwen TAO ; Yuan XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):523-533
ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome treated with Bushen Zhiwang Decoction (补肾治尪汤, BZD) based on metabolomics. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted, enrol-ling 60 RA patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. All patients were treated with BZD and conventional-dose oral conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) for 12 months. Clinical data were collected, and the change in disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) after treatment compared with baseline (△DAS28) was used as the primary outcome and grouping criterion. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment to analyze plasma metabolites. Differential analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to preliminarily screen differential metabolites, followed by machine learning algorithms to further identify a core metabolite combination. Based on the expression levels of the core metabolite combination, a novel metabolite index, namely the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score (Met-IRS), was calculated using standar-dized metabolite values, and its clinical applicability was evaluated. A clinical prediction model was constructed by integrating clinical characteristics and Met-IRS, and the model performance was assessed. ResultsAmong the 60 patients, those with △DAS28 ≥ 0.27 were assigned to the high inflammatory remission group, while those with △DAS28 < 0.27 were assigned to the low inflammatory remission group, with 30 cases in each group. Compared to the low inflammatory remission group, the high inflammatory remission group showed a higher frequency of methotrexate use and a lower positive rate of rheumatoid factor (RF) (P<0.05). Seven core metabolites were identified as the optimal combination, including mangiferic acid, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 40∶6, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 18∶0, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 36∶1, glucosylceramide, lysophosphatidylcholine 22∶5, and pregnanetriol ketone. The calculated Met-IRS comprehensively reflected the characteristics of differential metabolites and demonstrated clinical applicability. Met-IRS was significantly higher in the high inflammatory remission group than in the low inflammatory remission group, and was positively correlated with high inflammatory remission outcomes (P<0.05). Based on the variables Met-IRS, methotrexate use, leflunomide use, and RF positivity, a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission in RA treatment (Cj-RTRM) was constructed. Model performance evaluation demonstrated that the model had good clinical predictive ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.880, sensitivity 0.967, specificity 0.700 and Youden's index 0.667. ConclusionThe clinical prediction model Cj-RTRM constructed based on the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score Met-IRS can effectively predict clinical inflammatory remission outcomes in RA patients treated with BZD and accurately identify the advantageous population for this treatment. This model provides guiding evidence for dynamic inflammation monitoring, targeted management, and identification of populations with advantages in traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Rosacea Using the Method of Venting Heat and Resolving Stagnation
Yuan SUN ; Yang SHEN ; Runan FANG ; Wenjing CHEN ; Yan ZHAO ; Di GE ; Jianhong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):571-574
This paper summarizes the clinical experience in the syndrome differentiation and treatment of rosacea using the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation. It is considered that the key pathogenesis of rosacea is the accumulation of heat with stagnation. Accordingly, the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation is proposed, which vents and disperses constraint heat by applying approaches such as dredging defensive qi, clearing qi, venting ying (营) level, and cooling blood, while eliminating stagnation and masses through regulating qi, resolving dampness, dispelling phlegm and removing stasis. In clinical practice, a core prescription for venting heat and resolving stagnation is formulated, with flexible modifications made according to the clinical characteristics of different rosacea subtypes, including erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular types, thereby providing therapeutic insights for the treatment of rosacea with traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Differentiation and Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from the Perspective of Deficiency,Stasis and Stagnation
Kangning ZHOU ; Meifang LI ; Yurou YAN ; Yuan LI ; Xi CHEN ; Wei LI ; Hongsheng YANG ; Junhong WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1111-1114
The core pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lies in deficiency, stasis and stagnation. Deficiency arises from kidney essence depletion and spleen dysfunction in transportation and transformation, leading to inadequate nourishment of the marrow sea. Stasis caused by qi deficiency leads to obstruction in channels and collaterals, resulting in obstructed marrow transport. Stagnation is associated with the excess of the five minds transforming into fire, which scorches the brain orifices and leads to loss of control over marrow utilisation. Based on this, a "supplementation-unblocking-regulation" therapeutic approach is proposed. For deficiency, the focus is on supplementing kidney and fortifying spleen, and replenishing the marrow sea. For stasis, the priority is to unblock and open the orifices, and clear the marrow channels. For stagnation, the core is to clear fire and contain the mind, regulate and restore vital activity. In clinical practice, it is necessary to identify the primary and secondary pathogenic mechanisms and apply dynamic, combined treatment, integrating Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and guiding exercises throughout the process, aiming to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD with traditional Chinese medical.
7.Efficacy of modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia and its impact on patients' cognitive function: a Meta-analysis
Jiaxuan YUAN ; Fei GUO ; Chen ZHAO ; Ailing DU ; Yongxin CHEN ; Shichang YANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):183-192
BackgroundSchizophrenia, as a common chronic mental disorder, although second-generation antipsychotic drugs have shown significant efficacy in alleviating positive symptoms, the widespread cognitive dysfunction among patients remains a challenge in clinical treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of mental disorders. However, the current clinical research on the combination of Wendan Decoction and antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia varies in quality, and there is a lack of systematic reviews evaluating its effects on cognitive improvement and safety. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effects of modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs on schizophrenia symptoms and cognitive improvement, providing evidence-based support for the clinical application of Wendan Decoction. MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Information, China Biomedical Literature Service System, China Clinical Trial Registry, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to March 19, 2026. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Cochrane 6.3. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 11 studies were included, involving 1 130 patients with schizophrenia. Among them, 566 cases were in the study group (receiving modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs), and 564 cases were in the control group (receiving antipsychotic drugs only). Meta-analysis showed that the effective rate of improvement in psychotic symptoms in the study group was higher than that in the control group (RR=1.21,95% CI: 1.15–1.27, P<0.01). In terms of psychotic symptoms, the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) positive symptom score (MD=-3.69, 95% CI: -5.87–-1.51, P<0.01) and PANSS total score (MD=-9.20, 95% CI: -11.80–-6.59, P<0.01) of the study group were lower than those of the control group. In cognitive function assessments, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (MD=2.51, 95% CI: 1.33–3.68, P<0.01) and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) score (MD=11.85, 95% CI: 2.55–21.15, P=0.010) of the study group were higher than those of the control group, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) score was lower than that of the control group (MD=-9.34, 95% CI: -12.57–-6.11, P<0.01). The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (SMD=1.34, 95% CI: 0.63–2.05, P<0.01) and nerve growth factor (NGF) (MD=6.94, 95% CI: 4.00–9.89, P<0.01) of the study group were higher than those of the control group. In terms of safety, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.31–1.18, P=0.14). ConclusionThe modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs may be more effective than antipsychotic drugs alone in improving positive symptoms and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, and it also exerts a favorable neurotrophic regulatory effect. [Funded by Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province (number, YJS2023AL060); Key Scientific Research Projects of Higher Education Institutions in Henan Province (number, 24B320018, 25B310004)]
8.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
9.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
10.Effect of Jianpi Huazhuo Tiaozhi Granule(健脾化浊调脂颗粒)on Perivascular Adipose Tissue Browning and PI3K/AKT Pathway in the Aorta of Atherosclerosis Model Mice
Zhuhua WANG ; Yanfang WANG ; Mingshu ZHONG ; Shupeng CHEN ; Yishun YUAN ; Shan HUANG ; Yanwei LIU ; Zhongyong LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1200-1210
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Jianpi Huazhuo Tiaozhi Granule (健脾化浊调脂颗粒, JHTG) in treating atherosclerosis (AS) based on the regulation of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) browning via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. MethodsFifteen SPF male C57BL/6J mice served as control group, while 76 ApoE-/- mice were first fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to establish AS model. After successful modeling, they were randomly divided into model group (n=16), as well as the browning group, the low-, medium- and high-dose JHTG group, with 15 mice in each group. The browning group was intraperitoneally injected with β3-adrenergic receptor agonist CL 316243 at 1 mg/(kg·d) once daily. The low-, medium- and high-dose JHTG groups were treated with 4.3 g/(kg·d), 8.6 g/(kg·d), and 17.2 g/(kg·d) of JHTG by gavage, respectively, while the control group and the model group were given normal saline at 10 ml/(kg·d) by intragastric administration, once daily. All groups received continuous intervention for 4 weeks. The aorta was collected to assess the plaque ratio by gross oil red O staining. HE staining was used to measure the plaque area in cross-sections. Masson staining was employed to detect the proportion of collagen fibers in plaque. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the quantity and morphological changes of mitochondria and lipid droplets in adipocytes. The levels of serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected, as well as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in the PVAT and aorta. The protein levels of adiponectin and leptin in PVAT, and protein expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) were measured. The mRNA expression levels of UCP1, PGC-1α and PRDM16 in PVAT were detected. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels and decreased HDL-C level, elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels in PVAT and aorta, decreased average fluorescence intensity of adiponectin, increased average fluorescence intensity of leptin, reduced p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT values as well as protein levels and mRNA expression levels of UCP1, PGC-1α and PRDM16 (P<0.01). The pathological results showed that no significant plaque formation was observed in the aortas of mice in the control group. In the model group, multiple plaques were observed in the aortas, with large numbers of foam cells, cholesterol crystals, and inflammatory cell aggregation in the plaques. Compared to the model group, the browning group and the high-dose JHTG group significantly improved the above indicators and aortic pathological changes (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Three JHTG groups showed a dose-dependent effect in reducing LDL-C level and plaque ratio by gross oil red O staining, elevating the average fluorescence intensity of adiponectin, the p-AKT/AKT value, the protein level of PGC-1α, and the mRNA expression levels of UCP1 and PRDM16 (P<0.05). The high-dose JHTG group and the browning group showed similar efficacy in improving the pathology of the aorta. ConclusionJHTG may promote PVAT browning in AS model mice through the PI3K/AKT pathway, improve the endocrine function of PVAT, inhibit aortic inflammation, and thereby ameliorate the formation of AS plaques.


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