1.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
2.2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via PINK1/LETM1 Signaling Pathway
Hongyu ZENG ; Kaimei TAN ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Ziyang ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hongqing ZHAO ; Yuhong WANG ; Xiuli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):145-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxyldiphenylethylene-2-O-glucoside (THSG) mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury by regulating mitochondrial calcium overload and promoting mitophagy. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomized into sham, model, SAS (40 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium- and high-dose (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1, respectively) THSG groups, with 10 rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established by the modified Longa suture method. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was constructed in PC12 cells. Neurological deficits were assessed via Zea Longa scoring, and cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Structural and functional changes of cortical neurons in MCAO/R rats were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. PC12 cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and mitochondrial calcium levels were quantified by Rhod-2 AM. Immunofluorescence was used to detect co-localization of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and leucine zipper/EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial morphology in neurons. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (TOMM20), autophagy-associated protein p62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-9 (Caspase-9), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein X (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C). ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited increased infarct volume (P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), neuronal structure was disrupted with reduced Nissl bodies. (P<0.01), mitochondrial swelling/fragmentation, decreased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of p62 (P<0.05), weakened PC12 viability (P<0.01), and elevated mitochondrial calcium level (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, THSG and SAS groups showed reduced infarct volumes (P<0.05,P<0.01) and neurological deficit scores (P<0.05,P<0.01), mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01). Medium/high-dose THSG and SAS alleviated the neurological damage, increased Nissl bodies (P<0.05,P<0.01), downregulated the protein levels of p62, TOMM20, Caspase-9, Bax, and Cyt C (P<0.05,P<0.01), and elevated the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ level (P<0.05,P<0.01). High-dose THSG enhanced PC12 cell viability (P<0.01), increased PINK1/LETM1 co-localization (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial calcium (P<0.01). ConclusionTHSG may exert the neuroprotective effect on CI/R injury by activating the PINK1-LETM1 signaling pathway, reducing the mitochondrial calcium overload, and promoting mitophagy.
3.PES1 Repression Triggers Ribosomal Biogenesis Impairment and Cellular Senescence Through p53 Pathway Activation
Chang-Jian ZHANG ; Yu-Fang LI ; Feng-Yun WU ; Rui JIN ; Chang NIU ; Qi-Nong YE ; Long CHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1853-1865
ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.
4.Key Information Research and Ancient and Modern Application Analysis of Classic Prescription Houpo Sanwutang
Wenli SHI ; Qing TANG ; Huimin CHEN ; Jialei CAO ; Bingqi WEI ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Yun ZHANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Lvyuan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):214-221
Houpo Sanwutang, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions (Second Batch), was first recorded in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber written by ZHANG Zhongjing from the Eastern Han dynasty and was modified by successive generations of medical experts. A total of 37 pieces of effective data involving 37 ancient Chinese medical books were retrieved from different databases. Through literature mining, statistical analysis, and data processing, combined with modern articles, this study employed bibliometrics to investigate the historical origin, composition, decoction methods, clinical application, and other key information. The results showed that the medicinal origin of Houpo Sanwutang was clearly documented in classic books. Based on the conversion of the measurements from the Han Dynasty, it is recommended that 110.4 g Magnolia Officinalis Cortex, 55.2 g Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and 72 g Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be taken. Magnolia Officinalis Cortex and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be decocted with 2 400 mL water first, and 1 000 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. Following this, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma should be added for further decoction, and then 600 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. A single dose of administration is 200 mL, and the medication can be stopped when patients restore smooth bowel movement. Houpo Sanwutang has the effect of moving Qi, relieving stuffiness and fullness, removing food stagnation, and regulating bowels. It can be used in treating abdominal distending pain, guarding, constipation, and other diseases with the pathogenesis of stagnated heat and stagnated Qi in the stomach. The above results provide reference for the future development and research of Houpo Sanwutang.
5.Oxocrebanine inhibits proliferation of hepatoma HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.
Zheng-Wen WANG ; Cai-Yan PAN ; Chang-Long WEI ; Hui LIAO ; Xiao-Po ZHANG ; Cai-Yun ZHANG ; Lei YU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1618-1625
The study investigated the specific mechanism by which oxocrebanine, the anti-hepatic cancer active ingredient in Stephania hainanensis, inhibits the proliferation of hepatic cancer cells. Firstly, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay, 5-bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU) labeling, and colony formation assay were employed to investigate whether oxocrebanine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Hep3B2.1-7 cells. Propidium iodide(PI) staining was used to observe the oxocrebanine-induced apoptosis of HepG2 and Hep3B2.1-7 cells. Western blot was employed to verify whether apoptotic effector proteins, such as cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3(c-caspase-3), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1(PARP1), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), Bcl-2 homologous killer(Bak), and myeloid cell leukemia-1(Mcl-1) were involved in apoptosis. Secondly, HepG2 cells were simultaneously treated with oxocrebanine and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA), and the changes in the autophagy marker LC3 and autophagy-related proteins [eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1(4EBP1), phosphorylated 4EBP1(p-4EBP1), 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase(P70S6K), and phosphorylated P70S6K(p-P70S6K)] were determined. The results of MTT assay, BrdU labeling, and colony formation assay showed that oxocrebanine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Hep3B2.1-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The results of flow cytometry suggested that the apoptosis rate of HepG2 and Hep3B2.1-7 cells increased after treatment with oxocrebanine. Western blot results showed that the protein levels of c-caspase-3, Bax, and Bak were up-regulated and those of PARP1, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1 were down-regulated in the HepG2 cells treated with oxocrebanine. The results indicated that oxocrebanine induced apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of hepatic cancer cells. The inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation by oxocrebanine may be related to the induction of protective autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oxocrebanine still promoted the conversion of LC3-Ⅰ to LC3-Ⅱ, reduced the phosphorylation levels of 4EBP1 and P70S6K, which can be reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. It is prompted that oxocrebanine can inhibit the proliferation of hepatic cancer cells by inducing autophagy. In conclusion, oxocrebanine inhibits the proliferation of hepatic cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.
Humans
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Hep G2 Cells
;
Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics*
;
Caspase 3/genetics*
6.Study on mechanism of naringin in alleviating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury based on DRP1/LRRK2/MCU axis.
Kai-Mei TAN ; Hong-Yu ZENG ; Feng QIU ; Yun XIANG ; Zi-Yang ZHOU ; Da-Hua WU ; Chang LEI ; Hong-Qing ZHAO ; Yu-Hong WANG ; Xiu-Li ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2484-2494
This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which naringin alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(CI/R) injury through DRP1/LRRK2/MCU signaling axis. A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, the model group, the sodium Danshensu group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose(50, 100, and 200 mg·kg~(-1)) naringin groups, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(tMCAO/R) model was established in SD rats using the suture method. Longa 5-point scale was used to assess neurological deficits. 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining was used to detect the volume percentage of cerebral infarction in rats. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Nissl staining were employed to assess neuronal structural alterations and the number of Nissl bodies in cortex, respectively. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 gene(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved cysteine-aspartate protease-3(cleaved caspase-3), mitochondrial calcium uniporter(MCU), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3), and P62. Mitochondrial structure and autophagy in cortical neurons were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence assay was used to quantify the fluorescence intensities of MCU and mitochondrial calcium ion, as well as the co-localization of dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1) with leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2) and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20(TOMM20) with LC3 in cortical mitochondria. The results showed that compared with the model group, naringin significantly decreased the volume percentage of cerebral infarction and neurological deficit score in tMCAO/R rats, alleviated the structural damage and Nissl body loss of cortical neurons in tMCAO/R rats, inhibited autophagosomes in cortical neurons, and increased the average diameter of cortical mitochondria. The Western blot results showed that compared to the sham group, the model group exhibited increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, MCU, and the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio in the cortex and reduced protein levels of Bcl-2 and P62. However, naringin down-regulated the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, MCU and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and P62 proteins in cortical area. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed that compared with the model group, naringin and positive drug treatments significantly decreased the fluorescence intensities of MCU and mitochondrial calcium ion. Meanwhile, the co-localization of DRP1 with LRRK2 and TOMM20 with LC3 in cortical mitochondria was also decreased significantly after the intervention. These findings suggest that naringin can alleviate cortical neuronal damage in tMCAO/R rats by inhibiting DRP1/LRRK2/MCU-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation and the resultant excessive mitophagy.
Animals
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
;
Flavanones/administration & dosage*
;
Rats
;
Dynamins/genetics*
;
Male
;
Brain Ischemia/genetics*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
7.Chemical and pharmacological research progress on Mongolian folk medicine Syringa pinnatifolia.
Kun GAO ; Chang-Xin LIU ; Jia-Qi CHEN ; Jing-Jing SUN ; Xiao-Juan LI ; Zhi-Qiang HUANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Pei-Feng XUE ; Su-Yi-le CHEN ; Xin DONG ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2080-2089
Syringa pinnatifolia, belonging to the family Oleaceae, is a species endemic to China. It is predominantly distributed in the Helan Mountains region of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia of China. The peeled roots, stems, and thick branches have been used as a distinctive Mongolian medicinal material known as "Shan-chen-xiang", which has effects such as suppressing "khii", clearing heat, and relieving pain and is employed for the treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and joint pain. Over the past five years, significant increase was achieved in research on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. There were a total of 130 new constituents reported, covering sesquiterpenoids, lignans, and alkaloids. Its effects of anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, sedation, and analgesia were revealed, and the mechanisms of agarwood formation were also investigated. To better understand its medical value and potential of clinical application, this review updates the research progress in recent five years focusing on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. pinnatifolia, providing reference for subsequent research on active ingredient and support for its innovative application in modern medicine system.
Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Syringa/chemistry*
8.Visual analysis of dynamics and hotspots of biomechanics research on diabetic foot based on WoSCC.
Zhe WANG ; Wei-Dong LIU ; Jun LU ; Hong-Mou ZHAO ; Xue-Fei CAO ; Yun-Long ZHANG ; Xin CHANG ; Liang LIU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(9):902-909
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the current research status and hotspots in the field of biomechanics of diabetic foot by bibliometric analysis methods.
METHODS:
Literatures related to biomechanics of diabetic foot published in the Web of Scienc Core Collection (WoSCC) from 1981 to 2024 were searched. CiteSpace software and R language bibliometrics plugin were used to conduct a visual analysis of annual publication volume of the literature, including publication volume of each country and region, the publication situation of authors and institutions, the citation situation of individual literature, and the co-occurrence network of keywords.
RESULTS:
Totally 996 literatures were included, and the number of published papers increased steadily. The United States (261 papers) and China (89 papers) were the top two countries in terms of the number of published papers. The mediating centrality of the United States was 0.94, and that of China was 0.01. Scholars such as Cavanagh and institutions like the Cleveland Clinic were at the core of research in this field. High-frequency keywords include plantar pressure (plantar pressure), diabetic foot (diabetic foot), ulceration (ulcer), etc. The research focuses on plantar pressure, ulcer formation and prevention, etc.
CONCLUSION
Biomechanical research on diabetic foot mainly focuses on the pressure distribution on the sole of the foot, callus formation, mechanical analysis of soft tissues on the sole of the foot, and the study of plantar decompression caused by Achilles tendon elongation. The research trend has gradually shifted from focusing on joint range of motion to gait and the design of braces and assistive devices, and has begun to pay attention to muscle strength, gait imbalance and proprioception abnormalities.
Humans
;
Diabetic Foot/physiopathology*
;
Biomechanical Phenomena
;
Bibliometrics
9.Application of 3D-printed auxiliary guides in adolescent scoliosis surgery.
Dong HOU ; Jian-Tao WEN ; Chen ZHANG ; Jin HUANG ; Chang-Quan DAI ; Kai LI ; Han LENG ; Jing ZHANG ; Shao-Bo YANG ; Xiao-Juan CUI ; Juan WANG ; Xiao-Yun YUAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(11):1119-1125
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement using 3D-printed auxiliary guides in scoliosis correction surgery for adolescents.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 51 patients who underwent posterior scoliosis correction surgery from January 2020 to March 2023. Among them, there were 35 cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and 16 cases of congenital scoliosis. The patients were divided into two groups based on the auxiliary tool used:the 3D-printed auxiliary guide screw placement group (3D printing group) and the free-hand screw placement group (free-hand group, without auxiliary tools). The 3D printing group included 32 patients (12 males and 20 females) with an average age of (12.59±2.60) years;the free-hand group included 19 patients (7 males and 12 females) with an average age of (14.58±3.53) years. The two groups were compared in terms of screw placement accuracy and safety, spinal correction rate, intraoperative blood loss, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, operation time, hospital stay, and preoperative and last follow-up scores of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire.
RESULTS:
A total of 707 pedicle screws were placed in the two groups, with 441 screws in the 3D printing group and 266 screws in the free-hand group. All patients in both groups successfully completed the surgery. There was a statistically significant difference in operation time between the two groups (P<0.05). The screw placement accuracy rate of the 3D printing group was 95.46% (421/441), among which the Grade A placement rate was 89.34% (394/441);the screw placement accuracy rate of the free-hand group was 86.47% (230/266), with a Grade A placement rate of 73.31% (195/266). There were statistically significant differences in the accuracy of Grade A, B, and C screw placements between the two groups (P<0.05), while no statistically significant differences were observed in intraoperative blood loss, number of fluoroscopies, correction rate, or hospital stay (P>0.05). In the SRS-22 questionnaire scores, the scores of functional status and activity ability, self-image, mental status, and pain of patients in each group at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in all scores between the two groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
In scoliosis correction surgery, compared with traditional free-hand screw placement, the use of 3D-printed auxiliary guides for screw placement significantly improves the accuracy and safety of screw placement and shortens the operation time.
Humans
;
Male
;
Scoliosis/surgery*
;
Female
;
Adolescent
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Pedicle Screws
;
Child
10.Sini Powder Alleviates Stress Response and Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development by Restoring Gut Microbiota.
Si MEI ; Zhe DENG ; Fan-Ying MENG ; Qian-Qian GUO ; He-Yun TAO ; Lin ZHANG ; Chang XI ; Qing ZHOU ; Xue-Fei TIAN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):802-811
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and its potential effects of Chinese medicine herbal formula Sini Powder (SNP) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS:
The active components of SNP and their in vivo distribution were identified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Construction of component-target-disease networks, protein-protein interaction network, Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, and molecular docking were employed to analyze the active components and anti-HCC mechanisms of SNP. Cell viability assay and wound healing assay were utilized to confirm the effect of SNP-containing serum (2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, 20%, and 40%), isoprenaline or propranolol (both 10, 100, and 1,000 µ mol/L) on proliferation and migration of HepG 2 or Huh7 cells. Meanwhile, the effect of isoprenaline or propranolol on the β 2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) mRNA expression on HepG2 cells were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR). Mice with subcutaneous tumors were either subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) followed by SNP administration (364 mg/mL) or directly treated with SNP (364 mg/mL). These two parallel experiments were performed to validate the effects of SNP on stress responses. Stress-related proteins and hormones were quantified using RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to confirm the influence of SNP on the gut microbiota in the tumor-bearing CRS mice.
RESULTS:
The distribution of the 12 active components of SNP was confirmed in various tissues and feces. Network pharmacology analysis confirmed the anti-HCC effects of the 5 active components. The potential anti-HCC mechanisms of SNP may involve the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways. SNP-containing serum inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells at concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0%, respectively, after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, SNP suppressed tumor progression in tumor-bearing mice exposed to CRS. SNP treatment also downregulated the expressions of stress-related proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily by modulating the gut microbiota. Specifically, the abundance of Alistipes and Prevotella, which belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes, increased in the SNP-treated group, whereas Lachnospira, in the phylum Firmicutes, decreased.
CONCLUSION
SNP can combat HCC by alleviating stress responses through the regulation of gut microbiota.
Animals
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Powders
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Hep G2 Cells
;
Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/genetics*
;
Stress, Physiological/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Proto-Oncogene Mas

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