1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
3.Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis
Keng-Wei LIANG ; Hsuan Yin LIN ; Kai-Lan HSU ; Fa-Chuan KUAN ; Chia-Yu GEAN ; Chien-Kuo WANG ; Wei-Ren SU ; Bow WANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(3):230-238
Objective:
To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods:
Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004).
Conclusion
TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.
4.Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel RRx-001 derivatives
Ruonan WU ; Wenmin TANG ; Lin GAO ; Yuelin WU ; Chuan LUO ; Zhenyuan MIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(8):400-403
Objective To study the antitumor activities of RRx-001 derivatives with novel covalent fragments. Methods Four targeted compounds were designed and synthesized. The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS. A549 and HCT116 cancer cell lines were selected for antiproliferative activity assays. Results All the compounds revealed antitumor activities and compound ZM528 showed the best antitumor activity against these two cell lines with IC50 values of (5.1±4.8) μmol/L and (6.0±2.7) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion The result indicated that bromoacetyl group of RRx-001 could be substituted with other covalent fragments.
5.Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Transarterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis
Keng-Wei LIANG ; Hsuan Yin LIN ; Kai-Lan HSU ; Fa-Chuan KUAN ; Chia-Yu GEAN ; Chien-Kuo WANG ; Wei-Ren SU ; Bow WANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(3):230-238
Objective:
To assess the effect of transarterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis (AC) by evaluating clinical outcomes and changes in inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and Methods:
Patients who had undergone TAE between August 2020 and August 2023 for AC refractory to conservative treatments without any invasive procedures for more than 3 months, and had undergone baseline and 3-month post-AC follow-up contrast-enhanced MRI evaluations, were included. A suspension mixture of 500 mg imipenem/cilastatin in 10 mL of iodinated contrast agent was used for TAE. MRI results were analyzed to assess periarticular capsule/ligament inflammation. Clinical assessments included pain scores using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional scores using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire.
Results:
Twenty-five patients (female:male, 14:11; age, 54.9 ± 7.1 years) were included. Significant reductions in average NRS pain scores as well as improvements in Quick DASH scores and range of motion, including anterior flexion and abduction, were observed at 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE (all P < 0.001). MRI analyses revealed that TAE significantly decreased the grades of axillary recess capsule enhancement, rotator interval (RI) capsule T2 signal intensity, and RI capsule enhancement (all P ≤ 0.004).
Conclusion
TAE may be an effective and safe therapeutic approach for AC refractory to conservative treatments, alleviating pain and supporting functional recovery. The observed MRI findings suggest that the effectiveness of TAE for AC may be attributed to the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of angiogenesis.
6.Sperm tRNA-derived fragments expression is potentially linked to abstinence-related improvement of sperm quality.
Xi-Ren JI ; Rui-Jun WANG ; Zeng-Hui HUANG ; Hui-Lan WU ; Xiu-Hai HUANG ; Hao BO ; Ge LIN ; Wen-Bing ZHU ; Chuan HUANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(5):638-645
Recent studies have shown that shorter periods of ejaculatory abstinence may enhance certain sperm parameters, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these improvements are still unclear. This study explored whether reduced abstinence periods could improve semen quality, particularly for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). We analyzed semen samples from men with normal sperm counts ( n = 101) and those with low sperm motility or concentration ( n = 53) after 3-7 days of abstinence and then after 1-3 h of abstinence, obtained from the Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha, China). Physiological and biochemical sperm parameters were evaluated, and the dynamics of transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tRFs) were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing in five consecutive samples from men with normal sperm counts. Our results revealed significant improvement in sperm motility and a decrease in the DNA fragmentation index after the 1- to 3-h abstinence period. Additionally, we identified 245 differentially expressed tRFs, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the most enriched. Further investigations showed significant changes in tRF-Lys-TTT and its target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 ( MAP2K2 ), which indicates a role of tRFs in improving sperm function. These findings provide new insights into how shorter abstinence periods influence sperm quality and suggest that tRFs may serve as biomarkers for male fertility. This research highlights the potential for optimizing ART protocols and improving reproductive outcomes through molecular approaches that target sperm function.
Male
;
Humans
;
Spermatozoa/metabolism*
;
RNA, Transfer/genetics*
;
Sperm Motility/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Semen Analysis
;
Sexual Abstinence/physiology*
;
Sperm Count
;
DNA Fragmentation
7.Surgical approaches to varicocele: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Lin-Jie LU ; Kai XIONG ; Sheng-Lan YUAN ; Bang-Wei CHE ; Jian-Cheng ZHAI ; Chuan-Chuan WU ; Yang ZHANG ; Hong-Yan ZHANG ; Kai-Fa TANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):728-737
Surgical methods for varicocele remain controversial. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches for treating varicocele through a network meta-analysis (NMA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 cohort studies were included, covering 9 different surgical methods. Pairwise meta-analysis and NMA were performed by means of random-effects models, and interventions were ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). According to the SUCRA, microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV; 91.6%), microsurgical retroperitoneal varicocelectomy (MRV; 78.2%), and microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy (MIV; 76.7%) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in reducing postoperative recurrence rates. In this study, sclerotherapy embolization (SE; 87.2%), MSV (77.9%), and MIV (67.7%) showed the best results in lowering the risk of hydrocele occurrence. MIV (82.9%), MSV (75.9%), and coil embolization (CE; 58.7%) were notably effective in increasing sperm motility. Moreover, CE (76.7%), subinguinal approach varicocelectomy (SV; 69.2%), and SE (55.7%) were the most effective in increasing sperm count. SE (82.5%), transabdominal laparoscopic varicocelectomy (TLV; 76.5%), and MRV (52.7%) were superior in shortening the length of hospital stay. The incidence rates of adverse events for MRV (0), SE (3.3%), and MIV (4.1%) were notably low. Cluster analyses indicated that MSV was the most effective in the treatment of varicocele. Based on the existing evidence, MSV may represent the optimal choice for varicocele surgery. However, selecting clinical surgical strategies requires consideration of various factors, including patient needs, surgeon experience, and the learning curve.
Humans
;
Male
;
Embolization, Therapeutic/methods*
;
Microsurgery/methods*
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
;
Sclerotherapy/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods*
;
Varicocele/surgery*
8.A case of hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and literature review.
Xin ZHOU ; Xiao-Yu CHEN ; Chuan WEN ; Sen-Lin LUO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(4):465-471
A 4-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital with a 3-day history of rash and intermittent abdominal pain, during which abnormal results from routine blood tests were discovered. Initially, he presented with acute jaundice hepatitis and pancytopenia. The patient's condition progressed rapidly, with recurrent fever, worsening jaundice of the skin and sclera, and progressively worsening hepatosplenomegaly. Liver function impairment and bone marrow failure continued to deteriorate, while cytokine levels continued to rise. After excluding infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, genetic metabolic disorders, and toxicities, the patient was diagnosed with hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Following treatment with corticosteroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and liver protection therapy, the patient's symptoms partially alleviated. Aplastic anemia complicated by HLH is relatively uncommon, and HAAA complicated by HLH is even rarer, often presenting insidiously and severely. This paper presents a case of HAAA complicated by HLH and summarizes previously reported cases in the literature, providing references for the early diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Humans
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Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/therapy*
;
Male
;
Anemia, Aplastic/complications*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Hepatitis/complications*
9.The Technological Frontiers,Computational Paradigms and Emerging Challenges of Single-cell and Spatial Omics
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(11):1559-1565
Single-cell and spatial omics technologies are spearheading a profound paradigm shift in the life sciences,moving beyond'population averages'to'single-cell resolution'and reintegrating'cellu-lar constitution'with'tissue spatial architecture',thereby dramatically advancing our understanding of biological complexity.This review provides a brief comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the field.Technologically,the evolution has progressed from single-cell transcriptomics to integrated approa-ches capturing multiple molecular layers simultaneously,while the emergence of transcriptome-badsed spatial omics has successfully preserved the spatial positioning of cells or microscosystem within native tis-sues,and further enabling spatial epigenomics and spatial-multiomics.Computationally,artificial intelli-gence and machine learning have become central engines,powering tools for data integration,spatial de-convolution,cellular communication and other novel foundation models,which not only tackle the chal-lenges of massive datasets but also serve as instruments for novel biological discovery.These technological leaps have fostered significant theoretical innovations.In clinical translation,these technologies,particu-larly in precision oncology,demonstrate transformative potential by dissecting tumor heterogeneity,map-ping the spatial architecture of the tumor immune microenvironment,and enabling disease modeling through single-cell-guided deconvolution of bulk data,offering new avenues for diagnosis,prognosis,and personalized therapy.Despite ongoing challenges in technological throughput,computational scalability,and clinical integration,the continued convergence of single-cell and spatial omics with AI promises to propel basic research towards a more mechanistic and predictive era,ultimately reshaping the future of precision medicine.
10.Chemical constituents from Citri reticulatae Pericarpium Viride and their anti-triple negative breast cancer activities in vitro
Xu-li DENG ; Yi-yan CHEN ; Hong-chuan ZHANG ; Yi-mou WANG ; Rui YIN ; Wei-mao DONG ; Zhang-xian CHEN ; Kui-lin ZHU ; Hong-ping HE ; Fa-wu DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):118-125
AIM To study the chemical constituents from Citri reticulatae Pericarpium Viride and their anti-triple negative breast cancer activities in vitro.METHODS The ethanolic extract of Citri reticulatae Pericarpium Viride was isolated and purified by silica gel,polyamide,MCI,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The anti-triple negative breast cancer activities were screened by SRB assay,and their effects on the proliferation of triple negative breast cancer cell lines HCC1806,HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231 in vitro were evaluated.RESULTS Twenty compounds were isolated and identified as nobiletin(1),tangeritin(2),5,4'-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy flavonoid(3),naringenin(4),artemetin(5),5-demethynobiletin(6),3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxy flavonoid(7),5,4'-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,3'-pentamethoxyflavone(8),xanthomicrol(9),p-hydroxycinnamic acid(10),5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7,8,3'-tetramethoxyflavone(11),pectolinarigenin(12),4'-dihydroxy-5,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone(13),hispidulin(14),4',5,6,7-tetramethoxy-flavone(15),1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexane-1,2-diol(16),umbelliferone(17),5-hydroxymethyl furfural(18),hydroquinone(19),1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde(20).Compound 8 showed a significant inhibitory effect with the IC50 value of(5.36±0.24)μmol/L on HCC1806 cells.CONCLUSION Compound 20 is isolated from genus Citrus for the first time,8,12-13,16-17 are isolated from this plant for the first time.Compound 8 show inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HCC1806,HCC1937 and MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and have the strongest activities.Compounds 3-4,11-12,15,17 and 19 show strong inhibitory effect on HCC1806 cells.Compounds 15,19 also inhibit the proliferation of HCC1937 cells in vitro.

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