1.The Role of MAPK in Depressive Disorder and Research on Related Drugs
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):388-403
Depressive disorder is a prevalent mental illness characterized by pronounced and enduring symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment. The escalating pressures of modern society have led to a corresponding rise in the number of depressive disorder patients, particularly those exposed to adverse social, economic, political, and environmental factors which exacerbate the risk of this disorder. The pathogenesis of depressive disorder is multifaceted, encompassing oxidative stress, neuroplasticity alterations, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter system imbalances, and intestinal microecological disruptions, among others. Clinically, conventional antidepressants are primarily predicated on the monoamine neurotransmitter hypothesis. This theory posits that depressive disorder can be ameliorated by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters within the body through a singular mechanism. However, the complex and multifaceted pathogenesis of depressive disorder results in limited selectivity for these drugs. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in various cellular physiological and pathological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, stress adaptation, and inflammatory response. It is instrumental in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cellular responses. Numerous studies indicate that MAPK is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of depressive disorder through various pathogenesis. However, what deserves attention is that the interaction between the pathogenesis and dynamics of regulatory process remains unclear. Modulating MAPK has been shown to influence the onset and progression of depressive disorder, though the precise mechanism remains elusive. Within the MAPK family, aberrant activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can damage hippocampal neurons and overactivate microglia, precipitating depressive disorder. Excessive activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) results in heightened neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and suppresses the expression of neurotrophic factors. p38, a key regulator in inflammatory reactions, can induce neuroinflammation when overactive, leading to depressive disorder. ERK, JNK, and p38 sub-pathways do not function in isolation but rather interact synergistically and/or antagonistically through shared activators and common target molecules. Consequently, these sub-pathways form a complementary and coordinated regulatory network. In addition, MAPK family members can jointly influence the process of depressive disorder by sharing upstream factors and regulating common downstream targets, and there is a lack of identification of their markers and screening for subgroups. The collective abnormal activities of these MAPK family members illuminate the underlying mechanisms of depressive disorder, suggesting that MAPK could serve as a potential therapeutic target for this disorder. As for the study of ERK, different models of depressive disorder have contradictory effects on its activity. The primary cause of these differences can be attributed to the distinct pathological environments utilized in the creation of depressive disorder models. In the future, it is suggested that we use the inducement of depressive disorder as a modeling standard to accurately simulate the onset of depressive disorder to carry out accurate treatment according to the causes of depressive disorder. Research shows that classic clinical drugs, novel MAPK inhibitors and certain traditional Chinese medicines can prevent and treat depressive disorder by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Research on MAPK remains limited, particularly concerning the permeability and cellular specificity across the blood-brain barrier and the identification of objective predictive markers. Although inhibitors face challenges, they also possess significant advantages and developmental potential. This paper systematically summarizes the current status of MAPK in the treatment of depressive disorder, in order to provide insights for researching the pathogenesis of depressive disorder and developing new antidepressant drugs.
2.The Role of MAPK in Depressive Disorder and Research on Related Drugs
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):388-403
Depressive disorder is a prevalent mental illness characterized by pronounced and enduring symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment. The escalating pressures of modern society have led to a corresponding rise in the number of depressive disorder patients, particularly those exposed to adverse social, economic, political, and environmental factors which exacerbate the risk of this disorder. The pathogenesis of depressive disorder is multifaceted, encompassing oxidative stress, neuroplasticity alterations, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter system imbalances, and intestinal microecological disruptions, among others. Clinically, conventional antidepressants are primarily predicated on the monoamine neurotransmitter hypothesis. This theory posits that depressive disorder can be ameliorated by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters within the body through a singular mechanism. However, the complex and multifaceted pathogenesis of depressive disorder results in limited selectivity for these drugs. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in various cellular physiological and pathological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, stress adaptation, and inflammatory response. It is instrumental in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cellular responses. Numerous studies indicate that MAPK is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of depressive disorder through various pathogenesis. However, what deserves attention is that the interaction between the pathogenesis and dynamics of regulatory process remains unclear. Modulating MAPK has been shown to influence the onset and progression of depressive disorder, though the precise mechanism remains elusive. Within the MAPK family, aberrant activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can damage hippocampal neurons and overactivate microglia, precipitating depressive disorder. Excessive activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) results in heightened neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and suppresses the expression of neurotrophic factors. p38, a key regulator in inflammatory reactions, can induce neuroinflammation when overactive, leading to depressive disorder. ERK, JNK, and p38 sub-pathways do not function in isolation but rather interact synergistically and/or antagonistically through shared activators and common target molecules. Consequently, these sub-pathways form a complementary and coordinated regulatory network. In addition, MAPK family members can jointly influence the process of depressive disorder by sharing upstream factors and regulating common downstream targets, and there is a lack of identification of their markers and screening for subgroups. The collective abnormal activities of these MAPK family members illuminate the underlying mechanisms of depressive disorder, suggesting that MAPK could serve as a potential therapeutic target for this disorder. As for the study of ERK, different models of depressive disorder have contradictory effects on its activity. The primary cause of these differences can be attributed to the distinct pathological environments utilized in the creation of depressive disorder models. In the future, it is suggested that we use the inducement of depressive disorder as a modeling standard to accurately simulate the onset of depressive disorder to carry out accurate treatment according to the causes of depressive disorder. Research shows that classic clinical drugs, novel MAPK inhibitors and certain traditional Chinese medicines can prevent and treat depressive disorder by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Research on MAPK remains limited, particularly concerning the permeability and cellular specificity across the blood-brain barrier and the identification of objective predictive markers. Although inhibitors face challenges, they also possess significant advantages and developmental potential. This paper systematically summarizes the current status of MAPK in the treatment of depressive disorder, in order to provide insights for researching the pathogenesis of depressive disorder and developing new antidepressant drugs.
3.Quality evaluation of Gegen Formula Granules
Dai-liang ZHANG ; Chun-xia WANG ; Lei SHI ; Yu-kang LIU ; Yong-qiang LIN ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Jing-hua ZHANG ; Jin-xin LI ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1421-1431
AIM To evaluate the quality of Gegen Formula Granules.METHODS Linear calibration with two reference substances(LCTRS)was adopted in the predicting of retention time with puerarin and daidzein as internal standards.UPLC characteristic chromatograms were established.The contents of 3'-hydroxy puerarin,puerarin(internal standard),3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin 6"-O-xyloside,puerarin apioside and daidzin were determined by quantitative determination analysis multi-components by a single marker(QAMS),after which their transfer rates were calculated.RESULTS Compared with relative retention time method,LCTRS demonstrated higher positional accuracy for characteristic peaks and wider application range for columns.There were 9 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatograms for 14 batches of formula granules and 15 batches of standard decoctions with the similarities of more than 0.95.The contents and transfer rates of various constituents in formula granules and standard decoctions were basically consistent.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents in formula granules and their standard decoctions of Puerariae lobatae Radix display good consistency,reliable preparation process is observable in the former.
4.Establishment of a rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic assay for avian influenza virus subtype H5N6
Hui LI ; Li LIU ; Yi-sheng ZHOU ; Zhi-hong ZHANG ; Qian-qian SI ; Ru-xia WANG ; Zhi-qiang DENG ; Yi-bing FAN ; Liang JIN ; Jie SUN ; Chun-hua YANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):243-248,283
In view of the characteristics of H5N6 subtype avian influenza virus(AIV)that it has both high pathogenicity and the risk of cross-species transmission,posing a serious threat to the poultry farming industry and public health security,in order to effectively prevent and control the spread of H5N6 avian influenza,a rapid,sensitive and specific detection technolo-gy was established in this study.The specific monoclonal antibodies against the neuraminidase N6 protein of avian influenza A virus subtype H5N6 were obtained through hybridoma and monoclonal antibody technology.These antibodies were coupled and labeled with carboxyl-functionalized fluorescent quantum dots,along with previously prepared specific antibodies against the hemagglutinin H5 protein.A rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic detection method for the H5N6 subtype of avian influ-enza virus was established according to the principle of double-antibody sandwich immunochromatography.This method a-chieved a detection sensitivity of 1 ng/mL for recombinant hemagglutinin H5 subtype protein and 0.1 ng/mL for recombinant neuraminidase N6 subtype protein.Moreover,the method exhibited no cross-reactivity with other influenza subtypes or patho-gens,such as Newcastle disease(ND),infectious bronchitis(IB),and infectious laryngotracheitis(ILT),thus demonstrating good specificity.The method effectively identified the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5 subtype and directly distin-guished the H5N6 subtype with good accuracy.The fluorescent quantum dot immunochromatographic typing detection method established herein met the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy requirements for H5N6 subtype detection,and can be further used for rapid detection of the H5 and H5N6 subtypes of avian influenza virus.
5.Characterization of Yersinia enterocolitis in patients with diarrhea in a district of Beijing
Yu-wei LIU ; Hai-rui WANG ; Yan-chun ZHANG ; Shou-fei LI ; Luo-tong WANG ; Miao WANG ; Ai-xia YAN ; Ying LI ; Mao-jun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):609-616
This study was aimed at providing basic data for the control and prevention of Yersinia enterocolitica(Ye)infections.Ye isolates from stool samples collected from patients with diarrhea in a Beijing district between January 2019 and June 2024 were studied.Basic patient information and stool samples were collected,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)was applied to enriched cultures.Further analyses included virulence gene detection,whole-genome sequencing,and drug resistance detection.The detection rate of Ye was 0.76%(11/1 439),according to culture methods,thus yielding 12 Ye strains from distinct patients:11 isolated during the study period and 1 from 2017.The 12 Ye positive patients were 6-41 years of age,and their clinical presentations predominantly featured watery stools(66.67%,8/12)and loose stools(33.33%,4/12).The frequencies of nausea,vomiting,and fever were 41.67%(5/12),41.67%(5/12),and 8.33%(1/12),respectively.The drug resistance rates of Ye to TET,AMP,and NAL were 50.00%(6/12),33.33%(4/12),and 25.00%(3/12),respectively.One Ye strain exhibited multidrug resistance to ETP,MEM,TET,CIP,NAL,and AMP.According to qPCR detection of five common virulence genes,two Ye strains were identified as ystA+/ystB-type(ystA+/ystB-/ail+/yadA+/virF+),whereas ten strains were identified as ystA-/ystB+type(ystA-/ystB+/ail-/yadA-/virF-).VFDB database analysis based on genome sequences indicated that 12 Ye strains carried an average of 11 key virulence genes associated with adhesion,invasion,protease activity,and flagellar movement,and predicted 106 virulence genes and 12 virulence gene profiles.Only the two ystA+/ystB-Ye strains contained elements related to the TTSS and ABC transporter function.Detection of ystA-/ystB+Ye in stool isolation and culture of diarrhea cases might potentially have been missed in some cases,thus highlighting the importance of fluorescence PCR screening of fecal growth solutions to enhance isolation efficiency.Moreover,our findings revealed the genetic diversity of Ye isolated from diarrhea cases,thereby indicating the presence of multiple types of virulence genes within this pathogen.
6.Subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets
Qiu-jin QU ; Ling-xiao SUN ; Xiao-fei WANG ; Fu-yu ZHU ; Guo-xi CHE ; Jing XU ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Nai-shui HAN ; Xiao-xia SUN ; Chun-xia QIAO
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):29-35
Objective To evaluate the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets using hydroxyethyl starch(HES)130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as an extraction medium.Methods Firstly,40 Sprague Dawley(SD)rats including 20 male and 20 female ones were seleted and randomly enrolled into a sample group and a control group by sex,with 20 ones in each group.Secondly,instead of plasma HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection was used to leach disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets to prepare the test solution by simulating clinical application such as lighting,adsorption and filtration and storage.Finally,the test solution and HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection were injected into the tail vein of the SD rats at a dose of 20 mL/kg for 28 d in the sample group and in the control group respectively,and the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets and the feasibility of using HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as the extraction medium to assess their subchronic systemic toxicity were evaluated with clinical observation,body mass monitoring,clinical pathology examination,gross necropsy and histopathology examination.Results The sample group and control group had no significant differences in mortality rates,clinical observation results,body mass,gross necropsy results,hematological and coagulation examination results and organ weight(all P>0.05);blood biochemical examinations showed the male rats in the sample group had the cholesterol(CHO)values higher while the creatinine(CR)values lower than those in the control group,with the differences being statistically significant(both P<0.05)and the two indexes within the range of the laboratory's historical reference data,and other blood biochemical indexes were not significantly different(all P>0.05);the sample group had the spleen weight-to-body mass ratios of the female rates lower significantly than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the ratios of other organ weight to body mass had significant differences(all P>0.05);histopathology examination showed slight pathological changes in liver,spleen and kidney of female rats and in spleen and kidney of male rats in the sample group,and the female and male rats in the control group had similar pathological changes found in the sample group,which might be caused by HES metabolites.Conclusion Disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets prove to have no significant subchronic systemic toxicity,and its feasible to use HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as the extraction medium to evaluate the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):29-35]
7.Randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, multicenter, equivalence clinical trial of Jiuwei Xifeng Granules(Os Draconis replaced by Ostreae Concha) for treating tic disorder in children.
Qiu-Han CAI ; Cheng-Liang ZHONG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Xin-Min LI ; Zhi-Chun XU ; Hui CHEN ; Ying HUA ; Jun-Hong WANG ; Ji-Hong TANG ; Bing-Xiang MA ; Xiu-Xia WANG ; Ai-Zhen WANG ; Meng-Qing WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yi-Qun TENG ; Yi-Hui SHAN ; Sheng-Xuan GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1699-1705
Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Female
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Humans
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Male
;
Double-Blind Method
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Tic Disorders/drug therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
8.Theoretical discussion and research progress on treatment of glucocorticoid- induced osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine.
Ting-Ting XU ; Ying DING ; Xia ZHANG ; Long WANG ; Shan-Shan XU ; Chun-Dong SONG ; Wen-Sheng ZHAI ; Xian-Qing REN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4437-4450
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is a serious metabolic bone disease caused by long-term application of glucocorticoids(GCs). Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has unique advantages in improving bone microstructure and antagonizing hormone toxicity. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical research, clinical application, and basic research progress of TCM intervention in GIOP. In terms of theoretical research, the theory of "kidney governing bone and generating marrow" indicates that the kidney is closely related to bone development, revealing that core pathogenesis of GIOP is Yin-Yang disharmony, which can be discussed using the theories of "Yin fire", "ministerial fire", and "Yang pathogen damaging Yin". Thus, regulating Yin and Yang is the basic principle to treat GIOP. In terms of clinical application, effective empirical prescriptions(such as Bushen Zhuanggu Decoction, Bushen Jiangu Decoction, and Zibu Ganshen Formula) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Capsules, Hugu Capsules, Xianling Gubao Capsules, etc.) can effectively increase bone mineral density(BMD) and improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can reduce the risk of fracture and play an anti-GIOP role. In terms of basic research, it has been clarified that active ingredients of TCM(such as fraxetin, ginsenoside Rg_1, and salidroside) reduce bone loss and promote bone formation by inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and other pathways, effectively improving bone homeostasis. Additionally, classical prescriptions(Modified Yiguan Decoction, Modified Qing'e Pills, Zuogui Pills, etc.) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Granules, Lurong Jiangu Dropping Pills, Gubao Capsules, etc.) can improve bone marrow microcirculation, promote osteoblast differentiation, and inhibit bone cell apoptosis through multiple pathways, multiple targets, and multiple mechanisms. Through the above three aspects, the TCM research status on GIOP is elucidated in the expectation of providing reference for its diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment programs.
Osteoporosis/physiopathology*
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Humans
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Glucocorticoids/adverse effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Bone Density/drug effects*
9.Design and synthesis of novel saponin-triazole derivatives in the regulation of adipogenesis.
Yongsheng FANG ; Zhiyun ZHU ; Chun XIE ; Dazhen XIA ; Huimin ZHAO ; Zihui WANG ; Qian LU ; Caimei ZHANG ; Wenyong XIONG ; Xiaodong YANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):920-931
Saponins associated with Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy across multiple diseases. However, certain high-yield saponins face limited clinical applications due to their reduced pharmacological efficacy. This study synthesized and evaluated 36 saponin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of ginsenosides Rg1/Rb1 and notoginsenoside R1 for anti-adipogenesis activity in vitro. The research revealed that the ginsenosides Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 demonstrates superior adipogenesis inhibitory effects. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) analysis indicates that incorporating an amidyl-substituted 1,2,3-triazole into the saponin side chain via Click reaction enhances anti-adipogenesis activity. Additionally, several other derivatives exhibit general adipogenesis inhibition. Compound a17 demonstrated enhanced potency compared to the parent ginsenoside Rg1. Mechanistic investigations revealed that a17 exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of adipogenesis in vitro, accompanied by decreased expression of preadipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) adipogenesis regulators. These findings establish the ginsenoside Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 as a promising adipocyte differentiation inhibitor and potential therapeutic agent for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This research provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic approaches for various metabolic syndromes.
Adipogenesis/drug effects*
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Triazoles/chemical synthesis*
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Ginsenosides/chemical synthesis*
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Saponins/chemical synthesis*
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Animals
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Mice
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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PPAR gamma/genetics*
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3T3-L1 Cells
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Adipocytes/metabolism*
;
Panax notoginseng/chemistry*
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Drug Design
;
Molecular Structure
;
Humans
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/genetics*

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