1.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
2.Analysis of Volatile Component Variations in Coptidis Rhizoma Processed with Euodiae Fructus Juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics and ROAV
Lin YAN ; Yun WANG ; Puling LI ; Lingbang MENG ; Zhe JIA ; Ying LI ; Ying LIU ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):218-225
ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (Yuhuanglian), and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice, identify marker volatile components in the processed product, and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Yuhuanglian, and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally, the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected, with 27, 75, 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice, raw Coptidis Rhizoma, and Yuhuanglian, respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types, allowing clear discrimination. After processing, 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced, while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content, and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally, eight components, including zingiberene, 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one, and 5-methyl-2-hexanone, were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover, processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasted, nutty, coffee-like aroma), 3-ethylphenol, and guaiacol (smoky, woody aroma). Additionally, it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one, contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty, roasted, smoky, and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant, significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.
3.Analysis of Volatile Component Variations in Coptidis Rhizoma Processed with Euodiae Fructus Juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics and ROAV
Lin YAN ; Yun WANG ; Puling LI ; Lingbang MENG ; Zhe JIA ; Ying LI ; Ying LIU ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):218-225
ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (Yuhuanglian), and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice, identify marker volatile components in the processed product, and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Yuhuanglian, and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally, the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected, with 27, 75, 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice, raw Coptidis Rhizoma, and Yuhuanglian, respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types, allowing clear discrimination. After processing, 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced, while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content, and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally, eight components, including zingiberene, 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one, and 5-methyl-2-hexanone, were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover, processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasted, nutty, coffee-like aroma), 3-ethylphenol, and guaiacol (smoky, woody aroma). Additionally, it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one, contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty, roasted, smoky, and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant, significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.
4.Nogo-A Protein Mediates Oxidative Stress and Synaptic Damage Induced by High-Altitude Hypoxia in the Rat Hippocampus.
Jin Yu FANG ; Huai Cun LIU ; Yan Fei ZHANG ; Quan Cheng CHENG ; Zi Yuan WANG ; Xuan FANG ; Hui Ru DING ; Wei Guang ZHANG ; Chun Hua CHEN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):79-93
OBJECTIVE:
High-altitude hypoxia exposure often damages hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Nogo-A is an important axonal growth inhibitory factor. However, its function in high-altitude hypoxia and its mechanism of action remain unclear.
METHODS:
In an in vivo study, a low-pressure oxygen chamber was used to simulate high-altitude hypoxia, and genetic or pharmacological intervention was used to block the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway. Contextual fear conditioning and Morris water maze behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory in rats, and synaptic damage in the hippocampus and changes in oxidative stress levels were observed. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were used to assess oxidative stress and mitochondrial function with or without Nogo-A knockdown in Oxygen Glucose-Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) models.
RESULTS:
Exposure to acute high-altitude hypoxia for 3 or 7 days impaired learning and memory in rats, triggered oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue, and reduced the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons. Blocking the Nogo-A/NgR1 pathway ameliorated oxidative stress, synaptic damage, and the learning and memory impairment induced by high-altitude exposure.
CONCLUSION:
Our results demonstrate the detrimental role of Nogo-A protein in mediating learning and memory impairment under high-altitude hypoxia and suggest the potential of the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway as a crucial therapeutic target for alleviating learning and memory dysfunction induced by high-altitude exposure.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
available in www.besjournal.com.
Animals
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Nogo Proteins/genetics*
;
Male
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Hypoxia/metabolism*
;
Altitude
;
Synapses
;
Humans
;
Altitude Sickness/metabolism*
5.Establishment of near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture and index components in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces
Xun LU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Geng-zhi ZHAN ; Lu-yao CAI ; Cun-yu LI ; Yun-feng ZHENG ; Tuan-jie WANG ; Yu JIN ; Guo-ping PENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3184-3190
AIM To establish the near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture,23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.METHODS The near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 95 batches of decoction pieces,after which drying method was adopted in the content determination of moisture,HPLC was applied to determining the contents of 23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C,the quantitative models were established by partial least squares method combined with feature extraction algorithms.RESULTS The model training determination coefficients were 0.952 6,0.958 1 and 0.920 8,along with the prediction determination coefficients of 0.930 0,0.905 2 and 0.906 4,the residual prediction deviations(PRD)of 4.00,3.58 and 3.46,and the root mean square error ratios of prediction values to calibration values(RMSEP/RMSEC)of 1.15,1.11 and 1.06,respectively.CONCLUSION The quantitative models based on NIRS exhibit good prediction effects,which can be used for the rapid quality detection of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.
6.Regulation effect of orbitofrontal cortex-dorsomedial striatum neural circuits on addiction motivation in susceptible mice
Huimin ZHU ; Xingfang CUN ; Ning WU ; Jin LI ; Rui SONG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(8):561-568
OBJECTIVE To study the neural circuits involved in regulating the strong drug-taking motivation in susceptible mice,and provide novel insights into the intervention and treatment of drug addiction.METHODS A heroin intermittent-access(Int A)self-administration model was established.Mice were divided into susceptible,unsusceptible,and non-learnt subgroups based on parameters,such as the number of times of drug infusions,effective lever presses,and breakpoints(BP)in the progres-sive ratio schedule during the drug acquisition phase.Using chemogenetic techniques,the neural projection from the orbitofrontal cortex(OFC)to the dorsomedial striatum(DMS)was selectively manipulated in the progressive ratio schedule,and its impact on drug motivation was assessed across the three subgroups.RESUITS Selectively inhibiting the OFC-DMS circuit significantly reduced the BP in susceptible mice,with no significant effect on the other two subgroups.Conversely,selective activation of this pathway significantly increased BP in susceptible mice,but had no impact on the other subgroups.CONCLU-SION The OFC-DMS circuit specifically modulates drug motivation behavior in susceptible mice,but not in the unsusceptible,and non-learnt subgroups.
7.Processing History and Modern Research of Jianghuanglian: A Review
Ying LI ; Yun WANG ; Zhe JIA ; Lin YAN ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):275-282
Jianghuanglian is one of the representative processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma for treating cold syndrome with drugs of heat nature, and ginger is used to restrict the bitter cold of Coptidis Rhizoma, which can be traced back to Bojifang, and it is suitable for stagnation of damp-heat in middle-jiao, cold-heat mutual knots and other symptoms. Jianghuanglian retains the alkaloids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids of Coptidis Rhizoma, and also introduces gingerol components such as 6-gingerol in ginger, which has pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and improving gastrointestinal function. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and many local processing specifications have included the traditional processing process and quality standards of Jianghuanglian, but the specific process parameters and quality standards are incomplete, which limits the production and clinical application of this processed product. By summarizing the processing history, process research, quality evaluation, pharmacodynamic and medicinal property changes and application of Jianghuanglian in the past 20 years, there are differences in the processing methods and standards in various provinces and cities, which are mainly reflected in the preparation method, dosage, processing process and quantitative standards of ginger juice. In addition, there are also certain differences in the changes of the main components of Jianghuanglian prepared from ginger or dried ginger, as well as their efficacy and medicinal properties. The research on the processing process of Jianghuanglian plays an important role in improving its quality standards, and this review can provide a reference for improving the quality evaluation system of Jianghuanglian.
8.Impact of physical activity on semen quality: a review of current evidence.
Jing CHEN ; Jin-Ming GUO ; Bang-Jian JIANG ; Fan-Yuan SUN ; Yong-Cun QU
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(5):574-580
A growing global trend indicates a decline in semen quality, with a lack of physical activity identified as one of the contributing factors. Exercise is medication, and numerous studies have explored its effects on semen quality. However, there is no consensus on the most effective type and intensity of exercise for improving semen quality, owing to inconsistent findings across studies. These discrepancies may be attributable to variations in study populations ( e.g. , healthy versus infertile individuals) and research methodologies ( e.g., observational versus interventional studies). This paper reviews the existing literature from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, reclassifying articles on their subject and research designs to delineate the relationship between exercise and semen quality. It also summarizes the mechanisms through which exercise influences semen quality, including hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors.
Humans
;
Semen Analysis
;
Male
;
Exercise/physiology*
;
Oxidative Stress/physiology*
;
Infertility, Male/physiopathology*
;
Sperm Motility/physiology*
9.Establishment of near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture and index components in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces
Xun LU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Geng-zhi ZHAN ; Lu-yao CAI ; Cun-yu LI ; Yun-feng ZHENG ; Tuan-jie WANG ; Yu JIN ; Guo-ping PENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3184-3190
AIM To establish the near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture,23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.METHODS The near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 95 batches of decoction pieces,after which drying method was adopted in the content determination of moisture,HPLC was applied to determining the contents of 23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C,the quantitative models were established by partial least squares method combined with feature extraction algorithms.RESULTS The model training determination coefficients were 0.952 6,0.958 1 and 0.920 8,along with the prediction determination coefficients of 0.930 0,0.905 2 and 0.906 4,the residual prediction deviations(PRD)of 4.00,3.58 and 3.46,and the root mean square error ratios of prediction values to calibration values(RMSEP/RMSEC)of 1.15,1.11 and 1.06,respectively.CONCLUSION The quantitative models based on NIRS exhibit good prediction effects,which can be used for the rapid quality detection of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.
10.Regulation effect of orbitofrontal cortex-dorsomedial striatum neural circuits on addiction motivation in susceptible mice
Huimin ZHU ; Xingfang CUN ; Ning WU ; Jin LI ; Rui SONG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(8):561-568
OBJECTIVE To study the neural circuits involved in regulating the strong drug-taking motivation in susceptible mice,and provide novel insights into the intervention and treatment of drug addiction.METHODS A heroin intermittent-access(Int A)self-administration model was established.Mice were divided into susceptible,unsusceptible,and non-learnt subgroups based on parameters,such as the number of times of drug infusions,effective lever presses,and breakpoints(BP)in the progres-sive ratio schedule during the drug acquisition phase.Using chemogenetic techniques,the neural projection from the orbitofrontal cortex(OFC)to the dorsomedial striatum(DMS)was selectively manipulated in the progressive ratio schedule,and its impact on drug motivation was assessed across the three subgroups.RESUITS Selectively inhibiting the OFC-DMS circuit significantly reduced the BP in susceptible mice,with no significant effect on the other two subgroups.Conversely,selective activation of this pathway significantly increased BP in susceptible mice,but had no impact on the other subgroups.CONCLU-SION The OFC-DMS circuit specifically modulates drug motivation behavior in susceptible mice,but not in the unsusceptible,and non-learnt subgroups.

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