1.Exploring Therapeutic Effect of Yuejuwan on Depressed Mice Based on Lipidomics
Zhentao ZHANG ; Dan SU ; Huizhen LI ; Yonggui SONG ; Huanhua XU ; Meixizi LAI ; Zhifu AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):85-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice based on lipidomics, and to explore the potential pathways for improving lipid metabolism to prevent depression. MethodsSeven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Yuejuwan group(3.6 g·kg-1) and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1), and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) was used to establish the depression model. After 3 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution according to the dose, and mice in the blank and model groups were given an equal volume of deionised water by gavage, one time/d for 2 weeks. After administration, the antidepressant effect of Yuejuwan was evaluated by neurobehavioral indices such as sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure contents of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in mouse serum. Lipidomic analysis of mouse serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was performed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS), and the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase(S6K), phosphorylation(p)-mTOR, p-S6K in gastric tissues of mice was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly increased(P<0.01), and serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yuejuwan group showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly reduced(P<0.01), and the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomic analysis revealed that Yuejuwan had a significant effect on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice, and The differential lipid metabolites were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein biosynthesis, among which the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was the most significant. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the Yuejuwan group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionThe intervention of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism is one of the potential pathways for its antidepressant effect, which may be related to the regulation of mTOR/S6K signaling pathway upstream of lipid metabolism in the gastric tissues.
2.Screening of Antidepressant Active Components from Curcumae Rhizoma and Its Mechanism in Regulating Nrf2/GPX4/GSH Pathway
Yonggui SONG ; Delin DUAN ; Meixizi LAI ; Yali LIU ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Ming YANG ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):211-221
ObjectiveTo screen and evaluate the antidepressant compounds of Curcumae Rhizoma, and explore its mechanism of regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glutathione(GSH) peroxidase 4(GPX4)/GSH pathway from an antioxidant perspective. MethodsThe antioxidant activities in vitro of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, including curcumol, curgerenone, curdione, curzerene, curcumenol, curcumenone, dehydrocurdione, isocurcumenol, furanodienone, furanodiene and zederone, were detected using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The depression in Drosophila melanogaster was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and W1118 wild-type male D. melanogaster were randomly divided into blank group, model group, curcumol group, curgerenone group, curdione group, curzerene group, curcumenol group,curcumenone group, dehydrocurdione group, isocurcumenol group, furanodienone group, furanodiene group, zederone group and fluoxetine group(10 μmol·L-1). The treatment groups received a dose of 0.1 g·L-1 of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, while the blank and model groups were administered equivalent volumes of solvent. The sucrose preference test, climbing test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the behavioral indicators of depression in D. melanogaster. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) was used to detect the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and dopamine(DA) in the brain of D. melanogaster, and the entropy weight method was used to comprehensively evaluate neurobehavioral and neurotransmitter indicators, resulting in the identification of the antidepressant active components of Curcumae Rhizoma. In addition, a mouse depression model was established by CUMS, and C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low and high dose groups of curzerene(0.5, 1 mg·kg-1), and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1) to confirm the antidepressant effect of the optimal active ingredient by behavioral analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in the hippocampus of mice from each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and GSH. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) was used to observe the effect of curzerene on the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal tissue. Western blot was performed to determine the level of Nrf2 protein, and Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) was used to verify the relationship between the antidepressant effect of curzerene and regulation of Nrf2. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the effect of curzerene on the mRNA expression level of GPX. ResultsIn vitro antioxidant experiments showed that curzerene and curgerenone exhibited the most significant ability to scavenge free radicals, and comprehensive evaluation results of entropy weight method indicated that curzerene stood out as the most promising active component. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.01), and the ROS content in hippocampus significantly elevated(P<0.01), while the ATP content significantly reduced(P<0.01). In the hippocampal neurons of the model group, mitochondrial cristae were disordered, with vacuolation of the inner membrane and severe damage. Nrf2 protein expression level in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH contents were also significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the gene expression levels of GPX1, GPX4 and GPX7 were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose group of curzerene showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.05), as well as a significant decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.05, P<0.01). The ROS content in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly reduced(P<0.01), while the ATP content was significantly increased(P<0.05). The neuronal mitochondrial damage in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was alleviated, and the expression level of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the improvement of curzerene on depressive behaviors in CUMS mice. The GSH content in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in SOD and CAT contents. The expression level of GPX4 gene in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in other GPX genes. ConclusionCurzerene is the best component with antidepressant activity in Curcumae Rhizoma. It may improve mitochondrial dysfunction to exert its antidepressant effect by regulating Nrf2 and its downstream GPX4/GSH pathway rather than CAT or SOD pathways.
3.Increasing toe-out angle during drop-landing can diminish risk of inversion injuries among individuals with chronic ankle instability
Xiaoxue ZHU ; Qiongqiu ZHAO ; Teng ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Jihong QIU ; Qipeng SONG ; Peixin SHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1827-1833
BACKGROUND:Individuals with chronic ankle instability are prone to inversion ankle sprains during landing.Moderately increasing the foot toe-out angle during landing may reduce the occurrence of inversion ankle sprains,but no studies have directly demonstrated this effect. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of increased toe-out angle during landing on the peak inversion angle,peak angular velocity,and the time to peak inversion among individuals with and without chronic ankle instability. METHODS:A total of 60 participants were recruited for this study,including 30 individuals with chronic ankle instability and 30 without chronic ankle instability.The study utilized a simulated sprain apparatus for drop-landing tests,featuring a platform that could tilt forward by 24° and inward by 15°,thus simulating the foot position during an ankle inversion sprain.Participants were required to perform drop-landing tests under two landing conditions:natural landing and toe-out landing,with the latter involving a greater foot toe-out angle,over 150%more than the former.Kinematic data of participants were recorded using a 12-camera three-dimensional motion capture system.Data analysis was conducted using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Significant main effects of condition were found for peak inversion angle during drop-landing(P<0.001,η2 p=0.270),peak inversion velocity(P=0.015,η2 p=0.098),and peak inversion time(P<0.001,η2 p=0.260);a significant main effect of group was found for peak inversion velocity(P=0.029,η2 p=0.080).(2)There were significant negative correlations between the foot toe-out angle at landing and the peak ankle inversion angle(P=0.021,r=-0.310;P=0.042,r=-0.278)as well as the peak inversion time(P=0.018,r=-0.312;P=0.021,r=-0.309)in both chronic ankle instability and non-chronic ankle instability groups.Moreover,a significant negative correlation was also found between the foot toe-out angle and peak inversion velocity in the chronic ankle instability group(P=0.021,r=-0.312).(3)It is indicated that increasing the foot toe-out angle at landing can reduce the peak inversion angle,peak inversion velocity,and the peak inversion time during landing in patients with chronic ankle instability and non-chronic ankle instability,thereby decreasing the risk of ankle inversion sprains.
4.Repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation promotes motor function recovery in mice after spinal cord injury
Haiwang SONG ; Guanhua JIANG ; Yingying MU ; Shanyu FU ; Baofei SUN ; Yumei LI ; Zijiang YU ; Dan YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2252-2260
BACKGROUND:Repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation(rTSMS)can inhibit inflammatory responses following spinal cord injury.rTSMS applies magnetic field stimulation to the spinal cord region to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission,thereby promoting plasticity and repair of the nervous system. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of rTSMS on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor(NF)-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway after spinal cord injury and explore its mechanism in promoting motor function recovery. METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice,SPF grade,were randomly divided into sham surgery group,spinal cord injury group,and rTSMS group.The latter two groups of mice were anesthetized and the T9 vertebral plate was removed using rongeur forceps to expose the spinal cord,and the spinal cord was clamped using a small aneurysm clip for 20 seconds to establish the spinal cord injury model.Mice in the rTSMS group underwent a 21-day rTSMS intervention starting on day 1 after spinal cord injury.The stimulation lasted 10 minutes per day,5 days per week with an interval of 2 days.Basso Mouse Scale scores were used to assess motor function recovery in mice after spinal cord injury at 1,3,7,14,and 21 days after spinal cord injury.Western blot was employed to detect the expression of AQP4,apoptotic factors Bax,Bcl-2,CL-Caspase-3,inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,interleukin-6,interleukin-4,and the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway related proteins in the injured spinal cord.Oxidative stress assay kit was used to measure the activity of superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,and malondialdehyde content at the site of spinal cord injury.Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of neuronal nuclei(NeuN). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The Basso Mouse Scale score in the rTSMS group was significantly higher than that in the spinal cord injury group(P<0.05).Compared with the spinal cord injury group,the rTSMS group showed a reduction in spinal cord water content.The expression of AQP4 protein,malondialdehyde content,and expression of Bax,Bcl-2,CL-Caspase-3,tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,interleukin-6,and TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway related proteins were all decreased in the rTSMS group,while the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase,as well as the expression of Bcl-2,interleukin-4,and NeuN,were all increased(P<0.05).These results suggest that rTSMS downregulates the expression of proteins related to the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway,alleviating symptoms after spinal cord injury such as spinal cord edema,oxidative stress,apoptosis,and inflammation,exerting neuroprotective effects,and thereby promoting the recovery of hindlimb motor function after spinal cord injury.
5.Effect of Different Fermentation Conditions on Fungal Community and Chemical Composition of Aurantii Fructus
Zhihong YAN ; Xiumei LIU ; Qiuyan GUAN ; Yonggui SONG ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Yuhui PING ; Ming YANG ; Qin ZHENG ; Huanhua XU ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different fermentation methods and times on the fungal flora and chemical composition of Aurantii Fructus, in order to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions and flora structure, and to ensure the stability and controllability of the fermented varieties. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was used to observe and analyze the colony characteristics on the surface of Aurantii Fructus under different fermentation conditions. Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2) high-throughput sequencing, combined with fungal community diversity analysis and fungal community structure analysis, were used to obtain the fungal flora microbial categories of Aurantii Fructus under the conditions of traditional pressure-shelf fermentation and non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation for 7, 14, 21 d(numbered Y1-Y3 for the former, and numbered F1-F3 for the latter), respectively. At the same time, the chemical components in the fermentation process were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), combined with principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and compound retention time, parent ions, characteristic fragment ions and other information, the differential compounds between the different fermentation samples were screened and identified. ResultsThe analysis of fungal community diversity showed that the dominant flora did not change at different fermentation time points in the traditional pressure-shelf fermentation method, while in the non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation method, there was a significant difference with the fermentation process, and at the genus level, the dominant genus of samples Y1, Y2, Y3 and F2 was Aspergillus, while the dominant genera of samples F1 and F3 were both Rhizopus. This indicated that the microbial growth environment provided by the traditional fermentation method was more stable, and the microbial community structure was more stable, which was more conducive to the stable and controllable fermentation process and fermented products. A total of 155 compounds were identified by compositional analysis, including 70 flavonoids, 38 coumarins, 10 alkaloids, 34 organic acids and 3 other compounds. After fermentation, two new components of ribalinine and pranferin were produced. Different fermentation conditions also brought about differences in chemical composition, multivariate statistical analysis obtained 26 differential compounds under two different fermentation methods, mainly including flavonoids, organic acids and coumarins. Comprehensively, the microbial community structure of samples fermented by the traditional pressure-shelf method of Aurantii Fructus for 14 d was stable, the species richness was high and the overall content of differential compounds was high, which was the optimal processing condition. ConclusionCompared with non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation, the traditional method has obvious advantages in terms of the stability of the microbial community structure and the content of chemical compounds, and the optimal condition is 14 days of fermentation. This study is helpful to promote the quality stability and fermentation bioavailability of fermented products of Aurantii Fructus, as well as to provide an experimental basis for the further improvement of the quality control methods of this variety.
6.Effect of Different Fermentation Conditions on Fungal Community and Chemical Composition of Aurantii Fructus
Zhihong YAN ; Xiumei LIU ; Qiuyan GUAN ; Yonggui SONG ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Yuhui PING ; Ming YANG ; Qin ZHENG ; Huanhua XU ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different fermentation methods and times on the fungal flora and chemical composition of Aurantii Fructus, in order to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions and flora structure, and to ensure the stability and controllability of the fermented varieties. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was used to observe and analyze the colony characteristics on the surface of Aurantii Fructus under different fermentation conditions. Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2) high-throughput sequencing, combined with fungal community diversity analysis and fungal community structure analysis, were used to obtain the fungal flora microbial categories of Aurantii Fructus under the conditions of traditional pressure-shelf fermentation and non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation for 7, 14, 21 d(numbered Y1-Y3 for the former, and numbered F1-F3 for the latter), respectively. At the same time, the chemical components in the fermentation process were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), combined with principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and compound retention time, parent ions, characteristic fragment ions and other information, the differential compounds between the different fermentation samples were screened and identified. ResultsThe analysis of fungal community diversity showed that the dominant flora did not change at different fermentation time points in the traditional pressure-shelf fermentation method, while in the non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation method, there was a significant difference with the fermentation process, and at the genus level, the dominant genus of samples Y1, Y2, Y3 and F2 was Aspergillus, while the dominant genera of samples F1 and F3 were both Rhizopus. This indicated that the microbial growth environment provided by the traditional fermentation method was more stable, and the microbial community structure was more stable, which was more conducive to the stable and controllable fermentation process and fermented products. A total of 155 compounds were identified by compositional analysis, including 70 flavonoids, 38 coumarins, 10 alkaloids, 34 organic acids and 3 other compounds. After fermentation, two new components of ribalinine and pranferin were produced. Different fermentation conditions also brought about differences in chemical composition, multivariate statistical analysis obtained 26 differential compounds under two different fermentation methods, mainly including flavonoids, organic acids and coumarins. Comprehensively, the microbial community structure of samples fermented by the traditional pressure-shelf method of Aurantii Fructus for 14 d was stable, the species richness was high and the overall content of differential compounds was high, which was the optimal processing condition. ConclusionCompared with non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation, the traditional method has obvious advantages in terms of the stability of the microbial community structure and the content of chemical compounds, and the optimal condition is 14 days of fermentation. This study is helpful to promote the quality stability and fermentation bioavailability of fermented products of Aurantii Fructus, as well as to provide an experimental basis for the further improvement of the quality control methods of this variety.
7.Effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation combined with sertraline on cognitive function in patients with depressive disorder
Dan LI ; Zhong XIA ; Wenli ZHU ; Dandan LIANG ; Wenwen MIAO ; Chuanfu SONG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):204-210
BackgroundCognitive function is closely related to an individual's quality of life and social functioning, with approximately 20%~35% of patients with depressive disorder experiencing some degree of cognitive impairment even after clinical symptom remission. Existing evidence suggests that tACS can improve specific cognitive domains, such as memory function, while its effects on other cognitive dimensions, such as executive functioning, attention, and information processing speed, remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the effects of tACS on the multidimensional cognitive functions and emotional problems of patients with depressive disorder, thus to provide references for the treatment of depressive disorder. MethodsForty-nine patients with depressive disorder who were hospitalized in the Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu from November 2022 to October 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were selected as study participants. Subjects were randomly divided into study group (n=23) and control group (n=26) based on Microsoft Excel. Both groups received sertraline treatment. The initial dose was 50 mg/day, which gradually titrated upward based on individual variability, drug tolerance, and therapeutic response, with a maintenance dose ranging from 100 to 200 mg/day. In addition, the study group underwent tACS therapy for 4 weeks, with 5 sessions per week, each lasting 20 minutes. The control group received sham stimulation, in which the stimulus was interrupted after the first 30 seconds. At baseline, the 4th week, and the 12th week of treatment, patients were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance indicated that both the time effect and the time×group interaction effect for HAMD-17 scores were statistically significant between the two groups (F=260.437, 25.309, P<0.01). At week 12 of treatment, the HAMD-17 score in the study group was lower than that in the control group (t=4.236, P<0.01). For HAMA scores, the time effect, group effect, and time×group interaction effect were all statistically significant between the two groups (F=248.082, 4.506, 9.500, P<0.05 or 0.01). At weeks 4 and 12, study group reported lower HAMA scores compared with control group (t=4.580, 2.608, P<0.05 or 0.01). Regarding the MCCB scores for attention/vigilance, verbal learning, and overall composite, the time effect, group effect, and time×group interaction effect were all statistically significant between the two groups (F=70.331, 27.882, 51.679, 5.560, 10.948, 7.860, 8.490, 3.874, 5.025, P<0.05 or 0.01). After intervention, the study group showed significantly higher MCCB scores for attention/vigilance, verbal learning, and overall composite at both week 4 (t=-2.149, -3.530, -2.740, P<0.05) and week 12 (t=-3.534, -3.576, -3.838, P<0.01) when compared to the control group. ConclusionThe combined tACS and sertraline therapy may demonstrate superior efficacy to pharmacotherapy alone in the short term for improving attention/vigilance, verbal learning, overall cognitive function, and anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders. Based on the 12-week outcomes, the combined tACS and sertraline therapy not only sustaine its previously observed advantages in improving cognitive domains and anxiety symptoms, but also demonstrate potentially superior efficacy over monotherapy in alleviating depressive symptoms. [Fund by Clinical Medical Research Transformation Special Project of Anhui Province (number, 202204295107020065)]
8.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Regulating PTGS2 to Improve Skin Lesions in Psoriasis Mouse Models
Xue XIAO ; Liping KANG ; Dan DAI ; Yidi MA ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):49-59
ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis
9.Exploring Regulatory Effect of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription on SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 Pathway in Psoriasis-like Mouse Model Based on Sphingolipid Metabolism
Yeping QIN ; Wenhui LIU ; Dan DAI ; Jia XU ; Chong LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups: healthy control (n=11), model (n=11), methotrexate (MTX, n=5), low-dose (15.21 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5), and high-dose (30.42 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5). Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX, respectively, by gavage daily, while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment, back skin lesions were collected. Firstly, healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics (control vs model=3 vs 3) and targeted lipid metabolomics (control vs model=11 vs 11). Then, the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin, and key proteases [serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), SPHK2, delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 1 (Degs1), and ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4)] and 8 sphingolipid metabolites (including ceramides, sphingol, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipid) expressed abnormally (P<0.05) compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin (P<0.05), and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 compared with the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.
10.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Regulating PTGS2 to Improve Skin Lesions in Psoriasis Mouse Models
Xue XIAO ; Liping KANG ; Dan DAI ; Yidi MA ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):49-59
ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail