1.Randomized Controlled Trail of Ganlu Qingwen Prescription for Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia
Xiangpeng LI ; Fengsen LI ; Ling WANG ; Zheng LI ; Dan XU ; Jiangtao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):225-236
ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory effect of Ganluqingwen prescription on inflammation and immunity by observing the clinical efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), so as to provide a clinical basis for the treatment of CAP by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted by selecting patients who were diagnosed with CAP and identified as wind-heat attacking lungs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Hospital of TCM from January 2024 to May 2024 and assigning the patients to a control group (treated by western medicine treatment) or an experimental group (treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine). The data of the enrolled patients before treatment, for three-day treatment, for seven-day treatment, and for 14-day treatment were collected, including basic information, medical history, pneumonia severity index (PSI) classification, and distribution and difference of laboratory and imaging information indexes. The peripheral blood specimens were collected from the patients. and the changes of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent kits and flow-type multifactor microarrays to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in CAP. ResultsCompared with those in the groups before treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes decreased more significantly in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group displayed a significantly reduced number of days of fever in patients (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the leukocyte, neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)-6, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in both groups decreased (P<0.05) after treatment. Compared with that in the control group after treatment, the decrease of leukocyte, neutrophil counts, CRP, PCT, IL-6, ALT, AST, Cr, CK, and CK-MB was more pronounced in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the group before treatment, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and the standard alkali residual, actual alkali residual, standard bicarbonate concentration, and actual bicarbonate concentration increased in the experimental group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with that in the group before treatment, D-dimer decreased in the control group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) decreased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and D-dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), and APTI significantly decreased in the group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the group for 3 d of treatment, the experimental group for 7 d of treatment showed decreased FIB (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 were elevated in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment, and the levels of B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group exhibited more significant improvement in indexes above (P<0.01). ConclusionThe group treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine shows more significant effects on reducing total scores of TCM syndromes, lowering the ability of leukocyte and neutrophil counts, decreasing BLC, IP-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 in the peripheral blood of the patients, and elevating levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 than the group treated by western drugs alone.
2.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.
3.Randomized Controlled Trail of Ganlu Qingwen Prescription for Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia
Xiangpeng LI ; Fengsen LI ; Ling WANG ; Zheng LI ; Dan XU ; Jiangtao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):225-236
ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory effect of Ganluqingwen prescription on inflammation and immunity by observing the clinical efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), so as to provide a clinical basis for the treatment of CAP by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted by selecting patients who were diagnosed with CAP and identified as wind-heat attacking lungs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Hospital of TCM from January 2024 to May 2024 and assigning the patients to a control group (treated by western medicine treatment) or an experimental group (treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine). The data of the enrolled patients before treatment, for three-day treatment, for seven-day treatment, and for 14-day treatment were collected, including basic information, medical history, pneumonia severity index (PSI) classification, and distribution and difference of laboratory and imaging information indexes. The peripheral blood specimens were collected from the patients. and the changes of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent kits and flow-type multifactor microarrays to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in CAP. ResultsCompared with those in the groups before treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes decreased more significantly in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group displayed a significantly reduced number of days of fever in patients (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the leukocyte, neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)-6, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in both groups decreased (P<0.05) after treatment. Compared with that in the control group after treatment, the decrease of leukocyte, neutrophil counts, CRP, PCT, IL-6, ALT, AST, Cr, CK, and CK-MB was more pronounced in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the group before treatment, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and the standard alkali residual, actual alkali residual, standard bicarbonate concentration, and actual bicarbonate concentration increased in the experimental group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with that in the group before treatment, D-dimer decreased in the control group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) decreased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and D-dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), and APTI significantly decreased in the group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the group for 3 d of treatment, the experimental group for 7 d of treatment showed decreased FIB (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 were elevated in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment, and the levels of B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group exhibited more significant improvement in indexes above (P<0.01). ConclusionThe group treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine shows more significant effects on reducing total scores of TCM syndromes, lowering the ability of leukocyte and neutrophil counts, decreasing BLC, IP-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 in the peripheral blood of the patients, and elevating levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 than the group treated by western drugs alone.
4.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.
5.Novel outpatient infusion model of blinatumomab: case studies of two patients
Guijun LI ; Xuemei JIANG ; Xin WANG ; Qiuxia XU ; Jianhui LI ; Susi DAI ; Ying HE ; Hai YI ; Dan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):557-561
[Objective] To evaluate the feasibility of a novel outpatient infusion model for blinatumomab in two acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, aiming to address challenges of poor treatment tolerance, high healthcare costs, and compromised quality of life, thereby providing clinical insights for broader adoption of this approach. [Methods] Two post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients undergoing blinatumomab maintenance therapy were selected to evaluate the efficacy of the outpatient infusion model. Patient selection criteria, nursing protocols, standardized workflows, and advancements in infusion practices were systematically analyzed combined with a review of global developments in this field. [Results] Both patients completed outpatient blinatumomab infusion without severe adverse events, demonstrating preliminary feasibility and safety of this model. The novel approach enhanced treatment convenience, reduced hospitalization costs, and improved quality of life. [Conclusion] Despite the limited sample size, this pilot study highlights the potential of outpatient blinatumomab administration as a viable alternative to traditional inpatient regimens.
6.Study on the safety and pharmacological effect on improving dyspepsia of Shuangshu decoction in rats
Xinyuan CHEN ; Changzhou XIONG ; Jiongfen LI ; Kangyi YU ; Huan XU ; Yingxia WANG ; Dan LIAO ; Junyu TAO ; Ziyi YANG ; Caizhi LIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1059-1064
OBJECTIVE To study the safety of Shuangshu decoction in rats and its efficacy in improving functional dyspepsia (FD) in rats. METHODS In safety test, 40 rats were divided into blank control group, Shuangshu decoction low-dose, medium- dose and high-dose groups [108, 216, 324 g/(kg·d), calculated by raw medicine, the same applies below]; they were given relevant medicine intragastrically, for continuous 14 days. The mortality and toxic reactions of rats were recorded, and the organ indexes of the liver, kidney, spleen, lung and heart of rats were calculated; the pathological morphological changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, lung, heart, stomach, duodenum, and colon were observed to evaluate the acute toxicity of Shuangshu decoction. Another 40 rats were grouped and administered in the same way for 30 consecutive days. The mortality and toxic reactions of the rats were recorded, and the corresponding organ indexes were calculated. The pathological morphological changes in the corresponding organs were observed, and blood routine and serum biochemical indicators were measured, in order to assess the subacute toxicity of Shuangshu decoction. In pharmacodynamic experiments: 50 rats were divided into blank control group, model group, and Shuangshu decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (9.45, 18.9, 37.8 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for blank control group, rats in all other groups were used to establish the FD rat model by subcutaneous injection of loperamide (3.5 mg/kg). Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last medication, fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, gastric emptying rate and serum level of motilin were all detected, and interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC) ultrastructure of rats was observed in colon tissue. RESULTS The safety experiments showed that no death occurred in each dose group, and no significant difference was found in organ coefficient, routine blood and serum biological index, compared to blank control group (P>0.05); no abnormality was found in organ appearance and pathological sections. The results of the pharmacodynamic experiments showed that, compared with the blank control group, the fecal moisture content, gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsion rate, and serum motilin levels in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05); in the colonic tissue, the mitochondria in the ICC exhibited severe swelling with the disappearance of cristae, and the endoplasmic reticulum was dilated. Compared with model group, the rats in Shuangshu decoction high-dose group showed significant increases in the above quantitative indicators (P< 0.05); additionally, there was a large number of mitochondria in the ICC of the colonic tissue, with clear cristae and regular arrangement. CONCLUSIONS Shuangshu decoction is safe and has a beneficial improving effect on FD rats; its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone expression to promote gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion, as well as the repair of mitochondrial structure in ICCs to restore gastrointestinal function.
7.Mechanisms of Zhuyuwan in Treating both Intrahepatic Cholestasis and Ulcerative Colitis Based on Homotherapy for Heteropathy
Jun HAN ; Yueqiang WEN ; Zongying XU ; Dan LUO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueyi LI ; Yufan DAI ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Han YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):46-53
ObjectiveThe theory of homotherapy for heteropathy is one of the classical rules in traditional Chinese medicine. Taking this theory as a breakthrough point, this study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Zhuyuwan on both intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from the viewpoint of serum metabolic homeostasis. MethodsThe rat models of α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC were treated with low (0.6 g·kg-1) and high (1.2 g·kg-1) doses of Zhuyuwan by gavage. In the experiment regarding IC, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal, ANIT model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. In the experiment regarding UC, 24 SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: normal, TNBS model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. Firstly, the two disease models and the intervention effects of Zhuyuwan on the two diseases were evaluated based on serum levels of biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and total bile acid (TBA)], colon damage score, colon weight index, disease activity index, and histopathological changes in rats. Secondly, the rat serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen the common core pathways of the two disease models, and the expression of core genes in the pathways was determined by Real-time PCR, on the basis of which the biological mechanism of the treatment of the two disease models by Zhuyuwan was ultimately elucidated. ResultsThe results of the experiment regarding IC showed that the ANIT model group had higher ALT, AST, γ-GT, and TBA levels than the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the ANIT model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showed declined ALT and TBA levels (P<0.01) and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed lowered ALT, TBA, AST, and γ-GT levels (P<0.01). The results of the experiment regarding UC showed that compared with the normal group, the TNBS model group presented increases in the colonic damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). Compared with the TNBS model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showcased declines in colon weight index (P<0.01) and disease activity index (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed reductions in the colon damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). GC-MS metabolomics analysis combined with qRT-PCR demonstrated that Zhuyuwan had a similar inverse regulatory effect on arginine metabolism disruption in the above two disease models. ConclusionZhuyuwan exhibited definite therapeutic effects on both IC and UC, and the regulation of arginine biosynthesis pathway is the core mechanism for the treatment of both diseases by Zhuyuwan.
8.Mechanisms of Zhuyuwan in Treating both Intrahepatic Cholestasis and Ulcerative Colitis Based on Homotherapy for Heteropathy
Jun HAN ; Yueqiang WEN ; Zongying XU ; Dan LUO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueyi LI ; Yufan DAI ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Han YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):46-53
ObjectiveThe theory of homotherapy for heteropathy is one of the classical rules in traditional Chinese medicine. Taking this theory as a breakthrough point, this study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Zhuyuwan on both intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from the viewpoint of serum metabolic homeostasis. MethodsThe rat models of α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC were treated with low (0.6 g·kg-1) and high (1.2 g·kg-1) doses of Zhuyuwan by gavage. In the experiment regarding IC, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal, ANIT model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. In the experiment regarding UC, 24 SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: normal, TNBS model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. Firstly, the two disease models and the intervention effects of Zhuyuwan on the two diseases were evaluated based on serum levels of biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and total bile acid (TBA)], colon damage score, colon weight index, disease activity index, and histopathological changes in rats. Secondly, the rat serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen the common core pathways of the two disease models, and the expression of core genes in the pathways was determined by Real-time PCR, on the basis of which the biological mechanism of the treatment of the two disease models by Zhuyuwan was ultimately elucidated. ResultsThe results of the experiment regarding IC showed that the ANIT model group had higher ALT, AST, γ-GT, and TBA levels than the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the ANIT model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showed declined ALT and TBA levels (P<0.01) and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed lowered ALT, TBA, AST, and γ-GT levels (P<0.01). The results of the experiment regarding UC showed that compared with the normal group, the TNBS model group presented increases in the colonic damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). Compared with the TNBS model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showcased declines in colon weight index (P<0.01) and disease activity index (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed reductions in the colon damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). GC-MS metabolomics analysis combined with qRT-PCR demonstrated that Zhuyuwan had a similar inverse regulatory effect on arginine metabolism disruption in the above two disease models. ConclusionZhuyuwan exhibited definite therapeutic effects on both IC and UC, and the regulation of arginine biosynthesis pathway is the core mechanism for the treatment of both diseases by Zhuyuwan.
9.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.
10.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.

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