1.Analysis of blood entry component of Yinchenhao decoction in vivo and study on the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma mechanism by network pharmacology
Linfeng ZHANG ; Yuheng SUN ; Dongyao WANG ; Dan LI ; Yan CAO ; Diya LYU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(4):200-208
Objective To improve the analysis method of the blood components of Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) in vivo and explore its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma mechanism. Methods Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used to collect and analyze blood samples from mice. The mice were given a single dose of YCHD with a concentration of 0.1 g/ml and a dose of 25 ml/kg, and then the samples were collected 2 h post–administration, which was to systematically study the chemical components of YCHD in vivo. Network pharmacological methods were used to screen the components and targets of YCHD, and the targets of hepatocellular carcinoma; The common targets of YCHD and hepatocellular carcinoma were identified for GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment. Molecular docking was performed on the main targets to verify the binding ability between the active ingredients and the core targets. The relative mRNA expression levels of serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1) and tumor protein p53(TP53) in liver tissues were analyzed via qPCR, including the following mouse groups: mice with concanavalin A(Con-A)-induced acute liver injury without preventive administration, mice with Con-A-induced acute liver injury that received 14 d preventive oral administration of YCHD, and untreated control mice. Results ①The active ingredients of YCHD in the blood were identified by retrieving the data from the in vitro component analysis. They were chrysophanol, herniarin, aloe-emodin, and monotropein. ②The mechanism of action of the blood components against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was further analyzed using network pharmacological methods, and a total of 30 components of YCHD were screened for 213 targets and 215 HCC targets. ③There were 17 intersection targets between YCHD and hepatocellular carcinoma, including AKT1, TP53, receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ERBB2), myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), etc. The GO enrichment results indicated that these components were primarily involved in DNA replication,chromosome segregation,leukocyte mediated immunity,leukocyte cell-cell adhesion. The KEGG enrichment results demonstrated that these components were predominantly associated with diverse cancer pathways. Additionally, the results indicated involvement in the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), pyruvate metabolism, and p53 signaling pathway, ect. ④The results of molecular docking showed that chrysophanol, herniarin, and aloe - emodin had strong binding abilities with AKT1, TP53, ERBB2, MYC, and IL-1β. ⑤The relative expression of AKT1 and TP53 mRNA was significantly higher in the modelling group than in the control group. The relative expression of AKT1 and TP53 mRNA was significantly lower in the drug administration group than in the modelling group. Conclusion There were 4 blood components in YCHD, among which chrysophanol, herniarin, and aloe-emodin may act on AKT1, TP53, ERBB2, MYC, IL-1β and then participated in the regulation of cancer signaling pathways and p53 signaling pathway to play a role in the treatment of HCC.
2.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
3.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
4.Mechanisms of Exercise Intervention in Cancer Bone Metastasis
Si-Tong YAN ; Feng-Zhi YU ; Bo-Yi ZONG ; Meng-Lu HE ; Dan-Dan JIA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2104-2122
Bone metastases are a common and serious complication of solid tumors such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer, and occur at a high rate in patients with advanced cancer. This pathological process not only frequently leads to skeletal-related events such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia—conditions that severely impact patients’ quality of life—but may also significantly increase the risk of death. Cancer bone metastasis is a complex, multistage cascade involving key steps such as the detachment of tumor cells from the primary tumor, their invasion and entry into the bloodstream, and their colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. In recent years, exercise—as a safe and easily implementable non-pharmacological intervention—has demonstrated significant potential in inhibiting bone metastasis, improving the bone microenvironment, and alleviating related clinical symptoms. Its mechanisms of action may involve multiple levels. First, at the mechanical load level, mechanical signals generated by exercise can directly act on bone cells, inhibiting tumor cell infiltration and colonization by regulating endothelial cell permeability and osteoclast activity. Second, at the endocrine and paracrine levels, exercise can alter the expression profiles of microRNAs (such as miR-486 and miR-34b) carried by extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in the circulation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting cell cycle-related genes. Furthermore, exercise can remodel the immune microenvironment, enhance the cytotoxic activity of antitumor immune cells, and improve oxygen supply to tumor tissues, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced immunosuppression. Finally, at the metabolic intervention level, exercise can induce systemic metabolic reprogramming, increasing the nutritional demands of normal tissues, thereby competing with tumor cells for nutrients and forming a “metabolic barrier” in distal organs such as bones. This article reviews the pathogenesis and classification of bone metastases, including osteolytic, osteogenic, and mixed types, and elaborates in detail on the complex processes by which tumor cells undergo colonization, dormancy, and reactivation within the bone microenvironment. Furthermore, based on a comprehensive analysis of human and animal studies on exercise interventions for bone metastases, this paper highlights the mechanisms by which exercise inhibits tumor formation, growth, and spread through the regulation of mechanical loading, extracellular vesicles and granules, as well as via immune and metabolic pathways, thereby interfering with bone metastasis. However, the array of exercise modalities and intensities available for patients grappling with the challenges of cancer-related bone metastases remains markedly constrained, and the formulation of tailored exercise prescriptions continues to be devoid of robust, evidence-based medical backing. This review aims to explore the effects of exercise on bone health in patients with bone metastases, analyze the factors and considerations that should be taken into account in exercise prescriptions, and provide new theoretical support and insights for developing personalized exercise programs for these patients and further advancing relevant clinical research. Future research directions should include the development of evidence-based, personalized exercise prescriptions and further clarification of the safety boundaries and best practice standards for exercise interventions, thereby promoting the advancement of relevant clinical research and ultimately improving patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.
5.Preparation and performance evaluation of dissolving microneedles with a single matrix of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids
Xingxing GAO ; Dan CHEN ; Yan XIA ; Lin DING ; Xingyue CHEN ; Yang XIANG ; Lunzhi LIU ; Lin YUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2097-2104
OBJECTIVE To screen a single matrix, prepare dissolving microneedles of Pterocarya hupehensis total flavonoids(PHTF-MN), and characterize it while evaluating its analgesic effects.METHODS Using microneedle morphology and puncture rate as evaluation indicators, the matrix was screened from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), PVP K90, and sodium hyaluronate with relative molecular weights of 15 000 and 60 000 (HA 1.5w and HA 6w ). PHTF-MN was prepared by the layer-by-layer casting method with the selected matrix, and the appearance and morphology, total flavonoid content, mechanical properties, puncture performance, dissolution properties, and drug release behavior of the obtained PHTF-MN were characterized. Using male BALB/c mice as test subjects and aspirin (ASA) as a positive control, the analgesic effects of the microneedles were evaluated using a formalin-induced pain model.RESULTS Blank microneedles prepared with 30% HA 1.5w exhibited optimal surface flatness and the membrane puncture rate (through 4 layers of parafilm membrane) reaching 78%. The PHTF-MNs (with PHTF contents of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/g in the matrix) exhibited uniform arrays and intact tips, with RSDs for total flavonoid contents all below 7% ( n =8). The single-needle puncture forces were 1.46 and 1.07 N (with PHTF contents of 30 and 50 mg/g in the matrix, respectively). The skin penetration rate approached 100%, with visible puncture marks in the stratum corneum and drug residue (with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix). After 30 min of fixation, the needles had almost completely dissolved, and the skin retention rates all exceeded 90% (with PHTF contents of 10, 30, and 50 mg/g in the matrix, respectively). The cumulative release within 8 h was (134.64±2.03) μg/cm 2 , and the fit to the first-order kinetic equation ( R 2 =0.950 1) was highest (with a PHTF content of 50 mg/g in the matrix). Low- and high-dose PHTF-MN (containing 85.26 and 145.03 μg of total flavonoids per patch, respectively; 1 patch/day) significantly shortened the cumulative time of phase Ⅱ pain response in mice ( P <0.05), with pain inhibition rates (43.67% and 59.78%) comparable to those of ASA (53.70%).CONCLUSIONS PHTF-MN using HA 1.5w as a single matrix was successfully prepared. This formulation features a simplified preparation process, uniform drug loading, favorable mechanical properties, resistance to fracture, and rapid dissolution. Its drug release behavior conforms to a first-order kinetic model, and its analgesic effect is comparable to that of ASA.
6.Analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice levels regarding health protection against air pollution and related factors among Chinese primary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):958-961
Objective:
To assess the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding health protection against air pollution among primary school students in China, and to analyze the impacts of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) exposure, family, and individual factors on KAP levels, so as to provide empirical basis for implementing targeted interventions.
Methods:
Using stratified cluster random sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 19 297 primary school students from third to fifth grade across 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China in 2024. The questionnaire was developed based on the Technical Guidelines for the Assessment of Civic Environmental and Health Literacy (Trial), and encompasses three dimensions:knowledge, attitude, and practice. Spearman correlation analysis, Chi-square test, multivariate Logistic regression, and Bootstrap mediation effect test was applied for data analysis.
Results:
The overall mean KAP score for health protection against air pollution among primary school students was (79.73±13.53), with an adequacy rate of 80.47% ( n =15 528). The dimension scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were (41.34±8.01, 16.43± 2.61 ), and (21.97±5.71), respectively. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude and practice, and attitude was positively correlated with practice ( r =0.51, 0.35, 0.32, all P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression showed that the northeast region ( OR =2.36, 95% CI =2.02-2.75), having parents with a bachelor s degree or higher ( OR =4.76, 95% CI =2.71-8.37), living with both parents ( OR =1.33, 95% CI =1.15-1.55), being in the fifth grade ( OR =1.22, 95% CI =1.11-1.33), outdoor PM 2.5 level exceeding standard limits at the survey site ( OR =1.25, 95% CI =1.16-1.34), history of allergy ( OR =1.47, 95% CI =1.31-1.64), and wearing masks during heavily polluted weather ( OR =1.19, 95% CI =1.07-1.31) were promoting factors for KAP adequacy rate (all P <0.05). Conversely, obesity was a detrimental factor ( OR =0.78, 95% CI =0.69-0.88, all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Primary school students in China exhibit a favorable KAP level regarding health protection against air pollution, though regional, familial, and individual disparities persist. Exposure to PM 2.5 levels exceeding standard limits exerts a direct positive effect on enhancing health protection literacy. Future efforts should focus on the western region, families with lower educational attainment children to implement tailored, stratified interventions.
7.Effect of Eucommiae Cortex extract mediated by ERβ/JNK pathway on learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice.
Yue LI ; Li-Li ZHANG ; Can ZHAO ; Hong-Mei ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Jin-Lei FU ; Jie ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Hong-Dan XU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):285-293
To study the ameliorative effect of Eucommiae Cortex extract on spatial learning disabilities in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and explore its relationship with estrogen receptor β(ERβ)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) signaling pathway, sixty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an anti-brain failure capsule group(0.585 g·kg~(-1)), a donepezil hydrochloride group(0.65 mg·kg~(-1)), and a Eucommiae Cortex extract group(1.3 g·kg~(-1)), and 15 C57BL/6 mice of the same genetic background were set as WT control group. The learning and memory ability of mice was assessed by the Morris water maze test(MWM), the passive avoidance test(PAT), and the novel object recognition test(NOR). The histomorphological and cellular ultrastructural features of the hippocampal region of the mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy(TEM); the molecular docking validation of the key active ingredients and the key targets was performed by using AutoDock Vina software, and the immunohistochemical method(IHC) was used to detect the ERβ expression in the dentate gyrus(DG) area of mouse hippocampus. Western blot(WB) was utilized to detect the expression of ERβ, p-JNK, and JNK in mouse hippocampal area. Compared with those in the WT control group, the results of behavioral experiments showed that the latency of the mice in the model group was significantly increased, the number of platform traversals, and the target quadrant residence time were significantly decreased in the MWM. The evasion latency was significantly reduced, and the number of errors was significantly increased in the PAT. The index of recognition of novel objects was significantly reduced in the NOR. The results of HE staining indicated that the hippocampal area of mice in the model group showed a decrease in the number of neurons, disorganization of pyramidal cell arrangement, nucleus consolidation, and other changes. TEM results showed that some neuronal nuclei in the hippocampal area had a consolidated state, slightly thickened and aberrant nuclear membranes, and fewer intracytoplasmic nidus bodies; the IHC results showed that the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal DG area of the mice was reduced. The WB results showed that the ERβ expression in the hippocampal tissue was decreased, and the p-JNK/JNK level was elevated. Compared with the model group, the Eucommiae Cortex extract group showed a significant decrease in latency, and increase in number of platform traversals and target quadrant residence time in the MWM, a significant increase in evasion latency and decrease in number of errors in the PAT, and a significant increase in the index of recognition of novel objects in the NOR. In addition, there was an increase in the number of neurons in the hippocampal area of mice. The pyramidal cells tended to be arranged in an orderly manner; the nuclei of neurons in the hippocampal area were in a better state; the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal DG area of the mice was elevated; the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal tissue was elevated, and the level of p-JNK/JNK was reduced. The effects of donepezil hydrochloride group and anti-brain failure capsule on APP/PS1 mice in terms of behavioral, HE, and TEM indexes were similar to those of Eucommiae Cortex extract, and there was no significant difference between donepezil hydrochloride group and the model group in IHC and WB experiments, and the results of molecular docking indicated that the estrogen-like components in Eucommiae Cortex extract were tightly bound to ERβ. In conclusion, the binding of Eucommiae Cortex extract to estrogen receptors, regulation of ERβ expression, and activation of ERβ/JNK signaling pathway may be one of the key mechanisms by which it improves the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice.
Animals
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Memory/drug effects*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics*
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Eucommiaceae/chemistry*
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Alzheimer Disease/psychology*
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism*
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Presenilin-1/metabolism*
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Humans
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MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
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Maze Learning/drug effects*
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Learning/drug effects*
8.Transcriptome sequencing reveals molecular mechanism of seed dormancy release of Zanthoxylum nitidum.
Chang-Qian QUAN ; Dan-Feng TANG ; Jian-Ping JIANG ; Yan-Xia ZHU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):102-110
The transcriptome sequencing based on Illumina Novaseq 6000 Platform was performed with the untreated seed embryo(DS), stratified seed embryo(SS), and germinated seed embryo(GS) of Zanthoxylum nitidum, aiming to explore the molecular mechanism regulating the seed dormancy and germination of Z. nitidum and uncover key differentially expressed genes(DEGs). A total of 61.41 Gb clean data was obtained, and 86 386 unigenes with an average length of 773.49 bp were assembled. A total of 29 290 DEGs were screened from three comparison groups(SS vs DS, GS vs SS, and GS vs DS), and these genes were annotated on 134 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathways. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the plant hormone signal transduction pathway is the richest pathway, containing 226 DEGs. Among all DEGs, 894 transcription factors were identified, which were distributed across 34 transcription factor families. These transcription factors were also mainly concentrated in plant hormone signal transduction and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathways. Further real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) validation of 12 DEGs showed that the transcriptome data is reliable. During the process of seed dormancy release and germination, a large number of DEGs involved in polysaccharide degradation, protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and hormone signal transduction were expressed. These genes were involved in multiple metabolic pathways, forming a complex regulatory network for dormancy and germination. This study lays a solid foundation for analyzing the molecular mechanisms of seed dormancy and germination of Z. nitidum.
Zanthoxylum/metabolism*
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Plant Dormancy/genetics*
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Seeds/metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
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Transcriptome
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Gene Expression Profiling
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Germination
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Transcription Factors/metabolism*
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Plant Growth Regulators/genetics*
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Signal Transduction
9.Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments reveal mechanism of Zhizhu Decoction in regulating macrophage polarization to reduce adipose tissue inflammation in obese children.
Yong-Kai YIN ; Chang-Miao NIU ; Li-Ting LIANG ; Mo DAN ; Tian-Qi GAO ; Yan-Hong QIN ; Xiao-Ning YAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):228-238
Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to predict the mechanism of Zhizhu Decoction in regulating macrophage polarization to reduce adipose tissue inflammation in obese children, and animal experiments were then carried out to validate the prediction results. The active ingredients and targets of Zhizhu Decoction were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). The inflammation related targets in the adipose tissue of obese children were searched against GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET, and a drug-disease-target network was established. STRING was used to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network and screen for core targets. R language was used to carry out Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. AutoDock was used for the molecular docking between core targets and active ingredients. 24 SPF grade 6-week C57B/6J male mice were adaptively fed for 1 week, and 8 mice were randomly selected as the blank group. The remaining 16 mice were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to onstruct a high-fat diet induced mouse obesity model. After successful modeling, the 16 mice were randomly divided into model group and Zhizhu Decoction group, with 8 mice in each group. Zhizhu Decoction group was intervened by gavage for 14 days, once a day. Blank group and model group were given an equal amount of sterile double distilled water(ddH_2O) by gavage daily. After the last gavage, serum and inguinal adipose tissue were collected from mice for testing. The morphology of inguinal adipose tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expression of macrophage marker molecule nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and epidermal growth factor like hormone receptor 1(F4/80) was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Network pharmacology predicted luteolin, naringenin, and nobiletin as the main active ingredients in Zhizhu Decoction and 15 core targets. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed involvement in the key signaling pathway of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB). Molecular docking showed that the active ingredients of Zhizhu Decoction bound well to the core targets. Animal experiment showed that compared with the model group, Zhizhu Decoction reduced the distribution of inflammatory cytokines in the inguinal adipose tissue of mice, lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum(P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of iNOS and F4/80(P<0.05). The results showed that the active ingredients in Zhizhu Decoction, such as luteolin, naringenin, and nobiletin, inhibit the aggregation of macrophages in adipose tissue, downregulate their classic activated macrophage(M1) polarization, reduce the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and thus improve adipose tissue inflammation in obese mice.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Adipose Tissue/immunology*
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Mice
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Male
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Humans
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Network Pharmacology
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Child
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Obesity/genetics*
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Inflammation/drug therapy*
10.Effect and mechanism of combined use of active components of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in ameliorating neuronal injury induced by OGD/R.
Cun-Yan DAN ; Meng-Wei RONG ; Xiu LOU ; Tian-Qing XIA ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Hong GUO ; Cun-Gen MA ; Li-Juan SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1098-1110
Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), as one of the classic formulas in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke(CIS), has demonstrated definite effects in clinical practice. However, the material basis and mechanism of treatment have not been systematically elucidated. This study employed network pharmacology and molecular docking to analyze the potential targets and mechanisms of blood-and brain-penetrating active components of BYHWD in reducing cell apoptosis in CIS. Cell experiments were then carried out to validate the prediction results. In the experiments, five active components including hydroxysafflor yellow A( HSYA), tetramethylpyrazine( TMP), astragaloside Ⅳ( AS-Ⅳ), amygdalin( AMY), and paeoniflorin(PF) were selected to explore the pharmacological effects of BYHWD. HT22 cells were treated with BYHWD, and the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method was employed to examine the toxic and side effects of BYHWD. A cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation( OGD/R) was constructed, with apoptosis and pyroptosis as the main screening indicators. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) and glutathione(GSH) were measured to assess the cell membrane integrity. Flow cytometry was employed to detect apoptosis, and the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-1 were measured to clarify the status of apoptosis and pyroptosis. ELISA was employed to determine the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 to confirm pyroptosis. HSYA and AMY were identified in this study as the active components regulating apoptosis and pyroptosis. TUNEL was employed to detect the apoptosis rate, and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and caspase-3, which confirmed that the anti-apoptotic effect of the combined component group was superior to that of the single component groups. The molecular docking results revealed strong binding affinity of HSYA and AMY with SDF-1α and CXCR4.AMD3100, a selective antagonist of CXCR4, was then used for intervention. The results of Western blot showed alterations in the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins, SDF-1α, and CXCR4. In conclusion, HSYA and AMY influence cellular apoptosis by modulating the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling cascade.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Animals
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Neurons/cytology*
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Mice
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Cell Line
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Glucose/metabolism*
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Humans
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Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology*


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