1.Effect of Modified Tuoli Xiaodusan on Patients After Perianal Abscess Surgery on STAT3/VEGF Pathway
Haoyang DU ; Yuan GAO ; Haiqi FU ; Jinling HE ; Jing ZHANG ; Yangyang YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):187-195
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of oral administration of modified Tuoli Xiaodusan on postoperative patients with perianal abscess, and its effects on related inflammatory factors and signal transducers and activators of transcription protein 3 (STAT3)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways. MethodsFrom January 2023 to December 2023 in Inner Mongolia hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, 60 postoperative patients with perianal abscess who met the inclusion criteria were selected. They were divided into a treatment group and a control group using the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the treatment group received additional treatment with modified Tuoli Xiaodusan on the basis of the control group. The course of treatment in both groups was three weeks. On the day of operation and on the 7th, 14th and 21st day after operation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the expression levels of serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of pathological tissue. Western blot was used to measure the levels of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the expression level of VEGF mRNA. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared according to the wound pain, secretion volume score, and healing rate of patients on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st day after operation. ResultsThe total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). For intra-group comparison, the pain score of the control group decreased at each time period (P<0.05), and the healing rate increased (P<0.05). The secretion volume score decreased on the 14th and 21st days after operation (P<0.05). The pain score and secretion volume score of the treatment group decreased at each time period (P<0.05), and the healing rate increased (P<0.05). The levels of various inflammatory factors decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with those on the surgical day, the levels of p-STAT3 and VEGF proteins in the wound tissue of the two groups were different on the 7th and 21st days after operation (P<0.05). There were significant differences in VEGF mRNA levels in wound tissue between the two groups at each time period (P<0.01). For inter-group comparison, on the 7th and 14th days after operation, the pain score in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group. On the 7th, 14th and 21st days after operation, the secretion volume scores and healing rate of the treatment group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). The levels of various inflammatory factors in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the decline rate was faster (P<0.05). On the 7th day after operation, the levels of p-STAT3, VEGF protein, and VEGF mRNA in the wound tissue of the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the inflammatory cell infiltration in the treatment group decreased faster. The cell arrangement was more orderly, and new blood vessel lumens were visible. There were no abnormalities in the safety observation indexes of all patients during the study period. ConclusionModified Tuoli Xiaodusan can relieve wound pain after perianal abscess surgery, reduce secretions, and improve wound healing rate. The mechanism may be reducing the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, reducing the inflammatory response of the wound, upregulating the expression of p-STAT3 and VEGF proteins, and stimulating the STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway, thereby accelerating angiogenesis and promoting wound healing.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
3.Clinical comprehensive evaluation of 16 commonly used kinds of enteral nutrition preparations in Hebei province
Zhihan ZHANG ; Yue CHENG ; Lamei XU ; Qingsong LI ; Yuan GAO ; Congxin LI ; Shuqing GAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):281-287
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively evaluate the 16 commonly used kinds of enteral nutrition preparations in Hebei province, aiming to provide a reference for the selection of drugs in medical institutions and clinical drug decision-making. METHODS Based on the Quick Guide for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (the Second Edition), evaluation evidence was collected, and the included drugs were scored and evaluated from four dimensions of pharmaceutical characteristics, clinical characteristics, economy and other attributes. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The scores for Enteral nutritional emulsion (TPF-T), Enteral nutritional emulsion (TPF-D), Enteral nutritional emulsion (TPF), Enteral nutritional emulsion (TPF-HE), Enteral nutritional emulsion (TP), Enteral nutritional emulsion (SP), Enteral nutritional suspension (TPF) (1.5 kcal/mL, 1 kcal=4.184 kJ), Enteral nutritional suspension (TPF) (1.0 kcal/mL), Intact protein enteral nutrition (powder), Enteral nutritional suspension (TPF-DM), Enteral nutritional suspension (TPF-MCT), Enteral nutritional suspension (SP), Short- peptide enteral nutrition, Enteral nutritional powder (TP), Enteral nutritional suspension (TPF-D) and Enteral nutritional suspension (TPF-FOS) were 82.9, 84.1, 84.1, 86.1, 78.4, 79.1, 82.6, 82.3, 82.4, 80.2, 83.0, 82.4, 82.1, 85.7, 76.0, 82.4 points, respectively. All medications scored above 70 points. In practice, appropriate drugs can be selected according to clinical requirements and patient needs.
4.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
5.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
6.Mechanism of Xixintang in Protecting Blood-brain Barrier in Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats Based on AQP4 Polarization
Siyuan JIA ; Yongchang DIWU ; Yuan TIAN ; Jie GAO ; Meirong WU ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):1-10
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of Xixintang on aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarity distribution, blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, and neuroinflammationin rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD), thereby revealing the potential mechanism through which this formula protects the BBB by regulating AQP4 polarization. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for clinical treatment. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a probiotic group, a donepezil group, and an Xixintang group. The model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-Gal) combined with bilateral intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-β25-35 (Aβ25-35). The probiotic group (30.85 mg·kg-1), donepezil group (0.88 mg·kg-1), and Xixintang group (1.174 g·kg-1) received daily gavage administration, while the normal and model groups received intragastric administration with an equal volume of normal saline for one month. Cognitive ability was assessed by using the Morris water maze. BBB permeability was detected via Evans blue extravasation. The contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the hippocampal tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and AQP4 in the hippocampal tissues were detected by western blot. The expression and co-localization levels of Aβ1-42, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1), and AQP4/platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 31 (CD31) in the hippocampal region were examined by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited a significant decline in cognitive ability (P<0.01) and a marked increase in Evans blue extravasation in the brain (P<0.01). The expressions of ZO-1, occludin, and TIMP-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the expressions of AQP4 and MMP-9 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The co-localization level of AQP4/CD31 was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Aβ1-42, IL-6, TNF-α, and IBA1 were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Xixintang group showed significant improvement in cognitive ability (P<0.01) and a significant reduction in Evans blue extravasation in the brain (P<0.01). The expressions of occludin, TIMP-1, and ZO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expressions of AQP4 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The co-localization level of AQP4/CD31 was significantly enhanced (P<0.01), and the expressions of Aβ1-42, IL-6, TNF-α, and IBA1 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXixintang may improve cognitive function and alleviate AD pathology in AD model rats by regulating AQP4 polarity distribution, thereby breaking the vicious cycle of "Aβ deposition-neuroinflammation-BBB damage" and restoring the homeostasis of the microenvironment in the brain.
7.Effect of Xixintang on Colonic Mucosal Barrier and TLR4 /NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway in AD Model Rats Induced by D-galactose Combined with Aβ25-35
Yuan TIAN ; Yongchang DIWU ; Siyuan JIA ; Jie GAO ; Meirong WU ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):1-11
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether Xixintang could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model induced by D-galactose and β-amyloid (Aβ25-35), by means of repairing the colonic mucosal barrier, regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway, and intervening in the pathological process mediated by the gut-brain axis. MethodsSixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided to five groups (n=12): A control group, a model group, a donepezil group, an Xixintang group, and a probiotic group. Except for those in the control group, rats in all other groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose for six consecutive weeks. Subsequently, aggregated Aβ25-35 was injected stereotactically into the bilateral ventricles to establish the AD model. During the intervention periods, the rats in all groups were administered their respective drugs and normal saline by gavage. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the capacity for spatial learning and memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect Aβ1-41 deposition in the hippocampal region and Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression in the colonic mucosa. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression levels of FFAR2,TLR4, NF-κB p65, occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and MUC2 in the colonic tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum amyloid A (SAA), and Aβ1-42 in the hippocampal region from the colonic tissues. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in colon tissues of rats were measured by using a dynamic chromogenic limulus assay. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the rats in the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency and a markedly shorter duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The integrity of the colonic mucosal structure was compromised, with disordered gland arrangement and a reduced number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in colonic tissues were significantly upregulated (P<0.01), while those of occludin and ZO-1 were downregulated (P<0.01). The contents of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the LPS level in the serum was markedly increased (P<0.01). In comparison to those in the model group, the rats in the Xixintang group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and a prolonged duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The colonic mucosal structure was ameliorated, with neat gland arrangement and an increased number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while the protein levels of occludin and ZO-1 were increased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-6, TNF-α, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were decreased (P<0.01), and the LPS level was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionXixintang can significantly ameliorate cognitive dysfunction of AD model rats, by means of restoring the colonic mucosal barrier structure, reducing cerebral Aβ deposition, and suppressing peripheral and central inflammatory response. Its mechanism of action may be closely associated with the suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, reduction of endotoxin levels, and regulation of the gut-brain axis.
8.Effect of Xixintang on Colonic Mucosal Barrier and TLR4 /NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway in AD Model Rats Induced by D-galactose Combined with Aβ25-35
Yuan TIAN ; Yongchang DIWU ; Siyuan JIA ; Jie GAO ; Meirong WU ; Dengkun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):1-11
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether Xixintang could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model induced by D-galactose and β-amyloid (Aβ25-35), by means of repairing the colonic mucosal barrier, regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway, and intervening in the pathological process mediated by the gut-brain axis. MethodsSixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided to five groups (n=12): A control group, a model group, a donepezil group, an Xixintang group, and a probiotic group. Except for those in the control group, rats in all other groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose for six consecutive weeks. Subsequently, aggregated Aβ25-35 was injected stereotactically into the bilateral ventricles to establish the AD model. During the intervention periods, the rats in all groups were administered their respective drugs and normal saline by gavage. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the capacity for spatial learning and memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the colon tissues. Immunofluorescence was used to detect Aβ1-41 deposition in the hippocampal region and Mucin 2 (MUC2) expression in the colonic mucosa. Western blot was performed to measure the protein expression levels of FFAR2,TLR4, NF-κB p65, occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and MUC2 in the colonic tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum amyloid A (SAA), and Aβ1-42 in the hippocampal region from the colonic tissues. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in colon tissues of rats were measured by using a dynamic chromogenic limulus assay. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the rats in the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency and a markedly shorter duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The integrity of the colonic mucosal structure was compromised, with disordered gland arrangement and a reduced number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in colonic tissues were significantly upregulated (P<0.01), while those of occludin and ZO-1 were downregulated (P<0.01). The contents of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the LPS level in the serum was markedly increased (P<0.01). In comparison to those in the model group, the rats in the Xixintang group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and a prolonged duration in the target quadrant (P<0.01). The colonic mucosal structure was ameliorated, with neat gland arrangement and an increased number of goblet cells. The Aβ1-42 deposition in the hippocampal region was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while the protein levels of occludin and ZO-1 were increased (P<0.01). The contents of IL-6, TNF-α, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were decreased (P<0.01), and the LPS level was reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionXixintang can significantly ameliorate cognitive dysfunction of AD model rats, by means of restoring the colonic mucosal barrier structure, reducing cerebral Aβ deposition, and suppressing peripheral and central inflammatory response. Its mechanism of action may be closely associated with the suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, reduction of endotoxin levels, and regulation of the gut-brain axis.
9.Regulation of Immune Function by Exercise-induced Metabolic Remodeling
Hui-Guo WANG ; Gao-Yuan YANG ; Xian-Yan XIE ; Yu WANG ; Zi-Yan LI ; Lin ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1574-1586
Exercise-induced metabolic remodeling is a fundamental adaptive process whereby the body reorganizes systemic and cellular metabolism to meet the dynamic energy demands posed by physical activity. Emerging evidence reveals that such remodeling not only enhances energy homeostasis but also profoundly influences immune function through complex molecular interactions involving glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. This review presents an in-depth synthesis of recent advances, elucidating how exercise modulates immune regulation via metabolic reprogramming, highlighting key molecular mechanisms, immune-metabolic signaling axes, and the authors’ academic perspective on the integrated “exercise-metabolism-immunity” network. In the domain of glucose metabolism, regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hyperglycemia, thereby attenuating glucose toxicity-induced immune dysfunction. It suppresses the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and interrupts the AGEs-RAGE-inflammation positive feedback loop in innate and adaptive immune cells. Importantly, exercise-induced lactate, traditionally viewed as a metabolic byproduct, is now recognized as an active immunomodulatory molecule. At high concentrations, lactate can suppress immune function through pH-mediated effects and GPR81 receptor activation. At physiological levels, it supports regulatory T cell survival, promotes macrophage M2 polarization, and modulates gene expression via histone lactylation. Additionally, key metabolic regulators such as AMPK and mTOR coordinate immune cell energy balance and phenotype; exercise activates the AMPK-mTOR axis to favor anti-inflammatory immune cell profiles. Simultaneously, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is transiently activated during exercise, driving glycolytic reprogramming in T cells and macrophages, and shaping the immune landscape. In lipid metabolism, exercise alleviates adipose tissue inflammation by reducing fat mass and reshaping the immune microenvironment. It promotes the polarization of adipose tissue macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, exercise alters the secretion profile of adipokines—raising adiponectin levels while reducing leptin and resistin—thereby influencing systemic immune balance. At the circulatory level, exercise improves lipid profiles by lowering pro-inflammatory free fatty acids (particularly saturated fatty acids) and triglycerides, while enhancing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function, which has immunoregulatory properties such as endotoxin neutralization and macrophage cholesterol efflux. Regarding protein metabolism, exercise triggers the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that act as intracellular chaperones and extracellular immune signals. Exercise also promotes the secretion of myokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-15, irisin, FGF21) from skeletal muscle, which modulate immune responses, facilitate T cell and macrophage function, and support immunological memory. Furthermore, exercise reshapes amino acid metabolism, particularly of glutamine, arginine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), thereby influencing immune cell proliferation, biosynthesis, and signaling. Leucine-mTORC1 signaling plays a key role in T cell fate, while arginine metabolism governs macrophage polarization and T cell activation. In summary, this review underscores the complex, bidirectional relationship between exercise and immune function, orchestrated through metabolic remodeling. Future research should focus on causative links among specific metabolites, signaling pathways, and immune phenotypes, as well as explore the epigenetic consequences of exercise-induced metabolic shifts. This integrated perspective advances understanding of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for immune regulation and offers theoretical foundations for individualized exercise prescriptions in health and disease contexts.
10.Inhibitory Effects of the Slit Guidance Ligand 1-3’ Untranslated Region on the Fibrotic Phenotype of Cardiac Fibroblasts
Ya WANG ; Huayan WU ; Yuan GAO ; Rushi WU ; Peiying GUAN ; Hui LI ; Juntao FANG ; Zhixin SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):466-474
ObjectiveTo study the regulatory effect of the partial sequence within the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of slit guidance ligand 1 (Slit1) (Slit1-3’UTR) on the fibrotic phenotypes of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and its potential mechanism. MethodsThe adenovirus vector was used to overexpress the 1526nt sequence of Slit1-3’UTR in ICR neonatal mouse CFs (mCFs). The expression of fibrosis-related genes in mCFs, such as collagen type 1 alpha1(COL1A1), collagen type 3 alpha3 (COL3A1) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by Western blot assay. The effect of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt on the proliferation and migration of mCFs was assessed by EdU staining and Trans-well assays. Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) was used to treat mCFs, and the impact of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt on the fibrotic phenotypes of Ang Ⅱ-induced mCFs was evaluated. After overexpression of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt, miR-34a-5p mimic was transfected into mCFs, followed by actinomycin D treatment to detect the mRNA stability of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt, and the levels of miR-34a-5p and its target gene SIRT1(si-SIRT1) in mCFs were determined. The effects of miR-34a-5p and small interfering RNA targeting SIRT1 on the Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt-mediated regulation of fibrotic phenotypes were also determined. ResultsAdenovirus-mediated overexpression of Slit 1-3’UTR 1526nt was achieved in mCFs. Overexpression of Slit 1-3’UTR 1526nt markedly inhibited the expression of the fibrosis-related genes, proliferation and migration of mCFs and fibrotic phenotypes of Ang Ⅱ. The results of actinomycin D assay showed that miR-34a-5p inhibited the stability of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt in mCFs, while the level of miR-34a-5p was reduced in mCFs with overexpression of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt. Transfection of miR-34a-5p promoted the fibrotic phenotypes, and reversed the inhibitory effect of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt on the fibrotic phenotypes of mCFs. Overexpression of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt significantly increased the level of miR-34a-5p target gene SIRT1 in mCFs. Transfection of miR-34a-5p and si-SIRT1 consistently reversed the inhibitory effects of Slit1-3’UTR 1526nt on the fibrotic phenotypes of mCFs. ConclusionSlit1-3’UTR1526nt inhibits the fibrotic phenotypes of mCFs by binding to miR-34a-5p and increasing the expression of its target gene of SIRT1.

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