1.Screening key genes of PANoptosis in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury based on bioinformatics
Lirong ZHU ; Qian GUO ; Jie YANG ; Qiuwen ZHANG ; Guining HE ; Yanqing YU ; Ning WEN ; Jianhui DONG ; Haibin LI ; Xuyong SUN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):106-113
Objective To explore the relationship between PANoptosis and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI), and to screen the key genes of PANoptosis in HIRI. Methods PANoptosis-related differentially expressed genes (PDG) were obtained through the Gene Expression Omnibus database and GeneCards database. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the biological pathways related to PDG. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Key genes were selected, and their diagnostic value was assessed and validated in the HIRI mice. Immune cell infiltration analysis was performed based on the cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts. Results A total of 16 PDG were identified. GO analysis showed that PDG were closely related to cellular metabolism. KEGG analysis indicated that PDG were mainly enriched in cellular death pathways such as apoptosis and immune-related signaling pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. GSEA results showed that key genes were mainly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Two key genes, DFFB and TNFSF10, were identified with high accuracy in diagnosing HIRI, with areas under the curve of 0.964 and 1.000, respectively. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the control group had more infiltration of resting natural killer cells, M2 macrophages, etc., while the HIRI group had more infiltration of M0 macrophages, neutrophils, and naive B cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that compared with the Sham group, the relative expression of DFFB messenger RNA in liver tissue of HIRI group mice increased, and the relative expression of TNFSF10 messenger RNA decreased. Cibersort analysis showed that the infiltration abundance of naive B cells was positively correlated with DFFB expression (r=0.70, P=0.035), and the infiltration abundance of M2 macrophages was positively correlated with TNFSF10 expression (r=0.68, P=0.045). Conclusions PANoptosis-related genes DFFB and TNFSF10 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HIRI.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Zusanli Points Combined with Sanhuang Decoction Fumigation on Postoperative Hemorrhoid Wound Healing and Repair
Tingduo LI ; Jun XUE ; Guining WANG ; Tao PENG ; Chao ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):152-158
Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36)points combined with Sanhuang Decoction fumigation for postoperative hemorrhoid wound healing and repair.Methods A total of 110 postoperative hemorrhoidal patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group,55 cases in each group.The control group was treated by Potassium Permanganate Solution for sitz bath,and the observation group was treated by acupuncture at Zusanli points combined with Sanhuang Decoction fumigation on the basis of the control group's treatment.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 14 days.After two weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups were evaluated,and changes in the anal canal resting pressure,anal canal systolic blood pressure,anal maximal squeeze pressure,as well as the wound granulation tissue,wound area,wound effusion,and wound edema,and wound pain scores of the patients were observed before and after the treatment.The changes of levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)and interleukin 6(IL-6)in the two groups before and after treatment were compared.Moreover,the total complication rate and wound healing time of the two groups were compared.Results(1)The total effective rate was 96.36%(53/55)in the observation group and 74.55%(41/55)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the anal canal resting pressure,anal canal systolic blood pressure,anal maximal squeeze pressure of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the wound granulation tissue,wound area,wound effusion,and wound edema,and wound pain scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly improved in both groups(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(5)The total complication rate of the observation group was 7.27%(4/55),and that of the control group was 27.27%(15/55),and the total complication rate of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(6)The wound healing time of the observation group was significantly shorter than that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at Zusanli points combined with Sanhuang Decoction fumigation for postoperative hemorrhoidal patients can effectively relieve their symptoms such as perianal pain and edema,improve the anal function,reduce inflammatory responses and the incidence of complications,promote wound repair.
3.Mahoniae Caulis Alkaloids Ameliorate Depression by Regulating Synaptic Plasticity via cAMP Pathway
Junhui HE ; Chunlian JIA ; Kedao LAI ; Guili ZHOU ; Rongfei ZHOU ; Yi LI ; Dongmei LI ; Jiaxiu XIE ; Guining WEI ; Juying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):132-140
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms associated with Mahoniae Caulis alkaloids (MA) in ameliorating depression by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsThe component targets of MA were obtained through Swiss Target Prediction and TCMIP database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by protein interaction analysis (STRING) database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed through Bioinformatics (DAVID) database. The docking of components and targets was performed by AGFR. The mouse model of depression was established by intraperitoneal injection of corticosterone (CORT) once a day for 35 consecutive days. Sixty mice were randomly allocated into control (0.9% normal saline), model (CORT, 20 mg·kg-1), positive control (fluoxetine hydrochloride, 3.6 mg·kg-1), and MA (10, 5, and 2.5 mg·kg-1) groups. Each group was administrated with corresponding medicine or normal saline once a day for 28 consecutive days. The depression-like behavior of mice was observed. The pathological changes of prefrontal cortex in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to observe the apoptosis of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to assess the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) in mice. The mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway-related factors and inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of cAMP pathway-related factors and connexin 43 (Cx43). ResultsA total of 434 component targets and 545 depression targets were obtained, including 84 common targets, among which 10 core targets were screened out. GO analysis predicted 34 biological processes, 15 cell components, and 11 molecular functions. The KEGG pathways were mainly related to gap junction and cAMP signaling pathway. The core components had good binding affinity with the core targets. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the control group, CORT prolonged the immobility time of mice in forced swimming and tail suspension tests (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brain tissue (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate effector binding protein (CREB) and BDNF (P<0.05) and the protein levels of protein kinase (PRKACA), phosphorylation (p)-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05) in the brain tissue. Compared with the model group, high-dose MA reduced the immobility time of mice in forced swimming (P<0.05) and tail suspension (P<0.01) tests, raised the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA level of NF-κB (P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA level of BDNF (P<0.01) and protein levels of PRKACA, p-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05). ConclusionMA alleviates the CORT-induced depressive behavior of mice. It may play an antidepressant role by regulating cAMP signaling pathway and gap junction pathway, improving synaptic plasticity and gap junction function, and reducing neuroinflammation.
4.Mahoniae Caulis Alkaloids Ameliorate Depression by Regulating Synaptic Plasticity via cAMP Pathway
Junhui HE ; Chunlian JIA ; Kedao LAI ; Guili ZHOU ; Rongfei ZHOU ; Yi LI ; Dongmei LI ; Jiaxiu XIE ; Guining WEI ; Juying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):132-140
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms associated with Mahoniae Caulis alkaloids (MA) in ameliorating depression by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsThe component targets of MA were obtained through Swiss Target Prediction and TCMIP database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. The depression targets were collected through TCMIP, Genecards, HPO, DrugBank and OMIM database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by protein interaction analysis (STRING) database. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed through Bioinformatics (DAVID) database. The docking of components and targets was performed by AGFR. The mouse model of depression was established by intraperitoneal injection of corticosterone (CORT) once a day for 35 consecutive days. Sixty mice were randomly allocated into control (0.9% normal saline), model (CORT, 20 mg·kg-1), positive control (fluoxetine hydrochloride, 3.6 mg·kg-1), and MA (10, 5, and 2.5 mg·kg-1) groups. Each group was administrated with corresponding medicine or normal saline once a day for 28 consecutive days. The depression-like behavior of mice was observed. The pathological changes of prefrontal cortex in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to observe the apoptosis of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to assess the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) in mice. The mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway-related factors and inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of cAMP pathway-related factors and connexin 43 (Cx43). ResultsA total of 434 component targets and 545 depression targets were obtained, including 84 common targets, among which 10 core targets were screened out. GO analysis predicted 34 biological processes, 15 cell components, and 11 molecular functions. The KEGG pathways were mainly related to gap junction and cAMP signaling pathway. The core components had good binding affinity with the core targets. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the control group, CORT prolonged the immobility time of mice in forced swimming and tail suspension tests (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brain tissue (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate effector binding protein (CREB) and BDNF (P<0.05) and the protein levels of protein kinase (PRKACA), phosphorylation (p)-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05) in the brain tissue. Compared with the model group, high-dose MA reduced the immobility time of mice in forced swimming (P<0.05) and tail suspension (P<0.01) tests, raised the serum levels of NE, BDNF, and 5-HT (P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA level of NF-κB (P<0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA level of BDNF (P<0.01) and protein levels of PRKACA, p-CREB/CREB, BDNF, and Cx43 (P<0.05). ConclusionMA alleviates the CORT-induced depressive behavior of mice. It may play an antidepressant role by regulating cAMP signaling pathway and gap junction pathway, improving synaptic plasticity and gap junction function, and reducing neuroinflammation.
5.Identification of core genes in programmed cell death during ischemia-reperfusion injury in kidney transplantation based on machine learning and experimental validation
Guining HE ; Lirong ZHU ; Jie YANG ; Zhen HE ; Minghu LI ; Haibin LI ; Ning WEN ; Xuyong SUN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):738-746
Objective To identify key patterns of programmed cell death(PCD)and core genes during ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)in kidney transplantation.Methods Kidney transplant datasets were obtained from gene expression database,and PCD-related differentially expressed genes were screened.The non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was used to classify patients and analyze subtype-specific biological functions and key PCD patterns.Machine learning models combined with univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were employed to identify core PCD genes during IRI in kidney transplantation and explore their correlation with key PCD patterns.A rat kidney transplant model was used to assess IRI severity through hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and Western blotting for key gene protein expression.Results Fourteen PCD-related genes were identified.Patients were classified into metabolic(subtype 1)and inflammatory(subtype 2)subtypes.Subtype 2 activated four key PCD patterns:pyroptosis,necroptosis,apoptosis and immunogenic cell death.The optimal model(XGBoost-CV:10 fold+Lasso-CV:10 fold)and survival analysis identified MCL1,BAG3,and RHOB as core PCD genes during IRI in kidney transplantation,which were broadly correlated with key PCD patterns.Experimental results showed that compared to the sham group,rats in the model group had more severe tubular injury,higher Scr and BUN levels,and increased BAG3,RHOB and MCL1 protein expression(all P<0.001).Conclusions These four PCD patterns are crucial in the pathogenesis of IRI in kidney transplantation.MCL1,BAG3 and RHOB may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IRI in kidney transplantation.
6.Identification of core genes in programmed cell death during ischemia-reperfusion injury in kidney transplantation based on machine learning and experimental validation
Guining HE ; Lirong ZHU ; Jie YANG ; Zhen HE ; Minghu LI ; Haibin LI ; Ning WEN ; Xuyong SUN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(5):738-746
Objective To identify key patterns of programmed cell death(PCD)and core genes during ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)in kidney transplantation.Methods Kidney transplant datasets were obtained from gene expression database,and PCD-related differentially expressed genes were screened.The non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was used to classify patients and analyze subtype-specific biological functions and key PCD patterns.Machine learning models combined with univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were employed to identify core PCD genes during IRI in kidney transplantation and explore their correlation with key PCD patterns.A rat kidney transplant model was used to assess IRI severity through hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and Western blotting for key gene protein expression.Results Fourteen PCD-related genes were identified.Patients were classified into metabolic(subtype 1)and inflammatory(subtype 2)subtypes.Subtype 2 activated four key PCD patterns:pyroptosis,necroptosis,apoptosis and immunogenic cell death.The optimal model(XGBoost-CV:10 fold+Lasso-CV:10 fold)and survival analysis identified MCL1,BAG3,and RHOB as core PCD genes during IRI in kidney transplantation,which were broadly correlated with key PCD patterns.Experimental results showed that compared to the sham group,rats in the model group had more severe tubular injury,higher Scr and BUN levels,and increased BAG3,RHOB and MCL1 protein expression(all P<0.001).Conclusions These four PCD patterns are crucial in the pathogenesis of IRI in kidney transplantation.MCL1,BAG3 and RHOB may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IRI in kidney transplantation.
7.Reserpine-induced depressive behaviors and neural impairment in rats:role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/AKT1 signaling suppression
Guili ZHOU ; Junhui HE ; Li YANG ; Rongfei ZHOU ; Guining WEI ; Kedao LAI ; Li LI ; Renbin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(10):11-19,38
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of reserpine-induced depression using network toxicology,molecular docking techniques,behavioral assessments of animal models,and histopathological analyses.Methods Core targets were screened using multi-database network toxicology,followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction network and validation of core targets through molecular docking.Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into control and reserpine(0.5 mg/kg)groups,and administered the corresponding treatments once daily for 4 consecutive days.Behavioral changes were assessed using the forced-swim and open-field tests.Serum neurotransmitters were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neuropathological damage was observed via tissue staining.Target gene expression regulation was verified by Western blot.Results Network toxicology screening and molecular docking simulation demonstrated that reserpine exhibited significant binding affinity with the dopamine D2 receptor,cyclic-AMP response element binding protein,and serine/threonine-protein kinase 1(AKT1).Animal experiments demonstrated that reserpine-treated rats displayed depression-like behaviors,including motor inhibition(P<0.01),with decreased serum levels of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine(P<0.01),respectively.Pathological observations revealed microglial proliferation in the cerebral cortex,increased apoptosis,and reduced Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region.Down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in brain tissue and decreased expression of hippocampal AKT1 and phosphorylated AKT1 were also observed.Conclusions Reserpine influences monoamine transmitter metabolism and neuronal structural integrity via the inhibition of BDNF and AKT1 protein expression,resulting in depressive-like behavior and cerebral nerve damage in rats.
8.Reserpine-induced depressive behaviors and neural impairment in rats:role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/AKT1 signaling suppression
Guili ZHOU ; Junhui HE ; Li YANG ; Rongfei ZHOU ; Guining WEI ; Kedao LAI ; Li LI ; Renbin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(10):11-19,38
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of reserpine-induced depression using network toxicology,molecular docking techniques,behavioral assessments of animal models,and histopathological analyses.Methods Core targets were screened using multi-database network toxicology,followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction network and validation of core targets through molecular docking.Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into control and reserpine(0.5 mg/kg)groups,and administered the corresponding treatments once daily for 4 consecutive days.Behavioral changes were assessed using the forced-swim and open-field tests.Serum neurotransmitters were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neuropathological damage was observed via tissue staining.Target gene expression regulation was verified by Western blot.Results Network toxicology screening and molecular docking simulation demonstrated that reserpine exhibited significant binding affinity with the dopamine D2 receptor,cyclic-AMP response element binding protein,and serine/threonine-protein kinase 1(AKT1).Animal experiments demonstrated that reserpine-treated rats displayed depression-like behaviors,including motor inhibition(P<0.01),with decreased serum levels of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine(P<0.01),respectively.Pathological observations revealed microglial proliferation in the cerebral cortex,increased apoptosis,and reduced Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region.Down-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in brain tissue and decreased expression of hippocampal AKT1 and phosphorylated AKT1 were also observed.Conclusions Reserpine influences monoamine transmitter metabolism and neuronal structural integrity via the inhibition of BDNF and AKT1 protein expression,resulting in depressive-like behavior and cerebral nerve damage in rats.
9.Therapeutic mechanism of aqueous extract of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang root for pancreatic cancer:the active components,therapeutic targets and pathways
Yan HUANG ; Lulu QIN ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Yanping GUANG ; Yuru WEI ; Ailing CAO ; Dongmei LI ; Guining WEI ; Qibiao SU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(7):1336-1344
Objective To explore the key targets and signaling pathways in the therapeutic mechanism of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang(SC)root against pancreatic cancer network pharmacology and molecular docking studies and cell experiments.Methods The targets of SC and pancreatic cancer were predicted using the network pharmacological database,the protein-protein interaction network was constructed,and pathways,functional enrichment and molecular docking analyses were performed.CCK-8 assay was used to test the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of SC root on 8 cancer cell lines,and its effects on invasion,migration,proliferation,and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells were evaluated.Western blotting was performed to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis.Results We identified a total of 18 active components in SC,which regulated 21 potential key targets in pancreatic cancer.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that these targets were involved mainly in the biological processes including protein phosphorylation,signal transduction,and apoptosis and participated in cancer signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.Among the 8 cancer cell lines,The aqueous extract of SC root produced the most obvious inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells,and significantly inhibited the invasion,migration,and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells(P<0.05).Western blotting confirmed that SC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in Panc-1 cells(P<0.001).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of SC root against pancreatic cancer effects is mediated by its multiple components that act on different targets and pathways including the PI3K-Akt pathway.
10.Therapeutic mechanism of aqueous extract of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang root for pancreatic cancer:the active components,therapeutic targets and pathways
Yan HUANG ; Lulu QIN ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Yanping GUANG ; Yuru WEI ; Ailing CAO ; Dongmei LI ; Guining WEI ; Qibiao SU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(7):1336-1344
Objective To explore the key targets and signaling pathways in the therapeutic mechanism of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang(SC)root against pancreatic cancer network pharmacology and molecular docking studies and cell experiments.Methods The targets of SC and pancreatic cancer were predicted using the network pharmacological database,the protein-protein interaction network was constructed,and pathways,functional enrichment and molecular docking analyses were performed.CCK-8 assay was used to test the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of SC root on 8 cancer cell lines,and its effects on invasion,migration,proliferation,and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells were evaluated.Western blotting was performed to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis.Results We identified a total of 18 active components in SC,which regulated 21 potential key targets in pancreatic cancer.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that these targets were involved mainly in the biological processes including protein phosphorylation,signal transduction,and apoptosis and participated in cancer signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.Among the 8 cancer cell lines,The aqueous extract of SC root produced the most obvious inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells,and significantly inhibited the invasion,migration,and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells(P<0.05).Western blotting confirmed that SC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in Panc-1 cells(P<0.001).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of SC root against pancreatic cancer effects is mediated by its multiple components that act on different targets and pathways including the PI3K-Akt pathway.

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