1.Mechanisms of Antidepressant Effect of Zhizi Houpotang and Its Herbal Pairs Based on NLRP3/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Ziwen GUO ; Tingyu SONG ; Yan WANG ; Baomei XIA ; Weiwei TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):72-80
ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point, this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Zhizi Houpotang, and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism, with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model group, a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group (6 g·kg-1·d-1), a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC)-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a Gardeniae Fructus (GF)-MOC herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a GF-AFI herbal pair group (3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and a positive drug group (fluoxetine, 12 mg·kg-1·d-1). Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal) and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2RX7, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, GSDMD, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition, the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased (P<0.01), the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of Panx1, P2RX7, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators (P<0.01). The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and PSD95 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair, GF-MOC, can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling, thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously, it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density, promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula, and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.
2.Pharmacodynamic Substance Basis and Mechanisms of Shangkeling Spray on Knee Osteoarthritis
Pengbo GUO ; Changhao XIAO ; Fei XIA ; Chong QIU ; Jigang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):206-216
ObjectiveTo analyze the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Shangkeling Spray and its potential mechanisms in intervening knee osteoarthritis (KOA) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking technology. MethodsUPLC-MS was used to identify the chemical components of Shangkeling Spray. Pharmacokinetic properties were employed to screen potential active ingredients. Network pharmacology methods were utilized to collect potential targets of these ingredients and the pathological gene set of KOA. An "active ingredient-disease" target network was constructed using databases such as STRING. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler. Libraries including NumPy were employed to calculate shortest path lengths to identify dominant pharmacodynamic links. Core gene clusters were identified using MCODE, validated through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and molecular docking was performed between key active ingredients and core targets. ResultsA total of 322 and 314 chemical components were identified under positive and negative ion modes, respectively, with 410 components in total after de-duplication, mainly including flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, organic acids, and alkaloids. Analysis of the "active ingredient-disease" network identified "development and regeneration", "cell growth and death", "immune system", and "nervous system" as the dominant pharmacodynamic links of Shangkeling Spray in the treatment of KOA. Molecular docking showed that key active ingredients, such as bletillin A, formononetin, morin, oxymatrine, aconitine, gallic acid, curdione, apigenin, naringenin, and oleanolic acid, tightly bound to functional domains of 10 key targets including Jun proteins(JUN), interleukin-6 (IL-6), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), Caspase-3, nuclear transcription factor-κB subunit p65(RELA), nuclear factor-kappaB1(NF-κB1), Cyclin D1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and Fos proto-oncogene protein (FOS). These interactions synergistically regulated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR-related signaling axis and nervous system-related pathways, mediating cartilage repair, reducing inflammation and pain, and improving KOA. ConclusionThis study preliminarily clarifies the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Shangkeling Spray and suggests that its main active ingredients may improve KOA by synergistically regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related pathways, providing a reference for subsequent exploration of its substance benchmark and mechanism of action.
3.Major changes in the United Kingdom Serious Hazards of Transfusion System (Part 2): promoting learning from continuing excellence in transfusion
Yongjian GUO ; Hongjie WANG ; Junhong YANG ; Xia HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):294-304
As the second part of this series, this article summarizes and synthesizes the key aspects of UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT), SHOT’s continuous promotion of learning from excellent daily transfusion events over the past six years. This summary is based on an introduction to the holistic approach to improving patient safety—proactively learning from both failures and successes. The covered topics include an overview, definitions, case studies, implementation methods, safety culture, psychological safety in the workplace, civility in work, the use of neutral language, leading and lagging indicators, and compassionate governance. It is hoped that this article will assist domestic colleagues in understanding and studying the strategic significance of the transformation of transfusion safety governance in the UK, and inspire reflection on the strategic development direction of transfusion safety governance in China.
4.The Relationship between Ig Class Switch Recombination and MMR Protein,Microsatellite Phenotype in Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue
Hong-Xia WANG ; Jun CHEN ; Jing LI ; Guo-Feng LU ; Xiu-Hua HAN ; Rong YANG ; Ya-Jun JIANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(4):1036-1041
Objective:To investigate the relationship between Ig class switch recombination(CSR)and mismatch repair(MMR)protein,microsatellite phenotype in extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT lymphoma).Methods:Forty cases of MALT lymphoma archived in the Department of Pathology,Jiading District Central Hospital,Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences were selected as the observation group,and twenty cases of benign lymphoid tissue hyperplasia were as the control group.The expressions of IgG,IgM,IgD,and IgA in both groups were detected by immunohistochemical double staining,and MMR proteins including MLH1,MSH2,MSH6,and PMS2 in both groups were detected by immunohistochemistry.Multiplex fluorescence PCR capillary electrophoresis was used to detect microsatellite phenotype in tumor and adjacent tissues of the experimental group.Results:In the observation group,the proportions of single Ig heavy chain expression(mode Ⅰ),negative expression(mode Ⅱ),and multiple expression(mode Ⅲ)were 65%(26/40),27.5%(11/40),and 7.5%(3/40),respectively,while in the control group were 0(0/20),5%(1/20),and 95%(19/20).The proportion of Ig heavy chain expression mode Ⅰ+Ⅱ in the observation group was 92.5%,which was significantly higher than 5%in the control group(P<0.0 1).In the observation group,partial deletion of MMR protein was observed in 3 cases(7.5%),including 2 cases of MSH6 deletion and 1 case of both MSH6 and PMS2 deletion.In the control group,there was 1 case(5%)with PMS2 deletion.There was no significant difference in the deletion rate of MMR protein between the two groups(P>0.05).A total of 5 cases of microsatellite instability(MSI)were detected in the observation group,including 1 case of low-frequency MSI(MSI-L),4 cases of high-frequency MSI(MSI-H),and 2 cases of MSI-H with MSH6 deletion.When the loss expression of MSI-H or MMR protein was counted as a positive result,the MSI-H rate detected by PCR capillary electrophoresis was 10%(4/40),which was slightly higher than the MMR protein deletion rate detected by immunohistochemistry(7.5%,3/40),but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The MMR protein deletion rates among the Ig heavy chain protein expression mode Ⅰ,mode Ⅱ,and mode Ⅲ groups were 0(0/26),18.2%(2/11),and 33.3%(1/3),respectively.There was a statistically significant difference in the constituent ratios among the three groups(P<0.05).The MMR protein deletion rates among the MSS,MSI-L,and MSI-H groups were 2.9%(1/35),0(0/1),and 50%(2/4),respectively.There was a statistically significant difference in the constituent ratios among the three groups(P<0.05).MMR protein deficiency was positively correlated with Ig heavy chain expression pattern and MSI(r=0.41,P<0.05;r=0.48,P<0.05),but Ig heavy chain expression pattern was not correlated with MSI(r=0.02,P>0.05).Conclusion:Ig heavy chain CSR detection is helpful for the differential diagnosis of MALT lymphoma.Low frequency MMR protein deletion and MSI-H phenotype exist in MALT lymphoma,which may be of certain value for the study of its occurrence,development and clinical treatment.
5.Autologous scalp repair of wounds in the medium-thickness skin donor area:safety and effectiveness
Dayong CAO ; Junjie ZHENG ; Lei WANG ; Yang YANG ; Haina GUO ; Peipeng XING ; Chengde XIA ; Haiping DI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3804-3810
BACKGROUND:Large deep burn wounds are often accompanied by scar hyperplasia after healing,requiring transplantation of medium-thickness skin for repair,and the medium-thickness skin slices taken generally reach below the papillary layer of the dermis.If not handled correctly,complications such as delayed healing,ulceration,and post-healing pain and itching in the donor area can easily occur.Therefore,the repair of wounds in the donor area should be emphasized.OBJECTIVE:To observe the safety and practicability of autologous scalp repair of skin donor area in patients with deep burns and scarring.METHODS:Sixty patients with deep burn and scar hyperplasia admitted to the Burn Department of Zhengzhou First People's Hospital from January 2021 to September 2023 were selected as the study subjects.They all needed medium-thickness skin transplantation and repair,and were divided into study group(n=30)and control group(n=30)according to random systematic sampling method.The skin was taken from the patient's own medium-thickness skin on the leg or back.In the study group,the skin donor area was repaired with self-blade thick scalp replantation,and in the control group,the skin donor area was repaired with absorbent dressing.The wound healing rate and the time to complete epithelialization of the wound were observed and compared in the two groups 6 days after surgery.The pain of dressing change at 3 and 6 days after surgery and scar hyperplasia in the skin donor area at 6 months after surgery were compared between two groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the time to complete epithelialization of the wound was significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05),and the wound healing rate was significantly higher in the study group(P<0.05),the pain score for dressing change at 3 and 6 days after surgery was significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05),and the scar hyperplasia rate,scar score and itch score were also significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05)at 6 months after surgery.In conclusion,autologous scalp repair of the medium-thickness skin donor area can accelerate wound healing and reduce scar hyperplasia.
6.A case of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair performed on a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation
Yi-jiang ZHOU ; Wei-cong XIA ; Kai WANG ; Jun LI ; Ya-wei CUI ; Kai-li WANG ; Yun MOU ; KUSHANI·REYIHAN ; Xiao-gang GUO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):236-240
Persistent atrial fibrillation and other factors can cause mitral and tricuspid annular dilation and leaflet regurgitation,leading to severe functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.Patients often experience significant heart failure symptoms and poor prognosis.For patients with severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation who are at high risk or contraindicated for surgical procedures,transbronchial repair(TEER)is an important alternative therapy that can effectively reduce valve regurgitation and improve cardiac function;Although there is a lack of large-scale data on atrial functional reflux,existing experience still shows that TEER can significantly reduce reflux and improve patients'quality of life.However,double valve intervention therapy poses challenges,especially when combined with TEER repair,which is technically more complex,time-consuming,and carries higher risks.Foreign data shows that simultaneous or staged double valve intervention can safely improve cardiac function and increase survival rates,but the optimal intervention strategy still needs further research.Due to the fact that tricuspid TEER devices have not yet been launched in China,only staged treatment can be adopted at present.This case report shows a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation who underwent staged transcatheter edge to edge repair surgery successfully.During a 1-year follow-up,bilateral valve regurgitation continued to improve,indicating that staged repair of bilateral atrioventricular valve regurgitation through the catheter margin is a feasible and effective treatment option.
7.Value of a clinical diagnostic model of heart failure based on disulfidptosis-related genes
Sheng LI ; Xia CHEN ; Peiyao YANG ; Yanli GUO ; Li WANG ; Ketao MA
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(3):370-373
Objective To explore the value of a clinical diagnostic model of heart failure(HF)based on disulfidptosis-related genes.Methods The differentially expressed disulfidetosis-related genes from the training set of Gene Expression Omnibus Series(GSE)57345 were obtained,and then analyzed with Gene Ontology(GO),Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)en-richment analysis,and Metascape disease enrichment analysis.Six male C57BL/6J mice were ran-domly divided into control group(intraperitoneal injection of normal saline)and HF group(intra-peritoneal injection of isoproterenol),with 3 mice in each group.Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the expression levels of key genes.Results GO enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed disulfidetosis-related genes were mainly involved in platelet aggrega-tion and other aspects.KEGG showed they were significantly enriched in tight junctions,vascular smooth muscle contraction and other signaling pathways.Metascape enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly related to focal glomerulosclerosis,glomerular disease,platelet dis-ease,tumor infiltration,nephrotic syndrome and other diseases.The HF group had significantly higher heart weight-to-body weight ratio,and lower ejection fraction,fractional shortening,cardiac output and stroke volume than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The cardiac mRNA levels of BNP and MYH10 were significantly higher[1.026±0.501 vs 0.686±0.187,P=0.038;1.469(1.782,2.670)vs 0.360(0.786,1.117),P=0.000],while those of MYL6 and TLN1 was obviously lower(0.575±0.105 vs 1.000±0.202,P=0.027;0.429±0.114 vs 1.000±0.109,P=0.000)in the HF group than the control group.Conclusion Our constructed HF diagnostic model has better di-agnostic performance.
8.Serum LIFR level and its clinical significance in myocardial infarction patients
Jiangyang DENG ; Yingying GUO ; Yizhou FENG ; Hongxia XIA ; Mengting WANG ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(4):459-462
Objective To explore the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR)in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)and its possible associa-tion with myocardial remodeling.Methods A total of 188 patients with acute myocardial infarc-tion who underwent coronary angiography in our hospital from January 2023 to November 2024 were prospectively enrolled and divided into a control group(94 cases)and an NSTEMI group(94 cases)according to being diagnosed with NSTEMI or not.General clinical data of the patients were collected,and the correlation between serum LIFR level and other indicators was analyzed using linear regression analysis.Results Compared with the control group,the NSTEMI group had significantly higher ratios of smoking history,elevated levels of LIFR,NT-proBNP,cTnⅠ,Cr and UA,increased WBC count,but lower LVEF value[48.94%vs 13.83%,P<0.01;5.82(4.23,8.11)mmol/L vs 0.97(0.60,1.41)mmol/L,P<0.01;2.53(1.24,9.71)pg/L vs 0.03(0.02,0.04),P<0.01;18.57(4.11,250.00)ng/L vs 0.00(0.00,0.00)ng/L,P<0.01;82.50(68.00,121.25)μmol/L vs 68.50(53.00,88.25)μmol/L,P<0.01;411.00(349.00,521.25)μmol/L vs 337.00(286.75,406.00)μmol/L,P<0.01;10.21(8.71,13.09)× 109/L vs 6.22(4.67,7.46)× 109/L,P<0.01;47.00(38.00,54.00)%vs 59.00(56.00,60.00)%,P<0.01].Serum LIFR level in the patients was posi-tively correlated with NT-proBNP,cTnⅠ,Cr and WBC count(β=1.403,95%CI:10 597.867-17 327.087,P=0.000;β=0.232,95%CI:114.558-1769.808,P=0.026;β=0.336,95%CI:0.164-0.617,P=0.001).Conclusion LIFR may be involved in the development of myocardial remode-ling and heart failure after myocardial infarction through its role in inflammation.
9.Icariin improves injury of tight junctional function by regulating balance of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in testicular Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice
Yao-ting CHENG ; Chang-cheng ZHANG ; Guo-qing FU ; Tan WANG ; Jian-min MAO ; Jian-ming SUN ; Hai-xia ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1091-1098
Aim To explore the protective effect of icariin on the damage of tight junctional function of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice and the related mechanism.Methods 15-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups:aging model group,low-dose and high-dose icariin treatment group(5 and 20 mg·kg-1).Another 1-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were considered as adult control group(n=10).The mice in adult control group and aging model group were given the vehicle(0.5%sodi-um carboxymethyl cellulose solution)by intragastric administration,while the mice in icariin-treated groups were given different concentrations of icariin,respec-tively.After continuous administration of icariin for three months,the testes and epididymis were immedi-ately removed,weighed,and the organ index was calcu-lated.Sperm viability and sperm concentration in epi-didymis were measured.The morphological changes of testes were observed by HE staining.The ultrastructur-al changes of tight junctions of Sertoli cells were ob-served by transmission electron microscopy.The ex-pression levels of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin11 of testicular Sertoli cells were detected by Western blot.The expression and localiza-tion of ZO-1,Occludin,Raptor,Rictor,p-70S6K,and p-rps6 were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the aging model group,icariin signifi-cantly increased testicular weight and its index,and ep-ididymal index,improved sperm viability and increased sperm concentration in naturally aging mice.In addi-tion,icariin improved the degeneration of testicular morphology and the damage of ultrastructure of Sertoli cell tight junction with aging.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that icariin up-regulated the expres-sion of ZO-1 and Occludin,but had no significant effect on the expression of Claudin 11.Immunofluorescence assay showed that icariin up-regulated the expression of Rictor,and down-regulated the expression of p-70S6K,p-rps6 and Raptor.Conclusions Icariin improves the tight junction damage of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice,and its mechanism may be related to restoring the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2.
10.Icariin improves injury of tight junctional function by regulating balance of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in testicular Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice
Yao-ting CHENG ; Chang-cheng ZHANG ; Guo-qing FU ; Tan WANG ; Jian-min MAO ; Jian-ming SUN ; Hai-xia ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1091-1098
Aim To explore the protective effect of icariin on the damage of tight junctional function of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice and the related mechanism.Methods 15-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups:aging model group,low-dose and high-dose icariin treatment group(5 and 20 mg·kg-1).Another 1-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were considered as adult control group(n=10).The mice in adult control group and aging model group were given the vehicle(0.5%sodi-um carboxymethyl cellulose solution)by intragastric administration,while the mice in icariin-treated groups were given different concentrations of icariin,respec-tively.After continuous administration of icariin for three months,the testes and epididymis were immedi-ately removed,weighed,and the organ index was calcu-lated.Sperm viability and sperm concentration in epi-didymis were measured.The morphological changes of testes were observed by HE staining.The ultrastructur-al changes of tight junctions of Sertoli cells were ob-served by transmission electron microscopy.The ex-pression levels of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin11 of testicular Sertoli cells were detected by Western blot.The expression and localiza-tion of ZO-1,Occludin,Raptor,Rictor,p-70S6K,and p-rps6 were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the aging model group,icariin signifi-cantly increased testicular weight and its index,and ep-ididymal index,improved sperm viability and increased sperm concentration in naturally aging mice.In addi-tion,icariin improved the degeneration of testicular morphology and the damage of ultrastructure of Sertoli cell tight junction with aging.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that icariin up-regulated the expres-sion of ZO-1 and Occludin,but had no significant effect on the expression of Claudin 11.Immunofluorescence assay showed that icariin up-regulated the expression of Rictor,and down-regulated the expression of p-70S6K,p-rps6 and Raptor.Conclusions Icariin improves the tight junction damage of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice,and its mechanism may be related to restoring the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2.

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