1.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
2.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
3.Exploration on the Pathogenesis Connotation and Therapeutic Strategies of "Drug Toxin" of Antitumor Drugs
Hao LI ; Hongguang ZHOU ; Weichen YUAN ; Yutian GU ; Ruizhe KANG ; Muhan LI ; Mianhua WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1920-1924
Antitumor drugs are considered pathogenic toxin-attacking agents, whose intense and biased pharmacological effects on the body may induce secondary pathological factors and subsequent pathological changes, that is, drug toxin. Its pathogenic features include rapid and marked impairment of healthy qi and constitution-dependent transformation. Zang-fu (脏腑) organs involvement is characterized by an early response of the middle jiao (焦), later involvement of the kidney and marrow, and extension to the five zang organs, while its temporal evolution may manifest as acute injury, cumulative injury, and persistent or delayed injury. Cancer toxin, drug toxin, and deficiency of healthy qi interact to form a dynamically evolving complex pathogenic pattern. Clinically, treatment should take disease stage as the framework, toxin differentiation as the focus, and reinforcement of healthy qi as a principle throughout the course, while coordinating toxin reduction and elimination of cancer toxin with reinforcement of healthy qi. Furthermore, intervention against drug toxin should be initiated early and throughout the entire course of antitumor therapy. This framework may provide a theoretical basis for integrating traditional Chinese medicine throughout comprehensive cancer treatment.
4.Comparison on chemical components of Angelicae Sinensis Radix before and after wine processing by HS-GC-IMS, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS combined with chemometrics.
Xue-Hao SUN ; Jia-Xuan CHEN ; Jia-Xin YIN ; Xiao HAN ; Zhi-Ying DOU ; Zheng LI ; Li-Ping KANG ; He-Shui YU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3909-3917
The study investigated the intrinsic changes in material basis of Angelicae Sinensis Radix during wine processing by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry(HS-GC-IMS), headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) combined with chemometrics. HS-GC-IMS fingerprints of Angelicae Sinensis Radix before and after wine processing were established to analyze the variation trends of volatile components and characterize volatile small-molecule substances before and after processing. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were employed for differentiation and difference analysis. A total of 89 volatile components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix were identified by HS-GC-IMS, including 14 unsaturated hydrocarbons, 16 aldehydes, 13 ketones, 9 alcohols, 16 esters, 6 organic acids, and 15 other compounds. HS-SPME-GC-MS detected 118 volatile components, comprising 42 unsaturated hydrocarbons, 11 aromatic compounds, 30 alcohols, 8 alkanes, 6 organic acids, 4 ketones, 7 aldehydes, 5 esters, and 5 other volatile compounds. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS identified 76 non-volatile compounds. PCA revealed distinct clusters of raw and wine-processed Angelicae Sinensis Radix samples across the three detection methods. Both PCA and OPLS-DA effectively discriminated between the two groups, and 145 compounds(VIP>1) were identified as critical markers for evaluating processing quality, including 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, ethyl 2-methylpentanoate, and 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane detected by HS-GC-IMS, angelic acid, β-pinene, and germacrene B detected by HS-SPME-GC-MS, and L-tryptophan, licoricone, and angenomalin detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. In conclusion, the integration of the three detection methods with chemometrics elucidates the differences in the chemical material basis between raw and wine-processed Angelicae Sinensis Radix, providing a scientific foundation for understanding the processing mechanisms and clinical applications of wine-processed Angelicae Sinensis Radix.
Wine/analysis*
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Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Angelica sinensis/chemistry*
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Solid Phase Microextraction/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Chemometrics
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Volatile Organic Compounds/chemistry*
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Principal Component Analysis
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Ion Mobility Spectrometry/methods*
5.Kitchen Ventilation Attenuate the Association of Solid Fuel Use with Sarcopenia: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study.
Ying Hao YUCHI ; Wei LIAO ; Jia QIU ; Rui Ying LI ; Ning KANG ; Xiao Tian LIU ; Wen Qian HUO ; Zhen Xing MAO ; Jian HOU ; Lei ZHANG ; Chong Jian WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):511-515
6.Occupational Hazard Factors and the Trajectory of Fasting Blood Glucose Changes in Chinese Male Steelworkers Based on Environmental Risk Scores: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Ming Xia ZOU ; Wei DU ; Qin KANG ; Yu Hao XIA ; Nuo Yun ZHANG ; Liu FENG ; Fei Yue LI ; Tian Cheng MA ; Ya Jing BAO ; Hong Min FAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):666-677
OBJECTIVE:
We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers.
METHODS:
The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories.
RESULTS:
FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45).
CONCLUSION
An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans
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Male
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Adult
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Blood Glucose/analysis*
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China
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Prospective Studies
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Occupational Exposure/adverse effects*
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Risk Factors
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Middle Aged
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Steel
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Fasting/blood*
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Metal Workers
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East Asian People
7.Repair effect of ginseng polypeptide thermosensitive hydrogel on heat-induced skin injury in rats and its mechanism
Junjie JIANG ; Hao WU ; Kang HE ; Zhiqiang SAN ; Qing YANG ; Hui LI ; Na LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(2):360-369
Objective:To prepare a novel ginseng polypeptide thermosensitive hydrogel,and to investigate its repair effect on heat-induced skin injury in the rats and explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods:Thermosensitive hydrogels were formulated using Pluronic F127 and β-sodium glycerophosphate(β-GP),and their phase transition temperatures,spatial structures,elemental compositions,and water retention capacities were evaluated.The rat models of heat-induced skin injury were established and the model rats were divided into PBS group,Gel group,and ginseng polypeptide gel(GP-Gel)group.After 11 d of treatment,the morphological changes of wound and collagen deposition in the wound of the rats in various groups were observed by HE and Masson staining.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cell proliferation marker Ki67,epidermal growth factor(EGF),CD31,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),P50 and P65 proteins in the skin wound tissue of the rats in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)in the skin wound tissue of the rats in various groups.ELISA method was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-15(IL-15),and interleukin-10(IL-10)in the serum of the rats in various groups.Results:Compared with PBS and Gel groups,the wound area of the rats in GP-Gel group was reduced(P<0.01),the expression levels of PCNA,Ki67,EGF,CD31,VEGF,α-SMA,and CTGF proteins in the skin wound tissue were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the expression levels of P65 and TLR4 proteins were decreased(P<0.01);the level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in serum was increased(P<0.01),while the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and IL-15 were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:The ginseng polypeptide thermosensitive hydrogel promotes the repair of heat-induced skin injury by enhancing cell proliferation,collagen synthesis,angiogenesis,and reducing inflammatory responses.
8.Specific extraction and analysis of synthesized proteins from mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into the ischemic heart
Wan-Er LU ; Ying DAI ; Mu-Han TANG ; Kang WEI ; Shu-Jia CHEN ; Huai HUANG ; Jing LIN ; Hao-Rong PENG ; Li-Xuan ZHOU ; Dun-Zheng HAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):991-998
Objective To specifically extract and analyze nascent proteins synthesized by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)after transplantation into ischemic hearts using a technique employing mutant methionyl-tRNA synthetase(MetRSL247G)for nascent protein labeling,in order to explore the potential mechanisms of action in BMSCs post-transplantation.Methods Point mutation at position 274 of the MetRS gene in BMSCs was induced via lentiviral infection to enable azidonorleucine(ANL)-mediated labeling of nascent proteins in BMSCs.The labeling efficiency was verified by means of fluorescent non-canonical amino-acid tagging(FUNCAT).Thirty healthy female C57BL/6J mice(8-10 weeks old)were divided into control and experimental groups,with 15 mice in each group.The acute myocardial infarction model was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in experimental group,while control mice underwent only thoracotomy without coronary ligation.After modeling,both groups received intramyocardial injections of MetRSL247G-modified BMSCs(MetRSL247G-BMSCs)at 3 different sites in the peri-infarct ischemic region.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with ANL every 6 hours for 4 times on postoperative days 0,2,and 6(n=5 for each time point)respectively,euthanized 24 h after the last injection,and cardiac tissues were isolated.The newly synthesized and labeled proteins produced by BMSCs after transplantation into the myocardium of experimental and control groups were collected,using an enrichment technique for ANL-tagged proteins and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS)analysis.Gene ontology(GO)analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis,protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis,and heatmap visualization analysis were performed to identify differentially expressed proteins at the 3 time points and screen key pathways and genes.Results Under fluorescence microscopy,the MetRSL247G lentivirus-infected BMSCs were observed to be labelled with mCherry signals,confirming the successful construction of the MetRSL247G-BMSCs cell line.Green fluorescent signals were detected only in nascent proteins in culture medium containing both MetRSL247G-BMSCs and ANL,validating the sensitivity and specificity of the labeling method.GO analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins were primarily involved in basic cellular biological processes such as extracellular exosome formation,extracellular matrix organization,and focal adhesion.KEGG and PPI analyses indicated that the differential proteins were mainly involved in complement and coagulation cascade pathway,actin cytoskeleton regulation pathway,and apoptosis pathway.Heatmap analysis showed significantly upregulated expression of anti-apoptosis and cell adhesion-related factors in experimental group on day 1(P<0.05),upregulated anti-apoptotic factors,pro-apoptotic factors,and cell adhesion-related factors on day 3(P<0.05),and upregulated anti-apoptotic factors,cell differentiation-related factors,and cell adhesion-related factors on day 7(P<0.05)compared with control group.Expression of apoptosis-inducing factor 1 was significantly downregulated on days 1 and 7(P<0.05).On day 3,most differentially expressed proteins,including anti-apoptosis factors(Protein S100-A11,Clusterin,Gelsolin),pro-apoptosis factor(Cathepsin B),cell differentiation-related factor(Transgelin-2),and cell adhesion-related factors(Cofilin-1,Periostin,Fibronectin)were significantly upregulated(P<0.05).Conclusions The MetRSL247G mutation enables BMSCs to incorporate ANL and synthesize labeled proteins,confirming the feasibility of this nascent protein labeling technique.Nascent proteins of BMSCs in ischemic myocardium primarily contribute to extracellular exosome secretion and extracellular matrix organization.BMSCs may adapt to and respond to ischemic and hypoxic environments by influencing complement and coagulation cascades,activating inflammatory factors,regulating actin cytoskeleton structure,and modulating apoptosis,thereby maintaining the survival of BMSCs.
9.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
10.Effect of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Decoction on Neuronal Damage and Aβ Clearance in Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Jing LIU ; Kang CHEN ; Yushun ZHOU ; Zhezuo ZHANG ; Guran YU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction on the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and neuronal damage in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsA total of 36 SPF-grade 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were used in this study, and the modeling was performed by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ oligomers in C57BL/6J mice. The experiment was conducted with a blank group, a sham operation group, a model group, low- and high-dose (3.27,6.54 g·kg-1, respectively) Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction groups, and a positive control (donepezil hydrochloride, 0.65 mg·kg-1) group. At the end of the drug intervention, the learning and memory abilities and the activities of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze and open field tests. Brain histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Additionally, in vivo imaging was employed to measure the metabolism of fluorescent Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid, and staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) was employed to assess microglial activation in the hippocampal tissue. Additionally, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain tissue and serum were determined by the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression of inflammation and pathway-related proteins in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group and the sham operation group, the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged, the platform residence time was shortened, the hippocampal tissue showed pathological manifestations such as neuronal pyknosis, Nissl body dissolution, and microglia activation. The metabolic rate of fluorescent Aβ through cerebrospinal fluid was slowed down, and the expression levels of BDNF, NT-3, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB (p-NF-κB p65) in hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of mice in the low and high dose groups of Chinese medicine and donepezil group was shortened, and the platform residence time was prolonged. Neuronal karyopyknosis, Nissl body dissolution and microglia activation in hippocampus were improved. Fluorescence Aβ was metabolized faster by cerebrospinal fluid. The expression of BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of TNF-α in the hippocampus of the high-dose group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the donepezil group was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction may mitigate neuronal damage and enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow in the mouse model of AD, thereby promoting the clearance of Aβ and improving the learning and memory abilities. These beneficial effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of microglial activation, reduction of inflammation, and modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

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