1.Design of New Essential Oil Prescriptions for Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome and Research on their Activity and Mechanism
Wenjing WEI ; Huiming ZHU ; Yuran WANG ; Zizhe ZHOU ; Yansong LIU ; Li QIAO ; Xing ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Xiaolong FENG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2569-2584
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of combined prescriptions of essential oils from five traditional Chinese medicinal herbs,namely peppermint,turmeric,ginger,Tibetan fennel,and cumin,on symptoms related to functional abdominal pain syndrome(FAPS).Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was employed to analyze the chemical constituents of five essential oils,while network pharmacology was utilized to predict the key targets and signaling pathways associated with these essential oils in alleviating functional abdominal pain syndrome.A formula design methodology centered on these core targets and signaling pathways was developed for creating new prescriptions.Molecular docking technology was conducted to predict its the underlying mechanisms.Subsequently,animal experiments were performed to assess pharmacological activity,including hot plate tests and acetic acid-induced writhing assays to validate the analgesic effects of the newly formulated prescription,as well as xylene-induced ear swelling tests to evaluate its anti-inflammatory properties.The impact of the essential oil formulation on intestinal peristaltic function was examined through intestinal propulsion experiments.Additionally,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)methods were employed to measure levels of serotonin(5-HT),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in brain tissue.Western blot analysis was conducted to determine protein expression levels of TPH1 and SERT in the intestine,along with TPH2 and SERT in the brain.Results The main chemical components in five essential oils were identified and screened(peppermint:12,turmeric:8,ginger:14,cumin:2,fennel:6).Based on the network pharmacology analysis,four new essential oil prescriptions were successfully designed according to the complementary relationship between the five essential oils in improving functional abdominal pain syndrome at the target level,including 4 new prescription named Prescription A,B,C and D,these four prescriptions were all based on ginger and turmeric essential oils,with other essential oils serving as supplements or enhancements.The results of animal experiments showed that Prescription D could significantly reduce the writhe frequency of mice(P<0.05),all the four groups could significantly prolong the pain threshold of mice(P<0.05),and Prescription C had a significant effect on reducing the degree of ear swelling(P<0.05).The prescription of essential oil did not significantly affect the function of peristalsis and the speed of propulsion.The levels of 5-HT and PGE2 in the brain tissue were significantly inhibited(P<0.05),and the level of GABA was significantly increased(P<0.05).Prescription C could reduce the expression of TPH1 in the intestinal tissue(P<0.05),Prescription A,C and D could reduce the expression of TPH2,and all groups had a tendency to increase the expression of SERT in the brain tissue.Conclusion In summary,the therapeutic effects of the four novel prescriptions composed of the five essential oils demonstrated potential in improving symptoms related to FAPS,the mechanism might be through modulating abnormalities in the brain-gut axis system.
2.Design of New Essential Oil Prescriptions for Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome and Research on their Activity and Mechanism
Wenjing WEI ; Huiming ZHU ; Yuran WANG ; Zizhe ZHOU ; Yansong LIU ; Li QIAO ; Xing ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Xiaolong FENG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2569-2584
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of combined prescriptions of essential oils from five traditional Chinese medicinal herbs,namely peppermint,turmeric,ginger,Tibetan fennel,and cumin,on symptoms related to functional abdominal pain syndrome(FAPS).Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was employed to analyze the chemical constituents of five essential oils,while network pharmacology was utilized to predict the key targets and signaling pathways associated with these essential oils in alleviating functional abdominal pain syndrome.A formula design methodology centered on these core targets and signaling pathways was developed for creating new prescriptions.Molecular docking technology was conducted to predict its the underlying mechanisms.Subsequently,animal experiments were performed to assess pharmacological activity,including hot plate tests and acetic acid-induced writhing assays to validate the analgesic effects of the newly formulated prescription,as well as xylene-induced ear swelling tests to evaluate its anti-inflammatory properties.The impact of the essential oil formulation on intestinal peristaltic function was examined through intestinal propulsion experiments.Additionally,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)methods were employed to measure levels of serotonin(5-HT),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in brain tissue.Western blot analysis was conducted to determine protein expression levels of TPH1 and SERT in the intestine,along with TPH2 and SERT in the brain.Results The main chemical components in five essential oils were identified and screened(peppermint:12,turmeric:8,ginger:14,cumin:2,fennel:6).Based on the network pharmacology analysis,four new essential oil prescriptions were successfully designed according to the complementary relationship between the five essential oils in improving functional abdominal pain syndrome at the target level,including 4 new prescription named Prescription A,B,C and D,these four prescriptions were all based on ginger and turmeric essential oils,with other essential oils serving as supplements or enhancements.The results of animal experiments showed that Prescription D could significantly reduce the writhe frequency of mice(P<0.05),all the four groups could significantly prolong the pain threshold of mice(P<0.05),and Prescription C had a significant effect on reducing the degree of ear swelling(P<0.05).The prescription of essential oil did not significantly affect the function of peristalsis and the speed of propulsion.The levels of 5-HT and PGE2 in the brain tissue were significantly inhibited(P<0.05),and the level of GABA was significantly increased(P<0.05).Prescription C could reduce the expression of TPH1 in the intestinal tissue(P<0.05),Prescription A,C and D could reduce the expression of TPH2,and all groups had a tendency to increase the expression of SERT in the brain tissue.Conclusion In summary,the therapeutic effects of the four novel prescriptions composed of the five essential oils demonstrated potential in improving symptoms related to FAPS,the mechanism might be through modulating abnormalities in the brain-gut axis system.
3.Meta-analysis of Clinical Efficacy and"Disease-Symptom-Formula"Associated Mechanism Investigation of Shangke Jiegu Tablet Against Fractures
Xueting LIU ; Lin CHEN ; Suya ZHANG ; Haoying XI ; Ning ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(12):1919-1929
Objective This study systematically evaluated the clinical efficacy of Shangke Jiegu tablet in the treatment of fracture,and explored the mechanism of action of Shangke Jiegu tablet and the compatibility of each efficacy group from the"Disease-Symptom-Formula"perspective.Methods Clinical research literatures on the use of Shangke Jiegu tablet for fracture intervention were retrieved from Chinese databases(CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP database)and English databases(PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMbase),covering the period from the inception of the databases to January 2024.Risk assessment tools were used to evaluate the literature's quality,and the data were extracted and analyzed using Stata 16.0 software.Gene sets associated with fracture symptoms were identified through the TCMIP platform(version 2.0).Differential gene expression related to fractures was obtained from the GEO database.Chemical composition and candidate target profiles of the 12 herbs in Shangke Jiegu tablets were collected from TCMIP v 2.0.An interaction network between fracture-related genes and drug candidate targets was established,and core network targets were screened based on topological features,with functional enrichment analysis performed.Results A total of 14 articles were incorporated into the Meta-analysis,encompassing a total sample size of 1 293 cases,indicating an overall response rate of Shangke Jiegu tablets in fracture therapy(RR=1.24,95%CI:1.18-1.31,P<0.001).The"Disease-Symptom-Formula"association network analysis indicated that the pathways related to the putative targets of Shangke Jiegu tablet were primarily involved in bone healing,nerve and blood system regulation,and immune-inflammation regulation.Different efficacy groups within the prescriptions showed varying emphases on these roles.Conclusions Shangke Jiegu tablet may facilitate fracture healing by regulating blood and nervous systems,correcting immune-inflammatory imbalances,and maintaining bone and energy metabolism.The comprehensive effects include the dissipation of blood stasis,the promotion of blood circulation,the alleviation of swelling and pain,the regeneration of muscles and bones,and the clearance of heat and detoxification.These findings support the clinical advantages and positioning of Shangke Jiegu tablet.
4.Progress of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in inflammatory skin diseases
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(11):1221-1225
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),also known as dioxin receptor,is a ligand-dependent transcription factor.Because of its important role in occurrence and development of cancer,it has been widely studied.AhR is now considered to be an important regulator of host-environment interactions in immune and inflammatory responses and is involved in pathogenesis of many skin diseases.Because AhR is highly expressed in all types of skin cells and regulates many genes that are critical to skin function,it has the potential to be a new target for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.This paper presents and analyzes research findings on the relationship between AhR and inflammatory skin diseases to help accelerate the development of new drugs.
5.Mechanism study of Tnfaip3 gene affecting colitis in mice via regulating mitochondria
Jiaxin XU ; Meiping YU ; Haoying LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Fang XIAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2024;08(5):395-402
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 ( Tnfaip3) gene affecting the intestinal inflammation in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced colitis by regulating mitochondria. Methods:Female Tnfaip3 heterozygous deficiency ( Tnfaip3 +/-) mice ( n = 14) and wild-type (WT) mice ( n = 14) were collected and divided into 4 groups including wild type (WT) group, colitis model (WT-DSS) group, Tnfaip3 heterozygous deficiency ( Tnfaip3 +/-) group, Tnfaip3 heterozygous deficiency colitis model ( Tnfaip3 +/--DSS) group, with 7 mice in each group. Mice colitis in WT-DSS and Tnfaip3 +/--DSS groups were induced by drinking 3% DSS water for 7 days, while mice in WT and Tnfaip3 +/- groups were treated with tap water. Body weight and disease activity index (DAI) were evaluated daily. The mice were sacrificed after 7 days of modeling, the colon length was measured, the colon tissue damage was observed under the microscope, and the colon histopathological score was evaluated. The mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in colon tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Oxidative stress indicators such as malonic dialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in colon tissue were detected. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the structures of mitochondria, lysosomes, and autophagic mitochondria, and calculate the numbers. Mitochondrial membrane potential JC-1 and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) levels were detected, and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1, P62, and LC3B Ⅱ/LC3B Ⅰ in mitochondria and cytoplasm. Results:The survival rate of mice in all groups was 100%. Compared with WT group, the mice in Tnfaip3 +/- group had lower body weight, shorter colon and higher histopathological scores (all P < 0.05). Compared with WT-DSS group, the mice in Tnfaip3 +/--DSS group had lower body weight, higher DAI score, shorter colon, higher histopathological score, and higher mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB in colon tissues (all P < 0.05). MDA level in colon tissues of Tnfaip3 +/- mice was higher than that of WT mice ( P < 0.05). Compared with WT-DSS group, the MDA level in Tnfaip3 +/--DSS group was higher, the levels of T-AOC, GSH-PX and SOD were lower (all P < 0.05). Compared with WT-DSS group, Tnfaip3 +/--DSS mice had more severe intestinal disordered mitochondrial structure, less mitochondrial number, higher mitochondrial membrane potential JC-1 level and lower mitochondrial ATP content, more number of lysosomes and autophagic mitochondria and higher expressions of proteins such as PINK1, P62 and ratio of LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠ in mitochondria and cytoplasm (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Tnfaip3 gene may play a protective role in intestinal inflammation of colitis mice by regulating oxidative stress, mitochondria damage and mitophagy.
6.Mechanism study of Tnfaip3 gene affecting colitis in mice via regulating mitochondria
Jiaxin XU ; Meiping YU ; Haoying LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Fang XIAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2024;08(5):395-402
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 ( Tnfaip3) gene affecting the intestinal inflammation in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) -induced colitis by regulating mitochondria. Methods:Female Tnfaip3 heterozygous deficiency ( Tnfaip3 +/-) mice ( n = 14) and wild-type (WT) mice ( n = 14) were collected and divided into 4 groups including wild type (WT) group, colitis model (WT-DSS) group, Tnfaip3 heterozygous deficiency ( Tnfaip3 +/-) group, Tnfaip3 heterozygous deficiency colitis model ( Tnfaip3 +/--DSS) group, with 7 mice in each group. Mice colitis in WT-DSS and Tnfaip3 +/--DSS groups were induced by drinking 3% DSS water for 7 days, while mice in WT and Tnfaip3 +/- groups were treated with tap water. Body weight and disease activity index (DAI) were evaluated daily. The mice were sacrificed after 7 days of modeling, the colon length was measured, the colon tissue damage was observed under the microscope, and the colon histopathological score was evaluated. The mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in colon tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Oxidative stress indicators such as malonic dialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in colon tissue were detected. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the structures of mitochondria, lysosomes, and autophagic mitochondria, and calculate the numbers. Mitochondrial membrane potential JC-1 and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) levels were detected, and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1, P62, and LC3B Ⅱ/LC3B Ⅰ in mitochondria and cytoplasm. Results:The survival rate of mice in all groups was 100%. Compared with WT group, the mice in Tnfaip3 +/- group had lower body weight, shorter colon and higher histopathological scores (all P < 0.05). Compared with WT-DSS group, the mice in Tnfaip3 +/--DSS group had lower body weight, higher DAI score, shorter colon, higher histopathological score, and higher mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB in colon tissues (all P < 0.05). MDA level in colon tissues of Tnfaip3 +/- mice was higher than that of WT mice ( P < 0.05). Compared with WT-DSS group, the MDA level in Tnfaip3 +/--DSS group was higher, the levels of T-AOC, GSH-PX and SOD were lower (all P < 0.05). Compared with WT-DSS group, Tnfaip3 +/--DSS mice had more severe intestinal disordered mitochondrial structure, less mitochondrial number, higher mitochondrial membrane potential JC-1 level and lower mitochondrial ATP content, more number of lysosomes and autophagic mitochondria and higher expressions of proteins such as PINK1, P62 and ratio of LC3BⅡ/LC3BⅠ in mitochondria and cytoplasm (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Tnfaip3 gene may play a protective role in intestinal inflammation of colitis mice by regulating oxidative stress, mitochondria damage and mitophagy.
7.Myocardial protective effect of Yangxin dingji capsule on diabetic cardiomyopathy model golden hamsters
Yi ZHONG ; Gang LIU ; Guoping MA ; Baozhu DING ; Xiaoxia LI ; Haoying LIU ; Wenjie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2022;33(13):1573-1580
OBJECTIVE To explore t he protective mechanism of Yangxin dingji capsules on the cardiomyocytes of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)model golden hamsters. METHODS In this study ,golden hamsters were divided into control group (n= 10,no modeling ,no drug administration ),model group (n=9,modeling,no drug administration ),TCM high-dose group [ n=8, modeling,Yangxin dingji capsules 2 g/(kg·d)],TCM low-dose group [ n=8,modeling,Yangxin dingji capsules 1 g/(kg·d)] and empagliflozin group [ n=9,positive control ,modeling,10 mg/(kg·d)]. All the golden hamsters were gavaged continuously for 8 weeks. The general conditions of golden hamsters were observed during the experiment. Blood glucose ,total cholesterol (TC)and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB),ejection fraction (EF),fractional shortening (FS),interleukin 1β(IL-1β)and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)were detected ;the histopathological changes of myocardium were observed. mRNA and protein expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),caspase-1,aspirin D (GSDMD),nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)and IL- 1β were detected and observed;DNA damage in myocardial was detected. RESULTS Compared with control group,the blood glucose ,TC,CK-MB,serum IL- 1β,TGF-β1 levels,the mRNA expressions and positive protein expression of NLRP 3,caspase-1,GSDMD,NF-κ B and IL-1 β and protein expression of GSDMD in golden hamsters were significantly increased in model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01) EF and FS were significantly decreased (P<0.01);the fibers of myocardial cells was disordered , and the blue-stained collagen fibers between the myocardium increased ; DNA damaged positive cells in myocardial tiss ue of gold hamsters increased significantly. Compared with model group,the above indexes of administration groups were reversed to varying degrees ;the gap of myocardial cells were clear ,and the fibers disorder was improved ;the DNA damaged positive cells in the myocardial tissue were reduced to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS Yangxin dingji capsule can inhibit the cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and relieve the inflammatory injury of DCM in DCM model golden hamsters by regulating the NLRP 3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway ,so as to protect the cardiomyocytes.
8.Mediating effects of self-efficacy between leadership empowerment behavior and neglect of care among senior care workers
Liping ZHANG ; Yage DU ; Jie LIU ; Haoying DOU ; Chunmei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2022;28(10):1287-1292
Objective:To explore the mediating effects of self-efficacy between leadership empowerment behavior and neglect of care among senior care workers.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, from July to September 2020, totally 423 senior care workers from 50 nursing institutions for the aged in Jining, Jiaozuo, and Shijiazhuang were selected by convenient sampling and investigated with the General Information Questionnaire, Leadership Empowerment Behavior Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Nursing Caregiver Negligence Assessment Scale. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of each variable, and bootstrapping was employed to test the mediating effect.Results:In this study, 423 questionnaires were distributed and 386 valid questionnaires were recovered. The total score of leadership empowerment behavior of 386 care workers was (47.93±7.51) ; the total score of self-efficacy was (28.65±5.92) ; the total score of neglecting care was (73.04±8.80) . The leadership empowerment behavior, self-efficacy, and neglect of care in the senior care workers were positively correlated ( P<0.01) . Self-efficacy played a partial mediating role between leadership empowerment and neglect of care, and the mediating effect accounted for 19.73%. Conclusions:The neglect of care in the senior care workers is at a low level, and self-efficacy plays a partial mediating role between leadership empowerment and neglect of care. Leaders of nursing institutions for the aged should improve their level of empowerment behaviors and strengthen the self-efficacy of senior care workers, so as to reduce the neglect of care among senior care workers.
9.Research progress on the current status of elderly mental abuse and its influencing factors
Jie LIU ; Yage DU ; Haoying DOU ; Liping ZHANG ; Chunmei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2021;27(33):4612-4615
With the accelerated aging of the global population, the problem of elder abuse has become increasingly prominent, among which mental abuse is the type with the highest incidence. Mental abuse seriously damages the mental health of the elderly, increases their risk of illness and suicide, and reduces the quality of life of the elderly. This article combs the relevant research on mental abuse of the elderly at home and abroad in detail, introduces the definition, assessment tools and the current situation of mental abuse, and summarizes the corresponding influencing factors from the three levels of the elderly, caregivers and society, and aims at providing a basis for further research on the intervention of mental abuse of the elderly and the prevention of the occurrence of mental abuse.

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