1.Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills improves depression-like behavior in rats by regulating neurotransmitters, inhibiting inflammation and oxidation and modulating intestinal flora.
Ying LIU ; Borui LI ; Yongcai LI ; Lubo CHANG ; Jiao WANG ; Lin YANG ; Yonggang YAN ; Kai QV ; Jiping LIU ; Gang ZHANG ; Xia SHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):347-358
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the bioactive components in Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills (JWXYP) and their mechanisms for alleviating depression-like behaviors.
METHODS:
The active compounds, key targets, and pathways of JWXYP were identified using TCMSP and TCMIP databases. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized equally into 6 groups including a control group and 5 chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression groups. After modeling, the 5 model groups were treated with daily gavage of normal saline, 1.8 mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride (positive control drug), or JWXYP at 1.44, 2.88, and 4.32 g/kg. The depression-like behaviors of the rats were evaluated using behavioral tests, and pathological changes in the liver and hippocampus were examined with HE staining. The biochemical indicators in the serum and brain tissues were detected using ELISA. Serum metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the differential metabolites using OPLS-DA, and gut microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacology revealed that menthone and paeonol in JWXYP were capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier to regulate inflammatory pathways and protect the nervous system. In the rat models subjected to CUMS, treatment with JWXYP significantly improved body weight loss, sucrose preference and open field activities, reduced liver inflammation, alleviated structural changes in the hippocampal neurons, decreased serum levels of TNF‑α, IL-1β, IL-6 and LBP, and increased 5-HT and VIP concentrations in the serum and brain tissue, and these effects were the most pronounced in the high-dose group. Metabolomics analysis showed changes in such metabolites as indole-3-acetamide and acetyl-L-carnitine in JWXYP-treated rats, involving the pathways for bile acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated increased gut microbiota diversity and increased abundance of Lactobacillus species in JWXYP-treated rats.
CONCLUSIONS
JWXYP alleviates depression-like symptoms in rats by regulating the neurotransmitters, inhibiting inflammation and oxidation, and modulating gut microbiota.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Depression/drug therapy*
;
Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Inflammation
;
Male
;
Hippocampus
;
Behavior, Animal/drug effects*
2.4‑(Arylethyl)‑pyrrolo2,3-d pyrimidine improves post-traumatic stress disorder in mice by inhibiting mGluR5-regulated ERK1/2-SGK1 signaling pathway.
Cunbao HE ; Shaojie YANG ; Guoqi ZHU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):765-773
OBJECTIVES:
To observe the effect of 4-(arylethynyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidine (10b) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like behaviors and ERK1/2-SGK1 signaling pathway in mice.
METHODS:
C57BL/6 mouse models exposed to single prolonged stress (SPS) were treated with daily gavage of saline, 10b at low, moderate and high doses, or paroxetine for 14 days. The changes in PTSD-like behaviors of SPS mice with different treatments were observed using behavioral tests. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the protein expression levels of mGluR5, p-ERK, and SGK1 in the hippocampus of the mice. Pathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of the mice were examined using HE staining. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses were employed to evaluate the binding stability between the compound 10b and mGluR5.
RESULTS:
Compared to the normal control mice, the SPS mice exhibited obvious PTSD-like behaviors with increased hippocampal expressions of mGluR5 and p-ERK proteins and decreased SGK1 protein expression. Compound 10b significantly ameliorated behavioral abnormalities in SPS mice, inhibited mGluR5 expression, and reversed the dysregulation of p-ERK and SGK1. No obvious liver or kidney toxicity was observed after 10b treatment. Molecular docking and dynamics studies demonstrated a stable interaction between 10b and mGluR5.
CONCLUSIONS
The compound 10b ameliorates PTSD-like behaviors induced by SPS in mice possibly by inhibiting mGluR5 expression to modulate the ERK1/2-SGK1 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/drug therapy*
;
Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Pyrimidines/pharmacology*
;
Immediate-Early Proteins/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
3.Role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in cypermethrin-induced oxidative injury of mice hippocampal neurons.
Lihua ZHOU ; Xun ZHANG ; Yingying YU ; Panpan ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):893-900
OBJECTIVES:
To explore whether the antioxidant axis Nrf2/HO-1 is involved in the regulation of hippocampus injury induced by cypermethrin and its underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Ten-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and cypermethrin exposure groups with low, medium, and high exposure levels. After 21 days of oral gavage of corn oil (control) or cypermethrin, the levels of MDA, T-SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in the hippocampus of the mice were examined to evaluate the oxidative stress levels. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes of the hippocampal neurons. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR were employed to detect the protein expressions and mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and HO-1.
RESULTS:
Subacute oral exposure to cypermethrin significantly increased MDA level, decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes T-SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, and induced neuronal damage in the CA1 and CA3 regions in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice. Cypermethrin exposure also caused Nrf2 protein translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, accompanied by upregulated expression levels of the key antioxidant factor Nrf2 and its downstream target kinase HO-1.
CONCLUSIONS
Cypermethrin exposure dose-dependently causes oxidative damage in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice, which is regulated by the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.
Animals
;
Pyrethrins/toxicity*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Hippocampus/cytology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Mice
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Neurons/pathology*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction
;
Membrane Proteins
4.Chaihu Shugan Decoction improves cognitive impairment after epilepsy in rats by regulating hippocampal NMDAR subunits via upregulating ASIC1.
Yunhong YU ; Wei XIE ; Hui LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1506-1512
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Chaihu Shugan (CHSG) Decoction for improving cognitive impairment in rats with epilepsy induced by lithium chloride and pilocarpine.
METHODS:
Male SD rat models of cognitive impairment model after epilepsy induced by intraperitoneal injection with lithium chloride and pilocarpine were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=12) for treatment with daily gavage of saline, donepezil (90 mg/kg), or CHSG Decoction at 2.5, 5.0, 10, 20 and 40 g/kg for 4 consecutive weeks, with 10 rats with intraperitoneal injection with saline as the blank control group. Morris water maze test was used to evaluate cognitive and behavioral changes of the rats after treatment. The mRNA and protein expressions of ASIC1, NR1, NR2A and NR2B in the hippocampus of rats were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Compared with those with saline treatment, the rat models treated with CHSG Decoction at 5 and 10 g/kg showed significantly shortened escape latency and prolonged stay in the target quadrant with increased number of platform crossings in Morris water maze test. CHSG Decoction treatment at the two doses significantly increased ASIC1, NR1, NR2A and NR2B protein expressions in the hippocampus of the rat models, and their mRNA expression levels were all increased significantly after the treatment at the doses above 2.5 g/kg.
CONCLUSIONS
CHSG Decoction can improve cognitive impairment in rats after epilepsy possibly by regulating the expression and channel activity of NMDAR protein and its subunit protein via upregulating ASIC1 to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Animals
;
Hippocampus/drug effects*
;
Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism*
;
Acid Sensing Ion Channels/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Epilepsy/complications*
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Up-Regulation
;
Maze Learning
5.Qixiong Zuogui Granules enhance synaptic plasticity in aging rats by regulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
Qingge WANG ; Xiaohui ZHAO ; Yuxuan HE ; Feixiang LIU ; Yunke ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1589-1598
OBJECTIVES:
To exple the mechanism of Qixiong Zuogui Granules (QXZG) for enhancing synaptic plasticity in aging rats.
METHODS:
Forty SD rats were randomized into control group, aging model group, donepezil treatment group, and QXZG treatment group (n=10). Except for the control rats, all the rats were subjected to daily intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose for 8 consecutive weeks to induce brain aging, and donepezil hydrochloride and QXZG suspension were administered by gavage during modeling. After the interventions, the rats were evaluated for general conditions, behavioral changes, oxidative stress indicators, hippocampal pathologies, and expressions of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) pathway, p16, and synaptic plasticity-associated proteins.
RESULTS:
The rats in the model group exhibited obvious aging phenotypes such as yellowing of the teeth and hair, body weight loss, and impaired learning and memory abilities, with decreased serum SOD and GSH-Px activities and increased serum MDA level. The rat models also showed obvious pathological changes, reduced Nissl bodies, and elevated p16 protein expression in the hippocampal CA1 region, with significantly decreased expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and synaptic plasticity proteins SYN, GAP43, and PSD95. Treatment with QXZG alleviated the aging phenotypes in the rat models, improved their learning and memory abilities and pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region, reduced oxidative stress and p16 protein expression, and promoted the expressions of the BDNF/TrkB pathway proteins and synaptic plasticity proteins.
CONCLUSIONS
QXZG enhances synaptic plasticity and reduces oxidative stress in aging rats possibly by upregulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway proteins, thereby delaying brain aging and improving learning and memory abilities of the rats.
Animals
;
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism*
;
Neuronal Plasticity/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Receptor, trkB/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Aging
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Oxidative Stress
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
6.Antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan: A perspective from energy metabolism of the brain and intestine.
Meng-Ting XIAO ; Sen-Yan WANG ; Xiao-Ling WU ; Zi-Yu ZHAO ; Hui-Min WANG ; Hui-Min LIU ; Xue-Mei QIN ; Xiao-Jie LIU
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):706-720
OBJECTIVE:
This study investigated the antidepression mechanisms of Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a classic Chinese prescription, from the perspective of energy metabolism in the brain and intestinal tissues.
METHODS:
Chronic unpredictable mild stress model-a classic depression rat model-was established. Effects of XYS on behaviors and gastrointestinal motility of depressed rats were investigated. Effects of XYS on energetic charge (EC), adenosine triphosphate-related enzymes, and key enzymes of energy metabolism in both hippocampus and jejunum tissues of depressed rats were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography, biochemical analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to construct a correlation network of "behavior-brain energy metabolism-intestinal energy metabolism" of depression.
RESULTS:
XYS significantly reduced the abnormal behaviors that observed in depressed rats and increased the EC and the activity of Na+-K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in hippocampus and jejunum tissues of depressed rats. XYS restored the key energetic pathways that had been interrupted by depression, including glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, XYS exhibited antidepressive effects in terms of regulating energy metabolism in tissues of both brain and intestine.
CONCLUSION
XYS significantly corrected the disturbances in EC and energy metabolism-related enzymes of both brain and intestinal tissues, alleviating both core and concomitant symptoms of depression. The current findings underscore the role of energy metabolism in the antidepressive activity of XYS, providing a fresh perspective on depression, and novel research strategies for revealing the mechanism of actions of traditional Chinese medicines on multi-site and multi-symptom diseases. Please cite this article as: Xiao MT, Wang SY, Wu XL, Zhao ZY, Wang HM, Liu HM, Qin XM, Liu XJ. Antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan: A perspective from energy metabolism of the brain and intestine. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):706-720.
Animals
;
Energy Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Brain/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Depression/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Intestines/drug effects*
;
Hippocampus/drug effects*
7.Effect of Huayu Tongluo moxibustion on learning-memory ability in rats with vascular dementia based on hippocampal Mst1/NF-κB p65 pathway.
Ping WANG ; Jun YANG ; Yu KONG ; Yating ZHANG ; Yinqiu FAN ; Haiping SHI ; Lanying LIU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):53-60
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of Huayu Tongluo (transforming stasis and unblocking collaterals) moxibustion on learning-memory ability and hippocampal mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 pathway related to inflammatory response in rats with vascular dementia (VD).
METHODS:
A total of 60 male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a sham operation group (12 rats) and a modeling group (48 rats). VD model was established by the method of modified bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation in the modeling group. Thirty-six rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and a western medication group, with 12 rats in each group. Huayu Tongluo moxibustion was applied at "Dazhui" (GV14), "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24) in the moxibustion group, 20 min each time, once a day, 7 day-intervention was as one course, and 1 day-interval was taken between two courses, for a total of 3 courses. In the western medication group, piracetam was given 0.72 mg/kg by intragastric administration, twice a day, the course of intervention was same as that of the moxibustion group. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test; the morphology of hippocampal CA1 region was observed by HE staining; the mRNA expression of Mst1, M1 microglia markers CD86, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected by real-time PCR; the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were detected by ELISA; and the protein expression of Mst1 and NF-κB p65 in hippocampus was detected by Western blot in rats of each group.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency was prolonged in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). The cells in the CA1 region of hippocampus were disordered, cell collapse and irregular nuclei could be observed in the model group; compared with the model group, the cell arrangement in the CA1 region of hippocampus was more regular, and the damage was improved in the moxibustion group and the western medication group. Compared with the sham operation group, the mRNA expression of Mst1, CD86, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as the protein expression of Mst1, NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of Mst1, CD86, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as the protein expression of Mst1, NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were decreased in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were decreased in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Huayu Tongluo moxibustion can improve the learning-memory ability of VD rats, the mechanism may be related to regulating the activation of microglia through Mst1/NF-κB p65 pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors i.e. IL-6 and TNF-α, so as to alleviating the damage of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of VD rats.
Animals
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Moxibustion
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Dementia, Vascular/genetics*
;
Memory/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Transcription Factor RelA/genetics*
;
Learning
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
8.Effect of Eucommiae Cortex extract mediated by ERβ/JNK pathway on learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice.
Yue LI ; Li-Li ZHANG ; Can ZHAO ; Hong-Mei ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Jin-Lei FU ; Jie ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Hong-Dan XU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):285-293
To study the ameliorative effect of Eucommiae Cortex extract on spatial learning disabilities in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and explore its relationship with estrogen receptor β(ERβ)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) signaling pathway, sixty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an anti-brain failure capsule group(0.585 g·kg~(-1)), a donepezil hydrochloride group(0.65 mg·kg~(-1)), and a Eucommiae Cortex extract group(1.3 g·kg~(-1)), and 15 C57BL/6 mice of the same genetic background were set as WT control group. The learning and memory ability of mice was assessed by the Morris water maze test(MWM), the passive avoidance test(PAT), and the novel object recognition test(NOR). The histomorphological and cellular ultrastructural features of the hippocampal region of the mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy(TEM); the molecular docking validation of the key active ingredients and the key targets was performed by using AutoDock Vina software, and the immunohistochemical method(IHC) was used to detect the ERβ expression in the dentate gyrus(DG) area of mouse hippocampus. Western blot(WB) was utilized to detect the expression of ERβ, p-JNK, and JNK in mouse hippocampal area. Compared with those in the WT control group, the results of behavioral experiments showed that the latency of the mice in the model group was significantly increased, the number of platform traversals, and the target quadrant residence time were significantly decreased in the MWM. The evasion latency was significantly reduced, and the number of errors was significantly increased in the PAT. The index of recognition of novel objects was significantly reduced in the NOR. The results of HE staining indicated that the hippocampal area of mice in the model group showed a decrease in the number of neurons, disorganization of pyramidal cell arrangement, nucleus consolidation, and other changes. TEM results showed that some neuronal nuclei in the hippocampal area had a consolidated state, slightly thickened and aberrant nuclear membranes, and fewer intracytoplasmic nidus bodies; the IHC results showed that the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal DG area of the mice was reduced. The WB results showed that the ERβ expression in the hippocampal tissue was decreased, and the p-JNK/JNK level was elevated. Compared with the model group, the Eucommiae Cortex extract group showed a significant decrease in latency, and increase in number of platform traversals and target quadrant residence time in the MWM, a significant increase in evasion latency and decrease in number of errors in the PAT, and a significant increase in the index of recognition of novel objects in the NOR. In addition, there was an increase in the number of neurons in the hippocampal area of mice. The pyramidal cells tended to be arranged in an orderly manner; the nuclei of neurons in the hippocampal area were in a better state; the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal DG area of the mice was elevated; the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal tissue was elevated, and the level of p-JNK/JNK was reduced. The effects of donepezil hydrochloride group and anti-brain failure capsule on APP/PS1 mice in terms of behavioral, HE, and TEM indexes were similar to those of Eucommiae Cortex extract, and there was no significant difference between donepezil hydrochloride group and the model group in IHC and WB experiments, and the results of molecular docking indicated that the estrogen-like components in Eucommiae Cortex extract were tightly bound to ERβ. In conclusion, the binding of Eucommiae Cortex extract to estrogen receptors, regulation of ERβ expression, and activation of ERβ/JNK signaling pathway may be one of the key mechanisms by which it improves the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Mice, Transgenic
;
Memory/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics*
;
Eucommiaceae/chemistry*
;
Alzheimer Disease/psychology*
;
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism*
;
Presenilin-1/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Maze Learning/drug effects*
;
Learning/drug effects*
9.Mechanism of Guben Jiannao Liquid on Alzheimer's disease by regulating autophagy based on LKB1/AMPK/mTOR pathway.
Jing-Fan ZHANG ; Qing-Hua LONG ; Chu-Hua ZENG ; Yi-Min CHEN ; Zhe-Yao XIE ; Yuan-Qin CAI ; Xi WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):293-300
This study explores the mechanism of Guben Jiannao Liquid on Alzheimer's disease(AD) by regulating autophagy based on the liver kinase B1(LKB1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, low-dose and high-dose groups of Guben Jiannao Liquid, and rapamycin group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, all other groups of rats were injected bilaterally in the hippocampus with β-amyloid(Aβ)_(1-42) to establish the AD model. The low-dose(6.21 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(12.42 g·kg~(-1)) groups of Guben Jiannao Liquid and rapamycin group(1 mg·kg~(-1)) were given the corresponding drugs by gavage, and the blank and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage for four weeks. Morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats in each group; hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological and quantitative changes of neurons and Nissl bodies in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus; immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect Aβ-positive cell expression in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus; transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe ultrastructural changes in rat hippocampal tissue, and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-mTOR/mTOR, Beclin1, p62, and LC3-Ⅱ in the hippocampal tissue of the rats. The results showed that compared with those in the blank group, rats in the model group had elevated evasion latency and decreased number of platform transversal and residence time in the platform quadrant. The number of neurons in the hippocampal area was reduced, and the morphology was impaired. The average integral optical density value of Aβ-positive cells was elevated; the expression levels of LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3-Ⅱ were decreased, and the expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 were increased. Compared with those in the model group, rats in the low-dose and high-dose groups of Guben Jiannao Liquid had shorter evasion latency, higher number of platform transversal, longer residence time in the platform quadrant, increased number of neurons, decreased expression of Aβ-positive cells and average integral optical density values, and increased number of autophagic lysosomes in hippocampal tissue. The expression levels of LKB1, Beclin1, and LC3-Ⅱ were elevated in the hippocampus of rats in the low-dose group of Guben Jiannao Liquid. The expression levels of LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3-Ⅱ were elevated in the hippocampal tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Guben Jiannao Liquid, and the expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 were decreased. The findings suggest that Guben Jiannao Liquid can improve cognitive impairment in AD rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of the LKB1/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and the up-regulation of autophagy level.
Animals
;
Alzheimer Disease/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
;
Rats
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
;
Humans
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
10.Mechanism of Daotan Xixin Decoction in treating APP/PS1 mice based on high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis.
Bo-Lun CHEN ; Jian-Zheng LU ; Xin-Mei ZHOU ; Xiao-Dong WEN ; Yuan-Jing JIANG ; Ning LUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):301-313
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Daotan Xixin Decoction on APP/PS1 mice. Twelve APP/PS1 male mice were randomized into four groups: APP/PS1 and low-, medium-, and high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction. Three C57BL/6 wild-type mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory abilities of mice in each group were examined by the Morris water maze test. The pathological changes of hippocampal nerve cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of β-amyloid(Aβ)_(1-42) in the hippocampal tissue. The high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction group with significant therapeutic effects and the model group were selected for high-throughput sequencing. The differentially expressed gene(DEG) analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Variation Analysis(GSVA) were performed on the sequencing results. RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of some DEGs. Compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, ameliorated the neuropathological damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, increased the number of neurons, and decreased the deposition of Aβ_(1-42) in the brain. A total of 1 240 DEGs were screened out, including 634 genes with up-regulated expression and 606 genes with down-regulated expression. The GO analysis predicted the biological processes including RNA splicing and protein folding, the cellular components including spliceosome complexes and nuclear spots, and the molecular functions including unfolded protein binding and heat shock protein binding. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of neurodegenerative disease pathways, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and splicing complexes. Further GSVA pathway enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated pathways involved nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) signaling pathway, UV response, and unfolded protein response, while the up-regulated pathways involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), NF-κB, and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Daotan Xixin Decoction can improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Alzheimer Disease/metabolism*
;
Computational Biology
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism*
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Mice, Transgenic
;
Presenilin-1/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Memory/drug effects*
;
Maze Learning/drug effects*
;
Amyloid beta-Peptides/genetics*
;
Disease Models, Animal

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