1.Action Mechanism of Huamoyan Granules in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1/p38 MAPK Pathway
Jin ZHANG ; Lili YANG ; Canwen ZHENG ; Jing KANG ; Yanlei MA ; Yue SHI ; Lei LI ; Hongxu MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):79-89
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the protective effect of Huamoyan granules on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and explore whether its protective effect is oriented toward an anti-inflammatory direction by regulation of macrophage polarization, which can effectively inhibit the progression of pathological inflammatory response, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate the protein expression level of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), so as to provide experimental evidence for its clinical application and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, model group, celecoxib group, and high, medium, and low-dose synovitis granule groups (9.6, 4.8, 2.4 g·kg-1). The administration dose of celecoxib capsules was 20 mg·kg-1. There were 10 rats in the sham group and 12 rats in the model group and each administration group. A KOA animal model was established by means of intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. From the 10th day of the experiment, each administration group was given intragastric administration at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 4 weeks. General conditions of rats in each group were assessed daily. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) to mechanical stimulation and joint diameter were recorded. X-ray examination was performed on the right knee joints of rats for imaging analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat serum samples, as well as the expression levels of neurogenic inflammatory mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Histopathological changes in the knee joint synovial tissues were examined by hematoxylineosin (HE) staining. Safranin O-fast green staining was performed to observe and evaluate the degree of knee cartilage lesions. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze TRPV1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK in rat knee synovial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to measure and assess M1/M2 macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with those in the sham group, the circumference and joint diameter of the right knee were markedly enlarged in the model group (P<0.01), while PPTs of rats showed a significant reduction (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in rats' serum were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the synovial Krenn score was increased (P<0.01). The Mankin score of cartilage tissue was increased (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The experimental intervention significantly reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in the total macrophage population (P<0.01), and the percentage of M2 macrophages was decreased (P<0.01). The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Knee joint diameters of all dose groups of Huamoyan granules and the celecoxib group were reduced (P<0.01) compared with those of the model group, and the PPT recovery speeds in the high and medium-dose groups of Huamoyan granules were more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β, CGRP, and NGF in the rats' serum in all administration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of TNF-α in rats' serum was significantly reduced (P<0.01). All dose groups of Huamoyan granules demonstrated significant reductions in both synovial Krenn score (P<0.05, P<0.01) and protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in rats' synovial tissues (P<0.01). The percentage of M1 macrophages in the synovial tissues of the celecoxib group and all dose groups of Huamoyan granules was decreased (P<0.01). The percentage of M2 macrophages was increased (P<0.05), and the M1/M2 ratio was decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuamoyan granules can alleviate the inflammatory response of KOA, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate TRPV1 protein expression by regulating macrophage polarization. Its mechanism may be related to the TRPV1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving the effect of improving peripheral pain hypersensitivity in KOA.
2.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
3.Proteomic Analysis of Danlou Tablet in Improving Platelet Function for Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Intermingling Syndrome in Minipigs
Ziyan WANG ; Ying LI ; Aoao WANG ; Hongxu MENG ; Yue SHI ; Yanlei MA ; Guoyuan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):41-53
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the role of Danlou tablet in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs by improving platelet function and explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of Danlou tablet in regulating platelet function by using proteomics technology. MethodsThirty Bama minipigs were randomly divided into a normal control group (6 pigs) and a high-fat diet group (24 pigs). After 2 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, the high-fat diet group was randomly subdivided into a model group, an atorvastatin group (1 mg·kg-1), and Danlou tablet groups (0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1). All groups continued to receive a high-fat diet for 8 weeks after the procedure. The normal control group was given a regular diet, underwent only coronary angiography, and did not receive an interventional injury procedure. The model group and each administration group were fed a high-fat diet. Two weeks later, they underwent a coronary angiography injury procedure. After the procedure, drugs were mixed into the feed every morning for 8 consecutive weeks, with the minipigs maintained on a continuous high-fat diet during this period. Quantitative proteomics technology was further used to study platelet proteins, and differential proteins were obtained by screening. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze key regulatory proteins and biological pathways involved in the therapeutic effect of Danlou tablet on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of minipigs' serum (P<0.01), a significant shortening in prothrombin time of (PT) (P<0.01), a coagulation function index, and an increase in whole blood viscosity (P<0.01) and platelet aggregation rate (P<0.01). Moreover, the platelet morphology was altered, and the contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Hemodynamic parameters were obviously abnormal, including significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular maximal positive dp/dt (LV+dp/dtmax) (P<0.01). Left ventricular maximal negative dp/dt (LV-dp/dtmax) was significantly increased (P<0.01). Besides, there were myocardial cell hypertrophy, obvious edematous degeneration, massive interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, high degree of fibrosis, and coronary endothelial atherosclerosis. TC and TG levels in minipigs' serum were significantly reduced in Danlou tablet groups with 0.6 g·kg-1 and 0.3 g·kg-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), compared with those in the model group. LDL-C was decreased in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). The whole blood viscosity under low and high shear conditions was significantly reduced in the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, maximum aggregation rate (MAR) and average aggregation rate (AAR) were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and platelets' morphological changes such as pseudopodia extension were reduced. ET-1 levels in the serum were significantly reduced. In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, NO level in the serum was reduced (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, DBP and MAP were significantly increased (P<0.05). In the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1, LVSP and LV+dp/dtmax were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and LV-dp/dtmax was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In groups with all doses of Danlou tablet, edematous degeneration in myocardial tissue was milder, and coronary artery lesion degree was significantly alleviated. Compared with the normal control group, there were 94 differentially expressed proteins in the model group, including 81 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated proteins. Compared with the model group, the Danlou tablet group with 0.6 g·kg-1 showed 174 differentially expressed proteins, including 100 up-regulated and 74 down-regulated proteins. A total of 30 proteins were reversed after Danlou tablet intervention. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that its pharmacological mechanism may exert anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion effects through biological pathways such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton, platelet activation pathway, Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, as well as proteins such as growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2), RAC1, and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1). ConclusionDanlou tablet can effectively reduce platelet activation and aggregation, exerting a good therapeutic effect on CHD with phlegm-stasis intermingling syndrome in minipigs. Its pharmacological mechanism may involve regulating biological pathways such as actin cytoskeleton and platelet activation pathway, as well as proteins like GRB2, RAC2, RAC1, and HSP90AA1, thereby exerting a pharmacological effect in anti-platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion.
4.Application research of linear calibration using two reference substances in the establishment of qualitative standards for multi-component analysis of Saposhnikovia divaricata
YAN Jingyi ; ZHOU Hongxu ; TAO Muke ; XIE LinJuan ; JU Miao ; ZHANG Yi
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0092-0099
Objective: Establishment of a HPLC method for six chemical components in Saposhnikovia divaricata (prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 5-O-methylvisamminoside, sec-O-glucosylhamaudol, psoralen, and imperatorin), comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the dual-standard linear calibration method and the relative retention time method, and investigation of the feasibility of the linear calibration using two reference substances for qualitative analysis of multiple components in Saposhnikovia divaricata.
Methods: A HPLC method was employed, using 21 different brands and models of C18 columns. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (A) and 0.02% phosphoric acid aqueous solution (B), with gradient elution (0-20 min, 18%A; 20-45 min, 18%A-50%A; 45-60 min, 50%A). The column temperature was set at 30 ℃, the flow rate was 1 mL·min-1, and the detection wavelength was 254 nm.
Results: The results predicted by the linear calibration using two reference substances were accurate and superior to those of the relative retention time method, and the six components exhibited good linear relationships within their respective ranges.
Conclusion: The established linear calibration using two reference substances accurately predicts the retention times of the target components. This method is stable and reliable, providing a reference for the establishment of digital standards in traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Effect and mechanism of Hypericum japonicum Thunb-Prunella vulgaris on reg-ulating NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway to alleviate liver injury
Kunzhao YANG ; Hao ZHOU ; Tao WANG ; Fugui ZHANG ; Zhanghao FU ; Lijuan SU ; Zhengke HE ; Liting CAO ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1458-1468
Based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and experimental validation,this study explored the mechanism by which Hypericum japonicum Thunb-Prunella vulgaris treat liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into four groups:a control group(CON),a model group(CCl4),a high-dose drug group(TXD-H),and a low-dose drug group(TXD-L).A mouse liver in-jury model was established using CCl4 induction.The pathological morphology of liver tissue was observed,and the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)were measured.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and targets related to these medicines and diseases were obtained from databases such as TCMSP,PubChem,Swiss Tar-get Prediction,GeneCards,and DisGeNET.The intersection of these targets was used to identify potential drug targets.A network diagram illustrating the relationships between"drug-active com-ponent-intersection target"was constructed using Cytoscape.Potential targets were analyzed using the STRING database for protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis and the DAVID database for Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis.Molecular docking validation was performed using AutoDock Tools software.Subsequently,key target genes,including those related to the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis,were detected to validate the molecular docking results.Animal experimental results showed that compared to the CON group,serum AST and ALT activities in the CCl4 group mice were significantly increased(P<0.01),while in the TXD-L group,serum AST and ALT activities were significantly decreased(P<0.05)compared to the CCl4 group,and in the TXD-H group,AST and ALT activities were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Through network pharmacology,135 potential targets were i-dentified,with key components found to be tetramethoxyluteolin,quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin and morin based on degree values,and key targets including TNF,SRC,AKT1,EGFR and ESR1.GO enrichment analysis yielded 304 entries,while KEGG enrichment analysis identified 91 biologi-cal pathways.Molecular docking results demonstrated strong binding between the main compo-nents of Hypericum japonicurn Thunb-Prunella vulgaris and key targets.qPCR results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited upregulated relative expression levels of SRC,EGFR,TNF-α,AKT1,and IL-18 mRNA,with significant increases in MyD88,NF-κB,IL-1β,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and ASC mRNA(P<0.05),and significant upregulation of TLR4 and GS-DMD mRNA(P<0.01).Compared to the CCl4 group,the TXD-H group displayed significant downregulation of EGFR,AKT1,TLR4,IL-1β,and GSDMD mRNA(P<0.01),significant decrea-ses in TNF-α,MyD88,NF-κB,NLRP3,and ASC mRNA(P<0.05),while SRC,IL-18,and Caspase-1 mRNA showed a downward trend.In conclusion,Hypericum japonicum Thunb-Prunel-la vulgaris exerts hepatoprotective effects through multiple components and pathways,among which inhibition of the NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway to reduce hepatocyte pyroptosis may be one of the important pathways for its protective effects.
6.Revealing potential mechanism of Danggui Buxue decoction in regulating immuno-suppression via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway using network pharmacology and in vivo experiment
Huan HUANG ; Pingrui YANG ; Xifeng LI ; Fuxing GUI ; Yutao LI ; Li ZHANG ; Shuo LIU ; Yufei XIE ; Hongxu DU ; Shicheng BI ; Liting CAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):350-361
Danggui Buxue decoction(DBD)is a classic prescription with immunomodulatory and hematopoietic effects.Previous studies have shown the DBD has potential to be used as an oral im-mune booster.However,its immunomodulatory effects and mechanism of action have not been thoroughly studied,especially the protective mechanism of immunomodulatory regulation in the state of immunosuppressive is still unclear.The aim of this study was to explore the protective mechanism of DBD in the immunosuppressive state using network pharmacology combined with animal experiments verification.The active components,core targets and signaling pathways of DBD in treating immunosuppression were obtained using network pharmacology tools.On this ba-sis,the active components of DBD were identified using HPLC-MS,and in vivo studies were con-ducted at the same time.The key active components of DBD obtained using network pharmacology included quercetin,kaempferol and formononetin.The core targets included TP53,RELA,TNF,AKT1,and IL-6.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)may play an important role in the treatment of immunosuppres-sive diseases using DBD.Molecular docking confirmed that each core target had good binding activ-ity with its corresponding compounds.Animal experiments showed that after DBD intervention,the mRNA gene and protein expression of RELA,TNF,and IL-6 in the serum was significantly down-regulated.The mRNA expression of PI3K and AKT in the ileum and PI3K protein expression were also downregulated.In conclusion,DBD exerts its role in treating immunosuppressive diseases by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
7.Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation of Geranium wilfor-dii Maxim in ameliorating liver injury through the necroptosis pathway
Jingyi YANG ; Kunzhao YANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zhanghao FU ; Linxi HAN ; Weijie SONG ; Shuang XU ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1977-1989
Based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and experimental validation,this study explored the mechanisms of Geranium wilfordii Maxim(GWM)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCl4 group),a high-dose drug group(GWM-H group),and a low-dose group(GWM-L group).The liv-er injury model in mice was induced by CCl4,and liver tissue pathological morphology was ob-served,along with the measurement of the relative gene expression levels of liver inflammatory factors.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and target information of Chinese medi-cine and diseases were obtained through databases such as TCMSP,PubChem,Swiss Target Pre-diction,Super-PRED,Gene Cards,and DisGeNET.Intersecting the targets of liver injury,necropto-sis,and drugs yielded potential drug targets.String database was used for protein-protein interac-tion(PPI)analysis of the potential targets.Furthermore,Cytoscape was utilized to construct a net-work diagram of"drug-disease-active ingredient-intersection target,"Wei Sheng Xin was used for GO and KEGG pathway analysis.Molecular docking was performed using MOE software,and the results of molecular docking were experimentally validated to detect the expression of key targets in the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.Animal experiments showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group of mice exhibited a significant increase in liver organ index(P<0.05),markedly elevated serum AST activity(P<0.05),and a highly significant increase in ALT activity(P<0.01).Pathological examination revealed chaotic liver lobules,severe hepatocyte steatosis,ex-tensive hepatocyte necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the livers of mice in the CCl4 group.In comparison to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a significant decrease in liver organ index(P<0.05),while the GWM-L group displayed a downward trend.The GWM-H group exhibited a significant reduction in serum AST activity(P<0.05),the GWM-L group showed a decreasing trend in serum AST activity,the GWM-H group demonstrated a highly significant de-crease in serum ALT activity(P<0.01),and the GWM-L group displayed a significant decrease in serum ALT activity(P<0.05).Histopathological examination revealed that the drug treatment groups could improve CCl4-induced liver injury,with the GWM-H group showing better efficacy than the GWM-L group.RT-qPCR results of liver tissues showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a highly significant increase in the relative expression of IL-1βand PGE2 mRNA(P<0.01),while the mRNA relative expression of COX2 showed an increasing trend.In contrast,compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a remarkably significant decrease in the relative expression of IL-1βmRNA(P<0.01),a significant decrease in PGE2 mR-NA expression(P<0.05),and a decreasing trend in COX2 mRNA expression.Through network pharmacology,56 potential targets related to GWM in ameliorating necroptosis-induced liver injury were identified.Key targets,based on degree value,include TNF,Bcl2,HSP90AA1,and Caspase8,while the key components are quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,and ellagic acid.Functional enrich-ment analysis yielded 2 173 entries for GO and 146 biological pathways for KEGG.Molecular doc-king results indicated a strong binding capacity between the main components of GWM and key targets.RT-qPCR experimental results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a extremely significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,MLKL(P<0.01),significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of FAS,RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA(P<0.05),and a significant decrease in Caspase 8 mRNA expression(P<0.05).The addi-tion of GWM successfully reversed this trend;compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a highly significant decrease in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,FAS and MLKL mRNA(P<0.01),significant decrease in RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA expression(P<0.05),and an increasing trend in CASPASE8 mRNA expression.GWM exerts hepatoprotective effects through multiple components and pathways,among which inhibition of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway reduces hepatocyte necroptosis,potentially serving as one of the essential mechanisms for its protective effects.
8.Effect and mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia plebeian compound in alleviating inflammation,promoting autophagy,and mitiga-ting liver injury
Kunzhao YANG ; Yafen LU ; Weijie SONG ; Junjie WAN ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jingyi YANG ; Liting CAO ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2017-2029,2039
Based on network pharmacology,through molecular docking and experimental validation,the study explored the mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia ple-beian compound(HRS)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCL4 group),a high-dose drug group(HRS-H group),and a low-dose group(HRS-L group).A mouse liver injury model was established using CCL4 induction,liver tissue pathological morphology was observed,and the relative expression levels of liver in-flammatory cytokine genes was measured.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and targets related to Chinese medicine and diseases were obtained from databases such as Herb,TCM-SP,PubChem,Swiss Target Prediction,Gene Cards and DisGeNET.The intersection of targets was used to obtain potential drug targets.The potential targets were analyzed for protein-protein inter-action(PPI)using the string database and a network diagram of"drug-active component-intersec-tion target"was constructed using Cytoscape.DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG path-way analysis,and Auto Dock Tools software was used for molecular docking.Finally,the results of molecular docking by examining the expression of key target genes and downstream genes such as those related to the PI3K-AKT pathway and the autophagy pathway were experimentally valida-ted.Results:Animal experiment results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCL4 group of mice exhibited disrupted liver architecture,hepatocyte steatosis,vacuolization,and extensive in-flammatory cell infiltration.These characteristics were ameliorated by drug treatment groups with the HRS-H group demonstrating superior effects compared to the HRS-L group.RT-qPCR results from mouse livers showed significantly increased relative expression of TNF-α and INOS mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group(P<0.01),and significantly increased IL-1β mR-NA relative expression(P<0.05).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed signifi-cantly decreased TNF-α,INOS,and IL-1β mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).155 potential tar-gets for HRS in alleviating liver damage were identified through network pharmacology,with top-ranked key target points including STAT3,SRC,PIK3R1,PIK3CA,AKT1,HSP90A11,EGFR,and ESR.Key active ingredients included Tetramethoxyluteolin,Hispidulin,Eupafolin,Kaempferol,and Eupaformonin.GO enrichment analysis yielded 940 entries,and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 177 biological pathways.Molecular docking results showed a strong binding ability between the main components of HRS and key target points.RT-qPCR results showed increasing trends for EGFR,PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group,significantly increased AKT1 mRNA relative expression(P<0.05),significant decreases in ULK1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),and extremely significant decreases in PTEN,ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG16L1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed significantly de-creased PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely signif-icantly decreased EGFR,AKT1,and mTOR mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01),increased ULK1 relative expression trends,significantly increased PTEN,ATG16L1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely significantly increased ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Conclusion:The HRS ex-erts hepatoprotective effects through multi-component,multi-pathway approaches,with alleviating inflammation and promoting hepatocyte autophagy through PI3K-AKT pathway likely being im-portant mechanisms for its protective effects.
9.Analysis on the current status and characteristic of clinical trials for oral diseases in China
Jia JU ; Yihuan LIU ; Hongxu YANG ; Shuibing LIU ; Huan ZHANG ; Zhiqiang SHI ; Yuanming SUN ; Bin FENG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(4):394-402
Objective:To understand the current status and characteristics of clinical trials for oral diseases in China, for the purpose of providing a reference for the research and development of oral diseases in China.Methods:Retrieving the information on clinical trials related to oral diseases registered on the "Platforms for drug clinical trial registration and information" of the National Medical Products Administration from the date of the database establishment to December 31, 2024. The number of clinical trials, type of drugs, trial phases, indication, trial scope, design types were statistically analyzed.Results:As of December 31, 2024, a total of 578 drug clinical trials for oral disease were registered, accounting for 2.1% (578/27 905) of the clinical trials disclosed on the platform during the same period. Bioequivalence clinical trials accounted for the highest proportion [73.9% (427/578)], followed by Phase Ⅰ [9.0% (52/578)], Phase Ⅱ [8.0% (46/578)], and Phase Ⅲ [4.5% (26/578)]. The 578 clinical trials involved 149 types of trial drugs, mainly chemical drugs, among which 127 were developed by domestic pharmaceutical enterprises and 27 by international pharmaceutical enterprises (the five investigational drugs have undergone clinical trials by both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies). The project leader units of the 578 drug clinical trials were distributed in 27 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Excluding 427 bioequivalence clinical trials, the project leader units of 151 new drug clinical trials showed a significant aggregation phenomenon, and only three specialized oral hospitals have served as project leader units for drug clinical trials.Conclusions:The number of drug clinical trials for oral disease in China has generally shown an increasing trend, but there are still problems such as small number of clinical trials, low proportion of investment in new drug development and international multicenter trials, concentrated indications of clinical trials and insufficient clinical trial experience in specialized oral medical institutions. Enhancing the enthusiasm and innovation capabilities of domestic pharmaceutical enterprises in the research and development of oral diseases drugs, exploring the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine/natural medicine resources for oral diseases, and establishing a clinical research system in specialized oral medical institutions are of great significance for the development of oral drugs.
10.Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation of Geranium wilfor-dii Maxim in ameliorating liver injury through the necroptosis pathway
Jingyi YANG ; Kunzhao YANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zhanghao FU ; Linxi HAN ; Weijie SONG ; Shuang XU ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1977-1989
Based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and experimental validation,this study explored the mechanisms of Geranium wilfordii Maxim(GWM)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCl4 group),a high-dose drug group(GWM-H group),and a low-dose group(GWM-L group).The liv-er injury model in mice was induced by CCl4,and liver tissue pathological morphology was ob-served,along with the measurement of the relative gene expression levels of liver inflammatory factors.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and target information of Chinese medi-cine and diseases were obtained through databases such as TCMSP,PubChem,Swiss Target Pre-diction,Super-PRED,Gene Cards,and DisGeNET.Intersecting the targets of liver injury,necropto-sis,and drugs yielded potential drug targets.String database was used for protein-protein interac-tion(PPI)analysis of the potential targets.Furthermore,Cytoscape was utilized to construct a net-work diagram of"drug-disease-active ingredient-intersection target,"Wei Sheng Xin was used for GO and KEGG pathway analysis.Molecular docking was performed using MOE software,and the results of molecular docking were experimentally validated to detect the expression of key targets in the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.Animal experiments showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group of mice exhibited a significant increase in liver organ index(P<0.05),markedly elevated serum AST activity(P<0.05),and a highly significant increase in ALT activity(P<0.01).Pathological examination revealed chaotic liver lobules,severe hepatocyte steatosis,ex-tensive hepatocyte necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the livers of mice in the CCl4 group.In comparison to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a significant decrease in liver organ index(P<0.05),while the GWM-L group displayed a downward trend.The GWM-H group exhibited a significant reduction in serum AST activity(P<0.05),the GWM-L group showed a decreasing trend in serum AST activity,the GWM-H group demonstrated a highly significant de-crease in serum ALT activity(P<0.01),and the GWM-L group displayed a significant decrease in serum ALT activity(P<0.05).Histopathological examination revealed that the drug treatment groups could improve CCl4-induced liver injury,with the GWM-H group showing better efficacy than the GWM-L group.RT-qPCR results of liver tissues showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a highly significant increase in the relative expression of IL-1βand PGE2 mRNA(P<0.01),while the mRNA relative expression of COX2 showed an increasing trend.In contrast,compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a remarkably significant decrease in the relative expression of IL-1βmRNA(P<0.01),a significant decrease in PGE2 mR-NA expression(P<0.05),and a decreasing trend in COX2 mRNA expression.Through network pharmacology,56 potential targets related to GWM in ameliorating necroptosis-induced liver injury were identified.Key targets,based on degree value,include TNF,Bcl2,HSP90AA1,and Caspase8,while the key components are quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,and ellagic acid.Functional enrich-ment analysis yielded 2 173 entries for GO and 146 biological pathways for KEGG.Molecular doc-king results indicated a strong binding capacity between the main components of GWM and key targets.RT-qPCR experimental results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a extremely significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,MLKL(P<0.01),significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of FAS,RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA(P<0.05),and a significant decrease in Caspase 8 mRNA expression(P<0.05).The addi-tion of GWM successfully reversed this trend;compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a highly significant decrease in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,FAS and MLKL mRNA(P<0.01),significant decrease in RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA expression(P<0.05),and an increasing trend in CASPASE8 mRNA expression.GWM exerts hepatoprotective effects through multiple components and pathways,among which inhibition of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway reduces hepatocyte necroptosis,potentially serving as one of the essential mechanisms for its protective effects.

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