1.Effect and mechanism of compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix on ferroptosis in T2DM insulin resistance rats
Shuang WEI ; Feng HAO ; Wenchun ZHANG ; Zhangyang ZHAO ; Ji LI ; Dongwei HAN ; Huan XING
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):57-63
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and potential mechanism of the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix on ferroptosis of liver cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) insulin resistance (IR) rats. METHODS Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (12 rats) and modeling group (48 rats). The modeling group was fed with a high- fat diet for 4 consecutive weeks and then given a one-time tail vein injection of 1% streptozotocin to establish T2DM IR model. The model rats were randomly divided into model group, the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group [QG group, 4.05 g/(kg·d), intragastric administration], ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 group [Fer-1 group, 5 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, once every other day], the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix+ferroptosis inducer erastin group [QG+erastin group, 4.05 g/(kg·d) by intragastric administration+erastin 10 mg/(kg·d), intraperitoneal injection]. After 4 weeks of intervention, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured in each group of rats, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the natural logarithm of insulin action index(IAI) were calculated; the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), Fe2+ and Fe content, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, NADP+/NADPH ratio and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. The pathological morphology of its liver tissue was observed; the protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3 (ACSL3), ACSL4, ferritin mitochondrial (FTMT), and cystine/glutamate anti-porter (xCT) in the liver tissue of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, the liver cells in the model group of rats showed disordered arrangement, swelling, deepened nuclear staining, and more infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as a large number of hepatocyte vacuoles and steatosis; FBG (after medication), the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, FINS, MDA and ROS, HOMA-IR, Fe2+ and Fe content, NADP+/NADPH ratio and protein expression of ACSL4 were significantly increased or up-regulated, while the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD, IAI, protein expressions of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL3, FTMT and xCT were significantly reduced or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both QG group and Fer-1 group showed varying degrees of improvement in pathological damage of liver tissue and the levels of the above indicators, the differences in the changes of most indicators were statistically significant (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with QG group, the improvement of the above indexes of QG+erastin group had been reversed significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The compatibility decoction of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix can reduce the level of FBG in T2DM IR rats, and alleviate IR degree, ion overload and pathological damage of liver tissue. The above effects are related to the inhibition of ferroptosis.
2.Effect of Compatibility of Effective Monomer Components of Fujin Shengjisan on Angiogenesis of HUVEC Based on Uniform Design
Xianying LU ; Jing GAO ; Dingxi BAI ; Chaoming HOU ; Wenting JI ; Huan CHEN ; Chenxi WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):9-20
ObjectiveTo determine the optimal combination of the effective monomer components "quercetin-kaempferol-abietic acid-boswellic acid" in Fujin Shengjisan for promoting diabetic ulcer (DU) wound healing through uniform design, thereby achieving the modern application of the ancient formula. MethodsFollowing the principle of "uniform design-pharmacodynamic experiment-mathematical modeling and model verification", the U14(145) uniform design table was adopted.The four monomer components of Chinese medicine were considered as the independent variables, and the proliferation rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by glucose was used as the pharmacodynamic indicator. A mathematical model was constructed using DPS software to correlate the effective monomer components with the pharmacodynamic indicator. The results of uniform design were verified through CCK-8 assay, cell scratch healing, tube formation, Western blot, and Real-time PCR. ResultsAmong the 14 compatibility groups, compared with the high-glucose model group, compound compatibility group 6 showed the strongest proliferation effect and statistical significance (P<0.05). Four quadratic polynomial regression equations (Y1-Y4) were obtained through DPS modeling. Considering the model's fit, stability, and practical application, equations Y1-Y3 were selected for the follow-up verification. To ensure experiment reproducibility, group 6 was used for validation. Group 6 and equations Y1-Y3 were renamed as compound prescription ① to compound prescription④, respectively, to represent the modern application of the ancient FJSJ Powder through compatibility of monomer components. Verification experiments showed that in the CCK-8, scratch healing, and tube formation assays, the cell viability, wound healing rate, and tube formation number of HUVECs stimulated with 50 mmol·L-1 glucose were significantly reduced compared with the blank group. Moreover, the expression levels of angiogenesis-related cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and CD31 secretion were significantly down-regulated. However, after intervention with compound prescriptions ① to ④, compound prescriptions ① and ③ significantly improved the biological functions of HUVECs induced by 50 mmol·L-1 glucose. Further analysis of the regression coefficients of compound prescriptions ① and ③, and the relative dose ratios of each monomer component, indicated that abietic acid, quercetin, and boswellic acid promoted angiogenesis of HUVECs in the high glucose environment, with a major effect (positive partial correlation coefficients, all > 0.9). Abietic acid and boswellic acid, as well as kaempferol and boswellic acid, promoted angiogenesis in HUVECs through interaction (positive partial correlation coefficients). ConclusionCompound prescriptions ① and ③ are the optimal combinations. They can reverse the inhibitory effects of high glucose, stimulate the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs in a high glucose environment, and promote the expression of vascular endothelial growth factorA(VEGFA), FGF2, and CD31, thereby promoting angiogenesis and facilitating DU wound healing. This finding not only confirms the good reproducibility and feasibility of compound prescriptions ① and ③ but also provides new insights and methods for the rational construction of mathematical models to further study the compatibility theory of Chinese medicine.
3.Clinical trial on vascular intervention anesthesia of intracranial aneurysms using different doses of remimazolam
De-Li ZHENG ; Ju-Zeng WANG ; Huan CHEN ; Hui-Li LI ; Ji SHI ; Li MENG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1860-1864
Objective To explore the application effect and safety of general anesthesia with different doses of remimazolam during vascular intervention anesthesia of intracranial aneurysms.Methods Patients with intracranial aneurysms were divided into high,middle and low dose groups according to the random number table method.The venous access was opened after the patients entered the room,and the vital signs were closely monitored.The low,middle and high dose groups were intravenously injected with 0.25,0.30 and 0.35 mg·kg-1remazolam,respectively.After the loss of consciousness,alfentanil and mivacurium chloride were given for anesthesia induction.The anesthetic effect,recovery quality,hemodynamic indexes,cerebral hemodynamic indexes and neurological function indexes before anesthesia induction(T0),at the time of laryngeal mask insertion(T1),embolization(T2),5 min after operation(T3)and 30 min after operation(T4)were compared among the three groups.The incidence of postoperative cerebral vasospasm(CVS),delayed ischemic neurological dysfunction(DIND)and the incidence of adverse drug reactions related to anesthesia were counted.Results The onset times of anesthesia in the high,middle,and low dose groups were(5.03±1.28),(5.17±1.09),and(7.21±1.15)min,respectively;the number of anesthesia rescue interventions were(0.12±0.02),(0.21±0.06),and(1.51±0.23)times,respectively.There was statistically significant difference in the number of rescue interventions between the high and middle dose groups compared to the low dose group(all P<0.05).The therapeutic efficacy rates of flumazenil in the high,middle,and low dose groups were 18.18%,11.11%and 2.86%,respectively.the mean arterial pressure(MAP)at T2 were(87.06±6.02),(86.85±5.61)and(81.09±5.37)mmHg;the MAP at T4 were(92.05±5.13),(87.57±6.29)and(84.42±5.16)mmHg,respectively.There was statistically significant difference in MAP between the high and low dose groups(all P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate(HR),oxygen saturation(SpO2),left peak systolic velocity of middle cerebral artery(Vp-MCA),left mean systolic velocity of middle cerebral artery(Vm-MC)and pulsatility index(PI),S100β protein,and neuron-specific enolase(NSE)levels among the three groups at different time points(all P>0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence rates of cardiovascular system complications,delayed postoperative cognitive dysfunction,or anesthesia-related adverse reactions between the three groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion The safety of different doses of remimazolam general anesthesia in the vascular interventional therapy of intracranial aneurysms is high,and the effects on cerebral hemodynamics and neurological function are similar.However,high-dose remimazolam have shorter general anesthesia induction time and less intraoperative anesthesia remedy frequency while the high-dose remimazolam has higher postoperative flumazenil antagonist therapy.
4.Analysis of whole-genome sequences of coxsackievirus A4 strains isolated in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2022
Huan FAN ; Changjun BAO ; Liguo ZHU ; Jianli HU ; Hong JI
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(3):249-258
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the molecular epidemiological features and genetic recombination of coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4) strains isolated in Jiangsu from 2015 to 2022.Methods:Throat or anal swab samples were collected from patients with herpangina or hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Real-time PCR was used to detect CVA4. A comprehensive and systematic phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on 72 whole genomes and 99 VP1 sequences of CVA4 strains. Several bioinformatics software including DNAStar, MEGA7.0 and Similarity plots3.5.1 was used for analysis of homology, genetic recombination and amino acid variation sites.Results:Four genotypes (A, B, C and D) and five sub-genotypes (C1-C5) of CVA4 were identified based on the VP1 nucleotide sequences. C2 was the predominant sub-genotype causing HFMD. The Jiangsu strains showed high homology with the CVA4 prototype in the P1 region, and higher identity with other strains of enterovirus group A (EV-A) in the P2 and P3 regions. Genetic recombination analysis revealed that the Jiangsu strains had three genetic recombination patterns with other EV-A epidemic strains in the P2, P3 and 3′-UTR regions. These recombination patterns took place during the sustained and widespread circulation of CVA4 in people and increased the transmissibility of CVA4.Conclusions:This study analyzes the phylogenetic and molecular features of 28 whole genomes of Jiangsu CVA4 strains, which helps to better understand the genomic diversity of CVA4. By analyzing the genetic recombination and amino acid mutations in the VP1 region, this study elucidates the evolution and transmission of CVA4, which is conducive to the control and prevention of CVA4 infection.
5.Exploration of Thoughts and Possible Therapeutic Mechanism of Treating Male Infertility from the Perspective of Spleen and Kidney by Regulating Intestinal Flora
Nian-Wen HUANG ; Bin WANG ; Ji-Sheng WANG ; Huan-Zhou BI ; Juan-Long FENG ; Long-Ji SUN ; Hai-Song LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):776-781
Based on the literature study,the thoughts and possible therapeutic mechanism in treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora were explored.Disturbance of intestinal flora is one of the important factors leading to the development of male infertility,and the spleen and kidney have certain similarities to intestinal flora in the physiological function and pathological changes.Moreover,tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen can regulate the intestinal flora by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria,inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria,and protecting the barrier of the intestinal mucosa.Therefore,the possible therapeutic mechanisms in treating male infertility with the prescriptions for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen to regulate intestinal flora are as follows:inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors to reduce the inflammatory reaction of testicular tissues;improving the antioxidant capacity to alleviate the damage of spermatozoa caused by oxidative stress,and improving the bad mood to alleviate the impact of psychological stress on the reproductive system.The exploration of the thoughts for treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora may provide a new entry point for modern Chinese medicine clinical treatment of male infertility.
6.Ideas and Methods of Acupuncture for Guillain-Barré Syndrome based on the Core Principle of “To Treat Flaccidity, Select the Yangming (阳明) Channel only”
Huan LI ; Hailun JIANG ; Hao CHEN ; Hui QU ; Ruohan TANG ; Jie JI ; Yuzheng DU ; Qi ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(4):362-367
This study explored the ideas and methods of acupuncture for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with the core principle of “to treat flaccidity, select the yangming (阳明) channel only”. The main pathological mechanism of GBS is deficiency of qi and blood in the yangming channel, malnutrition of all sinews, diminished spleen and stomach function leading to the production of pathogenic damp-heat qi, which obstructs the meridians, and gradually affects the liver and kidneys, consuming essence and damaging blood. Concurrently, dysfunction of the dumai (督脉) pivotal mechanism and lack of moisture in sinews and vessels result in symptoms such as skin numbness, paralysis, and muscle wastage. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, a combination of syndrome and channel differentiation is taken. Treatment primarily focuses on acupoints of yangming channel, aiming to supplement qi and blood, and acupoints of du mai are combined to open the vessel and fill the marrow. Specific acupoints are selected based on syndrome differentiation, providing comprehensive regulation to promote harmonization of qi and blood, relieve meridians, and the smooth generation and circulation of whole body fluids. This, in turn, enhances the strength of muscles and bones, and fosters a robust and freely moving body.
7.Analysis of Animal Models of Hepatic Ascites Based on Clinical Evidence Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yu HUAN ; Shilei QIN ; Shumei JI ; Shuo NAN ; Yilong HU ; Ting ZUO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):200-205
Hepatic ascites is one of the common and difficult complications in the decompensated stage of liver cirrhosis, and its incidence is increasing. In clinical practice, the prognosis of patients with hepatic ascites after surgery is worse, and the disease is recurrent. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in treating hepatic ascites. However, there is no uniform standard for the preparation of animal models of hepatic ascites in accordance with TCM evidence. Therefore, this paper summarized the literature on animal models of hepatic ascites and analyzed the existing animal models of hepatic ascites based on the clinical diagnostic criteria of hepatic ascites in TCM and western medicine. The results show that the commonly used modeling methods for hepatic ascites mainly include the single-factor method, composite factor induction method, surgical method, and immunization method. Most of them are guided by western medicine theories, and their pathogenic mechanisms are mostly consistent with those of western medicine and are different from TCM evidence. Therefore, it is suggested that TCM intervening factors should be imposed in the process of model preparation, so as to prepare an animal model of hepatic ascites that meets the clinical evidence characteristics of TCM and western medicine.
8.Gandou Bushen Decoction improves spermatogenesis and promotes spermatogenic cell proliferation in Wilson disease TX mice by activating testicular ERK signaling pathway
Miaozhu YIN ; Kuiyu CHEN ; Limin WU ; Pengyu JIANG ; Zhihui JI ; Nian ZHANG ; Huan ZHOU ; Hui HAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2063-2073
Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Gandou Bushen Decoction(GDBSD)for improving reproductive disorders in male mouse models of Wilson disease(WD).Methods Sixty male homozygous TX mice were randomized equally into 4 groups and treated with daily gavage of saline(WD model group),penicillamine(0.09 g/kg),or GDBSD(0.2 mL/10 g),or with intraperitoneal injection of U0126(20 mg/kg)in addition to GDBSD gavage,with 15 male DL mice as control.After 4 weeks of treatment,copper content in testicular tissue of the mice was detected,and histopathology of the testes and epididymis was examined using HE staining and electron microscopy.TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptotic cells in the testes.The protein expressions of Bcl-2,Cytc,caspase-3,ERK,and p-ERK in the testicular tissue were evaluated with Western blotting,and BrdU-positive cells were detected with immunohistochemical labeling.Sperm density,viability,malformation rate and fertility levels of male mice were studied.Results Treatment with penicillamine and GDBSD obviously improved pathological changes of the testis,increased sperm density and motility,lowered sperm abnormality rate,fertility levels and increased testicular JOHNSEN score of TK mice,but the therapeutic effect of GDBSD was blocked by U0126.GDBSD treatment significantly lowered Cytc and caspase-3 expressions and increased Bcl-2 expression in the testicular tissue of TX mice(P<0.05),while U0126 treatment significantly lowered testicular Bcl-2 expression level.No significant differences were found in total protein expression levels of ERK1/2 among the 5 groups,but p-ERK protein expression was significantly reduced in WD and U0126 groups and increased in penicillamine and GDBSD groups.Conclusion GDBSD can improve spermatogenesis and enhance fertility of male TX mice with WD possibly by activating the ERK signaling pathway to enhance proliferation and reduce apoptosis of the spermatogenic cells.
9.Gandou Bushen Decoction improves spermatogenesis and promotes spermatogenic cell proliferation in Wilson disease TX mice by activating testicular ERK signaling pathway
Miaozhu YIN ; Kuiyu CHEN ; Limin WU ; Pengyu JIANG ; Zhihui JI ; Nian ZHANG ; Huan ZHOU ; Hui HAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2063-2073
Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Gandou Bushen Decoction(GDBSD)for improving reproductive disorders in male mouse models of Wilson disease(WD).Methods Sixty male homozygous TX mice were randomized equally into 4 groups and treated with daily gavage of saline(WD model group),penicillamine(0.09 g/kg),or GDBSD(0.2 mL/10 g),or with intraperitoneal injection of U0126(20 mg/kg)in addition to GDBSD gavage,with 15 male DL mice as control.After 4 weeks of treatment,copper content in testicular tissue of the mice was detected,and histopathology of the testes and epididymis was examined using HE staining and electron microscopy.TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptotic cells in the testes.The protein expressions of Bcl-2,Cytc,caspase-3,ERK,and p-ERK in the testicular tissue were evaluated with Western blotting,and BrdU-positive cells were detected with immunohistochemical labeling.Sperm density,viability,malformation rate and fertility levels of male mice were studied.Results Treatment with penicillamine and GDBSD obviously improved pathological changes of the testis,increased sperm density and motility,lowered sperm abnormality rate,fertility levels and increased testicular JOHNSEN score of TK mice,but the therapeutic effect of GDBSD was blocked by U0126.GDBSD treatment significantly lowered Cytc and caspase-3 expressions and increased Bcl-2 expression in the testicular tissue of TX mice(P<0.05),while U0126 treatment significantly lowered testicular Bcl-2 expression level.No significant differences were found in total protein expression levels of ERK1/2 among the 5 groups,but p-ERK protein expression was significantly reduced in WD and U0126 groups and increased in penicillamine and GDBSD groups.Conclusion GDBSD can improve spermatogenesis and enhance fertility of male TX mice with WD possibly by activating the ERK signaling pathway to enhance proliferation and reduce apoptosis of the spermatogenic cells.
10.Research status of traditional Chinese medicine monomer,drug-to-drug groups and compound formula in the treatment of endometriosis
Bin YUE ; Yuan-Huan CHEN ; Quan-Sheng WU ; Xiao-Hua ZHANG ; Yuan CHENG ; Hao MEI ; Can-Can HUANG ; Zuo-Liang ZHANG ; Xiu-Jia JI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(15):2283-2287
Interventions for endometriosis(EMs)include surgical excision of lesions and hormonal therapy,which usually have limited efficacy and adverse drug reactions.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has the multi-component and multi-target characteristics,which can help patients achieve good clinical benefits by intervening in different parts of the disease.In this paper,we briefly discuss the modern pharmacology of Sanlang and Curcuma longa,and deeply summarize the possible mechanisms of action of TCM monomer and classical compound extracts and their active ingredients through signal pathways in inflammation,immune system,angiogenesis,hormone regulation,etc.,so as to provide theoretical bases for the clinical use of TCM monomers,drug-to-drug groups and compounds in the treatment of EMs.

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