1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) Combined with Low-Dose Antithyroid Drugs on Reducing Relapse Risk for Patients with Graves' Hyperthyroidism in Remission Stage:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yuqin HUANG ; Mingshuai ZHANG ; Shijian LIU ; Feng TAO ; Yi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) combined with low-dose antithyroid drugs (ATDs) on the relapse risk for patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) during the remission phase, and to analyze the related factors between GH relapse and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity, so as to provide evidence for the standardized management of GH in remission stage. MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 269 GH patients in the remission stage. After propensity score matching (PSM), 102 matched pairs (204 patients) were established. The control group received low-dose ATDs as maintenance therapy, while the exposure group received the core Ningying Formula in addition to low-dose ATDs. The primary outcome was the GH recurrence rate; the secondary outcome was the thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity rate (TRAb<1.75 IU/L). Safety outcomes included treatment-related adverse events. Differences between groups were assessed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves, with sensitivity analysis performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). ResultsThe median follow-up in the matched cohort was 28.07 months. Regarding the GH recurrence outcome, the recurrence rate in the exposure group (18/102, 17.6%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (31/102, 30.4%; χ²=4.539, P=0.033); regarding the TRAb negativity outcome, the TRAb negativity rate in the exposure group (50/102, 49.0%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (23/102, 22.5%; χ²=15.551, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for recurrence showed that Ningying Formula treatment reduced the risk of recurrence [HR=0.324, 95%CI(0.170, 0.617), P<0.001]. Male [HR=2.209, 95%CI(1.079, 4.520), P=0.030], higher initial TRAb level [per 1 IU/L increase: HR=1.033, 95%CI(1.003, 1.064), P=0.032], and larger thyroid volume [per 1 ml increase: HR=1.045, 95%CI(1.003, 1.088), P=0.035] were identified as independent risk factors for recurrence; multivariate Cox regression analysis for TRAb negativity indicated that Ningying Formula treatment promoted TRAb negativity [HR=1.826, 95%CI(1.091, 3.056), P=0.022], while a higher initial TRAb level was associated with a lower probability of negativity [HR=0.974, 95%CI(0.950, 0.998), P=0.032]. Survival analysis showed significant differences in relapse rate between groups (Log-Rank P=0.003) and in TRAb outcomes (Log-Rank P=0.034). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups (P=0.757). The IPTW sensitivity analysis was consistent with the primary analysis, indicating robust results. ConclusionThe Ningying Formula combined with low-dose ATDs can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and can improve the TRAb negativity rate in GH patients during the remission stage, without increasing common adverse events, making it an optional strategy for reducing relapse risk during remission. Male gender, higher baseline TRAb level, and larger thyroid volume indicate a higher risk of recurrence, warranting focused follow-up and stratified management.
3.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
4.Trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021
MA Rongjiao ; HUANG Hanyan ; ZHU Manyu ; LIU Rui ; SHI Fang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):89-92
Objective:
To investigate the trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide the basis for improving intervention measures of asthma.
Methods:
Data on asthma-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to tobacco among adults aged ≥30 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate were calculated using the GBD world standard population structure to analyze the tobacco-attributable asthma burden. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was employed to evaluate temporal trends in the age-standardized mortality and DALY rate from 1990 to 2021.
Results:
In China, the age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco decreased from 0.73/100 000 and 22.20/100 000 in 1990 to 0.17/100 000 and 6.64/100 000 in 2021, showing downward trends (AAPC=-4.603% and -3.888%, both P<0.05). Among males, the tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate declined from 1.44/100 000 and 41.05/100 000 in 1990 to 0.36/100 000 and 12.79/100 000 in 2021 (AAPC=-4.369% and -3.810%, both P<0.05). Among females, the corresponding rates decreased from 0.21/105 and 5.37/105 to 0.03/105 and 1.08/105 (AAPC=-6.074% and -5.074%, both P<0.05). In 2021, males had higher tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate for asthma than females. Both the mortality and DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco increased with age, peaking in the age group ≥80 years at 7.84/100 000 and 112.07/100 000, respectively.
Conclusion
From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco showed a declining trend in China, with males and elderly population aged ≥80 years bearing a relatively heavier disease burden.
5.Effects of galangin on rheumatoid arthritis in rats by regulating the JAK3/STAT3 pathway
Yan HUANG ; Weiming WANG ; Haiying LIU ; Yi ZHAN ; Xi CHEN ; Dehong YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):764-769
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of galangin on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats by regulating the Janus kinase 3 (JAK3)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. METHODS Fifty male SD rats were taken, and an emulsion composed of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and Freund’s complete adjuvant was injected subcutaneously to establish an induced arthritis model. The rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into model group, low, medium and high dose groups of galangin (1, 5, 15 mg/kg), and methotrexate group (positive control, 2 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 normal rats were taken as the normal group. Starting from the 15th day of modeling, each group of rats was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution or normal saline containing 0.5% Tween 80 once a day for 28 consecutive days. The arthritis index (AI) scores and paw volume of rats were compared before and after gavage administration. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-4 and IL-10 were determined, the pathological changes in ankle joint synovial tissue were observed, and the protein expressions of UNC-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, JAK3, phosphorylated JAK3 (p-JAK3), STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) in the synovial tissue of the ankle joint were detected, as well as the fluorescence intensity of LC3-positive areas. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the pathological changes such as cellular proliferation of ankle joint synovial tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells in rats of each administration group showed improvement. Moreover, their AI scores and paw pad volumes (on day 28 after gavage), the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, the protein expression of Bcl-2, and the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The levels of IL-4 and IL-10, the protein expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1, Bax, caspase-3 and LC3, as well as the fluorescence intensity of LC3-positive areas, were all significantly increased ( P <0.05). Moreover, the effect of galangin was in a dose-dependent manner ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Galangin can induce sustained autophagy in synovial tissue cells of RA rats, promote cell apoptosis, inhibit synovial cell proliferation, and alleviate persistent inflammatory responses. The above anti-RA effects may be related to the inhibition of the JAK3/STAT3 pathway.
6.Brain-computer interface technology in treatment for spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis
Kui SUN ; Hailun HUANG ; Yongai LIU ; Heng GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):317-328
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends of brain-computer interface (BCI) in the treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsRelevant literatures on BCI applied in SCI treatment, published from the inception of the Web of Science Core Collection to July, 2025, were retrieved. Visualization analysis was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Tableau Desktop. ResultsA total of 437 literatures were included, and the annual number of publications showed an overall increasing trend. The United States ranked first in the number of publications; Graz University of Technology was the institution with the highest number of publication; Gernot R Mueller-Putz was the most productive author, while Jonathan R Wolpaw was the most cited author. Brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence were identified as the high-frequency and bursting keywords in this field. The researches were characterized by the cross-integration of five core disciplines: neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence, neurophysiology, and materials science. ConclusionResearches on BCI in SCI treatment are accelerating continuously, and technological integration is becoming the core trend.
7.Analysis of components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves
Huan LIU ; Zirong YI ; Ting HUANG ; Xiuhong LIU ; Yunyao YE ; Yuming MA ; Mengqi HU ; Nan ZHANG ; Wenhao YANG ; Yang LIU ; Guopeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):889-894
OBJECTIVE To analyze the prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves, so as to provide a reference for clarifying the pharmacological material basis of its prevention and treatment of central nervous system dis eases. METHODS The ethanol extract of L. litseifolius leaves, as well as the gastric lavage fluid and perfusion solution were prepared. Using rats as subjects, plasma samples of intestinal wall metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism and hepatic metabolism were prepared via in situ intestinal perfusion and closed intestinal loop method; while comprehensive metabolic plasma samples, brain tissue samples, and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected after intragastric administration. UPLC-HRMS technology was utilized to analyze and identify chemical components and prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves. RESULTS A total of 66 chemical constituents were identified in L. litseifolius leaves, primarily consisting of flavonoids, organic acids, and others. A total of 16, 13, 11, and 5 prototype components were identified in intestinal wall metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism, hepatic metabolism, and comprehensive metabolic plasma samples, respectively. Additionally, 4 prototype components were detected in brain tissue and 9 in cerebrospinal fluid. Phloridzin, trilobatin, phloretin-2- O -malonyl hexoside, and phloretin were identified as common components across all sample types. CONCLUSIONS Prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves, such as phloridzin, trilobatin, phloretin, and other components may serve as the pharmacological material basis for their therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases.
8.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.
9.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.
10.Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin Prescription Ameliorates Lipid Deposition in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy of MKR Mice by Regulating AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 Signaling Pathway
Xiu LIU ; Juping WANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Junju ZOU ; Qin XIANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and related mechanisms of the Zuogui Jiangtang Shuxin prescription (ZJSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in MKR mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), with a focus on elucidating its regulatory role on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1)/cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) signaling pathway and lipid deposition. MethodsFifty 8-week-old male MKR mice were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) while maintaining a high-fat diet to establish a DCM model. The mice were randomly divided into the model group, the low-dose(14.43 g·kg-1)and high-dose(28.86 g·kg-1) ZJSP groups, and the metformin group (0.25 g·kg-1), with age-matched FVB mice as a normal control group. Each group received intragastric administration of normal saline or corresponding concentrations of ZJSP at equal volumes. After four weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and cardiac function were measured. Blood was collected from the eyeballs under anesthesia to detect fasting insulin (FINS) and blood lipid levels. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and lipid deposition in the heart was assessed using oil red O staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, FoxO1, and CD36 in myocardial tissues. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, FoxO1, p-FoxO1, and CD36. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of FBG and FINS (P<0.01), elevated levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.01), and significantly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) values (P<0.01). HE staining revealed marked cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, disarray, and widened intercellular spaces in myocardial tissues. Oil Red O staining showed extensive red deposition areas and fine lipid droplet accumulation in the myocardial tissue. AMPK mRNA expression was decreased, while FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01). The p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression ratio in myocardial tissues was significantly reduced, while the p-FoxO1/FoxO1 protein expression ratio and CD36 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly reduced FBG (P<0.01), decreased FINS and blood lipid levels (TG, TC, LDL-C) (P<0.05, P<0.01), improved cardiac function (P<0.05), noticeable amelioration of myocardial histopathological morphology and lipid deposition, increased AMPK mRNA expression (P<0.01), with significantly downregulated FoxO1 and CD36 mRNA expressions (P<0.01), elevated p-AMPK/AMPK protein expression levels in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), significantly decreased p-FoxO1/FoxO1 ratios (P<0.01), and downregulated CD36 protein expression levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZJSP exerts a protective effect on the heart in type 2 DCM of MKR mice, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the AMPK/FoxO1/CD36 signaling pathway.


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