1.Active Ingredients of Bupleuri Radix in Treatment of Central Nervous System: A Review
Shuhuan YANG ; Xin JIANG ; Runda YUAN ; Fang LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):325-334
Diseases of the central nervous system have become a growing global health concern. At present, there are many adverse reactions in the treatment with Western medicine. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine has shown unique efficacy and rich clinical practice accumulation in diseases of the central nervous system. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Bupleuri Radix has played an important role in the treatment of neurological diseases through multi-target regulation, multi-pathway intervention, and multi-pathway mechanism of action. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the pharmacological effects of Bupleuri Radix, it has been found that the active ingredients such as saikosaponin, baicalin, quercetin, and kaempferol in Bupleuri Radix can be used as the main material basis for the treatment of neurological diseases. The results of this study showed that in neurodegenerative diseases, active ingredients of Bupleuri Radix can inhibit β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein (Tau protein) in Alzheimer's disease, regulate the nuclear factor-κB/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NF-κB/Nrf2) pathway to play the anti-inflammatory role, and alleviate α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation and mitochondrial damage in Parkinson's disease. In epilepsy, depression, and cerebral ischemia, they can improve symptoms by regulating neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis pathways, and inhibit brain glioma proliferation. However, the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, and the complexity of compound components and poor blood-brain barrier penetration limit their clinical application. In the future, it is necessary to integrate multi-omics, network pharmacology, and nano-delivery technologies, focus on the optimization of active ingredient group compounds and the precise guidance of biomarkers, accelerate the development of innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases for laying a solid theoretical foundation for further development and application and inspiring new research ideas.
2.Neuroprotective Mechanism of Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo Prescription on VaD Rats Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Bingmao YUAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xiu LAN ; Lingfei JIANG ; Lin WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):88-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription regulates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to improve neuronal function in vascular dementia (VaD) rats. MethodsA VaD model was established by intermittently clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) combined with bilateral vascular occlusion (2-VO). Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, sham group, model group, piracetam group (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription groups (6.09, 12.18, and 24.36 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 7 after surgery, once daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological morphological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive expression rate of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Immunofluorescence single staining was used to assess nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in platform-crossing frequency (P0.01), aggravated hippocampal injury, a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis (P0.05), decreased NeuN positivity in the CA1 region (P0.05), increased nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 (P0.05), and significantly elevated expression of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β (P0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups improved learning and spatial memory in VaD rats, alleviated hippocampal pathological injury and neuronal apoptosis, and protected neuronal ultrastructure. Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription at doses of 12.18 and 24.36 g·kg-1 reduced hippocampal expression levels of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β in VaD rats (P0.05), showing dose-dependent inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ConclusionYifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
3.Neuroprotective Mechanism of Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo Prescription on VaD Rats Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Bingmao YUAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xiu LAN ; Lingfei JIANG ; Lin WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):88-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription regulates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to improve neuronal function in vascular dementia (VaD) rats. MethodsA VaD model was established by intermittently clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) combined with bilateral vascular occlusion (2-VO). Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, sham group, model group, piracetam group (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription groups (6.09, 12.18, and 24.36 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 7 after surgery, once daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological morphological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive expression rate of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Immunofluorescence single staining was used to assess nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in platform-crossing frequency (P0.01), aggravated hippocampal injury, a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis (P0.05), decreased NeuN positivity in the CA1 region (P0.05), increased nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 (P0.05), and significantly elevated expression of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β (P0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups improved learning and spatial memory in VaD rats, alleviated hippocampal pathological injury and neuronal apoptosis, and protected neuronal ultrastructure. Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription at doses of 12.18 and 24.36 g·kg-1 reduced hippocampal expression levels of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β in VaD rats (P0.05), showing dose-dependent inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ConclusionYifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
4.Regulation of Rat Intervertebral Disc Annulus Fibrosus Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang via miR-17-5P/MDM2/p53 Pathway
Haitao JIANG ; Hantao YUAN ; Wenting HUANG ; Rongrong YANG ; Xiaochun CHEN ; Baoqing YU ; Sibo LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):55-65
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang on the regulation of the microRNA-17-5P (miR-17-5P)/murine double minute 2 (MDM2)/p53 axis in the proliferation and apoptosis of rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells, and its potential molecular mechanism. MethodsIntervertebral disc annulus fibrosus tissues were obtained from 8-week-old SPF-grade male SD rats, and annulus fibrosus cells were isolated and obtained by enzyme digestion and mechanical dispersion. Annulus fibrosus cells were divided into 6 groups: Group C was the blank control group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were not treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) but were cultured in RPMI 1640 complete medium. Group β was the degeneration model group constructed by treating annulus fibrosus cells with 10 ng/mL IL-1β for 24 h. Group β+B was the IL-1β + blank serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% blank serum for 24 h. Group β+W was the IL-1β + Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum for 24 h. Group β+I was the IL-1β + miR-17-5P inhibitor group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then transfected with miR-17-5P inhibitor. Group β+I+W was the IL-1β + miR-17-5P inhibitor + Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum group, in which annulus fibrosus cells were first treated with IL-1β to construct the degeneration model, then transfected with miR-17-5P inhibitor, and finally treated with RPMI 1640 medium containing 5% Yaoshu Zhuyu Fang-containing serum for 24 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell survival rate. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-17-5P, MDM2 mRNA, and p53 mRNA in cells. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of MDM2 and p53 in cells. Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-17-5P and MDM2. ResultsCompared with Group C, Group β showed a significant decrease in cell survival rate (P<0.001), a significant increase in cell apoptosis rate (P<0.001), significantly increased expression of miR-17-5P, p53 mRNA, and p53 protein (P<0.001), and significantly decreased expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). Compared with Group β, Group β+W, Group β+I, and Group β+I+W showed significantly increased cell survival rate, significantly decreased apoptosis rate, significantly decreased expression of miR-17-5P, p53 mRNA, and p53 protein, and significantly increased expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein (P<0.001). Moreover, changes in the above indicators were greater in Group β+I+W (P<0.001). Circular RNA Interactome predicted that miR-17-5P had specific binding sites with the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of MDM2. Transfection of miR-17-5P mimic significantly reduced the luciferase expression level of co-transfected luciferase reporter plasmid containing wild-type MDM2 3'UTR (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on luciferase expression in cells co-transfected with luciferase reporter plasmid containing mutant MDM2 3'UTR (P>0.05). ConclusionYaoshu Zhuyu Fang down-regulates the expression of miR-17-5P, promotes the synthesis of MDM2 protein, thereby down-regulates p53, promotes proliferation, and inhibits the apoptosis of rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells.
5.Mechanism of MEK/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway Modulated by Mimenghua Prescription on Inflammatory Response in Dry Eye Animal Model
Shi TAN ; Pei LIU ; Yuan ZHONG ; Sainan TIAN ; Pengfei JIANG ; Genyan QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):211-221
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of Mimenghua prescription in modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory responses in a dry eye animal model. MethodsA total of 60 C57BL/6J mice (eight weeks old, half male and half female) were used in the experiment. Ten mice were randomly selected as the blank control group, while the remaining 50 were exposed to a controlled dry system and received instillation of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the eyes for four weeks to establish a dry eye mouse model. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Mimenghua prescription groups with low dose (4.83 g·kg-1), medium dose (9.67 g·kg-1), and high dose (19.34 g·kg-1). The mice in the model group received an equal volume of normal saline via gavage for four weeks. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received instillation of sodium hyaluronate eye drops twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The tear secretion volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were evaluated once every two weeks. After four weeks of administration, mice were euthanized, and their lacrimal gland tissues and corneas were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess histopathological morphology. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the contents and expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, ERK, and interleukin (IL)-1β in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues of the mice in each group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. ResultsThe Mimenghua prescription groups and the sodium hyaluronate group exhibited significantly increased tear secretion volume (P<0.05) and prolonged TBUT (P<0.05) after treatment. Ocular surface damage of mice was visibly recovered. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal gland and corneal tissues were significantly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription group with high dose (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that IL-1β levels were highest in the model group but significantly reduced in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05). Both ELISA and Real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05), but markedly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05), suggesting that Mimenghua prescription can decrease the expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues. ConclusionMimenghua prescription can reduce inflammatory responses, increase tear secretion, prolong TBUT, and promote corneal recovery by inhibiting the MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK signaling pathways in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues.
6.Expert consensus on clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in perioperative period
Mingyu JIANG ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Fengjiao KANG ; Anhua WEI ; Danjie ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Ying SHAO ; Li TANG ; Yi WANG ; Shuhong LIANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Guirong XIAO ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):689-699
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in patients during the perioperative period. METHODS Led by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was established. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions related to the rational perioperative use of parenteral DTIs were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” framework; systematic searches were conducted in CNKI, Medline, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through multiple rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven recommendations (each with an expert consensus rate exceeding 90%) on the use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative patients were developed. These recommendations specify drug selection, dosing ranges, key monitoring points, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in various scenarios, including the perioperative period of ventricular assist device implantation, the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, perioperative patients with lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, the perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome, the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid stenosis, the perioperative period of patients with right heart thrombosis, and patients who develop related thrombosis and dysfunction after a central venous catheter insertion. In addition, warning and management pathways for perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events were proposed. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative period.
7.Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Characteristics in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Renal Fanconi Syndrome
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yuan DONG ; Jiahe JIANG ; Peng XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yubing WEN ; Dong XU ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):358-369
Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management. Patients diagnosed with pSS-FS via renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2024 were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, clinical symptoms (xerostomia, xerophthalmia, skin purpura, arthralgia, polyuria, and systemic symptoms), laboratory findings [serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM, complement (C3, C4), antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren's syndrome-associated antigen A antibody (SSA), anti-SSB antibody, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, tubular proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes], treatment, and follow-up information. Systematic assessments included the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, pulmonary involvement (including non-infectious interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), hematological involvement (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), etc. Efficacy evaluations encompassed improvements in immunological parameters, renal function, and tubular function. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, A total of 38 patients with pSS-FS were included, with 37(97.4%) being female. The median age at pSS diagnosis was 43(37, 57) years. Xerostomia (76.3%) and xerophthalmia (71.1%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. The most common renal tubular dysfunctions were generalized aminoaciduria (96.9%), tubular proteinuria (96.0%), and hypokalemia (94.7%). The median eGFR was 52.57(32.04, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2), with 60.5% (23/38) of patients having an eGFR below 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2).After six months of immunosuppressive therapy, including moderate-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, significant improvements were observed in immunological parameters (improvement rate: 69.2%), renal tubular function (89.5%), and renal function (44.4%). Following immunosuppressive treatment, the median eGFR increased from 54.95(33.06, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 65.56(56.24, 83.58)mL/(min·1.73 m2).Compared to patients with normal or mildly impaired baseline eGFR [≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)], those with significantly decreased baseline eGFR [< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] were older (46 years This study reports the clinical characteristics of the largest single-center cohort of pSS-FS patients internationally, characterized by varying degrees of proximal renal tubular dysfunction and renal impairment. Timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids, is crucial, particularly for patients with significantly reduced eGFR, who may experience more substantial renal function improvement.
8.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.
9.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
10.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail