1.Application of Zebrafish in Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Jiarui WU ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Qiqi FAN ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):58-70
As a new type of model organism, zebrafish is gradually gaining prominence in the field of scientific research. The unique biological characteristics and advantages of zebrafish make them play an increasingly important role in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. Compared with other common experimental animals, zebrafish have a fast reproductive and growth speed and high embryo transparency, making them an ideal model for evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. This provides a new perspective and method for research on traditional Chinese medicine. With the growing global interest in traditional Chinese medicine, it has become crucial to find scientific and accurate methods to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. The introduction of the zebrafish model has brought new breakthroughs in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. To further promote the application of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine, this article systematically searched and sorted out the previous studies related to the application of zebrafish for this purpose since 2023. The commonly used disease models and indicators of zebrafish in evaluating the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the mechanism of zebrafish in exploring the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, were primarily reviewed. The application of zebrafish in evaluating the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and the typical examples in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were demonstrated. The limitations encountered by zebrafish models in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were highlighted. The resolution of these problems will help further improve the accuracy and reliability of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. The article discussed the evaluation of effectiveness, safety, and quality control of zebrafish applied in traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide a reference for establishing standards for traditional Chinese medicine and promoting its modernization in the future.
2.Hepatotoxicity and Anti-osteoporotic Mechanism of Evodiamine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Shan LU ; Qiqi FAN ; Jiarui WU ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):79-86
ObjectiveBased on the zebrafish model, the hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporotic activity of evodiamine (EVO) were studied. The mechanism of EVO in treating osteoporosis was explored by using network pharmacology and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). MethodsThree days after fertilization (3 dpf), zebrafish were randomly selected and exposed to different concentrations of EVO solution for 96 hours. The mortality rate of zebrafish at different concentrations was calculated at the exposure endpoint, and a "dose-toxicity" curve was drawn. The 10% lethal concentration (LC10) was calculated. Liver phenotype, acridine orange staining, and pathological tissue sections of liver-transgenic zebrafish [CZ16 (gz15Tg.Tg (fabp 10a: ds Red; ela31: EGFP))] were used to confirm hepatotoxicity of EVO. On this basis, prednisolone was used to create a model of osteoporosis in zebrafish. The skull development, area of the skull stained by alizarin red, and cumulative optical density were used as indicators to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic activity of EVO in a safe dose. Based on network pharmacology, the mechanism of action of EVO in the treatment of osteoporosis was predicted and verified through Real-time PCR. ResultsThe LC10 of EVO on zebrafish (7 dpf) was determined to be 0.4 mg·L-1. Compared with the control group, sublethal concentrations (
3.Relationship between psychological abuse and neglect and suicidal ideation in left-behind adolescents: the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of different stages of adolescence
Lu PAN ; Yuhang WU ; Yuqin SONG ; Cen LIN ; Yu CEN ; Jiarui SHAO ; Cailin XIE ; Mengqin DAI ; Qiuyue FAN ; Lei TANG ; Jiaming LUO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):374-380
BackgroundPrevious studies have identified a close relationship among psychological neglect and abuse, negative affect, different stages of adolescence, and suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms underlying the impact of psychological abuse and neglect on suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents remain unclear, and this field of research is still in its relative infancy. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between psychological neglect/abuse and suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents, as well as the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating effect of different stages of adolescence, so as to provide insights for preventing and intervening suicidal ideation in this population. MethodsFrom November 2021 to May 2022, a cluster random sampling technique was utilized to select 2 309 left-behind adolescents in western China. Assessments were conducted using the Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS), the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule for Children (PANAS-C). Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated across all samples, and Process 4.1 was employed to test the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of different stages of adolescence in the pathway linking psychological abuse/neglect to suicidal ideation. ResultsA total of 2 119 left-behind adolescents (mean age: 14.94±1.20 years) completed the study, with males comprising 51.34% (1 088/2 119) and females 48.66% (1 031/2 119).Among left-behind adolescents, scores on CPANS psychological neglect subscale showed positive correlations with both psychological abuse subscale scores and PANAS-C negative affect subscale scores (r=0.446, 0.496, P<0.01). Additionally, CPANS psychological neglect and psychological abuse subscale scores were also positively correlated with PANSI scores (r=0.487, 0.508, P<0.01). Furthermore, PANAS-C negative affect subscale scores demonstrated a positive correlation with PANSI scores (r=0.499, P<0.01). Negative affect partially mediated the relationship between psychological abuse/psychological neglect and suicidal ideation, with effect sizes of 0.166 (95% CI: 0.141~0.191) and 0.131 (95% CI: 0.112~0.152). Different stages of adolescence moderated the latter part (negative emotion → suicidal ideation) of the indirect mediation path from psychological neglect to suicidal ideation through negative affect (β=-0.066, P<0.01). ConclusionBoth psychological neglect and psychological abuse may influence suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents via negative affect. Moreover, different stages of adolescence may moderate the indirect path from psychological neglect to suicide ideation through negative affect.
4.Effect of miR-34a-5p on hippocampal neuron apoptosis in rats with temporal lobe epilepsy and its mechanism
Jiarui LI ; Zhenlin YANG ; Fan GAO ; Jingjing GUO ; Jinzi LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):939-947
Objective:To discuss the effect of microRNA-34a-5p(miR-34a-5p)on the neuron apoptosis in hippocampus tissue of the rats with temporal lobe epilepsy,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:Fifty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,and inhibitor negative control group,and there were 13 rats in each group.The PONEMAH 6.X experimental animal telemetry platform was used to record the electroencephalogram(EEG)of the rats in various groups;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the expression levels of miR-34a-5p in hippocampus tissue of the rats in various groups;HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampus tissue of the rats in various groups;TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptotic rates of neurons in hippocampus tissue of the rats in various groups;immunohistochemistry method was used to determine the positive expression rates of CDK6,p-Rb,and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in various group;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of cyclin-dependent protein kinase 6(CDK6),phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein(p-Rb),and E2F transcription factor 1(E2F1)proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:No abnormalities were observed in the rats in control group;the rats in model group,miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,and inhibitor negative control group exhibited varying degrees of drooling,trembling,bloody tears,staring,chewing tremors,followed by nodding and blinking,and finally forelimb convulsions,standing upright,and falling.Compared with control group,the total duration of epileptic seizures of the rats in model group was significantly prolonged(P<0.01);compared with model group,the total duration of epileptic seizures of the rats in miR-34a-5p inhibitor group was shortened(P<0.01);compared with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,the total duration of epileptic seizures of the rats in inhibitor negative control group was prolonged(P<0.01).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the expression level of miR-34a-5p in hippocampus tissue of the rats in model group was increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression level of miR-34a-5p in hippocampus tissue of the rats in miR-34a-5p inhibitor group was increased(P<0.05);compared with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,the expression level of miR-34a-5p in hippocampus tissue of the rats in inhibitor negative control group was increased(P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the cell arrangement in model group was disordered;compared with model group,the cell arrangement in miR-34a-5p inhibitor group was orderly;compared with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,the cell morphology in inhibitor negative control group was irregular.The TUNEL staining results showed that compared with control group,the apoptotic rate of neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus tissue of the rats in model group was increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the apoptotic rate of neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus tissue of the rats in miR-34a-5p inhibitor group was decreased(P<0.05);compared with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,the apoptotic rate of neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus tissue of the rats in inhibitor negative control group was increased(P<0.05).The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with control group,the positive expression rates of CDK6,p-Rb and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats model group were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);compared with model group,the positive expression rates of CDK6,p-Rb and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in miR-34a-5p inhibitor group were decreased(P<0.05);compared with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group,the positive expression rates of CDK6,p-Rb and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in inhibitor negative group were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of CDK6,p-Rb,and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in model group were increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of CDK6,p-Rb,and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in miR-34a-5p inhibitor group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);compared with miR-34a-5p antagomir group,the expression levels of CDK6,p-Rb,and E2F1 proteins in hippocampus tissue of the rats in inhibitor negative control group were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:The expression of miR-34a-5p is upregulated in the hippocampal tissue of temporal lobe epilepsy rats,and hippocampal neuron apoptosis is increased.Inhibition of miR-34a-5p expression can reduce the hippocampal neuron apoptotic rate,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of CDK6,p-Rb,and E2F1 protein expressions in the hippocampus tissue by miR-34a-5p.
5.Effect of Dachaihu decoction on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis and liver injury and its association with gut microbiota modulation in mice
Qingqing XIANG ; Feng LAI ; Hong XIAO ; Zhengjia PU ; Lingli MA ; Xiangyun LIU ; Shihui LI ; Shengmin MAO ; Jiarui FAN ; Yuchen LI ; Ankang LI ; Yang WANG ; Qunhua BAI
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(8):1084-1095
Objective:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Dachaihu decoction(DCD)on dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)and liver injury in mice,as well as the association between DCD benefits and gut microbiota modulation.Methods:Mice were treated with DCD(20.10 and 10.05 g/kg)for 2 weeks,with free access to drinking water containing 3%DSS in the second week to induce UC.Histopathological examination,RT-qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to investigate the effect of DCD on UC mice.Results:DCD pretreatment significantly alleviated weight loss,bloody diarrhea with mucus,histopathological abnormalities of the colon,and colon shortening in mice with DSS-induced UC.In addition,DCD pretreat-ment significantly upregulated the levels of Occludin,ZO-1,and MUC-2 in the colon and protected the intestinal barrier of mice.DCD pretreatment also alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon and the liver and significantly reduced the expression levels of the proinflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,iNOS,COX-2,and NLRP3,thereby exerting a protective effect against UC and liver injury.It should be noted that DCD corrected gut micro-biota imbalance in UC mice by enriching probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reducing harmful bacteria such as Norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae and Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusion:DCD can alleviate DSS-induced UC and exert a liver-protecting effect by protecting intestinal barrier,inhibiting inflam-mation,and regulating gut microbiota.
6.The role of circadian clock-controlled mitochondrial dynamics in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Ce ZHANG ; Jiarui MIAO ; Xu FAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(8):1670-1676
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a disease closely associated with metabolic abnormalities and is currently one of the most common chronic liver diseases.Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles involved in a variety of metabolic and bioenergetic pathways in the liver,and they respond to environmental changes in a highly dynamic manner through mitochondrial dynamics.The circadian clock is able to modulate mitochondrial dynamics,making it exhibit rhythmic changes.In case of circadian rhythm disorders,mitochondrial dynamics loses rhythmicity,and mitochondria are unable to respond to changing energy demands in different environments,leading to the development and progression of NAFLD.This article summarizes the important role of circadian clock-controlled mitochondrial dynamics in the etiology of NAFLD.
7.Ameliorative effect of novel antiepileptic drug Q808 on rats with temporal lobe epilepsy and its mechanism
Weiwei ZHENG ; Fan GAO ; Zhenlin YANG ; Jiarui LI ; Jingjing GUO ; Jinzi LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(5):1243-1249
Objective:To discuss the ameliorative effect of a novel antiepileptic drug Q808 on neuronal injury in temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE)rats,and to clarify its mechanism of action.Methods:TLE rat model was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of the innovative antiepileptic drug candidate 6-(4-chlorophenoxy)-tetrazolo(5,1-a)phthalazine(Q808).Forty-five successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,low dose of Q808 group,and high dose of Q808 group,and there were 15 rats in each group.The rats in low dose of Q808 group and high dose of Q808 group were gavaged with 20 and 80 mg·kg-1 Q808,respectively,and the rats in model group were gavaged with an equal amount of 0.3%sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.Another 15 healthy SD rats were selected as control group.After 4 weeks of continuous gavage treatment,the morphology of the rats in varioius groups was observed;PONEMAH 6.X experimental animal telemetry platform was used to record the electroencephalogram of the rats in various groups;Golgi staining was used to observe the morphology of dendritic and dendritic spine density of hippocampal CA1 neurons of the rats in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of synaptic plasticity-specific protein calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)in hippocampus tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:The rats in control group showed normal activity without convulsions or other abnormal manifestations.The rats in model group,low dose of Q808 group,and high dose of Q808 group showed varying degrees of reduced activity,trembling and nodding,loss of balance,muscle rigidity and forelimb convulsions,gradually transforming into whole-body muscle rigidity and standing,followed by falling backwards,and there were no convulsions during the interictal period.Compared with control group,the total durations of epileptic seizures of the rats in model group,low dose of Q808 group,and high dose of Q808 group were significantly prolonged(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the total durations of epileptic seizures in low dose of Q808 group and high dose of Q808 group were significantly shortened(P<0.01).The hippocampal CA1 neurons of the rats in control group showed regular distribution of dendrites with dense and orderly dendritic networks.The hippocampal CA1 neurons of the rats in model group showed disordered arrangement of dendrites with massive dendritic entanglement,forming thicker nerve fiber bundles.Compared with model group,the dendritic networks of hippocampal CA1 neurons of the rats in low dose of Q808 group and high dose of Q808 group were partially recovered with relatively regular arrangement.Compared with control group,the dendritic spine density of hippocampal CA1 neurons of the rats in model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the dendritic spine densities of hippocampal CA1 neurons in low dose of Q808 group and high dose of Q808 group significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of CaMKⅡ protein in hippocampus tissue of the rats in model group,low dose of Q808 group,and high dose of Q808 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the expression levels of CaMKⅡ protein in hippocampus tissue of the rats in low dose of Q808 group and high dose of Q808 group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion:The novel antiepileptic drug Q808 has an ameliorating effect on the TLE model rats;its mechanism may be related to Q808's ability to reduce the dendritic lesions in hippocampal CA1 neurons and increase the expression level of synaptic plasticity-related protein CaMKⅡ protein.
8.The interaction between polyphyllin I and SQLE protein induces hepatotoxicity through SREBP-2/HMGCR/SQLE/LSS pathway
Zhiqi LI ; Qiqi FAN ; Meilin CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Farong LI ; Mingshuang WANG ; Yulin GU ; Simin GUO ; Xianwen YE ; Jiarui WU ; Shengyun DAI ; Ruichao LIN ; Chongjun ZHAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(1):39-54
Polyphyllin Ⅰ(PPⅠ)and polyphyllin Ⅱ(PⅡ)are the main active substances in the Paris polyphylla.However,liver toxicity of these compounds has impeded their clinical application and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms remain to be elucidated.In this work,we found that PPⅠ and PⅡ exposure could induce significant hepatotoxicity in human liver cell line L-02 and zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner.The results of the proteomic analysis in L-02 cells and transcriptome in zebrafish indicated that the hepa-totoxicity of PPⅡ and PⅡwas associated with the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway disorders,which were alleviated by the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin.Additionally,3-hydroxy-3-methy-lglutaryl CoA reductase(HMGCR)and squalene epoxidase(SQLE),the two rate-limiting enzymes in the choles-terol synthesis,selected as the potential targets,were confirmed by the molecular docking,the over-expression,and knockdown of HMGCR or SQLE with siRNA.Finally,the pull-down and surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that PPⅠ could directly bind with SQLE but not with HMGCR.Collectively,these data demonstrated that PPⅠ-induced hepatotoxicity resulted from the direct binding with SQLE protein and impaired the sterol-regulatory element binding protein 2/HMGCR/SQLE/lanosterol synthase pathways,thus disturbing the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the key role of SQLE as a potential target in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of drug toxic effects with similar structures in the future.
9.Neuroprotective effects of Longxue Tongluo Capsule on ischemic stroke rats revealed by LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach.
Jing SUN ; Xianyang CHEN ; Yongru WANG ; Yuelin SONG ; Bo PAN ; Bei FAN ; Fengzhong WANG ; Xiaonan CHEN ; Pengfei TU ; Jiarui HAN ; Huixia HUO ; Jun LI
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2023;15(3):430-438
OBJECTIVE:
The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and explore the underlying mechanisms of Longxue Tongluo Capsule (LTC) on ischemic stroke rats.
METHODS:
Twenty-six rats were randomly divided into four groups, including sham group, sham + LTC group, MCAO group, and MCAO + LTC group. Ischemic stroke rats were simulated by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and LTC treatment group were orally administrated with 300 mg/kg of LTC once daily for seven consecutive days. LTC therapy was validated in terms of neurobehavioral abnormality evaluation, cerebral infarct area, and histological assessments. The plasma metabolome comparisons amongst different groups were conducted by UHPLC-Q Exactive MS in combination with subsequent multivariate statistical analysis, aiming to finding the molecules in respond to the surgery or LTC treatment.
RESULTS:
Intragastric administration of LTC significantly decreased not only the neurobehavioral abnormality scores but also the cerebral infarct area of MCAO rats. The interstitial edema, atrophy, and pyknosis of glial and neuronal cells occurred in the infarcted area, core area, and marginal area of cerebral cortex were improved after LTC treatment. A total of 13 potential biomarkers were observed, and Youden index of 11 biomarkers such as LysoPC, SM, and PE were more than 0.7, which were involved in neuroprotective process. The correlation and pathway analysis showed that LTC was beneficial to ischemic stroke rats via regulating glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism, together with nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Heatmap and ternary analysis indicated the synergistic effect of carbohydrates and lipids may be induced by flavonoid intake from LTC.
CONCLUSION
The present study could provide evidence that metabolomics, as systematic approach, revealed its capacity to evaluate the holistic efficacy of TCM, and investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the clinical treatment of LTC on ischemic stroke.
10.Association between preoperative hemoglobin amount and incidence of lower limb deep vein thrombosis following lower limb fracture
Shuhao LI ; Kun ZHANG ; Zhe SONG ; Lisong HENG ; Dongxu FENG ; Wei FAN ; Xiaolong WANG ; Chen WANG ; Rui QIAO ; Jiarui YANG ; Pengfei WANG ; Yangjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2021;23(10):864-870
Objective:To study the association between preoperative hemoglobin amount and incidence of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with lower limb fracture.Methods:A retrospective study was performed of the 2, 482 patients with lower limb fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics Trauma, Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from July 2014 to August 2019. They were 1, 174 males and 1, 308 females with an age of (60.6±19.3) years. Recorded were the patients' age, gender, injury time, hemoglobin amount, D-dimer measurement, combined medical conditions, time and results of ultrasound vein examination on both lower extremities. According to the ultrasound results, the patients were divided into a thrombosis group and a thrombosis-free group. The 2 groups were compared in hemoglobin amount. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between preoperative hemoglobin amount and incidence of lower limb DVT. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to the quintile of hemoglobin amount; the incidences of thrombosis were compared between the 5 groups.Results:The total incidence of DVT in this cohort was 29.53%(733/2, 482). The hemoglobin amount in the thrombosis group was (116.57±19.24) g/L, significantly lower than that in the thrombosis-free group (124.76±19.79) g/L ( P<0.05). The preoperative hemoglobin amount was a risk factor for incidence of DVT after a lower limb fracture ( OR=0.985, 95% CI: 0.980 to 0.990, P<0.001). As the quintile level of hemoglobin increased, the incidence of DVT showed a downward trend. In comparison of the group with the highest DVT incidence (40.58%) and the group with the lowest DVT incidence (17.27%), the risk increased by 2.386 times (95% CI: 1.718 to 3.315). Conclusions:The preoperative hemoglobin amount can affect the DVT incidence after a lower limb fracture, and a low hemoglobin amount may more likely lead to lower limb DVT.

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