1.Effect and Mechanism of Liangyi Paste on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Naturally Aged Mice with High-fat Diet via Cuproptosis/Oxidative Stress Pathway
Meiling ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):91-99
ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point, this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups (10 mice per group): The 12-month-old control group (12MCON), the 15-month-old control group (15MCON), and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet (15MHFD). The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet, while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice per group): the 20-month-old control group (20MCON), the model group, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups (2.91 , 5.82 , 11.64 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet, while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age, the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage, while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage (when the mice reached 20 months of age), tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits; liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Cu2+, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetry; mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON, the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.01), decreased SOD (P<0.01), hepatocyte swelling, and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β (PDHB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 15MCON group, the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group, and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with 20MCON group, the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG, Cu2+, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), reduced SOD (P<0.01), severe hepatic steatosis, and upregulated expression of FDX1, DLAT, HSP70, DLD, PDHB, Nrf2, and PPARγ mRNA and proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.
2.Alpha-ketoglutarate engineered small extracellular vesicles delay skin aging
Zhijing WU ; Jiali LI ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Tangrong WANG ; Yuzhou ZHENG ; Zixuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):120-129
BACKGROUND:Cell-free therapy is a research hotspot in the field of medical cosmetic anti-aging.It is still unknown for paracellular secretion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles loaded with the antiaging drug α-ketoglutaric acid to delay skin aging.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the anti-aging agent α-ketoglutarate engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in a D-galactose-induced model of dermal fibroblast senescence.METHODS:(1)Biological characteristics of primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were identified by osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation staining and flow cytometry.(2)The small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell were obtained by using differential-ultracentrifugation.α-Ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were constructed by electroporation,and biologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyzer,while the encapsulation rate was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.(3)The effect of α-ketoglutarate on the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts was assessed by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assay kits.(4)The effect of α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles on delaying the senescence of dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by reactive oxygen species detection kit,western blot assay,and cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obtained human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were biologically compatible.(2)There was no toxic effect on dermal fibroblasts when α-ketoglutarate was used in the concentration range of 0.5-8 mmol/L.(3)D-gal induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts,while α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles treatment reduced the level of oxidative stress,DNA damage,and collagen loss,which was further verified that α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles could effectively slow down the skin aging process.
3.Alpha-ketoglutarate engineered small extracellular vesicles delay skin aging
Zhijing WU ; Jiali LI ; Jiaxin ZHANG ; Tangrong WANG ; Yuzhou ZHENG ; Zixuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):120-129
BACKGROUND:Cell-free therapy is a research hotspot in the field of medical cosmetic anti-aging.It is still unknown for paracellular secretion of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles loaded with the antiaging drug α-ketoglutaric acid to delay skin aging.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of the anti-aging agent α-ketoglutarate engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles in a D-galactose-induced model of dermal fibroblast senescence.METHODS:(1)Biological characteristics of primary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were identified by osteogenic-lipogenic differentiation staining and flow cytometry.(2)The small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell were obtained by using differential-ultracentrifugation.α-Ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were constructed by electroporation,and biologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyzer,while the encapsulation rate was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography.(3)The effect of α-ketoglutarate on the proliferative capacity of dermal fibroblasts was assessed by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assay kits.(4)The effect of α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles on delaying the senescence of dermal fibroblasts was evaluated by reactive oxygen species detection kit,western blot assay,and cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The obtained human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles were biologically compatible.(2)There was no toxic effect on dermal fibroblasts when α-ketoglutarate was used in the concentration range of 0.5-8 mmol/L.(3)D-gal induced senescence in dermal fibroblasts,while α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles treatment reduced the level of oxidative stress,DNA damage,and collagen loss,which was further verified that α-ketoglutarate-engineered human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-small extracellular vesicles could effectively slow down the skin aging process.
4.Mechanism of artemether in treating diabetic sarcopenia via network pharmacology and animal experiment
Jiaxin LI ; Yuchun CAI ; Xiufen GU ; Yating ZHANG ; Shoupan GAO ; Huili SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1032-1044
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artemether in diabetic sarcopenia(DS)using network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsPotential active components and therapeutic targets were screened using artemisinin as the parent compound. The predicted targets were intersected with DS-related targets, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to identify the key biological processes and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was further used to evaluate the binding affinity between artemether and core targets. The DS mouse model was established using db/db mice, followed by artemether intervention. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, diabetes-related symptoms, body composition, grip strength, serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed. The expression levels of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), Atrogin-1, muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1), acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) in skeletal muscle were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, metabolomics was performed to analyze changes in acylcarnitine metabolites in skeletal muscle. ResultsA total of 68 overlapping targets between artemether and diabetic sarcopenia (DS) were identified. The core targets included AKT1, FoxO1, NFKB1, FBXO32, and TRIM63, which were mainly enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, forkhead box O (FoxO) signWaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and insulin resistance-related pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that artemether exhibited favorable binding affinity with the core targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that artemether reduced fasting blood glucose, ameliorated metabolic symptoms, increased lean mass and grip strength, decreased serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in DS mice. In addition, artemether downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxO1, FBXO32/Atrogin-1, TRIM63/MuRF1, ACSS2, CPT2, and FABP3, and improved the disturbance of acylcarnitine metabolism in skeletal muscle. ConclusionArtemether improves metabolic and skeletal muscle phenotypes in DS mice. Its effects may be associated with the amelioration of lipid metabolic disorders and the downregulation of FoxO1 and its downstream ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-related factors Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in skeletal muscle.
5.Modified Taohe Chengqitang Regulates Notch/eNOS Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Hepatic Sinusoidal Capillarization
Chang SHAO ; Xiguang SUN ; Jiaxin HUANG ; Linmao YE ; Xiaofan LIANG ; Yi HE ; Junjie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):42-54
ObjectiveTo investigate whether modified Taohe Chengqitang (JTCT) treats liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic sinusoidal capillarization, and to verify whether its specific mechanism is related to the Homologous genes responsible for the notches along the edges of Drosophila wings(Notch) signaling pathway and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 5 groups: Control, model (5 mL·kg-1·3 d-1), low-dose JTCT, medium-dose JTCT, and high-dose JTCT (JTCT-L,JTCT-M,JTCT-H). Except the control group, the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) olive oil solution every 3 days for 4 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Meanwhile, JTCT-L, JTCT-M, and JTCT-H groups were administrated with JTCT by gavage at doses of 16.6, 33.3, and 66.6 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively, for 4 consecutive weeks (the control and model groups received equal volumes of normal saline by gavage). Primary liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were isolated from rat livers through in situ perfusion of collagenase, Percoll density gradient centrifugation, and selective removal of Kupffer cells. After verification of cell phenotype, LSECs were used for experiments. For cells at the logarithmic growth phase, the small interfering RNA(siRNA) kit was used to knock down the expression of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) through transient transfection. Subsequently, the Notch agonist Jagged-1 was applied. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine the cytotoxicity of JTCT on LSECs. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to measure the expression of molecules in the Notch and eNOS signaling pathways at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Intracellular Ca2+ was labeled with the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester(Fluo-4/AM). ResultsThe animal experiment showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, lobular structural disorder, and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the mouse liver tissue, significantly elevated serum levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) (P<0.01), significantly upregulated expression levels of Notch1, Hes family bHLH transcription factor 1(Hes1), Cluster of Differentiation 31(CD31), and von Willebrand factor(vWF) (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated phosphorylate(p)-eNOS/eNOS ratio and sGC expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the JTCT groups showed significantly reduced serum Hyp, ALT, and AST levels (P<0.01), downregulated expression of Notch1, Hes1, CD31, and vWF (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated p-eNOS/eNOS ratio and sGC expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the liver tissue, with the JTCT-H group showing the most significant changes (P<0.01). The cell experiment showed that compared with the LSEC-1day group, the LSEC-5day group exhibited significantly increased expression of Notch1, Hes1, CD31, and vWF (P<0.01), significantly decreased p-eNOS/eNOS ratio and sGC expression (P<0.01), and elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P<0.01). Compared with the LSEC-5day group, the JTCT group showed decreased expression of Notch1, Hes1, CD31, and vWF (P<0.01), significantly increased p-eNOS/eNOS ratio (P<0.01), and significantly reduced intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the expression of Notch1, Hes1, eNOS, p-eNOS, CD31, vWF, sGC, or intracellular Ca2+ concentration between the Jagged1 group and the Jagged1+JTCT group. Compared with the LSEC-5day group, the sGC knockout group (sGC-KO) showed significantly increased expression of CD31 and vWF (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in CD31 or vWF expression between the sGC-KO group and the sGC-KO+JTCT group. ConclusionJTCT inhibits the activation of the Notch signaling pathway and restores the activity of the eNOS signaling pathway to suppress sinusoidal capillarization of LSECs, thereby treating liver fibrosis.
6.Related factors and collaborative action framework of multi-disease co-prevention in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1364-1368
Abstract
The cooccurrence of multi disease among children and adolescents has become increasingly prominent, necessitating a shift from "single disease separate treatment" to "multi disease co prevention". Focusing on four common health problems in children and adolescents, namely, myopia, depression, overweight/obesity, and spinal abnormalities, the paper systematically reviews the association between four categories of factors, society, environment, family, and individual behavior, and the co occurrence of the aforementioned health problems. The findings indicate that particulate matter 2.5 exposure, light at night, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, and unhealthy diet constitute the primary cross dimensional risk network. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a collaborative action framework involving family, school, and society, emphasizing systematic strategies ranging from upstream environmental governance to downstream behavioral intervention, so as to provide evidence for the practice and policy making of multi disease co-prevention in children and adolescents.
7.Ditantang Ameliorates MAFLD in Rats Through UDPG-S1P-SREBP Axis-mediated Glycogen Synthesis
Lu PAN ; Zhe ZHAND ; Nan SONG ; Dongyu MIN ; Jiaxin WANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Yang HONG ; Meiling ZHANG ; Xiaofei SUN ; Jiaru WANG ; Yunfei GAO ; Yupeng PEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):40-50
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Ditantang on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in rats by focusing on the regulation of glycogen synthesis mediated by the uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG)-site-1-protease (S1P)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) axis. MethodsMAFLD was modeled in SD rats by feeding a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Rats were randomized into a control group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.68, 5.36, and 10.72 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Ditantang groups, and a positive control (Yishanfu, 0.18 g·kg-1·d-1) group. Starting from week 9 of modeling, each treatment group received corresponding drug interventions via gavage. After the experiment, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. The levels of TG, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), glucose-1-phosphate (G1P), and UDPG in the liver tissue samples were measured by biochemical assay kits. Liver pathological morphology and lipid/glycogen deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, oil red O staining, and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Immunofluorescence assay was conducted to detect the expression and localization of phosphoglucomutase-1 (Pgm1) and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 2 (Ugp2) in the rat liver. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to quantify mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of key glycogen synthesis enzymes (Pgm1 and Ugp2), key lipogenesis-related transcription factor SREBP and its target genes [acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthetase (FASN), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1)], as well as S1P. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TC, TG, LDL-C in the serum and TG and NEFA in the liver, decreased serum HDL-C level (P<0.01), reduced hepatic levels of G1P, G6P, UDPG, and glycogen (P<0.01), appearance of fat vacuoles of varying sizes and abundant red lipid droplets, with prominent lipid deposition and reduced areas of deep glycogen staining in the liver tissue, upregulated mRNA and protein levels of SREBP1, S1P, ACC, FASN, and SCD1 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA and protein levels of Pgm1 and Ugp2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all doses of Ditantang reduced the levels of TC and TG in the serum and TG and NEFA in the liver, while elevating the serum HDL-C level. Additionally, medium- and high-dose Ditantang reducted the LDL-C level (P<0.05). Ditantang at all doses increased the hepatic levels of G1P, G6P, UDPG, and glycogen, alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition, enhanced glycogen storage, downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of SREBP1, S1P, ACC, FASN, and SCD1 (P<0.05), while upregulating the expression of Pgm1 and Ugp2 (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed decreased fluorescence intensity of S1P and enhanced fluorescence intensity of Ugp2 (P<0.01). ConclusionDitantang can regulate glycogen synthesis through the UDPG-S1P-SREBP axis to prevent and treat MAFLD.
8.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
9.Evolution and development of mental health policies for children and adolescents in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1246-1251
Objective:
To systematically review the development and changes in mental health policies within the National Outline for Children s Development in China from 1992 to 2030, providing a reference basis for future formulation of mental health policies among children and adolescent in China.
Methods:
Based on the four editions of the National Outline for Children s Development in China across different periods from 1992 to 2030, word frequency analysis was used to reveal shifts in policy priorities, and an internationally recognized framework for adolescent health policy analysis was applied to conduct a textual review.
Results:
Word frequency analysis revealed that the term "psychological" appeared 6 times in the National Outline for Children s Development in China (2001-2010) but increased to 20 times in the National Outline for Children s Development in China (2021-2030) (abbreviated as the National Outline of 2021), while the term "health" rose from 4 times in the National Outline for Children s Development Plan in China in the 1990s to 68 times in the National Outline of 2021. The scope of mental health policy interventions expanded to encompass five key areas:health, safety, education, welfare and legal protection. Textual analysis highlighted that the policies of the National Outline for Children s Development in China were demand driven, prioritized vulnerable groups and continuously broadened their coverage, emphasizing sustainability and appropriateness, and monitoring/evaluation mechanisms. By 2023, 42.3% of primary schools and 64.8% of secondary schools employed full time mental health education teachers. However, the National Outline for Children s Development in China lacked direct evidence of children and adolescents participation in policy formulation, and publicly available mental health data disaggregated by age and gender remained limited.
Conclusion
Mental health policies of children and adolescents in China have evolved from nonexistence to gradual refinement, yet institutionalized channels for youth involvement in policy development and evaluation remain insufficient, and transparency in age and gender specific mental health data needs improvement.
10.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.


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