1.Clinical Efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Prescription in Treatment of Cathartic Colon and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Disease Severity
Youcheng HE ; Jingyi SHAN ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lu HANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Shuyu CAI ; Keyi PAN ; Lifeng WEI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):173-184
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue prescription (YYHP) in the treatment of cathartic colon (CC) and its effects on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 98 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine for CC with the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency complicated by blood stasis were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The observation group received YYHP granules, while the control group received lactulose. Both medications were administered twice daily, one sachet each time, half an hour after breakfast and dinner, with a treatment course of 8 weeks. The primary constipation symptom score, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) score, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment and at the 8th week after the end of treatment. The overall clinical effective rate, as well as the efficacy attenuation index and degree, were evaluated. Fecal SCFA levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. ResultsThe overall clinical effective rate in the observation group (95.83%) was higher than that in the control group (78.72%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the total scores for primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). The severity of all primary constipation symptoms was alleviated in both groups (P<0.05). In terms of "excessive straining and difficult defecation", "anal heaviness, incomplete evacuation, and bloating sensation", "abdominal distension", and "defecation frequency", the observation group showed better efficacy than the control group (P<0.05). Scores of the four PAC-QOL dimensions and the scores and severity of primary and secondary TCM symptoms were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs in the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05). The efficacy attenuation index and degree in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Positive correlations of varying degrees were observed among the total scores of primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes, as well as between these scores and the history of stimulant laxative use, disease duration, and age. ConclusionYYHP can effectively alleviate the primary constipation symptoms in CC patients, improve quality of life, and ameliorate TCM syndromes, with good safety. It also has the advantage of a lower rebound degree after drug withdrawal, and its mechanism may be related to increasing fecal SCFA levels. Long-term abuse of stimulant laxatives may aggravate the severity of CC and prolong the disease course.
2.Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation of Geranium wilfor-dii Maxim in ameliorating liver injury through the necroptosis pathway
Jingyi YANG ; Kunzhao YANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zhanghao FU ; Linxi HAN ; Weijie SONG ; Shuang XU ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1977-1989
Based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and experimental validation,this study explored the mechanisms of Geranium wilfordii Maxim(GWM)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCl4 group),a high-dose drug group(GWM-H group),and a low-dose group(GWM-L group).The liv-er injury model in mice was induced by CCl4,and liver tissue pathological morphology was ob-served,along with the measurement of the relative gene expression levels of liver inflammatory factors.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and target information of Chinese medi-cine and diseases were obtained through databases such as TCMSP,PubChem,Swiss Target Pre-diction,Super-PRED,Gene Cards,and DisGeNET.Intersecting the targets of liver injury,necropto-sis,and drugs yielded potential drug targets.String database was used for protein-protein interac-tion(PPI)analysis of the potential targets.Furthermore,Cytoscape was utilized to construct a net-work diagram of"drug-disease-active ingredient-intersection target,"Wei Sheng Xin was used for GO and KEGG pathway analysis.Molecular docking was performed using MOE software,and the results of molecular docking were experimentally validated to detect the expression of key targets in the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.Animal experiments showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group of mice exhibited a significant increase in liver organ index(P<0.05),markedly elevated serum AST activity(P<0.05),and a highly significant increase in ALT activity(P<0.01).Pathological examination revealed chaotic liver lobules,severe hepatocyte steatosis,ex-tensive hepatocyte necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the livers of mice in the CCl4 group.In comparison to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a significant decrease in liver organ index(P<0.05),while the GWM-L group displayed a downward trend.The GWM-H group exhibited a significant reduction in serum AST activity(P<0.05),the GWM-L group showed a decreasing trend in serum AST activity,the GWM-H group demonstrated a highly significant de-crease in serum ALT activity(P<0.01),and the GWM-L group displayed a significant decrease in serum ALT activity(P<0.05).Histopathological examination revealed that the drug treatment groups could improve CCl4-induced liver injury,with the GWM-H group showing better efficacy than the GWM-L group.RT-qPCR results of liver tissues showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a highly significant increase in the relative expression of IL-1βand PGE2 mRNA(P<0.01),while the mRNA relative expression of COX2 showed an increasing trend.In contrast,compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a remarkably significant decrease in the relative expression of IL-1βmRNA(P<0.01),a significant decrease in PGE2 mR-NA expression(P<0.05),and a decreasing trend in COX2 mRNA expression.Through network pharmacology,56 potential targets related to GWM in ameliorating necroptosis-induced liver injury were identified.Key targets,based on degree value,include TNF,Bcl2,HSP90AA1,and Caspase8,while the key components are quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,and ellagic acid.Functional enrich-ment analysis yielded 2 173 entries for GO and 146 biological pathways for KEGG.Molecular doc-king results indicated a strong binding capacity between the main components of GWM and key targets.RT-qPCR experimental results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a extremely significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,MLKL(P<0.01),significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of FAS,RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA(P<0.05),and a significant decrease in Caspase 8 mRNA expression(P<0.05).The addi-tion of GWM successfully reversed this trend;compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a highly significant decrease in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,FAS and MLKL mRNA(P<0.01),significant decrease in RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA expression(P<0.05),and an increasing trend in CASPASE8 mRNA expression.GWM exerts hepatoprotective effects through multiple components and pathways,among which inhibition of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway reduces hepatocyte necroptosis,potentially serving as one of the essential mechanisms for its protective effects.
3.Effect and mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia plebeian compound in alleviating inflammation,promoting autophagy,and mitiga-ting liver injury
Kunzhao YANG ; Yafen LU ; Weijie SONG ; Junjie WAN ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jingyi YANG ; Liting CAO ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):2017-2029,2039
Based on network pharmacology,through molecular docking and experimental validation,the study explored the mechanism of the Hypericum japonicum-Rehmannia glutinosa-Salvia ple-beian compound(HRS)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCL4 group),a high-dose drug group(HRS-H group),and a low-dose group(HRS-L group).A mouse liver injury model was established using CCL4 induction,liver tissue pathological morphology was observed,and the relative expression levels of liver in-flammatory cytokine genes was measured.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and targets related to Chinese medicine and diseases were obtained from databases such as Herb,TCM-SP,PubChem,Swiss Target Prediction,Gene Cards and DisGeNET.The intersection of targets was used to obtain potential drug targets.The potential targets were analyzed for protein-protein inter-action(PPI)using the string database and a network diagram of"drug-active component-intersec-tion target"was constructed using Cytoscape.DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG path-way analysis,and Auto Dock Tools software was used for molecular docking.Finally,the results of molecular docking by examining the expression of key target genes and downstream genes such as those related to the PI3K-AKT pathway and the autophagy pathway were experimentally valida-ted.Results:Animal experiment results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCL4 group of mice exhibited disrupted liver architecture,hepatocyte steatosis,vacuolization,and extensive in-flammatory cell infiltration.These characteristics were ameliorated by drug treatment groups with the HRS-H group demonstrating superior effects compared to the HRS-L group.RT-qPCR results from mouse livers showed significantly increased relative expression of TNF-α and INOS mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group(P<0.01),and significantly increased IL-1β mR-NA relative expression(P<0.05).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed signifi-cantly decreased TNF-α,INOS,and IL-1β mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).155 potential tar-gets for HRS in alleviating liver damage were identified through network pharmacology,with top-ranked key target points including STAT3,SRC,PIK3R1,PIK3CA,AKT1,HSP90A11,EGFR,and ESR.Key active ingredients included Tetramethoxyluteolin,Hispidulin,Eupafolin,Kaempferol,and Eupaformonin.GO enrichment analysis yielded 940 entries,and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 177 biological pathways.Molecular docking results showed a strong binding ability between the main components of HRS and key target points.RT-qPCR results showed increasing trends for EGFR,PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA compared to the CON group in the CCL4 group,significantly increased AKT1 mRNA relative expression(P<0.05),significant decreases in ULK1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),and extremely significant decreases in PTEN,ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG16L1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the CCL4 group,the HRS-H group showed significantly de-creased PI3KCA,HSP90A11,and NF-κB mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely signif-icantly decreased EGFR,AKT1,and mTOR mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01),increased ULK1 relative expression trends,significantly increased PTEN,ATG16L1,ATG5,LC3B,and ATG7 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.05),extremely significantly increased ATG13,BECLIN-1,ATG12,ATG4B,and ATG3 mRNA relative expressions(P<0.01).Conclusion:The HRS ex-erts hepatoprotective effects through multi-component,multi-pathway approaches,with alleviating inflammation and promoting hepatocyte autophagy through PI3K-AKT pathway likely being im-portant mechanisms for its protective effects.
4.Relationships between plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive impairment:a cross-sectional study based on the rural population aged 40 years old and above in Xi'an,China
Yi ZHAO ; Chunyu LI ; Liangjun DANG ; Suhang SHANG ; Jingyi WANG ; Jin WANG ; Qiumin QU ; Wenhui LU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):755-762
Objective To investigate the relationship between plasma homocysteine(Hcy)levels and cognitive impairment(CI).Methods From November 2018 to January 2019,baseline data and cognitive function were collected from the participants aged≥40 years who lived in two villages in Huyi District,Xi'an,China.Their global cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and the diagnosis of cognitive impairment was based on international guidelines.Fasting blood was collected in the morning,and plasma Hcy level was measured by the chemiluminometric assay.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis,subgroup analysis,and interaction analysis were performed to investigate the relationship between plasma Hcy and CI.Results A total of 1 805 subjects were included in the analysis.There were 1 056 females(58.5%),age ranged from 40 to 88 years[mean(58.99±9.52)years],and 145 participants(8.0%)were diagnosed as CI.The median plasma Hcy level in the overall population was 14.1(11.6,17.8)μmol/L.There were 729(40.4%)subjects in the HHcy group(>15.0 μmol/L)and 1 076(59.6%)in the normal group(≤15.0 μmol/L).Univariate analysis showed that the prevalence of CI was higher in the HHcy group than in the normal Hcy group(11.4%vs.5.8%,P<0.001).In multivariable Logistic regression fully adjusted for potential confounders,each 1 μmol/L increase in plasma Hcy level was associated with a 3.0%increased risk of CI(OR=1.030,95%CI:1.012-1.048,P=0.001).Interaction analysis indicated that sex,age,BMI,systolic blood pressure,history of stroke,and diabetes did not significantly modify this association.Conclusion Elevated plasma Hcy levels are associated with an increased risk of CI in people aged≥40 years.This indicates that HHcy may be a risk factor for CI.
5.Relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive impairment:a cross-sectional study based on a population aged 40 years and older at high risk of stroke in a rural area of Xi'an City
Chen CHEN ; Ling GAO ; Suhang SHANG ; Liangjun DANG ; Shan WEI ; Jingyi WANG ; Jin WANG ; Qiumin QU ; Wenhui LU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):783-788
Objective To explore the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)and cognitive impairment in the stroke high-risk population aged 40 years and above in the rural area of Xi'an City and determine whether CAS is a risk factor for cognitive impairment.Methods In this study,stroke high-risk population found in the Community and Rural Population Stroke High-risk Group Screening and Intervention Project carried out in Huyi District,Xi'an City,from October 2014 to March 2015 were selected as the research subjects.Color Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate CAS,and CAS was defined as:carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)≥1.0 mm,or carotid arteries(including common carotid artery,carotid sinus,internal carotid artery,and external carotid artery)have atherosclerotic plaques,or carotid stenosis.Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was used to assess cognitive function.The MMSE score lower than the cut-off value(illiteracy ≤17,primary school ≤ 20 points,and junior high school and above education level ≤24 points)is defined as cognitive impairment.The study population was grouped according to the presence of CAS or cognitive impairment;univariate difference test and bivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CAS and cognitive impairment.Results A total of 451 subjects were included in the analysis.The average age of the subjects was(58.7±9.83)years old,and 44.3%were female.Among them,329 cases(72.9%)had CAS and 57 cases(12.6%)met the diagnostic criteria for cognitive impairment.The prevalence of cognitive impairment in CAS group was significantly higher than that in non-CAS group(14.6%vs.7.4%,P=0.041).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cognitive impairment was significantly correlated with age(OR=1.121,95%CI:1.056-1.189,P<0.001),but not with CAS(OR=1.008,95%CI:0.202-5.170,P=0.992).Conclusion No significant association between CAS and cognitive impairment was found in high stroke risk group aged 40 and above in rural areas of Xi'an.
6.Soil microbial characteristics in sheep sheds based on metagenomic second-generation sequencing
Shaoxin AN ; Yuanke YANG ; Juntang ZHAO ; Zeyu LYU ; Yang GAO ; Xiaokui GUO ; Yongzhang ZHU ; Yuanqing CAO ; Jingyi LU ; Yaoxia KANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(4):286-291
Objective:To study the characteristics of soil microbial composition in sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, and explore potential zoonotic pathogen species.Methods:Using cross-sectional survey method, soil samples from sheep sheds in the agricultural and pastoral areas of Darhan-Muminggan Joint County, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were collected from August to October 2023. Genomic DNA was extracted, and metagenomic second-generation sequencing was conducted. Microbial species annotation was carried out by Kaiju method, and the soil microbial composition and zoonotic pathogen species of sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas were analyzed.Results:A total of 10 and 5 soil samples were collected from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, respectively. The results of β diversity analysis showed that there was a significant separation trend in soil samples from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, and the interpretation of principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) 1 and PCoA2 were 27.8% and 17.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the microbial composition of soil samples from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas ( R = 0.09, P = 0.242). At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the dominant bacterial genera were Corynebacterium, Luteimonas, Atopostipes, and Salinicoccus. A variety of zoonotic pathogens were detected, including Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium tetani in 15 soil samples. Conclusion:The soil microorganisms in sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas are diverse, and zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium tetani are detected.
7.Correlation between Serum IGF-1,IGFBP-3,BAP and Abundance of Intestinal Flora in Children with Idiopathic Short Stature
Yachao LU ; Hanwen LIU ; Mei SONG ; Jingna WANG ; Jingyi LIU ; Zhen LI ; Rongmin LI
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(4):143-148
Objective To explore the correlation between serum insulin-like growth factor1(IGF-1),insulin-like growth factor binding protein3(IGFBP-3),bone-specific alkaline phosphatase(BAP)and abundance of intestinal flora in children with idiopathic short stature(ISS).Methods A total of 86 children with ISS who were treated with short-acting recombinant growth hormone for the first time in Department of Endocrinology of Baoding Hospital,Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medical University,were enrolled from July 2021 to June 2023.Before treatment and at 6 months after treatment,physical indexes(height,weight)and bone age indexes[bone age index(BAI),bone age difference(BAD)]were detected with the same instrument at the same place.The fasting venous blood was collected to detect levels of serum IGF-1,IGFBP-3 and BAP by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The abundances of intestinal floras were monitored by 16s rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology combined with bioinformation analysis technology.A total of 40 healthy children during the same period were enrolled as control group,and differences in different indexes within the same groups or between the two groups were compared by independent sample t test or paired t test.The correlation between abundances of intestinal floras and levels of serum IGF-1,IGFBP-3 and BAP was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results Compared with the control group.the height,weight,BAD,BAI,levels of serum IGF,IGFBP-3 and BAP,Chaol,Shannon and Pielou e of ISS patients decreased before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(t=7.119~44.143,all P<0.05).After treatment,height,weight,BAD,BAI,levels of serum IGF,IGFBP-3 and BAP,Chaol,Shannon and Pielou e were increased in ISS children(t=3.145~39.188),the above indexes were still lower than those in control group(t=2.389~69.893),the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05),respectively.In intestinal floras,dominant bacterial groups at phylum level were Firmicutes,Bacteroidetes,Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria,while dominant bacterial groups at genus level were Blautia,Bifidobacterium,Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides.Compared with the control group,before treatment,the abundances of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria increased in the ISS group,while the abundances of Bacteroidetes,Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=25.224~46.345,all P<0.05).After treatment,abundances of Bacteroidetes,Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in the ISS group increased compared to before treatment,while abundance of Proteobacteria decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=10.055~39.245,all P<0.05).The abundances of Bacteroidetes,Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in ISS group were lower than those in control group,while abundance of Proteobacteria was higher than that in control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.290~20.540,all P<0.05).The abundances of Bacteroidetes,Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides were positively correlated with levels of serum IGF-1,IGFBP-3 and BAP(r=0.300~0.759,all P<0.05).Conclusion The abundances of intestinal floras are decreased,and the structure is abnormal in children with ISS.The abundances of beneficial bacteria in intestinal floras are related to levels of serum IGF-1,IGFBP-3 and BAP.In clinical treatment of ISS,combined treatment with intestinal flora disorders may be conducted.
8.Soil microbial characteristics in sheep sheds based on metagenomic second-generation sequencing
Shaoxin AN ; Yuanke YANG ; Juntang ZHAO ; Zeyu LYU ; Yang GAO ; Xiaokui GUO ; Yongzhang ZHU ; Yuanqing CAO ; Jingyi LU ; Yaoxia KANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(4):286-291
Objective:To study the characteristics of soil microbial composition in sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, and explore potential zoonotic pathogen species.Methods:Using cross-sectional survey method, soil samples from sheep sheds in the agricultural and pastoral areas of Darhan-Muminggan Joint County, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were collected from August to October 2023. Genomic DNA was extracted, and metagenomic second-generation sequencing was conducted. Microbial species annotation was carried out by Kaiju method, and the soil microbial composition and zoonotic pathogen species of sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas were analyzed.Results:A total of 10 and 5 soil samples were collected from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, respectively. The results of β diversity analysis showed that there was a significant separation trend in soil samples from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas, and the interpretation of principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) 1 and PCoA2 were 27.8% and 17.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the microbial composition of soil samples from sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas ( R = 0.09, P = 0.242). At the phylum level, the dominant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the dominant bacterial genera were Corynebacterium, Luteimonas, Atopostipes, and Salinicoccus. A variety of zoonotic pathogens were detected, including Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium tetani in 15 soil samples. Conclusion:The soil microorganisms in sheep sheds in agricultural and pastoral areas are diverse, and zoonotic pathogens such as Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium tetani are detected.
9.Gaze characteristics towards emotional portraits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Jiabei HE ; Meihui QIU ; Weiping XIA ; Lu LU ; Jingyi WU ; Xuan CAO ; Jinsong ZHANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):970-975
Objective:To explore the gaze characteristics towards emotional portraits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),in order to reveal their potential unique patterns of emotional cognition.Methods:A case-control design was employed,including 81 children diagnosed with the DSM-5 ADHD and 57 normal control(NC)children.Emotional images from the Chinese Children's Emotional Image Library were used as stimuli.The Tobii Pro X3-120 eye-tracking device was utilized to record fixation count(FC)and fixation duration percentage(FDP)under a free-viewing paradigm.Mixed-effects ANOVA was applied to explore the effects of group,gaze region(eyes and mouth),and emotional attributes on gaze characteristics,controlling for gen-der and age.Results:The FC and FDP of ADHD children were lower than those of NC children,particularly in the eye region of non-negative emotional images(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed be-tween the two groups when viewing negative emotional images(sadness and anger)(P>0.05).NC children ex-hibited a significant emotional bias effect in their gaze behavior towards emotional portraits(P<0.05),whereas ADHD group showed only slight differences between non-negative emotional images(adjusted P<0.05),indica-ting a weaker overall emotional attention bias.Conclusion:Children with ADHD display reduced attention to non-negative emotional expressions and a diminished emotional attention bias,suggesting potential deficits in emotional processing during face perception.
10.Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation of Geranium wilfor-dii Maxim in ameliorating liver injury through the necroptosis pathway
Jingyi YANG ; Kunzhao YANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Zhanghao FU ; Linxi HAN ; Weijie SONG ; Shuang XU ; Hongxu DU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(9):1977-1989
Based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and experimental validation,this study explored the mechanisms of Geranium wilfordii Maxim(GWM)in the treatment of liver injury.Mice were randomly divided into a control group(CON group),a model group(CCl4 group),a high-dose drug group(GWM-H group),and a low-dose group(GWM-L group).The liv-er injury model in mice was induced by CCl4,and liver tissue pathological morphology was ob-served,along with the measurement of the relative gene expression levels of liver inflammatory factors.Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and target information of Chinese medi-cine and diseases were obtained through databases such as TCMSP,PubChem,Swiss Target Pre-diction,Super-PRED,Gene Cards,and DisGeNET.Intersecting the targets of liver injury,necropto-sis,and drugs yielded potential drug targets.String database was used for protein-protein interac-tion(PPI)analysis of the potential targets.Furthermore,Cytoscape was utilized to construct a net-work diagram of"drug-disease-active ingredient-intersection target,"Wei Sheng Xin was used for GO and KEGG pathway analysis.Molecular docking was performed using MOE software,and the results of molecular docking were experimentally validated to detect the expression of key targets in the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.Animal experiments showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group of mice exhibited a significant increase in liver organ index(P<0.05),markedly elevated serum AST activity(P<0.05),and a highly significant increase in ALT activity(P<0.01).Pathological examination revealed chaotic liver lobules,severe hepatocyte steatosis,ex-tensive hepatocyte necrosis,and inflammatory cell infiltration in the livers of mice in the CCl4 group.In comparison to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a significant decrease in liver organ index(P<0.05),while the GWM-L group displayed a downward trend.The GWM-H group exhibited a significant reduction in serum AST activity(P<0.05),the GWM-L group showed a decreasing trend in serum AST activity,the GWM-H group demonstrated a highly significant de-crease in serum ALT activity(P<0.01),and the GWM-L group displayed a significant decrease in serum ALT activity(P<0.05).Histopathological examination revealed that the drug treatment groups could improve CCl4-induced liver injury,with the GWM-H group showing better efficacy than the GWM-L group.RT-qPCR results of liver tissues showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a highly significant increase in the relative expression of IL-1βand PGE2 mRNA(P<0.01),while the mRNA relative expression of COX2 showed an increasing trend.In contrast,compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a remarkably significant decrease in the relative expression of IL-1βmRNA(P<0.01),a significant decrease in PGE2 mR-NA expression(P<0.05),and a decreasing trend in COX2 mRNA expression.Through network pharmacology,56 potential targets related to GWM in ameliorating necroptosis-induced liver injury were identified.Key targets,based on degree value,include TNF,Bcl2,HSP90AA1,and Caspase8,while the key components are quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,and ellagic acid.Functional enrich-ment analysis yielded 2 173 entries for GO and 146 biological pathways for KEGG.Molecular doc-king results indicated a strong binding capacity between the main components of GWM and key targets.RT-qPCR experimental results showed that compared to the CON group,the CCl4 group exhibited a extremely significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,MLKL(P<0.01),significantly increase in the mRNA relative expression of FAS,RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA(P<0.05),and a significant decrease in Caspase 8 mRNA expression(P<0.05).The addi-tion of GWM successfully reversed this trend;compared to the CCl4 group,the GWM-H group showed a highly significant decrease in the mRNA relative expression of TNF-α,TNFR1,FAS and MLKL mRNA(P<0.01),significant decrease in RIPK1,RIPK3 mRNA expression(P<0.05),and an increasing trend in CASPASE8 mRNA expression.GWM exerts hepatoprotective effects through multiple components and pathways,among which inhibition of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway reduces hepatocyte necroptosis,potentially serving as one of the essential mechanisms for its protective effects.

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