1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Gardeniae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yuanjun SHANG ; Bo GENG ; Xin CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Chun LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Junjie HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):225-234
ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) recorded in historical materia medica, this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics, microscopic features, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length, diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF, and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF, and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently, the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method, the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD), and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits, combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits, the wild GF fruits were smaller, exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger, displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF, while the blue-yellow value(b*) of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure, the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals, while the endocarp contained stone cell class round, polygonal or tangential prolongation, undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast, the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals, or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like, with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature, and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF(P<0.01). In category-specific component content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Conversely, the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside, geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF(P<0.01). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits, microstructure, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete, and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.
2.Effect of mussel-derived antimicrobial peptide-coated modified prosthesis on prevention of early periprosthetic joint infection and regulation of bone transfer
Bo LIU ; WUHUZI·WULAMU ; Guangzhao ZHU ; Xiaobin GUO ; Ziyue SONG ; Xingbu MENG ; Junjie HU ; Xiaogang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):278-287
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.
3.Effect of mussel-derived antimicrobial peptide-coated modified prosthesis on prevention of early periprosthetic joint infection and regulation of bone transfer
Bo LIU ; WUHUZI·WULAMU ; Guangzhao ZHU ; Xiaobin GUO ; Ziyue SONG ; Xingbu MENG ; Junjie HU ; Xiaogang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):278-287
BACKGROUND:Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of early failure after total knee replacement.The current methods of preventing periprosthetic joint infection by improving the surface of the prosthesis have limitations to varying degrees.OBJECTIVE:To construct a coating material that can stably improve the surface of the implant,prevent the initial floating bacterial infection of periprosthetic infection,and regulate the bone transfer function around the implant.METHODS:(1)Material preparation:YGF polypeptide(which promotes bone formation),LL-37 polypeptide(with antibacterial properties)and YGF+LL-37 composite peptide were prepared by Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis technology.The titanium-based materials were immersed in the three polypeptide solutions for 2 hours to obtain YGF coating,LL-37 coating and composite peptide coating coated titanium sheets.(2)In vitro experiment:Uncoated titanium sheets and coated titanium sheets were co-cultured with Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)and the colonies were counted by plate method.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of uncoated titanium sheet and coated titanium sheet,respectively.Alizarin red staining was used to observe the calcium salt deposition on the surface of the material.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(3)Animal experiment:24 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:the blank group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal;the control group(n=8)was implanted with uncoated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension;the experimental group(n=8)was implanted with composite peptide coated titanium nails in the femoral medullary canal+intra-articular injection of Staphylococcus aureus suspension.After 5 weeks of implantation,micro-CT examination,hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of femur specimens were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:Compared with uncoated titanium sheet and YGF coated titanium sheet,LL-37 coated and composite peptide coated titanium sheet could significantly inhibit the growth and reproduction of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.Compared with uncoated titanium sheets and LL-37-coated titanium sheets,YGF-coated and composite peptide-coated titanium sheets could promote calcium salt deposition in osteoblasts and increase the protein expression of RUNX2,osteocalcin,osteopontin and bone morphogenetic protein 2.(2)Animal experiment:Micro-CT test showed that the control group had less bone mass than the blank group and the experimental group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there was a large amount of fibrous tissue around the nail channel in the control group,only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the blank group,and only a small amount of tissue fibrosis around the nail channel in the experimental group.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the control group was higher than that in the blank group and the experimental group,and the expression of osteocalcin,RUNX2 and osteopontin in the experimental group was higher than that in the blank group and the control group.(3)The results show that the titanium-based material coated with YGF+LL-37 composite peptide coating has good antibacterial ability and can promote bone transfer around the implant.
4.Comparison of the efficacy of remimazolam and propofol in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy
Chun LIU ; Juan HU ; Yu HUANG ; Jinqiu YANG ; Junjie LI ; Ping YANG ; Pengfei PAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2040-2045
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of remimazolam and propofol in general anesthesia induction and maintenance for elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS A total of 86 elderly lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from February to July 2024 were selected and divided into the propofol group and the remimazolam group according to the randomized numerical table method, with 43 cases in each group. During anesthesia induction, patients in the propofol group and the remimazolam group were intravenously administered 2 mg/kg of Propofol medium- and long-chain fat emulsion injection or 0.25 mg/kg of Remimazolam tosilate for injection, respectively; during anesthesia maintenance, the two groups received intravenous infusion of 6-10 mg/(kg·h) of Propofol medium- and long- chain fat emulsion injection or 1-3 mg/(kg·h) of Remimazolam tosilate for injection, respectively. The anesthesia effects, anesthesia-related indicators, intraoperative opioid and muscle relaxant dosages, Ramsay sedation score, numerical rating scale (NRS) score, and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups, and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions was recorded. RESULTS A total of 41 patients in the propofol group and 43 patients in the remimazolam group completed the trial. The proportion of patients with grade Ⅰ anesthesia effect in the remimazolam group was significantly higher than that in the propofol group, while the proportion of patients with grade Ⅱ anesthesia effect was significantly lower than that in the propofol group (P<0.05). In this group, the disappearance time of eyelash reflex, the time taken for the bispectral index to drop to 60, and the Ramsay sedation scores (2 and 6 hours after operation) were all significantly prolonged or increased, while the recovery time, NRS scores (2 and 6 hours after operation), and the incidence of intraoperative hypotension were all significantly shortened or reduced; moreover, the improvements of the above sedation/NRS scores exhibited a time-dependent pattern within 2 to 24 hours after operation (P<0.05). Compared with before anesthesia induction (T0), the heart rate [except at 2 min after medication (T1), 60 min after anesthesia (T4), and at the end of surgery (T5) in the remimazolam group] and mean arterial pressure [except at T1 in the remimazolam group] of patients in both groups significantly decreased at T1, 5 min after medication (T2), at the start of surgery (T3), T4, and T5 (P<0.05). Meanwhile, regional cerebral oxygen saturation significantly increased in both groups. Furthermore, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the remimazolam group were significantly higher than those in the propofol group at T1, T2 and T4 (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of postanesthesia care unit stay time, dosage of opioids and muscle relaxants, regional cerebral oxygen saturation, or peripheral oxygen saturation at various time points (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared to propofol, remimazolam demonstrates superior anesthesia effects when used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. It not only provides more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and shortens the postoperative recovery time but also effectively reduces the incidence of intraoperative hypotension.
5.Gamified interventions for physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors:a scoping review
Junjie HUA ; Yanyan LIU ; Xiyi WANG ; Wenjing DING ; Sicong YU ; Yun HU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(10):1270-1277
Objective To conduct a scoping review of studies related to gamified physical activity interventions for pediatric cancer patients,and to extract the gamification elements and application effects within physical activity intervention programs.Methods A computer-assisted search was conducted in CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP Database,China Biology Medicine disc,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science for studies on gamified physical activity interventions in pediatric cancer patients,with a search period from database inception to December 31,2023.The included literature was screened,summarized,and analyzed.Results A total of 18 articles were included,including 9 randomized controlled trials,4 quasi-experimental studies,and 5 mixed-method studies.The gamified intervention programs for physical activity in children with cancer integrated 7 gamification elements,including goal setting,capacity to overcome challenges,providing feedback on performance,reinforcement,progress monitoring,social connectivity,and fun and playfulness.The types of physical activity in the intervention programs included aerobic exercise,balance training,strength training,endurance training,etc.The intensity of the activities was mainly low to moderate;the duration was mostly 30~60 minutes per session;the intervention duration ranged from 5 weeks to 1 year.Numerous research findings indicate that gamified physical activity interventions for children with cancer can help improve physical function,quality of life,and fatigue levels.However,there is signi-ficant controversy regarding their impact on improving physical activity levels.Conclusion The gamified inter-vention for physical activity in children with cancer was safe and feasible.It is recommended that in the future,personalized and phased gamified intervention programs should be developed to evaluate the intervention effects.
6.DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma: analysis of five cases
Zejun DUAN ; Jing FENG ; Junping ZHANG ; Changxiang YAN ; Fangjun LIU ; Zhong MA ; Lei XIANG ; Zejuan HU ; Junjie YANG ; Xueling QI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(6):632-639
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma.Methods:Five cases of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma at Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China during May 2013 to November 2024 were collected. The clinical and imaging data were retrieved. Histological evaluation, immunohistochemical staining and next generation sequencing were performed. Additionally, a literature review was conducted.Results:All five DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas were located in the supratentorial region, with one case involving the basal ganglia. There were two males and three females. The median age at diagnosis was 25 (14.0, 30.5) years. Morphologically, they were characterized by high-grade spindle cell sarcoma, with brisk mitotic activity and cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules. Myxoid degeneration, necrosis, and invasion into surrounding brain tissue were observed in some cases. The tumor cells showed diffuse staining of vimentin and variable expression of myogenic marker (desmin), with or without focal MyoD1 and/or Myogenin expression. Four tumors exhibited diffuse, strong expression of TLE1 and p53, while only three tumors showed loss of ATRX (nuclear) expression. Two cases showed mosaic loss of H3K27me3 expression in neoplastic cells. The Ki-67 proliferation index was high (40%-80%). Various neuronal markers, such as synaptophysin, NF, SOX2 and MAP2, were expressed in all tumor samples. Genetically, all tumors samples harbored biallelic abnormalities of DICER1. One was a hotspot missense mutation in the RNase Ⅲb domain within exon 25 on one allele (p.E1813 or p.D1810), while the other allele had mutations including a germline mutation in one case, a somatic mutation in two cases, and a copy number deletion in two cases. In addition, these sarcomas showed alterations in TP53 (4/5), ATRX (3/5), and the genes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (3/5). Finally, all five cases were diagnosed as DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma. All patients underwent craniotomy that led to complete tumor resection. Three patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with progression-free survival time of 28, 48, and 50 months, respectively. Patient 2 succumbed to the tumor after 3 months post-surgery due to rapid progression and tumor dissemination. Patient 5 was lost to follow-up 3 months after the surgery.Conclusions:DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma is a newly defined tumor entity in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, and commonly occurs in children and young adults. High-grade malignant spindle cells are their typical morphological feature. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic globules and myogenic differentiation can help establish the diagnosis. This study suggests that DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcomas exhibit immunophenotypic neuronal differentiation. Rendering the diagnosis of DICER1-mutant primary intracranial sarcoma largely relies on detecting DICER1 pathogenic alterations or DNA methylation profiling.
7.Understanding the Anti-Inflammatory Pathway of the Ethyl Acetate Extract Obtained from Trollius chinensis Bge.using LC-MS and Network Pharmacology
Qiao CHEN ; Peng ZHANG ; Shiqi HAN ; Zhaohua SHI ; Xianxiang TIAN ; JunJie HU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(2):404-419
Objective To explore the anti-inflammatory properties of the ethyl acetate extract(ETCB)derived from Trollius chinensis Bge.using in vitro RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and an in vivo mouse auricle model induced by xylene.Utilizing UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS(LC-MS)and network pharmacology,the components of ETCB were analyzed,and its anti-inflammatory mechanisms were preliminarily explored.Methods The anti-inflammatory activity of various solvent extracts of Trollius chinensis Bge.was assessed through the Griess assay.The impact of ETCB on the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide was evaluated using ELISA.Real-time qPCR was conducted to determine the effect of ETCB on the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α,IL-6,and iNOS in cells.The anti-inflammatory efficacy was further validated in a xylene-induced ear inflammation mouse model by measuring ear swelling and tissue levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.The composition of ETCB was analyzed using LC-MS.Network pharmacology was employed to screen for effective components,targets,and pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of Trollius chinensis Bge.,followed by molecular docking verification between core components and targets.Results ETCB demonstrated the most potent inhibitory effect on NO production in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide,indicating its primary role in the anti-inflammatory activity of Trollius chinensis Bge..ETCB significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels in inflammatory cells(P<0.01)and inhibited the mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,and iNOS.In the xylene-induced mouse ear inflammation model,ETCB effectively alleviated ear swelling and decreased tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-6.LC-MS analysis identified 30 chemical components in ETCB,including 21 flavonoids,7 organic acids,1 polysaccharide,and 1 anthocyanin.Network pharmacology prediction and screening revealed TNF,Akt1,PTGS2,EGFR,SRC,and MMP9 as core targets,with hydroxyquercetin,lignin from fragrant leaves,zeaxanthin from willows,plantain,thistle,and sophora flavins as key anti-inflammatory active ingredients.The molecular docking analysis revealed positive interactions,characterized by favorable binding energy,between the active components and key targets.Conclusion ETCB demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory properties both inside and outside the body,functioning through various targets and pathways.This establishes a basis for deeper understanding of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Trollius chinensis Bge.
8.Application value of machine learning models based on CT radiomics for assessing split renal function
Junjie ZOU ; Ruidong LI ; Hu SONG ; Feng WANG ; Ning DING ; Kongyuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):108-113
Objective Based on the radiomics features extracted from the unenhanced CT images of the lower abdomen, a variety of machine learning models were constructed to explore their application value in the assessment of split renal function. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the unenhanced CT images from 240 single kidneys in patients with clinically suspected renal dysfunction. Based on the results of single-photon emission computed tomography renal dynamic imaging, the cases were classified into the normal glomerular filtration rate group (n=118) and the decreased glomerular filtration rate group (n=122). The region of interest was outlined on the unenhanced CT images and the radiomics features were extracted. The features were selected by correlation analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and the machine learning models were constructed based on the algorithms of decision tree, support vector machine, random forest, logistic regression, and extreme gradient boosting. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to compare the performance of different models. Results Sixteen radiomics features were selected for constructing the machine learning models. The support vector machine model showed relatively high performance for the assessment of split renal function on the test set, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.883 (95% confidence interval: 0.804-0.961), an accuracy of 0.778, a sensitivity of 0.811, and a specificity of 0.743. Conclusion The machine learning models constructed based on unenhanced CT radiomics can be used to preliminarily assess split renal function, which provides an innovative, convenient, and safe method for clinical diagnosis and has positive significance for treatment.
9.Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Ermiao Situ Decoction in Modulating JAK/STAT Pathway in Rats with Damp-heat Eczema
Kangning HAN ; Junjie HU ; Juan LI ; Min ZHANG ; Xian ZHOU ; Songlin LIU ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):37-47
ObjectiveUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) coupled with network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized to explore the efficacy and mechanism of action of Ermiao Situ decoction on rats with damp-heat eczema. MethodsA rat model of damp-heat eczema was established by artificial climate chamber intervention combined with sensitization induction by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and it was randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the medium- and high-dose groups of Ermiao Situ decoction (3.40 g·kg-1 and 6.80 g·kg-1), and the prednisone acetate group (2.51 mg·kg-1), with eight rats in each group, totalling 46 rats, of which six rats were tested with the drug-containing serum. The chemical analysis of drug-containing serum from rats was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, combined with network pharmacology for the prediction of key components, core targets, and signaling pathways, and molecular docking experiments were performed by CB-Dock2 online website. The pharmacological effects of Ermiao Situ decoction in the treatment of damp-heat eczema were investigated by epitaxial indexes combined with the pathologic tissue staining method. The serum levels of gastrin (GAS), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), phosphorylated (p)-JAK1, signal transduction and activation of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), and p-STAT3 protein expression level was determined by Western bolt. ResultsA total of 19 active ingredients were detected in drug-containing serum samples of rats, which were predicted to act on 198 targets for the treatment of damp-heat eczema, among which the key ingredients included rhodopsin, huangpai alkaloids, and quercetin, and the main core targets included STAT3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-6, which were mainly involved in the cancer signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathway, T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The molecular docking results suggested that the key components had strong binding activities with the core targets IL-6, JAK1, and STAT3 in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group were depressed. They had loose hair, loose stools, epidermal oozing, vesiculation, and generation of thick scabs in the form of scales, decreased body weight, increased anus temperature and water intake, and increased indexes of the spleen, thymus gland, and stomach (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the lesion tissue could be seen to be hyperkeratotic, with the aggregation of inflammatory cells and nonsignificant separation of epidermis and dermis. The gastric mucosa was thinned, deficient, and structurally disorganized, and obvious inflammatory cell aggregation was seen. The levels of GAS, IL-4, and IL-13 in serum were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK1, p-JAK1, and p-STAT3 in the lesion tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, rats in each administration group had stable mental states, formed feces, a clean perianal area, and basically normal epidermis. Only a small amount of scaly scabs existed, and the rats had body weight increased, with decreased anal temperature and water intake, as well as decreased spleen, thymus, and gastric indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Epidermal thickness was decreased, and epidermal and dermal separation boundaries were obvious, but hyperkeratotic and accumulation of inflammatory cells could still be seen. The thickness of gastric mucosa increased, and the structure was restored to varying degrees. The levels of GAS, IL-4, and IL-13 content in the serum of rats were increased to varying degrees, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK1, p-JAK1, and p-STAT3 in the dermal lesion tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionErmiao Situ decoction may exert therapeutic effects on rats with damp-heat eczema by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
10.Exploration of the antidepressant machanism of Shugan hewei tang based on metabolomics of PFC-NAc-VTA neural circuit
Xinyue QU ; Junjie HU ; Juan LI ; Min ZHANG ; Xian ZHOU ; Songlin LIU ; Xin CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1172-1178
OBJECTIVE To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of Shugan hewei tang (SGHWT) based on the metabolomics of prefrontal cortex (PFC)-nucleus accumbens (NAc)-ventral tegmental area (VTA) neural circuit. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, SGHWT low-, medium- and high-dose groups [3.67, 7.34, 14.68 g/(kg·d), by raw material], and fluoxetine group [1.58 mg/(kg·d), positive control], with 12 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with individual cage housing in the remaining groups, and the corresponding drug solution or normal saline was administered via gavage during modeling, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the body weight, sucrose preference rate, total moving distance, frequency into the center and immobility time of rats in each group were detected. Samples of PFC, NAc and VTA areas of rats in the blank group, model group, SGHWT medium-dose group and fluoxetine positive control groups were collected,and their histomorphological features were observed, and non-targeted metabolomics analysis (except for fluoxetine group)were performed and validated. RESULTS Compared with model group, the cytolysis, structural damage and other pathological damages in three brain regions of rats were significantly alleviated in each drug group, while their body weight, sucrose preference rate, total moving distance and frequency into the center were all significantly higher or longer (P<0.05), and immobility time was significantly shorter (P<0.05). The results of non-targeted metabolomics showed that a total of 78 endogenous differential metabolites were identified, with 40, 35 and 24 in the PFC, NAc and VTA regions respectively, mainly involved in amino acid, lipid and sphingolipid metabolism. The results of metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that SGHWT affected the neural circuits of depressed rats by regulating sphingolipid metabolism, alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid metabolism, saturated fatty acid biosynthesis, among which alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid metabolism was predominantly involved. Validation experiments showed that SGHWT significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and decreased the protein expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1 (NMDAR1) in the NAc region of rats. CONCLUSIONS SGHWT significantly improves the depression-like behavior and attenuates pathological damage of PFC-NAc-VTA neural circuit of model rats, the mechanism of which is associated with inhibiting NMDAR1 expression and activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

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