1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
3.Extracellular vesicles: Roles in oocytes and emerging therapeutic opportunities.
Zhongyu ZHAO ; Yinrui SUN ; Renhao GUO ; Junzhi LIANG ; Wanlin DAI ; Yutao JIANG ; Yafan YU ; Yuexin YU ; Lixia HE ; Da LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(9):1050-1060
The production of high-quality oocytes requires precisely orchestrated intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles that play a vital role in the transfer of bioactive molecules, which has gained much attention in the field of diagnosis and treatment. Over the past ten years, the participation of EVs in the reproductive processes of oocytes has been broadly studied and has shown great potential for elucidating the intricacies of female reproductive health. This review provides an extensive discussion of the influence of EVs on oocytes, emphasizing their involvement in normal physiology and altered cargo under pathological conditions. In addition, the positive impact of therapeutic EVs on oocyte quality and their role in alleviating ovarian pathological conditions are summarized.
Humans
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Extracellular Vesicles/physiology*
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Oocytes/cytology*
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Female
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Animals
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Cell Communication/physiology*
4.Research progress in chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of Dachengqi Decoction and predictive analysis on its quality marker
Xiao ZHANG ; Keyuan XIAO ; Chunxia HOU ; Junzhi WANG ; Yuqiang LIU ; Hong CHANG ; Xinghua LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(4):541-544
Dachengqi Decoction is a classic prescription attacked by Yangming excessive syndromes in clinic, which has the effects of relieving heat, softening and dispersing knots, etc., and is often used in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by various diseases. This article reviewed the recent studies on the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of Dachengqi Decoction in recent years. On this basis, combined with the "five principles" of TCM quality markers, the quality markers of Dachengqi Decoction were predicted and analyzed. It is suggested that emodin, Rhein, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, synephrine, hesperidin, naringin, magnolol and magnolol can be used as quality markers of Dachengqi Decoction.
5.Expression and clinical significance of serum glycogen synthase kinase-3β and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Ru CHEN ; Lulu LUAN ; Haiyan LI ; Kebin CHEN ; Junzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2024;47(5):403-408
Objective:To investigate the relationship between the expression levels of serum glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the severity and prognosis of coronary artery disease.Methods:A total of 192 ACS patients admitted to Shandong First Medical University Affiliated Qingdao Hospital from June 2020 to May 2022 were selected as the ACS group, while 192 non ACS patients admitted to the same hospital were selected as the non ACS group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was applied to determine the expression levels of serum GSK-3β and SMAD4 in two groups. The Gensini score was applied to evaluate the degree of coronary artery disease in patients, Spearman method was applied to analyze the correlation between serum GSK-3β, SMAD4 expression levels and Gensini score in ACS patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze the predictive efficacy of serum GSK-3β and SMAD4 levels on the prognosis of ACS patients.Results:The serum levels of GSK-3β and SMAD4 in the ACS group were significantly higher than those in the non ACS group: (2.70 ± 0.40) μg/L vs. (2.24 ± 0.41) μg/L, (12.19 ± 2.10) μg/L vs. (9.79 ± 2.82) μg/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The serum levels of GSK-3β and SMAD4 in ACS patients with mild, moderate and severe coronary artery disease increased sequentially ( P<0.05). Spearman analysis showed that serum GSK-3β and SMAD4 levels in ACS patients were positively correlated with Gensini total score ( r = 0.569 and 0.587, P<0.01). In ACS patients, 48 cases had poor prognosis, and the incidence of poor prognosis was 25.00% (48/192); 144 cases had a good prognosis. The serum levels of GSK-3β and SMAD4 in ACS patients with poor prognosis were significantly higher than those in ACS patients with good prognosis: (3.15 ± 0.53) μg/L vs. (2.55 ± 0.36) μg/L, (14.03 ± 2.08) μg/L vs. (11.58 ± 2.11) μg/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The ROC curve result indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) for predicting poor prognosis in ACS patients with serum GSK-3β and SMAD4 levels alone and in combination was 0.799, 0.784 and 0.858, respectively, the AUC predicted by the combination of the two was obviously higher than the AUC predicted separately ( Z = 2.04 and 2.75, P = 0.041 and 0.006). Conclusions:The expression levels of GSK-3β and SMAD4 in the serum of ACS patients are abnormally elevated. They are positively correlated with the degree of coronary artery disease in ACS patients, and both have good predictive power for adverse prognosis in ACS patients, while the combined use of the two has better predictive performance.
6.Aerobic exercise modulates changes in cardiac function due to simulated weightlessness through the AMPK/ULK1/Beclin1 pathway
Yequn LIU ; Jianjun YANG ; Min YANG ; Hongli LI ; Fudong GAO ; Yuxuan HUANG ; Shuling ZHANG ; Junzhi SUN
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):235-240
Objective To explore the possible mechanisms of myocardial injury induced by simulated weightlessness in space flight and the recovery of myocardium in rats by aerobic exercise intervention.Methods The body weight of rats was weighed using an electronic balance;the cardiac function indexes of rats in each group were detected using echocardiography and isolated cardiac perfusion;and the expression of proteins related to the AMPK/ULK1/Beclin1 pathway in the myocardial tissues of rats in each group was detected using Western Blot.Results(1)When compared with the C1 group,the T1 group not statistically significant in body weight(P?>?0.05),and the wet weight of the flounder muscle,the wet weight-to-weight ratio of the flounder muscle,and the heart weight were all significantly decreased(P?0.01).(2)After 4 weeks of tail suspension and 4 weeks of aerobic exercise,significant changes in cardiac function-related indexes occurred,with a significant increase in the expression levels of AMPK and p-ULK1 in the T1 group(P?0.01),a significant increase in the expression of p-AMPK(P?0.05),and a slight,but not statistically significant,increase in the expression of ULK1 and Beclin1(P?>?0.05).After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise,when compared to group C2,group R showed a significant rise in the expression of AMPK and ULK1(P?0.05),a decrease in the expression of p-AMPK and p-ULK1,but not statistically significant(P?>?0.05),and a rise in the expression of Beclin1,but not statistically significant(P?>?0.05);and group A showed a slight increase in the expression of AMPK,ULK1 and Beclin1 expression decreased slightly but not statistically significant(P?>?0.05),p-AMPK expression decreased significantly(P?0.05)and p-ULK1 expression decreased significantly(P?0.01)in Group A.When compared with group R,group C2 showed a significant decrease in the expression of cardiac protein AMPK(P?0.05),a slight increase in the expression of p-AMPK and p-ULK1,a statistically insignificant decrease in the expression of Beclin1(P?>?0.05),and a significant decrease in the expression of ULK1(P?0.01);and group A showed a significant decrease in the expression of AMPK,ULK1(P?0.01);the expression of p-AMPK and Beclin1 decreased slightly but not statistically significant(P?>?0.05);the expression of p-ULK1 decreased significantly(P?0.05).Conclusion(1)After 4 weeks of tail suspension,it was found that the wet weight,and wet weight to body weight ratio of the flounder muscle of rats were significantly reduced,the weight of the heart and cardiac function related indexes were also significantly reduced,and the expression of AMPK,p-AMPK,ULK1,p-ULK1 and Beclin1 increased;(2)After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise,it was found that the morphology of the myocardium of the rat with tail suspension,the myocardial ultrastructure and cardiac function related indexes increased,and cardiac function was improved.function-related indexes rose,cardiac function was somewhat improved,and the expression of AMPK,p-AMPK,ULK1,p-ULK1,and Beclin1 declined;(3)he damage and improvement of cardiac function were associated with the regulation of related proteins through the AMPK/ULK1/Beclin1 pathway,and the regulation of the expression of AMPK,p-AMPK,ULK1,p-ULK1,and Beclin1.
7.Prognostic value of immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen for patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Yuling LI ; Junzhi ZHANG ; Xuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2024;31(11):1601-1606
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen in prognostic prediction for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 108 patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated at Lishui City People's Hospital from March 2018 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on their prognosis evaluated over 3 years of follow-up, the patients were categorized into a good prognosis group ( n = 62) and a poor prognosis group ( n = 46). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors that influence the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the predictive value of immunoglobulin G, fibrinogen, and the predictive model for the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Results:The binary logistic regression model indicated that clinical stage (Ⅱ-Ⅲ), the presence of lymph node metastasis, immunoglobulin G, and fibrinogen are significant factors influencing the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer ( OR = 11.709, 302.058, 14.079, 6.352, 4.262, all P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for predicting the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer based on immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen levels was 0.860 and 0.833, respectively. Incorporating immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen levels into the regression equation produced a predictive model with an area under the curve value of 0.905, a sensitivity of 0.804, and a specificity of 0.903. Conclusion:Clinical stage (Ⅱ-Ⅲ), the presence of lymph node metastasis, immunoglobulin G, and fibrinogen are the factors that influence the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. The predictive model established based on immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen levels exhibits substantial value in predicting the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
8.Research progress of maternal-infant bonding in pregnant women and puerperae
Haiyun LI ; Guochun ZHANG ; Liangliang CHU ; Junzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(7):961-966
The establishment of mother-infant bonding is closely related to maternal mental health and early growth and development of infants. This paper reviews the concept, evaluation tools, influencing factors and intervention measures of maternal-infant bonding, in order to provide a basis for promoting the normal establishment of postpartum maternal infant relationships and maternal infant health.
9.Phyllanthi Fructus: A modal medicinal and food homologous item in quality evaluation.
Gefei LI ; Yurou JIANG ; Dingkun ZHANG ; Li HAN ; Taigang MO ; Sanhu FAN ; Haozhou HUANG ; Junzhi LIN
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2023;15(3):360-368
Phyllanthi Fructus is a highly unique medicine and food homologous item, which exhibits distinctive flavor, notable nutritional value, and abundant pharmacological activity. It has enormous potential in the creation of health products and pharmaceuticals. However, due to the unique laws of quality formation and transfer of Phyllanthi Fructus, its appearance, shape, chemical compositions, nutrients, and sensory flavors are frequently greatly influenced by botanical resources, the processing and storage conditions. As a result, the current quality evaluation model is difficult to meet the needs of Phyllanthi Fructus as a medicine and food homologous item in the development of diversified products. This paper constructs the hierarchical utilization mode of Phyllanthi Fructus based on its unique quality formation and transmission laws, explores the quality evaluation model for food-oriented use and medicinal-oriented use, respectively, and systematically describes the quality evaluation idea under diversified application scenarios. This paper aims to serve as a reference for the construction of a quality evaluation model suitable for the medicine and food homologous item of Phyllanthi Fructus.
10.Development of novel-nanobody-based lateral-flow immunochromatographic strip test for rapid detection of recombinant human interferon α2b
Xi QIN ; Maoqin DUAN ; Dening PEI ; Jian LIN ; Lan WANG ; Peng ZHOU ; Wenrong YAO ; Ying GUO ; Xiang LI ; Lei TAO ; Youxue DING ; Lan LIU ; Yong ZHOU ; Chuncui JIA ; Chunming RAO ; Junzhi WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2022;12(2):308-316
Recombinant human interferon α2b(rhIFNα2b)is widely used as an antiviral therapy agent for the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.The current identification test for rhIFNα2b is complex.In this study,an anti-rhIFNα2b nanobody was discovered and used for the development of a rapid lateral flow strip for the identification of rhIFNα2b.RhIFNα2b was used to immunize an alpaca,which established a phage nanobody library.After five steps of enrichment,the nanobody I22,which specifically bound rhIFNα2b,was isolated and inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector pET28a.After subsequent purification,the physicochemical properties of the nanobody were determined.A semiquantitative detection and rapid identification assay of rhIFNα2b was developed using this novel nanobody.To develop a rapid test,the nanobody I22 was coupled with a colloidal gold to produce lateral-flow test strips.The developed rhIFNα2b detection assay had a limit of detection of 1 μg/mL.The isolation of I22 and successful construction of a lateral-flow immunochromatographic test strip demonstrated the feasibility of performing ligand-binding assays on a lateral-flow test strip using recombinant protein products.The principle of this novel assay is generally applicable for the rapid testing of other com-mercial products,with a great potential for routine use in detecting counterfeit recombinant protein products.

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