ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorating effect of Xiao Chaihutang combined with Erchen Tang （XAE） on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） in mice and the influence of this therapy on the silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α （PPARα） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups： normal （CHOW）， atorvastatin （ATO， 0.05 g·kg^-1）， high-fat diet （HFD）， low-dose XAE （XAE-L， 10 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose XAE （XAE-M， 20 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose XAE （XAE-H， 40 g·kg^-1）. Each group contained 8 mice. Except the CHOW group， the other groups of mice were fed a HFD for the modeling of MAFLD. The experiment lasted for 20 weeks. Starting from the 13th week， mice were administered corresponding agents daily by gavage， and the mice in both the CHOW and HFD groups received equal volumes of purified water. At the end of the experiment， cardiac blood， liver， and adipose tissue samples were collected. Pathological staining was performed on the liver and adipose tissue separately. The levels of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， triglycerides （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC） in the serum， as well as TG and TC in the liver， were determined. Additionally， the mRNA levels of fatty acid synthetase （FASN）， stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 （SCD1）， sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c （SREBP-1c）， SIRT1， PPARα， PGC-1α， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the liver were measured by real-time PCR. The protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， PPARα， and CPT1α in the mouse liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the CHOW group， the HFD group exhibited increased body weight， liver weight， and white adipose tissue weight （P<0.01）. After XAE intervention， these parameters were reduced compared with those in the HFD group （P<0.01）. Pathological section results showed that the morphology of hepatocytes and epididymal white adipocytes in the model mice was significantly improved after XAE intervention， with decreases in both the number and volume of lipid droplets. Furthermore， the XAE groups had lower levels of AST， ALT， HDL-C， LDL-C， TG， and TC in the serum and TG and TC in the liver than the HFD group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Moreover， XAE administration downregulated the mRNA levels of lipid synthesis-related genes （FASN and SCD1） （P<0.05） and upregulated the mRNA levels of lipid oxidation-related genes （SIRT1， PPARα， and PGC-1α） （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Additionally， the protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， PPARα， and CPT1α in the liver were upregulated after XAE treatment compared with those in the HFD group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionXAE exerts a therapeutic effect on MAFLD by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARα signaling pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement effect of Wenpi Pills(WPP) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). The experiment was divided into two parts, using C57BL/6 mouse models induced by a high-fat diet(HFD) and a methionine and choline deficiency diet(MCD). The HFD-induced experiment lasted for 16 weeks, while the MCD-induced experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Mice in both parts were divided into four groups: control group, model group, low-dose WPP group(3.875 g·kg~(-1), WPP＿L), and high-dose WPP group(15.5 g·kg~(-1), WPP＿H). After sample collection from the HFD-induced mice, lipid content in the serum and liver, liver function indexes in the serum, and hepatic pathology were examined. Real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of lipid-related genes. After sample collection from the MCD-induced mice, serum liver function indexes and inflammatory factors were measured, and hepatic pathology and lipid changes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and widely targeted lipidomic profiling, respectively. The results from the HFD-induced experiment showed that, compared with the HFD group, WPP administration significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), triglyceride(TG), and total cholesterol(TC) in the serum, with the WPP＿H group showing the most significant improvement. HE staining results indicated that, compared with the HFD group, WPP treatment improved the morphology of white adipocytes, reducing their size, and alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid droplet accumulation. The qRT-PCR results suggested that WPP might increase the mRNA expression of liver cholesterol-converting genes, such as liver X receptor α(LXRα) and cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily A member 1(CYP27A1), as well as lipid consumption genes like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα) and adenosine mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK). Meanwhile, WPP decreased the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis genes, including fatty acid synthetase(FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c(SREBP-1c), thereby reducing liver lipid accumulation. The results from the MCD-induced experiment showed that, compared with the MCD group, WPP administration reduced the levels of ALT, AST, and inflammatory factors in the serum, thereby alleviating liver injury and the inflammatory response. HE staining of liver tissue indicated that WPP effectively improved hepatic steatosis. Non-targeted lipidomics analysis showed that WPP improved lipid metabolism disorders in the liver, mainly by affecting the metabolism of TG and cholesterol esters. In conclusion, WPP can improve hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice induced by both HFD and MCD. This beneficial effect is primarily achieved by alleviating liver injury and inflammation, as well as regulating lipid metabolism.
Animals ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects* ; Liver/drug effects* ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal ; Methionine

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyao Pill (XYP) by exploring its interactions with gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism. METHODS: Utilizing network pharmacology, the functional substance groups, key targets, and pathways of XYP in the treatment of depression were identified. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) protocol was implemented in male Sprague-Dawley rats to establish depression model. Thirty rats were randomly divided into 3 groups according to their body weight (10 for each): control, CUMS and XYP groups (1.8 g/kg). After 28-day interventions, behavioral phenotyping including sucrose preference test (SPT) and open field test (OFT) were performed. Biochemical validation encompassed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serum cortisol, hematoxylin-eosin histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized to profile serum metabolites, while fecal samples underwent metagenomic sequencing for gut microbiota characterization. RESULTS: Network pharmacology studies predicted that key components can protect the nervous system by regulating inflammatory pathways through the blood-brain barrier. SPT and OFT showed that XYP treatment significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors (all P<0.05). XYP treatment also restored hippocampal neuronal density, increased serum neurotransmitter levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine and vasoactive intestinal peptide, and while suppressing inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β), and IL-6 (all P<0.05). Metagenomics revealed significant restructuring of gut microbiota, notably the regulation of Parabacteroides distasonis (P<0.05). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis showed that the level of metabolites in the tryptophan and kynurenine pathway significantly changed (variable importance in the projection >1, P<0.05), and the change of metabolic flux was significantly correlated with behavioral improvement (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS XYP exerts antidepressant effects by increasing neurotransmitter levels, reducing inflammatory makers and modulating Parabacteroides distasonis. Through further exploration of metabolomics, we found that XYP may play a protective role in depression by regulating tryptophan metabolism.
Animals ; Tryptophan/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Depression/blood* ; Male ; Stress, Psychological/drug therapy* ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects* ; Rats ; Chronic Disease ; Hippocampus/drug effects*

AIM To investigate the effects of Wenyang Jiedu Tongluo Recipe(WYJDTLR)on macrophage recruitment and polarization function in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD).METHODS 50 db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group,the valsartan group(10.29 mg/kg)and the high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose WYJDTLR groups(26.52,13.26 and 6.63 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group,in contrast to another 10 db/m mice of the blank group.After 8 weeks of administration,the mice had their levels of fasting blood glucose,24-hour urinary protein quantity(24h-UTP),serum creatinine(Scr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)observed;their morphological changes of renal tissues observed by HE staining;their degree of renal glycogen deposition observed by PAS staining;their degree of renal fibrosis observed by Masson staining;their levels of MCP-1 and MCF-1 in serum and TNF-α and IL-1 β in renal tissue detected by ELISA;their renal protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 detected by IHC and Western blot;and their renal expressions of CD86 and CD206 detected by IF.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the WYJDTLR groups displayed decreased levels of fasting blood glucose,24h-UTP,Scr and BUN(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);improved degree of glomerular hypertrophy,mild proliferation of mesangial cells,dilatation of renal tubular,vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells,deposition of glomerular glycogen,and fibrosis of renal tissues(P＜0.01);decreased levels of MCP-1 and MCF-1 in serum and TNF-α and IL-1β in renal tissue(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased renal protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),thus reduced the recruitment of macrophages to the kidney;decreased renal CD86 protein expression(P＜0.01);and increased CD206 protein expression(P＜0.01),thus inhibited M1-type polarization of macrophages and promoted M2-type polarization of macrophages.CONCLUSION WYJDTLR can delay the DKD progression in mice by reducing the occurrence of inflammatory reactions through reducing the level of macrophage recruitment factor,inhibiting the M1-type polarization,and promoting the M2-type polarization.

Neutralizing antibodies have been designed to specifically target and bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) protein to block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus from attaching to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This study reports a distinctive nanobody, designated as VHH21, that directly catalyzes the S-trimer into an irreversible transition state through postfusion conformational changes. Derived from camels immunized with multiple antigens, a set of nanobodies with high affinity for the S1 protein displays abilities to neutralize pseudovirion infections with a broad resistance to variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2, including SARS-CoV and BatRaTG13. Importantly, a super-resolution screening and analysis platform based on visual fluorescence probes was designed and applied to monitor single proteins and protein subunits. A spontaneously occurring dimeric form of VHH21 was obtained to rapidly destroy the S-trimer. Structural analysis via cryogenic electron microscopy revealed that VHH21 targets specific conserved epitopes on the S protein, distinct from the ACE2 binding site on the RBD, which destabilizes the fusion process. This research highlights the potential of VHH21 as an abzyme-like nanobody (nanoabzyme) possessing broad-spectrum binding capabilities and highly effective anti-viral properties and offers a promising strategy for combating coronavirus outbreaks.
Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology* ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism* ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology* ; Animals ; Humans ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology* ; Camelus ; COVID-19/immunology* ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology* ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2

Gentianopsis barbata (G. barbata) represents a significant plant species with considerable ornamental and medicinal value in China. This investigation sought to elucidate the primary constituents within the plant and investigate their pharmacological properties. Fifty triterpenoids (1-50), including nine previously undescribed compounds (1, 2, 7, 10, 20, 28, 29, 37, and 41) were isolated and characterized from the whole plants of G. barbata. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the novel 3,4;9,10-diseco-24-homo-cycloartane triterpenoid skeleton. The isolated triterpenoids demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine secretion in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, and hepatoprotective effects by preventing tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate both the presence of diverse triterpenoids in G. barbata and their therapeutic potential for inflammatory and hepatic conditions, providing scientific evidence supporting the clinical application of this traditional Mongolian medicinal plant.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Mice ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification* ; Animals ; Humans ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics* ; Medicine, Mongolian Traditional ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Protective Agents/isolation & purification* ; Liver/drug effects* ; Gentianaceae/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts/chemistry* ; Molecular Structure

Soil cadmium pollution can adversely affect the cultivation of the ornamental plant, Coleus scutellarioides. Upon cadmium contamination of the soil, the growth of C. scutellarioides is impeded, and it may even succumb to the toxic accumulation of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the adaptation of C. scutellarioides to cadmium stress, by measuring the physiological metabolism and the degree of root damage of C. scutellarioides, with Aspergillus oryzae as the test fungi. The results indicated that cadmium stress increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) within the cells of C. scutellarioides, but inhibited mycorrhizal infestation rate, root vigour and growth rate to a great degree. With the same cadmium concentration, the inoculation of AMF significantly improved the physiological indexes of C. scutellarioides. The maximum decrease of MDA content was 42.16%, and the content of secondary metabolites rosemarinic acid and anthocyanosides could be increased by up to 27.43% and 25.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of root vigour was as high as 35.35%, and the DNA damage of the root system was obviously repaired. In conclusion, the inoculation of AMF can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites, alleviate root damage, and enhance the tolerance to cadmium stress in C. scutellarioides.
Cadmium/toxicity* ; Mycorrhizae/physiology* ; Plant Roots/drug effects* ; Soil Pollutants/toxicity* ; Stress, Physiological ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Liver transplantation (LT) has become a standard treatment for end-stage liver diseases, and graft injury is intricately associated with poor prognosis. Granzyme B (GZMB) plays a vital role in natural killer (NK) cell biology, but whether NK-derived GZMB affects graft injury remains elusive. Through the analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data obtained from human LT grafts and the isolation of lymphocytes from mouse livers following ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), we demonstrated that 2NK cells with high expression of GZMB are enriched in patients and mice. Both systemically and liver-targeted depletion of NK cells led to a notable reduction in GZMB⁺ cell infiltration, subsequently resulting in diminished graft injury. Notably, the reconstitution of Il2rg ^-/- Rag2 ^-/- mice with purified Gzmb-KO NK cells demonstrated superior outcomes compared to those with wild-type NK cells. Crucially, global knockout of GZMB and pharmacological inhibition exhibited remarkable improvements in liver function in both mouse IRI and rat LT models. Moreover, a phosphorylated derivative of FDA-approved vidarabine was identified as an effective inhibitor of mouse GZMB activity by molecular dynamics, which could provide a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. Therefore, targeting NK cell-derived GZMB during the LT process suggests potential therapeutic strategies to improve post-transplant outcomes.

Objective To evaluate the changes in postoperative plasma β-endorphin(β-EP)levels in patients who had received perioperative electroacupuncture(EA)treatment in 10 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and examine the impact of EA on postoperative pain.Methods This meta-analysis evaluated the changes in plasma β-EP levels and visual analog scale(VAS)12,24 and 48 hours after surgery in patients receiving perioperative EA.It also assessed the changes in plasma serotonin(5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT)and prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels at 24 hours postsurgery.A comprehensive search was conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang,Chongqing VIP database,Chinese Biomedical Database(CBM),Web of Science,and PubMed databases.RCTs on perioperative EA and β-EP published from the inception of the websites up to July 25,2023,were retrieved.Effect size aggregation,literature quality assessment,and bias analysis were performed using RevMan 5.3 software,and sensitivity analysis was conducted via R 4.3.1.Results A total of 10 RCTs involving 706 patients were included.EA in conjunction with conventional anesthesia significantly increased plasma β-EP levels at 12 hours postsurgery[standard mean difference(SMD)=2.79,95%CI(1.85,3.72),Z=5.81,P＜0.00001],24hours postsurgery[SMD=1.87,95%CI(0.9,2.83),Z=3.79,P=0.0001],and 48 hours postsurgery[SMD=2.02,95%CI(1.49,2.54),Z=7.50,P＜0.00001].EA reduced plasma PGE2 levels at 24 hours postsurgery and plasma 5-HT levels at 24 hours postsurgery,and the VAS at 12,24 and 48 hours after surgery also decreased.Conclusion These findings suggest that perioperative EA markedly elevates plasma β-EP levels,reduces pain-inducing factors in plasma,and effectively alleviates acute postoperative pain.