1.Study on the effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder against bronchial asthma based on transcriptomics
Jiacheng JIN ; Wenyan CHEN ; Xin LI ; Qing XU ; Hangyu WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Pinghua SUN ; Jinhui WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):595-601
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder (QDP) on bronchial asthma in mice. METHODS The mice were divided into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), dexamethasone group (2 mg/kg), and QDP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), with 14 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice in all other groups were given ovalbumin via intraperitoneal injection followed by aerosol inhalation to induce a bronchial asthma model. During the modeling process, mice in each group were administered corresponding drug solutions or normal saline intragastrically/intraperitoneally. After the last medication, the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the mice was observed and counted; the pathological changes of the bronchus and lung tissue were observed; the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the lung tissue of the mice were determined, and the level of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the BALF and serum was determined. Transcriptomics was employed to predict and validate the mechanism of action of QDP against bronchial asthma. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the total cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and macrophage counts in the BALF of the QDP high-dose group were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05); the levels of MDA and NO in the lung tissue, and the levels of IL-17 in the BALF and serum were all decreased significantly ( P <0.05); the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased ( P <0.05); the arrangement of lung tissue cells tended to normalize, with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased exfoliation of bronchial simple columnar epithelial cells. The transcriptomic results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were B-cell receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, ferroptosis signaling pathway, and others. Further validation revealed that, compared with the model group, the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and chemokine ligand 20, as well as the phosphorylation level of NF-κB inhibitor protein α, were significantly decreased in the lung tissues of the mice in all QDP groups ( P <0.05). Conversely, the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were significantly increased ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QDP can effectively alleviate bronchial asthma by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, regulating oxidative stress, and reducing inflammatory responses.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
4.Anatomical Importance Between Neural Structure and Bony Landmark in Neuroventral Decompression for Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Xin WANG ; Tao HU ; Chaofan QIN ; Bo LEI ; Mingxin CHEN ; Ke MA ; Qingyan LONG ; Qingshuai YU ; Si CHENG ; Zhengjian YAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):286-296
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).
Methods:
Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured.
Results:
The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females.
Conclusion
A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.
5.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
6.Research on the knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its influencing factors among residents in Jiading District,Shanghai
Bao-hui CHEN ; Xin YIN ; Ke XU ; Xi-wen ZHANG ; Feng GAO ; Na WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):737-742
To effectively carry out community health education and prevention and control of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),we conducted a questionnaire survey on the awareness of COPD knowledge among residents aged 40 and above in Jiading District of Shanghai by using two-stage sampling method.We included 1 783 permanent residents in 4 districts and collected 1 666 valid questionnaires.The awareness rates of COPD name,pulmonary function test and related knowledge were 15.9%,11.9%and 17.2%,respectively.For the main symptoms of COPD,the awareness rate of sputum was the lowest(65.2%),of shortness of breath and dyspnea was the highest(78.4%).For the risk factors,the awareness rate of severe respiratory tract infection in childhood was the lowest(67.3%),of smoking was the highest(86.8%).Multiple response analysis showed that mobile phones and computers accounted for the highest proportion of acquiring knowledge of COPD(66.7%).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low educational level,low monthly income,engaged in production and manufacturing,never or less exercise,no use of indoor air improvement measures,no wearing of masks in public places and no vaccination of influenza vaccine per year were associated with lower awareness rate of COPD.The community should improve the way and ability of health science popularization,and carry out health education for key groups.
7.Advances in centrosome amplification and cancer development
Zhaoxue WANG ; Xin MENG ; Shiyun ZHANG ; Ke SHI ; Yucheng LU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):2038-2045
Centrosome amplification is a hallmark of malignant tumours and has been established as a critical carcinogenic factor driving the progression of various malignancies.This review systematically outlines the structural com-position and replication cycle of the centrosome,thoroughly analyses the specific manifestations of abnormal centrosome amplification in tumor cells,and explores the molecular mechanisms underlying centrosome amplification.Furthermore,this review highlights therapeutic strategies targeting abnormal centrosome expansion and their potential application in tu-mor intervention.In-depth investigations of centrosome amplification mechanisms and intervention pathways may offer novel insights for early cancer diagnosis and precision therapy.
8.A comparative study of depression phenotype in a tumor-bearing mouse model of breast cancer
Xiaofei LI ; Ke JIANG ; Mengting DONG ; Yuelian WANG ; Jiaqi LIU ; Xin LI ; Jiayu SHENG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):232-240
Objective Compare the depression phenotypes of a breast cancer tumor-bearing mouse model constructed using two different method and a mouse model of breast cancer depression with clinical manifestations,as well as assess their suitability for basic research.Methods We constructed a tumor model with 4T1 breast cancer cells alone(4T1 group)and a tumor-depression composite model given chronic unpredictable mild(CUMS)(4T1+CUMS group).The experimental period was 42 d,and the body mass,tumor volume,and survival time of the mice were monitored throughout the whole process.Two depressive behavioral tests(of sucrose preference test,open field test,tail suspension test,and elevated plus maze)were performed on the 15th and 29th days,respectively.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological changes of hippocampal neurons in brain tissue sections.Results(1)Body mass:The body mass of the 4T1 group and 4T1+CUMS group began to decrease from 29 d,and the body mass of the 4T1+CUMS group was significantly lower than that of the 4T1 group and Control group at the end of the experiment(P<0.001).(2)Tumor volume:There was no significant difference in the growth rate of tumors between the two model groups throughout the experiment(P>0.05).(3)Survival time:The survival rates of the 4T1 group and 4T1+CUMS group were 100%and 60%,and the first death of mice in the 4T1+CUMS group was on the 36th day.(4)Behavior test of depression:There was no significant difference between the three groups in the first depressive behavior tests(P>0.05),and the two groups showed obvious depressive phenotypes in the second behavioral tests.The sucrose preference index and activity distance in the central area were significantly decreased in the two model groups(P<0.001),and the immobility time was significantly increased(P<0.001).(5)Pathological section of brain tissue:On pathological examination of brain tissue,we observed a reduced number of neuronal cells in the hippocampus of the 4T1 group and 4T1+CUMS group,their morphology was irregular,the arrangement between the cells was disordered and the gap was unclear,and some nucleoli were blurred.Conclusions Although the tumor-only method and the tumor with compound stress stimulation method can both be used to prepare breast cancer depression models,the tumor-only modeling method is simpler and the mortality rate after successful modeling is higher.The long window of time is convenient for subsequent drug administration and detection,and the causes of the depression phenotype are more in line with the clinical causes and manifestations.Therefore,the 4T1 model can provide a reference model for future animal experiments on breast cancer tumor-related depression.
9.Effect of miR-129-3p mimetic on bone loss in tail-suspended mice
Yi WU ; Zi-dong AN ; Yong-jie PANG ; Li-qiang WANG ; Xin-yang WANG ; Yu-hai GAO ; Xue-yan LI ; Ke-ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):703-709
Aim To study whether intravenous injec-tion of miR-129-3p mimetic(agomir)can resist bone loss caused by hind limb disuse,and to provide new i-deas for preventing bone loss in microgravity environ-ment.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into the control group(CON),tail suspension model group(TS),tail suspension+miR-129-3p agomir administration group(miRNA)and tail suspension+miR-129-3p negative sequence agomir control group(NC).The miRNA group was given 4 mg·kg-1 miR-129-3p agomir by intravenous injection into the medial canthus twice a week.The NC agomir group were consistent with those in the miR-129-3p agomir group,and the CON and TS groups were given only equal volumes of normal saline.After four weeks,all mice were sacrificed and samples were collected.Micro-CT scan of femur,three-point femur bending test,serum bone metabolism index detection,oxidative stress index detection and osteogenesis-related protein expression analysis in bone tissue were per-formed.Results After four weeks,the number of tra-becular bone in the TS group was significantly re-duced,and Tb.BMD,Tb.Th,Tb.N,Tb.BS/TV and Tb.BV/TV were significantly lower than those in the CON group(P<0.01).While Tb.Sp TS group was significantly higher than the CON group(P<0.05),the maximum load and flexural strength of the femur significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of ser-um bone formation index PINP was significantly lower than that of the CON group(P<0.01),and the con-tent of bone resorption index CTX-I was significantly higher than that of the CON group(P<0.01),the content of serum oxidative damage indexes 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of osteogenesis-related pro-teins in bone tissue markedly decreased(P<0.01).However,the increase or decrease of all indexes in miRNA group was significantly lower than that in TS group.Conclusions miR-129-3p mimetic can signifi-cantly reduce bone loss caused by hind limb disuse.This experiment provides a new idea and method for preventing bone loss in microgravity environment.
10.Effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii on CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis and neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders
Yan-qin DING ; Peng FENG ; Ming-lu WANG ; Yu-tong WANG ; Ke-xin SUN ; Xing WEI ; Yong-yan TIAN ; Xing-ping TANG ; Ping LI ; Ruo-lan LU ; Ling LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1825-1833
AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P<0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P<0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P<0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P<0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.

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