1.Si Junzitang Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Minyan SUN ; Shaofeng WEI ; Xiaomin WANG ; Kehan GAO ; Jianhao YANG ; Ziran XIE ; Yu ZHANG ; Qin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):23-37
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms through which Si Junzitang (SJZD) ameliorates Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by scopolamine (SCOP) in mice and the PC12 cell model induced by H2O2 based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsIn the animal experiments, an AD model was established in mice by intraperitoneal injection of SCOP (3 mg·kg-1). Morris water maze and open field tests (OFT) were conducted to assess learning and memory abilities. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe pathological changes in neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect amyloid β-protein1-42 (Aβ1-42) expression, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect phosphorylated (p)-Tau expression. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe ultrastructural changes in hippocampal neurons and synapses. Biochemical methods were used to measure the levels of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of molecules in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the hippocampus. In the cell experiments, a PC12 cell model of oxidative damage model was established with H2O2. Cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and flow cytometry were adopted to measure cell viability and apoptosis rates, and Western blot was employed to quantify the expression levels of proteins in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. ResultsThe animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the SJZD and donepezil groups showed shortened escape latency (P<0.01), increased time in the target quadrant and platform crossings, and increased movement distance and duration in the central area of the open field (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE and Nissl staining showed more organized neurons and increased Nissl bodies in the drug intervention groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Aβ1-42 and p-Tau expression levels were downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). TEM revealed reduced ultrastructural damage in hippocampal neurons and synapses in the drug intervention groups. In addition, the drug intervention groups showed declined levels of MDA, LDH, and AChE (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated levels of SOD, CAT, and ACh (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced Keap1 expression and increased Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01). The cell experiments showed that compared with the model group, the SJZD-containing serum increased the cell viability (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased total apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01). The drug intervention groups showed upregulated protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and downregulated protein level of Keap1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSJZD demonstrates protective effects against SCOP-induced AD in mice and H2O2-induced damage in PC12 cells through antioxidant mechanisms mediated by the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
2.Research progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia
Shuai WANG ; Kehan LI ; Zhixu LIU ; Xudong WANG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(10):1195-1202
Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by the abnormal replacement of normal bone tissue with fibrous tissue. This article provides a systematic review of the latest advancements in the genetic basis, molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of CFD. Elucidate, which leads to bone homeostasis imbalance and fibrotic abnormalities. It focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying multi-pathway network dysregulation induced by GNAS gene mutations and explores the roles of key molecules like cAMP-response element binding protein, interleukin-6 and Fibroblast growth factor 23 in disease progression. Additionally, it evaluates the limitations of traditional treatments and the translational potential of novel strategies, including targeted therapies, offering a theoretical foundation for clinical practice and future research directions.
3.Liquiritin improves macrophage degradation of engulfed tumour cells by promoting the formation of phagolysosomes via NOX2/gp91phox.
Caiyi YANG ; Kehan CHEN ; Yunliang CHEN ; Xuting XIE ; Pengcheng LI ; Meng ZHAO ; Junjie LIANG ; Xueqian XIE ; Xiaoyun CHEN ; Yanping CAI ; Bo XU ; Qing WANG ; Lian ZHOU ; Xia LUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):101093-101093
The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages (Mϕ) is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis, and the degradation function of Mϕ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes. In our preliminary experiments, we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) reduced the ability of Mϕ to degrade engulfed tumour cells. Above this, we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours, to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells. We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mϕ phagosomes, causing Mϕ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation. Conversely, inhibiting NOX2 in Mϕ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion, therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis, and subsequently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens. We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox, blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox, thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2. This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mϕ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis, and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.
4.Liquiritin improves macrophage degradation of engulfed tumour cells by promoting the formation of phagolysosomes via NOX2/gp91phox
Caiyi YANG ; Kehan CHEN ; Yunliang CHEN ; Xuting XIE ; Pengcheng LI ; Meng ZHAO ; Junjie LIANG ; Xueqian XIE ; Xiaoyun CHEN ; Yanping CAI ; Bo XU ; Qing WANG ; Lian ZHOU ; Xia LUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(5):1016-1032
The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages(Mφ)is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis,and the degradation function of Mφ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes.In our preliminary experiments,we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2)reduced the ability of Mφ to degrade engulfed tumour cells.Above this,we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch,which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours,to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells.We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mφ phagosomes,causing Mφ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS),thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation.Conversely,inhibiting NOX2 in Mφ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion,therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis,and subse-quently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens.We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox,blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox,thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2.This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mφ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis,and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.
5.Electroacupuncture reduces the expression of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt and alleviates cell apoptosis after spinal cord injury by regulating the PPARγ-CD36 signaling pathway
Mingjiao LI ; Chenglin TANG ; Zhuxin YANG ; Hongdi ZHAO ; Jiapei WANG ; Kehan XING ; Siqin HUANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(3):311-321
Objective:To establish a mouse model of spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on cell apoptosis after acute SCI and its mechanism.Methods:Female C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a model of SCI,and after successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into SCI group,EA group,and Rosiglitazone group(R group);a sham-operation group(Sham group)was also established.After successful modeling,the mice in the EA group were given EA at bilat-eral Jiaji points and Zusanli once a day for 14 days,those in the R ture,and the number of surviving cells.The EA group and the R group had a significant reduction in the expression of caspase-3 and significant increases in the expression of PPARγ and CD36,and the EA group had significant reductions in the expression of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt.In addition,RNA-Seq and TMT/iTRAQ techniques,significant analysis,Venn analysis,and dual-omics analysis identi-fied Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt as the target genes of EA.The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that EA had a significant effect on the PPAR signaling pathway.Conclusion:By regulating the PPARγ-CD36 signaling pathway,EA can promote the clearance of Hba-a1 and Hbb-bt after SCI,reduce the expression level of caspase-3,alleviate cell apoptosis,and facilitate the recovery of spinal cord nerve function.
6.Application and Progress of Vonoprazan in Maintenance Therapy of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Kehan YIN ; Xinyuan WANG ; Bo WANG ; Shengliang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;30(3):173-176
Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a chronic recurrent disorder characterized by typical symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn.Its high recurrence rate and long-term complications not only significantly impact patients' quality of life but also impose a heavy healthcare burden.Traditional proton pump inhibitors(PPIs),as first-line therapeutic agents,are often inadequate for long-term maintenance therapy of GERD due to shortcomings such as short half-life,susceptible to genetic polymorphisms,and nocturnal acid breakthrough.Recently,the potassium-competitive acid blocker(P-CAB)vonoprazan has demonstrated advantages increasingly in the maintenance therapy of GERD.This article reviewed the research progress on vonoprazan in the maintenance therapy of GERD,aiming to provide a reference for optimizing the long-term management of GERD.
7.Mechanism Study on Huoxin Pill in the Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure Based on Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics
Xiang LIU ; Kehan CHEN ; Chuyao ZHENG ; Yiqiu LIAO ; Lingli WANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):377-386
Objective To explore the mechanism of Huoxin pill(HXP)in the prevention and treatment of heart failure(HF)based on transcriptomics and network pharmacology.Methods The mice were randomly divided into the normal control group,model control group,positive control group treated with sacubitril/valsartan(60 mg·kg-1),low-dose group treated with HXP(31.2 mg·kg-1),and high-dose group treated with HXP(62.4 mg·kg-1).The model control group and each drug treat-ment group were subcutaneously injected with an equal volume of ISO(5 mg·kg-1)for modeling,while the normal control group was given an equal volume of sterile saline.Six hours later,each drug administration group was gavaged with the corresponding drug for intervention,and the normal control and model control groups were gavaged with an equal volume of sterile water.The modeling and drug administration were continued for 21 days.The cardiac function parameters of the mice were measured using color Doppler ultrasound imaging;ELISA was used to detect the levels of mouse serum cAMP,NT-proBNP,and BNP;HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate the pathological morphology of cardiac tissue,and the CVF was calculated.Network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics was used to predict potential targets and signaling pathways of HXP in the prevention and treatment of HF,and molecular biology methods were used for validation.Results Compared with the normal control group,the model control group showed an increase in LVESd and LVEDd(P<0.01),and a decrease in LVEF and LVFS(P<0.01);BNP,NT-proBNP,and cAMP levels were increased(P<0.01);myocardial collagen fibers increased and CVF in-creased(P<0.01).Compared with the model control group,the HXP low-dose group,HXP high-dose group,and positive control groups showed a decrease in LVESd and LVEDd(P<0.01),and an increase in LVEF and LVFS(P<0.01);serum levels of BNP,NT-proBNP,and cAMP decreased(P<0.05);the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased and CVF decreased(P<0.01).Network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics predicted 10 key targets for HXP in the prevention and treatment of HF:CACNA1H,SCN10A,FGF12,PVALB,ACAN,LGALS3,SERPINE1,MMP3,GSTM1,VDR.Western blot results showed that the protein activation levels of PKA and CREB in myocardial tissue were increased in the model control group compared with the nor-mal control group(P<0.01).Compared with the model control group,HXP low-dose group、HXP high-dose group,and positive control groups showed a decrease in the protein activation levels of PKA and CREB in myocardial tissue(P<0.05).Conclusion HXP has an improvement effect on ISO-induced HF in mice,which may involve numerous targets and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
8.Research progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia
Shuai WANG ; Kehan LI ; Zhixu LIU ; Xudong WANG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(10):1195-1202
Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by the abnormal replacement of normal bone tissue with fibrous tissue. This article provides a systematic review of the latest advancements in the genetic basis, molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of CFD. Elucidate, which leads to bone homeostasis imbalance and fibrotic abnormalities. It focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying multi-pathway network dysregulation induced by GNAS gene mutations and explores the roles of key molecules like cAMP-response element binding protein, interleukin-6 and Fibroblast growth factor 23 in disease progression. Additionally, it evaluates the limitations of traditional treatments and the translational potential of novel strategies, including targeted therapies, offering a theoretical foundation for clinical practice and future research directions.
9.Research progress on predictive models for endometriosis
Kehan LI ; Yafei WANG ; Rong WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(5):520-525
Endometriosis is a multifactorial systemic disorder that significantly compromises women's quality of life, with particular implications for reproductive health in those of childbearing age. Predictive models have recently emerged as a critical focus on clinical research, offering valuable tools for early disease detection and evaluation of anticipated therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review examines current applications of predictive models in multiple clinical domains: diagnostic assessment, postoperative recurrence surveillance, malignant transformation prediction, infertility-associated factor analysis, and pregnancy outcome projection. The synthesis of these findings provides novel insights to inform clinical decision-making and advance therapeutic strategies for endometriosis management.
10.Research progress on predictive models for endometriosis
Kehan LI ; Yafei WANG ; Rong WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(5):520-525
Endometriosis is a multifactorial systemic disorder that significantly compromises women's quality of life, with particular implications for reproductive health in those of childbearing age. Predictive models have recently emerged as a critical focus on clinical research, offering valuable tools for early disease detection and evaluation of anticipated therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review examines current applications of predictive models in multiple clinical domains: diagnostic assessment, postoperative recurrence surveillance, malignant transformation prediction, infertility-associated factor analysis, and pregnancy outcome projection. The synthesis of these findings provides novel insights to inform clinical decision-making and advance therapeutic strategies for endometriosis management.

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