1.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.
2.Investigation of Component Difference of Astragali Radix Before and After Rice Stir-frying by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Chemometrics
Miaoshi YAO ; Yimeng ZHAO ; Zekun WANG ; Minglu LI ; Chenxi LIU ; Chen CHEN ; Yajun CHEN ; Yachun SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):189-197
ObjectiveA qualitative analysis method was established for the composition of Astragali Radix(AR) before and after rice stir-frying. On the basis of systematic characterization of the chemical compositions in AR and stir-fried AR with rice(ARR), the structures of their major compounds were deduced and identified, and the differential compositions between them were analyzed. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the samples of AR and ARR in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. The compounds were analyzed and identified through self-constructed databases, literature, and reference standards, etc. And the data were analyzed by chemometrics, in order to screen for the differential components between AR and ARR. ResultsA total of 123 compounds were identified in AR and ARR, including 41 flavonoids, 19 terpenoids, 26 organic acids, 8 amino acids, 5 nucleotides, 5 carbohydrates and 19 other compounds. Among them, there were 95 common components in both, 18 unique components in AR, and 10 unique components in ARR. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) results both showed that there were significant differences in the chemical constituents of AR before and after rice stir-frying, and a total of 26 constituents with differences in the content were screened out, including L-canavanine, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-phenylalanine, cis-caffeic acid, and malonylastragaloside Ⅰ. Among them, 19 constituents of ARR were down-regulated and 7 constituents were up-regulated by comparing with AR. ConclusionThis study clarifies that the chemical composition of AR and ARR is mainly composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acids, and analyzes the components with significant differences in content between the two in combination with chemometrics, and the differential components are dominated by amino acids, organic acids and terpenoids, which can provide reference for the subsequent quality control and material basis research.
3.Seasonal distribution characteristics, source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City in 2019-2023
Shengnan GAO ; Jinkun LI ; Li CHEN ; Zhengdong XYU ; Hongru ZHU ; Jian WANG ; Zhiyang YAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):65-69
Objective To study the seasonal distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City, and analyze the sources of PAHs pollution, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs in different seasons. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected regularly from January 2019 to December 2023, and 16 types of PAHs were determined by HPLC. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the concentrations of PM2.5 and PAHs in different years and seasons. The source of PAHs was analyzed by characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA). Health risks were assessed using the BaP equivalent method and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model. Results The annual exceedance rates of PM2.5 and BaP in Lianyungang showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023. PM2.5, total PAHs and PAHs monomers (except Ace, Flu and Acy) all showed significant seasonal differences, with the highest concentration in winter (P<0.001). The average proportion of 4-ring PAHs was the highest and the average proportion of 2-ring PAHs was the lowest. The proportion of 5-6 ring PAHs was relatively high in winter and spring. PM2.5and PAHs were negatively correlated with temperature, relative humidity and precipitation, and were positively correlated with atmospheric pressure. PM2.5 was negatively correlated with wind speed, while some PAHs monomers were positively correlated with wind speed. The characteristic ratio and PCA results showed that the main sources of PAHs in Lianyungang City were mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources and biomass combustion sources. The results of ILCR showed that the highest risk was found in adults, with males slightly higher than females. In Lianyungang, the maximum value of ILCR in winter was more than 10-6 in people over 9 years old. Conclusion The main sources of PAHs in PM2.5 in Lianyungang City are mixed sources of road dust and vehicle emissions, oil pollution sources, and biomass combustion sources. Under the current exposure level of PAHs in PM2.5, residents have a certain potential carcinogenic risk.
4.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
5.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
6.Association between moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity and sedentary behavior among primary and secondary school students and their parents
YAO Zifeng, YE Rongrong, CHEN Jiade, XU Peng, HUANG Yanhong, LI Lixia, LI Hongjuan, GAO Yanhui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):68-72
Objective:
To explore the associations of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among primary and secondary school students and their parents, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted physical activity promotion strategies for children and adolescents.
Methods:
From 2021 to 2022, basic information and 24 h movement behaviors of 2 484 pairs of students and their parents were collected from five primary and secondary schools in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, with a convenient sampling combining with cluster sampling method. Component regression models were constructed to analyze the relationship between parental MVPA, SB and primary and secondary school students MVPA and SB, and a component isochronous substitution model was used to explore the effects of mutual substitution between parental MVPA, residual components (time use components other than SB during the 24 h period), and SB on the behavioral activities of MVPA and SB in primary and secondary school students.
Results:
Parental MVPA and SB of students in grade 1 to 3 were positively correlated with both students MVPA and SB ( β=0.06, 0.12, P <0.01). The component isochronous substitution model showed that substituting 10 and 20 minutes of MVPA for SB by parents in grade 1 to 3 was associated with an increase in MVPA of students, and substituting 10 and 20 minutes of residual ingredients for SB was associated with a decrease in SB of students, with mean changes of 0.8 (95% CI =0.4-1.2) and 1.4 (95% CI =0.7-2.2) and -1.4 (95% CI =-1.7 to -1.1) and -2.9 (95% CI =-3.4 to -2.3)( P <0.05). No statistically significant associations were observed between parents of students in grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 and students physical activity and sedentary behaviour ( P >0.05).
Conclusions
Parents of students in grades 1 to 3 increases MVPA and decrease SB are beneficial to increase MVPA and decrease SB of students. Parents could promote physical activity among primary and secondary school students, and the intervention gateway should be advanced, with the low grades as the optimal intervention period.
7.Research progress of nano drug delivery system based on metal-polyphenol network for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases
Meng-jie ZHAO ; Xia-li ZHU ; Yi-jing LI ; Zi-ang WANG ; Yun-long ZHAO ; Gao-jian WEI ; Yu CHEN ; Sheng-nan HUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):323-336
Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.
8.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.
9.Research progress on antimicrobial peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Yuxuan WANG ; Weichang GUO ; Cheng CHEN ; Yao LUO ; Yaxiong XIAO ; Jiangtao LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):636-640
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium with strong pathogenicity. With the widespread use of antibiotics, its multi-drug resistance has gradually increased. Among them, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the main pathogens of hospital and community infections. Antimicrobial peptides are short-chain peptides with good antibacterial effects and low drug resistance, which have been widely studied in recent years. This study summarizes the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides and related study on antimicrobial peptides against MRSA from different sources. It is found that the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides include targeting bacterial cell membranes, bacterial cells, and bacterial cell walls, etc. Besides isolating antimicrobial peptides with anti-MRSA activity from animals, plants, and microorganisms, antimicrobial peptides can also be obtained through synthetic methods. Among them, GHa-derived peptides from animal sources, Ib-AMP4 from plant sources, Ph-SA from microbial sources, the synthetic peptide LLKLLLKLL-NH2, and so on, due to their effective antibacterial activity, rapid bactericidal speed, and low toxicity, are promising candidates for anti-MRSA drugs.
10.Preliminary exploration of differentiating and treating multiple system atrophy from the perspective of the eight extraordinary meridians
Di ZHAO ; Zhigang CHEN ; Nannan LI ; Lu CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Jing XUE ; Xinning ZHANG ; Chengru JIA ; Xuan XU ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):392-397
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.


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