1.Exploring Regulatory Effect of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription on SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 Pathway in Psoriasis-like Mouse Model Based on Sphingolipid Metabolism
Yeping QIN ; Wenhui LIU ; Dan DAI ; Jia XU ; Chong LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups: healthy control (n=11), model (n=11), methotrexate (MTX, n=5), low-dose (15.21 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5), and high-dose (30.42 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5). Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX, respectively, by gavage daily, while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment, back skin lesions were collected. Firstly, healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics (control vs model=3 vs 3) and targeted lipid metabolomics (control vs model=11 vs 11). Then, the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin, and key proteases [serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), SPHK2, delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 1 (Degs1), and ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4)] and 8 sphingolipid metabolites (including ceramides, sphingol, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipid) expressed abnormally (P<0.05) compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin (P<0.05), and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 compared with the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.
2.Exploring Regulatory Effect of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription on SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 Pathway in Psoriasis-like Mouse Model Based on Sphingolipid Metabolism
Yeping QIN ; Wenhui LIU ; Dan DAI ; Jia XU ; Chong LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups: healthy control (n=11), model (n=11), methotrexate (MTX, n=5), low-dose (15.21 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5), and high-dose (30.42 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5). Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX, respectively, by gavage daily, while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment, back skin lesions were collected. Firstly, healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics (control vs model=3 vs 3) and targeted lipid metabolomics (control vs model=11 vs 11). Then, the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin, and key proteases [serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), SPHK2, delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 1 (Degs1), and ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4)] and 8 sphingolipid metabolites (including ceramides, sphingol, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipid) expressed abnormally (P<0.05) compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin (P<0.05), and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 compared with the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.
3.Determination and Mechanism Prediction of Potential Active Ingredients in Erdongtang Based on UHPLC-QqQ-MS and Network Pharmacology
Xueyuan WANG ; Baoxin LI ; Shougang SHI ; Zhengjun HUANG ; Yuntao DAI ; Xuemei QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):28-34
ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QqQ-MS) for determination of the active ingredients in Erdongtang, and to predict the targets and pathways of anti-insulin resistance action of this formula. MethodThe analysis was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) with the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) for gradient elution(0-3 min, 90%-87%A; 3-6 min, 87%-86%A; 6-9 min, 86%-83%A; 9-11 min, 83%-75%A; 11-18 min, 75%-70%A; 18-19 min, 70%-52%A; 19-22 min, 52%A; 22-25 min, 52%-5%A; 25-27 min, 5%-90%A; 27-30 min, 90%A). The contents of active ingredients in Erdongtang was detected by electrospray ionization(ESI) and multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode under positive and negative ion modes. On this basis, network pharmacology was applied to predict the targets and pathways of Erdongtang exerting anti-insulin resistance effect. ResultThe 20 active ingredients in Erdongtang showed good linear relationships within a certain mass concentration range, and the precision, stability, repeatability and recovery rate were good. The results of determination showed that the ingredients with high content in 15 batches of samples were baicalein(1 259.39-1 635.78 mg·L-1), baicalin(1 078.37-1 411.52 mg·L-1), the ingredients with medium content were mangiferin(148.59-217.04 mg·L-1), timosaponin BⅡ(245.10-604.89 mg·L-1), quercetin-3-O-glucuronide(89.30-423.26 mg·L-1), rutin(46.91-1 553.61 mg·L-1), glycyrrhizic acid(55.97-391.47 mg·L-1), neomangiferin(37.45-127.03 mg·L-1), nuciferine(0.89-63.48 mg·L-1), hyperoside(6.96-136.78 mg·L-1), liquiritin(30.89-122.78 mg·L-1), liquiritigenin(26.64-110.67 mg·L-1), protodioscin(58.57-284.26 mg·L-1), the ingredients with low content were wogonin(7.16-20.74 mg·L-1), pseudoprotodioscin(5.49-22.96 mg·L-1), ginsenoside Rb1(7.31-23.87 mg·L-1), ginsenoside Rg1(10.78-28.33 mg·L-1), ginsenoside Re(7.78-24.76 mg·L-1), ophiopogonin D(2.08-4.29 mg·L-1), methylophiopogonanone A(0.74-1.67 mg·L-1). The results of network pharmacology indicated that the mechanism of anti-insulin resistance exerted by Erdongtang might be related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. ConclusionThe established UHPLC-QqQ-MS has the advantages of simple sample processing, strong exclusivity and high sensitivity, and can simultaneously determine the contents of the main ingredients from seven herbs in Erdongtang, which can lay the foundation for the development of Erdongtang compound preparations. The results of the network pharmacology can provide a reference for the mechanism study of Erdongtang in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
4.Clinical efficacy of precise electro-acupuncture stimulation in the pterygopalatine fossa for the treatment of chronic sinusitis and imaging evaluation
Lingli QIN ; Jinsheng YANG ; Chunzhi LI ; Zhixuan LI ; Dian CHEN ; Wanying XIA ; Hanxi DAI ; Lu ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(4):555-561
Objective We aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of precise electro-acupuncture stimulation in the pterygopalatine fossa for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.Methods In total,40 patients with chronic sinusitis who visited the Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected.The subjects were randomly divided into two groups:the treatment group(receiving precise electro-acupuncture in the pterygopalatine fossa)and the control group(receiving standard western medical treatment),with 20 cases in each groups.The treatments were administered twice a week for a period of 12 weeks.The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated through computed tomography(CT)of the sinus changes and the Lund-Mackay scoring system.Results In cases of total opacity and partial opacity,there were significant differences between the two patient groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).Intra-group comparison revealed statistically significant improvements in both groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).The treatment group exhibited significant improvement in various sinus conditions(P<0.05),while in the control group,a significant improvement was only observed in the left maxillary sinus(P<0.05).Inter-group comparison also demonstrated that the treatment group's improvements were superior to those of the control group across multiple indicators(P<0.05).Conclusion The precise electro-acupuncture stimulation technique in the pterygopalatine fossa demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic sinusitis,with superior outcomes with respect to radiological changes compared to standard western medicine treatment.
5.Boosting synergism of chemo- and immuno-therapies via switching paclitaxel-induced apoptosis to mevalonate metabolism-triggered ferroptosis by bisphosphonate coordination lipid nanogranules.
Ge SONG ; Minghui LI ; Shumin FAN ; Mengmeng QIN ; Bin SHAO ; Wenbing DAI ; Hua ZHANG ; Xueqing WANG ; Bing HE ; Qiang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):836-853
Conventional chemotherapy based on cytotoxic drugs is facing tough challenges recently following the advances of monoclonal antibodies and molecularly targeted drugs. It is critical to inspire new potential to remodel the value of this classical therapeutic strategy. Here, we fabricate bisphosphonate coordination lipid nanogranules (BC-LNPs) and load paclitaxel (PTX) to boost the chemo- and immuno-therapeutic synergism of cytotoxic drugs. Alendronate in BC-LNPs@PTX, a bisphosphonate to block mevalonate metabolism, works as both the structure and drug constituent in nanogranules, where alendronate coordinated with calcium ions to form the particle core. The synergy of alendronate enhances the efficacy of paclitaxel, suppresses tumor metastasis, and alters the cytotoxic mechanism. Differing from the paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, the involvement of alendronate inhibits the mevalonate metabolism, changes the mitochondrial morphology, disturbs the redox homeostasis, and causes the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS and lethal lipid peroxides (LPO). These factors finally trigger the ferroptosis of tumor cells, an immunogenic cell death mode, which remodels the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment and synergizes with immunotherapy. Therefore, by switching paclitaxel-induced apoptosis to mevalonate metabolism-triggered ferroptosis, BC-LNPs@PTX provides new insight into the development of cytotoxic drugs and highlights the potential of metabolism regulation in cancer therapy.
6.The Association between Ophthalmic Artery Doppler Variables and the Severi-ty of Pre-eclampsia:a Meta-analysis
Li DAI ; Xiaohong WEI ; Lingyun LIAO ; Yangxue YIN ; Qin XU ; Shuangshuang XIE ; Rong ZHOU
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;40(2):153-158
Objective:To investigate the association between the Doppler variables of the ophthalmic artery with the severity of preeclampsia(PE).Methods:Systematic literature was searched between January 1995 and March 2023 in PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and the Cochrane Library.Studies comparing ophthalmic artery Doppler variables,including peak systolic velocity(PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV),resistive index(Rl),pulsa-tility index(PI),and peak ratio(PR,the ratio of the flow velocity of the second peak to that of the initial peak)in patients with PE,severe preeclampsia(sPE),and healthy pregnant women were included.The random-effects model was adopted as the method of pooled analysis,and the I2value was used to assess heterogeneity.The pooled standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI)was used to estimate the associa-tion between ophthalmic artery Doppler variables and PE patient's characteristics.Results:Eight retrospective studies were eventually included in this Meta-analysis.Our pooled results suggested that compared with PE ca-ses,sPE patients had lower PI levels(SMD-0.56,95%CI-0.92~-0.20,P=0.000),higher EDV levels(SMD 0.47,95%CI 0.12~0.83,P=0.028)and higher PR levels(SMD0.96,95%CI 0.13~1.78,P=0.023).Howev-er,there was no significant difference between PE and sPE patients about the PSV and RI(P=0.361,P=0.626).Conclusions:This review demonstrates that ophthalmic artery Doppler variables(PI,EDV and PR)could be useful for predicting PE and PE development(especially in identifying sPE),which in turn may help the practitioner in the management of these complicated cases and in taking early necessary precautions.
7.Nanomaterial-based Therapeutics for Biofilm-generated Bacterial Infections
Zhuo-Jun HE ; Yu-Ying CHEN ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; De-Liang LIU ; Meng-De LIU ; Jian-Hui GAO ; Ze CHEN ; Jia-Yu DENG ; Guang-Yan LIANG ; Li WEI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1604-1617
Bacterial biofilms gave rise to persistent infections and multi-organ failure, thereby posing a serious threat to human health. Biofilms were formed by cross-linking of hydrophobic extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), such as proteins, polysaccharides, and eDNA, which were synthesized by bacteria themselves after adhesion and colonization on biological surfaces. They had the characteristics of dense structure, high adhesiveness and low drug permeability, and had been found in many human organs or tissues, such as the brain, heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skeleton. By releasing pro-inflammatory bacterial metabolites including endotoxins, exotoxins and interleukin, biofilms stimulated the body’s immune system to secrete inflammatory factors. These factors triggered local inflammation and chronic infections. Those were the key reason for the failure of traditional clinical drug therapy for infectious diseases.In order to cope with the increasingly severe drug-resistant infections, it was urgent to develop new therapeutic strategies for bacterial-biofilm eradication and anti-bacterial infections. Based on the nanoscale structure and biocompatible activity, nanobiomaterials had the advantages of specific targeting, intelligent delivery, high drug loading and low toxicity, which could realize efficient intervention and precise treatment of drug-resistant bacterial biofilms. This paper highlighted multiple strategies of biofilms eradication based on nanobiomaterials. For example, nanobiomaterials combined with EPS degrading enzymes could be used for targeted hydrolysis of bacterial biofilms, and effectively increased the drug enrichment within biofilms. By loading quorum sensing inhibitors, nanotechnology was also an effective strategy for eradicating bacterial biofilms and recovering the infectious symptoms. Nanobiomaterials could intervene the bacterial metabolism and break the bacterial survival homeostasis by blocking the uptake of nutrients. Moreover, energy-driven micro-nano robotics had shown excellent performance in active delivery and biofilm eradication. Micro-nano robots could penetrate physiological barriers by exogenous or endogenous driving modes such as by biological or chemical methods, ultrasound, and magnetic field, and deliver drugs to the infection sites accurately. Achieving this using conventional drugs was difficult. Overall, the paper described the biological properties and drug-resistant molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilms, and highlighted therapeutic strategies from different perspectives by nanobiomaterials, such as dispersing bacterial mature biofilms, blocking quorum sensing, inhibiting bacterial metabolism, and energy driving penetration. In addition, we presented the key challenges still faced by nanobiomaterials in combating bacterial biofilm infections. Firstly, the dense structure of EPS caused biofilms spatial heterogeneity and metabolic heterogeneity, which created exacting requirements for the design, construction and preparation process of nanobiomaterials. Secondly, biofilm disruption carried the risk of spread and infection the pathogenic bacteria, which might lead to other infections. Finally, we emphasized the role of nanobiomaterials in the development trends and translational prospects in biofilm treatment.
8.Prediction of premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases and exploration of influencing factors in Anhui Province
Qin HE ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiuya XING ; Dan DAI ; Qianyao CHENG ; Wei XU ; Zhenqiu ZHA ; Rui LI ; Yeji CHEN ; Huadong WANG ; Zhirong LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(5):700-707
Objective:To analyze and predict the future trend of the premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases in Anhui Province, evaluate the implementation of the "Healthy China 2030" Plan, and explore its influencing factors.Methods:Using data from death-cause surveillance and statistical yearbooks in Anhui, the trend prediction and analysis on influencing factors were conducted by using methods such as time series accumulation and logarithmic linear Joinpoint regression, principal component regression.Results:In Anhui, 28.10% of the deaths were premature ones, of which 84.40% were attributed to chronic and non-communicable diseases. In premature deaths attributed to chronic and non-communicable diseases, the deaths caused by malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease accounted for 45.88% and 41.65% respectively. The prediction results showed that the premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases would decrease in Anhui in the future, and by 2030, the goal in the "Healthy China 2030" Plan would be reached only in rural area. To reduce premature death, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention and control of malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease. Men in urban area are the key population. Factors that reflect urban infrastructure had a significant impact on premature mortality of major chronic non-communicable diseases, such as garden and green space area per capita. Factors such as concentration of PM 2.5 had a negative impact on premature mortality of chronic non-communicable diseases, while factors such as garden and green space area per capita had a positive impact. Conclusions:Disease burden caused by chronic and non-communicable diseases, such as malignant tumor, exits in Anhui. Men in urban area are key population in the prevention and control of chronic and non-communicable diseases in the future.
9.Effect of parent-child alienation on epression among surface ship officers and soldiers:mediating role of resilience
Chong WEN ; Xiaoxiao SUN ; Beijing CHEN ; Wenjun XIANG ; Chenxuan JIN ; Jieying TAN ; Li MEI ; Fei XIE ; Qin DAI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(14):1626-1632
Objective To investigate the effect of parent-child alienation on depression in surface ship officers and soldiers based on the theory of"diathesis-stress",and the mediating role of resilience between parent-child alienation and depression in them.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 599 officers and soldiers from a surface ship unit.The participants were surveyed with inventory of alienation toward parents,connor-davidson resilience scale and patient health questionnaire-9 to obtain and analyze their demographic-military characteristics of their depression scores.The participants with depression scores ≥5 were recruited as the subjects,and Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation among parent-child alienation,resilience and depression.On the basis of hierarchical regression analysis,AMOS software was used to establish a structural equation modelling of intermediary effects.Results The depression score was 1(0,4)in the participants,and the depression scores of those with service length ≥11 years were comparatively higher than those with shorter length.Our results indicated that parent-child alienation was positive correlated with depression(r=0.451,P<0.001),while resilience was negatively correlated with depression and parent-child alienation(r=-0.412,-0.407,P<0.001).Regression analysis revealed that parent-child alienation had a direct positive predictive value for depression(β=0.574,P<0.001),and resilience showed a negative predictive value for depression(β=-0.211,P<0.01).Model analysis displayed that resilience had a significant mediating role in the effect of parent-child alienation on depression among these surface ship officers and soldiers,with an effect value of 0.088,and accounting for 15.86%of the total effect.Conclusion Parent-child alienation has a significant influence on depression among surface ship officers and soldiers,with resilience playing a partial mediating role.
10.Relationship between stress and insomnia in plateau soldiers:mediating role of parent-child alienation and moderating role of expressive suppression
Qiaoning ZHOU ; Zongpei DAI ; Jieying TAN ; Li HOU ; Qin DAI
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(14):1633-1639
Objective To investigate the influence of stress on insomnia among plateau soldiers,and explore the mediating role of parent-child alienation and the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies in this relationship.Methods A cross-sectional study design was adopted in this study.Our Self-designed General Information Questionnaire,Plateau Soldiers Stressor Scale,Insomnia Severity Index,Inventory of Alienation towards Parents,and Emotion Regulation Scale were employed to survey 2 065 plateau soldiers at an average altitude of 4 200 m.With aid of SPSS 26.0 statistics,descriptive analysis,correlation analysis and regression analysis were applied to analyze stress status,parent-child alienation,insomnia and emotion regulation in the participants,and then a structural equation model was established.Results ① The scores of stress,parent-child alienation and insomnia were significantly higher in the participants who were older,well educated(P<0.01)and were or had been in a marital relationship(married,divorced,or widowed)(P<0.001)than those without above conditions.② Significant pairwise positive correlations were observed among stress,parent-child alienation,insomnia,cognitive reappraisal,and expressive suppression(r=0.08~0.61,P<0.001).③ Stress and expressive suppression could positively predict parent-child alienation(β=0.14~0.43,P<0.001),and stress,parent-child alienation and expressive suppression could positively predict insomnia(β=0.04~0.25,P<0.01).Cognitive reappraisal could not significantly predict parent-child alienation or insomnia.④ Parent-child alienation towards parents partially mediated the relationship between stress and insomnia,with a mediation effect accounting for 7.29%of the total effect.⑤ Expressive suppression moderated the impact of stress on insomnia(β=-0.01,P<0.001),and the higher expressive suppression level mitigated the adverse effect of stress on insomnia when compared with the lower expressive suppression level.Conclusion For plateau soldiers,stress significantly predicts insomnia,with parent-child alienation playing a mediating role.Furthermore,a higher level of expressive suppression can effectively buffer the influence of stress on insomnia.

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