1.Construction and Application of"On-Off-On"Fluorescence Sensor for Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Based on Near Infrared Carbon Quantum Dots
Yu LIN ; Feng TAN ; Yu-Hua SHEN ; Li-Qin ZHU ; Pei-Yao YAN ; Jin-Tao PAN ; Kai-Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):934-943
In this work,near infrared carbon quantum dots(NIR-CDs)were synthesized by hydrothermal method using biomass material Clausena lansium leaves.The synthesized NIR-CDs emitted maximum fluorescence signal at 677 nm,which was independent of excitation wavelength.The characterization results showed that there were abundant groups on the surface of NIR-CDs.Pd2+could form non-fluorescent compounds with the surface groups of NIR-CDs,resulting in fluorescence quenching(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F0).Because chlorpromazine hydrochloride(CPZ)parent nucleus contained unoxidized S atom,CPZ could form stable colored complex with Pd2+under acidic conditions.In the presence of CPZ,Pd2+dissociated from the surface of NIR-CDs and bonded with CPZ,so that the fluorescence signal could be restored(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F).An"on-off-on"fluorescence sensor was thus constructed.The fluorescence signal recovery value of NIR-CDs(△F=F-F0)showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of CPZ in the range of 5.68-28.43 μg/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 0.078 μg/mL.The sensor was applied to determination of CPZ in pharmaceutical preparations,and the recoveries were 94%-106%.The developed fluorescence sensor was expected to be used in quality control of actual pharmaceutical preparations.
2.Textual study on clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus from the perspective of various dynasties of herbs and prescription books
Yunya LIU ; Huijuan XIE ; Lujie LIN ; Zhikun HE ; Hua LI ; Min YANG ; Bin YANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):298-305
Various dynasties of herbs and prescription books recorded the specifications, processing, and clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus mainly focuses on astringency, tonifying qi and generating fluids, nourishing the kidneys and calming the heart. There have been few reports on the exploration on textual study on other functions and usage precautions of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus; at present, the classic prescriptions containing Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus do not clearly indicate their specific specifications and processing in the prescription composition. Textual study has found that different processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus have different clinical therapeutic effects. For raw use, it is more suitable to use light agents to bring adversely risen qi downward, steam to produce light agents to increase transparency, honey to produce leveling agents is better for moistening the lungs and nourishing yin, wine honey to produce leveling agents can supplement deficiency and promote blood circulation, wine to produce heavy agents can strengthen acid absorption. It is suggested further in-depth research on steamed products, honey products, and honey wine products to broaden clinical application options and improve the accuracy of clinical medication. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus has different emphases and evolution in different dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could reduce the qi of the upper, middle, and lower energizers, and eliminate deficiency heat; during the Five Dynasties period, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could nourish qi, improve eyesight, warm the middle, and bring adversely risen qi downward; During the Jin and Yuan dynasties, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was used to warm water and treat cholera, as well as to improve muscle function; in the Ming Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was proposed to reduce qi and strengthen yin, treating the critical condition of yin and yang deficiency; during the Qing Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could prevent summer heat, and external application to sores could astringent and invigorate the muscles. Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus has records of dispersing phlegm and fire, and dispelling wind pathogens. This article reviewed the relevant records of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in traditional Chinese herbs and prescriptions throughout history, summarized the efficacy characteristics of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus under different processing methods, clinical applications under historical evolution, and main contraindications for use, proposed recommendations for the application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in classic and commonly used prescriptions, which can provide scientific basis for the precise selection of different specifications and processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus, as well as scientific guidance for their rational application in drug development.
3.Advances in role and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients in regulating balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune responses in asthma patients.
Ya-Sheng DENG ; Lan-Hua XI ; Yan-Ping FAN ; Wen-Yue LI ; Yong-Hui LIU ; Zhao-Bing NI ; Ming-Chan WEI ; Jiang LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1000-1021
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving multiple inflammatory cells and cytokines. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving various cells and cytokines. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory suggests that the pathogenesis of asthma is closely related to the dysfunction of internal organs such as the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. In contrast, modern immunological studies have revealed the central role of T helper 1(Th1)/T helper 2(Th2) and T helper 17(Th17)/regulatory T(Treg) cellular immune imbalance in the pathogenesis of asthma. Th1/Th2 imbalance is manifested as hyperfunction of Th2 cells, which promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and the activation of eosinophil granulocytes, leading to airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.Meanwhile, Th17/Treg imbalance exacerbates the inflammatory response in the airways, further contributing to asthma pathology.Currently, therapeutic strategies for asthma are actively exploring potential targets for regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune responses. These targets include cytokines, transcription factors, key proteins, and non-coding RNAs. Precisely regulating the expression and function of these targets can effectively modulate the activation and differentiation of immune cells. In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients have shown unique potential and prospects in the field of asthma treatment. Based on this, the present study systematically summarizes the efficacy and specific mechanisms of TCM active ingredients in treating asthma by regulating Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune balance through literature review and analysis. These active ingredients, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, exert their effects through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the activation of inflammatory cells, reducing the release of cytokines, and promoting the normal differentiation of immune cells. This study aims to provide a solid foundation for the widespread application and in-depth development of TCM in asthma treatment and to offer new ideas for clinical research and drug development of asthma.
Asthma/genetics*
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Humans
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Th2 Cells/drug effects*
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Th17 Cells/drug effects*
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects*
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Th1 Cells/drug effects*
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Animals
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Cytokines/immunology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
4.Mechanism of vanillic acid against cardiac fibrosis induced by isoproterenol in mice based on Drp1/HK1/NLRP3 and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathways.
Hai-Bo HE ; Mian WU ; Jie XU ; Qian-Qian XU ; Fang-Zhu WAN ; Hua-Qiao ZHONG ; Ji-Hong ZHANG ; Gang ZHOU ; Hui-Lin QIN ; Hao-Ran LI ; Hai-Ming TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2193-2208
This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of vanillic acid(VA) against cardiac fibrosis(CF) induced by isoproterenol(ISO) in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, VA group(100 mg·kg~(-1), ig), ISO group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc), ISO + VA group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc + 100 mg·kg~(-1), ig), ISO + dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1) inhibitor(Mdivi-1) group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc + 50 mg·kg~(-1), ip), and ISO + VA + Mdivi-1 group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc + 100 mg·kg~(-1), ig + 50 mg·kg~(-1), ip). The treatment groups received the corresponding medications once daily for 14 consecutive days. On the day after the last administration, cardiac functions were evaluated, and serum and cardiac tissue samples were collected. These samples were analyzed for serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB), cardiac troponin I(cTnI), reactive oxygen species(ROS), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels, as well as cardiac tissue catalase(CAT), glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA), myeloperoxidase(MPO), superoxide dismutase(SOD), total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC) activities, and cytochrome C levels in mitochondria and cytoplasm. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, uranium acetate and lead citrate staining were used to observe morphological and mitochondrial ultrastructural changes in the cardiac tissues, and myocardial injury area and collagen volume fraction were calculated. Flow cytometry was applied to detect the relative content and M1/M2 polarization of cardiac macrophages. The mRNA expression levels of macrophage polarization markers [CD86, CD206, arginase 1(Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)], CF markers [type Ⅰ collagen(Coll Ⅰ), Coll Ⅲ, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)], and cytokines(IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α) in cardiac tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Coll Ⅰ, Coll Ⅲ, α-SMA, Drp1, p-Drp1, voltage-dependent anion channel(VDAC), hexokinase 1(HK1), NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, gasdermin D(GSDMD), cleaved N-terminal gasdermin D(GSDMD-N), IL-1β, IL-18, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-xl(Bcl-xl), Bcl-2-associated death promoter(Bad), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), apoptotic protease activating factor-1(Apaf-1), pro-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-9, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1(PARP-1), and cleaved-PARP-1 in cardiac tissues. The results showed that VA significantly improved cardiac function in mice with CF, reduced myocardial injury area and cardiac index, and decreased serum levels of AST, CK-MB, cTnI, LDH, ROS, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α. VA also lowered MDA and MPO levels, mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, and mRNA and protein expressions of Coll Ⅰ, Coll Ⅲ, and α-SMA in cardiac tissues, and increased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10, cardiac tissue levels of CAT, GSH, SOD, and T-AOC, and mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-10. Additionally, VA ameliorated cardiac pathological damage, inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration, and collagen fiber deposition, reduced collagen volume fraction, and alleviated mitochondrial damage. VA decreased the ratio of F4/80~+CD86~+ M1 cells and the mRNA expressions of CD86 and iNOS in cardiac tissue, and increased the ratio of F4/80~+CD206~+ M2 cells and the mRNA expressions of CD206 and Arg-1. VA also reduced protein expressions of p-Drp1, VDAC, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, IL-18, Bad, Bax, Apaf-1, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-PARP-1, and cytoplasmic cytochrome C, and increased the expressions of HK1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9 proteins, as well as the Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xl/Bad ratios and mitochondrial cytochrome C content. These results indicate that VA has a significant ameliorative effect on ISO-induced CF in mice, alleviates ISO-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory response, and its mechanism may be closely related to the inhibition of Drp1/HK1/NLRP3 and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathways, suppression of myocardial cell inflammatory infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, reduction of collagen volume fraction and CollⅠ, Coll Ⅲ, and α-SMA expressions, thus mitigating CF.
Animals
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Isoproterenol/adverse effects*
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Male
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Mice
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Vanillic Acid/administration & dosage*
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Dynamins/genetics*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Fibrosis/genetics*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Mitochondria/metabolism*
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Myocardium/metabolism*
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Humans
5.Integrated multiomics reveal mechanism of Aidi Injection in attenuating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Yan-Li WANG ; Yu-Jie TU ; Jian-Hua ZHU ; Lin ZHENG ; Yong HUANG ; Jia SUN ; Yong-Jun LI ; Jie PAN ; Chun-Hua LIU ; Yuan LU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2245-2259
The combination of Aidi Injection(ADI) and doxorubicin(DOX) is a common strategy in the treatment of cancer, which can achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects while attenuating the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of ADI in attenuating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by multi-omics. DOX was used to induce cardiotoxicity in mice, and the cardioprotective effects of ADI were evaluated based on biochemical indicators and pathological changes. Based on the results, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were employed to analyze the changes of endogenous substances in different physiological states. Furthermore, data from multiple omics were integrated to screen key regulatory pathways by which ADI attenuated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and important target proteins were selected for measurement by ELISA kits and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that ADI significantly reduced the levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and effectively ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and intracellular vacuolization, indicating that ADI showed therapeutic effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The transcriptomics analysis screened out a total of 400 differentially expressed genes(DEGs), which were mainly enriched in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and myocardial fibrosis. After proteomics analysis, 70 differentially expressed proteins were selected, which were mainly enriched in the inflammatory response, cardiac function, and energy metabolism. A total of 51 differentially expressed metabolites were screened by the metabolomics analysis, and they were mainly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, including the inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. The integrated data of multiple omics showed that linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism pathways played an important role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and ADI may exert therapeutic effects by modulating these pathways. Target validation experiments suggested that ADI significantly regulated abnormal protein levels of cyclooxygenase-1(COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), prostaglandin H2(PGH2), and prostaglandin D2(PGD2) in the model group. In conclusion, ADI may attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism, thus alleviating inflammation of the body.
Doxorubicin/toxicity*
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Animals
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Mice
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Cardiotoxicity/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Proteomics
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Metabolomics
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Injections
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Humans
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Multiomics
6.Tanreqing Capsules protect lung and gut of mice infected with influenza virus via "lung-gut axis".
Nai-Fan DUAN ; Yuan-Yuan YU ; Yu-Rong HE ; Feng CHEN ; Lin-Qiong ZHOU ; Ya-Lan LI ; Shi-Qi SUN ; Yan XUE ; Xing ZHANG ; Gui-Hua XU ; Yue-Juan ZHENG ; Wei ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2270-2281
This study aims to explore the mechanism of lung and gut protection by Tanreqing Capsules on the mice infected with influenza virus based on "the lung-gut axis". A total of 110 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, model group, oseltamivir group, and low-and high-dose Tanreqing Capsules groups. Ten mice in each group underwent body weight protection experiments, and the remaining 12 mice underwent experiments for mechanism exploration. Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/08/1934(PR8) via nasal inhalation for the modeling. The lung tissue was collected on day 3 after gavage, and the lung tissue, colon tissue, and feces were collected on day 7 after gavage for subsequent testing. The results showed that Tanreqing Capsules alleviated the body weight reduction and increased the survival rate caused by PR8 infection. Compared with model group, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate the lung injury by reducing the lung index, alleviating inflammation and edema in the lung tissue, down-regulating viral gene expression at the late stage of infection, reducing the percentage of neutrophils, and increasing the percentage of T cells. Tanreqing Capsules relieved the gut injury by restoring the colon length, increasing intestinal lumen mucin secretion, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and reducing goblet cell destruction. The gut microbiota analysis showed that Tanreqing Capsules increased species diversity compared with model group. At the phylum level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing the abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria to maintain gut microbiota balance. At the genus level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae while reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Phocaeicola to maintain gut microbiota balance. In conclusion, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate mouse lung and gut injury caused by influenza virus infection and restore the balance of gut microbiota. Treating influenza from the lung and gut can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice
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Lung/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Capsules
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Male
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Humans
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Female
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Influenza A virus/physiology*
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Influenza, Human/virology*
7.Effects of combined use of active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of BV2 cells.
Tian-Qing XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Jian-Lin HUA ; Qin SU ; Cun-Yan DAN ; Meng-Wei RONG ; Shi-Ning GE ; Hong GUO ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Jie-Zhong YU ; Cun-Gen MA ; Li-Juan SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3835-3846
This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Glucose/metabolism*
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Cell Line
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Inflammation/genetics*
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Oxygen/metabolism*
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Pyrazines/pharmacology*
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Microglia/metabolism*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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NF-kappa B/immunology*
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
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Humans
8.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
9.Protective effects and mechanism of sacubitril/valsartan on cardiomyocytes of rabbits with heart failure
Jinlong ZHUANG ; Taoming QIAN ; Genghai LIN ; Hua CHEN ; Fahui RUAN ; Huiping LIN ; Li LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(3):360-373
Objective To study the protective effects and mechanism of sacubitril(Sac)/valsartan(Val)on cardiomyocytes of rabbits with heart failure induced by doxorubicin(DOX).Methods Thirty New Zealand rabbits were selected to establish DOX-induced heart failure rabbit model.Twenty-five rabbits with successful modeling were randomly assigned to model group(DOX group,n=9),DOX+Val group(n=8),and DOX+Sac/Val group(n=8);and another 8 New Zealand rabbits were selected as blank group.The DOX+Val group was gavaged with 4.65 mg/kg Val suspension each time,the DOX+Sac/Val group was gavaged with 9.3 mg/kg Sac/Val suspension each time,and the blank group and DOX group were gavaged with equal volume of distilled water each time.Each group was gavaged twice a day for 8 weeks.After 8 weeks of administration,echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVSD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS).The heart mass index(HMI)and left ventricular mass index(LVMI)were calculated.The pathological morphology and myocardial fibrosis of myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(H-E)and Masson staining.The ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was observed by transmission electron microscope.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining was used to observe cardiomyocytes apoptosis and apoptosis rate was calculated.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I(Hs-cTNI),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),aldosterone(ALD),atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP),and protein kinase G(PKG)in serum.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)was used to detect the expression of natriuretic peptide receptor A(NPR-A),cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase 5A(PDE5A[cGMP]),PKG,B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),and cysteine aspartate protease 3(caspase 3)mRNA in myocardial tissue.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein(p-CREB),phosphorylated Bcl-2 related death promoting factor(p-Bad),Bcl-2,Bax,and caspase 3 proteins in myocardial tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the LVDD and LVSD in the DOX group were increased(both P<0.01),the LVEF and LVFS were decreased(both P<0.01)and the HMI and LVMI were increased(both P<0.01);the apoptosis and apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes were increased(P<0.01);the levels of NT-proBNP,Hs-cTNI,Ang Ⅱ,ALD,ANP,BNP,cGMP and PKG and the expression of NPR-A,PDE5A(cGMP),PKG,p-CREB,Bax and caspase 3 were all increased(all P<0.01),while the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of p-Bad had no significant difference(P>0.05).Compared with the DOX group,the LVDD and LVSD of the DOX+Sac/Val group and DOX+Val group were decreased(all P<0.01),the LVEF and LVFS were increased(all P<0.01)and the HMI and the LVMI were decreased(all P<0.01);the apoptosis and apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes were decreased(all P<0.01);the levels of NT-proBNP,Hs-cTNI,Ang Ⅱ,ALD,ANP,BNP,cGMP and PKG and the expression of NPR-A,PDE5A(cGMP),PKG,Bax and caspase 3 were all decreased(all P<0.01),while the expression of Bcl-2 was increased(P<0.01);and the expression of p-CREB and p-Bad was increased in the DOX+Sac/Val group(both P<0.01),but there was no significant difference in the DOX+Val group(both P>0.05).Compared with the DOX+Val group,the DOX+Sac/Val group showed a decrease in all indicators except for LVEF,LVFS,NPR-A,ANP,BNP,cGMP,PDE5A(cGMP),PKG,p-CREB,p-Bad,and Bcl-2,which were all elevated(all P<0.05).Myocardial pathology and transmission electron microscopy showed that Sac/Val effectively protected cardiomyocytes,reduced cardiomyocytes apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis,and these effects were significantly better than those of Val.Conclusion Sac/Val can effectively reduce cardiomyocytes apoptosis,improve cardiac function and reduce myocardial fibrosis in rabbits with heart failure,and these effects are superior to Val.Its mechanism may be related to activating the NPR-A/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway and inhibiting renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
10.Graph Neural Networks and Multimodal DTI Features for Schizophrenia Classification: Insights from Brain Network Analysis and Gene Expression.
Jingjing GAO ; Heping TANG ; Zhengning WANG ; Yanling LI ; Na LUO ; Ming SONG ; Sangma XIE ; Weiyang SHI ; Hao YAN ; Lin LU ; Jun YAN ; Peng LI ; Yuqing SONG ; Jun CHEN ; Yunchun CHEN ; Huaning WANG ; Wenming LIU ; Zhigang LI ; Hua GUO ; Ping WAN ; Luxian LV ; Yongfeng YANG ; Huiling WANG ; Hongxing ZHANG ; Huawang WU ; Yuping NING ; Dai ZHANG ; Tianzi JIANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(6):933-950
Schizophrenia (SZ) stands as a severe psychiatric disorder. This study applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data in conjunction with graph neural networks to distinguish SZ patients from normal controls (NCs) and showcases the superior performance of a graph neural network integrating combined fractional anisotropy and fiber number brain network features, achieving an accuracy of 73.79% in distinguishing SZ patients from NCs. Beyond mere discrimination, our study delved deeper into the advantages of utilizing white matter brain network features for identifying SZ patients through interpretable model analysis and gene expression analysis. These analyses uncovered intricate interrelationships between brain imaging markers and genetic biomarkers, providing novel insights into the neuropathological basis of SZ. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of graph neural networks applied to multimodal DTI data for enhancing SZ detection through an integrated analysis of neuroimaging and genetic features.
Humans
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Schizophrenia/pathology*
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Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods*
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Male
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Female
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Adult
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Brain/metabolism*
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Young Adult
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Middle Aged
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White Matter/pathology*
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Gene Expression
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Nerve Net/diagnostic imaging*
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Graph Neural Networks

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